Category Archives: Health

New Way to Count Steps and Track Fitness

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By Jodee Weiland

In order to start the New Year right, I invested in a step counter, Fitbit One. Over the years, I have had several step counters, starting with the first step counter purchased years ago for five dollars. I was teaching English literature and composition at our local high school. The school nurse introduced us to the idea of a step counter we could purchase for this nominal fee. The idea was counting our steps to improve our health and make us more aware of our true activity level. I loved the idea and bought one. It was one of the best choices I ever made, finding a New Way to Count Steps and Track Fitness!

https://learnfromyesterday.comThat was only the beginning of the journey. I had always worked out, and now I was simply tracking the results of any and all activity during my day. As we grow older, it is not unusual to become more sedentary. Aches and pains settle in joints and muscles over the years, especially if we use those muscles less. Any old injuries become a constant reminder that we’re aging. The only real way to fight back is to keep active and keep moving. The more you move, the less likely you are to suffer from muscle and joint soreness.

https://learnfromyesterday.comMy first step counter actually helped me step it up a bit. I thought I was still keeping as active as before, but I found out that in reality, I had slowed down somewhat. That’s when I stepped it up and made sure I was taking at least 10,000 steps a day, the approximate equivalent of five miles. The tracking of steps made me even more aware of my activity level, which in turn, helped me to increase my activity level as I got older rather than decrease it.

https://learnfromyesterday.comI moved on from that first step counter to several of the OMRON brand step counter. These step counters gave me even more information about my activity level. I became aware of not just steps taken, but calories burned. When I first did this, step counters weren’t all that popular, and they were also somewhat bulky and not as easy to wear. They usually clipped on to a waist band, but were definitely noticeable to the wearer. The later ones could upload your steps to a computer, giving you a visual record of your day to day activity over extended periods of time. My last step counter could track over thirty days before having to upload the information and showed up to seven days activity on the step counter itself at any time. This helps you see your progress.

https://learnfromyesterday.comEventually, I decided it was time to upgrade for a few reasons. First, the newer step counters are small enough and light enough that you don’t even feel them on you when you wear them. This is so much more comfortable and means you are more likely to continue using it. Second of all, these new step counters, track not just steps, but stair climbing, aerobic activity intensity, sleep patterns, and so much more. So after researching and one false start (I returned one stepper that did not do what it claimed), I finally ended up purchasing a Fitbit One during the holiday sales and couldn’t be happier with the results.

https://learnfromyesterday.comFitbit One is my New Way to Count Steps and Track Fitness! With Fitbit One, I can track steps, stairs (floors climbed), calories, miles, activity level, sleep patterns, and so much more. It even links up to various other plans that track your food, etc., like MyFitnessPal.com, which I am using. You can sync it wirelessly with your computer and apps on various devices. I love being able to track so much information about my activity levels and at the same time, keep fit. This program even awards me badges for completing certain achievements as I progress, which makes it fun. You can even share your results with others if you choose to do so through social media. So far this has been one of my better investments in my fitness routine and plan to keep healthy! If you’re looking for a great way to amp up your fitness plan for the New Year or even just to start one, this step tracker is a great idea, so give it a try and enjoy!

https://learnfromyesterday.comNOTE: This is NOT a sponsored post. The information given is based on my own personal opinions, experiences, and thoughts.

Salmon with Sweet Bourbon Glaze

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By Jodee Weiland

I love salmon, and when it’s served with a sweet bourbon glaze, I love it even more. Although I have eaten salmon with a sweet bourbon glaze at restaurants many times, I decided it was time to do this recipe at home. I researched sweet bourbon glaze and discovered that there are so many different ways to do this. From what I learned, I just chose what I liked best from many of them, adjusted the amounts and ingredients to my preferences, and the result was awesome. My Salmon with Sweet Bourbon Glaze is the perfect blend of some of my favorite ingredients, and it is delicious!

