health tips Archives

Five Ways to Stay Well in Winter

November 18, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Today I’m sharing with you

Five Ways to

Stay Well in Winter.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… so don’t get sick. As winter approaches, so does the tide of sickness that always seems to come with it – sore throats, runny noses, coughs, and all that fun stuff…

Although this season’s sickness may seem inevitable, I’ve got five awesome tips to keep you healthy all winter long. Fall and winter are my very favorite seasons, and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in bed when outside is fresh, cool, and crisp. This is the time for coffee, thick sweaters, candles, music, and family get-togethers. You don’t want to be sick when their’s such festivity in the air. However, a weather change tends to weaken our immunity, so it’s extra important to be taking care of yourself. Here are 5 ways to stay well in winter.

1. Get Moving!

With the change in weather, and your body more susceptible to sickness, exercise is vital. Not only do you want to keep yourself in shape for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also for your immune system. Don’t use the weather as an excuse to skip your workout. You can always get in an awesome workout from home. YouTube videos or workouts DVDs are actually my favorite way to get my sweat on. So don’t exclude exercise from you daily routine. Exercising helps in strengthening the heart and lungs, and aids in spreading certain disease-fighting cells to diverse parts of the body – getting you ready for an immune system attack. You definitely do not want to over-workout, because that will hurt you more than help. Over-exercising wears down your body instead of building it up. Remember, all things in moderation.

2. Don’t Cheat Now!

I know you want to enjoy the yummy treats that go so well with the season, but now is not the time to indulge. Sugar weakens your immunity and leaves you vulnerable to sickness. Eating a clean, balanced diet is probably one of the very best things you can do to keep sickness at bay. Going green in your diet does amazing things for your health. Clean eating is one of the best things to do for sickness prevention because the food you eat is literally the fuel for your body. If you don’t fill yourself with good stuff, you won’t get anything good out of it. Nourishing your body with fruits and vegetables is so important, since they contain essential nutrients that fight disease. Focus on eating lean, clean, and green, and you’ll feel great all winter. If you have no idea what eating clean is… check out The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged. It was the first book I read on the topic and is still one of my favorites.

3. Bottoms Up!

Yes, that means just what you think it means – drink more water. Water flushes toxins from your body and gives your systems a nice clean up. You should be drinking at least half your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you need to drink 75 ounces of water daily. Don’t just drink when you’re thirsty. If you’re thirsty then you’re already beginning to get dehydrated. Drink all the time. I’ve found that the best way to drink more often is to have a bottle of water always with you. It’s also easier to drink water if you add a squeeze of lemon for some flavor. You could also add cucumber slices for a refreshing taste. Using an infuser water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated. I love adding some zest to my water with fresh fruit.

4. Dream On…

5 Ways to Stay Well in Winter

You need to get your rest to stay healthy. Do yourself a favor and get to bed at a reasonable hour. Don’t skimp on sleep. It is essential for your body to function properly. During those night hours your body is repairing and strengthening, so pulling an all-nighter isn’t a good idea. It’s recommended that adults get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you’re not getting adequate rest, you will get sick. How can you expect your body to fight off disease if you are fighting to stay awake during the day? As my favorite pastor always says, “My best requires rest.”

5. Don’t Forget Your Daily Dose!

Although taking vitamins is one of those obvious things that you should do to prevent sickness, I’ll still mention it because it’s important. However, some of us just hate (some of us actually can’t) swallow pills. If you are in this category, and even if you aren’t this still works amazingly well. You may just want to try using using this Heavenly Greens powder. Paired with the other tips I’ve already mentioned, you’ll have an edge over that oncoming wave of sickness that gets us every year.

A Closing Thought…

Going out of your way to take care of your body is not something that should only be done a few times a year. It’s a lifestyle that is possible for YOU! I know you can do it. Living a balanced life doesn’t mean dieting for the rest of your days. It’s about choosing the better option when the choice comes, finding contentment in your own skin, and overall just being happy with who you are.

I hope the tips I’ve shared are helpful and you’ll remember these 5 ways to stay well in winter. Now tell me, how do you stay well in winter? Comment below with your best advice!

Foods to Eat for Flat Abs

October 7, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Flat Ab Food Combos

There’s more to flat abs than exercise. You can do crunches till the cows come home and you still won’t have a six pack – you need to have a clean diet. Today we’re giving you the low-down on the best foods to eat for flat abs.

Now I have to ask, is anyone else a workout fanatic? I crave exercise and love getting in my sweat sesh. However, I’m not really seeing the results that I want. Have you ever felt like that? You’re working hard and you’re still like – “Where are my abs?”

