“What is a healthy amount of alcohol to consume?” Here’s a shorter clip from a longer conversation I had back in October with registered dietician Tarah Valenti from CustomFit. She sheds some light on this important topic perplexing lots of folks.
Read MoreDo you know you want/need to make some changes to your nutritional habits but just aren’t sure where to start? Ever wondered what it would be like to work with a registered dietician to help forge a path ahead and make some real improvements? In this ~30 minute video I chat with my pal Tarah Valenti, RDN with CustomFit, about what it’s like working with her and how a custom nutritional program can help with so many different goals including body fat loss, visceral fat, muscle preservation/growth, improved energy, health, vitality, longevity as well as managing a variety of issues from high cholesterol, blood sugar or blood pressure to perimenopause and other life transitions.
Read MoreIt’s definitely COVID and flu season. And despite all our best efforts some of us are going to get sick. A handful of my virtual clients and friends have come down with mild (thankfully) COVID cases already this month. Some feel crummier than others. In my universe no one has (knock on wood) had a super rough go of it. They describe it mostly as a general nuisance and a foil to their plans of being productive and active. Folks have asked me “can I still exercise?” I can’t answer that for anyone. There is no universal guidance on whether one can/should exercise with COVID. Obviously one should avoid the gym and other people so as not to spread their germs. I’ve dug around trying my best to get an answer and like so many things in the realm of health and wellness, “it depends”.
Read MoreI’m loving my new adult coloring book that Peter got me for my birthday! It's a nice way to start the day instead of immediately slamming my brain with texts, emails, alerts, beeps and boops. I've heard that adults can benefit from "silly" activities like coloring. Turns out it's true! According to the Mayo Clinic coloring can be good for your health by promoting mindfulness, relieving stress and embracing the imperfect. Although, I'm pretty sure MY coloring is perfect.
Read MoreWhen my FABULOUS client Sarah told me she wanted to “lift heavy sh*t” it was music to my ears. We’ve worked together for years and over time we’ve shifted focus of her program to strategically align with evolving priorities including improving body composition and health markers through an integrated approach to exercise, nutrition and recovery; easing the transition into perimenopause; enabling her active lifestyle and love of tennis and scuba; and ensuring her vitality, mobility and agility as she inches toward early retirement. Her love of metrics, data and science have given us the insights necessary to build her ideal program for her unique body which is yielding incredible results. Her continual efforts to learn and try new approaches is inspiring and I’m so grateful she took the time to discuss her journey here.
Read MoreI try to get in at least two fermented foods/day (some experts recommend as many as five!). I eat Greek yogurt, berries, basil seeds and local honey for breakfast which counts as one. And then I add a cup of sauerkraut or kimchi to my lunch or dinner. The brand Peter and I like the most is Wildbrine. Well… it was until my client Jim started giving me his homemade sauerkraut and kimchi! Understandably making your own fermented food isn’t for the weak of heart (or gut!). But for those with a DIY spirit who enjoy growing and making your own food I asked Jim to share how he makes such yummy and beautiful fermented foods at home. Here’s his recipe!
Read MoreOne of my favorite sayings as a trainer is movement is medicine. It’s so true. But food is the original medicine and is often overlooked as the most natural way to influence our health. Here’s an example of how I’ve used recent research about food to create a super yummy and super impactful meal perfect for pre- or post-workout.
Read More"Exercise snacks" are having a moment in the mainstream media and I’m loving it. I've talked for years with clients about the benefits of supplementing longer, traditional workouts with "little bites of movement" throughout the day. Sitting for hours and not moving is the enemy to good health for so many reasons. So finding ways to get up and do something awesome for your body (and your cells) is key to better health. Don't get too bogged down with the protocol. Just embrace the concept of trying to get up and do some intentional movement at least every hour of the day.
Read MoreAccording to Mairlyn Smith P.H.Ec. (aka “the fart walk lady”) going on a short walk within 60 minutes of a meal can significantly help moderate blood sugar spikes and lower risk of diabetes and other metabolic issues as well as aid in digestion. And this checks out from many other sources including New York Times, Cleveland Clinic and the journal Sports Medicine. Plus, it’s a great way to get some much needed sunlight in our eyes, to take a break from devices and to practice breathing or moving meditation--all things that help manage our biorhythm, reduce stress and improve sleep. So get out there and #fartwalk!
