LiveWell Vermont

Why is it that some people need to move? They seem to have this little voice within telling their bodies to get out there and walk or swim or bike. Why is it that others have to battle themselves everyday to exercise? They seem to have a little devil on their shoulder telling them that there’s something else more important than exercise, and they continue putting off their plans to work out. Is it that some people are just lucky and the rest of us are meant to sit around? Who are these people who are “intrinsically” motivated to exercise and how can others learn from them? The people most successful at maintaining a fitness program view physical activity differently than those who fail at maintaining a program. The majority of us start exercising because of the long-term benefits. These include weight loss, disease prevention, and longevity. Unfortunately, focusing on benefits in the far future are not enough to keep the mass of people motivated. By shifting our focus from lofty...

Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep Keep a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at approximately the same time each day. Avoid drinking caffeine, alcohol and nicotine 1-2 hours before bedtime. Create a comfortable sleeping environment. Dark, quiet and a cool temperature is the ideal setting. Avoid stimulating activities for two hours before bedtime. Avoid eating too closely to bedtime - no closer than 2 hours before. Have a light snack 1 1/2 - 2 hours before bed to prevent hunger such as a Greek yogurt or other protein-containing food to keep you satisfied. Avoid frequent daytime naps, which may disrupt sleep at night. Follow a relaxing bedtime ritual to help calm you from your busy day. Try reading, meditiation or a warm bath. Use the restroom right before going to bed and avoid drinking too much fluid too close to bedtime. Instead, spread your water consumption out throughout the day. If you don't fall asleep within 20 to 30 minutes, get up and go t...

Does the thought of adding herbs and spices to your cooking leave you baffled? Are you stumped when it comes to which ones to use with which foods? If so, this post is sure to help. Here are some common herbs and their uses, as well as a few you may want to try for the first time! Basil - This versatile spice is best when accompanied by tomatoes and olive oil, and is the primary ingredient in pesto. It is most often featured in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, but you'll find it in Asian dishes as well. With its subtle flavor, basil can be paired with anything from salmon to strawberries. Bay leaves - This spice is a wonderful addition to soups, stews and other dishes that simmer for longer periods of time. Adding a dried leaf or two (depending upon the dish) will do the trick! Cilantro - Used commonly in Mexican and Asian cuisine, this green herb has a bold citrusy flavor. Pair with lime, olive oil and vinegar and pour over salad greens for a light and summery dre...

Work Well. Be Well. Improve fitness, eat well, increase energy, laugh and have fun. Bring health and wellness into your work environment! Challenge runs July 1—31. REGISTER HERE by Friday, June 21. Participate solo or as a team. Receive a monthly challenge calendar and team tracking poster. Earn 1 point for each day that you complete the daily challenge. Focus on completing a health-related activity such as having a healthy lunch, stretching at your desk or connecting with a co-worker. Receive daily tips detailing the day’s challenge. Each week runs from Monday – Friday. Track your weekly points every following Monday. No computer access? No problem. Contact Maura O’Brien at 802-828-2804.

The summer sun gives our skin a radiant glow and can provide our bodies with the very important, Vitamin D. It may feel great to bask in the sun, buy you'll want to be sure to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause premature aging, burns and over time, skin cancer. Here are some recommendations for how to enjoy the summer months ahead, while still being sun safe: You can safely soak up some sun (and reap the benefits of vitamin D) for 10-15 minutes per day without wearing sunscreen. There are two types of harmful UV rays from the sun. UVA: This one is responsible for long-term damaging effects on the skin. UVB: Responsible for more instant damaging effects, such as your uncomfortable sunburn. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Dermatologists recommend wearing suncreen year round with at least SPF 15 or greater. Fairer skin tones may want to use a higher SPF. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally. Be sure to even put it on the small spots such...

Workplace stress is a serious subject. According to a survey from the American Psychological Association, more than one third of American workers experience chronic work stress — and this is costing American businesses billions of dollars a year in lost work hours and medical bills. More importantly, all this worrying at work can have serious consequences for our quality of life — not only at the office, but everywhere else as well. So how do we regain our sanity and take back our lives? To effectively manage stress, we need to address it in at least three areas of our lives: our physical health,      our mental health, and our sense of purpose.  Stress-Relieving Tips for the Body 1. Eat whole foods . Processed food can cause us to feel anxious and can even contribute to ADD. We can prevent these symptoms by eating whole foods, eating more fruits and vegetables (especially green ones), and getting a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon or seeds suc...

Eat Breakfast. Think of food as your fuel. Without putting fuel in your tank, you're energy levels are going to wane pretty quickly. Eating breakfast is a healthy and smart way to start your day. It's gets your metabolism going and sets you up for success later in your day because you're less likely to overeat later on. Snack Smart. Enjoying healthy snacks regularly can keep your blood sugar levels stable and your hunger levels in check. Shoot for every three hours or so for optimal energy and be sure to include a food that has a bit of protein such as Greek yogurt, a handful of unsalted nuts or a hard boiled egg. This will keep you staying full longer, and will keep your blood sugar levels more stable. Treat Yourself. Enjoying small treats in moderation, rather than denying yourself completely, can stave off overindulging later. Depriving yourself of your favorite treats is like telling a child not to do something. You've probably experienced this - the mor...

Tomorrow,Wednesday, June 5th is National Running Day! For those who are already actively running take the time to explore new trails or run with your favorite running buddies. If you are new to the sport or want to use National Running Day as your first day trying it out check out some of the great tips below to help you get started. We all know that running is great for us physically but we also gain so much more mentally and emotionally. Tomorrow is all about feeling good and taking the time for yourself! 1. Focus on your feet:  Running costs less than many other sports, but you do need a decent pair of sneakers. Shop at your local specialty running store, where experts can help you start off on the right (and left) foot. 2. Start small:  Think realistically every time you head out the door – no one expects you to run like a pro from the get-go. Start out by alternating between short bursts of running and walking, and build from there. 3. Find a running buddy:...