It’s May and we all know what that means for the Chicago area. Today it’s warm and sunny. Tomorrow it’s cold and rainy. You never know. But here’s what we DO know.
Healthy habits through sound nutrition and regular exercise give us a mood boost, help us manage stress, reduce the risks for chronic diseases, and improve overall quality of life (QOL).
While quality of life means different things to different people, very few will argue that QOL includes the ability to live independently as we age, to move freely without pain, to have an overall feeling of positivity and strong cognitive skills. Our mind and body work together to achieve these results, so be good to yourself and embrace consistent nutrition and exercise habits. Forget what the weather is doing. What are YOU doing to make a difference in your own life?
For a QOL boost, here are a few tips.
> Hungry? Reach for a protein-packed snack (i.e. low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, handful of mixed nuts, or a low-sugar low-cal protein shake) instead of empty-calorie items like cookies, pastries or chips. Protein keeps us fuller longer so we have better control of our hunger between meals.
> What’s for dinner? When planning a meal, start by selecting the protein and build around that. When it’s time to eat, have a few bites of the protein source first then continue on with veggies, etc. And don’t forget to go for color and fiber. Colorful vegetables and fruits and nuts and seeds are great toppers for salads or side dishes and offer added nutritional benefits. A cheerful plate is a healthy plate!
> Curious about serving or portion sizes but can’t stand the thought of using a scale or measuring cup? Use the palm of your hand or fist as an estimate; palm for protein, fist for everything else.
For more tips, visit my resources page.
Here's to QOL. Do it for YOUR Life now!
**
This website is designed to help you filter through the noise. A place for information and education to support your decision-making when it comes to your health. While I don't offer how to do a proper squat or what the best meal plan is, I created this site to serve as a source of support, motivation and inspiration.
Have questions? Want to share your story? I'd love to hear from you.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.