NIFS Healthy Living Blog

Intuitive eating is the practice of eating in response to your body’s internal hunger and fullness cues, rather than external cues, such as environmental or social triggers that prompt eating behaviors, regardless of true hunger or fullness levels. In today’s society, it is especially difficult to eat intuitively as we are near constantly being bombarded with messaging that tells us what we should or shouldn’t eat and that labels foods as “good” or “bad.” Overtime, as the mind and body become used to ignoring hunger signals, the cues begin to fade and are more and more difficult to notice or may only be noticed when the body is in an extreme, ravenous state, which is likely to lead to overeating, which is then followed by feelings of guilt and desire to restrict based on external cues and continued ignoring of internal hunger cues. For many, the body must be reconditioned, starting with reconnecting with your biological hunger cues. Here’s how to start:

1. Start paying attention to how your body signifies hunger.

The most common and well-known symptoms of hunger include stomach grumbling or growing/gurgling noises; however, hunger may also present as feelings of fatigue or irritability, lightheadedness, and occasionally, with prolonged hunger, even nausea.

2. Before each meal/snack - rank your hunger/fullness on a scale of 0-10. Consider why you are eating - is it for internal reasons or external?

0: Primal hunger - intense and very urgent, may be painful

1: Anxious to eat, ravenous and irritable

2: Very hungry, looking forward to a hearty meal or snack

3: Ready to eat, but no urgency; “polite” hunger

4: Subtle hunger, slightly empty feeling in the stomach

5: Neutral - neither hungry nor full

6: Emerging fullness

7: Comfortably full - satisfied and content

8: Full - not pleasant, but not unpleasant

9: Very full/too full (as if you need to unbutton pants or remove belt)

10: Uncomfortably, even painfully full. May feel nauseated.

3. Aim to eat a balanced meal or snack (protein + fiber + healthy fat) when hunger level is below a 5.

If you are feeling hungry, consider what foods will be most nourishing and what you may have lacked in previous meals (typically fiber or protein).

If you still have the desire to eat despite being >6 on the hunger scale, you may be mistaking true hunger for a different type of hunger, such as emotional hunger, or desire to eat to cope with uncomfortable feelings, or taste hunger, or a desire to eat based on taste or because a food sounds good. It’s OK to eat for taste or comfort on occasion, but for many, due to the years of prolonged suppression of natural hunger cues, practicing portion control in these settings becomes difficult, and overeating often occurs. In these instances, consider other ways to cope with boredom or stimulate the senses that don’t involve food, such as taking a walk, reading a book, calling a friend, lighting a candle, or putting on lotion.

If you’re still struggling with the concept of intuitive eating, how to implement it, or how to identify true, physiological hunger vs emotional or taste hunger, consider reaching out to a dietician for support!

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! While many associate the holiday with green beer and festive celebrations, let’s shift the focus to something else that should be green—your plate! Whether you’re hitting the gym for strength training, cardio, or Olympic lifting, what you eat plays a major role in your performance and recovery. This March, take a lucky approach to fueling your workouts with nutrient-dense foods that keep you strong and energized.

Go for the Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are not only a festive addition to your plate but also packed with vitamins and minerals that support muscle function and endurance. Magnesium, found in abundance in greens, helps with muscle contraction and energy production. Add a handful of spinach to your pre-workout smoothie or toss some kale into your post-workout meal for an extra boost.

Potatoes: A Performance Powerhouse

Potatoes—whether white, gold, or sweet potatoes—are an excellent carbohydrate source to fuel your training. Carbs replenish glycogen stores, which is crucial for endurance and strength athletes alike. Pair roasted potatoes with a lean protein source like chicken or tofu for a well-rounded post-workout meal.

Lean into the Luck of Protein

Corned beef might be a holiday staple, but for daily muscle recovery, opt for leaner protein choices like turkey, chicken, eggs, or plant-based options like lentils and chickpeas. Protein helps repair muscle tissue and supports overall strength gains. Try making an Irish-inspired meal with salmon and roasted vegetables for a protein-packed, omega-3-rich post-workout dinner.

