The #1 health problem you haven’t heard of (and 10 ways to beat it), from EatingWell

I really like the Eating Well blogs; I always find helpful information there and I almost always agree with the advice. Today is no exception. Brierley Wright has a great article on chronic inflammation, what it is and how to avoid it. All the tips are simple changes to your diet and guidance for an exercise regime. Her ten ways to beat inflammation are:

1. Increase Omega-3 fatty acids and reduce Omega-6 (i.e. add salmon and olive oil to your diet)
2. Practice yoga.
3. Consume soy.
4. Get a massage.
5. Limit trans-fats and saturated fats.
6. Eat green leafy vegetables.
7. Keep stress at bay.
8. Sleep at least 6 hours each night.
9. Exercise often.
10. Drink green tea.

Read the entire post here.

Read Full Post »

Staying Healthy: 10 Tips for Traveling

Here’s the intro to a blog post I wrote for Attorney At Work. It is helpful information for anyone who travels, whether frequently or ocassionally.

Poor sleep patterns, dreadful diets, inactivity and tight schedules. It won’t come as a shock to learn that business travel can be really bad for your health. In fact, the the risks increase as travel increases, making frequent travelers the most vulnerable. But even traveling infrequently—one night per month—can have negative effects, too. So what to do if you must travel for work, or work away from home for an extended period of time? See Jamie Spannhake’s 10 great tips to keep you healthy on the road …

Read the full post here.

If you found this information helpful and would like to work with a health coach to improve yourself and your life, contact me today at jamie@spannhake.com. Learn more about my health coaching services here.

Read Full Post »

Time for Some R&R

We are going on vacation today to next Thursday, so I won’t be around for blogging. I’m not taking my computer and have decided to be (mostly) disconnected during our time away. It’s only sun and fun for me and my family. This time for rest and relaxation will also be a time of rejuvenation. As I’ve said before, it is important for us to remember to find time for downtime. Here’s some of my favorite posts on the benefits of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation:

The Importance of Quieting Your Mind

Remember to Rest

The Importance of Sleep

Remember the Importance of Rest

Stillness is Important to Good Health

Read Full Post »

Make Sure You Manage Your Time, Rather Than Your Time Managing You

So life is full of irony, right? And we must remember to laugh. Like last week. My blog editorial calendar has “time management post” for Monday, April 2. But, of course, I couldn’t find the time to write that post!

I always say that one of the best ways to manage a busy schedule is to delegate some of your tasks. That is what I’m doing here.  Here is my short post — with a link to Phillip Taylor’s longer and helpful article on time management. The article provides information on free online tools for time management as well as five really good tips for mastering your time.

I hope you find it helpful!

Read Full Post »

Happy Easter/Passover Rocca Candy

Ok, so this recipe for Rocca Candy is not good nutrition or a healthy lifestyle choice, but it is so delicious and simple and it’s okay (in my opinion) to splurge now and then (like during a holiday). Everything in moderation, right? I say, if you are going to eat candy, at least make it yourself so you know what’s in it!

The recipe is made with matzo, which makes it Passover candy. But you can make it with saltines (that’s what I do) and it can be Easter candy. I found it at my local Macaroni Kid (if you have kids and are looking for things to do in your area, this is a great resource!). I have included the recipe below, or you can find it at Macaroni Kid.

You Will Need

• Jelly Roll Pan (15 ½ x 10 ½)
• Matzo
• Margarine
• Butter
• Brown Sugar
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts or almonds (optional)

What to do

Lay enough Matzo (about 3 pieces) in a single layer on a margarine greased jelly roll pan. Break 3rd piece of matzo to fit remaining space. Leave room for the caramel to go under the matzo.

Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a heavy duty saucepan. Add 1 cup of brown sugar. Bring to a boil and continue boiling on medium heat until good and bubbly (about 4 minutes). Pour this hot caramel mixture over the matzo.

Put into a 325 to 350 degree oven and bake anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully as you don’t want it to burn, just bubble. Check at 8 minutes.

Take out and add 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips by tossing over all the caramel mixture.

Turn off heat and place the pan back into the oven again for 3 minutes.

Take out of the oven and then add a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. Also you can use chopped almonds. (To toast nuts, lay out an even layer on a jelly roast pan and toast in a 300 degree oven for about 8 minutes. Keep in airtight jars.)

Chill Rocca in the refrigerator, then take out and break up into uneven pieces. Keep in refrigerator in a tight sealed container. Serves a crowd.

Happy Easter or Passover to you!

Recipe By: Eileen Mintz from Mercer Island, WA

Read Full Post »