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Prebiotic vs. Probiotics – Do I need to buy both?
Probiotic vs. Probiotic - Have you heard about probiotics? These microbes are mostly found in your large intestine and are live bacteria and yeasts that are not only good for you but essential.

Thirsty? Why not try a Switchel?
What is Switchel? - Some people refer to this drink as the original sports drink. Others have had it passed down from generation to generation as a staple in their homes. But I’m betting the majority of us North Americans have never heard of this delicious treat. It’s sweet, it’s sour and there are many claims from generations back that Switchel has benefits beyond simple hydration.

Can you see it? Where will you be NEXT January?
The Power of Visualization
January is just about to end and I’m curious about how the first month of the next decade has gone for you? I have made a little headway on my own goals and have put some new ideas into place but to be honest, not much has changed. Is this a pattern for you? Every few months are you starting over again? Trying something new? I do it because it’s my job, but for years I know I was doing it because it was my pattern.

Are You Ready For The Holiday Food?
One Month and Counting…
It happened. In fact, it happens every year on this weekend. I turn one year older and the next day, the Christmas decorations appear, and the holiday season begins.

The Challenge of Sleep – A Sleep Challenge
Are you Sleeping enough?
I’m a mom, I run my own business, we are selling our home and I volunteer my time at my kids’ school and in the community. I also have hobbies and activities I love to participate in. So, when, do you ask, do I find time to sleep? Well, it has recently come to my attention, thanks to my body giving me some not so subtle signs and symptoms, that I am NOT getting enough sleep.

Accountability: What is it and why do I need it?
What or who are you accountable to?
This is the definition of accountability but what does that actually mean? Accountability is the act of taking responsibility for our actions in a transparent manner. It means owning up to our actions whether they are for the good of ourselves or others or whether they may not be.

What's Up With Dairy and Wheat?
The Diary and Wheat Debate
It’s very common for me to have a new client discuss with me their fears about having to give up staples in their diet. Some of these staples include wheat, dairy, corn and soy. I am shocked at how these healthy foods have gotten such a bad reputation! Recently there are even more that are being cast in a negative light like lentils and even bone broth!

Bugs in Your Belly?? Read this!
More about Candida…
In our last blog post we spoke about what having Candida means for your health and the symptoms you may be experiencing as a result of having this yeast overgrowth in your body. You can read all about it here https://www.noshoesnutrition.com/blog .

Ready to Feel Renewed? More Energy For All!!
Today I would like to continue the discussion by introducing adaptogens. Adaptogens are plants which can come in the form of roots, leaves, mushrooms (technically fungi, I know) that can help your body normalize the stress chemicals you produce. This means that if your stress chemicals are high, these plants help lower them back to normal.

Stressed? Adrenal Fatigue Continued...
Guidelines to help overcome adrenal fatigue
Last week’s blog covered what Adrenal Fatigue is and its many signs and symptoms. It is a very relevant topic today as many of our clients have or are experiencing various stages of this condition. Many people are constantly bombarded with stress. Stress from everyday life, family, relationships, work, finances, social media and the list goes on.

The Sweet Truth about Honey
Honey – The Sweet Sweet Truth!
Did you know that honey has been coveted as a natural sweetener long before processed sugar became widely available? It is a remarkable substance that has many health benefits besides a tasty sweetener for your tea and baking. No two honey jars contain the same sweet honey! There are over 300 kinds of honey, each with a unique color and flavor that is dependent on the nectar source.

Alleviate Your Allergies
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies?
It’s that time of the year when I see the red eyes, hear the sneezing and can tell there are people truly suffering from the change in seasons with excess mucus and congestion. I know this may surprise you, but did you know that there are specific foods that can help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies?

Muscle Mania!
Healthy diet = Healthy muscles
Have you ever felt like you just can’t keep your body moving? Like something that should feel light, weighs a ton? I want to share the key to a healthy muscular system this week. Hint, hint, it has to do with eating a healthy diet.

Sunshine or Bust!
Sunshine, Happiness and Rainbows Everywhere!
I don’t know about you, but I am SUPER excited about the longer days! I find it easier to wake up in the morning and my energy levels are much improved. Is this a spring thing? An anticipation of warmer summer days or is there more to this phenomenon? It’s actually a brain thing. Sunlight stimulates your brain and does more for your health than you may guess.

Are you Craving Movement?
Is your body asking for movement?
It’s spring!! The weather is improving and we have been cooped up all winter trying to stay warm. I can feel the urge to get outside and get some sun! How about you? Stress, hard work, and lots of thinking create tension in the body, which can lead to chronic aches, tightness, and constipation. Many people try to alleviate these symptoms with alcohol and sugar, which ultimately worsen their unease and anesthetize the body. Exercise is a great way to release built up physical tension.

Summer is COMING!! Are you READY??
Summer is on the Horizon
Okay, so it’s only March, but let’s be honest, the New Years Resolution thing has worn off, the winter weather has had us huddled indoors for warmth, and we are beginning to crave sunshine, activity and maybe even…. salad!! Spring will be here, and then comes summer with short sleeves and exposed skin. Are you ready? Do you feel confident? I only bring this up because it’s just about now that spring fever hits and it’s a FANTASTIC time to change because the world around us will start to change and blossom very soon and why shouldn’t we change and blossom as well?

Does anyone eat together as a family anymore??
Come And Get It!!
When was the last time you and your family sat down to eat a meal together? Is it only for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas that more effort is made to get everyone to sit together and eat as a family? Today’s society has families running from activity to activity making it hard to round up the troops for a meal, especially dinnertime. Even the family TV sitcoms from the past had families sitting around the table sharing a meal. It was expected that each family member make it a priority to reserve that time for family.

Have You Fallen Off the Wagon??
Tips to Getting Back On Track
On January 1st most of us made promises to ourselves that 2019 will be different, promises like getting our eating on track, sticking to a plan, losing some extra weight and finally starting to feel better. How’s that going?

Healthy Swaps
Healthy Food Swaps
Now that you are well into the New Year, how are your nutrition and wellness goals going for you? Are you finding it challenging to prepare meals that are healthier? I know for me, it has been more effective to start with simple food substitutions that I can slowly build on. Exchanging a few ingredients in recipes could lead to big results. You may find that you start to like how these new ingredients taste and will actually crave more healthy options while cooking.

Did You Resolve to the Same Resolution Again this Year?
New Years Accountability
by Penny DeJager and Megan Barefoot
It’s two weeks into 2019 and it’s time to check in and see if you are still following your resolution. I had one friend resolve to a “dry January” and has slipped up already. This friend didn’t just slip up, they have given up! Another friend was going cold turkey on sugar. They lasted ten days and gave in to half a chocolate bar to deal with the withdrawal headaches. Big goals can mean Big results but they might also need Big support!