Spring into Action: 5 Ways to Be More Active

Tank top & swimsuit season is not as far away as you think! These longer, sunnier spring days are the perfect time to start fresh with a new fitness program. So shake off the winter lethargy, dust off those sneakers, and spring into action with these fun tips!

-       Go for a walk in the park

-       Go on a bike ride

-       Hit the Monon

-       Walk the canal

-       Plant flowers with your spouse, kids, or grandkids

           *Written by Karen Willey, Dietetic Intern, Purdue University

Summer Barbecuing Fun & Tips

• Onions: trying burying an onion with a beef bouillon cube in the center, wrapped in aluminum foil in the coals for 1 hour. Yum...delicious way to savor an onion!
• Try placing herbs like rosemary or dried basil on the coals at your next barbecue to flavor the food you are grilling.
• Window cleaner sprayed on a warm grill will make for easier clean up.
• Always use tongs to flip steaks...you don't want to puncture the steak and let all the flavorful juices run out.
• Be good to your health: be aware that if fat from meat drips on a real barbecue charcoal briquette that a chemical reaction takes place that sends pyrobenzine onto the surface of the meat from the smoke.  This will produce a black or dark colored coating on the meat that should be scrapped off before eating to prevent cancer risk.  Otherwise...consuming a 12 oz. steak (which is not recommended!) will give you the same amount of cancer causing carcinogens as smoking 15 non-filtered cigarettes! If you're worried switch to gas or artificial charcoal.
• Grills are great for veggies! Steam aluminum foil packs of your favorite veggies on the grill for a delicious side to your grilled meat.  Simply spray a piece of foil with a non-stick spray and add your seasoned vegetables, place on the grill and enjoy.

 

Walking for Physical Activity

The days are getting longer, March is here, and Daylight Savings time is less than 2 weeks away...time to start planning for spring and summer physical activity!

HNT Durango will have some exciting new events planned to boost your activity this spring, but in the meantime we'd like to get you thinking about simply taking a walk.

Click HERE, to read a nice article to help you get motivated!

Have a well week,