• Scheduling: If you don’t plan for the holidays, fitness can take a back seat to other activities. Try to schedule a minimum of six workouts during your 12 days of fitness. If you get eight, you’re a star. Invite your family and friends for a walk or jog, or go skating.  Plan ahead for the days you’ll be feasting or sipping cocktails at a work party. Hydration also plays a key role in how you’ll feel the next day – especially with the alcohol and extra salt in holiday meals.
• Meal planning and shopping: Plan for your healthy meals and snacks around the big events. Stock up on veggies and fruits, lean protein options like tofu, chicken breasts, fish, lean beef and legumes. Prepare some of your favourite slow cooker meals so you’ll have something nutritious for lunches and after work.
• Pack a bag: Pack a bag with your gym gear and keep it in your car. Things take longer during the lead up to Christmas. If your bag is in the car, you’ll have a better chance of making it to the gym or your favourite fitness class.

• Fill up on veggies at festive meals. Eat the healthy stuff first and you’ll be less likely to overeat when it comes to the good stuff.
• Choose your carbs wisely. If you love your grandmother’s freshly baked bread, but you’re not a huge fan of cereal, skip your morning cereal in favour of a piece of buttered bread straight from the oven during the big holiday dinner.

• Kettlebell swings: A kettlebell swing isn’t just a workout for your arms. The torque from your hips propels it forward, making this exercise a comprehensive full-body burn. Keep your chest up and repeat the swinging movement without stopping. It’s best to use low to moderate weight for this exercise to begin with.
• Shadow boxing with dumbbells: Shadowboxing is draining, but the cardio and strength component increases with a pair of weights. Using very light weights, perform punching movements by hitting the air as fast as you can for 50 seconds. Rest for 10 seconds and repeat five to seven times.

The holidays are quickly approaching and everyone is scrambling to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Whether they are looking for a gift for the tech lover or the fitness fanatic, there is something on this list that will bring them joy this holiday season.

I have provided product descriptions down below. Please let me know if you need additional press materials and I would be happy to provide. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Company Name: i-BLADES
Product: i-BLADES Smartcase

Website: https://i-BLADES.com/
Product Description: An award-winning protective Galaxy S8, S8Plus and Note 8 case with built-in technology that allows you to do more. The i-BLADES Smartcase with removable battery and memory Smartblade is the world's first Smartcase that wirelessy adds +10 hours of talk time, up to 64GB of extra storage and monitors the air quality around you with the state-of-the-art 4-in-1 Enviro Sensor™ embedded inside the Smartcase. Weighing 40g and a slimline 12.33mm, the i-BLADES Smartcase and Smartblade is the smartest phone case for Samsung Galaxy users this holiday season.
Price: $79 to $129

Company Name: SoundWhiz
Product: Turbo Wireless Running Headphones
Website: https://www.soundwhiz.com/
Product Description: The Turbo Wireless Running Headphones by SoundWhiz deliver incredible HD sound that can take any workout to the next level thanks to crystal clear 10mm drivers. The Bluetooth enabled headphones feature a sound profile specifically designed to enhance performance by boosting the body’s rhythm center during sports and activities. The Turbo Wireless Running Headphones ergonomic design combines high quality sound with stability and comfort that allows users to zone in to peak performance. The Turbo headphones are made using a nanocoating process that ensures they are completely protected against sweat, rain, and accidental immersion. Equipped with a long lasting battery, the Turbo headphones deliver up to 8 hours of talk of play time and take only two hours to be fully charged. In addition, the headphones support voice commands on both Apple and Android devices.
Price: $35.99
URL: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Bluetooth-Running-Headphones-Waterproof/dp/B01FS01SVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504638866&sr=8-1&keywords=soundwhiz&th=1

