Angela Jenkins
Celebrating Fat Tuesday? Here’s How to Burn Off Those Paczkis
Fat Tuesday is almost here and for many, it’s a day to enjoy a variety of decadent treats, including paczkis. How does that work if you’re counting calories?
Heart Health 101: What Your Numbers say About Your Health
February is American Heart Month and understanding your numbers is crucial in order to keep instances of heart disease to a minimum.
A Perfect Pair: Heart Health and Physical Activity
Are you getting the recommended amounts of exercise to prevent heart disease and other health conditions? Find out how much you need and how to get moving.
How technology can keep you fit: New fitness gadgets for spring
Oh how I love technology, especially when it involves fitness gadgets and fitness equipment. Although in this day and age, there is a technology and fitness…
#WellnessWeds: Traveling on Vacation? Here’s How to Make Healthy Food Choices
Vacations and travelling can be exciting, but also a bit stressful if you don't prioritize and plan ahead. There's making sure everything is packed (especially…
How to Get Fit Like Detroit Tigers Slugger Miguel Cabrera
Like many Detroit Tigers fans, I am excited to see what the team is going to do this season, with reigning American League MVP Justin Verlander rockin’ as usual…
Are Weight Loss Supplements Really Effective?
It seems like there is always a “new” way being touted to lose weight in the form of a diet pill. Dietary or weight loss supplements is a $2.4…
#WellnessWeds: 4 Kid-Approved Exercises Adults Will Love
Ahh, to be a kid again, with stress-free days of a lot of playing and learning. When I grew up, playing outside and being active was a normal part of my day…
#NoMeatFridays: These Meatless Versions of Classics Don’t Skimp on Flavor — or Nutrition
Even though Lent is almost over, that doesn’t mean that healthy and meatless recipes can’t be enjoyed throughout the entire year. My husband has made the…
A Workout Everyone Swears By: The Ballet Barre Workout
The ballet barre workout uses a ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to upbeat music.
#NoMeatFridays: Where to Find Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Michigan
Whether you have a specific food allergy, are following Lent, prefer meatless dishes or are on a specific diet for health reasons, I find that a lot of…
Ask the Expert: What are the Best Websites to Track Calories and Exercise?
We're fielding questions from participants in the Win By Losing health and weight-loss program and turning them into posts. Here's another one: Q: What would…
The Stress Hormone: How Cortisol Affects the Waistline and How to Beat It
Have you ever heard that being stressed out can lead to weight gain? Unfortunately, it's true. Cortisol is commonly known as a stress hormone…
#NoMeatFridays: Try This Recipe For Fish Tacos During Lent
Fish tacos are a great way to make over traditional tacos. With all the health benefits fish have to offer, why not incorporate some into your next taco night…
5 Crazy (and Harmless) Tricks that May Actually Help You Lose Weight
Do this, don’t do that. There are billions of different messages out there offering easy ways to lose weight, and it can be difficult to know which ones are…
#NoMeatFridays: When Going Meatless For Lent, Don’t Skip Out on Protein
It can be tricky to figure out what meatless recipes and other options are available when you choose not to eat meat for whatever reason. Meat provides a lot of…
5 Exercises and Gym Machines To Skip — and How to Work the Same Major Muscles
Fitness is always changing, with certain workouts gaining in popularity while other moves or equipment fall out of favor. Figuring out what the best workouts…
#NoMeatFridays: What to Eat When You’re Dining Out Meatless for Lent
Growing up Catholic, I am all too familiar with no-meat Fridays as a fixture of Lent. Although I love what the season represents and the powerful message behind…
How to Eat Like the Stars on Oscar Night
The Academy Awards is a popular evening for more than just the famous people. Oscar parties are popping up all over the place; some even require formal attire…
How to Work Out Like an Oscar-Nominated Superstar
Besides being nominated for Academy Awards for 2012, what do Brad Pitt, Michele Williams and Jonah Hill all have in common? They have a great workout routine…
Heart and Soul: Reasons to Feel Good About Eating Chocolate
February is a popular month for the heart, with both Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month. What better way to celebrate our heart than emotionally with lots…
#WellnessWeds: How to Lower Your Stress and Balance Work and Life
Although most Americans can relate to being somewhat out of balance between work and life, it is possible to achieve balance. I must warn you, it will take work…
Shape Up with Your Sweetheart
When you love someone, you want them to be healthy, so why not shed some pounds and burn some calories with your partner?
