So I’ll occasional pop over to Starbucks every week or so to grab some mocha…

(and well, for a change of mood when my mind’s in freeze mood – you know those days when you feel like grabbing your favorite beverage and flipping through a book or magazine)

Anyways…

I’ll admin I like their mocha but I’m always lost when I look at their food menu.

I mean, unless I’m desperately hungry, I’d simply skip the food on their menu altogether – not even a good choice for a snack on most days.

And you know what, I bet I’m not the only one tempted to skip those meals. Hear this…

I just came across a comment by Starbucks Chairman and Chief Executive Howard Schultz saying how he was “embarrassed” by the food at Starbucks and that it would be “completely reinvented by fall.”

Now get this…

I just there was something in the news today that’s hopefully a sign for things to come…

Starbucks just added what they call “dietitian-designed breakfast foods”

That’s 5 food menu items including hot oatmeal and a protein plate, a new improved apple bran muffin, a 100 percent whole-grain pastry made with seasonal fruit and a multigrain roll with seven different seeds and grains. (you can check out the full story here )

But what is it that got me excited…

Even though I have zero plans to visit a Starbucks before heading to office in the morning?

Here’s one reason…

It’s because I’ve seen countless friends skip breakfast all together and… well, you know… grab a morning coffee.

So I’m thinking: maybe next time they’ll be tempted to grab some food along with their coffee. (Would you?)

After all, some breakfast is way better than No Breakfast. (Read that again, it’s that important)

I’ve covered this in an earlier post: “Don’t Skip Breakfast Even While Slimming”

And you know what, way too many people would rather grab a few minutes extra sleep than breakfast.

And if you’ve ever found yourself tempted to skip breakfast because you’re too busy or in a rush, hang in there because I’ve got a resource that’s all about “10 Tips To Making Time For Breakfast”

But first, check out some of these eye-opening stats:

• Almost one in four adults in Ireland often skip breakfast and almost one in five often skip lunch.
  ( reference )
• In the UK, a survey of over 1,000 workers found that more than a third of office workers either never have breakfast or have it just once to three times a week.

  Here’s an interesting quote from independent nutritionist Mark Barker:“People who eat breakfast are also more physically energetic and have beet co-ordination. Research tells us that scores on memory tests were about 15% lower in people who skipped breakfast,” he said. “And those who skip it tend to eat sugary, fatty foods later in the day, reducing their productivity.” ( reference )

• And how does it affect kids?

  Well, one study found that irregular breakfast eating had a significant negative association with quality of life among Japanese schoolchildren.Another study, surveyed the behavior of 1609 Taiwanese adolescents aged 12 to 20 where 23.6% of participants reported that they ate breakfast irregularly on schooldays. And, odds of becoming overweight were 51% greater for those who regularly skipped breakfast. ( reference )

• Okay, here’s something to cheer you up…

  David Clarke, chief executive officer of Best Western Hotels, says “Over the past few years the gender split with breakfast has become much more noticeable. Female guests certainly head for the healthy option much more than men, especially when traveling for business reasons”
  ( reference )

And now for those “10 Tips To Making Time For Breakfast”

I like Mr. Breakfast’s 6 “A.M. FUEL Rules”

Right now, I’m into Tip #6, I’ve become a bit of an oatmeal fan (along with a mix of crunchy, dried fruit and morning protein).

Plus, he goes on to share 14 “Quick & Healthy Breakfast Recipes” at the end of that webpage. Be sure to check those out (click here to see it now)

M. Jamal

P.S. What’s your morning eating habits like? Do you skip breakfast often?

P.P.S. On another note, I wonder if the Starbucks vs. McDonalds is behind this whole thing. Would you say Starbucks is trying to win over some “morning meal seekers”? Here’s the video…

Lifetime memberships in gyms may seem cheap if you’ll consider the unlimited use, but let’s face it, there’s a very slim chance you’d set foot in the gym for the larger part of a year – unless you’re living just a few blocks away from the facility.

This being the case, you may choose between investing around $1500 for a lifetime membership at a gym you can’t always go to, or spending a few dollars on inexpensive equipment which you can use daily in the convenience of your own home.

Jump-Ropes:

Thousands of professional boxers can’t go wrong!

Skipping rope gives you a very good cardio and you can even fit it into any tote when you’re traveling.

It may look like child’s play, but this exercise is actually intense, toning the upper body muscles as well as the hamstrings and calves.

How effective is it?

Studies show that a mere 10 minutes of jumping rope is equivalent to roughly half an hour of running at nearly 6 miles per hour. It has the power to burn up to 1000 calories in an hour.

You’ll also get to improve your endurance, agility, and coordination.

Resistance Bands:

If you think the $2000 price tag on a Bowflex home gym system is just too much, even if it holds the promise of giving you washboard abs in a few months, then first try the $50 Bodylastics.

This equipment, which makes use of elastic tubes, also involves resistance training and offers a ton of variety in exercising. It has exercises for the legs, shoulders, back, abs, chest, and arms.

Step Stools:

In addition to the staircase you have at home, you can also think of exercise sequences using an ordinary (but sturdy) step stool.

You can do lunges on them to tone your butt and quads.

Trampolines:

Re-marketed as rebounders when a stabilizing bar was added, these fun devices can strengthen your heart and improve your circulation.

It’s also relatively easier on your joints and your feet than bouncing directly on the floor.

Even seniors and children can safely use it. As it improves respiration, toxins trapped in the organs and tissues are promptly eliminated. You can find a good-sized one for less than $30.

Frisbees:

Have fun with your kids in your yard or play a round or two with friends if you live near the beach or a park.

They cost next to nothing yet can give even the most exercised athletes a huge workout.

Exercise Videos:

Whether they’re the antiquated Fonda workouts or the newer programs, you can’t go wrong with an exercise video. All you have to do is prepare your mat if needed, drop the video in, and exercise during whatever time of day you please.

Many women prefer using videos than going to the gym especially during the first few days of a program simply because they’re embarrassed to be seen exercising in public – and that’s the beauty of working out in privacy.

When you are more confident and as you start to get the hang of working out (it can be addictive), you can then join a gym if you want to.

Secondhand Equipment:

Treadmills, ellipticals, and other fitness items can be acquired on the cheap when they’re pre-owned.

You only have to be able to try them out to see if they are still in good condition.

If you’re lucky, you can come across an owner who hardly used her machine.

Good sources are garage sales, Craigslist, or eBay, but only if you can check the item out. If not, make sure that it’s still under warranty.

M. Jamal

P.S. So do you prefer an in-home workout, outdoors or gym?