Until this year, I didn’t know much about Vitamin D. I knew that it was largely the result of getting adequate sun exposure. Lack of sun exposure has been linked to depression, especially in areas without lots of sunshine. Seasonal affective disorder is common in areas with extreme winters since people tend to stay inside…
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
Now that some cooler, more winter-like temperatures are here, it’s time for some chili! I’ve had an on-going debate with Mr. Real Food for some time now about whether or not chili should have meat. He says it does and I disagree. To me, chili needs to be hearty, filling and warm. This black bean…
5 Ways to Help You Stress Less
Our lives are full of stress. While the holidays can really exacerbate stress levels, it’s a constant presence for many people all through the year. That stress can lead to a variety of different health issues ranging from high blood pressure to obesity to insomnia. The effects can be felt in your body, your mood…
Meatless Meals and the Meat-eating Family
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyWayToVeg #CollectiveBias If things were up to me, I would be a vegetarian and eat a completely plant based diet. But Mr. Real Food is a meat lover and my daughter can’t imagine a life without meat. So we…
3 Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy
October is Healthy Lung Month–the perfect time to stop and think about the things around you and your family that are being inhaled every day! Avoid Household Toxins Household lung hazards come in all different shapes, sizes and forms. The most common toxins can be found in household cleaners. Your typical cleaning solution can pack…
The Benefits of Standing
My office recently redesigned our workspaces to create a more modern, ergonomically-friendly work station for employees. Many corporations are rethinking work spaces in an effort to provide a more comfortable work environment. They are looking to increase creativity, teamwork, and productivity. One of the changes to the workstations that my company made was the addition…
The Perks of Protein
**This is a sponsored post for which I was compensated by the advertiser. All opinions are 100% my own.** Protein, like carbohydrates and fats, is a macronutrient. While each macronutrient has a specific purpose in a balanced diet, protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery. It also has many other benefits to overall health…
The Best Homemade Minestrone (and easiest cleanup)
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GiveItASparkle #CollectiveBias I’ve been craving some lighter foods since it’s so hot outside these days. While soup doesn’t really sound too much like a summer food, I think it’s a perfect choice. Broth based soups are really ideal for…
My Season of Bold Choices
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with J.M. Smuckers Company. All opinions are 100% my own. The past couple of years have been challenging for me, to say the least At this point in my life, I was expecting to be an empty nester, free to do what I wanted with both girls…
How to Make Your Own Natural Cleaners
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ScotchBriteSponges #CollectiveBias Over the past few years, I have been focused on living a healthier life. The first step was moving more, which ended up creating a love of fitness for me. Following that, I started cleaning up my diet. This…