I know that I tend to put way more focus on my workouts than my diet, and while I may be getting stronger, I’m not necessarily getting leaner. I was thinking about this the other day and had to analyze what results I wanted and how I could achieve them. Did you know the formula for a beautiful and healthy body is 80% nutrition, 10% exercise, and 10% genetics? I first read about this in the book, The Eat Clean Diet Recharged. It really breaks down the whys and hows of eating clean and I highly recommend it.

This formula makes it pretty clear that our diets are sooo important. If you want to slim down and lose that excess fat, then you need to eat the proper foods. What might those foods be? I’m so glad you asked… 🙂 I’m going to share with you the best foods to eat for flat abs and the ultimate flat ab food combos!

1. Apples

Apples are a great source of fiber and are nearly 85% water which helps you feel full. Ditch the chips and instead grab an apple for a snack. Your body will thank you.

2. Oatmeal

Have you noticed that oatmeal makes an appearance on practically every slim down meal plan, or bikini competition diet? Why do you think that is? Yup. This is another flat ab super star. Don’t be avoiding this carb, it’s one of the best foods to eat for flat abs. Oatmeal helps maintain blood sugar levels and is full of fiber.

3. Berries

Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries… you want to fill up on these sweet things. Berries are full of fiber (are you noticing a trend?) and antioxidants. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a handful of berries and you’ll be well on your way to toned abs.

4. Almonds

High in monounsaturated fat, fiber, protein, and magnesium, almonds are perfect for an afternoon snack. Healthy fats are essential for your body to function properly and help you feel full longer. Make sure you choose raw, unsalted almonds, and not that salty or sugar-coated stuff. Just be sure to measure out a serving and not snack on the entire bag. If you’re constantly on-the-go, I’d recommend these pre-portioned almond snack bags.

5. Leafy Greens

Veggies are important, especially dark leafy greens. Make sure you’re filling up on spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli, and other leafy greens. These nutrient rich foods are some of the best foods to eat for flat abs. Try including veggies in as many meals as possible.

6. Salmon

This lean protein is full of omega-3 fatty acids which help boost your metabolism so your body can burn fat faster and more efficiently.

7. Lemon

Lemon does more than add flavor to your water, it also help detoxify your body and aids in digestion. Add some lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon to your water to reap amazing benefits.

8. Quinoa

This superfood has been in the spotlight for a reason. Quinoa is packed with protein and full of fiber. It’s an amazing grain that can help combat belly fat. Pair quinoa with your salads or alongside lean meats for a nutrient-dense meal. It can be a bit pricey if you’re buying it at your grocery store, but I’ve found that buying it online is a lot less expensive.

9. Greek Yogurt

Instead of snacking on artificially flavored, sugar-loaded yogurts, choose a yogurt that’s good for you. Greek yogurt is a great source of probiotics that fights fat storage and prevent bloat.

10. Peanut Butter

Aren’t you glad peanut butter is included in a list of foods to eat for flat abs? Yeah… we had to save the best for last. 🙂 Peanut butter is not only ridiculously delicious, it’s also amazingly good for you. Just be sure to choose an all-natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain any added sugar.

These foods are amazing on their own, so just imagine the benefits when you pair them up! Here are a few ideas for flat ab food combos. These are some delicious ways you can use these ingredients to make flat belly meals to enjoy.

Have fun mixing and matching to create your own flat belly food combos. Also, if you enjoyed this post and found it insightful, would you please share it? We would so greatly appreciate it. Did you like learning how to achieve flat abs? Be sure to comment below and let us know what other topics you want us to cover. We look forward to hearing from you!

Question of the day: What is your favorite food to eat for flat abs?

5 Habits of Early Birds: How to Become A Morning Person

October 2, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

So you want to know how to become a morning person? I think I can help. While I do enjoy my sleep, I also love the peacefulness of early mornings. Mornings are a prime time for productivity. I truly believe that mornings are the most important time of day, and if you lose those first few hours, you’re missing out on precious moments.

Don’t get me wrong, sleep is important, but since we’re already spending about 25 years of our life sleeping, I don’t think we want to spend any unnecessary time in bed. This is a subject I love to talk about, and I am so excited to share my best tips on how to become a morning person – because yes, you can become one. 😉

1. Have a Morning Ritual

We are creatures of habit. If you want to know how to become a morning person, the first step is to change your habits. Establish a morning routine that you’ll look forward to each day. I always look forward to my cup of coffee and time spent in the Word. What is something you look forward to? If it’s not coffee, then how about some herbal teas, and meditation. Create a peaceful atmosphere so that you can wake up energized and not frustrated or annoyed. I recommend lighting some scented candles or turning on your essential oil diffuser when you wake up. Have your cup out and ready to be filled with your favorite hot beverage. Whatever it is, establish a morning ritual that will have you excited to wake up in the morning.

