LiveWell Vermont

Being spiritual does not necessarily mean being religious; it means being/feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves. It includes our relationship with the environment, our relationships with others and with ourselves. Spiritual well-being allows you to experience and integrate meaning and purpose in life through connections to art, music, literature, nature, or a higher power. Each person’s spirituality is greatly impacted by the community they are a part of and their relationships. To be spiritually well will mean regular positive engagement within every aspect of our lives. Benefits of spiritual well-being include:  Feeling content with life Maintaining balance and control of life Building positive relationships Feeling a purpose and meaning in life Experiencing a connection with a power greater than oneself Accepting and growing from the challenges and changes in life Spiritual well-being is about wholeness, which encompasses the physical, emot...

Longing for the good old days when every workout felt fresh, challenging, and left a welcomed soreness for the next few days? It’s easy to get stuck in a exercise routine and while going through the motions of a “ho hum” workout may be better than no workout at all, this uninspired approach won’t likely lead to significant improvements. Exercise programs need to be modified regularly in order to see and feel continual results, but it can be difficult to adopt and stick with a new exercise routine. The solution: A proactive plan of action that injects new life into a boring workout routine and provides motivation to do more than simply “get to the gym.” Here are a few techniques that can help anyone break through a fitness plateau and find satisfaction in a challenging new exercise regimen. Watch the clock:  Workouts often suffer from too much time spent chatting and too many trips to the water fountain. Research shows short, intense wor...

Are you frustrated or feeling as though you're at a standstill when it comes to your health and wellness goals? Does your motivation come and go? Finding yourself getting into the "extras" a bit more often than you'd like? If so, it may be time for a self-guided pantry audit. Having those not so healthy snacks on hand may be just the temptation that's keeping you away from making progress. If your kitchen is stocked with the makings for healthy meals and snacks, on the other hand, you'll easily stay on track, even when those late-night cravings strike. So what should you keep on hand and what should be banned? Use the following suggestions to sort out your pantry to set yourself up for success: Your Refrigerator Let's start with the fridge, which is essentially the heart of your kitchen. If you find something in your fridge that is on the "Disgard this" list, then you know what you have to do.  Disgard this: Beverages with h...

Make your attitude, GRATITUDE: 2013 Challenge   Participant Instructions Why Gratitude? Researchers are finding that individuals who exhibit and express the most gratitude are happier, healthier, and more energetic. They also tend to eat healthier and exercise more frequently. Grateful people report fewer symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, and skin conditions. Practicing gratitude can decrease loneliness, stress levels, anxiety and depression. ·          Challenge runs January 1 - 31 ·          REGISTER HERE by December 21 ·          Participate solo or as a team. ·          Earn 1 point for each day that you practice gratitude. ·          Receive individual/team posters. ·          Receive daily tips foc...

Bulgur is wheat kernels that have been steamed, dried, and cracked so you get all the goodness and hearty flavor of wheat berries in just 10 minutes. Try the following recipe as a side dish to go along with your choice of protein! Serves: 4 Ingredients: 3/4 cup bulgur 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 hothouse cucumber, diced 1/4 cup sund-dried tomatoes, diced 3 scallions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese 2 Tbsp lemon juice, more to taste Freshly ground black pepper Directions: In a small pot, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the bulgur, turn off the burner, and cover the pot. Allow the bulgur to steep for 10 minutes, then drain and put into a large bowl. Toss the bulgur with oil, then stir in the cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, scallions, and feta. Season with lemon juice and plenty of pepper. Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 1 cup Calories: 180 Total Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 5mg Sodium: 260mg Carbohydrate: ...