Summer can be an ideal time to drop some unwanted pounds. First, our appetites are often diminished in hot weather, making a smaller volume of food perfectly satisfactory. Many of us have learned that heavy foods can contribute to feeling too warm. In addition, there is such a wonderful variety of low-calorie spring and summer […]

Mary Ireland discusses the importance of stress reduction in a healthy lifestyle.

In this blog we frequently talk about the importance of nutrition and exercise in leading a healthy life and controlling weight. Another importance lifestyle component to weight management is getting an adequate amount of sleep. There are a number of studies that identify the negative impact of sleep deprivation on health: Researchers from the University […]

Mary Ireland discusses the importance of exercising consistently and give some references and tips.

The Industrial Revolution moved our culture from farming to mechanization. One of the results is that we have become disconnected from nature. Farmers want rain, knowing that it is necessary for them to grow their crops. The rest of us sort of view it as a nuisance that will ruin our car wash or make […]

Tax Day – a time each year where we are forced to take a look at our finances. How beneficial it would be to have a similar day regarding our health. To some extent, as a culture we may choose to do this at the New Year, in the form of resolutions. Some of us […]

Mary Ireland discusses techniques for getting past your excuses. She also shares a recipe for great tasting brussel sprouts.

Mary Ireland discusses overcoming ingrained ideas about eating, including the use of small tapas type meals.

A friend of mine frequently quotes her husband’s favorite saying, “Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” This conventional financial wisdom works well in the personal health and fitness arena as well. Watching the pennies translates into being aware of what you are eating – including all of the ingredients – […]

Starchy foods are much more interesting than I thought! When I was younger, I thought of starchy foods as the “whites” – white flour, white rice, white bread, white pasta and potatoes. Definitely those are starchy foods that need to be avoided (see It’s Time to Give Up White Bread and Pasta, Really) but there […]