Working for Wellness

Healthy eating on a budget So, if you have been grocery shopping lately…the struggle is REAL! Shopping smart for healthy choices has become more challenging… Let’s discuss some general guidelines, and maybe YOU can also share some shopping hacks to save money! General tips Always look for sales Look for store brands Shop by UNIT price https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/healthy-eating-budget/shop-smart FRUITS AND VEGGIES: One misconception I hear often:  frozen fruits and vegetables are not a good choice. If you buy the ones with salt and sugar added, sure…not a fantastic choice. Yet, without those additives - they are a great option! Buy the frozen grocery store brand of your favorite fruits and vegetables without any flavors or pasta added…you can add that yourself If you have fresh fruits and veggies that look like you won’t eat them in time…bag them up and throw into freezer for later Maybe use it in a smoothie or omelet  Let’s keep it simple and review tips per USDA MyPlate foo

  Yes, Pizza is my favorite food.... I could probably write a book on my love of pizza, instead...I'll try to write a blog from time to time as my ode to pizza... February 9th, 2022 is National Pizza Day....Do you have a favorite style, a place you would even travel by plane just to have a slice?  I am gluten intolerant and have been for over 20 years....so my quest for pizza (without gluten) has become much easier over the years. What is my favorite?   Via 313  in Austin, TX... hands down is my splurge of choice... What is it that makes pizza so special?  Well, my theory is...it is usually enjoyed with friends and family.   What else makes pizza awesome ?  You can: carry it in one hand. make it at home have it thin, thick or even with a vegetable based crust cut it in squares, triangles or make them personal sized have half for one style, and the other with other toppings Speaking scientifically, pizza is popular because: humans enjoy the rich, savory and sweet combination = UMAMI

  As I walk and type this, you may think this would be expensive or difficult to make it happen.... IT'S NOT!   Although stand up desks and treadmills underneath are much more commonplace now, I have been doing this since 2012! Why?  Well, foodservice, healthcare and many other professionals can relate.  You don't really stop moving when you are at work.  YET, when I started a new role with a TON of desk work....my back started bothering me, even though I was maintaining my normal exercise routine. My PT (#bestever), said you just need to move more.... The desk(s) you see in an L shape are  work tables   from Home Depot. My husband found the used treadmill online and removed the handlebar and hung the treadmill control underneath the desk! When I am not walking, I put an adjustable height chair on top of the treadmill to do seated work (of course, when it is NOT moving!) LOL Cleveland Clinic recently posted an article  7 Reasons To Start Walking in Place   which prompted me to

  FOOD DIARY CHALLENGE Working on your well-being is a lifestyle, not a short term goal.  Yet, it does help to record what you eat and drink for a few weeks to make sure you are on track- or tweak as needed. Will you give it a try? If your answer is yes, let's get started! WRITE (or record) ALL you eat and drink... What is   ALL ? Every morsel, drink or drop that goes into your mouth!  Did you stop by your co-workers desk with the bowl of peanut M&M's, or have samples while Costco shopping?  What about the creamer in your coffee, or when you open the freezer door for “just a few spoonfuls” of ice cream?  Make it convenient to keep a current running list of your intake including: when you ate, drank and exercised how you were feeling /mood energy level how MUCH ( 1/2 cup; 3 ounces etc) Why does it help? ...Awareness! It slows you down to think about what do you really need right now. Is it food?  OR Maybe it is really… ü       Water ü       Needed stress relief via a tal