Empower Blog

Of course! I’m a self-proclaimed fan of the 30-minute meal. At this point in my life, I simply don’t want to spend more than 30 minutes making dinner – I’d rather be playing with my little girls. I’ve probably bought every cookbook claiming to have “fast” recipes. I particularly love cooking in the Fall and Winter as its the perfect weather for Crockpot meals.

The cooler temperatures lend themselves to soups, stews, casseroles, and warm dishes. I have a wonderful cookbook filled with low-fat, healthy Crockpot meals. Not only can I continue to serve healthy options for my family but I can make them in advance, let them cook all day, and come home to dinner that is ready to go – so simple! Plus, most Crockpot meals can feed my family for two nights!

Try acting like a 2-year-old. I’m not suggesting anyone assume the attitude of a toddler but rather act like a 2-year old physically. If you have a toddler like me you know how their engines run full-steam ahead until they crash for nap or bedtime.

We’ve recently had lots of rainy weather, cooler temps, and been stuck indoors. Of course that hasn’t tamed my daughter’s need to burn off her 2-and-a-half year old energy. So I’ve been getting down on her level. We’ve been crawling and rolling all over chasing her little sister. I’ve been running after her around the house playing games and hide n’ seek.

Even though I workout regularly, but I can tell you that keeping up with a toddler’s every move is a workout of a different kind. On the days you’ve missed a workout and want to spend time with your little ones, get down on their level and keep in step with them. I can assure it may not target your “problem areas” directly but it will absolutely count as exercise.

By Heather Hawk

We all know that finding time for fitness can be a challenge.

Whether it’s work, family, or school we all have life pulling us in several directions. Having my own company provides me the luxury of working from home a few days a week so squeezing in a workout early morning or mid-day is usually convenient. Lately, my work has had me on location most weekdays. By the time I get home I want to spend all the time I can with mygirls before their bedtime.

I was finding myself stressing out over when to fit in my workout. So I decided to combine the two activities and I’m using my playtime with my girls to be as physical as possible. My oldest, who is three, loves to crawl over and under furniture, jump, run, and climb through the jungle-gym at the park. Instead of simply cheering her on from the sidelines, I’m now right by her for all her fun and exploration.

You’d be amazedhow exhausting it can be keeping up with a three year old…I know I’m working up a sweat, burning calories, and using my muscles in very different ways.

By Heather Hawk

Tempting foods are everywhere. If I could still be healthy and live on sweets I would. But since that isn’t possible, I know the importance of healthy eating. I’ve learned from my own experience that small changes can add up to big results when it comes to my health and my body shape. There are simple changes I’ve made over the years that save me big on the calorie count.

• Order salads with dressing and cheese on the side
• Avoid fried foods
• When ordering sandwiches, ask for whole grain bread
• For any meal, ask for all sauces on the side
• Avoid creamy soups, choose clear or broth based soups instead
• Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda