Why Jump Rope?

Do you want a quick calorie burner? Then this is for you. Jumping rope can burn 135 calories in 10 minutes. It is also a portable workout, you only need about 10 inches of room above your head, and about four by six feet of floor space. It is very aerobic so always make sure you have your physician's okay to start an exercise program.

To challenge yourself try jumping on one foot, alternating from left to right foot. Or jump as fast as you can on both feet. Jumping rope gives you a whole body workout in a short amount of time. You will sculpt the chest shoulders, arms, and legs.

The really lovely thing is that jump ropes are inexpensive. You can pick one up for under $5 or get a weighted one for just a little more. Add some burpees or push ups and you have a quick workout that will boost your metabolism for the whole day. What's not to like?

Tired of the same old grains?

Do you always cook rice or potatoes? Do you know there are a ton of other grains out there that are nutritious and worth trying out. Millet goes great with sweet potatoes or whatever veggies you have on hand. It has a nutty taste and improves in flavor if toasted before cooking. Buckwheat or kasha, is another wonderful grain and is delicious when roasted. I like a savory dish that combines sautéed onions, mushrooms, salt and pepper with the roasted kasha. If you have leftover kasha, try is as a breakfast dish, with soy milk and almonds and raisins thrown in. Yummy! By now everyone has heard of quinoa (pronounced keenwah) I'm sure. It is great in pilafs or cold salads. It can be also ground into flour for baked good, great if you have a gluten intolerance. Some other tasty grains are barley, wheat berries, brown basmati rice, wild rice, and amaranth. Mix it up, try something different than the same old pasta or potatoes tonight.