I have days when all I want is good cup of hot tea, not iced tea ( personally I don’t like iced tea). Don’t get me wrong I love my coffee but some days only tea will satisfy.  For me personally I find tea to be very soothing and it has a calming effect on me.

There are many different types of teas with various health benefits, just to name a few: (1) Tea contains antioxidants (2) Tea aids with digestion and (3) tea also lowers stress hormones. You can find more information on the Health Benefits of Tea here and here.

These are the brands of tea I drink the most: Tetley British Blend  Premium Black Tea

One of our best selling teas, British Blend combines premium Kenyan and Assam teas to deliver a richer, full-bodied blend with superior tea flavor, body and color. With 200 mg of antioxidants, an 8-ounce cup of British blend has more than three times the amount of antioxidants per serving as orange juice!1 

Tea bags contain 25% more tea than standard tea bags (2.5 g versus 2.0 g). Soft and porous Perflo tissue is used in our round, stringless tea bags for faster infusion and better flavor release.

Once you taste it you will know why it is their best selling tea. They also have the Briish Blend in Decaf.  Their website is very informative they have included  the History of Tea  as well as Tea Tips ( how to brew the perfect cup of tea) etc. 

Another brand I really enjoy is Bigelow specifically the Plantation Mint.

You will find Plantation Mint® a delightful flavor surprise. We use only the finest mountain-grown tea blended with natural spearmint.

Oh and interesting fact they also have their own Tea Plantation.

Do you drink tea? If so which is your favorite?  Feel free to share and spread the tea love.:)

More:

February is Heart Health Month include the folloing in your diet:

13 Foods with Cardiovascular Benefits

6 Healthy Carbs to Keep in your Diet

6 Ways to Stay Active at your Desk

Have a safe weekend.

Here is a quick  workout for you. 

2 minutes Jump rope

30 Jumping Jacks

12 Decline push ups

1 minute High knees

1 minute Jump rope

40 seconds Side planks ( each side)

25  Sumo squats

12 Alternating front and reverse lunges

1 minute Jump rope

12 Burpees

30 Mountain climbers

Stretch

* As always consult your physician before starting an exercise program*

Interesting Facts:

According to 9 Steps to Keep the Doctor Away: If you drop your vitamin in a cup of water and it does not dissolve in an hour, pick a new one. Why? Your body is missing out on nutrtients.

Did you know 60% of the immune system resides in the intestine.

Tomatoes are a rich sourde of potassium, manganese,Vitamins A,C,and K. They are also a good source of Vitamin B.

Have a great weekend.

I posted this previously but there was a “glitch” and many of you emailed me because the link was not working.

I came across this poem a few years ago and fell in love with it.

TRULY ALIGNED-AN ODE TO PILATES TEACHERS

Before- A disconnected being with wobbly, unfocused ways.

I sauntered life’s course like a subway train.

With tunnel vision, I had no map- only jerky stops and careless slouching.

Finally- A teacher took me by the hand and refined my awarenesslike grains of sand.

She said stop that habit and listen to me -there  is a whole new way for you to be.

Then piece by piece, she stacked me up and I drank in wisdom from the Pilates cup.

Moving about with elegant control, I learned to feel the center of my soul.

Now- I live each movement with my breath, and stretch the boundaries of my existence.

I perceive no limits with my body or my mind

For I am now- Truly Aligned.

Author: Unknown.

Hope you enjoyed reading this. Do you have a favorite poem?

I came across this poem a few years ago and fell in love with it. The author is unknown. Here you go;

TRULY ALIGNED - AN ODE TO PILATES TEACHERS

Before - A disconnected being with wobbly, unfocused ways.

I sauntered life’s course like a subway train.

With tunnel vision, I had no map - only jerky stops and careless slouching.

Finally - A teacher took me by the hand and refined my awareness like grains of sand.

She said stop that habit and listen to me - there’s a whole new way for you to be.

Then - Piece by piece, she stacked me up and I drank in wisdom from the Pilates cup.

Moving about with elegant control, I learned to feel the center of my soul.

Now - I live each movement with my breath, and stretch the boundaries of my existence.

I perceive no limits with my body or my mind

For I am - now - truly aligned.

Author: Unknown.

I love Pilates.:)

Have a great weekend everyone.

Fontenot has been a personal trainer since 2004 and a Pilates instructor in the northwest Houston, Spring and Cypress areas for several years, however this certification will allow her to be of more value to her patients that are breast cancer survivors. “I am excited about how I will be able to effectively help breast cancer survivors increase their mobility and increase their chances of continuing to stay cancer free”, says Fontenot. She teaches pilates to her clients in a private fitness facility located in Northwest Houston near Willowbrook Mall.