2. Plan for the Day Ahead

This ties in with having a morning ritual. You want to be prepared for the day, so I recommend laying out your outfit or workout clothes the night before. If you’ll be reading or writing as part of your morning ritual, place your journal and Bible on your nightstand. I also like writing a list of to-do’s in my planner, but a simple list is really effective as well. I feel like writing out what I need to do the night before gives me more clarity of purpose for my day.There’s nothing like being prepared and being able to wake up peacefully. It’s no fun to be scrambling out of bed and trying to clear that brain fog so you can figure out what you need to do.

3. Hydrate Your Body

I have trained myself to drink water first thing in the morning, and now it’s just automatic. I drink at least 16 ounces of water every morning. I can’t eat or drink anything else until I have my water. It is so refreshing and really helps your body to wake up. If getting up early is a struggle for you, try drinking a glass of water right away. It will clear your mind and give you a boost of energy.

4. Turn on Some Music

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Yeah, that’s no fun to wake up to. Why don’t you trade that obnoxious alarm for some upbeat music? This is a fun tip for how to become a morning person. I always wake up in a much better mood when my alarm is “Good Morning” or another of my favorite songs. Use your phone to set an alarm that you’ll actually want to hear in the morning. If you prefer a more gentle tune, you can do that to. Listening to upbeat music in the morning can make you feel more energized to get your workout in and really just do what you need to.

5. Move Your Alarm

This is probably the most simple tip for how to become a morning person. Move your alarm clock from your nightstand. Even if your alarm is your phone, you still need to put it some distance from your bed. You don’t want the snooze button within your arms reach. Trust me, you are way more likely to actually get up if your alarm clock is not so conveniently close by. You should have to get out of bed to turn off your alarm. And once your already up, you might as well stay up!

So there you have all my best tips for how to become a morning person. These are all methods that I have personally tried and found super effective. I used to be way more of a morning person than I am now, and I am having to use my own advice to get back into the habit of waking up early.

I hope you found these tips helpful, and I would love to hear your tips for getting up in the morning. I also want to mention that it is definitely hard to wake up early if you’re going to bed late or not sleeping well, so check out my post on how to sleep better tonight. And… I would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to share this post on either Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or all of them. Thanks! 🙂

Questions of the Day: Are you an early-bird or a night-owl? What’s your best tip for waking up early?

THE BIG 5: How to Accomplish Any Goal in Life

September 25, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

5 Tips for Setting Goals and Crushing Them

Do you want to know how to accomplish any goal in life? The first step is to set SMART goals. The next step, is to establish certain habits and practices that will set you up for success.

I have found that these steps are crucial for achieving my goals, and I wanted to share them with you. I hope you find these tips helpful, and please comment below with your best tips for achieving your goals.

1. Create a vision board

This is so much fun to make and really inspiring. Creating a vision board is a great weekend project to do with your friends. Once you know what your goals are, create a collage of quotes and pictures that align with your dreams and motivate you to work for them. This can be used for fitness goals, career goals, spiritual or relational goals. I recommend buying some poster board and cutting out pictures or quotes from magazines. You can put this board up on your wall to inspire you every time you see it. Alternatively, you could just cover your room with framed quotes, pictures, and all sorts of motivation. The main idea is to surround yourself with reminders and inspiration.

2. Keep a journal

Write it down and make it happen. I love writing, so this is my favorite step to achieving my goals. It’s so important to write down our goals and studies show that the act of writing actually increases your effectiveness and likelihood of success. You want to know how to accomplish any goal in life? Write it down.Use your journal to write out your goals, and record the goals which you have achieved. I always find the best journals/notebooks at Walgreens, Target, and Ross. I’ve come to realize that the cuter the journal, the more inspiration I have to write in it. You can also find some awesome journals on Amazon. I particularly loved these two, so I’m sharing those links with you. Above is the Eccolo World Traveler Journal and below is the Faith, Hope, and Love Journal from Studio Oh.

I also want to mention that your goals may change a bit over time. Take note of those changes in your journal and use it to update your goals. It’s really neat to look back at your journal and see all you’ve accomplish and the ways in which you’ve grown.

3. Find a Partner

As I mentioned in the 5 Tactics for Setting SMART Fitness Goals, accountability is key to success. Sometimes you just aren’t motivated to go to the gym, or make healthy choices when you’re eating out. That’s when a friend is so valuable. Recruit your best friend or a close family member to be your partner. This will make reaching your goals much more doable and… it’ll probably be more fun.

