Green Health, Fitness and Nutrition Solutions

Ease on down the road

Walking is one of the best and easiest exercises you can do.  It is something that almost anyone can do, at any age, and at almost any fitness level.  You don’t need to join a gym and you don’t need any special equipment besides a comfortable pair of kicks! 

Set a goal of running your weekly errands by walking.  Not only will you feel better as you get in shape, but you can save money and fuel by walking to work or to the store.  No sidewalks or paths near where you live? Take public transportation to the nearest park and walk there.  (Don’t forget to walk on well-lit paths and/or take a walking buddy).

o       Too cold to walk outside? Check out a great indoor treadmill routine. 

o       Don’t sweat the technique.  Walking just a few hours a week can help you lose weight and keep the pounds off! 

Update on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 10:13AM by chocolate granola

Footwear Follow Through

Recycle your old shoes: Your old sneakers can bring new life to your neighborhood and provide wonderful resources for children in other communities.  The Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program converts old sneakers into playgrounds, tennis courts and gyms.  Nike Grind recycles the shoe outsole into track and playground surfaces as well as other Nike products.  The shoe's midsole becomes outdoor basketball and tennis court cushion and the shoe's fabric upper becomes cushion parts for indoor synthetic courts.  Since 1990, the program has collected over 25 million shoes.  Have an old pair in the closet that you can't use or that your kids have outgrown?  If they are in great condition, consider donating to charity or a women's shelter.  If well worn, find a Nike drop off location near you.

Check out this video link for more info about The Nike program in Tempe, AZ.

Cute sustainable sneakers: You can find really cute sneakers that are affordable, stylish and eco-friendly.  If you are shopping for a new pair of sneakers, get a pair that is made from sustainable materials including jute organic cotton.  Simple Shoes has great options that look like your favorite traditional sneaks but include biodegradeable soles!

Warm weather wear: If you live somewhere warm enough to wear sandals, check out Green Soul Shoes. They work with shoemakers in developing countries to create comfortable black walking sandals made 100% from recycled tires and sent in recycled and recyclable packaging.  After you wear down the sandals achieving your fitness goals, they will reclaim the shoes. 

Health, Fitness and Nutrition Motivation

Many of us resolved to jump-start our fitness in 2010.  We celebrated the holiday season by staying warm indoors and indulging in delicious treats lovingly prepared by our family or toasting the good life with friends.  As you may have noticed when you went to squeeze into that little black dress in the back of the closet for New Year’s Eve, your waistline, thighs and hips are a little bit thicker than you remember.  Hey, curves are beautiful and sexy.  But a sedentary lifestyle and heavily processed foods may not be helping you reach your health goals!

Get fit for your health.  It’s not all about vanity.  University of Oxford researchers examined dozens of studies and concluded that extra pounds could take up to ten years off your life, similar to the effects of smoking cigarettes! 

Green your goals.  Over the next few posts, we will explore practical, sustainable solutions aimed at helping us achieve our fitness, health and nutrition goals.  From walking to eating locally grown fruits and vegetables, we can be healthy in an environmentally-friendly way that also contributes to our communities.  Let's do it together!