LiveWell Vermont

Protein is important for vitality; we simply could not exist without this essential nutrient. Many people choose to common sources of protein, such as meat, eggs and dairy, however if you're a vegetarian or vegan, these foods are not on the menu. For these individuals, getting complete protein from plant foods is essential, as a deficiency can have serious health consequences. The function of protein in the body is far-ranging. It is crucial in the formation, development and repair of cells, tissues, muscles and organs. It also provides us with energy, and is instrumental in the production of antibodies and hormones. Protein also aids in producing enzymes, which facilitate a number of chemical processes throughout the body. Protein is composed of amino acids. A complete protein is characterized by the presence of the nine essential amino acids. They are called “essential” because you need to get them from your food. The nine amino acids can be derived from a single food source...

Did you wake up with a scratchy throat? Does your body ache? Are you feeling completely run-down? If so, you're most likely trying to think of ways to feel better asap or ways in which you can prevent feeling this way in the future. Before heading to the grocery store to pick up an over-the-counter medication, take a look in your pantry and fridge for the following immune-boosting foods for a natural and supportive way to get your body back to optimal health. While there is no magic food or pill that will make you resistant to colds and viruses, a plateful of nutritious fruits, vegetables and antioxidant-rich herbs is one of the best immunity-building line of defenses that you can weave into your life on a daily basis. 10 Super Foods to Put on Your Grocery List: 1) Greek Yogurt - Due to the vitamin D content, just one cup of yogurt per day can reduce your risk of getting a cold. Look for yogurt containing live active cultures (probiotics), which are healthy bacteria...

Try these tasty yogurt pops this summer. They're great to bring to a BBQ, to enjoy with the kids or as a healthy treat on a hot summer night! Ingredients: 2 cups low-fat Greek vanilla yogurt 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/3 cup pure honey 2 cups fresh summer fruit (raspberries, pitted cherries, strawberries, pineapple, etc.) Preparation: Blend yogurt, vanilla, lemon juice, honey and 1 cup fruit in a blender or food processor, until smooth. Add remaining fruit, and pulse 3 or 4 times, or until fruit is broken down into small pieces. Pour mixture into 8 1/2 cup frozen-pop molds. Place top on mold; insert wooden Popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 4 hours. Nutrition Facts: 1 Popsicle = 1 serving 100 Calories 1 g Total Fat 21 g Total Carbohydrate 1 g Total Fiber 5 g Protein 55 mg Sodium

The way that you start your morning, as soon as you wake up, can set the tone for your entire day. Let’s face it: many of us often wake up groggy, cranky and wishing for nothing more than ten more minutes of shut-eye. Unless we are naturally morning people, getting up on the right side of the bed may be a big challenge. However, there are several things we can do to give ourselves the best start possible. Starting tomorrow, try to go to bed 30 minutes earlier, set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier in the morning (it will be worth it) and try the following three suggestions. Take a moment for gratitude To fight feelings of frustration and discouragement at getting going in the morning, it is highly beneficial to take some time to be grateful for what you have. People who consistently maintain a grateful attitude have been shown to enjoy less stress, higher immune system function, better productivity, and increased quality of health in general. One way to consciously bring...

Join us at one of our LiveWell Vermont Wellness Days! Register for a guaranteed appointment. Walk-ins accommodated as time allows!   Earn $50 (plan members) or 50 points toward wellness drawings (non-plan members) by completing your online personal health assessment! Onsite Biometric Screenings at locations statewide.  Additional days noted in Red ! Know your numbers, drawings, healthy snacks, and learn about the NEW wellness portal! -  Blood Pressure - Total cholesterol/HDL - Non-fasting blood sugar - Body fat and grip strength Wellness Days Schedule : June 17: Rutland, ASA Bloomer, Room 266 (10 am - 2 pm) June 24: White River Junction, AOT (9 am - 11 am) June 24: Springfield, 1st Floor Conference Room (2 pm - 4 pm) June 25: National Life, 5th Floor Board Room, Added Day (9 am - 3 pm) July 8: Williston, 312 Hurricane Lane, 2nd Floor Conference Room (9 am - 3 pm) July 9: St. Albans, State Office Complex, 2nd Floor (9 am - 3 p...

So what is Community Supported Agriculture? Community Supported Agriculture or CSA is the name of a direct marketing relationship between farmers and consumers, where a customer enrolls in a seasonal share from a local farm and receives a certain amount of local food products on a routine and often weekly basis. While the specific terms of membership differ from farm to farm, CSA shares are usually purchased for a set price early in the season in exchange for weekly boxes of mixed produce and other agricultural products. We are excited to offer the benefits and convenience of a CSA delivered to workplaces around Vermont, to State Employees. The program’s objective is to have a healthier workforce by aiming for more locally sourced food, while making it easily accessible for State Employees.  The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Foods, and Markets also see workplace deliveries as an important market opportunity for our agricultural communities and a strategy for developing a ...

1. Have Fun.   Find a type of exercise that is at least somewhat enjoyable for you. If you like to run, do it.  If you like to swim, bike, or take yoga classes with a friend, perfect.  Have fun doing whatever it is that you   personally   enjoy. 2. Challenge Yourself.  Continue to [appropriately] challenge yourself.  If you settle into an exercise routine where you are walking 3 days per week for 30 minutes, maybe it’s time to bump it up to 45 minutes  or add 5-minute bursts of jogging.  The point is to keep things interesting. 3. Build Confidence . Pick an exercise and get good at it.  It’s OK to not know what you’re doing at first but keep at it.  Soon you will improve and your confidence will increase. (Doesn’t it feel good to be good at something?) Find an exercise that you enjoy and keep at it. 4. Be Social . Make exercising a social event.  Invite friends, family members, co-workers, or simply an exercise budd...