Social Workout

Elixirs

Chia Seed Oatmeal Feeds Your Brain and Your Heart

I'm having a new love affair with chia seeds — their texture is so filling, they help with my digestion, and they're super easy to make great puddings with. Plus, chia seeds have a terrific balance of both Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, an ideal combo for optimal brain function and emotional balance. Did I mention they're high in fiber, they absorb water to help keep your body hydrated, and because they expand (beware when making dishes/smoothies with them, you need less then you think) you feel fuller faster and are getting a power punch of nutrients and satisfaction in a single serving? This chia seed "oatmeal" makes an excellent breakfast, dessert, or snack. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Snapshot

Sarah Gave Up Rockstars And Shocks Herself With Her Own Good Decisions

Every day, we give you a snapshot of one fellow striver in fitness. We ask personal questions, he or she boldly answers. Today's snapshot: Sarah, aka scratchinpizzle.

• What's your go-to workout? Anything that makes me focus on the fact that I'm having fun rather than the fact that I'm actually working out. Right now, it's Zumba. I love it, even when I feel silly with the booty shakin'- on the inside I envision that I'm like Shakira. Leaving the place drenched in sweat is awesome, I always feel happy and accomplished afterwards.
• What's your secret (fitness-related) sin? I hate cardio. I hate running. I really can't do anything unless it's in a class or some kind of competitive format. The SW challenges are truly a blessing cause they give me a sense of obligation, and I manage to get things done for the small victory of seeing the numbers add up.

Practical Eating

Flaxseed Lowers Your Cholesterol and Tastes Much Better than Lipitor

Subtle, nutty, and packed with fiber and omega-3s that help your heart and reduce inflammation, there are plenty of reasons to eat flaxseed. But here's another one: Lowering your cholesterol without drugs. In a new study, men diagnosed with high cholesterol who subsequently consumed 3 tablespoons of flaxseeds a day saw their cholesterol decrease by close to 10 percent in three months. Puzzlingly, women didn't see similar drops, but that doesn't mean flaxseed muffins don't still taste delicious! Here, a handful of delicious ideas for working a little more flaxseed into your diet. 

Workout

happy friday

In which this week's featured body, syrupandhoney, enjoys the glories of rice pudding for multiple meals in one day.

30 minute run, powered by the Black Keys. I love being plugged again!

I have to work today but my husband is off, so I'm meeting him at an Indian restaurant for a long lunch date. I was excited about that bright spot in my day when preparing my breakfast this morning, so my oats were inspired by Indian rice pudding.

Workout

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

In which this weeks Featured Body, syrupandhoney, walks to avoid death, discovers the stairs, and, once again, makes gourmet fabulous oatmeal for breakfast.

SELF arm workout and a 25 minute walk. i've been trying to walk more lately. especially when i don't feel like working out and don't have something else productive to do, walking has become my default. and i'm not talking about speed walking...just a leisurely stroll as a substitute for watching tv or browsing the internet.

Workout

Typical Morning of Yoga + Oatmeal

Every week, we highlight one of the great minds and bodies in our Social Workout community. This week's featured mind/body: syrupandhoney. Look for her on the homepage all week ~ The Eds.

i was feeling a little claustrophobic this morning since it was raining outside and my husband is assembling a desk in the living room (aka my workout area). i made a space in our guest bedroom next to the computer so i could do baron baptiste's long and lean dvd, which made me feel a little better. but what truly brought me back to myself was breakfast.

Workout

yay for new challenges!

I failed to achieve the Thousands last challenge, but I'm determined to do it this time! I love that this new challenge is kinda hardcore (for me at least...) and it's got me pumped.

30 minute run, 2x10 push-ups, 20 lunges, 100 abs.

Followed by a trail mix-y oatmeal:

1/3 c dry old fashioned oats (out of steel cut!) plus 2/3 c water

Workout

more coffee!

didn't want to get up this morning but i skipped out on working out yesterday so i got out of bed and did a 30 minute run in the wind/cold. brutal! 100 abs and 20 lunges.

Workout

run + oatmeal

i had planned on running for 30 minutes but ended up doing 40 because i felt good this morning! i think it was because it was ten degrees warmer than it's typically been.

Workout

getting there...

Got further in my yoga dvd this morning: 30 minutes. No interruptions this time, I just kinda punked out at the end. My excuse is I haven't been getting enough sleep, so my body just isn't getting the recovery it needs. Tonight I will go to bed by 10:00.