What is Okonomiyaki?

Want something fun and different to eat or looking for a flavorful, budget-friendly meatless meal? Try Okonomiyaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake.  The name is derived from the word okonomi, which means “as you like” or “to one’s liking” and yaki, which means “grilled”. The popularity of this pancake came about in Japan when food was scarce, and people had to feed their families with what little they had.

The benefits of cardiovascular exercise

You may hear your doctor tell you to “get your heart rate up.” What that means is cardiovascular exercise. The reason they tell you this is that cardiovascular exercise, or cardio as it’s often called, benefits your heart! Cardio is any exercise that raises your heart rate for an extended period and works large muscle groups. Not only will your heart reap the benefits, but the rest of your body will as well. Research suggests having a cardio routine in place can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Grilled roasted tomato and farro salad

This light summer recipe is a delicious way to increase your intake of nutritious vegetables and whole grains, two food groups that are lacking in most American diets. Farro, sometimes referred to as an ancient grain, is a type of whole grain wheat with a nutty flavor and chewy texture and is common in Mediterranean style diets. Like other whole grains, farro is a good source of fiber and protein as well as the minerals zinc, magnesium, and several of the B vitamins.

No change leads to no change

Behavior change is hard! It is complex and multifactorial. It includes our biology, our psyche, and our environment. Change will only occur when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of making the change. We also need to feel we have more strategies and resources than we do obstacles and barriers. Thinking about setting a goal is the first step, but we must realize that we also must take action to make our goals happen – and it’s important to have support, guidance, and accountability in the process