Gettin' Fit & Healthy with Rickie

  'DIET'...yeah it's a 4 letter word     The word diet has a bad rap, really what we eat every day is considered our 'diet' but for many of us it means a restrictive eating plan. If you're eliminating foods from your diet for health reasons such as lactose intolerance, allergies or other health conditions by all means that is what you should do.  Especially if it is directed by a medical professional. On the other hand  if you are restricting foods only because they have too many calories, they're considered bad, restricting is not the best choice. It is in our best interest to listen to our bodies and learn to eat mindfully and in moderation.       It is human nature when we are told we can't have something that we enjoy it makes us want it even more and finally one day it gets the best of us and we dive in most likely overindulging.  Now keep in mind that does not make you a failure and you can and will recover.  To avoid those ne...

  Getting cabin or COVID fever???     In my household we have been trying to be good citizens and follow all the COVID guidelines but...GET ME  OUTTA HERE!!  We wear our masks, our only trips are to the grocery store or any appointments we have and I am working remotely.  We have a small COVID bubble with which we interact occasionally and reach out to other friends and family members via phone, Facetime or Zoom.  We go out to dinner very rarely and when we do we try to go when the restaurant is least busy.  I am not terribly worried about getting sick but really just trying to do my part to help get us through this as soon as possible so we can travel freely again.       Of course the current extreme and overactive weather just makes this more difficult making us feel even more trapped. It also makes it more difficult to get outside for some fresh air, clear our heads and move our bodies.  Which is a great way to fight o...

  Winter weather pushing you inside??? S ome of us are fair weather runners or walkers, especially if you live in the mid west where you experience sub-zero temps.   Maybe you just don't like the cold or the roads may not be safe to travel.   Here is a plan for anyone to do at home with or without equipment. Warm-up:  Start off with 8 count of each of the following moves: shoulder rolls & shrugs alternating arm circles back gentle rotation side to side at the waist small deadlifts lowering hands to knees small squats alternating knee lifts calf raises Perform each exercise below for 30 seconds or 12-15 repetitions feel free to add weights if you have them available. short break between each circuit. Circuit #1: Repeat 3 x  One leg lunge forward than back, repeat on other leg Cobra with 3 count hold - lying face down (prone), hands directly next to chest, palms down. Lift chest away from floor without using hands, as you hold squeeze shoulder blades...