NutraChamps Blog

Category: Nutrition

  • Best Natural Ways to Support Your Immune System!

    Best Natural Ways to Support Your Immune System!

    Our immune systems work hard every day, even when we don’t notice. The immune system has an important task, which is to protect our body from harmful substances and invaders including germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Think of the immune system as our own built-in defence system, working hard to fight off any threats that might harm you as an individual. Our immune systems don’t ask for much, but they do need us to treat our bodies with care. It’s important to recognize that there are things we can do that weaken the immune system and should be handled with caution, such as drinking, smoking, and eating highly processed foods. The good news is, that there are so many natural things we can do to strengthen and support the immune system in the body, allowing it to function more optimally. In this blog post, we’re going to share some of the best and most studied ways to boost your immune system and keep it thriving! If you’re interested in feeling your best this fall and winter season, keep on reading…

    Eat nutrient-dense foods

    The foods we consume are one of the most important ways we can take care of our immune system. The foods we eat can either fuel our body or burden our body. When making food choices to support the immune system, it is important to consider a variety of whole foods. Focusing on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats is a simple way to ensure you’re getting what you need. Consuming a balanced diet means making sure each meal contains protein, carbs, and healthy fats. This is one of the best ways to support the immune system. Some of the best nutrient-dense foods for immune system health include:

    • Citrus fruits & greens including oranges, mango, and spinach
    • Nuts & seeds including almonds, walnuts, and tahini
    • Herbs such as garlic, oregano, and ginger
    • Protein sources containing a variety of nutrients such as eggs, fish, and legumes
    • Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and kimchi

    These foods contain a plethora of Vitamins, Nutrients, and Antioxidants that will support the body on a cellular level, keeping it thriving throughout the cold & flu season.

    Manage stress levels

    Many of us are bombarded by daily stressors in life including deadlines, family matters, business-related concerns, and so much more! One of the most important things we can do for our immune systems is to utilize tools to manage stress in a healthy way. Oftentimes, people can lean toward unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress which include drinking, smoking, gambling, or too much screen time. Instead, cultivating a toolbox of healthy coping mechanisms will not only help to manage stress, but also positively benefit mental health. Here are some suggestions for dealing with stress in a healthier way:

    • Meditation: One of the top benefits of meditation is that it can significantly reduce stress. There are so many simple ways to meditate on a daily basis, one of them is by using an app! You can download Insight Timer or even try headspace to follow along with some guided meditations that can range in length from 5 to 10 minutes long!
    • Deep breathing: The breath is one of the most simple yet powerful ways to support stress in the body. Practicing deep breathing has the capability to activate our parasympathetic nervous system, allowing us to get into a state of rest & digest. When you feel stress creeping up on you during the day, try taking some deep inhales for a count of 4 and deep exhales for a count of 4, it will make a big difference! 

    Get enough sleep

    Did you know that when you sleep your body goes through an internal repair? While it might seem as though the body remains idle during sleep, it is actually doing a lot of work to repair and keep you healthy! During deep sleep, the body works to strengthen your organs, muscles, cells, and other essential systems. Since the body needs sleep to do its important repair work, it’s essential to get enough quality sleep in order to be the healthiest version of yourself. If you struggle to get sleep, there are many ways you can work to improve your sleep hygiene. Some of our suggestions include:

    • Maintaining a regular bedtime and wakeup time, the body appreciates routine and consistency.
    • Staying away from screens and stressors at least one hour before bedtime.
    • Optimizing the temperature and environment in your bedroom to promote calm and tranquility.

    Exercise 

    Physical activity has plenty of benefits, from helping to manage weight, to reducing the risk of heart disease, and even supporting mental health. Now studies have even proven that physical activity helps to improve the immune system! Physical activity actually changes the body on a cellular level by increasing the amount of white blood cells which are specifically linked to help the body fight off infections and diseases. The physical activity you do to benefit your immune system doesn’t need to be strenuous. A simple daily walk, yoga, or cycling can all positively impact the immune system. Experts suggest that adults ranging from 19-64 years old should aim for 4 to 5 days of exercise per week with at least 150 minutes dedicated to moderate intensity physical activity. 

    Take supplements

    Sometimes our immune system can use a little extra support and boost, especially during the peak times of the year where we are more susceptible to catching viruses. Taking supplements can be a useful way to ensure your body has extra protection and strength during cold & flu season. Some of our top suggestions of supplements to take for the immune system include:

    Supplements are a great tool, but shouldn’t be only relied on as the be-all end-all to support your wellbeing. They’re made to “supplement” your lifestyle not makeup for poor daily choices that don’t align with a state of wellbeing. Supplements work in harmony alongside living a balanced lifestyle! 

     

  • Creatine 101: What Are the Benefits? Should I Be Taking It?

    Creatine 101: What Are the Benefits? Should I Be Taking It?

