Healthy Living

SAD Meals To Make You Happy
Ease seasonal affective disorder with these meal plans designed to lift your mood

If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), try high-carb diets from November to March. But not everyone with the condition responds well to carbs. Those who don't may find relief on high-protein diets, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, who designed these menus.High-Carb Diets

Breakfast: Oatmeal with wheat germ and fat-free milk, whole wheat toast with jam, orange juice

Snack: The PMS Smoothie: Soak 4 dried apricots in 1/2 cup of apple juice, then drain. Place in a blender with 1/2 cup of fat-free milk, 2 tablespoons of orange juice concentrate, 1 banana, 2 peeled kiwifruits, 3 tablespoons of wheat germ, and ice. Blend for 3 minutes. Makes two 8-oz servings

Lunch: Curried mixed vegetables and tofu, brown rice, nectarine

Snack: Whole wheat bagel with fat-free cream cheese, kiwifruit

Dinner: Broiled salmon, baked potato with fat-free sour cream and chives, steamed green beans, salad with dressing, fat-free milk

Snack: 1/2 toasted English muffin with jam
High-Protein Diets

Breakfast: Egg white omelette, low-fat cheese, and spinach; whole wheat toast; cantaloupe; fat-free milk

Snack: Almonds and dried fruit, orange juice

Lunch: Turkey sandwich on whole wheat, spinach salad with dressing, fat-free milk, nectarine

Snack: Low-fat cheese and whole grain crackers, kiwifruit

Dinner: Spaghetti with marinara sauce, steamed green beans, garlic bread, salad with dressing, fruit plate

Snack: 1/2 toasted English muffin with jam

CURVES UNVEILS NEW SPECIALTY CLASSES FOR 2015, INCLUDING CUTTING-EDGE JILLIAN MICHAELS WORKOUTS

WOODWAY,TX—With “resolution season” right around the corner, Curves International, Inc., the world’s largest chain of fitness centers for women, has announced the addition of new Curves Specialty Circuit Classes and new Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels to their already rich lineup of fitness offerings for 2015.*

The 2015 Curves Specialty Circuit Classes* are designed for specialized training, with moves focused on key areas like balance, flexibility and strength. The low-intensity Body Balance class combines balance and stability exercises with circuit strength training. Arms-Core-Legs, also suitable for all fitness levels, offers targeted bodyweight moves designed to tone and strengthen the arms, core and legs. Stretch & Strength is dual-purpose in that it applies two principles to the same muscle group, back to back: strengthening machine exercises plus stretching intervals. All workout moves are conducted in between each circuit machine.

“Curves has long been celebrated for its highly effective Circuit workout: a 30-minute, coach-led routine that works every major muscle group for a total body workout. Our 2013 partnership with Jillian Michaels was a natural evolution, adding both variety and intensity to our program. Now, with the new Specialty Circuit Classes, Curves is poised to yet again help women across the U.S. and Canada make a strong, healthy start in the new year and beyond,” said Mike Raymond, chief marketing officer of Curves International, Inc. “Our 2015 additions give our members more choices than ever, and it’s all included as part of the membership, so it’s a great value.”

The new class lineup, which rolls out in January 2015 at participating Curves centers, also includes new workouts from Jillian Michaels. Unlimited access to all of the classes is included as part of the Curves membership.

Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels* is a cutting-edge no-nonsense Curves Circuit workout designed to build muscle and boost cardiovascular conditioning while targeting all major muscle groups. Michaels’ innovative series is intentionally customizable by both fitness level and goal, with classes that combine strength training on machines with functional bodyweight-based exercises designed to engage all the key muscle groups, help ramp up the metabolism and transform the physique. 2015 introduces new levels of Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels.

The Introductory class, which is appropriate for all levels, gradually builds strength, conditioning and endurance throughout the whole body. The Level One class pushes members a bit further with a slightly more advanced total body workout, while the Level Two class offers high-intensity metabolic intervals to help members scorch calories.