Company Name: Brinno
Product: SHC500
Website: http://brinno.com
Product Description: Brinno has released the first in its next generation of front door cameras with one of the best image qualities to date. The SHC500 Digital Peephole Camera records visitors without their knowledge thanks to its conspicuous design. The images or videos are recorded and stored on a micro SD card. The bigger the SD card, the more images or video you can store (supports up to a 32GB card). Replay who was at the door on the 2.7" LCD screen with the push of a button, or remove the SD card and review your activity on your PC or tablet. A set of AA batteries (included) are good for 3,000 activations. Review each day’s images or videos with a simple button push. The new user-friendly menu makes it quick and easy to see who was at the door. Every image and video comes with a time and date stamp so you know who was there and when they were there. Like all Brinno Peephole Viewers and Smart Home Cameras the new SHC500 takes 5 minutes to install and is impossible to detect from outside the door.
Price per Unit: $219.99
Website Link: http://brinno.com/time-lapse-camera/TLC200Pro

Company Name: Witti
Product: ROSSI
Website: www.wittidesign.com
The ROSSI by Witti Design is the perfect gift for that friend who is obsessed with chakra crystals and green juices.
The USB powered aromatherapy diffuser features multicolored LED mood lighting making it the perfect gift to turn any room into an oasis.
Price Per Unit: $29.99
Link to Purchase: https://www.wittidesign.com/products/rossi?variant=40753222602

Family Caregiver stress peaks during the holiday season

Coco Joy - Enjoy the Holidays Without Sacrificing Those Classic Treats

The holiday season tends to be filled with delicious food, family gatherings and endless indulgences. It can be easy to overindulge on tempting sweets, so this season try something new with a fun, healthy twist on the classics by using coconut oil, coconut water and milk water from Coco Joy, first all-natural portfolio of coconut products.

• Coconut Oil: Deemed a superfood, coconut oil is the perfect substitute for butter, margarine or shortening and also (melted) in any recipe that calls for oil. Coconut oil is almost 90% saturated fat, but don’t let this scare you. The saturated fat in coconut oil is called lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid that appears to have a more neutral effect on heart health when compared to longer-chain saturated fats found in meats and dairy products.
• Coconut Water: Coconut water provides nutritional values while also being a more satisfying alternative to plain water. Because coconut water is rich in potassium and magnesium, and naturally loaded with electrolytes, it is a great alternative to unhealthy sports drinks as well. Compared to other coconut water brands, Coco Joy is fat and cholesterol-free and has fewer calories, less sodium, no added sugar and no preservatives.
• Coconut Milk: For those with dietary restrictions, coconut milk is a delicious alternative to traditional milk. Coco Joy Coconut Milk contains no dairy, lactose, soy, gluten or casein and is vegan friendly, thus a perfect substitute ingredient in recipes and equally satisfying on its own.

Below is a round-up of delicious holiday treats using Coco Joy Coconut Oil, Coco Joy Coconut Water and Coco Joy Coconut Milk,--

Hot Coco {Joy}

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup Coco Joy Coconut Milk; Divided

¼ cup Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder

¾ cup Coco Joy Coconut Water

3 tbsp. Sugar

½ tsp. Vanilla Extract Pinch of Sea Salt

½ tsp. Coco Joy Coconut Oil

Directions: In a small saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, coconut sugar, salt, coconut oil and half of the coconut milk until well blended. Whisk in the remaining coconut milk until smooth, then whisk in coconut water until blended. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium low heat, whisking occasionally. Whisk in vanilla. Divide between two mugs. *Add ½ cup of Coconut Rum to spike your hot chocolate!

Santa’s Helper Eggnog

Ingredients:

4 cans Coco Joy Coconut Water

6 eggs yolks

½ cup sugar

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

8 oz spiced rum

Ice

Cinnamon

Coconut flakes

Directions: Bring coconut water to a simmer in a medium pot over medium high heat. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and pale. Gradually whisk half the hot coconut water into the egg mixture, then pour into pot with remaining coconut water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thick and mixture nearly coats the back of a wooden spoon, 2-3 minutes. Pour through a fine strainer into a bowl. Stir in rum and refrigerate at least 3 hours and up to overnight. Pour into a pitcher, serve over ice and garnish with coconut flakes and cinnamon.

