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Some people really despise vegetables and they’re missing out….Big Time.  However, those of us that don’t mind or in fact enjoy them reap the benefits of nutrition dense, vitamin loaded, low calorie, fiber packed vegetables stand to live a healthier life. Not just because we’ll feel better and our bodies will thank us but eating vegetables provide a myriad of benefits that include:

Healthier Skin, Healthy Gut, Regular Bowel Movements, Reduce Risk for diseases like Cancer/Diabetes/Heart Disease/High Blood Pressure, Boosts our Immune System, Improves Athletic Performance & recovery, improves mood, and weight management.

So, Eat Your Veggies often!  My favorite are green beans, asparagus, peppers, onions, & spinach. 

I get asked all the time…..”What’s the best way to work out?”   And I tell people the same thing every time. Resistance training or “Lifting Weights” are # 1 for working out. Sooo…..then they say…Cardio is not that important. No, of course, it is!  Here’s what I always tell everyone…

Any type of exercise is good. However, here is in my opinion ranking of working out:

1. Lifting weights – Dumbbells, Body Weight, Barbells, Machines

2. Yoga or any good Stretch Routine for flexibility and range of motion

2. Participating in Sports – Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Badminton, Flag Football, etc.

3. Cardio – Sprinting, Jogging 5 miles or less, Hiking, Biking, Body Weight – Jumping, Jumping Jacks, Bear Crawls, etc.

Now, everything on the list isn’t for EVERY Body (double meaning).  But choose what’s right for you.

Remember, we have these wonderful bodies that can do amazing things…..Get out there and use it! Your body and health will love you for it.

Year after year I see people make resolutions only to fall back to old habits after 2 – 3 months. It’s been estimated that 92% of New Years Resolutions fail….Why? Being in the fitness  & nutrition business I can tell you why…..

Accountability, Structure, and having a workable plan of action to follow.

This is exactly what personal trainers do….They create a path of success for clients to follow help keeping them on track, measuring their progress, and providing not only customized workouts & meal plans but offering support & encouragement.

We all use professionals to help us – Accountants, mechanics, lawyers, etc. so that we don’t make mistakes or need advice & help. Personal trainers certainly fall into this category too.

And think of it as an investment in yourself – Health, Prevention, Strength, Energy, etc.  

So, if you want to make your Resolutions a Reality….Hire a Qualified Personal Trainer to help you reach your goals!

One of the most consumed foods in the U.S……Bread!  Now, I’m asked often what’s a good bread? And the sad fact of the matter is that most breads are NOT good! Most are refined, no fiber, white flour, high fructose corn syrup, cheap oils, preservatives,  low nutritional value, etc.

Keys to choosing a good bread when reading the label

1. Organic whole flours (No enriched)

2. 3 – 5 grams of fiber per slice

3. low natural sugar and no high fructose corn syrup

4. Real ingredients! No dyes or preservatives and word you know and can pronounce

5. Ingredients like Flax seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds sunflower seeds, etc are great in bread!

So, oftentimes in the nutritional world is not that bread is bad its the quality of it that matters. Plus, portions are important too as with most carbs. 

So, when choosing a bread….Take time to read the Label!  

So, by now almost everyone knows what hummus is…..But did you know its really good for you? Yes, Hummus is an excellent source of good fat, fiber, and protein. Plus, it is packed with minerals and vitamins!  Hummus can come in a ton of different varieties too. Red Pepper, Garlic, Jalapeno, etc. Hummus is primarily made from chic peas which have shown to loaded with antioxidants, help manage weight, lower cholesterol, and may reduce cancer risk .

Now, most people eat hummus with pita bread which is fine in moderation. Personally, I love to dip green bell pepper strips, chunks of tomato, and cucumber slices into my hummus…Yum!   So, either way….Enjoy your Hummus and try all the different flavors and varieties!