The pickleball revolution
The pickleball revolution is upon us — want to get in on the fun? I’ll wager a jar of, well, pickles that you’ve heard of this rapidly growing sport. It’s everywhere these days, and with good reason: It’s easy to learn, fun to play and a solid workout. It also requires precious little equipment: All you need is a paddle, a ball and three friends. Right now, Amazon’s got an incredible deal on the first two requirements. For a limited time, and while supplies last, Amazon has the Franklin Sports Activator Pickleball Paddle and Ball Set for just $14. That’s $16 off the regular price and one of the best deals I’ve seen — though there are lots of other pickleball sets starting at around $40. Add this set to cart and kick off summer with a swing!
Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle and Ball Set
$14$30Save $16
These wood paddles are perfect for beginners, and you can’t beat the price. You even get a couple of outdoor balls to get your game rolling.
Both the paddles and balls are USA Pickleball Association–approved, meaning they’re the right size, weight and all that. So how does this set differ from one that costs more? Aren’t all pickleball paddles and balls created equal?
Not exactly. These paddles have a wood core that’s more likely to break during, er, a moment of frustration. Pricier paddles made of fiberglass or graphite can better withstand angry swats against the court.
Wood also weighs a little more; these paddles are about 10 ounces each, whereas fiberglass ones tend to be lighter, usually around 8 ounces. That may not sound like a huge difference, but you’ll definitely tire more quickly when swinging a heavier paddle.
Sneak More Exercise Into Your Daily Routine: 7 Steps That Actually Work
Working out doesn’t have to be miserable.
Macy MeyerEditor I
Macy Meyer is a N.C. native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2021 with a B.A. in English and Journalism. She currently resides in Charlotte, N.C., where she has been working as an Editor I, covering a variety of topics across CNET’s Home and Wellness teams, including home security, fitness and nutrition, smart home tech and more. Prior to her time at CNET, Macy was featured in The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer, INDY Week, and other state and national publications. In each article, Macy helps readers get the most out of their home and wellness. When Macy isn’t writing, she’s volunteering, exploring the town or watching sports.
ExpertiseMacy covers a variety of topics across CNET’s Home and Wellness teams, including home security, smart home tech, fitness, nutrition, travel, lifestyle and more.Credentials
- Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
May 5, 2023 4:30 a.m. PT
5 min read
I’m far from the first person to say it, but exercise is essential for our overall health. Exercise helps with boosting your mood, relieving stress, increasing energy, improving sleep quality and lowering your risk for diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and many more.
May 5, 2023 4:30 a.m. PT
I’m far from the first person to say it, but exercise is essential for our overall health. Exercise helps with boosting your mood, relieving stress, increasing energy, improving sleep quality and lowering your risk for diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and many more.
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ExpertiseMacy covers a variety of topics across CNET’s Home and Wellness teams, including home security, smart home tech, fitness, nutrition, travel, lifestyle and more.Credentials
- Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing.
You might be wondering, if exercise is so important to our overall health, then why can it be so dang hard to do?
Over the years, I’ve found some easy tricks to get myself more active daily. And no, going to the gym and doing a hard-core weight workout isn’t required. There are actually sneaky ways to get more exercise day-to-day. Here’s my secret sauce.
Best Home Exercise Equipment for 2023
1. Set a routine
OK, so this isn’t really a secret. Creating a regular habit of working out would be ideal — duh! It’s creating that habit that’s the tricky part. Here’s where I can help.
One of the most efficient ways to build a habit is through the Cue-Routine-Reward system. MIT researchers discovered the power of the neurological loop at the core of every habit. This “habit loop,” later coined by Charles Duhigg in his 2012 book The Power of Habit, consists of three parts: a cue, a routine and a reward.
This system can apply to building any habit, from drinking more water to waking up earlier. But it can certainly apply to creating a workout habit.
For example, say you want to wake up and go to the gym each morning before work. The cue, what triggers the habit, would be the morning and your alarm going off. (Choose a time that works best for you and be consistent. Using multiple cues like time of day and sound can increase your likelihood of performing your routine.)
Your routine, the habit or action you want to create and reinforce, would be getting up and changing into your workout clothes. This can help prevent you from going back to sleep and ensure you hit the gym since you’re already ready. And once you finish the routine (the exercise), you’ll be rewarded. This could appear in the form of endorphins as a bodily reward that can motivate us to do the routine again, or it could even be a tangible reward, like buying yourself new socks after a week of hitting your exercise goals or investing in a new yoga mat after a month of doing yoga each day.
Each person will have a different response to these three elements. It’s important to experiment with what cues and rewards work best for you to develop a consistent routine of training.
2. Start small
A lot of people assume they need to run themselves ragged in the gym to get more fit, but that’s really not true. All you need is about 30 minutes a day.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week — that breaks down to a little more than 20 minutes each day. They also recommend strength-training that works the major muscle groups at least two times a week. Thirty minutes is an ideal place to start to fulfill your weekly needs.
You can also start with low-impact activity. A brisk walk in the evening is a more-than-sufficient workout. You can also refer to this guide for the best workouts for beginners.
