Go Wild Fitness

Tired of cooking this summer? Slaving away in a hot kitchen can be especially unappealing. Salads are easy to throw together and a healthy way to beat the summer heat. Here’s a new twist on an old favorite!

Asian Lettuce Wraps
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
3 -4 ounces rice sticks (located in the Asian food section)
Several large lettuce leaves (Boston, red leaf or romaine)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
3 green chopped onions
1 can water chestnuts (optional)

Sauce:
4 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cooking sherry
3 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp honey2 tsp minced fresh ginger

Instructions:
Whisk sauce ingredients together and set aside for dipping.

Heat 2-3 cups of water to boiling in sauce pan. Turn off heat and add rice sticks. Leave to soften. Next, shred the chicken.
Lay a lettuce leaf on each plate. Fill with chicken, rice sticks, cilantro, green onions and water chestnuts, if desired.

I hope this inspires you to do some summer cooking of your own. Cooking at home can be much healthier than eating out. You can also spend time bonding with your family and save money! Here are some of my favorite recipe resources:

Recipezaar
All Recipes
Food Network

With summer officially underway, it has never been a better time to start exercising or to continue with your fitness routine. Whether it is running on the treadmill at home or going a boot camp workout at the local gym, fitness is the key to a healthier and happier life. There are many exercises that you can fit into your daily routine. Gardening or walking your dog daily is helpful in promoting your health. If those activities are not challenging enough for you, you may find joining a gym to be a motivating and a fun experience.

Joining a health club gym has many benefits and it does not necessarily mean that you have to compete to look like bodybuilders. Regular exercise can help improve your mood, help manage your weight, strengthen your heart, fight chronic disease and other endless possibilities. At the gym, you will find a variety of tools and amenities that will help you work out at a pace that you find comfortable. Nowadays, gyms also offer a variety of classes including: spinning, aerobics, weight training, dance classes and even spas to help you relax.

Exercising together can be a great experience and you will get the satisfaction of knowing that you are being healthier. So even though the hot summer weather is here, it doesn’t mean that you should stop yourself from the benefits of exercise. Just don’t forget to stay hydrated during your workout. Grab a friend, hit the gym and have some fun!