Strollers That Will Help Parents Improve Their Fitness Level

One of the challenges that full time mothers often face is finding personal time to do things that they love or want to do, like workout. Jogging strollers are a great way to combine looking after the kids with getting daily exercise. It is also something that children can also benefit from as they can get out and see the world with Mom or Dad. There are a wide variety of different running strollers available, but one that stands out for comfort, performance, and safety is the BOB Revolution Flex jogger. If you are looking for a way to get back into shape without sacrificing time with the kids, then this is one piece of equipment that is definitely worth the investment. You really do not have to run that far to see the benefits that jogging can produce. Below is a brief run down of the Flex stroller.

Features

The main selling point of this stroller is the adjustable handle bar that is able to accommodate runners of varying heights. If Mom and Dad like to run, then the stroller is able to fit them both comfortably. This is where the “Flex” comes into play. Having a correct handle bar placement not only makes it more enjoyable to push, but it also helps keep the hands and arms from getting fatigued and the runner is better able to maneuver the stroller safely.

Some of the other features that make this stroller standout include;

1. Premium quality materials

The BOB’s fabric is made of strong breathable materials which promises long life and a cool ride. Moreover, the plastic components of this stroller are very strong and are not vulnerable to bending hence guaranteeing durability. The frame is light weight but strong which makes it ideal for going off road on bumpy terrain.

2. Tracking adjustment dial

This is an important feature that helps you to straighten your stroll when the front wheel starts drift to one side. This increases the flexibility of this product.

3. Tough pneumatic tires

These tires are able to handle terrains of all kinds: tough or smooth. This ensures that your baby enjoys the ride irrespective of the terrain.

4. Warranty

The BOB Stroller has a limited warranty of which gives you the peace of mind when purchasing this product. The frames have a limited warranty of 5 years while the fabric and other small parts have a limited warranty of 1 year.

5. Foot brake

This brake allows you to control the stroller. It locks both wheels. However, your shoes may have some scratches since the brakes are not flip-flip friendly. The brakes enhances the safety of your child while riding.

The pros

  • A huge canopy: this stroller has two huge panels that provide enough shed. In fact, the canopy of this stroller is among the best canopies in the 21st century.
  • Roomy seat: when it comes to the size of the seat, this stroller gets a good rating. The width and height of this seat is seat is about 14.5” and 23” respectively.
  • Adequate storage at the back: this stroller has enough storage to carry things that your baby may need when you are out. It offers enough space to pack small items that will keep your child comfortable throughout the day.
  • Easy fold: the folding and unfolding process is extremely easy. Usually, it is a process that uses both hands: in two steps. You need to lock your stroller with a clip once you have folded it since it does not lock automatically.
  • Lightweight: 25 pounds is a reasonable weight for a stroller. It is also smaller when folded especially if the wheels are taken off.
  • The adjustable handlebar lessens the fatigue on parents hence allowing then run over long distances. The adjustable suspension and adjustable tracking makes the passenger comfortable and helps you to run straight.

The cons

  • The stroller does not lock automatically once it has been folded. This means that you must use a clip to lock your stroller. However, the manufacturer has promised to add this feature to the next generation.
  • The stroller is not cheap. While a lot of owners find the Flex worth the price, it is not exactly budget friendly.
  • Unfortunately, this stroller does not contain a cup/bottle holder. This means that you must look for an alternative for this since water is necessary during exercise.

Investing In Your Health

Even with the higher price, the BOB Revolution Flex is perhaps the highest rated jogging stroller on the market in 2017. The performance of this product is second to none which is reflected in its high scores from customer reviews. Whether you are training for a marathon, or you just want to get outside and walk at a brisk pace, this stroller will be able to handle just about any type of terrain and speed. Its versatility and ease of use is something that just about every mother can take advantage of. So let’s get moving.

Overcoming The Taste Of Broccoli For The Greater Good

benefits-of-broccoli

Broccoli is one of those vegetables that a lot of people cringe at the thought of eating. However, if you truly knew just how powerful of a veggie it truly was then you might think twice at turning your nose up at it. It is one food that can have a positive impact in various areas of the body that might make you think twice. A simple resolution of consuming more broccoli can have a profound benefit to your overall health that should make the effort to get over the bland taste worth it in the end.

