LiveWell Vermont

Salad bars are a fun way to explore a variety of salad options. However, there are hidden calories in the that colorful spread that can derail your entire healthy mission. Here are a few tips that will give you an idea of things you should be cautious of when you approach the salad bar.  Build Your Base: Load your plates with greens! Greens that are dark in color typically have more nutrients. When picking a base for your salad, try to avoid iceberg and head in the direction of spinach, mixed greens and kale. Mix and match if you’re feeling brave! Tackling Toppings: Generally, the more colors the better! Adding an assortment of fruits and vegetables will make for a yummy , nutrient dense salad. Strength in numbers here, so pile it on! Avoid the pre-made salads, especially if they are cream in color. There typically carry more calories and fat. Instead of using croutons and crackers, gravitate towards the nuts and seeds. They will add a strong protein and healthy fa...

This bowl is a nutrition powerhouse complete with antioxidants, fiber, protein and more! Don't let the title scare you away - give it a try for breakfast or an on the go lunch! Ingredients: 1/4 cup chopped kale 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tbsp. cooked farro, buckwheat, or quinoa (or combination) 2 tbsp. slivered almonds 1/2 cup blueberries 1 tbsp. roasted pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, hemp hearts, or chia seed 1 tsp. lemon Juice 1 tsp. olive oil sprinkle sea salt Toss together and enjoy!

This has been a burning debate among health professionals and a common question from the general public for years. The evidence is now clear that eggs really are healthy! Not only that - they're also a great source of high quality protein. Getting enough protein is very important for building bones and muscle, as well as maintaining good overall health. How Much Protein Does One Egg Contain? The average egg contains about 6–7 grams of protein. However, the protein content does depend on the size of the egg. Here’s how much protein different sizes of eggs contain: Small egg (38 grams):  4.9 grams of protein Medium egg (44 grams):  5.7 grams of protein Large egg (50 grams):  6.5 grams of protein Extra-large egg (56 grams):  7.3 grams of protein Jumbo egg (63 grams):  8.2 grams of protein Protein Content of the Yolk and White People often think that protein is only found in the egg whites, since they consist of little other than protein...

Journaling can be a therapeutic tool used to express emotions, work through life events or feelings.   Here are some benefits and tips to using a journal- Benefits: Lowers Stress and Anxiety Journaling provides an outlet where you can effectively sort through and reflect on your thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental environment. This can result in better health outcomes. It Improves Mood and Feelings of Well-Being When people continue to write expressively regularly, the practice is linked with improvements in mood and feelings of well-being. The biggest benefits come in the long term. Tips: Write whatever you’re feeling at the moment.  The benefits of journaling come from being honest with yourself about whatever you’re feeling, and then expressing those feelings. Ignore grammar and punctuation rules.  Worrying about whether your spelling is correct or whether you’re putting a comma in the right place will only get in the way of you sayin...

Football season has arrived! When many of us gather to watch a big game, typically we also bring a variety of finger foods to snack on. Appetizers are a great addition to any party, but you want to be sure they don’t derail any healthy initiatives you might be working on. Below are a variety of resources and pictures of some options to get you started.   Live Well Vermont does not endorse nor does it receive compensation for resources listed. SkinnyTaste Appetizers   Food Network Healthy Appetizers   Cooking Light Appetizers These are just a few of the thousands of resources when looking for a healthy appetizer. Fan favorites can be made without all extra calories! Explore these yummy options to enjoy while you cheer for your favorite team!

We had a 3-way tie! Last but certainly not least in this 3-way tie is Lemongrass and Dill Baked Salmon submitted by Angela Newland. By fusing fresh salmon fillets with lemongrass, a flavorful masterpiece is created. This dish partnered with a whole grain of your choice and some fresh veggies makes exemplary dinner! This recipe can be found on page 20 of the Employee Recipe Book: Summer Edition . Congratulations, Angela! Special thanks to the LiveWell Wellness Ambassadors who voted on all the wonderful recipes submitted by State of Vermont Employees! If you would like to join the team of Wellness Ambassadors and promote wellness at your worksite email your Wellness Team (DHR.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov).

We had a 3-way tie! The second of our three 3 rd place winners goes to the Lentil Salad with Walnuts and Scallions submitted by Lynn Redd. This lentil recipe merges spices, sauces, lentils and nuts to create a mouthwatering salad. Lynn suggest serving the salad over a bed of salad greens and sprinkling with feta cheese! This lentil salad is perfect for an afternoon gathering or for lunch throughout the week. This recipe can be found on pg 10 of the Employee Recipe Book: SummerEdition . Congratulations, Lynn! Special thanks to the LiveWell Wellness Ambassadors who voted on all the wonderful recipes submitted by State of Vermont Employees! If you would like to join the team of Wellness Ambassadors and promote wellness at your worksite email your Wellness Team (DHR.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov).

We had a 3-way tie! One of our three 3 rd place winners is the Grilled Veggie Quesadilla submitted by Marie Blodgett. By combining a variety of veggies, cheese and a whole wheat tortilla you can curve a quesadilla craving without all the calories you might find in a restaurant. This quick vegetable packed recipe is great when sliced as an appetizer or pair it with a salad or black beans to make a complete meal. This recipe can be found on pg 5 of the Employee Recipe Book: Summer Edition . Congratulations, Marie! Special thanks to the Live Well Wellness Ambassadors who voted on all the wonderful recipes submitted by State of Vermont Employees! If you would like to join the team of Wellness Ambassadors and promote wellness at your worksite email your Wellness Team (DHR.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov).