Tips for changing up your workout

Change Can Be
A Good ThingChange is the spice of life, so to keep your workout nice and spicy, you’ve got to mix things up. If you’re stuck in a rut and you’re not sure what’s next, use these quick tips to change up your workout and continue seeing health-related results.

Increase your cardiovascular fitness

If your normal routine consists of 30 minutes of cardio at a relatively steady pace, you may find yourself hitting the dreaded fitness plateau. Give your routine a makeover by incorporating intervals into your regular workout. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, alternating between bursts of higher- and lower-intensity cardio can improve cardiovascular fitness as your body develops new capillaries to efficiently deliver oxygen to the muscles.

BONUS: You'll burn more calories, too!

If you're wary of interval training, just keep in mind that you don't have to become a sprinter to see results. Simply increase your workout intensity for 30 to 60 seconds before slowing back down to your original pace. Stay at the lower intensity level for 30 to 120 seconds as your body recovers, then bump up your pace or resistance again. Continue alternating between intensities for 25 to 45 minutes.

Read more: Interval training 101 >>Enhance muscular health

When you find a weight training routine you're comfortable with, it's easy to avoid branching out to try new exercises. Unfortunately, most weight machines only allow your muscles to move in a single plane of motion and don't require "helper" muscles to enhance stability at the joints. These exercises are less functional and rarely mimic real-life movements. So while you'll get stronger, your functional fitness may not improve.

Even if you're regularly using free weights or performing more functional movements, you still need to switch things up on a regular basis to prevent stagnation. Consider boosting your muscular health by trying the following:

If you're a weight machine queen, commit to incorporating at least one workout a week that uses body weight or free weight exercises like squats, lunges, pushups, pull-ups and bench dips. All of these exercises require the engagement of multiple muscle groups while also mimicking real-life movements.If you're already a free weight maven, commit to incorporating balance training into your workout. Start using a BOSU ball, balance disc or fitness ball to make your normal exercises more difficult. The American College of Sports Medicine released an update to their exercise recommendations in 2011 recommending at least 20 to 30 minutes a day of this type of neuromotor exercise.Read more: Top 10 functional exercises for full-body fitness >>Prevent boredom

Sometimes working out is boring. If you're having a hard time finding the motivation to head to your regular yoga class or pop in your go-to workout video, it may be time to turn your workout upside down. Consider mixing things up and trying a workout outside of your normal comfort zone:

Turn in your running routine for a month of yoga, Pilates or ballet-inspired danceGive up traditional group exercise for a booty-busting boot camp workoutSwap your swim for weight-bearing strength trainingChange up your cardio routine with rock climbing, sport leagues or track-style workoutsRead more: Ways to motivate yourself to get fit >>Reach a goal

Sometimes the best way to challenge yourself in your training is to set new fitness goals. Take a moment to think about the types of physical activities you'd like to try or the goals you'd like to accomplish. Maybe you've always wanted to try surfing or to complete a 10K. Whatever it is you want to accomplish, change up your fitness routine to help you reach that goal. For instance, if you want to learn to surf, start working on balance and upper body strength to help you get up and stay up on the board. If you want to run a 10K, sign up for a race and start working on lower body and cardiovascular endurance. Having a tangible goal to reach will help you choose daily exercises designed to help you reach that goal.

Read more: Setting fitness goals >>More fitness tips

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New Year’s Eve appetizers for pairing with Champagne

Just as you would pair wine with certain foods and special appetizers, Champagne tastes even better when paired with the right bites. Whether you're having a quiet night in or throwing a formal party, these appetizers are perfect for ringing in the New Year.

Tasty nibbles that complement the bubbly Casual evening

For a casual New Year's Eve at home or with a small group of friends, pair your Champagne with simple salty appetizers. Salted or spiced mixed nuts, cocktail-sized hot dogs, mini quiche and prosciutto all enhance the taste of Champagne and complement each other extremely well.

Dinner party

An elegant cheese plate is just one go-to appetizer for pairing with Champagne. Top baked Brie with crushed walnuts or a fruit preserve and serve with whole grain crackers. Surround your cheese plate with fresh strawberries, grapes and raspberries for a light and delicious pre-dinner treat.

Creamy dips -- like crab and artichoke based dips -- make for a delicious pre-dinner snack when Champagne is being served.

Fried foods also taste delicious with Champagne. Sweet potato fries with a side of garlic aioli, fried mushrooms, tempura vegetables and flash fried salted vegetables all make great appetizers or side dishes.

Pairing Champagne with desserts is easy. Champagne tastes delicious with most desserts, especially chocolate covered strawberries, berry tarts, lemon cake and sorbet topped with fresh fruit.