Tune Up Your Workout: The Benefits of Music and Exercise
Music — I love it and can’t get enough of it! Music is a language all of its own that speaks to the soul. It can be exciting, uplifting and even bring sorrow.
Are Working Moms Really Healthier and Happier than Stay-At Home Moms?
As a working mother myself, my first reaction to this question is no, working moms aren’t happier and healthier than mothers who are, in my opinion…
Did the Obesity Epidemic Start in the 1950s?
Who is to blame for the obesity epidemic? New research is pointing the finger towards reproductive-age women. That’s right, what women eat prior to becoming…
#WellnessWeds: Do the Side Effects of Painkillers Have You Hooked?
I had my first and only major surgery when my son was born via Cesarean section in September. Even though he weighed 8.5 pounds, I don’t think the pain…
7 Stress-Management Tips for the New Year
Traffic, loud noise, workload, too many commitments, not enough time in the day — these are examples of stressors or things that cause us stress.
#WellnessWeds: 4 Workouts Likely to be Popular in 2012
I love hearing about new workouts and exercises that people are doing. Variety is the spice of life and your workout routine is no exception.
Beat Cabin Fever: 5 Ways to Stay Active and Fit This Winter
Winter time is so tempting for me to hibernate along with the bears. It is also a time where weight gain can show up. Thinking about all the extra work I will…
Try This Flavorful, Low-Calorie Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms Recipe
Happy New Year! I am always looking for healthy and delicious recipes to make and share. Mushrooms haven’t been a favorite of mine over the years but this…
Your Favorites: A Healthier Michigan’s Top 5 Recipe Posts of 2011
With only two days left in 2011, I always like to take a little time to reflect on the year and what I accomplished. It is also a good time to get organized for…
12 Days of Holiday Recipes Day 11: Vegetarian and Gluten Free: Spinach and Goat Cheese Tart in a Potato Crust
As a health coach, I am getting more and more requests for recipes with special accommodations, especially since the gluten allergy seems to be more common now.
#WellnessWeds: Do You Take Advantage of Laugh Therapy?
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Laughing – especially a really good belly laugh – is one of my favorite things to do. I always feel refreshed and even a little…
Chocolate Lovers: Studies Show Your Favorite Sweet Offers Heart Benefits
We have heard over the past few years that chocolate is good for our hearts. Is it too good to be true? No matter what your favorite kind of chocolate is…
7 Healthy Apple Recipes for the Fall Season
If you have read any of my previous blogs, you should know that Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love the smells, the temperature change, the colors…
The Chocolate Milk Debate: Should it be Offered in Schools?
Serving chocolate milk in schools has been in debate for some time now. Does it contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic? Or would children'
10 Easy Ways to Cut 100 Calories Or More From Your Diet
Oh, if there were only a magic pill for weight loss, it would make our lives so much simpler. Unfortunately there isn’t a pill per se, but there is the power of…
Back to School: Why Kids Need a Bedtime Routine
I can’t believe that summer is almost over and the school year has started this week! As I am sure a lot of parents have noticed, it has been a challenge to…
Amid Cutbacks, Do School Kids Need Physical Activity to Learn Better?
Is it really any surprise that if kids don’t get any physical activity during the school day, their learning is compromised? Just think about it: As adults…
Supermoms and Depression: Do Working Moms Have it Easier Than Stay-At-Home Mothers?
Being a pregnant, full-time working mom of almost two now, I know what it can feel like to be overwhelmed and exhausted. I also wish I could term myself a…
#WellnessWeds: Is Counting Calories the Best Way to Lose Weight?
Calorie: A word associated with weight loss and maintenance, but do you really know what the word calorie means? The scientific definition is: “the amount of…
Frequent Sitting May Do More Damage than Once Thought
Driving to work, sitting at a desk at least eight hours a day, driving home, making dinner and sitting more to watch television to unwind from the long day.