Hydration: More Than Just a Pint

Let’s not forget hydration. With workouts, sweat loss, and the potential for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, staying hydrated is key to performance and recovery. Water should always be your go-to, but if you need extra electrolytes, consider adding coconut water or a pinch of sea salt to your water bottle to maintain fluid balance.

A Post-Workout Shamrock Shake (The Healthy Way!)

Skip the drive-thru and make your own protein-packed Shamrock Shake:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• ½ avocado (for creaminess)
• A handful of spinach (for that natural green color!)
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Ice cubes as needed

Directions:
Blend until smooth, and enjoy a refreshing, nutrient-dense recovery shake!

Whether you're training for strength, endurance, or general fitness, nutrition is your pot of gold at the end of the workout rainbow. By focusing on whole foods, proper hydration, and smart recovery choices, you’ll keep your energy levels up and your performance on point.

This St. Patrick’s Day, fuel your body wisely—because the real luck comes from good habits and consistency in your training and nutrition! 

Looking to stay on track all year long? Schedule an appointment with a Nutrition Coach today—they’re here to help you reach your goals every step of the way!

The Holiday Season is here, and we’re anticipating time to appreciate the important things in life, such as time with family and friends. However, some of us may experience stress during this time of celebration. Stress can affect each of us in multiple ways.

Stress often arises from a buildup of challenges, including emotional, physical, and social demands. This can manifest as increased heart rate, headaches, digestive issues, or even sleep disruption. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward finding relief.

Often, stress is caused by the accumulation of different challenges, responsibilities, emotions, and tasks involved in our day-to-day lives. Stress can manifest in our bodies in various ways. We might notice an increased heart rate and breathing, increased blood pressure, musculoskeletal pain (e.g., in the lower back), headaches, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disruption, or general fatigue.

Stress can be mitigated by reducing time spent with physical triggers such as environmental stressors, social stressors, and financial stressors. Sometimes these are harder to completely avoid during the holiday season, as it is typical to have social gatherings around this time of the year. Reducing stress could involve taking a physical break from the environment. For example, stepping outside for a walk, listening to a podcast, or mentally resetting in a new environment with an activity can help. These are proactive approaches to allow a “break” from physical stressors and offer an opportunity to return to your stressors with a fresh outlook.

Taking a mindfulness break by focusing on breathing and meditation is another very effective approach to managing or reducing stress. If controlling what is going on in your physical environment isn’t possible, you could instead take a mindful moment to be present. Short breaks of 30-60 seconds focusing on deep diaphragm breathing can help. This allows you to mentally return to your daily agenda with a clear mind.

One breathing technique is box breathing. To perform this exercise, visualize a “box” in front of you:

• Breathe in for 4 counts while tracing the first side of the box.
• Hold your breath at the top for 4 counts as you trace the second side.
• Exhale for 4 counts while tracing the third side.
• Hold the exhale for 4 counts to complete the box.

Visualizing the box as you breathe in and out, with pauses at the top and bottom, can help you reset and maintain self-compassion and positivity.

Other ways to reduce stress include maintaining healthy habits in areas you can control during the holiday season. You could focus on maintaining a healthy diet, staying consistent with an exercise routine, practicing self-care habits, and getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. While the holidays come with many social and financial responsibilities and engagements, you can set yourself up for success by prioritizing nutrition, sleep, and physical activity. Additionally, avoiding binge eating or excessive alcohol intake can prevent increases in inflammation and additional stress responses in your body and mind.

While stress can often be managed with mindful habits and healthy routines, it’s important to recognize when additional support may be needed. If you are experiencing persistent emotions, thoughts, or signs of depression, anxiety, or a mental health crisis, consider reaching out to a professional for help.

Look for a way to take a moment for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle. Schedule a massage session with our NIFS massage therapist and let the stress melt away. Whether you're seeking relief from tension or simply need a break, we’re here to help you feel your best.

