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Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Often people comment that eating healthy is too expensive.  Processed foods are largly what goes on sale in our local grocery stores, and dollar value meals draw customers to their drive-thru windows.  However, what are the long term costs to your health by pinching your pennies when it comes to the food you choose to eat?  The truth is healthy eating doesn’t have to be more expensive if you’re a smart shopper.   Here are some tips to make your healthy eating journey more pocket book friendly.   Have A Strategy   Have you heard that old saying, “Never shop...

Written Julie Paiva, CHHC   Most people know that filling your plate with green veggies can benefit your health, but let’s shine the spotlight on another color - purple. Purple fruits and vegetables boast plenty of nutritional credentials behind the vibrant hues. They are not only a great way of adding color to a dish, but you should feel good about eating them too.  Purple foods are very high in antioxidants, like anthocyanins, which give them their beautiful shade. Many of these foods may also contain resveratrol, the anti-inflammatory compound found in red wine.  You may be surprised to learn how many different heirloom varieties of...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Are you an “early riser” or does it take everything inside of you to drag yourself out of bed in the morning?  Life can get crazy. It's often hard to find any moments to spare in your busy schedule. If you're always rushing around in the morning, it's difficult to imagine being able to spare any time to have a quiet moment.  It is often said, “The early bird gets the worm.”  But just because you might prefer to get up early doesn’t mean that you are productive.  Being an effective early riser isn’t just about waking up...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Cauliflower is rich in health-promoting phytochemicals, has a high level of anti-inflammatory compounds, and can ward off cancer, heart disease, brain disease, and even weight gain. There isn’t much cauliflower can’t do.  Use cauliflower to create a fancy gluten-free, low-carb version of your favorite meal.  Cauliflower is a grain-free side that can replace the popular starchy sides that often fill our plates.   Why Eat Cauliflower:   Cauliflower, along with broccoli, cabbage, kale, and brussel sprouts, is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables are an excellent source of natural antioxidants, due to their high levels of...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Did you ever pass out little candy hearts to your friends as a kid? "Be Mine", "Love Me", "You're The One", "Hug Me", "Top Dog", "Cool Cat" and "Purr Fect" are a few of the sayings on them.  It is often so easy for us to say these things to our loved ones or even someone we are interested in getting to know, but how often do we say these things to ourselves.  For most of us, the answer is rarely.   Self-love is important to living well.  Many of us don’t even know what “self-love” is.  Self-love is so much more than...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Do you or people you know say this time of year "I need to eat better"? Making changes in your food intake can make a huge difference in your health and general well-being. However, it can be overwhelming to start a whole new eating program. Don't stress about being "perfect." Be gentle with yourself as you begin changing the way you eat. Wellness is a marathon, not a sprint.   "Eating Better is a Choice."   When it comes to wellness, you'll likely come across a wide spectrum of advice, products, and methods for how to do it "right."...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   The Super Bowl is all about football, commercials, and most importantly, food.  In many people eyes, it's also the championship of snacking. This year bring our healthy "A" game snacks that will keep everyone happy no matter the score. Marpé Wellness is dedicated to giving you healthy options for foods you used to indulge in.  Whether your Super Bowl Sunday includes a chili cook off or you're responsible for finger foods, these recipes will help fuel football fans (and commercials fans) all the way through.   Events like this often put a damper on all of the...

Written by Julie Paiva, CHHC   Everyone loves a tasty plate of guac and chips.  Good guacamole doesn’t take a lot of time or ingredients to make but can be easily jazzed up in a variety of different ways to create new and exciting flavors. These twists on the traditional guacamole can be eaten as dips, spread for raw veggies, mixed in salads, and as toppers to your fish and meat. You can even choose your favorite to serve on Super Bowl Sunday coming up. Here, are some versions that you might want to stash in your guacamole repertoire...   Guac-Kale-Mole   Roughly chop up some...

Written by Julie Paiva, CHHC   Most parents know, fruit and vegetable intake during childhood not only helps support healthy growth and immunity, but it also fosters a preference for whole foods that continues into adulthood. So early and frequent exposure to fruits and vegetables helps support health for kids in the present and future.  However, studies show most parents only offer their child a new food three to five times before they give up when their child doesn’t like the food.  These same studies showed that a child may need to try a food up to 15 times before developing a taste...

Written by Julie Paiva, CHHC   When reflecting back on 2017, do you feel like you spent most of the year tending to everyone’s needs but your own?  Perhaps at the beginning of 2017 you had aspirations of doing something special for yourself.  Were you successful?  Most of us tend to neglect ourselves while making sure our loved ones and our careers get all our attention.   Exhaustion, fatigue, burnout – three words that have become far too common in today’s world. It has become the norm to push ourselves to the breaking point. Many of us feel that if we don’t have...

Written by Julie Paiva, CHHC   We all start the year with ambitious goals.  However, how many of us throw in the towel after only a couple of weeks?  If you’re looking to make a lasting change this year, you will need more than just a wish and a new gym membership. A well thought out plan of action where you clarify what you want, why you want it, and how you are going to get it will empower you to actually fulfill the aspirations you have set out for yourself.  Here are some steps to follow to make sure that...

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC   Don’t wait for the New Year's ball to drop to get started on some healthy lifestyle changes. Here are three truths to remind us that being healthy really is simpler than it is made out to be.  You don't have to sacrifice fun, family time, or good cheer to set yourself up for a good year ahead! Incorporate these tips now and you are likely to have your healthiest year yet.   Exercising doesn't have to be complicated   You don't have to join a gym or a group fitness class to increase your calorie burn and reap the benefits of...