When Your Health Matters...

Inflammation is something we all have dealt with at some point, with many of us having chronic inflammation that we deal with often. There are countless inflammation causes, and knowing the root cause is imperative for resolving the problem. In the meantime, there are some things we can do to lessen any inflammation we may be dealing with. Today, we will dig deeper into some of the best anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, what they do, and how you can incorporate them into yo

Shopping can truly be a weekly frustration if you don't have a system in place. Going through what you already have at home, planning meals, making a shopping list, and then actually getting to the store and staying on track can be incredibly overwhelming. But what if I told you that a few simple guidelines could not only make your shopping experience much more pleasant but also may save you money? Here is the lowdown on making grocery day as painless as possible: Plot your p

If you've struggled with putting a good night's rest on the back burner, let this be the year you take a step toward better sleep. Think of your sleep hygiene as a series of sleep habits. These habits can drastically improve your ability not only to fall asleep but to stay asleep. So whether you have chronic insomnia or just poor self-control when it comes to prioritizing rest over past unhealthy sleep patterns or binging on TV shows, these tips can help set you on the right

We all have heard repeatedly that too much sugar is bad for you. But as we have learned more about how our bodies work, we know that this is partly due to blood sugar increases. Too much sugar at one time creates a spike, which then throws off the body's other systems. It also leads to tooth decay, weight gain, and chronic health conditions. I like to approach life, including the food I consume, with a balanced approach -- so this isn't a bid for you to never have a drop of s

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with things to do or want to pamper yourself a bit extra, here is a daily self-care list that will instantly make you feel better. Have a Hygiene Routine You don’t need a ten-step skincare routine, but make sure you follow a hygiene routine morning and night that works for you. Some days, you can treat yourself to a few extra steps, but make sure you at least do your basic routine every day. If you create an overly elaborate and complicated

We all value our sleep, which is why it can be incredibly frustrating when it takes hours to fall asleep or when we wake up multiple times throughout the night. Here are some sleep mistakes you may be making that could be sabotaging your sleep. Having an Inconsistent Sleep Schedule The Circadian rhythm is the body's natural alarm clock. It alerts the body when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up. Having an inconsistent sleep schedule and going to bed at different

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. It is a prebiotic, which means it acts as food for the good bacteria in our gut. These bacteria, known as gut microflora, are critical for every organ system in the body, affecting everything from our immune system to our moods. They need fiber to survive and maintain a large and diverse population, which, in turn, keeps us healthy. Fiber also helps keep us full and satisfied, which is beneficial if you always feel

After the past few years, immunity has become more important to our daily lives than ever before. We’re always looking for ways to boost our immunity and stay healthy, especially now, during flu season. Luckily, there are many simple changes we can make to boost immune functioning. Here are some daily to-dos for immunity. Meditate Daily Meditation and yoga are proven to be beneficial for improving immunity. In part, this is because these activities decrease stress levels. How

Aside from the nutritional value we need from our meals, food also plays an essential part in celebrations, culture, making memories, and spending time with loved ones. Here are some ways to add meaning and connection to your eating habits and genuinely enjoy the experience of nourishing yourself through food. Make Family Recipes While the internet is full of recipes for whatever cuisine you desire, nothing beats going through a family cookbook. It can also help you feel more

If you've been feeling like your metabolism has been a little sluggish and needing a boost, there are some shifts you can make to see what your body responds to. Here are some great ways to improve your metabolism so you can continue to feel energized and healthy. Try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective way to burn energy for a long time. HIIT workouts require you to do intense, cardio-based exercises— such as jumpin

Winter is here, and you might have already moved your workouts indoors. While most days, an indoor workout away from the cold sounds ideal, there are several enjoyable winter activities to get active outdoors. Here are some exercise ideas for the cold winter months so that you can continue moving all season long: Shovel The Snow Not only will you clean off your driveway or front porch, but you’ll get a full-body workout from it too! Shoveling the snow is no easy task. Scoopin

We all want to become healthier, better versions of ourselves, but the question is, where do we start? Taking care of your health is a lifelong commitment. Trying to change all your habits at once can get overwhelming, but there are small changes that you can start making right away. Here are five ways to transform your health starting today. 1. Stick to Simple Ingredient Lists When you're shopping for pre-packaged snacks or ready-made meals, look for foods with the simplest

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of our health, yet most struggle to get a good night’s rest. Whether you have trouble falling asleep or getting quality sleep, there is no worse feeling than waking up in the morning and feeling tired and groggy. Here are some possible reasons why you aren’t sleeping well and what you can do to fix it. It’s time to get that rest we deserve (and so desperately need)! 1. You’re Stressed Out From work deadlines to pandemic burnout, it’s

When you first start meal planning, it can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and even stressful. The point of meal planning is to plan and free up your time so that you're less stressed, so it's beneficial to plow through those beginning stages to get to the good stuff. Here are some stress-free meal planning ideas to make cooking and meal prepping as fun and easy as possible for the New Year ahead. 1. Start Small If you're just starting to meal plan, don't try to prepare all

Whether you have diabetes or not, keeping blood sugar levels stable throughout the day is an essential part of your wellbeing. Drastic fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause energy crashes, fatigue, headaches— and nobody wants that. Luckily, with a few lifestyle and dietary changes, you can keep those blood sugar levels stable all day. Here's how: Eat Complex Carbohydrates Simple carbohydrates— such as candy, refined white bread, and sugary drinks— can lead to a spike i

Is buying organic worth it? We’ve all heard that organic food is better, but does it make enough difference to our health compared to conventional food? The debate has been ongoing for years, with conflicting evidence only leaving us more confused. Finally, studies now suggest that organic food is actually better for you, and here’s why. Organic Vs. Conventional— What is the Difference? Organic food is grown without pesticides, antibiotics, fertilizers, GMOs, and other chemic

We know how important it is to drink water, but it's not always easy to get our daily intake. I use a few tips and tricks to make sure I'm drinking half of my body weight in ounces each day, and you can try them, too. Here are some tips to help you drink more water so you can stay hydrated and healthy. 1. Flavor Your Water Try flavoring your water with tea bags or fresh herbs and fruits. Fresh mint makes your water taste refreshing without adding any sugars or unhealthy addit

Pasta, pizza, freshly baked bread -- these comfort foods are universal. These carbs we all love have one thing in common: refined carbohydrates with less nutritional value. They are stripped of their nutrients through the refining process and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. I teach and believe that "off-limit" foods are unnecessary, and finding ways to infuse more health benefits into the foods we already love is a better approach. Here are some swaps for refined car

The holidays should be full of joy, laughter, friends, family, and relaxation. While this can be true, there’s no denying there’s a whole lot of stress surrounding the holidays as well. From planning parties to shopping lists, the holiday stress can quickly take over the fun. Here are some ways to manage your stress through the holidays, so you can focus on the beautiful memories and enjoy yourself. Learn to Say No to Events Everyone starts reaching out when the holidays come

Food is something we all enjoy. It brings people together, we use it to celebrate occasions, and we need it to nourish our bodies each and every day. However, with so much contradictory information we get on the subject, food can be a point of confusion for many. Aside from the confusion, we have also learned to accompany guilt and shame with food choices. It’s no wonder many of us fear food, but it shouldn’t (and doesn’t) have to be this way. Food is there to give us energy