Workaday Superstar

WORKADAY TIP #139: Increase Your Metabolism

I recently read in Women's Health Magazine that taking Fish Oil before working out will increase your metabolism and burn more calories.  Since I typically take my vitamins with breakfast which generally happens after my workout, I have yet to start this ritual.  

I was also concerned that take Fish Oil on an empty stomach may be an issue but since it's oil, I am think I'll be okay.  I think I'll start taking it this week and report back!

I also came across this article that offers a bunch of different ways to increase your metabolism.  Many of these were new to me however I had heard of fish oil, green tea, coffee and peppers before.   If you've had any luck with any of these, let me know.  I'd love to hear your experience with them (positive and negative).

WORKADAY TIP #138: Take The Stairs

This tip was inspired by MarkThink.  He was telling us last night how he and his wife have to carry their son 42 stairs to their apartment numerous times a day.   After hearing this, I realized that taking the stairs is a great Workaday Superstar tip! 

Taking the stairs is not only good for your health but it likely will save you time as well.  Elevators mean waiting plus many stops to get to your floor.  Escalators mean standing behind people who refuse to actually walk on an escalator.

So while you may not be able to give up your gym membership, taking the stairs will burn a few more calories, save you a few more minutes and a bit of your sanity as well!

WORKADAY TIP #137: Easy Backside Exercises

I am a big fan of Real Age.  It's a website that tells you how "old" you are based on your health and your activities.  Once a week they email me tips for how to decrease my real age and stay healthy. 

Here is one article in particular that I thought was an easy and fast way to tone-up for summer. 3 Steps to a Summer-Ready Backside It offers three different things you can do in addition to your workout that can make a real difference.

Here is my favorite of the three:  "Summer means stairs. Seek the stairs everywhere you go. Here’s how to make them work for your backside: Fully plant your foot on each step, and firmly press through your heel and tighten your glutes as you straighten your leg with each step." 

You can just incorporate this into your daily activities.  Hooray!

WORKADAY TIP #136: Get Enough Sleep

My friend Daisy had suggested this as a Workaday Superstar tip a loong time ago and somehow I had forgotten to post it!   She always looks fabulous dispite her partying ways so this must be a good tip.

The Wall Street Journal also confirmed Daisy's tip.  Getting enough sleep helps you stay healthy.  According to the article, "failing to get enough sleep or sleeping at odd hours heightens the risk for a variety of major illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, recent studies indicate."

My translation?  More sleep means I won't get sick and I will be thin.  I am in! 

Here is another article that gives you 33 Secrets to a Good Night Sleep  

WORKADAY TIP #134: A Butter Substitute

I learned this great tip from my mom and sister this week. 

When making a grilled cheese sandwich, rather than putting butter on bread, use mustard.  Yes, that's right - MUSTARD.

If you "butter" your bread with mustard instead of butter, you'll not only eliminate calories but you will also add a little more flavor to a generally basic and bland grilled cheese sandwich.  If you will want to add some real interest, try using a spicy or dijon mustard.

I made myself a grilled cheese today on rye with dijon mustard instead of butter and I have to say, it might be the best grilled cheese I've ever had!