LiveWell Vermont

 Challenge Registration is now open for the 100 Mile Challenge! Register now at: www.mywellnessvt.com Registration Dates: 8/17 - 8/25 Challenge Dates: 8/24 - 9/22 It’s time for you to step up your game and earn 30 points towards quarter 3!! By walking, swimming or biking 5 miles a day a few days each week this quarter, you’ll be doing your part to help the team achieve its goal!

Clean eating is often thrown out the window when setting out for a hike. There’s nothing like an exhausting, all-day hike to tempt you to treat-yo-self with “trail mix” that’s 90% M&M’s. So how do you eat clean when on the trail? Here are some top tips from We Are Explorers on how to cook up some delicious, healthy hiking food in the wilderness. Tip 1: Don’t be afraid to be creative! It might seem easy to load your bag with a pre-packaged, freeze-dried packet for every meal of your day but nothing tastes better, or is more satisfying, than the meal you created yourself. Pre-packaged, freeze-dried meals have their place (especially for long adventures) but many are carb-heavy, full of preservatives and MSG, without the slow burn energy you’ll need for adventuring. Instead of relying entirely on pre-packaged meals, consider your favorite meals at home. Can you make any simple swaps so your ingredients are as light as possible, and will last without refrigeration? Tip 2: Fresh Is Yo...

Nutrition is important for health. An unhealthy diet can damage your metabolism, cause weight gain, and even damage organs, such as your heart and liver. But what you eat also affects another organ — your skin. As scientists learn more about diet and the body, it’s increasingly clear that what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin. Here are 5 foods that can support the health of your skin: 1) Fatty types of fish like salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation and keep your skin moisturized. They’re also a good source of high quality protein, vitamin E, and zinc. 2 ) Walnuts are a good source of essential fats, zinc, vitamin E, selenium and protein — all of which are nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy. 3) Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which acts as a natural sunblock and may protect your skin from sun damage. 4) Dark chocolate - Cocoa contains antioxidants that may protect your skin against sunburn. Thes...

Restrictions around travel and social distancing have led to many postponements and cancellations in summer plans. These restrictions are necessary for the health and safety of us all but that does not mean they don't make us a little grumpy. As we continue our efforts to keep Vermont safe, it is important to make sure we all have a consistent mindfulness or self care routine.  These changes have been hard for many to handle. Adjustments to working from home, increased family time and decreased social activities add up to a whole lot of stress on our mind and body. Your normal self care or mindfulness activities may not be available right now (gym time, massages, book club). The following activities may work as a substitute until you can get back to "normal". 1) 3,2,1 This game is simpler than Eye Spy and yet it can be a powerful tool to curb spiraling thoughts. First, look around you and name three things you can hear, then two things you can see, and finally one sensati...