In order to optimize digestion and feel our best, our bodies use naturally occurring digestive enzymes that are already present throughout these various organs. Digestive enzymes are released when we anticipate eating, smell or taste food, and begin and continue through the digestive process.
As the temperature increases, so does our desire to travel someplace far, far away to feel the warmth of the sun and our toes in the sand. Or, for others, the idea of traveling to Europe to experience the rich history and fascinating architecture of ancient cities might be exactly what we had in mind. A good vacation, especially as the pandemic (hopefully!) comes to an end, is just what the doctor ordered.
Picture this: you’re jamming to your favorite getting ready playlist, getting glam, feeling excited for the night ahead. You know you have a fun dinner out with friends, and then you’ll see where the night takes you. But you can’t get one looming thought out of your mind: “I won’t want to go out if I’m bloated from dinner”. Or, you’re already out, and you realize your unbuttoned jeans will be visible the second you stand up.
The nutrition and dietetics space is so oversaturated that it may be difficult to discern myth from fact. The internet is full of recipes, information, and science that seems to be all over the place! We know that this can be confusing and worrisome, especially when trying to keep our bodies feeling their best, embarking on a new health journey, or trying out a new fitness routine.
Let’s face it: stress is a part of life! Sometimes, feeling stressed gives us that extra 'umph' we need to perform at our best, or gives us motivation to head to the gym or finally tackle that to-do list. But, have you ever known you have a million and one things to do, yet all you can think about doing is climbing into your bed, drifting off to sleep, and escaping reality for a little bit? Or you’ve tried to work on a project or brainstorm a list of ideas but you just feel “off” and not like yourself? This may be due to extreme emotional exhaustion, also known as burnout.
As temperatures drop, snowfall comes regularly, and the days get shorter and shorter, it’s not unusual for people to develop “SAD”: seasonally affective depression. It’s estimated that 10-20% of Americans get mild SAD with the changing seasons, especially those living in colder, more Northern places. With so many of us working from home and spending time indoors, the idea of getting in 10,000 steps seems dreary when the windchill is at -10º. Sound familiar? We feel it, too.
As we know, having a routine makes life way easier, and more fun by allowing us to create space for self-care and other activities that we enjoy. Nutrition plays a major role in how we fuel our bodies throughout the day, allows us to incorporate movement that makes us feel good, and improves overall mood. One of the newest health and nutrition trends, intermittent fasting, or IF, provides a day-to-day structured eating pattern and has been shown to have multiple health benefits.
With the current pandemic, along with flu season and colder, winter temperatures, it’s no surprise that many of us are feeling a bit ‘under the weather’. Now more than ever, it’s important to nourish our bodies and strengthen our immune system. Before you go running to grab some EmergenC, make a stop at your local grocery store. There are various fruits and veggies, many of which you probably already eat, that can help us ward off the common cold, or make us feel better when we do get sick.
Even with a perfect wellness routine, keeping active, and eating mindfully that we do, sometimes bloat likes to creep back in, just to remind us that it’s still there. From hydrating properly, eating all things nutritious, and moving our bodies, bloating, unfortunately, is something we can’t hide from for very long.
With some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many of us are eager to book our next flight to a vacation destination far, far away. Whether you’re thinking about turning up the heat in the Caribbean or experiencing snowfall in the French Alps, one thing is for sure: you won’t want to worry about a grumpy gut.
When it comes to exercise, what you do before and after the gym is just as important as what you do during your workout. Stretching and activating your muscles pre-working out as well as taking time to stretch, rest, and recover after can all ensure that your body is ready for your next movement, whether it’s a long run, yoga, or a spin class.