When I write this column, I imagine a potential reader and most of the time I write for wives and mothers. Today's list is meant for husbands and boyfriends. If your man isn't likely to find this blog, pass these hints along to give him ideas.
In past entries, I have shared stories of my husband Franz's surprises. He is very romantic and thoughtful and I remind myself every day how blessed I am to have his love. He wants me to have everything I want, every day and goes to extreme lengths to make me happy. Sometimes, though, it's not always helpful to get everything. My list today gives ideas for indulgances that are good for you and still fun to receive. If you want to encourage your wife in her quest for health, read on for ways to show her you love her without sabotaging her attempts.
1. Encourage her choices
Notice her workouts, tell her she looks sexy, and make her feel good about taking the time to eat right and exercise regularly.
2. Give her a massage
It doesn't matter if you're trained or not. Low lights, soft music, some scented candles, and lots of touching make for a wonderfully indulged feeling.
3. Paint her toes
I've read about this one several places but have never experienced it. I imagine it as something hilarious more than romantic since Franz thinks my feet could be a scary Halloween decoration. Hopefully your feet aren't so difficult and that his one is sensual instead of scary.
4. Give her compliments
We notice. When you tell us we are beautiful, intelligent and kind, we notice. My heart still speeds up just a little when Franz compliments the shade of my eyes. The European accent doesn't hurt...
5. Hold hands
When you're walking together, take her hand. It shows you want to be close and connected even in public.
6. Read to her
I love poetry and would melt if Franz sat next to me by a roaring fire reading a beatiful sonnet. He could read the Danish newspaper and I would think it was special. It's intimate and comforting.
7. Take her dancing
Dancing with the Stars has made us all want to waltz around the ballroom as gracefully as Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. We watch the stars samba and tango and wish our men would dress up and take us out for a night of dancing.
8. Watch a romantic movie together
Although I am not a movie fan in general, I love sitting together and watching people fall in love. Make some popcorn, put your feet up and remember how wonderful it is to discover love.
9. Play her favorite music
Franz and I like similar music so this one happens more often than not in our household. If you enjoy country and she's rock and roll, give her CD some playing time when your driving around town.
10. Make a list of reasons you love her
My brother wrote this list for his wife on their 10th anniversary. Wow! I cannot imagine anything more romantic. Take time to tell her, in writing, what you love about her. Don't forget to mention the fact that you love that she takes care of herself as one of your items.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Your health: Instead of a another sweater
Need the perfect gift for someone who is working to lose weight? Here are ten ideas that support the healthy lifestyle and still fun to receive. The list is a little different since I have segmented the gifts by relationship.
1. For your co-worker
A pretty lunch bag with matching storage containers. You can even fill it with a lunch food for presentation.
2. For your mother-in-law
A membership to her local gym or a Y where she can stay active in a group setting. She'll also have the guidance she needs to try new things.
3. For your husband
An interactive vaction like biking in Napa Valley or hiking at a state park.
4. For your wife
A set of weights. Women don't do enough weight work outs to prevent bone density loss. Help her get started with some colorful ones. Don't forget to encourage her progress!
5. For your child
Tickets to a local sports team. Colleges and High schools have very reasonably priced season tickets. For a pro event, you might have to make it a one-time thing.
6. For your BFF
A cool gym bag with lots of compartments for storing stuff.
7. For your neighbor
Coupons to watch the kids or run errands so she has time to take a walk or get to the gym.
8. For your local charity
A subscription to a health magazine like Prevention, Shape, or Experience Life
9. For your pet
A polka dot or camoflague leash so Rover can walk with you. Balls and frisbees also promote activity to keep Happy happy.
10. For yourself
A new exercise outfit. Do you know that getting something new will increase your liklihood of working out? You are doing yourself a favor by adding to this wardrobe once in a while.
1. For your co-worker
A pretty lunch bag with matching storage containers. You can even fill it with a lunch food for presentation.
2. For your mother-in-law
A membership to her local gym or a Y where she can stay active in a group setting. She'll also have the guidance she needs to try new things.
3. For your husband
An interactive vaction like biking in Napa Valley or hiking at a state park.
4. For your wife
A set of weights. Women don't do enough weight work outs to prevent bone density loss. Help her get started with some colorful ones. Don't forget to encourage her progress!
