There are lots of ways to process food. Did you know there are official definitions of unprocessed, minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed foods?

Sometimes it’s not so obvious the difference between processed and ultra-processed. Let me lay it out for you in this post.

HINT: You may be pleasantly surprised by the definition of processed foods.

Why are the fats and carbohydrates bolded on the Nutrition Facts tables? Why don’t the numbers underneath them add up? How should I read the “%DV?”

Your Nutrition Facts questions answered in this super-short crash course.

Energizing Vanilla Matcha Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (your choice, no added sugar)
1-2 tsp matcha green tea powder (start with less if you’re new to matcha – it packs a kick!)
½ frozen banana
Ice cubes (optional)
1 large handful of spinach or kale (optional, but recommended)

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until desired smoothness is achieved. Sip and enjoy!

Having a healthy mindset can help you live longer. Believing in your health and wellness can be a powerful tool for achieving health and wellness.

Read my latest post on the research behind having a positive mindset for health.

You’ll be happy you did!

We all know we need to drink “enough” water… But how much is “enough?” And what non-water options count toward my daily intake?

Let me tell you that the amounts often suggested as optimal might not apply to you; this is because everyone is different. #surprise

There are so many products on the market these days telling us we can lose the fat off our thighs, arms, and belly. It’s no wonder that we’re so confused! But can you REALLY lose fat off specific places and not others? The results of a study we found may surprise you. Find out what happened and what you can ACTUALLY do about your “trouble areas”. P.S. Spicy Chili may be the answer!

Truth time: thoughts of “I’m not good enough” have entered your mind more than once. This kind of limiting belief and negative self-talk has no business setting up shop in your mind! Learn how to close the doors on this damaging mindset.

We all know that we should be exercising because it’s hugely beneficial to our health. It’s even scientifically proven, and study after study tells us! Yet still only a fraction of us are actually into the daily exercise habit. Why is this the case? In our latest blog post, learn about some of the “I just can’t fit in exercise” excuses we’ve heard and what you can do to kick the most common one: “I don’t have any time!” to the curb for good.

Mood in the dumps, slouched posture? Or is it the other way around? Maybe it’s a bit of both! It has been documented that people with depression often slouch, as if their drooping body is a mirror of their mood + mind slump. So, what happens if they simply sit up or stand up straighter, head held higher? Find out in our latest post on the blog.

Need help getting a more restful sleep — for better health overall? Try tea not pills! We’ve got a super easy, but surprisingly comforting DIY Sleepytime Herbal Tea Blend recipe that will have you counting sheep (and maintaining a healthy weight…) in no time. Oh yeah… DID YOU KNOW that there’s a really strong connection between not getting enough sleep and not being able to maintain your weight — as in gaining or experiencing weight loss resistance?! Believe it! And find out more about it in our latest blog post 🙂