LiveWell Vermont

It is said that 80% of your health status is a result of your dietary choices, and the remaining 20% from exercise—so you can see how important it is for you to stick with a healthy eating plan. Use the following tips as your guide to eating out right: Appetizers Appetizers are a great way to start out a leisurely meal, but can also derail your good intentions quickly. What to Avoid: Anything fried. Fried foods are a favorite, but will do damage that even the most intense workout won’t undo. Creamy dips. These are filled with fat and usually come with something fried to dip in it. Bread. It comes smothered in cheese or seeped in butter, and even when it’s plain it fills you up with more carbohydrates than your body needs. What to Order: Green salad. Ask for very light dressing and no croutons. Antipasto. A plate of thinly sliced meats, olives and cheese will start you off with some protein. Lettuce wraps. These are delicious, protein-filled and low in carbs. Bev...

Only one week left!  The Live Well  Vermont "One Life, Live it Well" Incentive Program closes on November 1, 2015. Complete the following to earn your wellness incentives: 2015 Online Personal Health Assessment via the Live Well Vermont Wellness Portal : $50/50 points. Completion of ONE of four Wellness Challenges administered by Live Well Vermont during the 2015 incentive year: $25/25 points.  (All challenges are closed for 2015) Completion of ONE Workshop via the wellness portal by November 1, 2015: $25/25 points (choose a 1-week workshop to complete by November 1 st ) BONUS! Completion of an Annual Physical Exam* between November 1, 2014 and November 1, 2015: $50/50 points. * Get your exam and complete the “ State of Vermont Annual Exam Verification Form” on the Wellness portal to earn your points. - Completion of wellness initiatives qualifies active permanent State employees covered under BCBSVT for cas...

This is a great recipe for fall! Enjoy these tasty, yet healthy pumpkin pancakes without the guilt. Made with almond meal and packed with protein from eggs, these pancakes are sure to satisfy and fuel you throughout the day. Double or triple the recipe and freeze for a quick morning breakfast! Servings: 2  INGREDIENTS 4 large eggs ¾ cup egg whites 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin 1 cup almond meal 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract dash of nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon cooking spray PREPARATION In a medium bowl, mix all of the ingredients together. Heat pancake griddle to medium heat and coat with coconut or safflower oil. Cook each side about 3 minutes until brown, then flip and cook remaining side. Enjoy! NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS  One serving equals: 255 calories 15 g fat 112 mg sodium 11 g carbohydrate 5 g fiber 19 g protein.

Depending upon your daily habits, making healthy food choices can be easier said than done. The goal is to replace unhealthy habits with newer, healthier ones, but this takes time and focus. Strive to take each day as a new day and remind yourself of why it's important to live a healthy lifestyle. How will you feel differently? How will you look? What will you be able to do? Know your "why" and you're sure to stay on track! Keep reading to helpful ways to protect yourself against the temptation to fall—or even jump off of the healthy eating wagon—on a daily basis. 1. Don’t Starve Yourself  Eating is a basic human need, unlike most habits - healthy or not. If you choose to cut your calories in half over night or slash any specific food group out altogether for a prolonged period, you're sure to land flat on your face in no time flat. When you’re eating for good health, it's important to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Shoot for every 3 ho...

Autoimmune diseases can be frustrating, painful, and life-altering . There are over 80 types, which range from mild to severe, and the limitations and side effects of medications used to treat them leave many seeking a natural solution.  According to the United States National Library of Medicine, “When you have an autoimmune disorder, your immune system does not distinguish between healthy tissue and antigens. As a result, the body sets off a reaction that destroys normal tissues.” Just a few examples of autoimmune illnesses include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, vasculitis, and psoriasis. These illnesses may have both genetic and environmental factors, and often come with “flare-ups”: sometimes symptoms are clear and present, and sometimes they are subdued. One common factor in all autoimmune illnesses is the presence of inflammation. Inflammation is the immune system’s natural response to an invasion (or perceived invasion). If this...

Spicy chipotle mellowed by sweet orange juice makes this chicken smoky and succulent. Not a fan of finger food? Arrange the lettuce on four plates, top with the chicken, and garnish with scallions. Serves 4 Ingredients 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 5 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (more to taste), minced 1 cup 100% orange juice 3/4 tsp kosher salt 16 Boston (or Bibb) lettuce leaves 3 scallions, sliced 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thin Preparation In a large non-stick pan, saute the chicken in the oil until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. The chicken will not be fully cooked, so remove it to a dedicated cutting board. Add the garlic and chipotle to the pan and saute for 30 seconds, then stir in the orange juice and salt. Add thinly sliced red bell pepper and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Cut the chicken across the width into 1/2 inch slices and return th...