New years resolutions

Rethinking the New Year’s Resolution

January 1st will be here before we know it. Every year, at least one person asks me what my New Year’s resolution is and my answer has always been the same…I don’t have one. Why? Because I like to think of the changes I want to make in my life on a continual basis, not […]

A neon sign saying "And Breathe"

Overcoming Holiday Stressors in a Healthy Way

The holiday season can be a very busy time of year, which can cause a great deal of stress. The good news is, you can overcome those stressors and continue working toward achieving those healthy eating and physical activity goals. Do any of these sources of stress ring a bell? Spending extra time shopping and […]

Want to kick your soda habit? Try a SodaStream

Growing up I was not a soda drinker nor did my parents keep soda in the house. However, to my parents’ horror (just kidding) in college,I began to indulge in soda on a regular basis. It did not help that my boyfriend at the time (and now my husband) was an avid Dr. Pepper drinker. […]

chair stretches

No Yoga Mat Required: Easy Stretches You Can Do In A Chair

You may be familiar with the general rule of thumb about stretching – stretch a few minutes before your exercise to warm up and a few minutes after to cool down. If you are new to stretching and exercising, chair yoga is a good place to start getting comfortable with strengthening your muscles and improving […]

SMART goals

Be SMART: What to do When you Aren’t Reaching Your Goals

Have you ever dealt with saying something like, “Ok, tomorrow I am going to start eating healthier” or “Next week I’m going to go to the gym and start getting in shape” and a month later… nothing has changed? Setting a SMART goal is a very effective way to not only say you’re going to […]

thankful thanksgiving

Be Healthy, Positive, and Thankful!

What are you thankful for today? What have you accomplished, overcome or experienced this year that has really put a smile on your face? Thanksgiving Day is always a fun time for me to hang out with my family, eat a delicious meal and on occasion, prepare my shopping list for Black Friday and/or Cyber […]

Simple swaps

Simple Swaps for Healthier Holiday Cooking

Preparing healthier versions of classic dishes during the holidays may sound daunting, but it can certainly be done with minimal effort! Simply plan to opt for one or two lighter ingredients before you go grocery shopping – most likely, your guests won’t notice the difference. Try these simple swaps when preparing your holiday favorites. Reduce […]

travel stress free

Tips for Having a Stress-Free Travel Experience

One can expect to encounter busy roads, airports and train stations when traveling during the holidays. In fact, the Thanksgiving holiday is the busiest travel time of the year. I don’t like to travel much during the holiday season, but here are some of my best tips for having a healthy trip no matter the […]

healthy state fair

How to Stay Healthy at the State Fair

No matter where you are reading this from geographically, the autumn season brings exciting annual traditions! One of my favorite traditions is to attend the North Carolina State Fair. Even if you do not attend your own state fair, similar events are held in local towns as well.  No matter the size and location of […]

busy schedule, back to school

How to Plan for Busy Fall Schedules

Students and teachers are now back at school! For the rest of us, it is almost time to say goodbye to summer. When seasons and schedules change throughout the year, it is important to have a plan to continue incorporating healthy practices into daily routines. I am currently adjusting to a busier schedule with work […]