4. Reward Yourself

Sometimes, rewarding ourselves isn’t something we really think to do. We focus so much on working towards our goals and we don’t celebrate the small victories. If you’re trying to lose 20 pounds, remember to reward yourself for your achievements. Keep in mind, that you don’t just have to reward yourself with food. Think of things you enjoy doing or special items you’ve been wanting. When you lose 5 or 10 pounds, maybe you buy yourself a new workout outfit, or spend a day at the beach, or go camping with friends. It’s best to find rewards that still align with your goals. When you reach your ultimate goal, it will definitely be an occasion for celebrating, but in the meantime, reward yourself for your smaller success. Those count too.

5. Be patient

We’re not perfect people and we will make mistakes. There will be times when you fall off the wagon, get discouraged, or don’t see the results that you want. I just want to encourage you to be patient. Achieving goals takes time and dedication. If you truly want it, keep going even when you don’t see the results. Know that in time you will achieve your dreams if you truly believe. Don’t give up. And remember… the struggle is what makes the reward so sweet.

Question of the Day: What’s your best tip for achieving goals?

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5 Tactics for Setting SMART Fitness Goals

September 23, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Happy First Day of Fall!

I thought we would celebrate the beginning of my favorite season with one of my favorite topics – goals. I’m going to share with you 5 tactics for setting smart fitness goals.

We tend to focus on goal-setting when a new year is approaching, but goals are something we should constantly be evaluating and reflecting on. As we begin this new season, I encourage you to review the goals you set at the beginning of the year, and perhaps set some new goals specific to this time of year.

1. Set Specific Goals

When you’re setting goals, you need to be as specific as possible. If you want to increase your running speed or lose some weight, you need to get into detail. Instead of saying, “My goal is to be a faster runner,” say, “My goal is to run a mile in 5 minutes.” Your aim should be to set goals that are as clear as possible. Anyone can day dream, but when you know exactly what you want and work towards it, that makes you unique.

2. Make them Measurable

One of my favorite tactics for setting smart fitness goals, is to make my goals measurable. I’ve definitely learned from experience that if my goals are not measurable, I will become discouraged and give up. Don’t just say your goals, write them down. If you are specific and know what it is that you want to achieve, it will be easy to measure your goals. Continuing from our previous example, if you want to run a 5 minute mile, then you should have a notebook or journal where you can record your running time to see how you are improving. Making goals measurable is definitely important for them to be effective.

3. Assign an Accountability Partner

I can confidently say, that being accountable for your goals practically guarantees you will achieve them. Of these 5 tactics for setting smart fitness goals, this is one you don’t want to miss. It is so important to have an accountability partner. When I was trying to lose weight on my own, it was definitely more challenging then when my sister and I partnered up and supported each other. If you can entrust a friend or a group of friends to join you or just be your accountability, you will be much more likely to succeed.

4. Recognize Your Limits and Be Realistic

Have you seen that quote that says, “Find your limits and push them.”?

While I definitely agree with this, I also think that when setting goals you need to be very careful. Dream big, but don’t defeat yourself. Realize that you need to stretch yourself and grow, but be realistic. If your ultimate goal is to be the fastest runner in history… that’s awesome! But you might not achieve that in a month… or even a year. By setting smaller, more realistic goals, you’ll continue to be motivated by your continuous victories. Personally, when I’ve tried losing weight and made it my goal to lose maybe 5-10 pounds, that was a lot more challenging than setting a goal to lose 1 pound each week. It may seem small, but it adds up and eventually I accomplished my ultimate goal.

5. Try to Set A Time

If a goal without a plan is just a wish, then a goal without a deadline is nothing but a dream. Deadlines. I know, it’s a word many people may cringe at. It seems like most people have issues with time constraints. But the truth is… we need them. Setting goals that are time-bound is crucial. If you only remember on of the 5 tactics to setting smart fitness goals, this is the one I want you to remember. Make your goals time-bound. As I said before, without a deadline your goal is just a dream. It far too easy to keep blowing it off if you don’t have a specific time in mind. “Yeah… my goal this year is to lose 20 pounds.” That’s great, but when this year? By the end of the year or by summer? Give yourself a time. It’s good for you to feel the pressure and know that you are working towards something.

Alright, now that you know the 5 tactics for setting smart fitness goals, it’s time to go set them! I have a lot of goals, but right now I really want to increase my flexibility and be able to do a split again. I lost that ability and I am determined to get it back! Now it’s your turn. I want to hear what your goals are! Be sure to comment below with your #1 fitness goal.

What is a Balanced Diet

September 11, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

What is a Balanced Diet and How Can You Maintain It?

