November 1, 2008
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. There is still time in many locations to go apple picking for that Thanksgiving pie. Engage the kids by having them research some healthier foods for the holiday feast, and then try them out in advance. Learning to plan, cook at eat healthy is a valuable lesson to pass on.
October 15, 2008
Why not combine yard work and exercise? Rake all of your leaves in a big pile and jump in them with your kids. Also, fall is a great time for planting bulbs, shrubs and trees. You can burn around 300 calories per hour doing yard work. Added bonus…your yard and garden will look awesome in the spring.
October 1, 2008
Get ready for Halloween. Take a trip to the Pumpkin patch. If you can find one where you can actually walk to the field where they are growing, that would be great. Be certain to go through the corn maze if there is one, and soon the steps will add up! Finish the day off with a hot cup of apple cider. Flavored with spices and an orange slice, it is only about 120 calories!
May 1, 2008
This is the month for mothers! Get together with your mom or sister-mom and plant some flowers. The exercise you get while gardening is beneficial, you are able to spend some quality time together and the blossoms you grow all summer can provide a reminder of the special relationship you share.
April 15, 2008
Collegians can organize a chapter competition of sack or 3-legged races, water balloon toss, or hula hoop and jump rope contests. The point is to get outside, exercise and have fun! If you raise money for diabetes during the competition, all the better.
April 1, 2008
Check out volunteer opportunities at your local Humane Society. Many shelters are in need of volunteers to assist in walking dogs. One Humane Society in the Indianapolis area has a program entitled, “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound." See if there is something like this in your community. If not, consider starting one. You not only get in some good exercise, you perform community service as well.
March 15, 2008
The weather might not yet be cooperating for some nice outside exercise. You can get a touch of the coming spring season by taking advantage of local botanical gardens. Walk through these beautiful places and admire the flora while you increase your number of steps for the day.
March 1, 2008
Easter is coming! Get together with sisters and friends to dye Easter eggs, make or decorate baskets or organize an Easter Egg Hunt for local diabetic children. You might want to include an egg rolling or egg tossing contest as well.
February 15, 2008
Is it difficult to find time in your day to work in exercise? Why not form a walking group at your office or at your child’s school? Plan to get together with your co-workers during your lunch hour and divide your time by spending 30 minutes walking and thirty minutes eating your lunch. You can also get together with other moms after you drop the kids off at school for a walk around the school track or around the school grounds.
February 1, 2008
February is the month of love...and chocolate! Have you tasted dark chocolate that is the "better alternative" of the chocolate family? Get a group together and do some tasting of the dark chocolate products on the market today. Remember, just a taste and you will most likely find that is all you need to satisfy a chocolate craving.
January 15, 2008
Unsure of how to work exercise into your daily routine? Invite a personal trainer to an event to give tips on using everyday household items as exercise equipment and/or how to turn everyday chores into exercise. For an idea of how many calories are burned during various activities, go to http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist.htm
January 1, 2008
Have trouble sticking to your New Year’s Resolution? Invite your members to share their New Year’s resolutions at a chapter/club event. At each subsequent event review the resolutions. Cheer successes and provide needed encouragement for sisters who are slipping to help keep them on track.
December 15, 2007
Here’s a great way to share ideas for making those holiday favorites a little healthier. Get together with a group of friends and have a holiday themed "low cal" potluck and recipe swap. See who can come up with the tastiest item and award a prize!
December 1, 2007
This month, get a group together and go caroling. It is a great way to get in some walking exercise when you might be more inclined to sit on the couch because the weather is cold outside. Afterwards, gather at someone’s house for hot chocolate made with fat free milk!
November 15, 2007
Not sure what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Use your November event to share ideas for converting Thanksgiving leftovers into healthy meals. Bring samples because everyone wants a taste!
November 1, 2007
As the seasons change, get out and enjoy the fall foliage. Spend time walking or hiking and looking at leaves and other plants during this changing season. A bonus: collect natural items to bring home to make a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
October 17, 2007
Need to work in extra steps this month? Be certain to go trick-or-treating. You can go with children or trick-or-treat as an adult group, collecting food items for local food pantries. If you are collecting food, be sure to take along a wagon!
October 1, 2007
Here’s a program idea for October: Invite a dietician to your chapter or club event who can offer suggestions of healthier treat options for trick-or-treaters. You might also consider asking a police officer to come and discuss safety guidelines for trick or treating. |