Read MoreIf you have been within earshot of me over the past month you've no doubt heard that I'm having a lot of fun integrating Good Energy foods into my life. One of Dr. Means’ many recommendations (read the entire book, please!) is to integrate fermented foods into our daily diets. Now, I've heard this before. And resisted. Because... ew. I'm not naturally adventurous with my food choices. Until now. Fermented foods support our gut biome which plays a critical role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function and even mental health. And fermented foods are helpful because of their probiotic and postbiotic properties.
Read MoreHave you ever gotten that weekly ping from your phone to look at your screen time stats for the week and cringed? I rarely look. I know my screen time has creeped up to an unhealthy level. And shocker! While my screen time, particularly social media time, has creeped up, my sleep quantity has creeped down while my stress and blood pressure have creeped up. I finally admitted ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. And in an act of dramatic desperation I declared on Instagram and Facebook that I was signing off for the month of June as an experiment to see what life, and my health, would be like without social media.
Read MoreI've been having a lot of conversations this month with clients about alcohol, epigenetics and the physical effects of stress on the body. So when I came across this podcast that covers all these topics and more I was fist pumping the air in delight. So if you're interested in the latest science of stress and possible ways to tackle it, give it a listen.
Read MoreI've been dragging my feet on meditating lately. I know 110% that it would benefit me. But sometimes humans are stubborn and won't pick up the tools we know will help (same with exercise and nutrition for a lot of folks). So when Peter told me about this app offering a 30-day free trial of daily positive affirmations I was intrigued. I've been listening to one or two a day for a week and I am starting to notice a difference. It feels a little silly at first, but I recognize that's part of the negative programming in my brain. I appreciate the science and research behind this idea and how it leverages the brain's neuroplasticity to pre-program negative patterns. Two thumbs up! Let's get some positive self-talk going in 2024!
Read MoreIn the realm of essential vitamins, Vitamin B12 stands out as a powerhouse that plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. From boosting energy levels to supporting mental health, this vitamin can be a key player in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Check out this guide with everything you need to know about B12 and how to get enough of it.
Read MoreAs days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder there's no doubt that fall is knocking at our doors. For some folks this means changes to their workout routines especially for those who like to run, walk or ride outside. It reminded me of an interesting question I was asked by a reporter a few years ago. He noticed that around this time of year, he stopped sweating during his workouts and was worried this meant he was being less effective. How much does sweating define a good workout? Check out my answer in his article.
Read MoreAs I hinted about in my September newsletter, I’ve been following Andrew Huberman’s protocols for using morning and afternoon sunlight to support mental and physical health, improve sleep and regulate circadian rhythms. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at its effectiveness and simplicity.
Read MoreIn theory, I love this recent NYT article about “adopting a playful attitude toward working out”. It’s a lovely story about an awkward kid who grew up to be a trainer who helps his clients “get silly” in their workouts (piggyback rides, tag, skipping). The premise is so important. Working out doesn’t have to be awful. It can be fun. And the benefits of returning to more “primal” (or what I’d call “functional”) movement patterns are indisputable. So what’s the catch?
Read MoreFull disclosure, this is not an easy read (or listen). It’s dense and at times overwhelming. So if you’re looking for easy answers to what and how to eat you may get frustrated. But the information Tim Spector brings to light is fascinating and important and it’s worth hunkering down to expose yourself to his research and recommendations and to try to start implementing some of his teachings into your habits.
Read MoreBoom! If you’ve taken my group fitness classes or trained with me you know I’m a big fan of the wall sit. It’s simple (nearly anyone can safely do it), it requires no equipment and it isometrically targets the quads, hamstrings and glutes. What’s not to love?! Plus it burns so good! Add to its list of benefits that it can also help lower your blood pressure as reported this month in the New York Times and backed by some impressive research. Want to learn more about how to properly do a wall sit? Check out this post and video from LiveStrong.com.
Read MoreIf you've ever been frustrated by the Western approach to medicine of treating disease but dropping the ball when it comes to prevention, give this a read (or listen). This book is a great roadmap for developing a strategy for life and exercise plays a huge component. Start thinking strategically about your longevity goals and plans now!
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