What is a balanced diet? I think there can be a lot of confusion about what a balanced diet really is, and today I want to clear up any misunderstandings you might have. If this is what you think a balanced diet is, we have much to discuss. 😉

In all seriousness though, trying to eat more veggies can be a struggle. Let’s be honest, there are so many yummy foods that I’d rather eat. Nachos, hot dogs, ice cream… just to name a few. And it looks like I’m not the only one, because studies show that most Americans are choosing all those “tasty” foods rather than the fruits and vegetables that we need. After a while, all that junk food starts to mess with our body. Eating too much processed food is really, really bad for you. Pizza and burgers don’t give your body the nutrients it needs to function well, but it can thrive if you maintain a balanced diet.

At this point you’re probably wondering, “What is a balanced diet anyway?”

A balanced diet might sound like some scientific term, but in reality it’s nothing more than eating enough veggies, fruits, carbohydrates, and meats. Think back to your school years. Remember this chart?

Some of you might be cringing just thinking about what this means for you. No more ice cream, burgers, cakes, and all that stuff you love.

Hold up. That’s an extreme mentality which in the end will probably lead to binging or other bad habits. Just because you have a balanced diet doesn’t mean that you can’t have any of those foods you enjoy. A balanced diet simply means that the majority of your diet is whole, clean foods that keep your body healthy and well-functioning. If you are eating healthy food 80-90% of the time, then you can indulge in the treats you enjoy the other 10-20%. It’s all about balance.

Focus on nourishing your body and occasionally treating yourself, this is the key to long-lasting health. If we live in a constant state of deprivation, then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and failure. It’s unrealistic to say that you’ll never eat sweets again. Instead aim to enjoy a small treat once or twice a week rather than every day. In a nutshell, a balanced diet is simply consuming more healthy food than unhealthy food.

Meal Prep

One of the best ways to have a balanced diet is to meal-prep. Meal-prepping is simply preparing foods for the week on the weekends. Make some snacks and meals on Sunday that you can have throughout the week. I love prepping healthy food for the week and packing it up in containers.

This makes it really convenient for taking your meals to work, school, or anywhere else you have to go. If there are healthy options on hand, then you’re more likely to make good choices. It’s a great way to stick to healthy eating because you don’t have to spend time cooking every day. Set yourself up for success by preparing healthy foods for each week.

Mini Meals

Another great way to maintain a balanced diet is to eat more frequently. What? Yes. When you’re eating “clean,” you get to eat more food – just the right kind of food. Eating smaller meals more frequently keeps your metabolism revved up all day long- which means your burning off the food you consume much quicker. Also, by eating more frequently, you can incorporate a greater variety of the foods you need, such as: nuts, fruits, veggies, etc. In the long run, it is a super effective way to eat clean for good. If you’re interested in learning more about “eating clean” and maintaining a balanced diet, check out The Eat Clean Diet Recharged. It was the first “health” book I read and really got me excited about health/fitness and made it all seem so simple. I definitely recommend this book if you’re new to the concept of eating clean, or want to refresh yourself with the basics.

Make it Healthy

And finally, replace your “bad” meals with healthy alternatives. There are so many recipes out there that provide you with delicious replacements for the foods you love! Just because your craving cookies doesn’t mean you have to “cheat” and eat the store-bought kind. Be creative and whip up your very batch of cookies. My go-to source for healthy (but you don’t know it) treats is Chocolate Covered Katie.

Her recipes never disappoint and never leave me feeling guilty. If you’re like me and have a serious sweet-tooth, then you need to get her cookbook. It’s awesome.

Remember, don’t be restricted by food, but relish in experimenting with new flavors, trying new things, and make your healthy-living journey an adventure.

3 Tips to Sleep Better Tonight

September 9, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Late nights don’t treat you right. You need SLEEP. If you’re struggling to get your Zzz’s in, then check out these 3 tips to sleep better tonight.

Did you know that your body needs sleep? Shocking, right? You’d think that lying down and watching T.V. would be enough rest but… nope. You actually need to be sleeping for your body to fully rest and recover. 😉 I know I’m not the only one who sacrifices my sleep just to scroll through my Instagram feed, right? Maybe in your case it’s not Instagram that’s getting to you, maybe it’s Netflix or Facebook. I know it can be hard to disconnect from technology, but… it’s also hard to drag yourself out of bed in the morning when you’re running on only three hours of sleep.

Let’s face it. Coffee might give us a boost, but in the long run we need more than just a few shots of espresso to keep us going. We need to get more sleep. I know this is easier said than done, but the key to change is developing new habits. Let’s take a look at these 3 tips to sleep better tonight.

1. Turn It Off

Like I said, it’s hard to go to sleep when your Instagram or Twitter feed is always going off. It’s been proven that electronics (cell phones, computers, etc.) cause so many of us to lose those precious sleeping hours, so turn off your electronics before bed and see how your sleeping improves. Also, if you want to take this a step further, set a certain time that you just unplug. Maybe by 9:00 P.M. your phone, laptop, tablet, or any other devices you have are put away. Instead of falling asleep watching YouTube videos, purpose to disconnect and reflect on your day. Spend time in meditation, prayer, reading, or journaling. These are much better ways to prepare for bed.

