Recipe: Honey Roasted Turkey

This is a simple holiday turkey recipe. For the Brine: 2 cups of kosher salt 2 cups of honey 2 gallons of water 10 pound turkey, fresh or thawed Roast Turkey: 2 whole carrots 2 stalks of celery 2 onions, skin on, cut in half 1 bulb of garlic, peeled Kosher salt Fresh ground pepper Gravy: 2 cups of red wine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch 2 tablespoons of water

Recipe: Shepard's Pie with Mashed Potatoes/Squash

Shepard's Pie consists of seasoned beef and vegetables that are topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and squash. Meat and Vegetables 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) extra-lean ground beef 1 cup chopped yellow onions 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 cup frozen peas-and-carrots blend 1 cup frozen or canned corn 2/3 cup reduced-sodium beef broth 2 tablespoons chili sauce 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper Potato/Squash topping 2 pounds (908 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks 2 cups (about 1/2 lb / 250 g) peeled and chopped butternut squash 1/2 cup light sour cream 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon salt Dash nutmeg Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Recipe: Garden Summer Pasta Salad

This easy to make summer salad is great to take to a patio party, or to make as a cool side dish for the family! 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked pasta (of choice) 1/2 cup sliced carrots 2 stalks celery, chopped 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced 2 large tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing (or other) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe: Gluten-Free Lactose Free Cornbread

For those of you that have weak stomachs (like me that can't have lactose or gluten), this is a perfect recipe. 1 cup cornmeal 200ml rice flour 3/4 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup lactose-free milk 3/4 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs

Recipe: Salsa Shrimp Dip

Very rich in flavor and contains a good-for-you ingredients that is perfect for the whole family! 4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese, softened 1 jar (16 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa 1 can (6 oz.) tiny shrimp, drained 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup sliced green onions WHEAT THINS Reduced Fat Baked Snack Crackers

Article: Steps for Keeping Your Knees Healthy

1. Warm-up and stretch before exercising. Warming up and stretching can help the knee joint in many ways, including increasing the circulation of the blood and lymph fluid into and out of joint structures and the adjacent soft tissues and ensuring that the muscles and the ligaments attendant to the knee joint are not too tight. As a result, tension on the tendons is reduced, and pressure on the knee is relieved.

Article: Myths About Women and Strength Training

1. Women can't get as strong. Not true. Women have a potential for developing muscular fitness (particularly in their upper bodies) that often remains untapped. In fact, the average woman gains strength at a slightly faster rate that the average man does.

Article: The 'facts' behind energy bracelets

The packaging on this product proclaimed that it would improve my balance, strength, flexibility and endurance. Quite a feat for a little piece of rubber with a couple of metallic looking stickers attached to it. I decided for this article I was going to dig a little deeper into these claims to see if there was any validity at all to any of it.

Article: I Want To Look Like That Cover Model

This is a "common sense bomb" that many neophytes need to hear about the lies this industry tells you pertaining to building a good body and what to do about them.

Article: New Year, New Mom

A new year brings new challenges for people of all ages and life styles. A great way to bring in the New Year is to create resolutions that are not only achievable, but are fun as well.

Exercise: Glutes and Hamstrings with the Exercise Band

Tie the band into a loop and place the loop around something sturdy such as a railing or heavy table. Place one foot into the loop so that the band is around your calf. Stand up straight and engage your core. Shift your weight so that you're standing on the foot that is not in the loop. Pull band on the band, bringing your foot behind you. Avoid leaning forward or hyperextending your low back. Repeat 8-12 times, then switch legs.

Exercise: Straight Leg Rocker with the Pilates Band

Sit on the mat in a v-sit postion, with your knees straight. Your hands should be in the pockets of the Pilates band and the band should be around your feet. Inhale and pull your navel to your spine. Slowly let yourself roll backwards, keeping your navel pulled in and your back rounded. Use your momentum to bring yourself back to the starting position. Balance for 2-3 seconds, then repeat the roll. Repeat 8-12 times.

Exercise: Upper Body Raise on the BOSU

Lie in a prone position over the BOSU with your knees bent or straight, toes tucked under. Start with your forehead close to the floor - keep looking at the floor throughout the exercise. Keep your hands near your ears, and pull your shoulder blades together and down toward your buttocks. Exhale and lift your right elbow and shoulder up toward the ceiling. Inhale and return to the start position. Repeat on the left. Keep your navel pulled in and avoid hyperextension of the low back. Repeat 5-8 times to each side, rest, then repeat the entire exercise if desired.

Exercise: Open-leg Rocker With the Pilates Band

Sit on the mat in a v-sit postion, with your knees bent at approximately 90 degrees. Your hands should be in the pockets of the Pilates band and the band should be around your feet. Inhale and pull your navel to your spine. Slowly let yourself roll backwards, keeping your navel pulled in and your back rounded. Use your momentum to bring yourself back to the starting position. Balance for 2-3 seconds, then repeat the roll. Repeat 8-12 times.

Exercise: Hamstring Stretch with the Pilates Circle

Lie on your back on a mat or on the floor. Place one foot in the circle, while holding the circle firmly in your hands. Start with your knees slightly bent. Exhale and straighten your knee until you feel a slight stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold for at least 20 seconds, then switch legs. Repeat 2 or 3 times on each leg.

Fit Tip: Snacking

Eating healthy snacks during the day can help keep the your metabolism going all day and help stop the urge to eat in the evening

Fit Tip: Proper Breathing

Breathing correctly while exercising helps ignite the burning of fat

Fit Tip: Breathing Athletes

Breathing deeply while exercising results in a 1-2% increase in edge among most athletes

Fit Tip: Anaerobic Exercise

Anaerobic exercises are usually done in a shorter period of time such as weight lifting, or sprints, and have a lower impact on the cardiovascular system

Fit Tip: Eating Breakfast

People who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and generally feel better throughout the day. Skipping breakfast can put your body into "starvation mode", causing your body to store your next meal as fat