Exercise the Winter Blues Away!

February 7, 2013 · by · in Uncategorized · Leave a comment

With short days, cold nights, and inclement weather that can keep you from following your normal routine – it’s common for many people to suffer from “winter blues.” Whether you are experiencing lack of energy and motivation or mild depression, there are many ways to take charge and start feeling good again.

Nicole Nichols, a health and fitness educator featured on SparkPeople, provided 10 ways to beat the blues in a recent article:

  1. Exercise    
  2. Eat a Healthy Diet   
  3. Get Some Sun   
  4. Act on your Resolutions   
  5. Avoid Binge Drinking  
  6. Treat Yourself
  7. Relax!
  8. Embrace the Season    
  9. Get Social Support    
  10. Catch some Zzzz’s

The Wilkes-Barre YMCA is a great place to not only get your workout in, but also to socialize and get the support you need to meet wellness needs and goals. If staying motivated is a challenge in these months, why not take the opportunity to try a new class or activity that the Y offers? Maybe incorporate more relaxation into your routine by visiting the Men’s or Women’s Fitness Centers and using the spa and sauna! If you are having trouble sticking to a healthy diet, try new recipes that incorporate foods that you haven’t tried before!

Here’s a heart healthy recipe that is sure to provide a little pick-me-up!

Island Chiller

Ingredients

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen unsweetened strawberries
1 can (30 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice
3 cups orange juice
2 quarts carbonated water, chilled
16 fresh strawberries

Directions

In a blender, combine the frozen strawberries, pineapple with juice and orange juice. Blend until smooth and frothy.

Pour the strawberry mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.

To serve, put 3 strawberry cubes into a tall glass and fill with 1/2 cup of the carbonated water. Wait until the mixture becomes slushy. Garnish with a strawberry and serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving

Calories

68

Sodium

6 mg

Total fat

0 g

Total carbohydrate

16 g

Saturated fat

0 g

Dietary fiber

1 g

Monounsaturated fat

0 g

Protein

1 g

Cholesterol

0 mg

    

 

Share your tips for staying healthy, happy, and positive in the winter to be entered to win tickets to a Pen’s Game!

 

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