“How can I pack a healthy lunchbox for my kids with foods they’ll actually eat?” This is by far one of the most common questions I get asked by parents, especially those with really picky eaters. In many cases, getting a child to eat healthy foods will truly take some out-of-the-box thinking.
Desperately in need of some workout motivation? You’re certainly not alone! For many, the sheer anticipation of working out inherently evokes feelings of laziness and lethargy because they simply dislike the act of doing it. Then there are others who may love to work out yet they just can’t get motivated to get up, get […]
Wild-caught (Pacific) salmon undoubtedly tops the list of healthy seafood choices. Of all Pacific varieties, sockeye salmon is by far my personal favorite. Like other varieties, sockeye delivers a hefty dose of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, and selenium.
Water is perhaps the most overlooked yet most essential nutrient in a healthy, balanced diet, as nearly every cell, tissue and organ system depends on it. While water doesn’t supply the body with energy in the form of calories, the body’s actual need for it far outweighs that of any calorie-containing food. In fact, you […]
Whether you’re constantly on the go or just looking to spice up your diet, smoothies make great meal replacements! But, how do you create the perfect blend? In some cases, your smoothies might be too bitter or tart. In other cases, they might be too thin or watered down. In many cases, your smoothies might […]
I’ve always been a fan of tacos. From soft to hard shell, traditional to creative, meat-filled to meatless, I’ve tried just about every type of taco there is. Authentic “street tacos” are my personal favorite, though you generally won’t find them on a list of healthy food choices.
With the summertime here and in full effect I hope you’re sticking with your New Year’s resolutions to stay healthy and physically fit. Given that the summer is a season of vacations, picnics, cookouts, happy hour, pizza by the slice, ice cream, sugary frozen beverages, and lazy days outdoors, it’s easy to slack off from […]
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me “I can’t go on a diet because I hate salads” I’d be a very wealthy woman! Indeed, salads are among the most common go-to dieting foods for people who are trying to lose weight or even maintain a weight loss. Problem is, many fall […]
Like me, you’ve probably seen the above image of a ‘plus-size’ mannequin dressed in fitness apparel, which Nike just recently added to the visual display of a London Oxford Street store. Upon seeing it, my immediate reaction was excitement, as I always encourage my health coaching clients to bring more fashion to their fitness routines—No […]
High cholesterol (also known as hypercholesterolemia) is a chronic health condition in which there’s too much “bad” cholesterol and an abundance of triglycerides (fats from foods) floating around in the bloodstream. Although heredity and other uncontrollable factors like age and gender can often influence the development of high cholesterol, in addition to eating the right foods, […]
As a Chicago native, there’s nothing I love more than a bowl of hearty, hot stew or soup during winter months. While chowders are my soup of choice, they generally come with a whole lot of unnecessary carbs. Now, I generally don’t shun carbs, nor do I follow a structured “low-carb” diet. I do, however, choose my carbohydrates wisely. […]
I’m often asked, “What’s the best diet for weight loss?” Honestly, I almost never give a straight answer to this question because, quite frankly, any “diet” that involves masterful manipulation of calories and/or macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, and protein) can inherently support weight loss.
Occasional drinking has clear health benefits. And, I’ll be the first to admit that I enjoy my fair share of whiskey, beer, and wine. Problem is, drinking too much, too often can make it especially difficult to manage your weight (amongst other adverse consequences). While alcoholic beverages are derived from simple sugars and starches, they actually contain more […]
Are you struggling with an unsightly appearance of fat just above the waistline, otherwise known as a “muffin top”? It’s not a hopeless situation! The appearance of a muffin top generally results from a central distribution of excess body fat, which manifests as an “apple-shaped” figure. Since you can’t necessarily control how your body fat naturally […]
Whether you’re constantly on the go or just looking to spice up your diet, smoothies generally make great meal replacements. When it comes to base ingredients, in addition to avocado and tofu, I often recommend including yogurt as a smoothie thickener. This holds especially true for Greek-style yogurt as it is exceptionally rich in high-quality […]
Peanut butter is by far one of my favorite treats, as it’s a naturally sweet and savory blend of protein and good fats, fiber and countless health-promoting micronutrients. In addition to it’s flavor and overall nutritional quality, the versatility of peanut butter makes it the perfect inclusion to virtually any meal. Here’s one of my choice recipes for […]
In case you didn’t already know, bell peppers are extremely high on the list of nutrient-dense foods, supplying an abundance of vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting antioxidants that promote overall good health. They’re also unbelievably low in calories and sugar making them the perfect go-to food if you’re watching your weight or general carbohydrate intake.
I’m always amazed by the powerful psychological effects of the bathroom scale, especially among women. All too often, unfavorable numbers negatively influence self-esteem, body image, and overall perceptions of beauty. In many cases, mounting fears of rising numbers may even prompt women to engage in risky dieting, fasting and/or exercise habits as they attempt to thwart […]
If you know me personally or even follow me on social media, you’ve likely noticed that I eat my fair share of vegetables and fruits. I also eat a lot of nuts and seeds along with sizeable amounts of fish and seafood on a day-to-day basis. These are very deliberate choices, as I’m a diehard […]
For many, January is the most important month of the year. It marks the start of the New Year, a time when people generally feel renewed, refreshed, and full of hope and promise. January is also a time when people feel extra motivated to go hard in the gym (and in the kitchen), working aggressively to achieve the weight […]
