A recently released study proves that moderate female drinkers, those who imbibe more than 45 drinks a month (which seems like a lot of drinking, although it really only averages out to just shy of 1.5 glasses of wine a night) exercised 14 more minutes per week on average than those light drinkers who drank one to 14 drinks in the month. These women also reported exercising on average 20 minutes more than those who abstained from alcohol altogether. Also, drinkers of both sexes were 10 percent more likely than their sober peers to exercise vigorously in any given week.

Even more interesting, those who don’t drink alcohol and don’t exercise have a 30-49% increased risk of heart disease than those who either drink, exercise or both. I wonder what the correlation might be? After all, I’d assume that people with heavy exercise habits would also have a clean record of healthy living. It seems counter intuitive to spend hours at the gym and then kill the effort with alcohol intake. It could be that those who drink feel a need to burn off the extra calories, or maybe a person might chose to exercise just so they can drink a bit more.

It could be that those with an aggressive exercise habit are thrill seekers and the alcohol helps to fill that need. It could be the “runner’s high” that many report feeling with exercise, and the feelings you get when you drink are similar. Or it could just be coincidence – but it surely does make for an interesting topic, doesn’t it?

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Moderate Alcohol Consumption Yields Increased Exercise

What do those three sentences have in common and how can you use that commonality to your advantage while pursuing healthy eating? Both call for easy, hearty meals, and both can be resolved with my greatest kitchen friend – the slow cooker. Thick, rich, hearty soups and stews are comforting and filling, and can be made inexpensively – always a bonus in these tough economic times.

Using the slow cooker helps transform that cheaper, lean piece of meat to a juicy meal, and cooking beans in the slow cooker takes almost no effort at all. Crock Pot cooking also has the bonus of requiring very little oil and therefore, many Crock Pot meals are extremely diet friendly. One other added bonus – using a slow cooker means you spend less time in the kitchen, which has a double benefit of keeping you out of the kitchen (less snacking!) and frees up your time for exercise. It’s a win-win situation for all involved!

There are tons of recipes available, and many of them are Weight Watchers friendly, if you are using the Points system. Make a commitment to use your slow cooker three times a week, and you’ll be amazed at how much extra time you have – time you can use for exercise! Not to mention, you may have leftovers, perfect for healthy lunches during the week.

Here are some of our favorite Healthy Crock Pot Recipes – sure to please everyone in your family!

• Provencal Beef Stew
• Chicken Picante
• Chili Mac
• Pineapple Chicken
• Crock Pot Pizza
• Sweet and Sour Pork
• Turkey and Black Bean Chili

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Slow Cooker Meals are Key to Diet Success

But today was the day I had to start all over again. I went out and started with a warm-up walk, and once I felt comfortable with it, I added in short sprints. While I was trying to power through, and feeling perilously close to death, I wondered how much distance I had covered. I briefly entertained the idea of returning home and then driving the route with my car in order to use what my kids call the “trip tik” – and then I remembered MapMyRun. This site has a wealth of information, from routes that other members have posted, places to map your own run and even a log to record your efforts. There’s also the Google Map Pedometer, which is incredibly cool, and free to boot. Free is always my favorite way to be.

Keep track of your distance. I’ll bet you will become addicted to seeing those numbers jump!

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Essentials for Runners: Google Map Pedometer and MapMyRun

1. Map your trail: Always figure out your path before you start your run as this will keep you from getting lost or ending up in a dangerous place.

2. Run during the day: Try to run during the day or follow a well-lit path. This will help prevent any possible danger that could happen at night.

3. Take a partner: A running buddy is always a safe bet in case of injury or to keep would-be assailants away.

4. Hydrate before, during, and after your run: This will keep you hydrated and will prevent possible cramps.

5. Get new running shoes: It is recommended that you get new shoes every six months or so; this will help prevent your feet and knees from future injuries.

6. Stretch: Stretch before and after your run.

7. Run on a flat surface: Try to avoid uneven ground whenever possible as it’s more rough on the ankles and knees.

8. Check the weather: Make sure to check the weather report before your run, this will keep you from getting caught in the rain, a thunder storm, or worse.

9. Carry a phone or change for a phone call: Just in case you get lost, can’t finish the run, or have an injury during your run.

10. Run facing on-coming traffic: Do this so you know where the traffic is and so that you don’t get hit from behind.

11. Don’t wear black. Wear lighter colored clothing at night, or if you are dressed in black make sure you have on something reflective.

