OK, so I’m not just about to talk about all the things that doctors talk about, that’s for doctors. I’m going to talk about MY version of staying healthy. Don’t be offended if I leave something out, i can be pretty forgetful. :)

We all know moving is important and that everyone should do about 20 min. + per day, but seriously, who actually does that? Not me, that’s for sure. If you do, congratulations! You’ve won the Healthy and Fit… Contest! :) Anyway, it’s getting to be summer, and for people like me, that means WAY more moving than my usual 45 min. physical education class per week. Well, I’ve come up with some ideas about moving this summer, so that I get out more than I did last summer to enjoy the good weather, while it lasts. Here they are:

1. biking to: library, park, video store… ect.

2. swimming on sunny days (maybe even having a few lifeguard supervised pool parties)

3. walking the dog more often than usual- this way, both me AND my dog get the wonderful benefits :)

4. push-up and sit-ups every morning- or when I fell like it

5. gardening- this will help make our landscape less dreary

6. NO CARS, unless it is necessary

7. boating- that includes canoing and kayaking. Once it’s warm enough, I’ll be out paddling the river with my dad

So, those are my 7 ideas that I can think of at this moment, but I’m sure you smart people can think of many others.

Now, I’ll talk about that wonderful thing that keeps out complicated human machine running and serves as “gas”: food. Summer may mean more getting out and moving around, but it also means BBQ and grill-outs. Personally, I think a lot about how food is good for my body and how it is good to eat it. If it has no purpose what so ever, or if it is super important. I know potato chips and a greasy hamburger with a load of corn syrup-y Ketchup isn’t exactly good for my heart, but I gotta admit, it can be a good once-in-awhile treat. Growing up in a family that’s CRAZY about healthy food may seem like it wouldn’t be much fun, but overall it is defiantly helpful. Not only does it educate you about how things can have a good/bad impact on your body, but it also teaches you to enjoy food that comes strait from our good friend Mother Earth. In my life, I’ve probably eaten more pounds of rice and kidney beans than most people, but those two foods are great staples. Add a few stir fried veggies and you have a whole meal!

It’s always nice to plop down with a sugary artificial flavored Popsicle, but wouldn’t you rather have a natural freezy than one that’s loaded with sugar? Well, here’s how you make them:

Ingredients: all natural frozen juice concentrate.

Instructions: follow the directions on the tube of juice concentrate to mix it in a jug. Poor juice into ice-cube trays, or if they are available, Popsicle trays. If you used the ice-cube trays, stick a toothpick in each square filled with juice. let the juice freeze in the freezer over night or until solid. Enjoy!

Here’s one more healthy snack before I rap it up:

Ingredients: your favorite fresh veggies, and natural ranch dressing or peanut butter.

Instructions: Cut the veggies of your choice into 3″ pieces. Put dressing or peanut butter into a small container. Dip veggies into the dressing or peanut butter. Happy eating!

I hope you have enjoyed my little post!