Is Your Child Overbooked With Too Many Activities?
Sports of all kinds, dance, gymnastics and music lessons: All of these can be a great learning experience for some kids, but how much is too much?
Give Your Sandwich a Makeover
Hot, cold, grilled, pressed, melt. Crust on or off (off for me). Sub, hoagie, panini, gyro. There are so many types of sandwiches to choose from. I don’t know…
Exercising and Stretching During Pregnancy: Tips for Moms-To-Be
Pregnancy is a time where women’s bodies are completely different. Aches and pains can come from nowhere and can make things uncomfortable. Luckily…
#WellnessWeds: Ways You Can Fight Back-to-School Bugs
It is hard to believe that the start of the school year is right around the corner. You may have already started to get school supplies, clothes and making last…
Home Remedies: Myths or Kitchen Miracles?
Under the weather? There is actual truth to some of these old home remedies.
Baby Exercise: Starting Healthy Habits at a Young Age
It is important to make sure your baby acquires healthy habits at a young age that will carry into the rest of their lives.
Are You an Expectant Parent? Add These Things to Your “Pre-Baby To-Do List”
To all of you expectant moms and dads out there, it may be time to start thinking about what needs to be done before baby arrives. I know my gears sure are…
#WellnessWeds: 5 Effective Sculpting Exercises For Both Men and Women
You may think that not all exercises are created equal — not for men and women, that is. To some degree, that's true: There are exercises out there that are…
Keep Your Mind Healthy by Checking Your Attitude and Managing Stress
So here I am writing this blog – feeling a little grumpy and overwhelmed, but it is up to me if I want to feel this way the whole day, or if I want to really…
The Baby Bump: Be Sensitive About What You Say to a Pregnant Woman
So here I am — 7 ½ months pregnant and excited to meet the new addition to our family. I must say that throughout this pregnancy journey, I have been a little…
Your Skin’s Health: On Self-Tanners, Tanning Beds and Sunbathing
If you want bronze skin, there are three main ways to achieve a tan: directly in the sun (sunbathing), using a tanning bed, or using self-tanning lotion.
To Make Homemade Baby Food or Buy From a Store? That is the Question
Okay, so I am not one of those moms who used cloth diapers, joined the Le Leche league or made my own baby food. But I am the kind of mom who was able to…
11 Healthy and Delicious Summer Appetizers
To me, summer is all about relaxing and enjoying the weather with family and friends. This can also mean that food will be a part of the festivities. That'
Study Finds Food Allergies in Children More Common than Once Thought
A recent study in the journal “Pediatrics” on childhood food allergies, the largest of its kind, found that 6 million kids under the age of 18 have food…
How You Can Burn Calories in 15 Short Minutes
15 minutes is nothing in a 24 hour day. Get up and get moving to jump start your weight loss journey with these quick tips.
Exercising with your Children: Healthy Habits to Last a Lifetime
Regular physical activity isn't just great for adults – kids need it, too. When children are active on a daily basis, the benefits are just as amazing as they…
Take a Bite Out of Summer With These Quick and Healthy Desserts
On hot and humid days, sometimes all you want is a light, refreshing dessert. Read up on eating lighter desserts and check out these recipes!
Switch Up Your Routine With These Fun Summer Activities
There are endless possibilities of outdoor activities in the summer. Try one of these!
12 Reasons to Make Someone Laugh Today
What did one eye say to the other eye? Something between us smells. Cheesy? Yes! Did it make you smile? Well, I hope so. As we all know, life is great when we…
5 Ways to Increase Weight Loss
Losing weight can be extremely frustrating at times. You can be so good with watching what you eat and being active, but sometimes that doesn’t seem to be…
Enjoy Low-Calorie Beverages this Summer: Part 2
Enjoy these refreshing summer beverages while still staying on track with your weight loss goals.