Entertaining on New Year's Eve >>Formal party

Hand-passed hors d'oeuvres are an essential for a formal New Year's Eve party. Escargots and seafood pair brilliantly with Champagne and make great bite-sized appetizers for your guests. Try these seafood bites for your New Year's Eve party.

Prosciutto wrapped shrimpBacon wrapped scallopsCrackers topped with crabmeat and green olivesSushi cut rolls or hand rollsSashimiLobster martinis

As a main course, suggested pairings include: foie gras, duck, caviar and baked chicken.

Champagne wishes and caviar dreams >>More Champagne recipes and pairings

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Champagne dreams cocktail
Classic Champagne cocktail

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5 Fruity Valentine's Day cocktail recipes

cocktail recipesPucker up on Valentine's Day!

Looking for a delicious way to celebrate Valentine's Day? Pucker Vodka has you covered with five fun, flirty and fruity cocktails!

Skip the chocolates, candies and conversation hearts — indulge in a Valentine's Day cocktail instead! Whether you're celebrating with your true love or partying it up single-style, these cocktails might have you puckering up by night's end. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Pucker cherry temptress

Yields 1

Ingredients:3 parts Pucker Vodka Cherry Tease1 part Licor 43Splash of creamSplash of sodaDirections:

Add all ingredients over ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a collins glass.

Pucker crimson pout

Yields 1

Ingredients:1-1⁄2 parts Pucker Vodka Cherry Tease4 fresh cherries, pitted1 part lemon juice1 part simple syrup2 basil leaves, tornDirections:

Add fresh cherries to cocktail shaker; muddle.Add all remaining ingredients to cocktail shaker. Shake, double strain and pour into a coupe glass.

Pucker February fling

Yields 1

Ingredients:1-1⁄4 parts Pucker Vodka Citrus Squeeze1 part lemon juice1⁄2 part simple syrup1-1⁄4 parts orange juice4 dashes orange blossom water4 dashes orange bittersDirections:

Add all ingredients over ice to cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a coupe or martini glass.

Pucker cupid's kiss

Yields 1

Ingredients:1-1⁄2 parts Pucker Vodka Raspberry Rave2 parts pomegranate juiceSplash of lime juice3-4 dashes orange bitters1 part lemon-lime sodaDirections:

Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and pour into a rocks glass.

Pucker my sassy valentine

Yields 1

Ingredients:1-1⁄2 parts Pucker Vodka Sour Apple Sass1 strawberry1 raspberry1 dash cherry bitters1 part soda2 parts cranberry-pomegranate juiceDirections:

Add ice to the cocktail shaker. Muddle the strawberry and raspberry in cocktail shaker; add cherry bitters.Add in all remaining ingredients to cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a collins glass.

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Gourmet gifts for the meat lover

The Ultimate Gift Guide For Meat LoversIt’s far easier to holiday shop for the meat eaters on your list than the picky eaters who eschew entire food groups or have ethical issues with certain cuisines. Here is our juicy list of gourmet holiday gifts for your favorite carnivores.

The Joy of Smoking and Salt Curing: The Complete Guide to Smoking and Curing Meat, Fish, Game, and More ($10)

The ideal gift for the meat artisan who wants to do more than just put a steak on the grill, The Joy of Smoking and Salt Curing (Skyhorse, September 2011) by Monte Burch is a practical handbook on how to turn wild game, fish, pork, chicken or beef into scrumptious ham, bacon, sausage and more. Drawing on more than forty years of experience smoking everything from salmon to whole hogs, Burch presents an easy-to-follow guide for creating all types of fresh cured products at home. Recipes include Deli-Style Corned Beef, Pastrami, Beef Jerky, Smoked Tuna Steaks and Horizon Smoked Turkey, just to name a few.

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Girl Hunter: Revolutionizing the Way We Eat, One Hunt at a Time ($15)

Living in Montana, I can't help but love this meat-celebrating cookbook. Girl Hunter (De Capo, December 2011), written by classically-trained New York chef and fearless omnivore Georgia Pellegrini, is a food-laden hunting narrative that shares the adventures of being a self-sufficient eater. Teaming up with veteran hunters, Pelligrini travels over field and stream to hunt venison, wild boar, elk, quail and more. After the kill, she presents succulent ways to eat her meats. Finger-licking recipes include Wild Turkey and Oyster Stew, Stuffed Quail, Pheasant Tagine and Venison Sausage. After paging through this cookbook, you may just find yourself booking a hunting vacation – and, if not, you will certainly gain an appreciation for those who hunt for their meals.

