GOING NUTS!!!!

Running on empty? Don't worry! You are not the only one! Especially around 3-4PM, my work day seems to drag and my tummy aches for calories. This is one of the most critical times during a work day that the human will is tested to go with my heart (candy! soda! chocolate!) or my brain (fruits! protein! good carbo!)

I admit that sometimes my heart wins. But keeping some nuts around the desk always helps make a positive decision. With an abundant amount of antioxidants and fiber, nuts provide a dense source of calories packed with nutrition.

If you must snack, snack on nuts! And surely not only will your hunger go away, but you will also gain enough energy to finish the work day.

Photo Credit: http://ellenbarrett.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/almond-smoothie-for-breakfast/

THE POWER OF LISTENING

If we are not deaf, we are able to listen. But do we?

Sometimes all we hear is our own voice, yet there is a whole universe (or even multiple dimensions of it) out there, unaffected by our existence.

We all know of at least one vocally enhanced sibling, friend, co-worker...who only talks about themselves - a walking, blabbing advertisement that in some sneaky way implies how great and wonderful they are.

Well, we try not to be like them, but as humans with flaws we sometimes are them. So please sit back, chill and listen. Listen to your children, your hubbies, your friends, your co-workers...Listen to their stories, their problems, their triumphs and defeats...

If you are not deaf, you are able to listen. And maybe you will learn something that makes the universe, or the multiple dimensions of it, a better place.

Photo Credit: http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org

GET ROCK HARD ABS WITH WEIGHTED INCLINE SIT UPS

Crushes, sit ups and even wierd yoga stances, they've all claimed to give you rock hard abs. Yes, they should work, but the best ab exercise I have tried are sit ups from the incline bench, holding weight in my arms.

All you do is hook your feet under the foot brace on the incline bench and lift your torso up. You don't have to start with any weights. If you are new, take it easy! Do only 15 - 20 reps for a total of 3 - 4 sets. It's a great, no-fail way to hit both your upper and lower abs.

Good luck! You are now on your way to rock hard abs!

PRETTY PEACHY

My friend is a true Southern Belle. She's got a petite pear-shaped figure and a Southern accent as sweet as the tea she makes. Even after years in Midwest, she still considers herself a Georgia Peach. Needless to say peaches are her favorite fruit.

But does she know that peaches are packed with Vitamin C, fiber, good carbohydrate, and other important antioxidants? They are one of the best summer fruits to keep the body strong and healthy. Plus, all that juicy sweetness makes it tasty too.

I'm glad my friend stays true to her Southern roots. But I'm even happier that she keeps herself healthy, lean and strong by consuming the fruity goodness of peaches.

Photo Credit: http://chooceline.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-peach-is-best-fruit-in-world.html

GIRLFRIENDS

They make me laugh. They make me cry. They drive me crazy sometimes with their chatty stories and strange crushes. They are the ones I go to during the most painful experiences as well as the most happy moments.

Some of them grew up on a farm in the middle of Missouri. Some of them are from giant houses in exclusive suburbs. And some of them are from other countries far away. But they all have something in common, they are all my girlfriends.

I can't ever live without my husband, but I love Girls Night Outs. Whether we are throwing back beers or sipping martinis, we always have fun.

So thanks girls! For your friendship, support and laughter!

Healthy Living at Seattle Girlie Blog