Whether it’s a blooming flower, a child’s laugh or a sunny day, the best things in life are simple. The same holds true for exercise and eating. Here are two of my favorite uncomplicated, fun ways to eat well and move well. Try them both today!

~SKIPPING~
Most of you haven’t done it since you were 7 but you’re missing out. Nothing beats this intense cardio workout that gets your whole body working! Skip for a mere 30 minutes and burn 500 calories. You can take your rope anywhere. Do it at the park with the kids, hit up the backyard, the basement or do it in the living room while you’re watching Say Yes to the Dress. It’s a way better workout and a whole lot cheaper than that elliptical machine in the corner. Ensure you pick up a rope that is long enough and heavy enough for an adult. Any local sports supply store will have what you need. Skipping is a fantastic workout not only for your legs but for your shoulders as well. The coordination required to skip develops your capacity for complex movements. Youtube some videos on skipping to learn different moves like double unders and crossovers to keep things interesting. Skipping is easy on the joints, especially if you invest in a little square of foam flooring. Get jumping and improve your cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility, co-ordination and trim your hips, thighs and backsides! You may feel awkward at the outset of your skipping career but stick with it! Count the number of times you can get over the rope and push yourself for more everytime. Start with a 20 minute session. Skip for 1 minute and rest for 30 seconds. Repeat. Shorten your rest breaks as your co-ordination and fitness improves. Ensure you stretch your calves and hamstrings after each session. Those muscles will be sore but push through it. It won’t take long for your body to become stronger and adapt to the new movements. Above all, have fun and embrace your inner child!

And now for a healthful recipe!

~ORGANIC PROTEIN BARS~
Ingredients:
1 cup honey (or alternative if you’re vegan)
1 cup peanut butter (don’t use Kraft— use Adams crunchy mmm)
1 cup cocoa powder

& anything else you want! I like to put the following in mine:
*shredded unsweetened coconut
*flax seeds
*dried cranberries
*sliced almonds
*pumpkin seeds
*sunflower seeds
etc etc etc!

Directions:

In a separate bowl, combine cocoa + all your tasty little choices (seeds, nuts etc..). Leave it until later.

Stir honey into a saucepan on low heat until nice and smooth. Once smooth, stir in peanut butter until blended. Remove from heat.

Once blended, combine all other ingredients. It should get really hard to stir. Once all combined, press into a brownie-sized pan (sprayed with olive oil pam, lightly).

Put in the fridge for 2 hours, slice up into bars and keep in the fridge!

Can stay in the fridge for 30 days – or freezer forever!

**NOTE**
You can replace cocoa with protein powder if you’d like. You end up having to use more than one cup. Play it by texture.

WARNING: These things are addicting. Only eat one a day. Maybe as a snack before your workout or when you crave your sweets the most. 3pm, this is what I eat.

Put these two marvelous things together and have a beautiful, simple day!

Terri Dreger

www.30minutehit.com