Book your appointment today and give yourself the gift of relaxation!

Winter often brings challenges like colder, shorter days and packed holiday schedules, making it tempting to skip workouts. But staying motivated is possible with a few adjustments! Here are some effective strategies to help you stay on track and feel your best throughout the winter months.

Tip #1 Less Time, More Effort

When time is tight, go for workouts that pack a punch. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an excellent choice, alternating bursts of intense activity with short recovery periods. A 20-minute session can deliver the same benefits as an hour of moderate exercise, making it perfect for busy days.

Examples of HIIT Workouts

• At Home: Circuits with burpees, mountain climbers, or squats.
• In the Gym: Alternate treadmill sprints with rest periods.
• Outdoors: Hill sprints or even a snowball fight to burn calories and have fun!

Tip #2 Schedule Your Exercise

Consistency starts with planning. Treat your workouts like appointments—add them to your calendar and make fitness a priority.

Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Day

• Mornings: Energize your day with an early workout.
• Lunch Breaks: Take a brisk walk or hit the gym.
• Evenings: Relax with yoga or gentle stretching.

Remember, what gets scheduled gets done!

Tip #3. Make Fitness Social

Combine movement with social or family time. Winter is the perfect season to turn gatherings into active events.

Ideas for Active Social Plans

• Winter Sports: Go ice skating, skiing, or snowboarding.
• Outdoor Adventures: Try sledding or snowshoeing with friends.
• Indoor Fun: Dance parties or trampoline parks keep things lively.

Even a family walk after dinner can keep everyone moving and connected.

Extra Tips for Winter Motivation

• Dress for the Weather: Wear warm, moisture-wicking layers for outdoor workouts.
• Stay Indoors When Needed: Explore at-home fitness apps or virtual classes.
• Set a Goal: Train for a spring event or work on mastering a new skill.
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones with new workout gear or a cozy spa day.

Winter might make fitness a little trickier, but it also opens up opportunities to try new activities and rethink your routine. With these tips, you’ll stay motivated and reap the rewards of staying active all season long.

Looking for more help to stay motivated this season? Our certified personal trainers are here to help you every step of the way. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward your fitness transformation!

The holiday season is here, which often means long car rides, crowded airports, and busy schedules as you travel to see loved ones. While it’s tempting to grab fast food or vending machine snacks on the go, a little planning can keep your energy up and your nutrition goals on track. Here are a few easy tips from a registered dietitian to help you stay fueled and feel your best during your holiday travels.

1.  Pack Portable, Balanced Snacks
   When prepping for your trip, think about snacks that combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. Some great options include:

• Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit (look for no-added-sugar options).
• Single-serve packets of nut butter paired with apple slices or whole-grain crackers.
• String cheese or mini babybel cheeses with a handful of whole-grain pretzels.
• Greek yogurt or a protein bar for a quick boost (choose bars with 15+ grams of protein and minimal added sugars).

2. Stay Hydrated
   It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re on the move, especially during winter when thirst cues might not be as strong. Dehydration can sap your energy and even make you feel hungrier. Keep a reusable water bottle handy, and refill it whenever you get the chance. Herbal teas and seltzer water can be festive and hydrating alternatives.
3. Plan Ahead for Convenience
   Before hitting the road or heading to the airport, take a few minutes to prep your snacks. Slice veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers, and pair them with hummus or a small container of guacamole. Pack everything in portable containers to make it easy to grab and go.
4. Be Selective About Treats
   Holiday travel often includes plenty of indulgent snacks and sweets, from cookies to fudge. Instead of saying no to everything, choose a treat you’ll truly enjoy and savor it mindfully. Balancing nutritious snacks with the occasional festive indulgence is key to enjoying the season without guilt.

This holiday season, keep your travels stress-free and your energy steady by planning ahead with healthy snacks. With a little preparation, you can stay nourished and enjoy every festive moment with family and friends!