3. Habit stack
Habit stacking, popularized by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits, is a way to create small yet healthy habits. This term might be new to you, but it’s really straightforward: you “stack” the new behavior (exercising) onto a habit you already have to help you remember to do it. This will cause the combo to become a habit.
If you listen to a podcast every day, try going for a walk or jog while you listen. Waiting for your morning coffee to brew? Try stretching while you wait. Habit stacking can be used in a multitude of ways to make new fitness habits blend into your daily routine.
4. Get active at work
Your work day doesn’t have to be totally sedentary. Rather than using your full lunch hour to eat, take some time to go to the gym, speed walk around the office or run errands.You can also break up the drudgery of the day by taking a walk during one-on-one meetings instead of sitting at a desk or conference room — anything to get up and get moving.
Try to get up every so often to stretch your legs: rather than emailing or Zooming coworkers, get up and talk to them in person if you can; use the stairs rather than the elevator; get up and refill your water every so often.
5. Do exercises you actually like
This is a big one. If you hate exercising, it might be because you aren’t doing workouts you enjoy. Very few people actually enjoy running around in circles for miles. So don’t.
Branch out and try different kinds of workouts until you find one you genuinely enjoy. Biking, surfing, paddle boarding, yoga, hiking, skiing, rock climbing, kayaking and ice skating are all fun activities that get your heart rate up. This will require you to go out of your comfort zone and to be patient as you try things out, but it’ll be worth it when working out no longer feels like a chore.
6. Get active while watching TV
Let’s be honest, running on the treadmill is boring. Riding on a stationary bike is boring. Watching TV is way more fun. That’s why you should combine the two.
There’s no shame in catching up on your favorite show while hitting the gym. Trust me, I’ve been rewatching Game of Thrones on my phone while riding on the stationary bike each day. Not only does the entertainment keep my mind off the burn in my legs, but it pushes me to stay longer. Before downloading Netflix and HBO Max on my phone, I’d stay at the gym for 20 to 30 minutes. Now, I usually stay on the bike or treadmill for 50 to 60 minutes — until the episode is over.
7. Make it social
Exercise doesn’t need to be solitary. In fact, having a workout partner can help keep you motivated and hold you accountable in your routine. If you don’t have one buddy to join you, sign up for a workout class. The structure of working out in a group can push you to work harder while also introducing you to new people.
I recommend exploring the fitness course schedule at your local YMCA or gym, signing up for a boxing, dance or yoga class or purchasing a ClassPass membership, which can grant you access to thousands of health clubs in your city.
For more ways to improve your everyday health, here’s 12 household items that double as gym equipment and daily habits to boost your mental health.
More fitness tips
- 7 Tips to Lose Body Fat at Home, According to Experts
- Burn Fat With These 6 Low-Impact Exercises You Can do From Your House
- Best Workout Equipment for Small Spaces
First published on Feb. 22, 2023 6:00 a.m. PT
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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13 MIN PLANK WORKOUT (Full Body Fat Burn) | No Equipment ~ Jacey Yaw
BUBBLE BUTT in JUST 12 MIN!! Intense, Floor Only, No Equipment, No Squats, At Home
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3 of my best ways to step out of your comfort zone — Art of Being Fabulous
Your comfort zone includes things that are familiar to you. Try these tips to step out of your comfort zone to help change up your routine.
3 of my best ways to step out of your comfort zone — Art of Being Fabulous
Fig Nut Quick Bread
Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage (Whole30)
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Whole30, Paleo, and Low Carb Real Food Recipes
Cook At Home Mom / Recipes / Recipes by Diet / Whole30 Recipes / Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage (Whole30)
Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage (Whole30)
WHOLE30 RECIPES | BY LAURA | 7 MARCH, 2019 | This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Whole30 Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage, a quick and delicious (paleo, and gluten free) dinner. I like to serve it with baby potatoes and carrots and it’s absolutely perfect for your healthy St. Patrick’s Day dinner! For a low carb option: Simply leave off the root veggies!
It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, and that means Corned Beef and Cabbage, of course!
My grandma and grandpa thought it was kind of a silly tradition– Growing up in Ireland they said they never ate corned beef and cabbage (they ate Irish Lamb Stew or Farmhouse Vegetable Soup)… so maybe it’s an American-Irish thing?
However the tradition started, every single year for decades now, my mom has hosted a big St. Patrick’s Day dinner for family and friends. On the menu? Corned beef and cabbage, always. She’d have giant pots simmering away on the stovetop all day long to feed the crowd that came over.
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These days, I still try to keep up with the corned beef and cabbage tradition, and this year, it’ll be made in the Instant Pot. Ready in a little more than an hour, and with hardly any clean-up, I’m 100% convinced that my trusty Instant Pot is the way to go for this dish.
How to Cook Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Start by adding the roast, spices, a flavorful stock, onions, and garlic to the Instant Pot. If you roast is too big to fit inside, cut it in half and put one piece on top of the other. Turn the pressure to High for 70 minutes.
