DailySpark Blog http://www.dailyspark.com/ The DailySpark is a blog brought to you by SparkPeople.com. Topics included in the blog include the latest news in nutrition, fitness, and health, food features, and more. DailySpark.com http://www.dailyspark.com/images/dsp_logo.jpg http://www.dailyspark.com/ Giveaway: Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Chips http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=giveaway_food_should_taste_good_sweet_potato_chips We're giving six lucky winners the chance to win a 12-pack case of sweet potato chips from Food Should Taste Good! Fri, 3 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST Do Rising Food Costs Change Your Buying Decisions? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=do_rising_food_costs_change_your_buying_decisions The cost of items like eggs and chicken has gone up significantly in the past year. Have you noticed? Has this trend affected what you’re putting in your grocery cart? Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST The Super Bowl Exercise Game: Work Out While You Watch http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=the_super_bowl_exercise_game_work_out_while_you_watch Eager to get in on the football action? Unleash your inner athlete with the fun and challenging Super Bowl Workout Game designed by Coach Nicole! Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Tunes That Keep Me Moving and Grooving http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=tunes_that_keep_me_moving_and_grooving Beth shares her favorite workout tunes that keep her moving and grooving. Fri, 3 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST Let’s Go Streaking! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=lets_go_streaking Find out how Coach Denise uses SparkStreaks as a motivational tool that helps her reach various goals, along with how you too can start streaking today! Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST Is One of the Most Nutritious Kid's Meals Coming to Your Neighborhood? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=is_one_of_the_most_nutritious_kids_meals_coming_to_your_neighborhood Learn which fast casual dining restaurant has created new kid's meals that could be the healthiest option around. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Project Inspiration: Fight Bad Moods with Creativity http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=project_inspiration_fight_bad_moods_with_creativity Michelene shares another one of her healthy living tips on how they help her stay on track. Thu, 2 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST Nutritious And Delicious Super Bowl Recipes http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=nutritious_and_delicious_super_bowl_recipes All time favorite Super Bowl recipes from SparkRecipes. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST Ultimate Weight Loss--It's Not What You Think http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=ultimate_weight_lossits_not_what_you_think SparkPeople member Robert shares his journey to overcoming emotional eating and losing over 100 pounds. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST Great Excuses to Not Work Out http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=great_excuses_to_not_work_out We've heard them all, but are any exercise excuses really viable? Find out! Wed, 1 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST Meet a Man Who's Inspiring Thousand of Kids to Embrace Healthy Living http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=the_power_of_one The power of one decision, one goal, one belief that the hard work is worth it. Read an inspiring story about Coach Sam, my Dad. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST You Can Have It All, Just Not All at Once http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=you_can_have_it_all_just_not_all_at_once When we learn to stop demanding perfection of ourselves, we're able to keep ourselves from being our own worst enemy. You can't give 100% of yourself all the time. And that's OK. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST Gardening May Help Prevent Falls in the Elderly http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=gardening_may_help_prevent_falls_in_the_elderly Falls account for over 2 million emergency room visits each year, however according to a recent report gardening may help prevent falls in the elderly. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST When Exercise Hurts More Than Helps http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=when_exercise_hurts_more_than_helps In 2010, I experienced my first serious running injury. I made the problem worse by continuing to push through pain instead of listening to my body and resting. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Healthy Super Bowl Recipes http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=healthy_super_bowl_recipes Parties are typically diet disasters. Our good-for-you playbook offers a home-field advantage. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST Do It Every Day http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=do_it_every_day Jerome shares his tips on how he successfully lost over 100 pounds and has kept it off for over 2 years. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST Chef Meg's Roasted Winter Vegetables http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=chef_megs_roasted_winter_vegetables By roasting these hearty winter vegetables, we soften their strong tastes and bring out their natural sweetness.<br /> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST 7 Sure-Fire Tips to Get Kids Excited about Healthy Cooking http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=7_surefire_tips_to_get_kids_excited_about_healthy_cooking With all the talk of how we should help kids stay healthy and fight childhood obesity, my mind keeps returning to the same thought: Teach them to cook! Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST The Not-So-Extreme School Lunch Makeover http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=the_not_so_extreme_healthy_school_lunch_makeover After more than fifteen years, the school lunch regulations have been updated. Learn more about the new changes that students and parents will find next fall. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Negate What You Ate: Nachos http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=negate_what_you_ate_nachos Find out what it would take to burn off a heaping plate of this favorite (but fatty) sports bar snack.<br /> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST Check Out This Week's SparkPeople Radio Interviews (Listen Online!) http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=check_out_this_weeks_sparkpeople_radio_interviews_listen_online1 Find out what our SparkPeople experts are talking about this week on 'It's Your Health' radio. You can listen online anytime or find out when to tune in where you live. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST The Best of dailySpark http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=the_best_of_dailyspark_12912 A review of some of this month's best dailySpark blogs. Which one is your favorite? Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST Meet Greg, 155 Pounds Down, Thanks to SparkPeople http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=meet_greg_155_pounds_down_thanks_to_sparkpeople Beth interviews Greg Gaul a SparkPeople member who lost an amazing 155 pounds. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST Hungry for Another Giveaway? Two More SparkPeople Cookbooks Up For Grabs! http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=hungry_for_another_giveaway_two_more_sparkpeople_cookbooks_up_for_grabs We're giving you another chance to win a copy of “The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight", by Chef Meg Galvin and dailySpark editor Stepfanie Romine! Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Physical Activity Boosts Kid’s Brain Power http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=physical_activity_boosts_kids_brain_power These days, kids feel more pressure than ever to maintain a high G.P.A., and new research shows that exercise might help. Can physical activity really boost brain power? Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Poll: Do Mirrors Help or Hurt Your Exercise Efforts? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=poll_do_mirrors_help_or_hurt_your_exercise_efforts Watch yourself! Simply looking in a mirror could motivate you to exercise harder and boost your fitness. Do you agree? Take our poll to weigh in! Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST Worried about Weight Loss? The Rx: A Big Chill Pill http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=worried_about_weight_loss_the_rx_a_big_chill_pill Allow yourself some space, breath, and peace to know that despite all the swirling piles of information, you can make this work. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST Chef Meg’s Cut The Fat, Keep The Flavor Video http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=chef_megs_cut_the_fat_keep_the_flavor_video Think that you have to cut flavor as well as fat and salt when trying to lose weight? Think again.<br /> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST VIDEO: 23 and 1/2 Hours -- What is the Single Best Thing We Can Do for Our Health? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=video_23_and_12_hours_what_is_the_single_best_thing_we_can_do_for_our_health How much of your day is spent being sedentary? Coach Denise shares a video about how we can still make a big impact on our health by making small changes to our daily activities. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST Turn Winter Vegetables into Tasty Recipes http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=winters_harvest_sparkrecipes Pick up some Winter produce and get started today with SparkRecipes best Winter Harvest Recipes. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST In Post-Menopausal Women, 'the Sunshine Vitamin' is One to Watch http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=in_postmenopausal_women_the_sunshine_vitamin_is_one_to_watch Vitamin D, the 'sunshine vitamin,' has quite an important role in the body--and we continue to learn more about it. A deficiency can affect your bone health. Protect yourself! Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Cut Your Workout Time in Half http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=cut_your_workout_time_in_half Get in, get out--and still get the same fitness and calorie burning benefits. Coach Nicole tells you how. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST 21 Benefits of Healthy Living http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=21_benefits_of_healthy_living Nancy shares her list of 21 benefits of healthy living, none of which include the number on the scale or a size on a tag. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST What's Your Secret, Dr. Birdie? Willpower http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=whats_your_secret_dr_birdie_willpower When asked how she lost 100+ pounds and kept it off, Dr. Birdie used to answer: "diet and exercise." Today she's explaining the role willpower plays as well. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Perfect Jeans for Every Body http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=perfect_jeans_for_every_body Check out the latest cuts and colors. (As in, no more shopping blues!) Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Do You Embrace or Fight the Aging Process? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=do_you_embrace_or_fight_the_aging_process Although I don’t love some changes that come with aging, I do my best to accept that regardless, I can still be fit and happy. What about you? Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST Shut Up and Sweat http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=shut_up_and_sweat In part three of his blog series, Jerome shares how he lost over 100 pounds by making a commitment to exercise. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST Chef Meg's Light Lemon Blueberry Donuts http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=chef_megs_light_lemon_blueberry_donuts At 300 calories a pop, donuts are an easy way to wreck a healthy breakfast. Not my baked ones. They're bursting with fruit and flavor--not fat! Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Sometimes When I Look at Myself... http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=sometimes_when_i_look_at_myself Having lost over 150 pounds, Beth reflects on how she now sees herself as she continues to travel her healthy living journey. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST What Alternative Cold Remedies Really Work? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=what_alternative_cold_remedies_really_work Learn which meds can help fight off the rhinovirus—and which you should pass on.<br /> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST Check Out This Week's SparkPeople Radio Interviews (Listen Online!) http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=check_out_this_weeks_sparkpeople_radio_interviews_listen_online Find out what our SparkPeople experts are talking about this week on 'It's Your Health' radio. You can listen online or find out when to tune in where you live. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST This Month's Best Member Blogs http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=this_months_best_member_blogs_12212 A review of some of this month's best member blogs. Which one is your favorite?<br /> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST How to Design Your Ideal Workout Plan http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=how_to_design_your_ideal_workout_plan Are you doing too much or not enough? Are you working out long enough? Is your current workout schedule really optimal for your goals? Get the answers from Coach Nicole! Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST 10 Decadent Desserts You Won't Believe are Only 200 Calories http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=10_decadent_desserts_you_wont_believe_are_only_200_calories You won't believe that these treats are 200 calories or less (including extras!).<br /> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST CONTEST CLOSED: Win a Tea Basket, Warm Your Heart and Soul http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=win_a_tea_basket_warm_your_heart_and_soul In honor of National Hot Tea Month, our friends at Traditional Medicinals® will be giving away a basket of delicious teas to one lucky SparkPeople member. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST Let’s Move! and Physical Activity: Nominate a Champion of Change http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=lets_move_and_physical_activity_nominate_a_champion_of_change Are you or someone you know promoting a healthy lifestyle in your community? Tell us more! Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST Is Everyone Being Too Hard on Paula Deen? http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=is_everyone_being_too_hard_on_paula_deen More than 8 percent of people in the U.S. have diabetes, including Paula Deen, so why so much outrage about her recent announcement? We think people should cut her some slack. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST An Easy Way to Decrease Teen Soda Consumption http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=an_easy_way_to_decrease_teen_soda_consumption Researchers have found an interesting way to discourage teenage soda consumption- and it’s not by telling teens how many calories are in a serving. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST Two Things You Can't Get Enough Of http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=two_things_you_cant_get_enough_of Thanks to four hours of fear, loathing and migraines at a deafening indoor amusement park, the Slowest Loser figured out what's missing in your life. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST Watch the Video of Chef Meg on 'The Doctors' http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=watch_the_video_of_chef_meg_on_the_doctors Watch the video of Chef Meg on "The Doctors." Plus, get three new-to-you recipes from "The SparkPeople Cookbook." Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST