Always the ever-going debate, how much protein should we be eating is the questions of the century. And debate it how you want, protein is essential for bodily functions, like building healthy tissues, a healthy immune system, healthy hormone levels, and storing energy, as well as maintaining muscle mass to protect against injury.

Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response that helps the body heal itself, bringing white blood cells to the area of concern with increased blood flow. Inflammation in a healthy body is normal, but when it gets out of control, it can damage the body, attacking healthy body tissues, which can lead to things like joint pain, fatigue, damage to blood vessels, as well as more serious issues like autoimmune disorders, celiac (gluten allergy), Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even cancer.

We all like to feel a little healthier when we order a salad when we go out to eat. All those greens and veggies HAVE to be good for us, right? Well, as healthy as we may think we are as we’re eating our salad, truth is, you may not be doing yourself any favors.

Are you diligent about checking labels when you’re grocery shopping? Are you the stand-in-the-middle-of-the-aisle-reading kind of shopper before throwing it in your cart? Well if you’re not, you should be; especially when you’re trying to get your kids to eat as healthy as you do.

With the emergence of a New Year there is always self-reflection, and the internal battle on making healthier lifestyle choices. We end to forget all of these things after a few months, but start to revisit them when it gets hotter outside and we have to put on the dreaded swimsuit.

Nutrition during pregnancy is of utmost importance, as most expecting others know, because you are nourishing your baby for delivery and setting him or her up for life. The food choices you make during pregnancy can affect your child’s development, food preferences, immune system, risk for disease and obesity (no pressure , right?!). As much as the raging hormones, at times, can make you want to eat all the junk you can get your hands on, this is not the best decision.

Meal replacement shakes are prevalent in our go, go, go busy world we live. Everyone wants a quick and convenient way to get in some calories, and many ekive this is a key to help them reach their weight loss goals. There are some pros and cons to meal replacement shakes or bars.

I’m about to get real personal...you don't have to answer out loud, but think about this question: do you ever have gas? Like rumble- in-your-tummy, trying-to hold-it-in-but-it’s-really-uncomfortable gas? Even if you said no, I know you’re lying! We've all been there.

Are you getting enough good bacteria?

There’s a specific part of your body that you might be neglecting… and it’s probably not what you think! I’m talking about your gut; not that part that hangs over your swimsuit, I mean your innards, your tummy, your gut health! A highly marketable area these days in the supplement ails at the grocery store, probiotics are all the rage.

Are you eating the wrong thing before you workout?

I think by now most of us know that we should fuel priorly before a workout, especially when we know its going to be a tough one! As much as we need to fuel, there are things you should and shouldn’t eat before a workout.