Just a few years ago, foam rollers were something only professional athletes and trainers used. Now, you can find foam rollers in gyms, physical therapy offices and even living rooms (which is precisely where mine is sitting right now). Self myofascial release, more commonly referred to as foam rolling, has gained great popularity over the years, thanks in part to the popularity of higher intensity workouts and the easy accessibility of foam rollers.
Everyone from the professional athlete to the average gym-goer is using some variety of a foam roller these days in hopes of speeding up the recovery of stiff muscles or to work out the knots they may have. While it is great that the foam rolling trend is finally catching on and people are giving their muscles some love after a tough workout, it’s important to make sure it is being done right.
While it may seem simple enough- just lay on it and roll over your muscles- there are a couple very common mistakes people make when foam rolling that can actually further aggravate an injury or increase inflammation.
With Summer in full swing, there are BBQs and get-togethers nearly every weekend. Sometimes, this can make sticking to a diet of any kind pretty tough. But it doesn’t have to!
There are tons of really delicious Paleo-friendly dishes that are super easy to make and will be a hit with everyone- dieters and indulgers, alike!
Here are 12 super easy, super tasty paleo grilling recipes that are a must-try this Summer!
What’s really in your e-cigarettes? The main ingredients in e-cigs or vapes are nicotine, either propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine and other added flavors depending on the variety. These ingredients get heated into vapors and inhaled. So, is this safe?
The truth is, we don’t know. And that should scare you.
There are no FDA regulations whatsoever on e-cigs or vapes. The companies that make the wide variety of liquid flavors are not forced to do any testing or to prove any level of safety before selling their products to the masses. Sadly, our youth, who are increasingly embracing this new “smoking alternative”, are going to be the guinea pigs for e-cigarettes’ safety- or lack thereof.
Ghee, perhaps more commonly known as clarified butter, has been around for hundreds of years, originating in ancient India. It’s long shelf life, high smoke point and ability to keep at room temperature made it a staple in many Asian countries. It has been shown to aid in weight loss, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Oh, and did I mention, as a by-product of butter, it’s delicious as well? Yeah. Ghee is pretty awesome!
No matter how green you’ve made your home, we- and our children- are still constantly exposed to a slue of toxins every single day. The air we breath, the food we eat and the water we drink all contain some level of toxins. Our body is designed to detoxify itself to some extent, but it’s always great to give it a little support whenever possible. A detox bath is a super simple, inexpensive way to do just this.
Benefits of a Detox Bath
- Gently detoxify the body
- Boost the immune system
- Soothe achey joints or sore muscles
- Calm hyperactive kids
- Soften and moisturize skin
- Improve circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote a good night’s sleep
A detox bath can greatly benefit both kids and adults alike. They improve our detoxification and immune systems, help to calm us and reduce inflammation. They are also super easy to make and enjoy on a regular basis.
When we think about how much sugar we consume, we usually think about how many sweets we are eating. Things like ice cream and candy bars and pastries are the first things to go when trying to reduce our sugar intake. But have you thought about how much sugar you might be drinking? Sweet treats are the obvious culprit when it comes to sugar, but often, we are drinking way more sugar than we realize on a daily basis.
Did you know that your Starbucks coffee can have as much as 50 or more grams of sugar in it? Or how about the 24g of sugar in your Gatorade? It’s time to find out just how much sugar is really in your favorite drinks.
Spring is finally in the air! I don’t know about you, but as the days get a little warmer and the sun sets a little later, I find myself re-energized, awake and motivated with a renewed sense of self.
Spring is such an amazing season. It is a time of growth, of change and of resurgence. Everything that gave way to the cold, harsh winter finally returns, more vibrant and more beautiful than it was before.
As the earth begins to re-energize and start anew, it is also the perfect time to reset and refresh both your body and your home. Just as stagnation depletes our bodies, our homes feel the effects as well. The harsh winters and long, cold nights force us to seal up our windows, turn on the heat and hibernate indoors.
This lack of movement and circulation within the home can actually create an increasingly toxic environment. Without fresh air to flush the toxins out, things begin to accumulate. It’s just like our bodies. If we allow toxins to continue to circulate within our bodies for too long, we become sick. The same can be said for our homes.
So, let’s use this fresh spring air to reset and refresh our homes. With these 6 steps, it’s simple!
Before we talk, let’s get this out of the way. No. You are not going to get too “bulky” or “big” if you start lifting weights. As a matter of fact, it is physiologically quite difficult for women to make noticeable muscle gains without trying really, really hard.
It amazes me how many women are still under the impression that, if they pick up a pair of dumbbells, their arms are instantly going to explode like Popeye’s. This is one of the biggest fitness myths out there. No, lifting weights as an average female will absolutely not make you look bulky. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s talk about why you should be lifting weights.
Spring is almost here, folks! The air is starting to warm, the birds are beginning to chirp and the days are getting longer. While making it through the winter is something worth celebrating, the warmer weather brings about it’s own challenges. One of them being the return of fleas for your dog or cat.
Controlling fleas is important for your pet’s health. If you have dogs or cats, then you know how challenging this can be. But turning to potentially poisonous collars or drops is not the answer. There are simple, natural remedies that can help keep fleas at bay without compromising your pet’s health.