Health

Got Milk?

It’s officially hot cocoa season! It used to be that the biggest decision you had to make when it came to hot cocoa was toppings — marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream or chocolate syrup. But now there is one more decision you have to make: What kind of milk should you use? Walk down any […]

Healthy Holiday

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays we celebrate that revolves solely around food. For the Pilgrims, it was a much-needed feast, but for most Americans, it’s extra calories that we don’t necessarily need. For people trying to watch their weight, or those with dietary restrictions, Thanksgiving can be a source of disappointment. Fortunately, there […]

Fitness Fads

The word “workout” makes me feel many emotions. I know it’s something I need to do to stay healthy, but it’s not something I usually enjoy. So, I’ll typically find a workout to get myself motivated and will be consistent for about two months; then I’ll find an excuse to miss one workout, which then […]

Yoga for All

The ancient practice of yoga is a powerful tool for holistic stress management, often practiced with the intention to integrate the mind, body and soul. Though it sounds effortless, often it can be a major challenge to take even just five minutes to pause, be still and pay attention to your body. Taking a pose […]

Banning Boring Lunches

With summer coming to an end, it’s time to put away the bathing suits and prepare for a change in season — and for the kids to go back to school. Aside from thinking about new computers, clothes and school supplies, it’s important to focus on developing nutritious eating habits for the entire family. Paying […]

Beat the Summer Heat

Heat and sugary treats seem synonymous with the summer months, but the truth is that with obesity, cancers and Type 2 diabetes on the rise, it’s time for a healthy lifestyle for most of us. That being said, there’s no reason to fret when it comes to sweet treats to beat this year’s summer heat. […]

Just Relax

Lets face it, between juggling a professional career, kids, social life and personal needs, it comes as no surprise that many individuals suffer from unmanaged stress, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and frequently feel like underachievers. Studies have shown that stress can not only affect one’s mood but can also lead to weight […]

Benefits of Mindfulness/Meditation to Reduce Insomnia

There is no dearth of information when it comes to the clinical significance of adding meditation or mindfulness to your routine if you deal with insomnia or trouble falling asleep. A study from UCLA’s School of Medicine reported that those who practiced mindfulness meditation reported less fatigue, insomnia and depression than their counterparts. It may […]

Hunger Games

The idea of “eating your feelings” is not a new concept, yet time and again we do exactly that. We eat our feelings before we find that magic diet, and we eat our feelings when that magic diet fails us, as many diets do. One of the primary reasons why diets fail is because they […]

No-Bake Cashew & Pistachio Bars

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019. Cashews and pistachios are known for their good-fat, nutrient-rich, high-protein qualities. These no-bake delights address cravings without inducing the guilt of some other treats. This recipe is vegan, paleo, keto and gluten-free. 1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios 1 cup unsalted raw cashews ½ cup unsalted pumpkin […]

Fast Fixes

Each year, it seems a new diet fad is born. “Keto,” “paleo,” “low-carb” and “low-fat” are a few weight-loss diet fads making the rounds on social media and appearing on grocery store shelves. Losing weight tops many New Year’s resolution lists, but the clinical process is more complicated and individualized than simply adopting the diet […]

Mental Wellness

About 847,000 adults through- out Missouri live with mental illness, according to a 2016 study by the Missouri Division of Behavioral Health. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that roughly 20 percent of adolescents, either currently or at some point during their lives, have had a seriously debilitating mental disorder. The need for proper […]

Fit or Fat?

In the past five years, Columbia has steadily climbed Livibility.com’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live” rankings. The community has leapt from the 46th position in 2014 to 21st in 2018. In addition to recreation, schools, real estate and business, the list takes community health into consideration. Niche.com also gave a nod to Columbia in […]

Freezing Fitness

To look at Matt Taylor, one would quickly deduce he is no stranger to the gym. An avid weightlifter, Taylor has dealt with the aches, pains and injuries that come with vigorous exercise. About two years ago, he came upon a new way to deal with his ailments that has also inspired a new business […]

Get Jacked!

No secret in vegan and vegetarian circles, jackfruit has been gaining traction in mainstream cuisine as many look to eat fewer meat-based meals or try more exotic foods. Jackfruit is having a moment. A species of tree in the fig, mulberry and bread-fruit family native to southwest India, the jackfruit produces a large, bright green, […]

Magical Potion

For centuries, “vinegars” have had the reputation of be-ing the ultimate DIY potion for all things household, ranging from shiny bathtubs to eliminating the nastiest of odors. So, what is so special about apple cider vinegar (ACV), and how did it top the health charts after the advent of social media? ACV is fermented apple […]

Sound Sleep

Humans spend an average of one-third of their lives asleep. Therefore, it’s clear that adequate sleep is essential for the human body to function optimally. For more than 18 million American adults, sleep apnea interrupts those few hours of much-needed slumber every night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder […]

Holiday Stress Busters

After a year of discussing ways to live a healthier version of yourself, we are finally approaching the happiest, busiest and, ironically, most stressful time of the year. Sure, for the kids (and possibly the kid in us all), this is the time for chestnuts, Santa, presents and sleigh bells. However, for the adult in […]

Remedies That Work

Preparing for the fall season includes several fun things: cold and crisp air, leaves turning red and, of course, apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. The last thing any of us wishes or plans for is to combat the flu. Last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), multiple strains of […]

Going to Pot

When the Columbia City Council passed a resolution in February that supported statewide medical marijuana legalization, it stepped out of its comfort zone and into a familiar place — at the vanguard of progressive policy in Missouri. In 2004, Columbia became the first city in the state to decriminalize possession of minor amounts of marijuana, […]