LiveWell Vermont

The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a comprehensive set of nutrient reference values for healthy populations that can be used for assessing and planning diets. DRIs have been published since 1997 and replace previously published Recommended Nutrient Intakes. RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE (RDA) : the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all (97 to 98 percent) healthy individuals in a group. ADEQUATE INTAKE (AI ) : a value based on observed or experimentally determined approximations of nutrient intake by a group (or groups) of healthy people—used when an RDA cannot be determined. TOLERABLE UPPER INTAKE LEVEL (UL) : the highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the risk of adverse effects increases. ESTIMATED AVERAGE REQUIREMENT (EAR) : a nutrient intake value that is...

State of Vermont employees and retirees, sign up today at www.KinneyDrugs.com/LiveWellVermont !! For more information please visit the Live Well Vermont Flu Page .

1. THE SOUNDS! Elevator music typically doesn't make the Billboard Top 100, so why subject yourself to anymore of that than you have to? If you take the stairs, you are not only reducing your risk of heart disease, you are reducing the likelihood that you have to stand in silence and listen to elevator music. 2. You are TRAPPED. Have you ever been in a situation and needed a quick escape? Once those elevator doors close, you are no longer in control of how quickly you can get on/off! You know where you are always in control? THE STAIRS! See a chatty coworker approaching? Hop off the stairs, wait 30 seconds, then return! See your boss coming to ask about an approaching deadline you're not ready to discuss? Well....actually this wouldn't happen because State employees are THE BEST and always ahead of deadlines. 3. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. It is sad but true- emergencies happen! If you take the stairs you are going to be familiar with them and probably quicker than those...

When picking out the perfect squash: Look for a spaghetti squash with a firm, dry rind free of soft spots and cracks. Squash should be heavy for its size with a firm, dry, rounded stem, which helps keep out bacteria. Red flags:  spaghetti squash that has cracks and soft spots or is without a stem. Also avoid spaghetti squash with a shiny rind, as it may have been picked too soon or have a wax coating. Instructions to prepare your perfect squash in ~10 minutes: Cut your squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy insides of the squash. Lay the spaghetti squash, cut side down, into a 9x13 microwave safe glass pan. Pour the water into the dish. You want about an inch of water in the dish so add more if needed. Add squash to the microwave and cook for anywhere from 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the squash and the wattage of the microwave. The squash is ready when it can be easily pierced with a fork and the inside flesh of the squash shr...

Vermont produces the BEST maple syrup...obviously! Today we are sharing a way to give syrup's oldest friend a healthy boost! Protein pancakes! With 3 ingredients you can create a simple, protein packed breakfast. Don't believe us? Watch this video!! 1 cup of almond flour 2 eggs 1/2 cup of protein powder Start by mixing the almond flour and the eggs. Once mixed, add in protein powder. You will need to add a little water to thin the mixture then you're ready to cook it and top with your favorites! For a lower sugar option, we love to top our pancakes with apple sauce! 

Live Well Vermont needs your help in putting together this year's recipe book! We love Fall : all the flavors, the gatherings, and coming together around the table with friends and family over your favorite dishes. Email your favorite Fall recipe to:  dhr.livewellvermont@vermont.gov . Every employee who submits an entry will get a fantastic wellness giveaway! Be sure to include your name, email AND mailing address! Questions? Call 802-828-7308.  You can check out some of our past recipe books on the DHR page !

Feeling like straying from the traditional coleslaw at your next barbeque? Check out this coleslaw with a twist! INGREDIENTS ½ small head of green cabbage - roughly chopped ½ small head of red cabbage - roughly chopped 1 carrot - skinned and grated 5 spring onions - roughly chopped 4 tablespoons low fat plain yogurt Juice of two limes 2 green chilies - finely chopped 1 clove garlic - minced 1 teaspoon brown sugar A pinch of cumin powder 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander or basil INSTRUCTIONS   Place the chopped cabbage, carrot and spring onions in a large salad bowl.   Spoon the plain yogurt into a separate bowl and whisk until creamy.   Add the lime juice, brown sugar, chopped green chilies, coriander, garlic and cumin and whisk into a smooth dressing.   Mix vegetables into dressing, add salt and pepper to taste, and let stand for 20 minutes in the fridge before serving.   ...

Only the coolest!! If you love boosting employee morale, engaging in healthy habits and encouraging your coworkers to do the same, or supporting the LiveWell Vermont team- becoming a Wellness Ambassador could be for you!! If there is already a Wellness Ambassador at your worksite, consider teaming up with them to support your worksite! The more the merrier!! Here are a few ways our awesome Ambassadors support the wellness program: Feeling inspired to join? We hope so!! Fill out this survey to become a Wellness Ambassador!