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 On this Presidents Day, I thought it was a good time to acknowledge our First Lady, Michelle Obama. Political views aside, this woman is an inspiration to thousands and has been working on a cause that all WoW Members can appreciate: helping to reduce childhood obesity in America. The numbers are astounding. In the last 3 decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled and 1 in 3 children are now obese (these numbers scare me, and I don’t even have children).
From launching campaigns, to putting salad bars and healthy eating options back in school cafeterias, to teaching children how to plant self-sustaining gardens, to simply doing jumping jacks and dancing in an effort to just keep “kids moving,” Mrs. Obama has helped shine the national spotlight on this growing epidemic. And, she has done this all with the grace and dignity we have come accustomed to (as well as those shoulders and arms that inspire thousands of adult females daily).
So, on this Presidents Day, while we hear stories about those guys on Mount Rushmore, and listen to even more stories about the current group of guys debating about a women’s right to choose, I am going to salute Mrs. Obama with some jumping jacks and a healthy snack. Thank you, Mrs. Obama, for caring about our childrens’ health and well-being. Hopefully some future presidents will follow your lead.
Yours in good health,
-RT
WoW’s Director of Marketing
 “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
I saw this question on a sign recently, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I think most of us rely on routine to get us through our days with as much ease as possible. But every once in a while, shouldn’t we shake ourselves up? Shouldn’t we remind ourselves that there is a whole world out there that we may have not yet experienced?
I got a tattoo for the first time this weekend. At 37, my very first tattoo. It was meaningful and moving and made me realize that I’m actually a lot tougher than I thought.
I think we can continue to learn new things about others and ourselves if we continue to step out of our comfort zone. Believe me, the tattoo experience wasn’t exactly what I would call “comfortable” but it was important to me – and the experience taught me something. Almost all experiences do.
So, ask yourself when the last time was that you did something for the first time – then get out there and make a memory. Life is short.
 Sometimes life just sucks. You lock your keys in your car, you skipped your workout, you had a fight with your significant other, your pencil point breaks — whatever it is that puts you over edge — it can be a pretty big downer. But I’m realizing that no matter how bad the day is, you have to push through. Because beyond today is a beautiful thing…. beyond today is TOMORROW. A new day, with a clean slate, and the ability to put what happened prior where it belongs — in the past. And tomorrow brings all of these new possibilities and blessings.
For me, tomorrow may bring two beautiful babies into this world for my dear, dear friends who deserve them so much. Tomorrow may bring a new friendship — one that I never knew I needed until I found it. Tomorrow may bring a new attitude about myself. That I’m stronger than I’ve ever thought.
Even when today is rough — give TOMORROW a chance. Look forward to it. Put money on it. You never know what it’s going to bring.
 It’s a new year and I’m trying. At one point last year I had actually gotten to a place where I could jog for 10 straight minutes on the treadmill before I needed a walking break. But, like all of my other efforts to become a fitness fanatic, my daily exercise habit quickly fell by the wayside and I’m back to little to no stamina.
With the employee launch of Group Core on Tuesday, I thought it would a great time to rededicate myself to acquiring the healthy lifestyle (and bikini body) I had always dreamed of. So last night, after a full day of work, making my five year old dinner and doing homework, I tied on my sneakers and took to our brand new treadmill. I put King of Queens on the TV (who doesn’t love Kevin James), synched up my iPod to play the new Mama Mia fitness mix I downloaded, and started walking. I’m not going to lie; it was tough to get through 30 minutes. Which brought up all these feelings of disappointment in myself. Why didn’t I just keep up with my routine last year? I could only imagine where I would be now. Would I be doing that 5k I’ve said for years I was going to do? Would I have gotten bit by the running bug and aspired to run, dare I say, a half-marathon?
I finished my work out and headed back upstairs to spend some time with my family. As we collapsed into bed around 10 pm, my husband said, “I’m really proud of you for running.” And what was my response? Not “thanks, Babe,” or “I’m proud of me, too!” Instead I said, “It was hardly running,” with a snort. But he wasn’t having it. “Don’t do that!” he said sternly. “You did something good today. Don’t sell yourself short or minimize it! You’ll get there, but you have to start somewhere.”
What a guy, right? I know.