2. Dark Is Better

It’s hard falling asleep when there are lights on. To maximize your time of sleep, try to make the room as dark as possible. Make yourself fall asleep more quickly and get a deeper sleep by wearing a sleeping mask. You can also shut your bedroom door, close the blinds, and cover any irritating lights. I always turn my alarm clock to face the wall because the light really bothers me. 😉 Personally, of all 3 tips to sleep better tonight, this is the most important one to me.

3. Cool and Comfortable

The last of these 3 tips to sleep better tonight, is one of my favorites. Feeling snug and cozy is one of the best things on this planet. There’s nothing else like a comfortable bed after a long day. When you’re getting ready to go to sleep, lower the temperature in your bedroom to make it cooler. Temperature affects your sleep, so try to keep your room cooled at night by setting your air conditioner to 60°-65°F.

Once you’ve got the temperature down, make your bed as comfortable as possible. Use clean, soft sheets at night, to help yourself wind down and get mentally prepared to sleep.

BONUS TIP

It has been a proven fact that using certain scents at night help you to sleep deeply and wake up rested. Lighting candles or incense may greatly help you to sleep better. One of the best scents to use is lavender, which has been tested to greatly increase relaxation. However, if you’re concerned about leaving candles lit at night, use an essential oil diffuser instead. I need to get one of these for myself! I went over to my friend’s house the other day and her house smelled amazing. She had a lemon essential oil in her diffuser and it was so refreshing. She also told me that essential oils are supposed to kill bacteria, so they’re great to diffuse during the fall/winter months, or whenever a sickness is going around. It’s amazing how simple it is to use, and in the long run it’s probably a better bargain than buying candles and incense since the essential oils last quite a while. Diffusers can range in price from around $20.00 – $80.00. I can’t personally vouch for a specific diffuser, but the Young Living diffuser is the one my friend uses, and she loves it.

There you have it! These 3 Tips to Sleep Better Tonight should help you sleep better and feel rested. If you found this post helpful, would you please share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or anywhere you want. 😉

Question of the Day: What is your best tip for sleeping better?

How to Stay Healthy in School

September 7, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Staying active and healthy in summer is easy, but I’m sure a lot of you are wondering how to stay healthy in school. In summer you have the freedom to workout whenever you want to and cook healthy meals for yourself. It can be challenging to stay healthy in school if you don’t have a plan. That’s why I’m sharing with you 5 tips for preparing for the school year. If you want to know how to stay healthy in school, read on, because I’m sharing my best tips.

1. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

I know you’ve heard it time and time again, but don’t underestimate the power of a healthy breakfast.

A healthy breakfast will wake up your brain, rev up your metabolism, and give you energy for the day. You’ll need to fuel your body with a nutritious meal so you can function well at school. Skip the donuts, pop tarts, and sugar-filled cereal. These may seem like convenient breakfasts for your busy morning, but they won’t do your body any good. Instead choose lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. My favorite breakfast is protein pancakes. I love making a batch on the weekends and having pancakes for the entire week. I use the MRM All Natural Whey Vanilla protein powder. It’s perfect for making fluffy and deliciously satisfying pancakes. I’ll be sharing this recipe soon. Also, if you’d like some simple and healthy breakfast ides, comment below and we’ll share our favorite easy recipes with you in our next post.

2. Meal Prep on the Weekends

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

A lot of people wonder how to stay healthy in school with such busy schedules, but I promise you it is possible. I admit that eating clean can be extremely difficult if you are not prepared. That’s why it’s so important to meal prep on the weekends. Get into the habit of preparing healthy lunches and snacks for your week. They don’t need to be complicated, but having healthy options available increases the likelihood that you’ll make good choices when it’s time to eat.

3. Drink Lots of Water

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

One of the most crucial elements of a healthy body is water. A large percentage of your body is water, and it is essential that you drink it often. Water flushes out toxins, boosts energy, and improves mental clarity. It’s also necessary for life, so if you don’t drink water you will die. (Just so you know…) 😉

Make sure you are drinking water all day long. Start your morning with a large glass of water, and keep a bottle with you throughout the day.