Enjoy Low-Calorie Adult Beverages this Summer: Part 1
Brewha; brewski; tropical paradise; bay breeze; sea breeze; margarita. As you know, there are so many adult beverages out there that can satisfy many different…
Plan a Family Picnic this Summer
Go on a picnic with friends and family for your next sunny Saturday this summer!
Healthy Grilling Ideas for Father’s Day
Nothing beats summer grilling. Here are some healthy grilling options to make this Father's Day.
Tips for Planning Your Next Trip to the Beach
It's summertime and you know what that means: it's time to pack your bag, fill up your cooler, and head to the nearest beach.
12 Reasons to Lose Your Fear of Lifting Weights
Despite all of the health benefits, lifting weights still seems to get a bad rep in a woman’s world. In fact, only one-fifth of women strength train the…
How to Keep Your Kids Entertained Over Summer Break
Summertime is finally upon us, but to some parents that can mean stressful weeks to come. Entertaining kids each day, every day can be exhausting…
Single Parent Households: How to Make Healthy Meals With One Cook
It can be frustrating cooking each and every night for your family. Most parents are tired and rushed for time, trying to make decisions to please everyone’s…
Take a Hike This Summer
Summer is a great time to venture out and find a new hiking trail. Walking is a great form of exercise and walking on a nature trail challenges the body in a…
10 Frozen Treats To Enjoy This Summer, Without All The Calories
On hot summer days, I still look forward to hearing the ice cream truck's music coming down the road. When I was young and I heard the truck coming…
4 Ways Kids Benefit From Having a Working Mom
When my daughter was born 3 years ago, I had the pleasure of being with her day in and out for three amazing months – then reality hit. When I went back to work…
How To Be Health Conscious At Fun Summer Events
It is the time of year for carnivals, festivals, fairs and more. If you're looking to slim down for summer and you're trying to make healthy lifestyle choices…
10 Exercises You Definitely Have Time For
Do you travel for business or vacation often and assume you have no time for a workout? If so, think again because there are a number of calisthenic workouts…
Challenge Yourself: Start Training for a Triathlon
Have you ever thought about competing in a triathlon? Triathlons are multi-sport events that include three sequential endurance events: There are many…
Find Out if You are Physically Fit
Being physically fit is different than exercising regularly. Exercising is just that — taking time in your schedule to workout, whatever your preference is.
How You Can Help Your Pregnant Partner
Wife, spouse, partner, better half or wifey (as my husband calls me) — however you identify the pregnant lady in your life, pregnancy is not only exciting for…
New Moms: Are You Taking Care of Yourself?
Tired, overwhelmed, excited, nervous, happy, elated and did I mention tired? All of these are common emotions of being a new mother. With a new member of the…
How To Prepare For Race Season
Race season is upon us. Whether you prefer running or walking, there are many races throughout Michigan to keep you going. Having finished a half marathon and a…
How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy for a Healthy, Happy Baby
Taking care of yourself while pregnancy is not only important for your own health, but for your child's health as well.
The Many Benefits of Exercising During Pregnancy
I am finally in my second trimester of pregnancy at 14 weeks. Overall, I have felt great but have had some bouts of nausea, especially after drinking water.
10 Mexican Meals Under 300 Calories
I love Mexican food, but the options on the menu aren't always the healthiest. Items like chips, rice and margaritas can all add empty calories…
Going Green at Home and at the Office
Green is simultaneously one of my favorite colors and a way that describes how to help preserve Mother Earth. There are a lot of little things that each of us…
6 Tricks For a Flatter Stomach
Muffin top, pooch, love handles and jelly belly have all been terms to describe someone who has a little extra around their mid section. It does take some work…
7 Reasons You May Not Be Losing Weight
If your scale is stuck, read up on ways to reach your goals.
6 Tips for Understanding Portion Control
Want to know how much of certain foods to eat on the go? Use these easy tips to keep portions in check.
How to Become a Breakfast Champion
I know you've heard it before, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
9 Weight Loss Myths
When it comes to weight loss, there's a lot of misinformation. We break down some myths.
Secrets to Setting Reachable Goals
What is the difference between short-term goals and long-term goals? Understanding the difference can help you reach all your goals.