    Creatine is a supplement that has been popularly used within the fitness community for quite some time. Still, if you don’t train frequently or know much about the performance-assisting supplement world, you may have never heard of it! Even though people take creatine in supplement form, it is already naturally occurring in the human body and produced by the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Creatine is then converted to phosphate, stored in the body’s muscles and used for energy. The human brain even uses some creatine, as studies show that it immediately supplies energy to tissues that need it most. At this point, you might be wondering what the other benefits of creatine are and if you should take a creatine supplement. Well, If you’re interested in a further breakdown of all things creatine, keep on reading! 

    History of Creatine Supplements

    Creatine was first discovered in 1832 by a French scientist, Michel Eugene Chevreul, who found creatine in beef tissues. Michel christened his find by calling it the Greek word (Kreas), which means meat. From this initial discovery, many other studies were conducted on the findings on creatine. Decades have passed since Michel’s discovery, and in 1912, Harvard University found that ingesting creatine can boost creatine content in the muscle. Giving creatine to animals resulted in nitrogen retention, which strengthened muscles! In the early days of this discovery, much of the public didn’t have access to consuming creatine because the process of extracting it from meat was expensive and time-consuming. It wasn’t until the 1950s that creatine could be made in a lab! At this time, scientists began to study its effects on treating muscle-related conditions such as Huntington’s disease. Flash forward to a more recent decade, the 1990s, and creatine finally started to catch on to the public after some famous athletes and Olympians began using creatine supplements. From then on, it has only increased in popularity!

    What are the benefits of creatine?

    We’ve already briefly covered some of the benefits of taking a creatine supplement, but at this point, we will go more in-depth into the many benefits it can provide you!

    1. It supports energy at the cellular level! 

    Our body works in complex ways to keep us functioning and our energy flowing to do the tasks we need to do daily. Without getting into too much scientific details, creatine helps our body produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), our cell’s most basic form of energy. If you’re doing a lot of high-intensity exercise or workouts, your muscles will need extra support with energy levels and recovery. Studies have shown that most creatine goes toward the skeletal muscles in the body, where it is then converted into a compound combined with creatine and phosphoric acid. This compound then creates more ATP, which leads to more energy on a cellular level! 

    2.  Creatine can increase muscle strength!

    Not only does creatine support our muscle’s energy levels, allowing gym-goers and athletes to push harder, but creatine also helps with recovery, contributing to overall strength and training. A large study was conducted on 250 supplements to see which would come out on top to assist resistance training. Creatine was the supplement that came out on top in this study for its ability to promote muscle strength! 

    3. Creatine can positively impact brain health

    So far, we’ve only discussed the effects of creatine on our energy levels and muscles in the body, but creatine is also essential for brain health! When performing complex tasks, our brain needs ATP, and not only do creatine supplements promote phosphocreatine stores in the body, but they also do so in our brain. Studies have shown that when these levels increase in the body, it decreases brain fatigue, allowing us to do what we need with more velocity.

    How to Take Creatine?

    There are many proven benefits of taking creatine, especially if you live an active lifestyle! The good news is that it’s also super easy to find creatine nowadays. At NutraChamps, we just launched a creatine supplement that we’re super proud of: creatine gummies! These delicious watermelon-flavoured gummies are packed with 5,000mg of high-potency creatine monohydrate per serving! These gummies will be your new favorite workout sidekick because they can enhance your performance at the gym and beyond. Most creatine products on the market come in powder form, which can be messy to mix or not convenient to grab and go. When it comes to NutraChamps Creatine Gummies, you only need 4 gummies daily to meet the requirement and get the benefits you need to feel your best!

  • Top Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

    Top Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

    Mushrooms are some of the most interesting objects on Earth. Neither a vegetable, fruit, or animal product, but rather a fungus – these species are indeed in their own category. There are a variety of different mushrooms out there. Some can be poisonous, alter your state of consciousness, or just simply provide your body with nourishment and health benefits. In today’s article, we will dive into the incredible benefits of one of the healthiest mushrooms we can consume, Lion’s Mane mushrooms. These shaggy-looking white mushrooms are foraged and found growing on hardwood trees across northern regions of the world. They’re mildly sweet, and many say that the texture resembles certain kinds of seafood, such as scallops, crab, or lobster. Lots of research is coming out about this mushroom’s incredible benefits and we’re going to share why everyone can benefit from a little lion’s mane in their diet and life! If you’re curious to learn more, keep on reading.

    Lion’s Mane Has Incredible Cognitive Benefits!

