Tip of the Day

Ditch the keys! Start “active commuting” by riding a bike or walking to work.

Get H3 Inspired: Victor Aldrich

My life was in a downward spiral. I had just been laid off, I was a little over 300 lbs and I was truly unhappy. I had lost weight before but I gained it all back and just couldn’t seem to break myself of this vicious cycle. It was then that I realized I needed to do something. That’s when I found H3. It looked like exactly what I needed to jumpstart a healthier way of living.

 

I stayed at H3 for three weeks, and in just those three weeks—I not only lost 24 lbs, but I completely transformed my life. It’s wasn’t that I didn’t know what to do; it was that I didn’t know how to do it. H3 taught me how to change my behaviors—how to eat healthy and how to exercise.

 

My stay was the complete mind, body and soul experience. It really made me open up—and want to do everything I could to change myself, to turn things around. I understood that this program is about choice—and you get out what you put in. It was then that I committed myself to the program 110%. For me this was more of a mental journey rather than a physical one.

 

Over the course of this past year or so, I’ve completely turned my life around. I’ve traveled the world, I’ll soon be receiving my MBA, and I’ve continued to lose weight—a total of 92 lbs. My energy has shot completely through the roof—everyone from my family to acquaintances has noticed the improvement in not just my looks but my attitude and actions. I feel as though now, the sky’s the limit! And not only am I healthier, but my family’s seen the change in me and decided they too want to embrace a healthy lifestyle. My father has gone on to lose 25-30 lbs.

 

When I first left H3, I set mini-goals. Ten pounds here, twenty pounds there—but never did I think I could reach a total of 100 pounds. But now, 92 lbs. lighter, I can see the 100 lb. mark is within my reach.

 

Victor Aldrich, 26

 

 

For more stories like Victor's, click here.    If you have a story you’d like to share, please e-mail us at getinspired@hhhealth.com! Make sure to put ‘Get Inspired’ in the subject line.

Just Say No!

When you add physical activity and healthy eating (with all the planning and preparation they require) to your lifestyle, something has to give to make time for them.  When you take on too many responsibilities at home, work, and/or in your community, you may not have enough time and energy left to take care of yourself.  If you frequently find yourself over-extended, think about what commitments you’d like to let go.  Learn to say “No” to tasks that drain your time and energy.

If you could say “No” to someone or something in your life…

Who or what would you say no to?

What project or obligation would you give up?

What relationship would you end?

What date might you break? 

List 5 things you’d like to say “no” to:

Tip of the Day

Do you eat too fast?  If so, try eating with your non-dominant hand.

Raising A Healthy Family

Our topic of the week at H3 is Raising a Healthy Family.  August is here, and kids are soon off to school and back to reality.  Along with the change in schedule, children experience many other changes – in their activity level, eating patterns, peer pressure, and stress levels.  Our guest presenter this week, retired Pediatrician, Dr. Jo Zurbrugg, is introducing the basics of the 5-2-1-0 Health Program for children/families.  The philosophy of these 4 key points can set your family on the right path to a healthy lifestyle. 

 

Test it out on your kids (and yourself!) to see if you pass the test!  Stay tuned for more tips on role modeling a healthy lifestyle!

 

5-2-1-0 Health Program

5 Servings/day of Fruits and Vegetables (minimum)

2 hours/day (maximum) of sedentary time (screen/computer, game boys, etc)

1 hour/day of consistent activity

0 avoid sugary drinks (colas, juices, etc.)

 

For healthy and kid-friendly recipes, check out the Member's Only section of our website.  Pita pizzas, smoothies, and even desserts!

Tip of the Day

Want to sleep better?  Relieve stress.  People with uncontrolled stress are more prone to insomnia.

H3 Recipe: Macaroni & Cheese

Who doesn't love a steamy, gooey bowl of macaroni and cheese?  Well, if you are reaching for the blue box - DON'T!!  An entire box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has 1230 calories and 44 grams of fat!!  Instead, when you come across a craving for a delicious bowl of cheesy goodness, try the H3 version.  I promise, it won't leave your taste buds disappointed!

 

H3 Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

4 oz.                Dry whole wheat pasta or multi-grain elbow pasta

1/2 cup          Skim Milk

2 Tbsp             Fat free cream cheese

1/2 cup           2 % Sharp or Mild cheddar cheese (Kraft)    

1 cup               Broccoli, cut into bite size florets                     

 

Preparation:

~ In a medium sauce pan bring water to a boil.

~ Add in whole wheat or multi-grain pasta and stir.

~ Cook pasta until it is soft but still has a little crunch.

~ Pour pasta and water into a strainer, draining out all the water.

~ Return drained pasta to the pot.

~ Stir in skim milk, cream cheese, and 2% sharp cheddar cheese.

~ Serve immediately. Enjoy!

 

Chef's Note:  Cooked pasta is about ¾ of a cup, with broccoli added should be about 1 ¼ cup!  

 

 

Number of servings:   2

Serving Size:    6 oz. cooked

Calories:   330

Fat Grams:  7

 

Check back next Sunday for another healthy and delicious receipe from H3's Kitchen!