Many New Year’s Resolutions involve weight loss. The key to losing weight and keeping it off is lifestyle consistency. You do not have to give up those rich, sweet foods you love completely; however it is important to eat smaller portions and eat them sparingly and slowly.
Nothing is more important than exercise. Walking is one of the easiest methods of exercise. Walk outside or on a treadmill in your home. Use an iPod with your favorite music or an old Walkman with books on CD to make the time pass more quickly. It is hard for busy working parents to find time to walk, but it is well worth it if you can carve out the time. How much time do you spend sitting in front of the television in the evening? Shave an hour off that time and walk, walk, walk!
If your family has a Wii, using one of the many dance, sports or exercise games is a great way to exercise and spend time together as a family. Many of the active games are quite strenuous and lots of fun.
Yoga is a fabulous exercise to pair with a walking regiment. Yoga provides relaxation techniques along with promoting flexibility of muscles and strengthening of joints. The older you get, the more beneficial you will find Yoga. Local counties often include Yoga in their list of Parks and Recreation classes. These are typically less expensive than classes at private studios. Some churches offer inexpensive Yoga classes as well. Community colleges may offer affordable Yoga classes through their continuing education departments. Google Yoga for your town or county. You will be surprised to find a variety of options. The trick is making the time to take the classes, but the older you get; the higher up exercise needs to be on your priority list.
A final option is altering beloved sweet recipes to make them less fattening. Try the Wilderness Mookies recipe with Splenda, light butter, and yogurt. Delicious!! Then go take a brisk walk or a Yoga class!
Wilderness Mookies with a healthier twist
Ingredients
2 cups light butter
4 cups splenda
4 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
6 cups quick cooking oats
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
¼ - ½ cup low fat plain yogurt for desired consistency
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line mini muffin tins with mini muffin liners.
Spray lined tins with Bakers Secret or non stick cooking spray of your choice.
In a large bowl, cream together light butter, and Splenda until smooth.
Beat in the egg whites one at a time.
Stir in the vanilla.
Combine flour, salt and baking soda & stir into the batter until well mixed.
Blend in oats.
Stir in the walnuts nuts, and dried cranberries.
Mix in yogurt to get desired consistency.
Spoon approx 2 tablespoons dough into each tin.
Bake approx 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Cool in tins 30 mins.
The entire recipe makes about 60 Mookies.
Make fewer Mookies and freeze the remaining dough.
GREAT FOR CAMPING TRIPS OR TO MUNCH BY A FIRE! NOW GET OUT THERE AND EXERCISE!
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