Potential Benefits

As one of the healthiest vegetables, nutritionists and health organizations recommend that you eat it several times a week. You can either eat broccoli raw or steamed for 4- 5 minutes. Extended cooking destroys most of the essential nutrients, and you should avoid it. Broccoli is an abundant source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Phosphorous, Potassium, and Magnesium.

Broccoli is also a potent source of dietary fibers, Vitamin K, Folate, Sulforaphane, Chromium, and Vitamin B6. The chemical compounds indole- 3- carbinols, glucoraphanin, and carotenoid lutein are also potent in broccoli. Some of the health benefits of this vegetable include:

1. A Healthy Heart

Sulforaphane in broccoli helps to prevent or even reverse damaged blood vessel linings caused by inflammation. Carotenoid Lutein is known to prevent the rate of arterial thickening thus limiting heart diseases and stroke. Vitamin B6 and Folate in broccoli are also useful in preventing stroke, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.

2. Anti- Cancer

Broccoli has robust anti-carcinogens such as beta-carotene, Sulforaphane, Selenium, Indoles, and other phytonutrients. Research shows that indole-3- carbinols assists to convert estrogen from a more potent form to a less strong one, thus prevent the growth of tumors, especially in the breast. Studies have also shown that indole-3-carbinols increases the level of 2- hydroxy estrone, a form of protective cancer estrogen.

Indole-3- carbinols not only prevents breast cancer growth but curbs the movement of cancerous cells to other body parts. Sulforaphane provides protection to people whose genes are colon-cancer susceptible. Studies have shown that anti-cancer properties can be increased when paired with Myrosinase enzyme containing foods such as horseradish, mustard, and wasabi.

3. Immune System

Ascorbic acid, the substance that gives broccoli a purple or green color, beta-carotene, and other minerals such as phosphorous, selenium, copper, zinc, and other trace minerals are powerful immune boosters. An occasional cup of broccoli will be enough to bolster your immune system and resist infections.

4. Detoxifier

The presence of amino acids, Vitamin C, and sulfur makes broccoli a perfect detoxifier. It contains twice as much Vitamin C as in an orange, and this gives it potent antioxidant properties in clearing toxins such as uric acid from the body and keep problems related to toxins such as rashes, gout, itches, boils, rheumatism, arthritis, and so forth, at bay.

Vitamin C in broccoli not only fights free radicals but acts as an antihistamine to ease the common cold discomfort and helps you to live longer.

5. Nervous System

The high amount of potassium in broccoli helps you to maintain a healthy nervous system and assists in promoting an optimal brain function. Potassium also helps to promote muscle growth.

6. Promotes Digestion

Constipation is the origin of a myriad of stomach complications. Broccoli has high fiber content which helps you prevent constipation and get rid of a majority of stomach ailments. High fiber content in broccoli also helps to curb overeating and maintain the level of blood sugars. A cup of broccoli contains as much protein as a cup of corn or rice but with half calories.

Magnesium and Vitamins found in broccoli help to get rid of the stomach acidity aids your digestion and assists the body in absorbing nutrients from the food.

7. Bone Health

Broccoli has as much calcium as whole milk. In addition to this, the Vitamin K also present helps in bone formation. The vegetable is helpful to kids, expectant mothers, seniors, and people at the risk of osteoporosis.

8. Vision

Vitamin A in broccoli helps to promote the retinol molecules formation and enhances color vision. Lutein helps to lower the risk of cataracts that comes with aging.

9. Blood Pressure and Sun Damage

Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium are an essential blood pressure regulators. Glucoraphanin is instrumental in repairing sun damaged skins and in assisting the skin to detoxify itself.

10. Fights Aging

Vitamin E in broccoli is one of the most important Vitamins in the fight against aging and keeping you vitalised. The powerful fat soluble antioxidant helps to clean the arteries, rejuvenate the immune system, and slow down blood and brain aging.

11. Fights Depression

Folate deficiency can cause problems like poor memory, fatigue, depression, and schizophrenia (a mental condition). You can keep these problems at bay by consuming broccoli.

