There are so many things to love about summer here in Wisconsin—warm weather, outdoor activities, festivals galore, and not having to scrape the ice off of your windshield in the morning. But one of my favorite summertime staples is the farmers market. I love the idea of stocking up on veggies and fruit (at a fraction of what the typical…
It’s no secret that sitting for prolonged periods is bad for your waistline. However, you may not be aware of just how bad it can be for your overall health. Research from Northwestern University found that people who spend more time sitting are more likely to become disabled when compared with people with similar health and exercise habits who sit…
Okay, so you’ve probably never said this, but you probably have had a craving for ice cream. I found the aforementioned ingredients while scanning a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. This got me thinking: Just how many of these types of ingredients do we eat in a typical day…and should we be concerned? My ingredients list scanning…
I recently flew to Las Vegas to escape the chill of Wisconsin for a bit. Before I left, I announced to my workplace TOPS chapter that my goal was to not gain any weight while on vacation. Our weekly meetings include a weigh-in and I wanted to make sure that I could face the scale with confidence when I returned.…
Do you feel stressed? Does this question seem as annoying as stress itself? If you answered “yes” to one (or both) of these questions, take a minute out of your busy day to read on. April is Stress Awareness Month and the perfect time to address this seemingly ever-present issue. Chronic stress does a body bad, but you may not…
While it’s always nice to be able to take a brisk walk during the workday, sometimes leaving your desk just isn’t possible. Keeping a resistance band at your desk or workspace is a simple and convenient way to fit in strengthening exercises throughout the day—and you don’t even have to leave your seat. Here are some exercises* that will help…
The average adult spends the majority of his or her day at work. Even if your workday includes a trip to the gym afterwards, it’s the choices you make during the workday that can have a significant impact on your health and weight. Taking action with small, simple steps throughout the day like the following: Set an alarm on your…
A while back I shared a recipe for egg cupcakes in my blog. If your New Year’s resolution involves eating better, check out this past posting for an eggs-cellent idea (please excuse the bad pun—I couldn’t help myself.) Ah, the afternoon vending machine showdown. We’ve all been there, and it’s tough to pick something healthy when your blood sugar is…
When you think of Valentine’s Day treats, you may think of candy hearts, a box of chocolates or the twin packs of little pink heart cupcakes (a personal favorite). Unfortunately, the sugar and calories in these sweets can add up quickly. That’s why I turned to Dena McDowell, a Registered Dietitian and nutrition expert for TOPS. She shared a light…