Raising Health-Conscious Kids

Health awareness is on the rise. Obesity is on the rise. Kids and teens need more fitness related activities. Physical education programs in schools are on the decline. Today’s children are more world-savvy and environmentally aware than earlier generations. Children today are less physically active than previous generations. Today’s kids are technology addicts. Children and teens are at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and other health-related illness. These statements, some seemingly contradictory, are all generalizations; they are also all true. So, how do we, as parents, raise health-conscious, healthy children?

Health awareness is more than just telling our kids…

The Power of Garlic

Garlic is powerful stuff, and I don’t just mean the smell. Years of research have indicated that garlic can be beneficial to your health in many ways. Even before the twentieth century, garlic was used as an antibacterial remedy. Famed scientist, Louis Pasteur, known best for his discovery of the antibiotic penicillin, discovered that bacterial cells doused in garlic did not survive. British field doctors also used garlic to treat wounded soldiers during WWII.

Additionally, garlic has been credited with both antiviral and antifungal properties. Garlic was used by Albert Schweitzer – noted physician, musician, philosopher and Nobel Peace Prize…

Prebiotics and Probiotics

There has been a lot of talk recently about the digestive benefits of probiotics. These are living microorganisms which offer a health benefit to their host, including lowering of cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing inflammation, managing lactose intolerance, and boosting immunity. Certain fermented foods – like pickles, miso soup, yogurt, soy sauce, or sauerkraut – contain types of bacteria that aid in healthy digestion. These beneficial bacterial strains include bifidobacterium and lactobacillis, two of the most common probiotics. The way they work is by adding “good” bacteria to your intestinal tract and overcoming the bacterial imbalance called dysbiosis, in…

5 Healthy Habits You Should Know

Here are a few tips to a healthier you this summer!

1. Eco-Friendly: Who knew the best workouts were free?!  This summer after signing up for my first gym membership and having several training sessions I discovered the world’s best kept secret: 8 Minute Abs. The source: YouTube! It is fun, safe and effective and can be done every 24 hours! I have already seen results and I am pleased.
2. Snack Time: Looking for a refreshing and guilt free snack on a hot summer day? Try Mott’s cinnamon applesauce. If you are feeling adventurous, you could sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon…
   

Hummus

I love hummus. I love hummus on pita, I love hummus on chips, I love hummus as a substitute to butter, I love hummus right off the spoon, I love hummus for lunch, dinner, and sometimes even breakfast. Basically, I. Love. Hummus.

That being said, I used to snack on hummus because I love the flavor and the consistency of it. I justified my snacking by telling myself that it was a healthy snack. Of course, it is a healthy choice in comparison to potato chips, but as I was casually reading the nutrition facts on the tub, I started…