https://learnfromyesterday.com Of course, most of the recipes use bourbon, but the amounts varied anywhere from one tablespoon to one cup. I chose somewhere short of the middle for this ingredient, and it was the perfect choice for my taste. Some had butter, and some did not. I chose to leave the butter out. Most have brown sugar in varying amounts, and I chose middle ground here, or what I thought was just enough, but not too much. Many had garlic, and I have never said no to garlic, so I included garlic as well. Now the rest of the ingredients varied quite a bit, so I decided to use what I thought would make this sweet but tangy. I chose apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses. Molasses adds just that right taste of what I call “Southern” for me. The end result was bold and delicious beyond my expectations!

https://learnfromyesterday.comSalmon with Sweet Bourbon Glaze

  • 2 – six ounce pieces of fresh salmon
  • Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (a better quality bourbon makes for a better glaze)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 fresh garlic clove minced
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon molasses

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Blend together the bourbon, brown sugar, garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses in a sauce pan and bring it to boil, while stirring. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until it reduce to about half and thickens slightly. It will thicken more as it sits at room temperature on the side cooling off to room temperature.

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Then season to taste the salmon pieces with the sea salt and black pepper. Don’t over do the sea salt. Place the pieces on a pan to broil or grill. If broiling, broil the salmon three to four inches below the heating coil for 6 to 9 minutes depending on thickness, and until there is a slight crispiness on the top, but make sure the salmon is not overdone. If more than 3/4 inch thick, it may take longer. Watch carefully, and just before the last minute you can brush some of your sweet bourbon glaze lightly on the top of the salmon.

https://learnfromyesterday.comWhen done, remove the salmon from the oven and baste some more with the sweet bourbon glaze. If grilling, cook according to the directions for your grill, adding glaze lightly in the last minute and then again adding more glaze when the salmon is ready to be served. Any leftover glaze can be refrigerated for about a week or a little longer. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature and use it on fish or even chicken.

https://learnfromyesterday.comMy Salmon with Sweet Bourbon Glaze is absolutely delicious and has a bold flavor you will love. Salmon is so healthy for you, even adding a glaze will not take away from the benefits. Serve with a fresh vegetable, and a glass of white wine. We chose a Riesling and it paired well with the salmon. However, you choose to have this great dish, you are going to love it, so enjoy!

https://learnfromyesterday.com

Grapefruit Strawberry Mango Smoothie Plus

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By Jodee Weiland

I never tire of new smoothie combinations, especially before or after working out! Each smoothie combination is carefully thought out for the maximum boost I may be looking for on any particular day. Because I use mostly fruit and vegetables for my smoothies, each one is sure to be full of needed nutrients of all kinds. My Grapefruit Strawberry Mango Smoothie Plus is full of healthy nutrients and is delicious as well.

https://learnfromyesterday.comThis smoothie uses grapefruit, so if you are on certain medications for cholesterol control, you may want to substitute the grapefruit with orange segments and orange juice instead. The fruits have many of the vitamins and minerals that we all need to keep healthy. I like to use fruits with Vitamin C during the cold and flu season, to give me a little extra something to help fight germs and stay healthy. The plus in this smoothie is a carrot. This adds a vegetable to my smoothie, and it adds to the great flavor as well. All in all, this smoothie gives me the energy boost I need in the afternoon or mid-morning hours.

https://learnfromyesterday.comGrapefruit Strawberry Mango Smoothie Plus

  • 1 large carrot peeled and cut up
  • 1 cup grapefruit segments packed in light syrup
  • 3/4 cups fresh strawberries halved
  • 1 cup frozen fresh mango slices
  • OPTIONAL: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon organic honey

https://learnfromyesterday.comBlend all of the above ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. I did not add honey, but for those who prefer a sweeter flavor, add the honey as well. Pour into a glass to serve. This recipe makes one serving.

https://learnfromyesterday.comMy Grapefruit Strawberry Mango Smoothie Plus is both healthy and delicious tasting! This great smoothie is only 181 calories without honey, making it less than 200 calories. Even with honey, it will be only another twenty calories. It has no fat and six grams of fiber plus various nutrients. There are 305 milligrams of vitamin C for those of us looking to avoid colds and the flu this season. I love it because for me, it is a great energy booster before or after a workout without being high in calories. For whatever reason you choose to try this smoothie, I feel certain you will love the flavor, so enjoy!