Jolly Santa’s Cookies 

Ingredients:

¼ cup Coco Joy Coconut Oil

2 Eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup Desiccated Coconut Flakes

2 tbsp. Brown Rice Flour

1 ½ cup Peanut Butter

1 tbsp. Coco Joy Coconut Milk

¼ tsp. Sea Salt

100g Dark Chocolate, cut into chunks

¾ cup Sugar

Directions:  Preheat oven to 320 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with baking paper. Combine Coco Joy Coconut Oil and coconut in a small frying pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until coconut is light golden brown. Set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, white sugar, coconut sugar, eggs, Coco Joy Coconut Milk, brown rice flour, and salt; stir until completely combined. Add coconut mixture, mix well. Drop by tablespoon onto prepared baking sheet. Press a chunk of chocolate onto each cookie. Bake until cookies are golden on the bottom, 10-14 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Naughty (Almond) and Nice (Apple) Cake

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup Whole Almonds

2 tsp. Almond Extract

¾ cup Sugar

½ cup Coco Joy Coconut Oil

1 tsp. Cinnamon

½ tsp. Sea Salt

½ Red Delicious Apple; thinly sliced

2 tbsp. Brown Rice Flour

½ cup Sliced Almonds

2 tbsp. Corn Flour

2 tbsp. White Sugar

1 tsp. Baking Powder

3 Eggs

Directions: Preheat oven to 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8-inch spring form pan with coconut oil and line bottom with greaseproof paper. In a food processor, combine almonds, sugar, and salt. Blitz until almonds are very finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add cinnamon, brown rice flour, corn flour and baking powder; pulse until they are mixed through. Add eggs and almond extract; process until a think batter forms. Pour in coconut oil and process until batter is well combined, about 20 seconds. Scrape batter into prepared pan. Arrange apple slices over the top. Sprinkle evenly with sliced almonds, then with white sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Let cool in pan for about 20 minutes before serving. Run a knife around the edge of cake before removing sides.

Snowball Truffles 

Ingredients: 

¾ cup Raw Unsweetened Cacao Powder

2 cup Raw Almonds

¼ cup Raw Cashews

½ cup Maple Syrup

¼ cup Coco Joy Coconut Water

1 Heaped tbsp. Coco Joy Coconut Oil

Pinch of Salt

Coating Options: Crushed Almonds; Cacao

Directions:  In a food processor on high speed, combine all ingredients and blend until you have a thick batter. Shape into small balls about 1 inch in diameter; roll in desired coating; place on a plate. Cover and keep in the freezer until ready to eat.

The coming holiday season is a joy
ful time of year that brings together families and friends. However, it can also be quite stressful – especially for those who have a child with autism.
With that in mind, FirstPath Autism http://www.firstpathautism.com would like to offer up tips to help handle everything from holiday party meltdowns to stress that can arise from schedule changes and holiday travels. While compiled for those with an autistic child in their lives, many of the tips work just as well for all families. 

SCHEDULE CHANGES AND TRAVEL
1. Prepare for changes in home and school routines.
The holidays mean that your family’s usual routine shifts, and that causes disruption for everyone, including your child. Much as children may look forward to the season of celebrations, they may not understand that it involves trade-offs too. For example, having a holiday pageant at school may mean that their favorite art class is cancelled for the day. Be sure to discuss these changes with your child ahead of time. Your child may not infer that the pageant means that art class won’t happen as usual.

2. Assess sugar impact and decide what’s reasonable.
The holidays often mean different foods and lots of seasonal treats. Find a balance between prudence and fun. Unless food allergies or confirmed intolerances are involved, consider allowing your child space to eat some special-occasion treats. Popcorn, cinnamon-baked apples, and trail mix are perennial winter favorites for kids who need to avoid certain food products or additives.

3. Be mindful of sensory issues.
The holidays mean plenty of flashing lights, decorations, and music. Festive celebration can be challenging for individuals with autism and sensory processing disorder. Consider having your child help you either pick out decorations for the house or have him/her help you with decorating and preparing.

4. Ease into traveling and change.
If you will be traveling to see family and friends, prepare your child for what the experience will be like. To help ease your child into the trip, you may want to bring along any special foods needed and a favorite object. If you’re flying, check with the TSA regarding any rules that may apply and consider reaching out to the airline in advance. Let them know you’ll be traveling with a child with autism and include any special information that might be helpful.

