This week, I’m excited to once again have TOPS Publication Specialist Taylor Patton as my special guest blogger. “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible.” I’ve heard this excuse about 13 times—this year. Working at a yoga studio, flexibility is often a topic of conversation. I have wondered why it is that some people can touch their toes while…
Considering Keto? 5 Things to Know
The keto diet doesn’t seem to be losing steam any time soon. In fact, one budget-friendly grocery chain recently released its own ketogenic-friendly bread—and customers can’t get enough. It’s so popular and hard to find that people have even been selling it online! While we don’t tell members what to eat at TOPS, we support finding whatever meal plan works…
Make Your Own Mexican Street Corn
As summer slowly makes its official exit, its bounty of delicious fresh veggies is the gift that keeps on giving. You may have noticed your local grocery store is well-stocked with zucchini, tomatoes and, of course, corn! As a quick aside, I may be the only person who was only able to grow one measly zucchini from an entire plant…
When Fun Meets Fitness, Great Things Can Happen
I always enjoy reading blog comments from members and other followers, but one comment in particular caught my attention recently. Lori, a TOPS member from Oregon, shared how she won a recumbent bicycle from a raffle. Enjoying the novelty of the bike at first, she decided to get serious and now rides it every day to the end of her…
5 Reasons Why Avocados are Anything but the Pits
Once dismissed for their fat content, avocados are enjoying their newfound popularity on salads, sandwiches and of course, toast. In fact, today is National Avocado Day. And they’re so popular at the moment that their price has almost doubled compared to this time last year. To help you decide whether or not it’s worth it to shell out extra cash…
Try a Unique Grilled Vegetable this Summer in 3 Easy Steps
Step aside, cauliflower. It’s time to enjoy an equally tasty cruciferous crunch this season with cabbage. Cabbage may not sound like the most exciting food to grill, but a little olive oil, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper can work wonders. Plus, it’s super simple to prepare by following these steps. Wash a head of green cabbage. I find…
4 Ways to Get Your Fresh Fruit on This Summer
Before I tried TOPS 28-Day Meal Planner earlier this year, I was a little unsure how I would manage the suggested servings of fruit for each day. Prior to the plan, I’d typically have fruit as part of breakfast and maybe as a snack here and there, but that was about it. The plan suggests around four servings of fruit…
Are You Standing In Your Own Way?
I finally did it. After a year and a half of thinking about it, overthinking about it, and teetering on the fence, I officially signed up for my first “Introduction to Improv” course. “Improv” is short for improvisational comedy and leaves very little, if any, time for overthinking. I’m only three classes in, but I’m already learning new things, gaining…
Be Kind to Yourself, Be Kind to Your Food
I remember once telling someone at the gym that I liked edamame (a popular Japanese soybean snack), and she looked at me completely horrified. She explained that edamame is an “anti-nutrient.” As someone who works in the nutrition and wellness field, I find myself frustrated that some health enthusiasts use fear and restrictions to push a one-size-fits-all approach to eating.…