Since achieving my 35 pound weight loss journey in 2005 and subsequent foray into graduate school for Applied Physiology and Nutrition, I considered myself a relatively health conscious eater. I ended up trying a number of “diets” in grad school for about a week or so in the name of science…low-carb (Atkins), raw vegan and even a “food stamp” diet (I had to eat for a week only on the amount someone receives on food stamps…about $35 at the time. $5 a day.). Coming out the othe

The average adult gains about one pound per year and one pound equals about 3500 calories.  3500 calories divided by 365 days a year equals about 10 calories a day.  While one pound does not sound like a lot, that becomes ten pounds a decade.  This means if you are a svelte 180 pounds at 25 years old, you may be facing a hefty 210 pounds at 55 years old. So…back to the ten calories.  Often we are too focused on our crash diets, multi-hour workout sessions and egregious errors

There are a few silver linings in the upcoming healthcare reform law, one of which is an increase in employee wellness incentives.  As reported by Stone Hearth News, in “2014 employers will be able to offer an incentive of up to 30 percent of an employee’s total healthcare premium (compared to 20% currently), if the employee is doing everything asked to improve his or her health and reduce medical costs”.  And saving hard-earned money can be a very powerful motivator for posi

Unless you’ve been to a hospital, nursing home or personally know one, you may have never heard of a Registered Dietitian (RD).  But you’ve probably heard of a nutritionist.  When you hear both names, which do you think is more qualified to give you nutrition advice?  My answer is, it depends. Let me start by saying that I am an RD…and I also consider myself a nutritionist.  However, the key rule to know is: All RD’s are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are RD’s.  Her

One of my previous posts described how to indulge wisely when on vacation.  The two articles I have linked today focus on using a little bit of planning to go a long way in preventing yourself from eating less healthy options on vacation that you did not even want in the first place. Imagine eating an hour before leaving for the airport, then taking 30 minutes to get there, 60 minutes in line for tickets/security and now a 90 minute wait before a 4 hour plane ride.  That mean

A recent article in The New York Times cites the workplace as a new source in the rise of obesity.  This is not terribly surprising considering that the vast majority of new jobs in this country over the past 50 years have moved away from agriculture/manufacturing and have been focused on “services”…things like finance, law, computers/IT, consulting, administration, etc.  Even seemingly active jobs, like being a healthcare professional (i.e. doctor, dietitian, etc.), require

The kids are getting out of school, work slows down and the weather is warm; summer must be around the corner!  Summer is a time of relaxation and vacation for many people and families.  We like to use vacations as a “break” from our normal routines, which sometimes means eating out more and “cheating” from an otherwise healthy lifestyle.  I completely agree that vacations are a time to indulge and experience new flavors and foods that cannot otherwise be experienced at home.

Every January 1st, millions around the globe make the commitment, yet so few actually follow through with the resolution: I will live healthier.  We all know what we need to do to live healthier: eat more fruits and vegetables, less sugar and fried foods, more exercise, and so on.  But then why the heck are so few of us able to do it?  And maintain it? The answer to this question involves understanding the process of change and all of the decisions surrounding it, most notabl

Too often I see people drinking flavored, caloric sports drinks when doing highly inactive things…namely watching TV, eating dinner or going for a leisurely “walk”.  While many know that these drinks are not really healthy, they still choose to have them because it “tastes better than water”.  If someone is weaning off of soda, then by all means replace soda (about 100 calories per 8 oz.) with a sports drink (about 50-75 calories per 8 oz.).  But be aware that the average 20

Movement, by Gray Cook As a personal trainer and movement correction practitioner, I am always trying to tow the line between providing my clients with an opportunity to get stronger and burn calories while maintaining a safe training environment that reduces injury risk.  As Mike Boyle has said, the goal of the best trainers are to “Reduce injury risk while enhancing performance.” I have used the Functional Movement Screen with my clients for a number of years now, however,

An interesting article and study from an exercise kinesiology researcher at UNC.  Turns out that free radicals aren’t all doom and gloom.  They are actually a part of a complex signaling network that tells your body how to properly adapt to a bout of exercise.  Those who choose to take antioxidant supplements to “fight free radicals” may actually putting themselves more at a deficit than an advantage. And the author’s ultimate recommendation?  “In conclusion, if you have a we

The genetically modified salmon are coming! http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/sep/07/gm-salmon-industrial-food-system?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter And genetically modified sugar beets…coming to packaged sugary foods at a supermarket near you: http://food.change.org/blog/view/usda_illegally_issues_permits_for_genetically_engineered_sugar_beets The rationale for such “innovations” are usually in response to crises such as feeding the third wor