4. Schedule Your Workouts

If you participate in a school sport, then you’re already getting your exercise. However, if you’re not involved in a sport, you want to be sure to schedule your workouts. Just like you attend a certain class at a specific time, schedule your workouts the same way. You have to make exercise a priority. You might not have much time, but do what you can and aim to workout at least three times a week. If you can wake up 30 minutes earlier and do a quick workout, that’s great. If not, plan to exercise after school. Consider it part of your homework. 🙂

Personally, I have to write down my workouts or else I just can’t do anything. I don’t know why, but actually seeing what I have to do, or writing down each exercise as I accomplish it is the only way I can function. I love shopping for cute notebooks to record my fitness progress, but if you want something already laid out for you, the Fitbook is a compact and easy to use planner.

5. Refresh on the Weekends

You work hard all week and then the weekend comes and you’re cramming to finish homework, studying for tests, or trying to escape it all and party the days away. Maintaining a healthy balance between work and play is so important. You need to give your body time to rest and refresh. You can’t go non-stop. Do your best to lay-low on the weekends and give yourself a break. Whether that means sleeping in, going for a walk, spending the day at the beach, or just lying in your backyard. Take time to just be still and do nothing. Quiet times are so refreshing and help prepare you for the week ahead.

I know school can be overwhelming at times. I remember the days when I would be up late studying and spending hours on homework. Taking care of my body wasn’t high on my list of priorities. However, when I purposed to get my workouts in and make healthy choices, I felt so much better and honestly – I did better in school. Remember that success starts with a healthy body and mind.

If you found these tips for how to stay healthy in school helpful, please remember to share this post. Also, we want to know, what are your best tips for staying healthy in school?

5 Ways to Fight Sickness

September 2, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Since we all agree that being sick is just not fun, today I’m sharing these 5 ways to fight sickness. When cold and flu season starts making its way around I find it very necessary to gear up and gather my best immune system protectants. It might be a little cold or a raging fever, but whatever the case may be – I don’t want it. There are a few tried and true ways that I care for my body when sickness is knocking at the door. Sometimes I get the warning a bit too late and all I can do is try to speed up my recovery time. However, if I start noticing any signs, these 5 ways to fight sickness usually guarantee I’ll be feeling fine. Care to know what they are?

1. Water

One really important thing to do all the time – and especially when fighting sickness – is to hydrate. Water is crucial for your body to function properly. When you’re getting sick it is important to drink up. You need to flush out toxins and make sure your body is ready to fight those germs that are trying to invade your system! I try to drink a gallon of water every day, but you want to drink at least half your body weight in ounces. I always keep my Contigo water bottle close by so I can get all the water I need. I love that these water bottles are so durable (I have broken many water bottles in my lifetime) and hold so much water. My current favorite is this one.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is amazing. Whether or not your are trying to avoid illness, vinegar has so many health benefits. When I am trying to fend of any sickness, I make sure to add a tablespoon or two in my water. Drinking apple cider vinegar throughout the day is an amazing way to help strengthen your immune system! I can personally vouch for this brand as it is the best quality apple cider vinegar I have ever used. Also, many respected leaders in the health industry recommend the Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar. I’ve been using it for years and love it!

3. Colloidal Silver

I am completely amazed by colloidal silver. I have used it time and time again, and it just continues to impress me. It’s awesome because it is antiviral and antibacterial. A few drops straight into your mouth can help fight sickness. A few drops into a plugged ear can help clear it up. A few drops into your nostrils can help with congestion and even sore throats. I promise you, this is one of the best ways to fight sickness. I feel like a lot of people don’t know the power of colloidal silver. If you’ve never tried colloidal silver before, I highly recommend the Sovereign Silver. I always get this 16 oz. bottle and use a dropper to take it. Out of these 5 steps to fight sickness, colloidal silver might be the most unknown… and most effective.

4. Garlic

Garlic is one herb that will definitely aid in the prevention of any sickness. When anyone was getting sick in our house my dad would always roast a few heads of garlic for everyone. It really helped keep us from getting sick… and was really delicious. If you want the recipe just let me know. 😉 Garlic is a great immunity booster. So whether you are trying to stay healthy or recover faster, adding a bit of garlic to your diet is really important. An easy way to make sure you are getting the benefits of garlic without getting your hands dirty, is to take garlic supplements. Nothing can beat the real thing, but if you just don’t like garlic, these supplements are a great way to stay on top of your game. The Natures Bounty Odorless Garlic is my personal favorite.

5. Rest

This last point should be a given. Over exertion can lead to a weaker immune system. Get your sleep, eat well, and treat your body right- it will be for your benefit in the end. Adequate rest is beneficial in so many ways, but it will definitely help you recover faster. I know that when I am sick – or trying to prevent getting sick – I sleep a lot. Rest is essential for a healthy body.

Well, there you have it. These 5 ways to fight sickness are my best methods for staying well and preventing anything that’s trying to get me. I know I recommended quite a few products, but this is not a sponsored post. 🙂 I just really love all of these brands and this is what I personally use. I hope you found this helpful and next time you’re feeling sick, give these tips a try.

