Okay Principle Number Two! MOVE IT! The more you move the more calories you will burn, and you will feel and look better. I know there are a lot of you out there that can't stand exercising and would rather not. I also know there are a lot of you out there that make excuses as to why you don't or can't exercise. Well I'm a home school mom of four kids ages 7 and under and I still find time to workout whether they're around me or not. My kids have learned to stay back and allow me my time to work out. So they stand back and out of the way or they just ignore me all together because they just know that mom's working out and will be done in a little while. You are the one your kids will learn from, so if they see and hear you talking about how you should exercise more or lose a few pounds but you don't do anything about it, why should they work hard for anything either?

A few tips: Find something you like doing. Here's a list of ideas riding a bicycle, rollerblading, walking, row boating, dancing, home video workouts, join a gym, running, skateboarding, hiking, snowboarding, water skiing, Yoga, etc. Once you find something you like, do that for 30-40 minutes, it can even be in 10 minute intervals throughout the day.
Also I make it a point to move around after every meal. Whether that be turning on some music to jam out to while cleaning up after a meal or picking up toys with the kids or whatever, just move after each meal! If you like to relax and watch TV in the evenings get up during the commercials and do some lunges or jumping jacks or walk around your house until the commercial is over. Make moving a habit in your life. You'll thank me someday!

Okay now it's time to take a minute to do a bit of exercise. Stand on one leg and balance for 60 seconds, counting one one-thousand, etc. Switch and do the other leg for another 60 seconds. It's not a cardio exercise but balancing helps build your core muscles.

Okay and since it's Friday I'm going to post a Pizza recipe since we usually eat Pizza every Friday.
Multi-Grain Pizza Crust (makes 2 large pizza's)
Combine and soften: 1 T yeast Add: 2 T olive oil (or Canola oil)
1 3/4 c warm water 1 tsp salt
1 T Sugar 1/2 C Oatmeal
1/2 C Cornmeal
1/2 C Whole Wheat Flour
3 1/2 C Flour
Knead 3 minutes. Set aside while you prepare your pizza sauce and toppings.

Pizza Sauce (I make my own, but you can buy pizza sauce if you want, beware of the sodium content)
1 8-10 oz can tomato sauce
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
2 tsp Parmesan cheese
Mix all ingredients together and set aside. You may need to double your sauce depending on how much you like on your pizza.

Toppings:
Cheese (go easy on the cheese)
olives
bell peppers
onions
mushrooms
spinach (don't knock it till you try it)
fresh Basil
tomatoes
meat (whatever you choose to put on your pizza)
Make sure the majority of your toppings are veggies, go easy on the cheese and meat.

Now time to make some yummy pizza's... Split the dough in two halves. Roll out to fit your pizza pan or whatever you are using to bake your pizza in. Then add tomato sauce and toppings. Bake pizza at 450 F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Let cool, and enjoy.
Serve with a green salad, peas, green beans, steamed carrots, or some other kind of veggie. That's right! MORE VEGGIES! mmm mmm good!

Would love your comments on any recipe you try. And I'll take any questions you may have as well.

Future postings will include "moderation and balance in all things", "Be of good cheer", and "Be accountable". So check back often to learn more.