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Diamond Dishes: From the Kitchens of Baseball's Biggest Stars ($25)

While not solely a meat-centric cookbook, it's one that baseball lovers can page through for hearty meat-featuring recipes and more. In Diamond Dishes (Lyons Press, April 2011) by Julia Loria (who ranks cooking and baseball high on the list of her lifelong passions), baseball fans and food lovers get a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite Major League Baseball players with stories told through memorable meals, family recipes, exclusive full-color photos of the players off the field and in the kitchen, and revealing anecdotes about life beyond the diamond. Though we love this cookbook because it is an easy gift for the guys on your list, don't forget the sports-loving women who'd jump at the chance to check out the pro-baseball meals.

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Monogram Forged Steak Brand ($40)

For the meat eaters who like to make a statement at every barbecue, the Williams Sonoma steak brand lets backyard chefs sear their own initials into steaks and chops. The customized iron brand is hand forged by a Texas cattle rancher and is an authentic miniature version of the cattle brands used for centuries to identify livestock and designate ranch families. Choose single, double or triple initials for your favorite grill king or queen. The branding iron even comes with a wall-mounting storage rack.

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Todd English GreenPan Gourmet Grill ($175)

The most recent innovation for meat eaters is the GreenPan Gourmet Grill from celebrity chef Todd English. Launched on Dec. 9, 2011 on HSN.com, the Gourmet Grill is for the indoor grilling gourmet. It features a large nonstick grilling surface, embedded heating elements for even cooking, touch pad operation, removable grease tray and plates that lock closed for easy vertical storage. This all-season grill is available in four colors: black, red, blue and white.

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Cat Cora Starfrit Maple Wood Butcher Block ($65)

Got meat? Then you certainly need a heavy duty butcher block that is as stylish as it is functional. Cat Cora has you covered with her maple cutting board, which is made of solid North American maple wood with nonslip feet and two side stainless steel handles for easy handling. The board measures 16"L x 12"W x 1-7/8"H with (2) 1-3/4" side handles and is a beautiful addition to your kitchen space.

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Omaha Steaks Tasteful Gift Combo ($70)

Give the gift of a steak house dining experience that your favorite meat lovers can have right in the comfort of their own home. Omaha Steaks is renowned for their quality meats and even have a delectable variety of accompaniments for their entrée meats. The Tasteful Gift Combo features the finest selection of meats, including filet mignon and top sirloin, stuffed baked potatoes and chocolate molten lava cakes. At $70, this gourmet gift is a steal – and right now Omaha Steaks is offering free shipping on the Tasteful Gift Combo! When you visit the site, be sure to check out the mouthwatering array of burgers, brats, seafood, poultry, appetizers, sides, desserts and complete meals.

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Prescott Frost Beef (prices vary)

If your meat eater is particular about organic eating, look no further than Prescott Frost. Offering affordable, sustainable, organic steaks, burgers and dogs, Prescott Frost raises their animals on fresh Nebraska air and organic grasses and legumes. All of the company's meat contains more vitamin E, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids than conventional beef and is 100 percent USDA Certified Organic. Choose from filet mignon, rib eye, New York strip, ground beef, beef patties and hot dogs. Prescott also offers two gift options for their beef products.

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Oh Boy Oberto! All Natural Jerky ($6)

When in need of a snack, hardcore meat lovers (or low-carbers) reach for jerky over a bag of trail mix. A high-protein nosh, Oberto's newest jerky is a healthier choice compared to other preservative-laden jerky brands. Ingredients include beef, sugar, water, beef stock, salt, spices and natural flavorings, natural smoke flavor and vinegar. It includes absolutely no artificial ingredients, no preservatives and no added MSG. The All Natural Jerky line is available in six flavors: Original Beef Jerky, Teriyaki Beef Jerky, Peppered Beef Jerky, Hickory Beef Jerky, BBQ Pork Jerky and Teriyaki Turkey Jerky. This is a great stocking stuffer!

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Sculpt a strong, sexy back for summer

We all want toned abs, arms and legs -- but what about our backs? It’s an important area to strengthen, but one that often gets skipped in favor or lunges, crunches and leg raises.

Bringing sexy back

This summer, we suggest taking another look at this oft-overlooked area and including some back-specific moves into your routine. Not sure where to start? Check out the video below featuring six sculpting moves we love.

Getting started

We asked Sammie Kennedy, fitness expert and creator and host of Booty Camp Fitness Ultimate Home Edition 2, for her insight into building a stronger back. She created a simple but effective back workout to get your back in summer-ready shape. Kennedy recommends doing three rounds of the circuit twice a week to build a strong and beautiful back. She also shares some general back-sculpting tips for a better body. The following moves are what you’ll see in the video.

