Kansas | Live Young - Lou Ann Donovan

Nature’s Body Lift: Weight Training and Weight Loss

January 30, 2013 by Lou Ann Donovan 4 Comments

Last year I interviewed my friend Douglas Dowell about his weight loss journey. Here’s the post about how he lost over 200 pounds by making a lifestyle change. Now six months later I caught up with Douglas and asked what was new with his journey.

Keep reading to learn the latest about his weight and fitness goals plus what’s new in his future!

Q. What’s the latest with your healthy lifestyle journey since losing over 200 lbs?

A. Well I am gaining weight…muscle mass that is. I have shifted my focus to the world of weight training now. I had tremendous success during my weight loss using the P90X® extreme home fitness program from BeachBody.com. This same company rolled out a new series last fall called Body Beast created by Sagi Kalev, longtime bodybuilder and former Mr. Israel. The sole focus of the new program is maximum muscle mass and fat loss. The results for me over the last few months have been stellar…I am totally hooked!

Q. What advice do you have for someone trying to lose weight whether it is a little or a lot of weight?

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5 Superfoods to Boost Your Health

November 12, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan Leave a Comment

Did you know that dark-hued foods are now the newest superfoods? It’s because they contain high levels of antioxidants, compounds that protect against a number of diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Keep reading for my top 5 black superfoods to boost your health.

5 Superfoods to Boost Your Health

Blackberries contain polyphenols an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. Add this low calorie berry to your yogurt, oatmeal or cereal and enjoy better balance, coordination and improved short-term memory.

Blackberries

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21 Days of Gratitude

November 1, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan 1 Comment

November 1st – 21st

Join me in this 21 Days of Contagious Gratitude: For the Whole Family Challenge. Starts November 1st through 21st. I love social media and found this gratitude challenge posted on Pinterest from their website InspiredbyFamilyMag.com

Each day be thankful for one thing. Tweet about it, Facebook it, pin on Pinterest, blog about it, take a picture and share it online.

Challenge yourself to be more aware of the blessings we are surrounded with each day.

Just now seeing this post, you can still join in. Start posting what you are grateful for each day on your favorite social sites.

Connect with Inspired by Family Magazine on Twitter and Facebook

Cheers to a Healthy Day!

Lou Ann

Healthy Travel : Basic Travel Tips

June 28, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Healthy Travel series kick-off article – Basic Travel Tips. Check back for future posts to read more about my healthy travel tips!

Summer is here and it is time to hit the road for a vacation or maybe you are just headed out of town on business. Take some time to plan early and pack smart to keep your trip healthy.

Basic Travel Tips

Here are a few basic travel tips to help you stay healthy whether you are traveling by car, plane, train or boat.

Medical supplies: Place your daily medications and other medical supplies near you at all times either in your carry-on bag or your purse. This may include over-the-counter pain relievers, bandages, insulin, inhalers and alcohol-based hand wipes.

Stay hydrated: Minimize your intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages while flying to keep from getting dehydrated. Consider bottled water while traveling to stay safe and hydrated. [Read more…]

Healthy Habits: How to Sharpen Your Mind

June 11, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Top 5 Healthy Habits to Living Young series fifth and final article – How to Sharpen Your Mind. Read more about my top healthy habits.

The Human Brain

The human brain is only about the size of a medium cauliflower once fully developed yet contains 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion synapses. There is no other organ that can rival the complexity of the brain.

The brain is an integral part of running your body but the mind is subject to degradation over time. Use common sense and my ideas below to successfully flex your mental muscles as you age.

Humor bonds people together and relieve tension. Deep hearty laughter boosts the immune system and produces endorphins which are a natural painkiller. Enjoy a good laugh daily and send more oxygen to your brain. [Read more…]

Savor a Rainbow of Healthy Foods

May 14, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

You know it’s important to eat your greens, but what about your reds, your blues and even your purple and orange? Eating a broad range of fruits and vegetables from the full color spectrum helps ensure proper nutrition and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart and cancer.

Tip: Savor a rainbow of healthy foods to help your body bounce back stronger from exercise.

Get ready to color your plate, read the benefits of my top color picks and brighten up your day!

Orange found in carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkins contains beta carotene which your body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin supports vision health, immunity and production of red blood cells which transports oxygen throughout your body giving you more energy. These vegetables are heart healthy lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. So there maybe something to that “eat your carrots” that your parents always told you to do. [Read more…]