Nutrition Corner

Are you getting enough sleep at night? 5 habits that are slowing down your metabolism.

The Best Fat Burning Foods to Eat to Stay Healthy, Say Doctors and R.D.s: Healthy foods to lose weight include lean proteins, grains, and even chocolate.

Recipe for The Day

Chocolate-Coconut Breakfast Banana Split: Eating dessert for breakfast has never been easier, thanks to this twist on a classic banana split. We swap in strained yogurt (e.g., Greek-style or skyr) for ice cream, but you'll still get the same ice-cream-scoop look because the yogurt's thicker consistency helps it hold its shape well. Plus, strained yogurt has more protein for staying power. Pineapple and coconut give this banana split tropical vibes.

Lifestyle & Fitness Focus

Coconut Nutrition: 4 Health Benefits

• Coconut can fight inflammation: As a part of a healthy diet, coconut shows antioxidant activity due to its polyphenol content. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is a rich source of phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and more. Because these polyphenols have antioxidant properties, they can help offset oxidative free radicals which can lead to inflammation.

• It's great for gut health: Eating coconut is great for gut health because it contains a substantial amount of fiber, which helps your microbiome thrive by providing sustenance for your good gut bacteria. Coconut is also relatively high in fat, which helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins D, E, A, and K. This is important because vitamins D and K may be associated with a more diverse, and therefore more resilient, gut microbiome.

• Coconut is a superfood for glowing skin: Coconut can be very beneficial for the skin, especially in the form of coconut oil. Since coconut oil has a significant amount of fat, it will also help your body to absorb vitamins E and A, which are both antioxidants known to protect and restore the skin.

• It may improve cognitive function: One of the primary features of Alzheimer's disease is a decreased ability for the brain to use glucose as a fuel, which can begin about 10-15 years before the diagnosis. When the brain can't use glucose (its primary fuel source), it can use ketone bodies as an alternative fuel source. Coconut oil is rich in precursors for ketone bodies.

3 Signs Your Body Is Begging You For More Electrolytes

• Your muscles are weak or cramping: Electrolytes aid in proper muscle function, so if you're experiencing muscle weakness and/or muscle cramps, your body likely needs a restock on these essential nutrients. When you're active, your body uses its store of these nutrients so you need to replenish them regularly.

• You're feeling off: If you notice you've been feeling sensitive or more irritable than usual, a lack of electrolytes could be the culprit. Electrolyte imbalances can sometimes affect brain function resulting in mood swings, irritability, or even mental confusion.

• Your stomach is upset: Feeling nauseous or experiencing GI issues? This could be a sign your body needs more electrolytes.

The power of gratitude: 3 ways to be more thankful every day

• Keep a gratitude journal: One of the easiest ways for how to be more thankful every day is writing down at least three things you’re grateful for.

• Be on the lookout for silver linings: Whenever your day begins to show the signs of a stormy dark cloud, immediately think of the good things that came from the situation.

• Look how far you’ve come: Especially if you’ve come from hardship, one way for how to be more thankful every day is to reflect on how far you’ve come. See how different your life used to be, how you now have the things you once only wished for, or how you’re now in a desirable situation work-wise, or relationship-wise.

4 Dancer Arm Exercises You Can Do Without Any Equipment

• Arm Circles: This move is great for shoulder mobility and, while it might seem simple at first, you’ll feel the burn after only a few seconds. Arm circles strengthen your biceps, shoulders, and triceps, while also working your back muscles.

• Tricep Presses: Want to work your triceps without machines or weights? Do it the dancer way with a few rounds of tricep presses.

• Half Circles: Half circles feel oh so very dancerly, and they also strengthen your arms and back.

• Goal Posts: Goal posts are one of the easiest yet most effective barre-inspired moves.

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