Exercise tips and Sugar Free Jello.

So, how many of you got your workout shoveling snow today? We received about a foot this last go around, so clearing that from the decks, sidewalks and patio areas provided ample workout without hitting the gym today.

I’ve been experimenting with some recipes this past week so I don’t get too bored with standard low-fat protein and vegetables. The way I see it, the more variety I keep in the meal plans, the better chance I have of making this a new way of healthy eating, and not just a diet. I’ve had a couple of successes that I’ll post on the recipe board later; one with chicken breast and tonight I made a scallop, crab and artichoke dish that turned out very well.

My favorite dessert is Sugar Free Jello. At only 10 calories and 0 carbs, it fits well into any eating plan. It really satisfies my sweet tooth when those cravings hit.

Following are some easy-to-do-at-home exercise tips, straight from Brutal Bill at the AT&T Sports Center:

Lie on your back with arms extended straight out to your sides. Slowly raise both arms, keeping them straight, in a controlled motion until your hands meet in the center. In the same controlled motion, lower them back to the floor. Repeat 10 times.

Next, slowly raise one leg, keeping it straight, as high as you can. Slowly return to the floor. Repeat with opposite leg for 10 complete sets.

Next, raise leg and opposite hand until they meet, keeping motion controlled up and down. Repeat with opposite hand and leg for 10 complete sets.

Another tip I learned from a magazine is using cans of food for light weights during workouts. Grab a can in each hand, stand with legs apart and arms down to the sides. Slowly raise arms, keeping them straight, until you reach shoulder level. Repeat 10 times.

That’s it for tonight. I hope you had a great day.