Lat-pull plié  (15 reps)Standing back fly (15 reps)Lat raise combo (12 reps)Bent over row (8–10 reps)Back extension (12–15 reps)Rear leg raise (16 reps)Importance of strong backs

A lot of people focus on working their core but neglect to train their back. Not a good plan, warns Kennedy. “We rely on our back muscles to complete most of our physical tasks during the day, so it’s incredibly important to develop and strengthen those muscle groups,” she explains. “A strong back also helps with both posture and core.”

Weak back muscles can also be linked to conditions like osteoporosis, so it's important to work the broad muscles in your back (latissimus dorsi), the muscles and tendons that run along your vertebral column (erector spinae) and the muscles that connect the scapula with the vertebrae (major and minor rhomboids), stresses Kennedy.

Back-strengthening tips

Kennedy shares a few general workout tips to keep in mind while performing back exercises, which may vary depending on the exercise:

Make sure that your feet are planted firmly on the ground.Push up from your heels when performing squats.Ensure that whatever weights you’re working with are evenly distributed and a reasonable weight for your level of strength. You don’t want to encourage a back injury by going too heavy too soon.Constantly remind yourself to keep your core engaged. Tightening the abdominals will help support the spine and muscles of the lower back.When lifting weights, don’t go too heavy as you may risk compromising form.Strong back benefits

Skipping back-strengthening moves? You might want to reconsider that fitness decision. Kennedy shares some of the biggest benefits to a stronger back.

Improvement in posture (you’ll look taller) and abdominal strength.Possible prevention of injury, pulled muscles, or future conditions like osteoporosis.A sculpted, toned back that looks great in summer sundresses and swimsuits.

“Just like doing abdominal exercises for a defined stomach, or squats for a sculpted booty, training all of your back muscles will help to define those beautiful back curves that all women have,” says Kennedy. “Exercises like the lat-pull plié will help sculpt the sides of your back, creating a beautiful 'V' shape that emphasizes a slimmer waist,” she explains. “Exercises like the standing back fly and bent-over row really help to define those muscles around your spine in the upper back and shoulders, so you look just as sculpted and sexy from behind in a low-back dress.”

Head-to-toe summer body tips

To get in summer-ready shape from head to toe, combine flexibility, strength training and cardio for a full-body workout, advises Kennedy. “A lot of people try to spot-train specific body parts, but unfortunately this is a myth. Only an overall reduction of body fat will help to reveal all the hard work you have done,” she says. “A full-body workout based on the three training categories mentioned above will help you develop a lean physique that’s toned all around.”

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Jamie Oliver interviewed by his daughters

Jamie Oliver Gets Grilled By Poppy, 9, And Daisy, 8The best place to be at snack time? Jamie Oliver's house! The Food Revolution star talks shop with his daughters, in REDBOOK's June issue.

Poppy: Daddy, why do we like so many different foods?

Jamie: Because Daddy has always given you different kinds of things to try since you were very young. What's the craziest thing I've made for you?

Poppy: Kangaroo!

Daisy: Rabbit! What do you and Mummy like to do when you go on a date?

Jamie: Well, we definitely like to hug.

Daisy: Oooh!

Jamie: We like to kiss.

Daisy: Oooh!

Jamie: Mummy likes it when I cook her a lovely meal and we light the fire and have a few hugs.

 

Read more

Jamie Oliver Interview - Jamie Oliver is Interviewed By His Kids – Redbook. Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Plantain pouches with nougat rum caramel sauce

Triple Goodness Dessert!Fried plantain pouches filled with melted nougat and covered with rum caramel sauce will surely make you want more!

A crispy plantain dessert covered with melted nougat and rum caramel sauce sounds too inviting to resist. Presenting them in little pouches makes them even more irresistible. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Plantain pouches with nougat & rum caramel sauce recipe

Yields 12 pouches

Ingredients:1 pound white nougat7 tablespoons water2 tablespoons rum4 tablespoons brown sugar2 ripe plantains (can substitute bananas)12 square spring roll wrappers12 food stringsPeanut oil for deep-fryingDirections:

Chop the nougat to small pieces. Over medium heat, melt 3/4 of the nougat in a hot water bath with 4 tablespoons of water. When the nougat has melted, add 1 tablespoon of rum. Let the alcohol evaporate for about a minute then turn off the fire. Set aside.In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the brown sugar, the remaining water and rum. When it boils, simmer on low heat until it thickens. Set aside.Peel and slice each of the plantains into 6 pieces (about 2 inches in length).Lay a spring roll wrapper on a plate.Place the plantain slices in the middle of each wrapper and pour the nougat sauce over the top.Gather the four corners of the spring roll wrapper then secure them with the food string.Repeat until you finish all the ingredients.Deep-fry in a pot of very hot oil, best between 335-355 degrees F, until golden brown.Let them rest on a plate with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.Garnish with the nougat you set aside and some rum caramel sauce.

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