How to Say No

Often, we find ourselves juggling multiple commitments and obligations in our fast-paced world. It can be challenging to balance our personal lives, work, and social engagements. When friends or acquaintances invite us to events or make plans, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to say “No” especially when you genuinely can’t accommodate the request. […]

Serving of quinoa, broccoli, and chicken with peanut sauce.

Quinoa, Broccoli, and Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Batch prepping and batch cooking can save you time and money as well as help you eliminate some areas of food waste. I don’t always have time to do this on the weekend but when I do it makes the work week so much less stressful. Batch cooking and prepping on the weekend allow me […]

Man sitting on a couch holding a glass of ice water with a fan blowing on him.

Hot Weather Alert

Over the July 4th holiday weekend, residents across North Carolina and the country experienced record-breaking heat. I spent the weekend slathered in sunscreen, playing pickleball, and then cooling down in my community pool. When the summer temperatures reach the 90s, I like to keep some frozen bandanas in my freezer to put on when I […]

A man looking overwhelmed while reading some papers

I’m too busy for Self-Care!

There are days or seasons of life when we feel like we have too much on our plate to consider ourselves and our health. I would like to challenge this mindset and instead view taking care of your health as a spectrum and it is important to acknowledge where you are on that spectrum will […]

a bowl with prepared fruit and nuts

Rethink Takeout

Busy lifestyles compete with time spent in the home kitchen. Ordering takeout can seem like the easiest, most convenient option on a weeknight. Eating out provides convenient nourishment as well as opportunities for socializing, celebrating, and experiencing new flavors. There is nothing wrong with eating out because it is one of life’s pleasures. However, it […]

Chicken marinating in a plastic bag

Level Up Your Cooking Skills with Marinating

Marinating adds flavor and moisture to food and is an easy technique to incorporate into your cooking skill set. It is the process of soaking meats or vegetables in a seasoned liquid before cooking. Marinades often use an acid (like vinegar or citrus) to enhance flavors. You can buy store-bought marinades, but making your own […]

Patrons receiving two go beverage cups from an employee.

Benefits of Casual Social Ties

Loneliness has become a significant public health issue, prompting the Surgeon General to issue a warning about its impact on individual well-being and society as a whole. The increasing prevalence of social isolation and loneliness can lead to various adverse health effects, including increased risk of mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality to […]

Vegetable kabobs.

Get Inspired for Grilling Season!

Whether it’s a casual backyard gathering or a festive barbecue, the pleasures of grilling when the weather heats up evoke a sense of joy, celebration, and the simple pleasures of good food enjoyed in your backyard or the great outdoors. From marinated meats to vibrant vegetables and juicy fruits, the grill transforms ordinary ingredients into […]

A serving of the salad on a plate

Can We Rebrand Salads?

Salads are often labeled as “diet foods” and that is quite frankly a bummer. Rather than simply being a boring and healthy side dish, salad should be reimagined as a delicious and satisfying main course. One way to do this is by adding flavorful and filling ingredients, such as protein-rich grilled chicken, hearty grains like […]

Sign saying big journey begin with small steps.

Aspirational versus Inspirational

In my recent blog post, Avoid the Trap of Comparison, I referred to “health and wellness” social media content as aspirational. I did this because most of social media’s “health and wellness” content is aspirational.  Aspiration refers to ambition whereas inspiration refers to the urge to do something. Aspiration motivates an individual to achieve a […]