And, as much as I have a tough time taking his words to heart, he’s right. He said exactly what I would have told him, or my best friend, or anyone who started exercising again after a long break. Sometimes I think we forget to give ourselves the same respect we give our loved ones. Well, it’s a lesson learned. And when I hit that treadmill again tonight, and I feel the need to beat myself up for “only” pushing through those 30 minutes, I’ll remember the words of the smartest guy I know (he did marry ME, after all), “You did something good today.”
Thanks, Babe.
 Cold season is here and there’s nothing like a stuffy nose and hacking cough to throw a giant wrench in your day. And while the age-old adage says Grandma’s chicken soup can cure you of those pesky symptoms, new studies show that upping your Zinc intake may just be more effective than the traditional granny elixir.
Recent medical research has shown that zinc, when taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms of the common cold, can cut your suffering in a big way. The supplements, whether taken as a lozenge, tablet, or syrup, may be able to reduce the duration of your runny nose and cough by three days. Further studies found that not only did zinc reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms, but regular use also worked as a preventative method. This is an extremely important find, as it could lead to fewer sick days for both you and your kids, and less antibiotic use in children. People who used zinc were also far less likely to have a cold that lasted more than seven days.
Though it’s not certain how exactly the mineral works, zinc appears to have antiviral properties that prevent the cold virus from replicating or attaching to nasal membranes. Still, exact dosage of germ-stopping zinc hasn’t been identified, and the taste of the products has sometimes been an issue for those seeking relief.
So if you’re looking for something warm and yummy to clear up that drippy nose and hacking cough, call your mom for her soup, but keep in mind that Zinc may be the way to go.
 Halloween can be a scary time for those of us who are trying to keep our kids (and ourselves) from going overboard in the candy department. Yes, it’s only one day a year, and we’re all for enjoying some of those yummy treats, but the leftover candy you don’t hand out and the candy your kids bring home is likely to hang around the house for weeks. We promise – we’re not trying to ruin Halloween or deprive the kids, but you also don’t want to encourage binge eating or have an endless supply of candy around for weeks that can lead to bad habits. On Halloween it’s fine to indulge, but most days you want kids reaching for fruit and healthful foods rather than junk. To help, we’ve gathered some ideas on how to enjoy the holiday without being too frightened of those goodie bags.
- Make it disappear: Play the “Switch Witch” game. Once your child has eaten some of his faves, have him pick out 7 pieces of candy (one piece per day for the next week). Later that night the “Switch Witch” can come and exchange the remaining candy for a small toy.
- Sneak in something good for them: Offer a glass of milk (or some other healthy drink) while kids sort and eat their candy, at least to get some vitamins into them, while they’re enjoying their confection.
- Go small: Offer mini-bars and snack-size treats to those that come to your door. Mini bags of pretzels, raisins, dried fruit and Chex-mix because they can be used for school snacks and decrease the overall calorie load in the trick-or-treat bag.
- Choose less-indulgent candies. Chocolate covered raisins are still candy, but they are at least packed with fiber and other healthful nutrients. Peppermint Patties are also a good choice, as they are low in fat.
- Suck it Up: Lollipops are still made of sugar, but take a lot longer to eat than other candy, which may keep your kids from eating too much in the end.
- Skip the Candy: We’re not advising you to be a Halloween Scrooge and pretend not to be home this year, but there are alternatives to giving out the sweet stuff. Hand out stickers, tattoos and other cheap kid favorites. You can score big by hitting up a dollar store and some of the kids (and their parents!) may even thank you for your effort.
 Maybe it’s love — not time — that heals all wounds.
Researchers have found that being in love may reduce our perception of pain. Romantic love activates the brain’s dopamine system, much as addictive behaviors like gambling or drug use. Doctors speculate that feelings of love prompts the dopamine system to interact with other brain systems that release natural painkillers in the body, similar to those credited with the “runner’s high” that can occur with exercise.
These amazing findings add to scientists’ understanding of how the brain responds to discomfort and could lead to new treatments for people suffering from chronic pain. Dr. Sean Mackey, chief of the division of pain management at Stanford University, said the findings support the theory that pain patients may find some relief by seeking out pleasurable activities.
“Find things to give you pleasure in life, whether it be through the one you love or going and listening to great music or reading a good book,” Dr. Mackey said. “It suggests that activating this intrinsic reward system ultimately can reduce your pain.”
Which means a change in your relationship status may do more than just beef up your social life.