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11 Safety Tips For Runners

Best Places to Run in Seattle

1. Green Lake Park: One of Seattle’s most beloved parks that attracts tons of locals and tourists each day. The park offers plenty of recreation area, a newly reconstructed three-mile jogging path, and scenic lake-front views.
2. Discovery Park: Seattle’s largest park is located near the beach. This amazing park offers more than 11 miles of trails and sight-seeing. A must-see and do if you are new to the Seattle area.
3. Seward Park Trail: The six-and-a-half mile trail offers great views of South Seattle, the beach, natural forest, and bird watching. This is a great place to run if you are wanting to just get away from it all.

Check-out Matt’s tour of the Best Places to Run!

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Best Places to Run in Seattle

From the Starbucks website, the 16 ounce Grande size, made with 2% milk, contains 380 calories, 13 grams of fat, 51 grams of carbohydrates and 49 grams of sugar. That’s a hefty dose for one beverage – even if it does just come once a year. How can you enjoy this drink without ruining your daily calorie count? Order a Tall or even a Short size – an option that’s not listed on the menu board but is available. Have your drink made with non-fat milk and one less pump of the flavored syrup. Skip the whipped cream and you’ve dropped the drink into a more tolerable caloric range.

If you really must have the original drink in all its caloric goodness, what are some ways you can work it off? After all, what’s life without a treat now and again, right? Those 380 calories translate to walking a four mph pace for two hours, running a seven mph pace for 20 minutes, bikram yoga for 45 minutes, or bicycling 45 minutes. Is is worth it to you? Only you can decide – but know what you are getting before you step up to the counter.

Another alternative – you could make one yourself at home. While this Biggest Loser Frosty Pumpkin Smoothie isn’t warm, it does only have 132 calories.

Are you a Pumpkin Spice Latte devotee? How do you make it fit in your diet?

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How Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Fits in Your Diet

Best Places to Run in Orlando

1. Waterfront Park: Located about 20 miles west of downtown; this seven-mile trail around Lake Minneola is one to remember. The park offers plenty of parking, restrooms, water, and a playground for the kids.
2. Little Econ Greenway Trail: This scenic, multi-purpose trail is located in Jay Blanchard Park. The eight-mile trail is filled with scenic river views and picnic areas, but gets rather crowded on the weekends. A great place to get-a-way without really getting away.
3. Cady Way Trail: This trail runs from the Orlando Fashion Square Mall to Showalter Field (Winter Park). The paved three-and-a-half mile trail is a great place to enjoy a nice run as well as take in some urban scenery.

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Best Places to Run in Orlando

Best Places to Run in Philadelphia

1. Schuylkill River Trail: Located near Center City Philadelphia, this 23-mile trail runs along the Schuylkill River and ends near Valley Forge National Park. The trail gets very busy on the weekends, but it is 12 feet wide and paved so it provides plenty of space to run.
2. Kelly Drive: Located near the Philadelphia Art Museum, this four-mile running path offers one of the most scenic routes in Philadelphia. Most of the trail runs along the Schuylkill River and offers public bathrooms as well.
3. Forbidden Drive: Located in the Wissahickon Valley, this 10-mile gravel trail is known for its beautiful landscapes. The trail is shared by runners, bikers, and horseback riders. Each half mile is marked and water is available at the half-way point. A must do!

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Best Places to Run in Philadelphia

Best Places to Run in Miami

1. Miami Beach Boardwalk: The wooden boardwalk, located between 21st and 49th streets, extends for approximately two miles along the beach. It is perfect for an early morning run.
2. Miami Springs: This eight-mile paved trail runs along the Miami River and offers beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The trail also offers a variety of wildlife and has bathrooms along the route as well.
3. Metro-rail Trail: Located near South Miami, this popular seven- to eight-mile paved trail runs along the Metro and offers plenty of sight-seeing along the way. The trail also branches off to beach paths as well. A must do!

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Best Places to Run in Miami

Best Places to Run in St. Louis

1. Riverfront Trail: Runs eleven miles from the Gateway Arch to Riverfront Park in North St. Louis. The trail is accompanied by great sight seeing and a pleasant atmosphere. 
2. Hawk Ridge Trail: Located in Queeny Park, this four-mile trail has plenty to offer its fitness enthusiasts. The trail is mainly gravel with a few challenging inclines. The difficulty of this trail is easy to moderate, but a must do.
3. Forest Park Loop: A five- to seven-mile trail surrounded by trees and significant monuments and statues. The “East Walk Map” helps depict the history that surrounds the trail as well. Definitely put this trail on your “to do” list.

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Best Places to Run in St. Louis