Hi my name is Tamara (rhymes with "camera"), and I bring to Wellsphere a dynamic range of topics and ideas. As a dance teacher, I know the importance of a healthy lifestyle to perform at your best ...
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I Am Breaking Up With McDonalds
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tamara h.
Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating
Fast food, I have had it with you! You make me fat and you never make me feel full! McDonalds, you are the worst. I see you revamping yourself with iced coffee and "salad options", but is the public aware that your salads have almost as many calories as your big mac? In 2008, I am vowing to end my relationship with McDonalds for good. I have alr...
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Get Fit, Get a Dog
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tamara h.2 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Exercise
I hate exercising. Does anyone really actually enjoy it? I suppose some do, but outside of dance class, I have never really been able to get into it. That was, of course, until Scarlett joined our family. Scarlett is an emotionally needy 2 year old beagle. We got her off of an internet classified ad and she is just all kinds of adorable. Beyond ...
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A True Dance Sampler Platter in Sacramento
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tamara h.
Posted in: General Discussion in Dance
As a dance teacher, I spend hours each week in the studio creating and working with all age groups. So when I get the opportunity to dance at a studio where I don't have to do anything except learn and enjoy, I totally jump at the chance. My newest haunt is Step One Dance and Fitness in downtown Sacramento. If you are in this area of California,...
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Why I Love Dance
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tamara h.1 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Mind-Body
Too often, movies and the media portray dancers as chain smoking, bulimic ballerinas who are ruining their bodies while simultaneously attempting to use them for "art." While this world definitely exists and therapists should do a major intervention within certain dance companies, dance for me has always been a release and comfort rather than a ...
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Purging the Holidays From My System
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tamara h.
Posted in: Blog Posts in Stress Relief
With its twinkling lights and gift giving mentality, the holiday season might seem like a joyous occassion, but let me tell you, it completely stresses me out. My family is beyond stressful, and this year my husband & I hosted at our new home in Sacramento. My mother, father, 18 year old sister, uncle, and two dogs came to stay with us for a ver...
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Don't just get sign-ups, do a lap yourself!
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tamara h.1 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Walk-a-thon
It happens every year. Someone in the office wanders around with a clip board in attempts to get sign ups for their kids' walk-a-thon. But why donate money when you can better your health at the same time? Many walk-a-thons need volunteer workers, and one of the main jobs that don't get filled are "walking encouragers" for the kids running the g...
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Injury Defiance Can Lead to Damage
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tamara h.
Posted in: General Discussion in General Medicine
As a dancer, I have experienced injury, and I have witnessed the nasty injuries of others first hand. If you are heavily involved in sports, chances are that sooner or later you are going to get hurt. The most detrimental thing you can do if it happens to you? Ignore your doctor's advice. When we are in a cast, on crutches, or just clutching the...
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Stop drinking your calories
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tamara h.3 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Weight loss
People still do not seem to realize how many calories they consume daily just by refreshing their bodies. Did you know that one can of orange soda alone contains 190 calories? Doesn't sound like a lot? Keep in mind that the average American drinks 3 sodas per day, not counting free refills at restaurants. That means you might be consuming as few...
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You Don't Have to Say Goodbye to Fast Food
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tamara h.4 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating
Most doctors and nutrition gurus would kill me for saying this, but it's true! You don't have to completely say goodbye to your favorite fast food restaurants if you are dieting or trying to be more healthy. The following is a list of fast food menu items that are well within an acceptable calorie range: Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita - no ...
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Prevent Injuries Before They Start
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tamara h.1 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in General Medicine
There are plenty of things you can do to prevent injuries from happening when you play sports, dance, or even walk your dog. The trouble is most people don't take the time to follow the rules, leading to countless strains, sprains, and spasms each year. One way to stay fit and uninjured is to make sure your body is up for what you are intending ...
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Say goodbye to Candyland! - Banishing Sugar From Your Diet
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tamara h.1 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating
Consuming too much sugar keeps you awake at night, rots your teeth, and makes you fat. Simple as that. It's easy to suggest removing sugar from your diet, however it is often much harder to do! Sugar is so tasty and is literally in every food you probably love! However there are some alternatives to sugar, and no the answer is not found in a box...
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Savoring Structure
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tamara h.1 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Exercise
Bringing a routine into your life can really help you stay religious on those things in life we are obligated to obey – namely work, diet, and exercise. I used to be very anti-calendar, thinking, if I can’t remember it in my head then it probably wasn’t very important in the first place! That was until I missed my first dance class (that I was...
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Grab Your Friends and Relive your Childhood Favorites
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tamara h.2 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Recreation
Going outside doesn't always have to mean an obligatory evening run with the family dog. Kids actually look at outdoor activity as a reward and a release rather than a task or punishment. And adults can too!It is just as fun to play outside as an adult now that I'm 27 as it was when I was 7 years old. Go on a scavenger hunt for the best public f...
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3 Ways To Get Better Sleep
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tamara h.1 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Stress Relief
Not being able to sleep after a long day can be the most frustrating feeling. However you don't have to lay awake all night long thanks to these three easy tips toward getting quality shut eye!1) Focus internally - Clear your mind of the day's stresses by closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing. Take the time to feel yourself laying sti...
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Reinventing Snacking
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tamara h.
Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating
Stay away from that vending machine in the office break room and opt for the fruits and veggies instead, say the doctors! But how can you realistically work the recommended daily serving size (2 fruits & 5 vegetables, phew!) into your busy lifestyle? Thanks to some help from various food manufacturers and the newest healthy eating trends, it is ...
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Where Did These Cheerleaders Come From?
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tamara h.2 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Sports
Now as an almost-elderly 27 year old, my 10 year high school reunion is looming in my future and I have begun to reflect upon the activities and organizations I chose to spend (waste?) my time on during my teenage years. Many of them were valuable to me and shaped who I became as an adult. Some were just stupid. One of the stupider ones that I a...
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Top 5 Workout Motivators
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tamara h.3 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Exercise
Going to the gym is something all Americans talk about and yet some just flat out never get around to doing. With work, family, school, and a myriad of other commitments, it's no wonder we spend more money on our gym memberships than time actually spent going! Below are five motivators for getting to the gym this week - and sticking to it! 1) Yo...
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Commit to organic eating when the family comes to town!
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tamara h.3 Comments
Posted in: General Discussion in Organic Food
Summer is coming to a close and stores everywhere are already showing signs of the holidays. As you plan your family get togethers and trips for the fall and winter months, consider opting for organic foods as opposed to your regular cuisine. Although a little bit more expensive, organic foods were approved a handful of years ago by the FDA as ...
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Renew Your Health the Vegetarian Way
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tamara h.
Posted in: General Discussion in Vegetarian
Being a vegetarian is not the same was it was a few decades ago. Various food manufacturers have majorly stepped up and produced phenomenal products that are not only meatless, but full of flavor too!
Growing tired of gardenburgers? Check out Boca Burgers which now come in a variety of flavors ranging from roasted garlic to grilled vegetable....
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Eating Out While Staying Fit
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tamara h.
Posted in: General Discussion in Healthy Eating
Going out to dinner makes it tough to stay on a diet, but how can you resist all of those social events from birthday parties to weddings that dictate what you eat?
Restaurants have been making a big push toward health in recent years, and combined with public demand for such an agenda, eating out has gotten much healthier over the past few ...
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