Note: The Instant Pot doesn’t cook based on volume (you could double this recipe without the need to double the time), but it cooks based on the size and thickness of the meat. My brisket was about 2.5 inches thick before cooking. If yours is much thinner or thicker, then you’ll need adjust the cooking time a bit. - Once the meat is cooked, let the release the pressure using NR (Natural Release). All this means is you do nothing to the pressure valve, just simply wait for all the pressure to dissipate.
Note: If you’re in a hurry, you can let it NR for about 10 minutes, then turn the valve to let the steam release quickly (QR). Trust me, most roasts should rest a bit, so give it at least 10 minutes. It allows the meat to rest and will make for much more tender meat.
After you’re done cooking the roast, set it aside, ladle some of the cooking liquid over it, and then cover it. - While the corned beef rests, I quickly the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot, just to remove all the pickling spices and pieces of onion and garlic. Then I add the veggies in and cook them until they’re tender – it only takes 4 minutes! Add the potatoes in first, then carrots and finally, cabbage.
Note: The liquid is full of rendered fat, so it’ll definitely help flavor the vegetables while they cook.
Cooking the Vegetables
You only need to cook the vegetables for four minutes! Would you believe that? Four minutes to perfectly tender potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
And since the vegetables take only a few minutes to cook, the meat will stay warm and moist under the covering until they’re ready.
Once they’re done, make sure to QR (Quick Release) the Instant Pot by turning the vent and allowing all the steam to release quickly.
Take the vegetables out immediately using a slotted spoon. You might want to season them with a bit of salt and pepper, but I’ve found you don’t really need much since the corned beef is pretty salty.
Recipe FAQ:
What do I do with leftovers?
Well, f you’ve got leftovers, you’ve GOT to make corned beef hash. We almost never have leftovers though, so I usually buy and cook a second corned beef specifically for corned beef hash.
To Make Corned Beef Hash:
- All you need to do is dice the cooked corned beef, potatoes, and carrots, and dice an onion.
- Saute everything in a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat, turning occasionally, until it’s crisped up and delicious.
- Top the hash with eggs cooked however you like them best and blammo, you’ve got my favorite breakfast EVER.
Where to Source Whole30 Corned Beef
I used to have trouble finding corned beef made without made without sulphites and nitrates, but in the last few years I’ve been able to find them at most larger grocery stores!
Remember, nitrates are actually Whole30 compliant, although they’re not encouraged. Since it’s for a special holiday meal, if you can find one without sulphites (noncompliant) but with nitrates (compliant), it’s okay! Here’s the Whole30 additives cheat sheet for reference.
If you can’t find Whole30 corned beef at stores near you…
…you can always make your own from scratch. It’s not very difficult, but it does take several days to cure. Planning has never been my strong suit so I tend to stick with what I can find in stores!
If you like this recipe, check out some of my other healthy recipes:
- Classic Pot Roast (Whole30)
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos (Paleo)
- Kielbasa & Butternut Squash Skillet (Whole30)
- Swedish Meatballs (Whole30)
And if you like this recipe, I’d love to hear from you!
Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom.
5 from 8 votes
Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Great for your Paleo, Gluten Free, Whole30 St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, IrishCook Mode
Prevent your screen from going dark
Servings6 servings
Calories590kcal
AuthorLaura
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 2.75 lb corned beef brisket
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1 white or yellow onion
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 lb baby potatoes or baby red potatoes
- 1 small head of green cabbage
- 8 large carrots
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- dijon or whole grain mustard for serving
Instructions
Make the Corned Beef
- Add the rinsed corned beef with the fat cap side facing up, the quartered onion, garlic, stock, and spices to your Instant Pot. Set to High Pressure for 75 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release.
- Remove the corned beef and set it on a platter. Ladle a little bit of the cooking liquid onto it and cover with foil.
Prepare the Vegetables
- While the corned beef cooks, wash and cut the vegetables. Cut the carrots into 4 inch pieces and quarter the cabbage, removing the base and any brown pieces. Leave the potatoes whole. Note: If they’re especially big for baby potatoes, larger than 3 inches long, cut them in half or even quarters.
Cook the Vegetables
- Strain the liquid, then add it back into the Instant Pot. Put the trivet into the Instant Pot, then add in the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage in that order.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then manually turn the vent for a Quick Pressure Release. Immediately remove the vegetables from the liquid.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the corned beef against the grain. The corned beef is normally seasoned well already, but the vegetables can be seasoned to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley.
Video
Instant Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage
Play Video
Notes
To store leftovers: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 590kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 3167mg | Potassium: 1534mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 16321IU | Vitamin C: 127mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 5mg
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see it!Share and tag @cookathomemom on Instagram.
FILED UNDER: ALL RECIPES, BEEF, DINNER, GLUTEN-FREE, HOLIDAY, INSTANT POT / PRESSURE COOKER, PALEO, RECIPES, RECIPES BY COURSE, RECIPES BY DIET, ST. PATRICK’S DAY, WHOLE30 RECIPES
Welcome, I’m Laura!
I love sharing approachable, delicious meals, and I’m passionate about whole foods. Here you’ll find mostly Whole30, Paleo, and Low Carb recipes, with a little food freedom, too! Learn more about me!
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