Are you looking for more healthy recipes during this holiday season? Join our Holiday Hustle Challenge and receive weekly healthy recipes crafted to keep you energized, nourished, and thriving. Let us help you balance festive indulgence with nutritious choices—because feeling great never goes out of season!

Another year is wrapping up, and you’ve made great progress toward your goals. Maybe you’ve seen improved strength, increased endurance, higher energy levels, or you’re simply feeling happier with your personal growth. Reaching our goals helps build self-efficacy — the belief in our own resources and abilities to succeed. Whether you’ve hit a new mile time, lifted heavier weights, eaten salads for lunch every day, or established a consistent sleep schedule, you’ve developed confidence in your ability to maintain these habits.

As the holidays approach, though, you might be worried about cookies, festive meals, holiday drinks, and family gatherings derailing your progress. We’ve all been there, feeling like we’ve taken two steps back during those two festive weeks. This season often shifts our focus away from ourselves and more toward giving, sharing, and celebrating with others.

Don’t Let Setbacks Spoil the Eggnog

Success in taking steps toward your goals builds resilience, making it easier to bounce back if you face setbacks. And let’s face it, setbacks are inevitable. Those who live an active and healthy lifestyle often develop a high level of resilience, but for those just beginning their fitness journey, recovering momentum after the holidays can feel like a challenge.

Sometimes, the extra cookies “Santa ate” make it a bit harder to get back on track. But if we approach the holiday season with positivity and resilience, we’ll be less discouraged by the time we’ve taken away from our routines. Remember, your past successes prove that you’re capable of achieving your goals again.

Deck the Halls, But Don’t Overdo It

This holiday season, try using self-regulation to stay on track. Self-regulation is all about managing your choices and behaviors when faced with distractions or competing priorities. The holidays bring plenty of distractions, making it easy to stray from your wellness habits. But by planning ahead, you can balance holiday cheer with healthy decisions.

Here are some examples of self-regulation:

• Enjoy that extra serving, but balance it out. If you had a big holiday dinner, try eating a lighter breakfast the next morning or going for a walk with family.
• Plan for your indulgences. If you know a big meal is coming, consider fitting in a workout earlier in the day to offset the extra calories.
• Adapt your weekly routine. If you can’t fit in your usual sessions, try to maintain one or two to preserve your strength and endurance.
• Prioritize nutrient-dense foods. Choose protein-rich meals and vegetables over sugary or high-fat options when possible.
• Make adjustments as needed. Track your daily intake and balance calories where you can.

Planning in a Winter Wonderland

The best way to overcome common holiday barriers is to plan ahead. When you’re in the maintenance stage of a behavior, planning your response to potential obstacles boosts your chances of staying on track.

Before the holiday season begins, create a list of events, meals, treats, gatherings, and time constraints that might interfere with your progress. By identifying these in advance, you’ll be better prepared to moderate your decisions and keep moving forward without feeling overwhelmed.

The Gift of Support

During the season of giving, you also have the added benefit of being surrounded by family, friends, and peers. These support systems can play a big role in helping you stick to your habits while adding to your happiness.

Lean into this support! Invite a family member to join you for a workout at home instead of stepping away for 45 minutes at the gym. Try baking healthier holiday treats together or swapping out traditional dishes for more nutritious alternatives.

Social support makes it easier to maintain your habits by fostering a positive environment and adding fun and interaction to your routine. Plus, involving your friends and family in your healthy lifestyle could inspire them to adopt some of these habits too!

NIFS is offering a new FREE challenge to help you stay on track this holiday season – the Holiday Hustle Challenge! Sign up today and make this holiday season your healthiest yet!

The holiday season is here, and Thanksgiving often marks the beginning of celebrations focused on family, food, and gratitude. While it’s a time to enjoy yourself, it can also present challenges if you’re trying to stick with healthy habits. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between enjoying the holiday and maintaining your wellness goals. With a few thoughtful approaches, you can do both!

