January is winding down and, at the risk of wishing time away, we’re one month closer to warmer temps here in Wisconsin. I’m still dealing with the extra pounds that started creeping up last fall and seem to have gotten a little too comfortable. While January is usually the month for new beginnings and fresh starts, mine was filled with…
This week, I’m excited to once again have registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Lori Lehnert as my special guest blogger. It’s no secret that nutrition is one of the hottest topics this time of year. Everywhere you go, from social media, work, the gym or even relaxing on the couch, you can’t help but be bombarded with the newest…
The holidays have come and gone, and a new year is here. It’s also that time when dieting advice is everywhere you turn … even if you didn’t ask for it. While I typically like to focus on what to do when it comes to healthy goals, this time around I thought I’d try something different. Let’s take a few…
Earlier this month, I tried my first yin yoga class with a couple of friends. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but appreciated the relaxed nature of the class and the opportunity to shift into “relaxation mode,” if only for an hour. Yin is a gentle style of yoga that includes seated positions held for three to six minutes…
Updated Physical Activity Guidelines were released last month urging us all to sit less and move more, and reminding us that even small amounts of extra daily activity can be beneficial. I know that for me personally, it can be easy to get stuck in an “all-or-nothing” mindset where, if I can’t do a full workout, I don’t bother doing…
There’s no shortage of healthy holiday eating and food advice this time of year. As a weight-loss and wellness organization, TOPS is happy to share this type of advice on everything from choosing holiday cookies to unique ways to get your pumpkin fix. But food isn’t the only part of the holidays that can be challenging to navigate. Let’s not…
I recently welcomed my aunt and uncle from the Pacific Northwest for a quick family getaway. Originally hailing from Wisconsin, they were eager to indulge in all of the state’s staples including cheese curds, beer, and of course, a Friday night fish fry. To be fair, Wisconsin does have many healthy food options available that extend beyond its culinary clichés.…
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting Gladys who lives across the hall from one of my good friends. While I was visiting my friend for her birthday, Gladys invited us in to her apartment to meet with her family and chat. As we were talking, Gladys pointed out the view from her porch. “Look at that view,”…
Lately, it seems that there’s been lots of talk about “living your best life.” Since the meaning of this phrase is unique to everyone, I wanted to see what it means to some our members. Here’s what they had to say. “Being the best healthy me that I can be.” Bernadette N.R. “Being in tune to all the life around…