Have you ever come home from vacation nearly 10-pounds heavier than you were before you left? Did you give yourself the “I’m on Vacation” approval to eat anything at anytime? I’ve been there and done that. Ate gluttonously for weeks, then returned home with little motivation to eat better and exercise. Now my daily diet isn’t about losing weight and looking pretty, it’s about being well. Over five years ago, on my first real vacation after I started eating clean, I challenged myself to enjoy my vacation while maintaining my healthy lifestyle. I also gave some thought on how to help my family indulge, just not excessively.
Tips for a Healthy Road Trip & Family Vacation
15 Health Inspired Tween and Teen Books
As an adolescent social-butterfly, believe it or not, I adored the library. I seldom read teen books or investigated research. However, I craved connections. In addition to my childhood adventures with friends, I found other dynamic connections through books and magazines. I used to walk up the rows of the local library, likely procrastinating doing my homework, but also amazed at all the knowledge within those shelves. I grew from a kid that liked fictional stories to one that loved inspirational words and non-fiction information.
Now, as an adult, I enjoy going to the library to be inspired to write, connect to my passions and learn more. While tweens and teens today have so much data at their finger tips, I believe that they can connect to themselves, find their voices and learn healthy habits through a good book. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin, so we’ve created another healthy kids book list in hopes of inspiring your kids to enjoy healthy habits. We started with 50 Children’s Books that Promote Fitness and now we’re excited to have added 15 Health Inspired Tween and Teen Books below.
DIY Sugar and Salt Scrubs
Looking for last minute stocking stuffers or gifts for your teachers, friends and colleagues? Give the gift of clean beauty by making your own exfoliating sugar and salt scrubs. It’s easy. All you need are a few items and a few minutes. Check out our simple steps below or watch the tutorial from our latest WTNH-TV wellness segment on how to make a basic skincare scrub.
Healthy Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Walk into a brightly decorated mall or turn on a TV-connected device and you will hear sounds of holiday songs reminding us that the season is here. I love all the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s festivities bringing people together. In theory, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. However, it can be stressful to shop for thoughtful gifts when you have an already busy schedule. That’s why I LOVE sharing with you my favorite healthy gift ideas that help promote wellness. This year, we continue to highlight presents that will wow the healthy living enthusiast and motivate those that want to take small steps toward better health.
Places to Donate to Honor Someone Battling Cancer
I’m not sure when to celebrate my cancer-aversery.
Is it the day we found the first lump (12/18/2004?)
Is it the day of my first official diagnosis (12/29/04?)
Now, that I’ve had a reoccurrence, should I commemorate the day when scan reports outlined the probability of metastatic disease (8/29/13?) Or, should it be the night of Friday the 13th (9/13/13) when my oncologist’s voice quietly gave me the official word – “It IS cancer.”
Throughout this cancer journey, I’ve stumbled upon amazing organizations that have helped my family and others navigate through this experience. So today, in honor of “International Day of Charity,” I’ve listed some of my favorite cancer charities and how you can donate. Their missions serve people in different ways. Some focus on research to find a cure, while others promote early detection to prevent it altogether.
Eco-friendly & Non-toxic School Supplies
It’s back-to-school season, and while most of us rush to find the best sales on the teacher recommended school supplies, it’s also important to keep an eye out for eco-friendly items. Not only do they help the environment, but they’re also better for our children’s health.