“Breast cancer patients can definitely benefit from Pilates,” says Fontenot. How? Although every breast cancer patient is different and Pilates will work different for each patient, however some common benefits that come from adding Pilates to the road to full recovery from breast cancer include:

Help Rebuild Strength
If a breast cancer patient has surgery to remove the cancer or take the breast off, they will lose the strength in their arm and on that side of the body. Taking Pilates twice a week will help rebuild that strength. Some patients are not able to pick their arm up over their head, which prevents them from doing simple things like washing their hair and putting clothes on. With Pilates, the patient can often regain shoulder mobility and strength.

Improved Circulation
After having surgery, circulation in the body often times become poor. Poor circulation is not good for the body and can easily cause blood clots which will only cause more problems. Taking Pilates classes will help with the circulation in the body. Pilates is often very effective in helping improve circulation.

Less Chance of Breast Cancer Returning
Taking Pilates after you have had surgery reduces the chances of you getting breast cancer again. The Pilates will help heal the body and your chances of recurring cancer will be less.

Fontenot of Jodie Pilates in Houston TX, who has been helping a variety of personal training and pilates clients for 7 years, says “it is important for post-operative breast cancer survivors to seek the advice of a physician before starting any exercise program. In addition, it is also highly recommended to seek out pilates instructors who have achieved specialized training to help post-operative breast cancer survivors.”

Since Fontenot customizes each routine for each individual client, this allows her to focus her specialized knowledge on the unique needs of every person she instructs. Since incorrect form can often cause injury, it is generally not recommended for one to try the exercises unattended without the benefit of a Rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist.

For more information about the services Jodie Pilates of Houston TX provides, please visit the website at JodiePilates.com.

1. Strengthen the Spine - One of the things Pilates will do is strengthen the spine. Doing certain Pilates routines will allow you to build up your spine, which in turn will help you have better posture and make you feel a whole lot better.
2. Eliminate Back Problems - If you suffer from back problems, you should try Pilates. By using a Pilates routine, you will strengthen your core muscles and relieve the pain in your back. Pilates are great for people with lower back pain. If it doesn’t eliminate your back pain altogether, it can reduce it tremendously.
3. Tone Up Key Areas - Pilates will also tone up your key areas like your tummy, hips and buttocks. So, if you are looking to tone these areas, Pilates maybe your best bet.
4. Maximize Your Strength -  Not only will Pilates strengthen your spine, but it will also maximize your overall strength in your body. If your body is weak and you can barely get around, take a Pilates class and you will see a big change.
5. Become Better in Sports - If you are an athletic and looking to become better at the sport you play, you should also try Pilates.

We all know a strong core supports the spine and helps us to avoid injuries.  Here are two core exercises I find very beneficial. 

Pike Reach

These exercises works not only your core  but also your shoulders.

Start in a plank postion, wrists under shoulders and abs pulled in.   Raise your right arm to the ceiling, while rotating your body to the right. turn your head so you are looking at your hand. Hold for a counf of 3.

With control slowly rotate your body back to the center, while lifting your hip to the ceiling and reach your right hand to your left foot.  Hold for a count of 2. Retirn to the start. * Keep your abs pulled in tight.*

Pike Plank

Start in a plank position, with your feet on a Valslide.

Engage your abs and lift your hips to the ceiling, while sliding your feet towards your hands. Hold for a count of 3 and return to the start.

Try these and let me know what you think.

I don’t know about you but I love exercises that work more than one muscle.  Here are 2 to try:

Stability Ball Plank/ Thigh Circles

Works adductors ( inner thighs) and core.

Kneel on all 4’s wrists under shoulders, and  knees under hips. Place the knee closest to the ball on it.  Keep your abs tight, lift in a plank position and use your knees to make small circles with the ball.  Do 2-3 sets 20 circles in each direction.

Start

Superman Banana

Works chest, back, abs and arms

Lie on your stomach with your arms out infront of you, legs behind you. Lift upper and lower body 6 inches off the floor  and hold for a count 5.

Then roll on to your back, arms and legs still lifted and hold for another count of 5. Then roll back onto your stomach and repeat.  Continue for a minute.

Start

Another multitasker: 

The Amazing 37 minute Workout 

A  few recipes from one of my fav’s:

Indian Wrap

Zucchini Alfredo

Have a great week everyone.