Weight loss can be a never-ending challenge for many people. We can get motivated by the approach of summer or a big event, shed a few pounds and feel great, then quickly lose momentum. Life gets busy, and we lose our focus. Diet and exercise sometimes become monotonous, causing us to lose motivation. This is often the result of our perspective, not a reflection of laziness. Here are a few…

There has been so much hype surrounding carbohydrates over the past ten years that the topic has become downright confusing. Good carbs, bad carbs, simple carbs, complex carbs – what’s good, what’s bad, and what should we be eating? Carbohydrates are a main source of energy for your body. Formed by three ingredients: starches, cellulose, and sugars, carbohydrates are found in many foods, such as pasta, cereals, bread, vegetables, fruit,…

Just about all of us could benefit from cutting back on sodium. But it helps to have a better understanding of the role of sodium in our diets, know what foods contain sodium, and understand steps we can take to reduce our intake of it. Our bodies need sodium to function properly. Sodium helps maintain fluid balance, transmit nerve impulses, and helps with muscle contraction and relaxation. Our bodies have…

We all know we should avoid fat. Fat makes us fat. Right? Yet we do know there are “healthy fats” out there that actually promote good health. So, how do we know the difference between good fats and bad fats, and how do we make wise dietary choices when it comes to fat? Choosing foods that are low in fat or non-fat is a good start. However, research shows it’s…

Many of us don’t get enough sleep. In fact, we may pride ourselves on being able to function on very little sleep. After all, there are so many other important things we can be doing, right? Wrong! Proper sleep is a priority in terms of maintaining good mental and physical health. Studies show not only that sleep deprived individuals will age significantly faster than their well-rested counterparts, but that lack…

Even if you follow a healthy diet, you could be eating foods that are contributing to poor health. A slice of whole grain bread, a pasta dish, or sandwich in a wrap, are examples of foods that could potentially create serious health complications, if you have a gluten intolerance. What is a gluten? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. People who have been diagnosed with…

Here we are heading into the holidays already. Bathing suit season is far behind us, and tis’ the season for holiday food, shorter days, and the comforts of family, friends, and our beloved couch. Jeans and large sweaters have replaced our summer attire and provide amble space for a little hidden expansion. Beware! Don’t let the thought of baggy clothes and lack of sunshine deter your workout routine. This time…

We often hear about getting weaker, having more aches and pains, and gaining weight as we grow older. Often people just accept this as a part of the aging process. They tell themselves they just can’t do as much as they used to. The fact is that many of these symptoms are actually a RESULT of inactivity. When we use our muscles less, we become weaker, start to lose bone,…

We all know that sugar is bad for our health. But many people don’t realize the true havoc that sugar can wreak on our bodies. Sugar can completely sabotage weight loss efforts and cause fat storage. It suppresses the immune system, robs the body of minerals, causes hyperactivity, crankiness, anxiety, and lowers concentration levels. The addictive nature of sugar doesn’t help matters, as it’s just as habit-forming as narcotics. When…

Your body depends upon water for survival. However, many of us do not get the proper amount of water necessary for good health. While dehydration is 100 percent preventable, often times people are not properly hydrated because they are simply not aware of how much water they need on a daily basis. Why is staying hydrated important? Your body loses about 2.5 quarts of water during the course of a…