5. If the traditions don’t fit, make your own!
Most of us start thinking in terms of tradition when the holidays approach. Given this, it’s easy to get caught up in how things are “supposed” to be. Holidays can include baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, and/or gathering with families and friends. But what if your child refuses to bake, is terrified of carollers, or wants to go to bed early? Remember that, as a parent, you get to do what works for you and your family.  In this time of joy and closeness, go easy on yourself by letting go of comparisons, shoulds, and “What will the extended family think?” Embrace the reality of your own household, and most of all, have fun!

HOLIDAY PARTY MELTDOWNS
Picture this: You and your family have made it to your favorite annual party.  Everyone’s having a great time … that is, until your child with autism gets completely overwhelmed by the festivities.
You tried to redirect her attention, but it didn’t work.

What’s your next move?

Meltdown Prevention 101
Our initial recommendation is that you do what you can to prevent a meltdown prior to its inception. Remember that behavior is learned, and that what you model during calm moments will influence what happens during stressful ones.

If you take time to teach your child appropriate self-management strategies, he or she will have a much better chance of maintaining their emotional control in difficult situations.
For example, you can:
• Remind your child of the appropriate behavior and associated reward
• Employ social stories and role-playing exercises to educate about appropriate behavior
• Prompt the identification and verbal expression of feeling states
• Review deep breathing techniques
• Use adaptive equipment to provide calming pressure or lessen the experience of sensory overload

Child psychologist Lauren Elder, Autism Speaks assistant director for dissemination science, speaks to this question in Parents of Child with Autism Seeking Help Handling Public Meltdowns.  https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/12/20/parents-child-autism-seek-help-handling-public-meltdownsElder suggests the following essential steps:

1. Stay calm
This might seem obvious to you now, but in the chaotic moments surrounding a meltdown, it won’t seem so clear-cut. When your child is struggling, it’s easy to get swept away by frustration and panic, but the calmer you can remain in the crisis, the more effective you’ll be at helping your child.  Take a moment to breathe and regain a sense of calm within yourself …. Your reaction is so important. You have the power to escalate or de-escalate the situation with your words, body language, and overall approach.

2. Stop and help your child
This might seem self-evident, but parents often try to manage their child’s behavior while simultaneously working, eating, or conversing with other people?  Some such parental juggling is inevitable, and even the best parents need to divide their attention at times. However, make sure that you don’t do this during a meltdown. If your child is truly out of control, you need to be fully present and attentive to what’s happening around you. Otherwise, their physical and emotional well-being is put at risk.

However, giving your full attention doesn’t mean lecturing, bargaining, or disciplining. If your child is having a true meltdown, she is in a panicked, fight-or-flight state. As such, she won’t be able to engage in new learning.

In addition, be sure not to give in to any request or demand that directly preceded the meltdown. Doing so reinforces the idea that meltdowns yield positive results, and that’s not what you want to teach!
Rather than shouting, correcting, or rewarding negative behavior, simply prioritize safety. You can work on teaching once your child has regained equilibrium.

You can also reduce stimulation levels. This may mean a quick move to a quieter, more private space. If that’s not a possibility, you can stay put and lower lights, block excess noise, and disperse a crowd if one has gathered. Which brings us to our final point …

3. Tell bystanders what you need them to do
One of the most difficult elements of a public meltdown is … the public. Even if you’re at a party where the guests know and love your child, it’s still stressful to have him melt down.  That said, you can take this potential frustration and turn it around. If you’re concerned about communicating with bystanders, try talking to friends and family members ahead of time about what to expect should your child lose control.
You might consider carrying cards to hand to strangers if it helps to explain the situation. But if you’re surrounded by close friends and family, it may be easier to simply plan ahead and ask for what you need (be it space or support) in advance.

Finally, after a meltdown ends, make sure to take time to recuperate before re-entering the party. You both need to take pause and rest before getting back on your feet.

