Add a little protein to your diet

Keep yourself fuller longer by making sure to add a little protein to each meal. Protein can be from a variety of meats, fish, dairy products as well as eggs. Eggs are low in calories and fat and rich in B vitamins, vitamins E and A, and choline. Wild game such as venison, buffalo and elk are lean and very flavorful.

34 oz

34 oz of water daily: according to an article I read in the newest issue of Women's Health Magazine, if you drink 34 oz of water daily you will be 21% less likely to develop high blood pressure. Don't like the taste of plain water? Try adding different fruit to your water to give it some flavor. My new flavor: watermelon, basil and mint. It tastes better than you think.

Changing weather

We're already into mid-october and the weather is starting to change. It's getting darker earlier in the day, and soon the temperature will be dropping. This is usually when I take stock of what kind of winter work-out gear I own. I love to exercise outside, but I have learned my lesson of exercising in the cold without the proper attire. Make sure that you dress in layers if you plan on exercising outside. I will often wear compression pants underneath my regular work out pants when exercising outside. This provides me with a little extra warmth when it gets really cold. Plenty of stores also sell lightweight thermal shirts that are moisture wicking and are great for layering. It's also good to check into a hat or gloves to keep the head and hands warm.  On a side note, because it is getting dark earlier, make sure and wear some form of reflective gear if you are going to be exercising in the dark. This could be a reflective vest, hat, lights on your bike, etc. Lastly, always think of what your mom told you growing up...Safety in numbers. It's always safer to go out with a buddy when it's dark. If all else fails, hit the gym where there is always climate control and you can't use the weather (hot or cold) as an excuse not to exercise.

Fun Flavors

Looking for a lo-cal way to spice up your cooking? Try adding a flavored vinegar to your meals to add flavor not fat.  Victorine's Basalmic vinegars.  (made locally in Livermore) come in a multitude of flavors like Espresso, Coconut, Dark Chocolate and Cinnamon Pear.  And this is just a few of the flavors they have. They also sell flavored olive oils.

Fall Discounts

• Food Drive Discount: Bring in 5 cans of food and get $5 off your next session. Bring in 10 cans of food and get $10 off your next session. Promotion ends December 31, 2011.
• Pilates Buddy Training Discount: $5 off each session (Reg. $35 per person, now $30 per person) for your first session between now and December 31, 2011. Limit 1 per person. 
• Discounts @ Action in Motion: The Friend Referral discount is for each person you refer for October 1 - December 31, 2011. They will get 5% off their first class and you’ll receive 10% off you package of sessions.
• Starter Pack: 3 Individual sessions for $99 (Regular value $180). Expires December 31, 2011. Limit 1 per person.

You must mention this posting on this blog in order to redeem discount. 

Tip of the Month: October

§      The holiday season begins. Soon Halloween will be approaching and a candy invasion will begin.  Instead of buying candy to give out to treak-or-treaters, try buying light up necklaces. Kids will still enjoy them and you won’t have leftovers to tempt you afterward. If you do buy candy, wait to the last minute to buy it. The day after Halloween, donate your leftover candy to a non-profit organization like Blue Star Mom’s or a local food bank. They always take candy that can be distributed to those in need of a little holiday cheer.