Getting Creative

I found myself in the same boat as folks who just did not like the taste of this green vegetables. But if you exercise a little creativity, then it is much more palatable. If you do not like eating your vegetables, then juicing is one alternative. Adding a few florets of broccoli into your juicer will enable you to get most of the benefits while covering up the taste with other sweeter ingredients. This is the way that I consume most of my broccoli and it has worked great. It’s been the best of both worlds. I get the nutrition without having to really taste it. Broccoli is best raw as extended exposure to heat will break down the nutrients and you will lose some of its health aspects. This is why we always recommend juicing them. Even if you drown them in your favorite salad dressing, getting more broccoli into your diet is always a good idea.

Starting Off With The Simple Wonders Of Apple Juice

apples-juice

In your quest to life a more healthy lifestyle, it is important to start with little steps first. Something as simple as cutting back on sugary sodas and replacing it with a more natural source of sugar is something that is easy achievable. With that in mind, one of the more popular juices that can really give your diet a boost is that of the apple. Whether you throw a couple of them into your own juice extractor, or you pick up a bottle at the grocery store, apple juice packed with several nutrients that can positively impact your health.

Everyone loves a glass of crisp cold apple juice from fresh-squeezed fruit. However, the benefits of apple juice go beyond the sweet taste, ranging from preventing deadly diseases to providing you with essential fiber for weight management. In addition to fiber from the peels, unfiltered apple juice contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that improve your metabolism as well as protecting you from chronic health conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Compared to other fruits commonly consumed by Americans, apples have been ranked second for highest antioxidant content. Furthermore, apples have the highest number of free phenolic compounds, which means they are easy to absorb as they are not bound to other compounds in the apple.

Don’t Forget The Pulp

Fruits (and fruit juice) are most nutritious when taken whole as the peels contain a majority of the nutrients in the fruit. Unfiltered apple juice is rich in polyphenols, which protect you from illnesses while slowing the aging process. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, more than a third of the fruit’s beneficial compounds are found in the peels, including 80 percent of quercetin – one of the main polyphenols in apples. Clear apple juice is however lower in these essential nutrients. Also, the fiber in the peels keep weight gain in check while improving your overall gut health.

Protection from chronic diseases

Given the high amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, apples are the best choice of fruit for anyone seeking to avert chronic diseases. The polypenols in apple juice have been shown to protect brain cells against oxidative stress, and may play an important role in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Also, consuming at least three servings of apples and other fruits such as grapes and blueberries has been found to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7 percent. This may be attributed to the fact that apples are excellent blood sugar regulators as they reduce the absorption of glucose in the digestive tract, stimulate secretion of insulin in your pancreas, and facilitate uptake of glucose from your bloodstream.

Consumption of apple juice also keeps cancer and heart disease at bay, thanks to the numerous anti-inflammatory compounds. Asthmatics may also benefit from apples as studies have shown that quercetin significantly reduces the production of histamines, which are the main cause of allergic flare-ups that result to asthma attacks.

When not to take apple juice

Although apples and apple juice protect you from a myriad chronic conditions, you should take them with caution, especially if you are insulin/leptin resistant. Similar to most fruits, apples contain fructose, which may cause certain chronic health conditions when taken in excess. Apples contain a relatively high amount of fructose, approximately 9.5 grams in a medium sized apple, while apple juice will contain more. For people who are insulin/leptin resistant (about 80 percent of Americans), it would be advisable to limit your fructose intake to 15 grams, which amounts to one apple and a few blueberries. However, you can find a way to take more apple juice by timing your intake. Taking a glass of apple juice after a meal may have a different effect compared to taking it after a workout. After a meal, the apple juice is likely to lead to weight gain as you add calories and sugar to your bloodstream. In the latter case, however, the apple will replenish your glycogen stores, which were depleted during the workout.

Selecting apples

Since most of the antioxidants are contained in the apple peels, you will want to consume your apple juice cloudy and unfiltered. For this reason, ensure that you get organic apples which have not been grown using pesticides and other harmful chemicals. If you have to buy them, briefly soak them in a 10 percent vinegar solution to help remove some pesticides and eliminate bacteria on the surface. However, if you have space to grow a few apple trees, you can use organic agricultural practices to keep you safe from chemicals that may counteract the many health benefits of apples and apple juice.

Whether you want to improve your health, need a post-workout drink, or simply want to fight off the summer heat, apple juice is a terrific choice. If you can juice the apple yourself in juicing machine, the impact will be even greater.