Want to get stronger and firmer without lifting weights, going to a gym, or spending a lot of money? Meet your new best friend, the resistance band. It’s a simple but effective piece of exercise equipment. Tone up with this simple tool that’s perfect for home, hotel or office. One of the best things about resistance bands is that they are so portable. You can take them anywhere, which makes Continue Reading
Super easy homemade whipped cream recipe
I was at the store the other day, contemplating the cool whip I needed for the shortcake I wanted to make...looked at the ingredients and just couldn’t bring myself to buy that. So I trotted down to the dairy case and grabbed a little carton of organic heavy whipping cream instead. Homemade whipped cream is SO FREAKING EASY to make, and tastes 10x better than the stuff in the plastic tub or Continue Reading
Review: DEXA Scan for body fat, muscle and bone testing
Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary DEXA scan in exchange for my honest review. As a fitness professional who works with clients who want to lose weight and increase strength, I often emphasize the importance of body composition rather than relying solely on the scale as a means of measuring progress. The scale just doesn't tell you the whole story. For that reason, we always take Continue Reading
A summer classic: Easy cucumber and onion salad recipe
Cucumbers are in season right now, and plentiful in many gardens and of course at the farmer's market. Delicious on their own or in a salad, cucumbers are one of the lowest calorie foods there is. There are just 15 calories in a cup of cucumber. Nutritionally it provides 4 percent of your recommended daily potassium, 3 percent of fiber and 4 percent of vitamin C. This simple cucumber and Continue Reading
10 healthy ways to have fun in North Carolina on a budget
Looking for some free and low-cost ways your family can get a healthy dose of fun this summer while staying close to home? You’re in the perfect place – North Carolina! We are fortunate to have so many recreational opportunities and resources in our backyard. In this article I wrote for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, see a sampling of places across the state to give you ideas Continue Reading
Fighting diabetes? Here’s the exercise you need to do
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Diabetes management isn’t all about healthy eating, however. Exercise -- specifically strength training -- is a way to manage or prevent type 2 diabetes, research has found. In this article I wrote for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, learn what exercises to do and how much, and what special Continue Reading