Religion and philosophy have long embraced gratitude as a ‘secret’ to happiness. Turns out, there are some pretty remarkable side effects of gratitude on your health and well-being too!

As you give thanks for turkey, family, and football this Thursday, be encouraged. Studies show that Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s NFN is a shout out to the ladies. Specifically any who plan to get prego one day! Ever heard the saying “a chip off the old block”? Well, new research in the Journal of Neuroscience recently attributed new meaning to this well-known adage. Read the rest of this entry »

One of my favorite independent coffee shops has a drink called “Why Bother.” It’s a decaf, non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte. I wont lie, I have actually ordered it, but seriously, the name fits the drink like a glove. No caffiene, no fat, and no sugar? Why even bother?!  Similarly, you might call vegans “why bother” vegetarians. Read the rest of this entry »

Give me something GOOD to eat! And on Halloween, the definition of good is anything sugar, chocolate, or candy coated. Unless, of course, you are one of THOSE homes who hands out raisins or apples! Please, let us– I mean, the kids- have their fun, NO apples. NO raisins. We say “trick or treat” but we really only mean treat. Raisins are a trick. Read the rest of this entry »

Something magical happens when a person learns that they can indulge in an ice cream bar without also indulging in the guilt of 40g of sugar; they go nuts and this “magic” ingredient begins to pop up in everything from chocolate to instant oatmeal. Today’s Read the rest of this entry »

You: “Amy, I’ll take Sodium Scandal for $1000 please.”
Me: “Answer: This common food is one of the leading contributors other than table salt of sodium to the average American’s diet.”
You: “What is…um…well, uh…”

I’m sure you would have answered correctly given adequate time to Google or speak personally to your trusty nutritionista. But given the time restraints, I’ll just help you out.

Surprisingly, the food that is one of the leading contributors of sodium to the average Read the rest of this entry »

Vegetarianism receives much acclaim for fostering numerous health benefits, as it should. In nearly every country where the majority of people consume a plant based diet, rates of heart disease and other related illnesses are significantly lower. However, if the mere thought of eliminating meat from your diet makes your muscles shudder and scream steak, don’t be disheartened. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets are healthful if they are thoughtfully considered. Many of the health benefits of the vegetarian lifestyle are attainable without sacrificing your mom’s famous Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Read the rest of this entry »

If apples are good for me, then apple crisp, pie, or cobbler certainly must exude the same health benefits right? After all, apples make up the base, and rolled oats comprise the topping (albeit a minute fraction). Clearly that means it is a nutrition powerhouse dessert.

If this sounds like your rationalization when you want to eat a “sinfully” delicious food, try again. Most of us LOVE it when our favorite indulgences seem to carry health benefits. Any new articles on the “heart healthy effects of wine” and “chocolate as a health food” sell like hotcakes. But really, let’s be honest. Read the rest of this entry »

If the very sight of PEMDA drags you back to Algebra kicking and screaming, “No! I will not excuse your dear Aunt Sally!” you are in luck. When it comes to your health, reaching and maintaining your ideal exercise/>lose-weight-exercise/>weight has only 2 steps, and while the order of operation to achieve Read the rest of this entry »

Don’t you just love the books that say ‘Follow these 3 steps and you’ll be successful in life and business!’ Or how about ‘Do a, b, and c, and you’ll have the body of your dreams!’ Who actually buys into those formulaic prescriptions for success anyways?  When it comes to people who prioritize a healthy lifestyle, however, there are definite trends. So, for a nutritious variation on the famous Stephen Covey theme:  7 (of the many) habits of highly nutritious eaters.

1) They eat fresh and snack well
Nutritious eaters know that consuming the recommended 9 servings of fruits and vegetables in 3 square meals every day is a difficult feat. So they maximize Read the rest of this entry »