“When patients are doing markedly better and I find out they are in a new passionate relationship, I may be less likely to think it’s the new medication I put them on,” he said. “I realize that maybe it has nothing to do with me.”
So when you’re feeling achy or ill, you should still reach for your bottle of Ibuprofen, but maybe ask your sweetheart to bring it you. Then have them cuddle up with you under a warm blanket. You should be feeling better in no time.
 The leaves are falling and there is a nip in the air that we haven’t felt in a few months. Autumn is on its way and there’s nothing better than a hearty soup to get you warmed for the new season. This hearty soup is filled with healthy veggies, a rich broth, sausage, and whole wheat pasta, which makes it a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
3/4 cups dried white kidney beans
1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Italian sausages, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 cups green beans, chopped
4 cups shredded Savoy cabbage
2 tsp salt
Half small cauliflower, chopped
3/4 cups whole wheat macaroni
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Soak beans in water overnight. (Or place beans and water in saucepan; boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and soak for 1 hour.) Drain. Place in saucepan; cover with enough water to cover beans by 3 inches (8 cm). Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer until tender, 1 to 2 hours. Drain, reserving enough of the cooking liquid, and adding water if necessary, to make 4 cups (1 L).
Meanwhile, seed tomatoes and strain juice; set aside. In large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil over medium heat; fry sausages until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Add onion; increase heat to medium-high and sauté until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Add celery, carrots, bay leaf and 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the parsley; sauté for 2 minutes. Add kidney beans and reserved cooking liquid, tomatoes and juice, green beans, cabbage and 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) of the salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cabbage is soft, about 30 minutes. Add cauliflower and macaroni; simmer for 15 minutes.
In food processor, make paste of garlic, cheese and remaining oil, salt and parsley. Serve on the side to be stirred into soup.
Makes 8 servings.
 Summer is over, so it’s back to brown-bagging it for a lot of us. We’ve put together a couple of tips to make sure that your mid-day meal is satisfying, healthy and delicious. We’re betting your lunchtime pals are going to looking to trade up!
Plan Ahead: Spend a little extra time thinking about what is going to tickle your fancy the next day. There’s nothing worse than taking the time to make your lunch only to dread eating it when the bell rings.
Pack it the Night Before: We all know how crazy the morning rush can be, and if you’re expecting to find the time to pack a lunch during that madness, you’re pushing your luck. Do yourself a favor and take the time the night before to create yourself a satisfying care package. You’ll be thankful for the extra few minutes of sleep.
Stock Up: Fill your fridge and pantry with good-for-you goodies that will make you feel like a kid. Fat-free pudding cups, snack-size pretzel boxes, or fruit cups are easy to grab and the perfect size to fit in your lunch sack.
Use Leftovers: If the tonight’s dinner was delish, make sure you portion out some of what’s left in spill-proof Tupperware. Lots of things, like soup and pastas, taste better the next day. Leftovers are cost-effective and yummy!
Keep it Cold: Use a lunch bag that is insulated and always pack an ice pack. Food will stay safe for up to four hours when left in the temperature danger zones. Using an ice pack and insulated lunch bag will help to extend this time slightly. I use a collapsible lunch bag that I can fold up and put in my purse for convenience.
Bringing your lunch may seem childish, but eating healthy throughout the day boosts your energy and your mood – and saves you cash! Make brown-bagging it a habit and you’ll be sure to see the effects on your waistline and in your wallet!
 Summer is coming to a close, so let’s use that grill as much as much as we can over the next couple of weeks! A perfect way to get your in your veggies — while enjoying a scrumptious meal – it to make this yummy grilled eggplant sandwich. The eggplant is creamy and delicious, and paired with roasted peppers, red onion and mozzarella cheese, it’s a perfect vegetarian option as well. What are you waiting for? Warm up those coals and start munching!
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
8 1/2-inch slices eggplant, (about 1 small)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
8 slices whole-grain country bread
8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers
4 thin slices red onion
PREPARATION:
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread.
Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm.
Makes 4 sandwiches.
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On this Presidents Day, I thought it was a good time to acknowledge our First Lady, Michelle Obama. Political views aside, this woman is an inspiration to thousands and has been working on a cause that all WoW Members can appreciate: helping to reduce childhood obesity in America. The numbers are astounding. In the last 3 decades, childhood obesity rates have tripled and 1 in 3 children are now obese (these numbers scare me, and I don’t even have children).