5. For your child
Tickets to a local sports team. Colleges and High schools have very reasonably priced season tickets. For a pro event, you might have to make it a one-time thing.
6. For your BFF
A cool gym bag with lots of compartments for storing stuff.
7. For your neighbor
Coupons to watch the kids or run errands so she has time to take a walk or get to the gym.
8. For your local charity
A subscription to a health magazine like Prevention, Shape, or Experience Life
9. For your pet
A polka dot or camoflague leash so Rover can walk with you. Balls and frisbees also promote activity to keep Happy happy.
10. For yourself
A new exercise outfit. Do you know that getting something new will increase your liklihood of working out? You are doing yourself a favor by adding to this wardrobe once in a while.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Your health: Instead of making excuses
A different spin on the concept this time. You'll get a list of ten things as always. This time though stop reading at the first thing you don't already do and try doing it for ten days. I have compiled the commonalities I've found in books and websites for eating well and staying healthy.
Only adopt one thing at a time so if you don't eat breakfast, stop at number 1 and try making it part of your morning routine for ten days. Once you've done that, come back for the next thing. I made it to number three before stopping. I'll check back in ten days and let you know how that goes.
1. Eat breakfast
Ideally you have protein, water, and carbs within a few hours of waking up. I am trying oatmeal because I've read it's a super food. I don't love it but a few almonds sprinkled in makes it bearable.
2. Cut out cola- sweetened and diet
Read the label. The ingredients sound more like a chemistry experiment than food.
3. Take a multi-vitamin
Unless you believe your habits are getting the correct dose of all those needed nutrients, you need this.
4. Measure and weigh your food for serving size
We underestimate quantity. My one serving of cheerios turned into 2 and a half. One cup seems so small in my big breakfast bowl.
5. Add three servings of veggies to your daily meals
The experts think we get one or two servings a day. By adding three more your almost at recommended levels.
6. Pack a lunch
My small salad at Corner Baker on Monday had 46 grams of fat. Wow! I could have had a burger.
7. Eat small meals every three hours
I am just now trying this. It is amazing not to feel hungry during the day. Not as easy as it sounds but worth the effort.
8. Get protein from chicken, fish, and nuts
Lean protein is important and needed in small quantities every meal according to the experts.This will be another stopping place for me.
9. Learn your calorie target
The FDA site lets you enter your age and weight to figure out your metabolic rate and the calories needed to sustain you.
10. Enjoy one treat meal each week
My husband reminds me that going all out, full bore will lead to quick burnout. I have a feeling I will enjoy spending ten days on this one.
Only adopt one thing at a time so if you don't eat breakfast, stop at number 1 and try making it part of your morning routine for ten days. Once you've done that, come back for the next thing. I made it to number three before stopping. I'll check back in ten days and let you know how that goes.
1. Eat breakfast
Ideally you have protein, water, and carbs within a few hours of waking up. I am trying oatmeal because I've read it's a super food. I don't love it but a few almonds sprinkled in makes it bearable.
2. Cut out cola- sweetened and diet
Read the label. The ingredients sound more like a chemistry experiment than food.
3. Take a multi-vitamin
Unless you believe your habits are getting the correct dose of all those needed nutrients, you need this.
4. Measure and weigh your food for serving size
We underestimate quantity. My one serving of cheerios turned into 2 and a half. One cup seems so small in my big breakfast bowl.
5. Add three servings of veggies to your daily meals
The experts think we get one or two servings a day. By adding three more your almost at recommended levels.
6. Pack a lunch
My small salad at Corner Baker on Monday had 46 grams of fat. Wow! I could have had a burger.
7. Eat small meals every three hours
I am just now trying this. It is amazing not to feel hungry during the day. Not as easy as it sounds but worth the effort.
8. Get protein from chicken, fish, and nuts
Lean protein is important and needed in small quantities every meal according to the experts.This will be another stopping place for me.
9. Learn your calorie target
The FDA site lets you enter your age and weight to figure out your metabolic rate and the calories needed to sustain you.
10. Enjoy one treat meal each week
My husband reminds me that going all out, full bore will lead to quick burnout. I have a feeling I will enjoy spending ten days on this one.
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