Food For Thought

For many of us, the workday can involve hours of sitting—at a desk, in meetings, in front of a computer, or during a commute. While sitting is a normal part of many jobs, spending long periods inactive can make it easy to fall short of the movement our bodies need. Research has linked higher amounts of sedentary time with a number of health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, reduced muscle activity, metabolic changes, and fatigue. The good news? You don't have to complete a long workout to add more movement to your day. Small, frequent opportunities to stand, walk, stretch, and change positions can add up. Think of your workday as a series of opportunities to move rather than waiting for one large block of time to exercise.

For most, salt and sodium are often used interchangeably, and some may be under the assumption that both mean the same thing. However, these two are not synonymous and knowing the differences can aid in making healthy choices.

We all know that the quality of your sleep can affect our daily lives and overall wellbeing, but did you know that what we eat can also contribute to our sleep quality? What we eat and how we sleep go hand in hand, directly impacting our moods, productivity levels, mental health, and overall physical wellbeing.

Pears may be an overlooked fall favorite, but they’re packed with flavor and nutritional benefits! From supporting gut and heart health to providing fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, pears are a delicious addition to your fall menu. Discover the benefits of this seasonal fruit and find tasty ways to enjoy pears in everything from salads to desserts. Read “Perfectly Pear-ed” to get the full scoop—and some pear-fect recipe inspiration!

Magnesium has become one of the most talked-about nutrients in the wellness world— thanks to social media. Influencers have recently taunted its potential ability to reduce stress, ease muscle cramps, and even boost energy, leading many to rush out to stock up on magnesium supplements. But the question is, do you really need it or are you obtaining enough through your daily meals and snacks?

Think beets are just another root vegetable? Think again! Beets are packed with nutrients that may help support heart health, improve endurance, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and even boost brain function. Whether you enjoy them roasted, in a salad, blended into a smoothie, or as fresh juice, there are plenty of delicious ways to add this vibrant vegetable to your plate. Learn about the health benefits of beets, the differences between whole beets and supplements, and discover a few tasty recipes to try at home!

While the summer can offer a break from the usual sleep schedule, screen time restrictions, and studies, it can also throw off breakfast schedules. Now that school is back, it is time to make sure that breakfast is also back on the agenda. However, mornings can get hectic and breakfast can drop off the list of priorities. Studies have shown that breakfast can help kids stay focused throughout the day, balance blood glucose for sustained energy, and maintain mood. Therefore, it is important that we take steps to ensure that breakfast is a success not only for the kids but parents as well.

Vacation is a time where we relax, recharge and chase all our cares away. But that doesn't mean you also forget about all the healthy habits you have successfully built into your daily routines having to stay home. With a little planning, preparation, and intention, you can find the balance of still enjoying local fares while maintaining consistency.

Healthy eating during lunch time does not have to be a boring affair. Cultures around the world approach lunch in different ways, and incorporating fresh, culture cuisine into your weekly meal preps is a great opportunity to explore new flavors and customs, while encouraging a balanced diet that properly fuels you throughout the afternoon. Take a quick trip around the world to discover 5 easy, healthy lunch ideas that can be delicious additions to your meal rotation at home or in the office! 

Conferences can be a great way to reconnect with long-distance colleagues, learn new skills and gain valuable insight into new trending topics in your career field. While the days may be filled with great opportunities and networking, the long days, jam-packed schedules and the dessert table can wreak havoc on your health routine. But fear not, with a little planning and determination, you can enjoy the treats of the conference while still maintaining focused on your goals.