LiveWell Vermont

Don't let the cold weather and snow be an excuse not to workout! Try these awesome indoor workouts this year. 1.) Spin it Out While riding a bike outside in the winter may not sound ideal, spin classes are a great way to get your cardio workout indoors! 2.) Lap it Up Swimming laps is a great way to boost your cardio this winter! This is a fantastic low-impact exercise that's easy on the joints, but great at building strong muscles! 3.) Lace Up Ice skating at a moderate pace for an hour can burn up to 500 calories! Ice skating also helps your stabilizing muscles. 4.) Climb Rock climbing can provide a great non-traditional cardio workout! Not only will you get your heart rate up, but you will also be building arm, shoulder, back and leg muscles! 5.) Martial Arts Martial arts can not only provide a great cardio workout, but also improve your balance and coordination. Additionally, many martial arts are a great way to relieve stress and practice mindfulness! Try ...

Do you think that nutrient-rich fruits and veggies are non-existent in the winter? Think again! Add these great winter superfoods into your rotation!   Root Vegetables: Most root veggies are in season during the winter. Turnips are known for their high concentration of vitamins and minerals. Try roasting turnips are make a root vegetable salad. Additionally, beets, parsnips, and celery root are also great winter vegetable choices! Winter Squash: Winter squash is full of beta-carotene and makes great comfort food during the winter. With so many varieties, it's hard to get bored. Try acorn, butternut, spaghetti squash, and many more! Brussels Sprouts: This veggie is a great source of vitamin c, fiber, and antioxidants. Try them roasted with pears and pecans as a yummy winter salad! Leafy Greens: Kale, Swiss Chard, and Collard Greens are packed with antioxidants and a good source of calcium and iron. You can turn these greens into salads, saute them into stir-fry, stir...

When the weather starts getting colder, it may be tempting to put aside your fitness routine, but don't be too quick to put away the running shoes! Outdoor fitness in the winter has many health benefits. Not only will you be burning calories, working out outside can boost your mood and immune system! Vitamin D from sun exposure and boosted serotonin levels can help fight the winter blues. Also,  exercising outside also means you can avoid all the gym germs!   1.) Sledding: When the snow starts falling, find a great hill and go sledding. While going downhill won't burn many calories, the trek back up the hill will! 2.) Ice Skating: Ice skating requires great balance and leg strength. 3.) Snowboarding and Skiing:   Snowboarding requires a lot of strength and power. Hit the slopes this winter for a great fun workout! 4.) Cross Country Skiing: Much like other winter sports, cross country skiing is a great way to burn calories and keep up your fitness levels thr...

VT State employees/retirees register for your flu shot! For Schedule, FAQ, Directions and Vaccine Info Sheet, click HERE .

Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-rich in season vegetable during the winter months. If you're looking for new ways to cook this winter superfood, try this warm brussels sprouts salad recipe! It makes a great and healthy side dish! Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds Brussels Sprouts 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 Teaspoon Salt 1 medium sized apple sliced thinly 1/3 cup cranberries  Honey or Maple syrup to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice Brussels Sprouts in half and toss in olive oil and salt. Bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. Mix with cranberries and apple slices. Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top to taste and stir all together. Enjoy!

Be proactive this cold and flu season to make your whole life healthier! While getting a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu, there are other strategies you can employ to keep yourself well.   Wash your Hands: Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Germs can live on surfaces for hours so if someone with the flu coughs and then touches a doorknob, keyboard, or phone, these germs can be picked up by the next person that touches these objects. Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of these germs. If you can't get to a sink. Try an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Keep up an Aerobic Exercise Routine: Exercise helps increase your body's natural virus-killing cells. By keeping up a regular fitness routine, you're boosting your immune system! Eat Healthy Foods: Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will provide you plenty of vitamins and nutrients. This will help boost your immune system and your abil...

Some days you may wake up feeling unlike your usual self. Whether you feel stressed, anxious, sad, or just a little "off," here are some tips to help you feel good again! 1.) Work Out:  Go for a run, lift some weights or do some yoga. Exercise has been shown as one way to release endorphins, a chemical in the body that reduces pain and stress and can increase your sense of happiness. 2.) Connect with People You Love : Sometimes when you're not feeling right, human connection can spark happiness. Feeling sad? Play with your kids, get a hug from your significant other or go grab coffee with a friend. 3.) Go for a Walk: If you're not looking for a difficult workout, sometimes just a walk around the office or neighborhood can help. 4.) Drink More Water: Dehydration can lead to crankiness and even trigger anxiety. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep a water bottle with you. 5.) Gratitude Journal : Sometimes all it takes is writing down the t...

The Holidays season is a wonderful time of year, but it can also add some unneeded stress for many of us. Check out this month's wellness portal newsletter for some quick stress management tips to get the most out of this wonderful time of year!