As we wrap up two years(!) of the Health & Wellness blog here at Christenson Transportation, I wanted to round up some of the most popular, well-received, relatable pieces of information to share in one spot. Every week when I meet with new drivers in orientation, I let them know that if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last two years, it’s that not every piece of nutrition- and health-related information is going to be relevant to every driver. While that’s true, my intent is to make sure that there’s a variety of information available so that there’s a little something for everyone. And, as ALWAYS, I welcome your feedback about what is/isn’t relevant to you. Please always feel free to reach out with comments, questions, and requests. This blog and the Christenson Transportation Wellness Program exists to serve you, the drivers.
So, without further ado, here is the Best of the Blog thus far. Make sure to click the bolded titles to see the full post/recipe.
Tips for Taking Health into the Fall and Winter: Bodies benefit from warmth when they’re cold! Heat them up with soups, stews, cooked fruits and vegetables, hot beverages, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, cumin, cloves, and hot peppers.
Changing Health Habits for the Better: All we can do when it comes to nutrition is to try our best and remember that we’re all imperfect. A total overhaul of our lifestyle and diet is bound to be overwhelming and quickly can become unsustainable to us. Many times, we may only be able to handle that large change for a short period of time, then end up reverting into old behaviors. It may even cause us to backtrack and discontinue good habits we had created in the past. This can cause feelings of failure which can be really damaging to our mental health!
Authentic Tomato Bruschetta: This one was a crowd pleaser at our August Lunch & Learn! Skip the bread if you’re not into it, and instead eat with a fork or spooned over your favorite protein. Kristen’s tips: add a clove of minced garlic for more flavor, and for quicker preparation, throw all ingredients into a food processor and pulse to desired consistency.
Eat the Rainbow: Phytonutrients are the compounds responsible for the vibrant colors and hues of plant foods, and they have known benefits as part of the human diet. It’s important to regularly incorporate a colorful variety of foods into meals and snacks. All plant foods contain their own unique combination of phytonutrients, so they’re all equally worth of taking up space on your plate, even if they’re not the most vibrant (think oats, beans, cauliflower, and almonds).
Navigating Holiday Eating: The holidays are a time filled with fellowship, fun, and good food, but they’re also rife with guilt and stress about food. The desire to enjoy holiday treats is often overshadowed by fear of weight gain, along with dread about taking action to “fix” this in the New Year. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are five tips to promote joy and health this holiday season, without all the guilt and stress.
Snack Your Way Healthy: Sometimes it’s not possible to create an ideal snack, but keep in mind that pairing two different types of foods together is a good guideline. For example, pineapple provides mostly carbohydrates, but pineapple and cottage cheese together provides carbohydrate, protein, and a bit of fat, a combination that fuels the body and keeps you satisfied between meals. Check out the full post for snack suggestions.
Fiber: Why It’s Important and How to Make Sure You’re Eating Enough: Fiber is a powerhouse that keeps your body healthy in several ways. Fiber may lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease, it may help prevent and combat diabetes, and it may assist in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness. Many people are most fond of fiber’s role in promoting regular bowel movements. Constipation is a common problem among adults, especially in jobs with limited physical activity. Adequate fiber intake can assist in preventing constipation, as well as other conditions of the digestive system.
How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions All Year Long: Resolutions are made for a variety of reasons, but most people view the New Year as a good time to wipe the slate clean and have a fresh start at tackling personal goals. Although well intended, success rates for New Year’s resolutions are not great. How can resolutions be made for success and made to last? One of the keys to making a quality resolution is to set a SMART goal. A SMART goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
And on that note, here’s to health and wellness in the New Year and beyond. Cheers!