    The number of ways in which lion’s mane mushrooms can positively impact brain health is astonishing. Non-human studies have been done on lion’s mane that have shown that this mushroom has the capability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factors, positively impacting neurons in the brain. It has even been shown to help memory and focus! Lion’s mane has also been shown to support depression and anxiety based on a study that was published in PubMed conducted on mice. The study showed that mice who consumed lion’s mane showed a decrease in depressive behaviors. The researchers then concluded that the mushrooms have an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain. Lion’s mane mushrooms have also been shown to be successful as a treatment method for those who’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can dramatically reduce the quality of life for individuals who are suffering from the condition, which can even lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. One study found that Lion’s Mane mushroom exhibited neuroprotective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress that can come from TBI. 

    Lion’s Mane Supports Gut Health!

    The health of our gut impacts many aspects of our health. Unfortunately, nowadays, too many people deal with a plethora of gut health issues, such as gas, bloating, constipation, and overall digestive issues. For our gut to thrive, we need a healthy microbiome consisting of helpful microbes. Our microbiome is responsible for our immune system and digestion. Eating a diverse range of whole foods and fermented foods can positively impact the health of our microbiome. Lion’s mane mushrooms have also been shown to positively impact our gut health! These mushrooms provide beta-glucan fiber, which absolutely supports the gut microbiome. These mushrooms also contain probiotics that promote good bacteria in the gut.

     Lion’s Mane Can Impact Cholesterol Positively

    High cholesterol is an epidemic in North America, impacting about 71 million Americans. High cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits forming in blood vessels, increasing the chance of a heart attack or stroke in the body. Research has found that lion’s mane mushroom has cholesterol-lowering effects. A few studies, including one test-tube study, found that lion’s mane might be useful in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream. It has even been shown to regulate blood sugar and reduce high blood pressure. 

    Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

    When it comes to nutritional benefits, this shaggy mushroom packs a punch! Hosting a plethora of vitamins and minerals such as essential B vitamins, Vitamin D2, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Calcium. These vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in various bodily functions including support for our nervous system, muscle function, bone health, brain development, hair health, and skin health.

    How to Use Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

    When it comes to incorporating lion’s mane mushrooms into your daily routine, there are many ways you can enjoy this powerhouse funghi! While lion’s mane mushrooms can be consumed raw, there are various ways to utilize them in cooking. Lion’s mane can be used in pasta dishes, soups, or as a meat substitute in your favorite dishes. Lion’s mane mushroom is also enjoyed and utilized in powder form, making it easy to add to coffee, tea, smoothies, gravy, and so much more! You can even take lion’s mane as a supplement with a glass of water if you’d rather go without the taste. The possibilities are endless when it comes to obtaining the incredible benefits of this mushroom and what it has to offer for health! 

  • 5 Reasons You Should Drink Your Greens!

    5 Reasons You Should Drink Your Greens!

    Think of your body like an engine, for it to run smoothly, it needs fuel. Human beings need energy for everything we do – jumping, swimming, working, running, walking, and playing. To keep our cells, organs, and body healthy, proper vitamins and nutrients are critical. Humans get vitamins and nutrients from the foods we eat, and some of the most beneficial foods for our health have and always will be whole fruits and vegetables. In our modern world, it can be challenging to consume enough fruits and vegetables throughout the day with our busy schedules and lifestyles. The good news is that more options are available than ever to ensure we get the nutrients we need to thrive! At NutraChamps, we created Super Greens to fill in the gaps missing in our diets. We created a wholesome blend of antioxidants, greens, probiotics, and digestive enzymes in one mixable scoop. There is a long list of reasons why we think you should drink your greens, but in this article, we’re going to share our top 5!

    If you want to know more about the 5 main reasons you should drink your greens then keep on reading.

    1. Greens boost your energy levels!

    Today, more than ever before, it’s easy to find some quick fixes when it comes to getting an energy boost, whether it be from energy drinks, caffeine, or sugary drinks and food. The problem is that many of these quick fixes come with some gnarly side effects, including an eventual crash. What we love about drinking greens is that the energy boost you receive is not only natural & healthy but longer lasting! Green vegetables are rich in vitamins such as A, C, E, K, and even B vitamins which are all essential for converting food into energy. The green vegetables and fruits that are in NutraChamps super greens powder are also high in Vitamin C which provides an almost instant boost in energy.

    2. Drinking Super Greens supports bloating & gut health

    Bloating is never fun. It can be an uncomfortable, painful, and annoying sensation to deal with. One of the things that we love about drinking greens is that they contain natural and added digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics to support gut health! Enzymes help to break down complex carbs, protein, and fats, leaving the body with less bloat. Another way that greens powders support gut health is due to the fact that they’re high in fibre! Although greens powders are not a complete substitute for a well-balanced diet, they certainly help to provide a little extra love to the gut and all of its processes.

    3. It’s quick & convenient

    One of the best things about a greens powder is the fact that you can get your whole serving of vegetables and antioxidants in one single scoop mixed with water! Depending on the greens powder you buy, a variety of greens and fruits that you wouldn’t be able to consume in one single day are in there. For example, our NutraChamps Super Greens contain over 40 nutritional superfoods such as Wheat Grass, Broccoli, Spinach, Kale, Apple, Blueberry, and Raspberry!

