HBHL- 8 Feb 2012

Healthy Body Healthy Lifers,

Today's blog includes some great information on core workouts and whole grains. Make sure you check out this week's new PBz workout AND the awesome recipe for homemade granola bars. If you have any tips/recommendations for the recipe, let us know in the comments section of the blog, or on Facebook!


www.healthybodyhealthylife.org

If you haven't read my post on white flour and the differences between whole grain and multi-grain, you can check it out here (it also includes a section on which types of candy are "better" for you--perfect to review before Valentine's Day!):

30 Oct 2011 Post on White Flour and Grains

Whole Grain Guide: Buying, Storing & Cooking

We've discussed what constitutes a whole grain and the benefits of incorporating them into your diet, but I thought it might be a good idea to share some more information on using whole grains. I've included a link below with a mini-guide  on different types and how to prepare them. 

First, though, a note on buying and storing. Whole grains, like many fresh foods, can spoil or go rancid with time.  This is due to the small amount of natural oil in their outer layer that is vulnerable to oxidation. Therefore, it's important to be careful when buying and storing these grains to ensure  you're getting the maximum benefit.

Buying in bulk at a natural foods store is definitely the most economical option. However, you should make sure that it's a store that has a lot of foot traffic and inventory turnover. Otherwise the grains will be left in the open bins for longer periods of time with a higher risk of going rancid or becoming infested with bugs. If you aren't able to buy in bulk, several companies now offer these grains in smaller, more convenient packages. Bob's Red Mill, Hodgson Mill and Ancient Harvest are a few that offer a variety you can try.

Regardless of how you buy them, it's a good idea to keep whole grains in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, out of direct light. In fact, storing in glass is preferred, and keeping them in the refrigerator will extend their shelf life.

Follow this link to the mini-guide:


Mini-Guide

**Thanks to Holly Kendrick for her contribution to this lesson on whole grains!

Core Workouts: How to whittle your middle! 

This will be a continuing lesson on the benefits of working your core.   First, your abs and your core are not the same thing.  So, what makes up your core?  We talk about it a lot--especially in yoga and powerbodyz when we're holding those high planks and dolphin planks.  Your abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and ext/int obliques) are PART of your core, which also includes your hip flexors, hip abductors/adductors, and spine extensors.  What is the main job of those core muscles? To stabilize your spine. They help with your posture, your balance, and your overall stability.  Next blog we'll learn more about the importance of these core muscles and continue expanding the exercises that whittle our middles- way past boring old crunches! 

Have a wonderful rest of your week!

If you are new to HBHL and are interested in learning more about:
Powerbodyz- reference the 8 Jan HBHL blog
The Cleanse- reference the 1 Jan HBHL blog.

**Make sure you sign up to get new blogs via email and "like" HBHL on Facebook!

Be Educated.  Be Balanced.  Be Fit.  Be Healthy.  

Namaste,

Jannell 

Jannell MacAulay, BS Biology, MS Kinesiology

Certified Yoga, Powerbodyz, Piyo and Fitness Instructor

AFAA Certified Personal Trainer

HBHL ~ Learn. Change. Grow.

healthybodylife@me.com

www.healthybodyhealthylife.org