Stay Active with Family Fun

Thanksgiving traditions don’t have to be confined to the dinner table. Incorporate movement into your holiday plans by organizing family-based activities that get everyone outdoors. A short walk after the big meal can aid digestion and provide a chance to connect in a different setting. You might also consider starting a new tradition, like a family hike or a friendly game of touch football in the backyard. Not only does this add a layer of fun, but it also helps balance out the indulgence of the holiday meal.

Enjoying Food Without Guilt

Thanksgiving is about more than food—it’s about spending time with loved ones and creating lasting memories. The key to balancing enjoyment with health is mindful eating, which lets you savor your favorite dishes guilt-free. Mindful eating encourages you to slow down and truly appreciate each bite. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas of the food, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Take smaller portions to start, and go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. By eating mindfully, you can fully enjoy your meal, indulge in your favorite foods, and still feel good about your choices. Remember, this is a time to celebrate and connect with family, so let food be part of that experience, not something to stress over.

Structuring Your Plate for Balance

One way to enjoy the feast while keeping balance in mind is by being strategic about how you fill your plate. Start by prioritizing vegetables and lean proteins, which help keep you satisfied longer. Roasted vegetables, green beans, and salads are excellent choices alongside turkey or other protein sources. Aim for a colorful plate, with about half filled with veggies, a quarter with protein, and the last quarter reserved for your favorite indulgent foods, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or that slice of pie you’ve been looking forward to.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to celebrate family and food, and with a few thoughtful choices, you can make the most of both. By staying active through family-friendly activities and building a balanced plate, you’ll leave the table feeling good—both physically and emotionally. After all, the real focus of the holiday should be on making memories, and that’s something you can’t put on a plate.

As we get into the season of gratitude, it’s the perfect time to think about how we can strengthen our bodies and minds. This November, we’re super excited to kick off the holiday season with a Planksgiving Challenge! Whether you’re a fitness pro or just starting out, planks are a fantastic way to build your core strength, improve posture, and up your overall fitness game.

Let’s chat about the benefits of adding planks to your routine and tips to make the most of your Planksgiving efforts. Get ready to boost your fitness while appreciating the strength and resilience of your body by committing to a stronger you—one plank at a time!

Why Planks?

1. Posture and Low Back Pain Prevention: Planks are a great way to help maintain good posture and can prevent lower back pain by strengthening the core muscles.
2. Balance and Coordination: They engage multiple muscle groups at once, which helps improve your balance and coordination, making everyday activities easier.
3. Convenient, Total Body Exercise: Planks are super versatile! Whether you are doing a workout in a gym, at a park, or at home, planks activate multiple muscle groups at once to allow a bigger bang for your buck.

How to Work Planks into Your Routine

There are several ways to incorporate planks into your routine. For example, you can add them at the beginning of your workout as a full-body warm-up before you start. Performing three to four sets of planks before you start your workout is a great way to warm up those tiny stabilizer muscles and help you build a mind-muscle connection before performing your workout. Planks can also be added to the end of your workout as a finisher. Adding in planks at the end of a workout is a great way to strengthen your core and help build endurance in the muscle groups activated.

Sample Plank Circuit

• Standard plank hold: 2 sets, 30 seconds each
• Side plank hold: 2 sets, 30 seconds each side

If you’re new to planks, they can also be easily modified by dropping the knees to the ground, coming up to the hands in a high plank position or by being performed on an elevated surface such as a weight bench or box.

Make November a time to celebrate fitness, resilience, and gratitude by joining us for the Planksgiving Challenge! Whether you’re looking to strengthen your core, improve your balance, or just try something new, this challenge is for everyone. See a NIFS staff member to get started!

The holiday season is here. That means a lot of us will be traveling to see family and friends. You might be worried about not being able to keep up with your fitness routine while on the road. I am here to show you workouts that do not require a gym.

A Strength Workout and a Cardio Workout

I’ve listed two workouts below. One is a strength workout, and the other is a cardio workout that doesn’t involve going outside for a run. Both workouts take only 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy time with your family and friends. The strength workout is an AMRAP style. This means you will set a timer for 20 minutes and get through as many rounds as you can in that time (take breaks as needed). The cardio workout is a circuit-style workout. You will perform each move for 45 seconds, then take a 15-second rest before going on to the next move.

