Seafood Butternut Squash Bisque

In Michigan as the weather gets colder we gain a plethora of different vegetables from fall harvests. One of my personal favorites is butternut squash. Today I am going to share my secret recipe for seafood butternut squash bisque with you.

This recipe makes 6-8 servings:

4 cups skim milk
1 whole butternut squash peeled, seeded, roasted and puréed
2 cups steamed and puréed Cauliflower
1 cup steamed and puréed red onion
1 cup crab or lobster
1 cup bay scallops

Throw it all together in one big pot and let simmer for 45-60 minutes. I hope you enjoy it and it keeps you warm on these chilly fall days.

-Mallory
Mallory@betterliving.biz

Grin and Bear It??

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, other times your smile can be the source of your joy."
- Thich Nhat Hanh

Many studies throughout the years have proven the benefits of smiling. Smiling reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, and increases the production of endorphins. Smiling usually makes you look more attractive and draws people to you. Smiling can also help you exude an aura of confidence even in uncomfortable or stressful situations. According to some studies a smile may even prolong your life.

However, up until recently, no one thought to study the effects smiling has on physical exertion.  A current study from German Sport Cologne Bielefeld University (Amsterdam)  researched the effects of smiling on exercise.

The goal of the study was to find out if purposefully adopting facial expressions would effect the way the test subjects felt about the exercise and the level of exertion they felt during it. Two different groups were placed on stationary bikes and pushed to 50-60% of their maximal heart rate reserve. After analyzing the data and interviewing the participants, the results of the study were evident. Both groups found that they had a more enjoyable experience and felt less fatigued when smiling as opposed to frowning.

We'd be happy to show you how to put a smile on your face during exercise!

Mallory Ghrist

Better Living
734.747.0123


Reference:

The Effects of Smiling and Frowning on Perceived Affect
SMILING AND FROWNING IN EXERCISE

Fitness gadgets beyond the gym

We live in an age where technology is king. As it pertains to health, fitness and wellness most questions you need answered, you can look up on the Internet, follow a blog or join a web group or something of the like. The problem with all of this easy access to information is knowing how to find the right information that is the best fit for you.
      Today I want to talk about fitness gadgets. In addition to your time in the gym, it is helpful for overall health to track your activity through the other 15 hours of your day. There are many products that do this. With so many out there it's hard to know which strap, pedometer, monitor, bug or device is the most accurate, user friendly and cost efficient. So I've done research for you, and this is what I've found.

According to Consumer Reports:

 An award winning, accurate, user friendly and reasonably priced pedometer would be the Yamax Digi-Walker CW-701. It is small, light weight and durable and clips on to your  pants at the waistline. The Digi-Walker tracks your steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. It also has a clock and a two week memory. All for under $45.00.

If you want to know everything you've ever wondered about yourself, the Fitbit might be your best option. With features such as step counter, calorie tracker, calorie intake log, sleep efficiency monitor, and real time results provided to you throughout your day, what more could you ask for? If you're willing to spend at least $100 then the Fitbit may be right for you.

Lastly and my personal favorite of the three is for you parents who have trouble getting your younger kids to be active. The Geopalz Pedometer tracks moderate to vigorous activities and will reward kids for their hard work with prizes and time in the Geopalz online arcade. With fun designs and animals that clip onto the waistline or shoe, they're a great and inexpensive way to get sedentary kids up and moving for under $30.


-Mallory
Mallory@betterliving.biz