Healthy Lifestyle

  • Fitness,  Healthy Lifestyle

    Common Walking Injuries & How to Avoid Them

    Despite its reputation as being an ideal low-impact exercise, walking can also lay you up if you are not careful. Injuries ranging from blisters to tendinitis happen to walkers, but that certainly doesn’t mean you should hang up your walking shoes. Here are a few of the most common walking injuries and tips on how to manage, or avoid them altogether… Blisters Blisters are caused by friction from ill-fitting shoes and sweaty socks. Even though they are usually small, these fluid-filled sacs can derail a walk, hike, or run. No matter how tempting it might be, do not pop blisters. When you puncture the skin, you open up the potential…

  • Fitness,  Healthy Eating,  Healthy Lifestyle

    Ways To Stay Fit This Fall

    Throughout the summer months, we have to get our outside workouts done very early in the morning to beat the heat. Now that fall is here, we can get a cool, crisp outside workout without worrying about the heat and humidity of summer, so today I am sharing a few ways to help you keep fit during the fall months… Take Advantage of The Weather Fall is waited upon for the cooler weather it brings above all else. The perfect time of year to enjoy outdoor exercise activities of every variety such as trail hiking, biking, walking the dog, outdoor aerobics, outdoor sports and more.  With only so many days…

  • Healthy Lifestyle,  Staying Hydrated

    Ten Ways To Stay Hydrated This Fall

    As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisper, the arrival of fall brings about a change in the weather that might lead you to believe that staying hydrated is less important. However, the truth is that proper hydration remains essential for your overall health and well-being regardless of the season. As the temperatures start to drop and the humidity levels change, here are ten valuable ways to help you keep your body hydrated during the fall months… 1. Carry A Reusable Water Bottle Invest in a high-quality reusable water bottle that you can take with you wherever you go. Having a bottle on hand serves as a constant…

  • Healthy Lifestyle,  Vitamin Deficiencies

    7 Signs Of Vitamin D Deficiency

    Research has shown that vitamin D is important to the immune system, muscle function, heart health, brain development and mood. Our best source of this vitamin is the sun or “sunshine vitamin”. As skin cancer and UV exposure concerns rise, our time in the sun making vitamin D decreases. Skin must be exposed to the sun without protection to achieve sufficient levels. Unfortunately, there are very few food sources of vitamin D. The foods that do contain the sunshine vitamin usually have small amounts. Since vitamin D deficiencies are so common, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms. Below I have listed some of the common symptoms of vitamin…

  • Healthy Eating,  Healthy Lifestyle,  Summer Produce

    Your July Produce Guide

    With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore the vibrant fruits and vegetables that are at their peak this month. From juicy berries to crisp greens, we have you covered with a handy list of July’s freshest and most delicious finds to elevate your meals and keep you nourished all month long… Corn Sweet, crisp, and oh-so-satisfying, corn is a must-have for summer barbecues and picnics. Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps keep you feeling full. It also contains vitamins B and C, as well as antioxidants. Whether grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn adds a burst of sunshine to…

  • Healthy Eating,  Healthy Lifestyle

    Your June Produce Guide

    Summer is almost here, and now is the time to grab these fruits and vegetables the next time you are in the produce aisle at your local grocery store or your local farmers market, and you will be enjoying the flavors (and health benefits) of summer in no time! Here are 8 fruits & vegetables in season right now… Cherries Cherries of all kinds are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help you recover after strenuous exercise and prevent muscle pain. Cucumbers Staying hydrated is crucial in the summertime, and cucumbers are a great way to add more water into your diet. They are 96% water and full…

  • Healthy Eating,  Healthy Lifestyle,  Healthy Snacks

    The Negative Effects Of Eating Cashews (pt. 2)

    In Monday’s blog post, I talked about all of the health benefits eating cashews has on your overall health, however, there are some negative effects eating cashews can have on your health too and they are: Allergic Reactions – Cashews belong to the same family as poison ivy and poison sumac, and they contain a substance called urushiol that can cause skin rashes, itching, and swelling in some people. Some people may also have more severe allergic reactions to cashews, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or anaphylaxis. Weight Gain – Cashews are high in calories and fat, and eating too many of them can lead to excess calorie intake and…

  • Healthy Eating,  Healthy Lifestyle,  Healthy Snacks

    The Benefits Of Eating Cashews (pt. 1)

    Cashews are seeds that grow on cashew trees in tropical regions. They are processed to remove a toxic substance before they are sold as snacks or used in cooking. Cashews are rich in nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and vitamins B6 and K. They also contain antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Some of the health benefits of cashews include: Reduced Cholesterol – Cashews contain unsaturated fats that can lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This can prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Heart Health – Cashews are…

  • Counting Calories,  Counting Macros,  Healthy Eating,  Healthy Lifestyle

    How To Get Started Counting Macros & Calories

    If you are looking to improve your nutrition and achieve your health and fitness goals, counting macros and calories can be a useful tool. Macros (short for macronutrients), refers to the three main nutrients in our diet which are: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Counting macros involves tracking the amount of each macronutrient you consume each day, while counting calories involves tracking the total number of calories you consume, so here are some tips to help you get started with counting macros and calories… Determine Your Goals Before you start counting macros and calories, it’s important to determine your goals. Are you looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply improve…

  • Healthy Eating,  Healthy Lifestyle

    How To Read Food Labels Like A Pro

    Between the enticing front-of-package claims, number-heavy nutrition panels, and wordy ingredient lists, the info on food packages can be hard to understand. It’s easy to get swayed by marketing claims or caught up in the ingredients but stick to the FACTS—the nutrition facts panel! Here’s what you need to know when it comes to the nutrition facts panel on food packages…   Serving Size This information is critical! It will tell you how much of that food or drink you can have for the stats listed on the panel. And here’s a little-known fact: The most accurate measurement is often given by weight. For a perfect portion, toss it on…