Check out this guy.
Chris Mischler is raising funds for diabetes by transforming into Mr. T one dollar at a time.
He hopes to reach his goal of $7,500 by Nov. 30th, and he will then get Mr. T supporting tattoos accordingly.
Sure, this may sound a little strange, but we love his attitude. Chris doesn’t even have diabetes, but he recognizes that this disease is an epidemic in our country.
If sporting large chains and a mohawk will get people talking about diabetes, sign us up for the A-team, too.
Do you spend Thanksgiving afternoon in a turkey coma? Here are a few of my favorite tips for avoiding the oh-my-goodness-my-pants-are-going-to-burst situation:
1. Start off with something in your stomach. Eating a small meal like an egg white and cheese omelet, or a healthy appetizer like shrimp, before the “big meal” will help you focus on your favorite dishes, not your hunger pains.
2. Go Green. Like every meal, try filling 1/2 your plate with veggies. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and will help fill you up with good carbohydrates verses a plate full of potatoes and creamy casseroles.
3. Exercise! I don’t mean a half marathon, but try to work in at solid 30 minutes. Wake up extra early and do it before the holiday gets too hectic. Or invite your friend/family member for a walk around the neighborhood after eating.
But above anything else, Thanksgiving is a time to get together with people you love and celebrate what you’re thankful for. Sure, that means the food in front of you, but it also means your health.
I am thankful for all of you who are reading this. And I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Stay tuned for adventures with a turducken…
Are you an iPhone fanatic?
Who would have guessed that your cell phone can also help map your running route, be your personal trainer, and help you choose the right foods.
Check out these fitness applications (My Net Diary, Gym Technik, ispinning) that can be downloaded to the iPhone for an extra fee.
Or do you already have a favorite we are missing? Let us know.
Last week, I went bowling with some friends. I haven’t been in years, so the random suggestion was a fun surprise.
I discovered a few things:
1. I am still a horrible bowler. Think 70 and less.
2. Too many tiny children like bowling, so use caution when they run into your lane.
3. Bowling is actually good exercise!
My right arm was sore the next day from using muscles I don’t usually work out, and I think my core got a bit of a work out too from the laughing at my gutter balls.
Calorie-counter.net states that you can burn around 75 calories per 15 minutes. That beats sitting at the movies. But beware the snack bar: bowling alley chicken fingers definitely have more than 75 calories.
Although I blogged about how much I like Este Lauder’s TurboLash mascara not too long ago, I am really diggin’ Rimmel’s Glam Eyes mascara.
The curved brush has separated bristles, which gives more control over each coat. And my lashes are definitely longer and more defined.
For around $8 at Wallgreens, RiteAid, CVS and most other drug stores, this is a good buy on a budget.
Sigh. Even after an Obama-riffic victory: times are hard.
And sometimes, it’s best to get away from work, school, and everyday pressures with something creative.
I just discovered the art form known as newspaper blackout poems. Basically, you black out all the space surrounding your choice of words/white space, and you create a poem, or message.
Austin Kleon, the creator/Texas author, gives out prizes for the best blackouts on his blog (Hurry: entry deadlines are November 21st.)
So get creative and send one to him. Or, after your masterpiece is completed, visit the dollar store for a funky frame.
The economy may be down, but that doesn’t mean your wall space should suffer.
*photo curt of austinkleon.com
My new favorite condiment is Bruschetta.
The best part: I didn’t have to make it myself. I just bought a jar of Classico’s in pasta aisle.
The huge chunks of tomateo mixed with herbs is a perfect addition to any protein.
Best Bet: I substituted Bruschetta for pizza sauce, which can cut your calories in half (15 to 30 per Ragu Pizza Sauce). With no sugar and 1 carb per serving, it’s great for every meal, even in an omelet.
Brrr, it’s that time of year to trade in your favorite workout T-shirt and shorts for sweats and a hoodie.
But if the cold weather has you thinking you should just skip exercising all together, make it easy on yourself with an exercise bike.
I love to park my recumbent bike ($80 on sale) in front of the television and watch all the stupid programs I would feel bad otherwise watching with a tub of popcorn..or ice cream.
Best Part: the recumbent bike works your lower body, including your glutes, burning anywhere between 150-350 calories per 30 minutes.
Tip: keep your pace steady through your favorite show, but kick it into fat burning mode/high intensity during the commercials.
I know we’re all busy, and fast food seems like a great option, but please check out America’s Worst Lunches before you order.
According to the talented folks at Eat This, Not That a large Philly cheesesteak sub from Quiznos is like eating 5 cheese danishes!
I thought the sandwich might not be the best choice, but I had no idea it was THAT bad.
Here are some examples to ponder next time you’re in the drive thru:
ARBY’S
Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon Sandwich
818 calories
38 g fat (11 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
2,146 mg sodium
Calorie Equivalent: Like eating 23 Thin Mints (one whole sleeve)!
DAIRY QUEEN
Wild Buffalo Chicken Strip Basket (4 piece)
1,340 calories
96 g fat (18 g saturated)
4,820 mg sodium
Sodium Equivalent: Like eating 14 large orders of McDonald’s French fries!
PANERA
Italian Combo on Ciabatta sandwich
1,070 calories
50 g fat (19 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
3,010 mg of sodium
Fat Equivalent: Like eating 6 slices of Papa John’s cheese pizza!
CHILI’S
Crispy Honey Chipotle Crispers
1,890 calories
99 g fat (19 g saturated)
3,470 mg sodium
Calorie Equivalent: Like eating an entire medium Pizza Hut 12″ pepperoni pizza!
HARDEE’S
2/3-lb Monster Thickburger
1,420 calories
108 g fat (43 g saturated)
2,770 mg sodium
Saturated Fat Equivalent: Like eating 43 strips of Oscar Mayer bacon!
Click here for recommendations on what to eat instead of these calorie busters, but if you’re looking to keep within a healthy lifestyle, try brown-bagging-it with food from home.
It will help save you money, and hopefully some calories, providing you won’t be packing 43 strips of bacon.
I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes (or Type I) in the fourth grade, so diabetes awareness month is particularly special to me.
In fact, almost 24 million people in the United States have diabetes. And some of you don’t even know it.
Could you be at risk?
Are you feeling tired, sluggish, and thirsty?
Have you lost weight or gained in a short period of time?
Or are you overweight and constantly hungry?
You could be one of the 6 million people that have not been diagnosed.
But don’t be scared if you answered “yes” to any of these symptoms. There are numerous treatments that are easy to follow to keep the complications of diabetes to a minimum.
Maintaining a healthy diet and a healthy weight are crucial to keeping this disease at bay. I don’t mean you have to cut out the fun stuff like pizza and chocolate, just remember to keep them as treats, not staples in your diet.
If you have questions, or want to chat about diabetes, I would love to hear from you.
Or if you’re really interested, contact the diabetes chapter in your city and see how volunteering, or even participating in a walk, can make a difference.
Beauty Bonus: check out the total beauty blog to purchase Tai lipshine for $19.50. Twenty percent of proceeds go the American Diabetes Association.