To make things easier for you, I recommend downloading an app on your phone that allows you to set interval times. This way you don’t have to worry about continually watching the timer. I personally like to use the app called Interval Timer—HIIT workouts.

The Workouts

Here are the two workouts.

Bodyweight Strength Workout

20-minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible)

• Squats (x10)
• Dips (x10)
• Push-ups (x10)
• Curtsy lunge with side kick (x10 each side)
• Plank (30 seconds)
• Marching Glute Bridge (x10 each leg)

Bodyweight Cardio Workout

Perform each move for 45 seconds, then rest 15 seconds. Repeat the circuit 4 times.

• Skaters
• Single-leg reach and knee drive
• 123 high knees
• Side shuffles
• 6 mountain climbers to a push-up

Remember, workouts don’t have to be an hour long to be “good” workouts. Getting any kind of movement for your body is great! Don’t be discouraged during this time if you miss a workout or two. Get movement in when you can, and enjoy the season!

This blog was written by Kaitlyn Pando, NIFS Group Fitness Coordinator. To learn more about the NIFS bloggers, click here.

Did you know studies have shown that the average adult gains 0.88 to 1.98 pounds during the holiday season, starting the last week of November and through the first or second week of January? For many, this doesn’t come as a surprise, especially as we tend to become more sedentary due to the weather changes and often experience an increase in temptation due to frequent holiday gatherings that focus on food, limited edition “holiday” menu items, and more. This holiday season, set yourself up for success by following these dieting “dos” and “donts” during the month of December.

DON’T: Expect your diet to be perfect during the holidays.
DO: Plan and prepare for temptation and offsets.

Let’s be realistic. There are very few, if any, people who have a perfect diet, let alone during the holidays. The holidays are a time of celebration, with food and alcohol often taking center stage at these events. It’s important to expect and prepare for temptation and to have a plan of action for practicing moderation throughout the month. Check out these 10 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy While Celebrating the Holidays for guidance on doing so.

DON’T: Skip meals to make room for your holiday meal (or alcohol).
DO: Eat a balanced diet, no matter the day, and practice portion control.

Many people attempt to skip meals to “save up” calories for heavier meals, desserts, and alcohol; however, this approach often leads to binge eating. Instead of cutting out certain foods or practically starving yourself to make up for a big meal, stick to your normal healthy eating habits or regimen and practice moderation and portion control when consuming foods rich in calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar.

DON’T: Overdo it with the high-calorie, high-sugar “seasonal” beverages.
DO: Opt for a smaller size or customize your drink to make it healthier for you.

Did you know a grande (16 oz) Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks® contains 440 calories, 54 grams of sugar, and 16 grams of fat? Practice moderation by ordering a tall (8 oz) with only 240 calories, 28 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of fat. Or, try customizing your drink to make it healthier by asking that your drink be made with nonfat or plant-based milk, fewer pumps of sweetener/syrup, or without toppings (such as whipped cream or chocolate shavings), all of which can save up to hundreds of extra calories!

DON’T: Skip out on exercise because it’s cold or snowy.
DO: Opt for indoor exercise!

Don’t have a gym membership? Try a free online exercise video (there are TONS on YouTube) or head to a large indoor space that allows for 10 to 15 minutes of walking, such as a mall or large department store.

DON’T: Give up after one bad day.
DO: Wake up the next day, forgive yourself, and start over.

One bad day doesn’t undo all of the progress you’ve made and won’t prevent you from having success in the future. After a poor day (or two) of eating, don’t give up or put off your goals until the next week. Instead, wake up the next day, show yourself some forgiveness, and make a plan for getting back on track.

This blog was written by Lindsey Recker, MS, RD, NIFS Registered Dietitian. To learn more about the NIFS bloggers, click here.