Want more guidance on this topic? These 10 Tips for Managing a Meltdown, with specific guidance from Amalie D. Holly, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst on the FirstPath Autism team can help further. http://info.firstpathautism.com/meltdown-guide-parents

Tips courtesy of FirstPath Autism:
FirstPath Autism is an organization dedicated to the education, training, and awareness of evidence-based autism treatment developed by the Founder, Romina Kiryakous at the Genesis Behavior Center in Turlock, CA. The treatment practiced at Genesis is based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the most widely covered treatment for autism by insurance companies. In 2015, Kiryakous developed FirstPath Autism, a personalized online education, support, and training program dedicated to the parents and caregivers of children with autism. The goal of FirstPath Autism is to offer an autism lifeline to parents and to help care givers better serve children with autism.

TRX 20% Off Today

Hey Guys! I just want to let you know about the awesome deal that TRX is having today! I love my TRX and use it with my clients and athletes on a regular basis. If you workout at home or travel a lot it is a great piece of equipment. It also comes in pink if you choose and you know that pink is my favourite colour! Anyway....

TRX 20% Off Today Visit their site today and get 20% off of your TRX order. Use the discount code "SECRET" at checkout to get the deal!

Happy Holiday Shopping from Train It Right!

Do you have someone on your holiday gift list that loves health and fitness? Not sure what to get them? Here is your solution. Well here are the Train It Right Top 10 gifts for the fitness enthusiast this holiday season. Happy Holidays! Train It Right!

1. Blue Tooth Winter Hat - http://bluetoothbeanies.com/collections/all

Many styles available and all equipped with wireless blue tooth for all of your outdoor fitness activities.

2. Omega8005  Juicer - http://www.healthyplanetcanada.com/omega-juicer-8005-chrome.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAkpCkBRCtstKQo5ia5nESJACsCikR64bq60k-VM9Zcomu9YKkzr9B-WaM1GzL1y6vPFbXvhoCt1Hw_wcB

This juicer is quiet, easy to clean, No heat build up, allowing for no loss of enzymes so that you can enjoy nutrient-rich juice full of live enzymes, doesn't foam or clog, and User friendly - easy to assemble, operate and clean.

3. Jabra Wireless headphones - http://www.jabra.ca/products/bluetooth/jabra_revo_wireless/jabra_revo_wireless

You can't go wrong with a set of wireless headphones for your fitness enthusiast because if they workout hard they don't what any messy wires getting in the way of their workout. Freedom to move is a blessing during a tough sweaty workout.

4. Gaiam Muse: the brain sensing headband - http://www.gaiam.com/muse-brain-sensing-headband/05-61561_2.html

According to the website it reduces stress, improves your concentration to take your meditation and yoga to the next level.

5. Nike Pro Tights - http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pw/womens-tights-clothing/7ptZbgdZ8s6

These are available for both men and women and they are one of the most comfortable workout pants out there. Your workout will love to get a pair of these as a holiday present. They also are available in many colours and patterns.

6. Quest Nutrition Bars - http://www.questnutrition.com

Low Carb, gluten free, high protein, many flavours. We can't get enough of these. They would make a great stocking stuffer for any fitness lover.

7. Polar Heart Rate Monitor - http://www.polar.com/ca-en/products/get_active/fitness_crosstraining/FT7

Affordable, counts calories, monitors heart rate, and comes in different colours. This would be a great gift for the runner on your holiday list.

8. Six Pack Bag - Expedition Backpack 500 - http://www.sixpackbags.com/expedition-backpack-500.html

This is a great bag for the fitness competition or the business man who is always on the go. It allows them to pack their food in a stylish backpack and bring it with them wherever they go.

9. Core 150 Shaker - http://www.core150.com

This Protein shaker allows you to store protein or other supplements right inside the core. It saves space and lets you bring protein or supplements with you all day long.

10. Online Personalized Training from Train It Right - www.trainitright.com/blog/online-programs 

Alicia Bell at Train It Right provides a great online personal training program that you can access anywhere. The workouts are personalized for at home or in the gym. You have access to videos from apps to see the exact exercises and it is completely affordable.