It may be winter, but there's just something about fresh fruity goodness first thing in the morning that makes it enjoyable all year round. I was craving it today, so I looked through my freezer and happily found everything I needed to whip up a quick and easy smoothie bowl in less than five minutes. I also added in a couple scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides to give some extra love to my skin, nails, hair, and bones.
Read MoreWe often forget that moms are individuals with a past and identity before having children. That moment when she finds out she’s pregnant, the focus immediately shifts from “me” to “we”, and that feeling only intensifies the older the child becomes. Therefore, in order to truly give something back to the moms in our lives, one must simply let her figure out how best she can renew herself. Everyone is different, the needs of one mom vary from one to another. One mom might need a night out with girlfriends, another a long hot bath and a good novel. The cure for what ails is bio-individual, but the need is undeniably there.
Read MoreIt's no secret that addiction to processed foods is a reality in this country. Unfortunately, that means skyrocketing rates of obesity and inflammation in children and adults, and all the heath problems that accompany those maladies. No one wants to feel sick and out of control, but so many simply don't know how to combat it. It's a systemic problem, but happily, it is also one that can be remedied with intentional action.
Read MoreHow does a parent (especially a mother) justify taking time away from their family to do something completely indulgent and self-aggrandizing like working out, reading a book in one sitting, or just being alone? Why is taking space for oneself considered abhorrent and selfish in this society? It may be due to unattainable expectations put on parents-both moms and dads, and the shame that goes along with failing to live up to what we erroneously think is the standard.
Read MoreHow many times have you said the words, "I just don't have enough time to workout today" or "I'm just too tired to drive to the gym after working all day"? If you're anything like me, chances are relatively high that you've talked yourself out of exercising due to time constraints or dwindling energy levels. Fortunately, you do not have to workout for an hour to maintain or even increase your fitness level.
Read MoreIf your goal is efficiency, then adding weights to your routine is paramount. Using body resistance is fine, but the results you want will take longer to appear. I work fulltime so my lunchtime workouts have to be fast, but I don't want to waste my time either.
Read MoreEver since I became a parent, I have been more frequently sick than I ever was before. And with the addition of children, any real downtime to recover, even with a helpful partner, is significantly diminished. Far from anguishing in this new reality of my life, it actually has shown me that I am stronger than I realized and can push past momentary feelings of weakness and accomplish everything I need to do--to include exercising. Obviously if you are seriously ill this does not apply, but if you have a head cold, as I did this past week/weekend, read on.
Read MoreProtein is an essential part of a healthy diet. It's responsible for building and repairing tissue, and making enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein aids in building bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. And children need an even greater percentage of protein compared to adults as they are constantly growing. Protein also serves as an important part of weight management.
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