How to Get Healthy Hair In 5 Simple Steps

August 24, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

If you’re wondering how to get healthy hair, you’ve come to the right place. Because today, I’m going to show you how to get healthy hair in 5 simple steps.

It’s a question we’ve all asked before. “How can I get healthier hair?” As women, hair is a huge part of our appearance. It can determine whether you feel like a homeless person or a Hollywood star. Our hair is important. If you don’t believe me just take a stroll down the hair care isle at your local supermarket or drug store. Better yet… pay a visit to Ulta or Sally’s Beauty Supply. Choosing the right products can be overwhelming. What do you really need? Which brand should you choose? There’s no lack of products promising beautiful, silky hair. However, while there may be more to hair care than shampoo and conditioner, you don’t need to spend a fortune or invest in fancy products. Today I’m showing you how to get healthy hair in 5 simple steps.

1. Don’t Wash Your Hair

Wait. What? Don’t wash my hair? Isn’t that disgusting? All these questions might be rolling around in your mind, but don’t fret- we have a great explanation! Washing your hair every day strips you hair of the natural oils that your hair needs to grow longer and stay healthy. Try washing your hair every other day or 3-4 times a week. If you have naturally oily hair or are way too grossed out by the idea of “skipping” a day, try a dry shampoo. This is a great way to keep your hair looking fresh and non-oily. One of our favorites is the Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo.

2. Stop Using Heat

Let’s be honest. At one time or another, we’ve all heard that we shouldn’t use heat on our hair. From blow-drying to curling or straightening – the fact is that using heat tools on our hair is damaging. It causes split ends, dry hair, and can even lead to hair loss. Whenever possible, style your hair naturally. Allow it to air dry or use a cool setting on your blow-dryer. If you want curls, try these heatless curls. They’re beautiful and won’t damage your hair. Don’t use heat every day. A couple times a week is okay, but be sure to use a heat protectant to keep your hair safe from any damage. I’ve heard great things about the Alterna Bamboo Spray.

3. Avoid Chemicals

This one’s a no-brainer. Obviously chemicals aren’t good for hair. Although many hair products promise you beautiful hair, they’re full of chemicals that do more damage than good. Look for natural ways to treat your hair and your body will thank you. Instead of a frizz-tamer, or hair straightening spray, try using natural oils that will nourish your scalp. Remember, the health of your hair is the health of your scalp. If you’re covering your head with harsh chemicals, don’t expect gorgeous hair.

Coconut oil is amazing for so many things. It’s the fat that fights fat, and the oil that prevents gross, oily hair. Start implementing coconut oil into your hair routine – you’ll be shocked at the rapid change in your hair. It works wonders because it penetrates your hair, rather than just coating the outside. Besides all that, it is a super cheap fix and works better than buying expensive hair products. Coconut oil makes your hair smooth, strong, and silky. If you’ve been suffering with dry hair and split-ends, I highly recommend a coconut oil treatment. The results are amazing! Castor oil and Argan oil are also great for promoting healthy hair. Castor oil stimulates hair growth, so you will have thick, luscious tresses, and Argan protects from heat styling, calms frizz, repairs split ends, and nourishes your hair as well. So ditch those harmful chemicals and use natural oils that will give your hair the love it needs.

4. Clean Up Your Diet

Your diet affects much more than your waistline. The foods you eat determine your energy levels, heart health, and… your hair. Yup. If you want healthy hair you’ve got to eat healthy food. Fill up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. A healthy and balanced diet is the key to hair that is long and strong. If you’re experiencing hair loss and split ends, you probably need to clean up your diet. Be sure you’re getting adequate protein for your body. Protein is what makes your hair strong and thick. Personally, I love the Perfect Fit protein powder. It’s so delicious and great for adding to smoothies, pancakes, and baked goods. The best part is that it’s completely clean. Remember… we don’t want chemicals on our head or in our body.

5. Let Your Hair Down

Don’t keep your hair so tight. If you’re constantly wearing high ponytails and tight buns, you’re probably damaging your hair. Let your hair down. If you’re pulling on your hair all the time you will weaken it. The strain of tight hairstyles will break hair follicles and result in hair loss and split ends. If you want to keep your hair out of your face, try a loose side ponytail, or soft braid. If you think ponytails and braids are too boring and want more hairstyle ideas I’ve got one word for you – Pinterest.

So there you have it. Now you know how to get healthy hair in 5 simple steps. If you start applying these tips to your hair care routine you will see results. Please be sure to comment below and let me know how these tips work for you. Also, if you have any tips for healthier hair, we’d love to hear them! Share your favorite hair treatment recipe, heatless style trick, or any other advice you have. Thanks!