    4. Greens taste great!

    Let’s be real, eating a bunch of veggies, especially in their raw state might not be your cup of tea or taste the best. One of the things that we love most about greens powders is that they taste great mixed into water, juices, or smoothies. Many greens powder blends, especially our NutraChamps Super Greens (antioxidant, original, and unflavored) are so smooth and easy to drink. We’ve perfected the blend to taste delicious and you wouldn’t even guess that each scoop is packed with so many vegetables and fruits. 

    5. It’s high in powerful antioxidants

    You might have heard of antioxidants before and maybe even know that they’re good for the body, but do you know why? Well, antioxidants help to reduce the risk of diseases by fighting off free radicals in the body. They keep our cells thriving and working at their best. When it comes to our Super Greens, each serving contains 4000 mg of Organic antioxidants, all of them coming from whole fruits and vegetables such as carrot, goji berry, acai berry, and more! 

    Whether you’re a Mom who’s on the go, a student with a busy studying schedule, or simply don’t have enough hours in the day to get enough fruits and vegetables then utilizing a greens powder might just be for you. To shop our selection of NutraChamps super greens powder, visit our website and find a flavor that suits you and your lifestyle best! Cheers to health!

  • Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Emotional Eating with Mindful Practices

    Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Emotional Eating with Mindful Practices

    In today’s modern era, many people struggle with emotional eating. It has become a very common habit and coping mechanism. Emotional eating involves eating food not because of hunger, but due to emotional fluctuations. These emotional triggers may be stress, anxiety or just boredom. 

    Now if you are wondering why emotional eating is considered as a problem, then you should know that it leads to weight gain, poor nutrition and an overall negative impact to your body and relationship with food. You eat food because you like it, but if it has become a problem, you feel guilty of eating food which isn’t a good sign. Hence, in this blog, we are going to discuss how you can incorporate mindfulness and healthy nutrition choices in your lifestyle. So let’s learn how to overcome emotional eating with mindful practices and break the cycle of guilt with food.

     Mindfulness and Emotional Eating

    It’s important that we discuss mindfulness and emotions. If you are not aware of what mindfulness means, then let’s start from unpacking the basics. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of what you think and feel. To stop emotional eating, mindfulness can help as it can make you more conscious about what triggers you to overeat. Accordingly, you can make the right decisions about what needs to be done and how much you should eat. 

    The more you’re conscious, the better decisions you will make for your health. There are multiple mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing etc which can help you to quell food cravings. You can also feel improvement in your mental health issues like stress and anxiety when you perform these activities with proper routine. When these feelings are reduced, your cause for emotional eating is getting eliminated. By being more present and aware of your emotions, you don’t have to use food for coping with your issues, you can find other healthier alternatives that actually help without any side effects.

    How to Reduce Emotional Eating with Mindfulness

    To be able to deal with emotional eating you must first know what it is and what it isn’t. Emotional eating is eating because of an emotional reason, as opposed to eating because of physical hunger. It’s not about the once-in-a-while treat during a celebration or having some more food during holiday seasons; it represents the situation when eating becomes the main way to cope with emotions. Acknowledging the dissimilarity between emotional hunger and physical hunger is the initial stage in stopping this cycle.

    1. Recognize your triggers

    The first practice that requires mindfulness is to recognize what exactly causes you to eat when you are not hungry. Is it stress, boredom, fatigue, sadness or something else? Keep a food journal where you don’t just list what you eat but also write down how you feel before and after eating. It can be of help in recognizing patterns and emotional triggers among them. 

     

    2. Adopt healthy coping mechanisms

    When you are able to identify your triggers, focus on finding better ways to react to them. If stress is the main cause that makes you overeat, you can try yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises instead. If loneliness is the issue, give a friend a call, join a club or volunteer. An important step in stopping emotional eating and thus decelerating the obesity pandemic is replacing unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthy ones.

    3. Practice Mindful Eating

    Mindful eating helps in being completely conscious of what and how you eat- focusing on the taste, texture, and aroma of the food, reading any thoughts, feelings or sensations during the meal. It helps you to gradually enjoy what you are eating and identify when it is enough and also how quickly you are eating. The following are ways on how to start: 

    • Eat at a slow pace without distractions.
    • Acknowledge the difference of what your body requires and what you feel like to distress.

    4. Embrace Your Feelings 

    One reason why emotional eating is still prevalent is the unacceptance or incapability of dealing with unpleasant feelings. Mindfulness could be a way to stop impulsive eating caused by negative emotions and instead it’s important to know how to deal with discomfiting emotions without acting on them. Meditation as well as breathing exercises can increase your emotional resilience so that you are able to feel your emotions without judging them

    5. Forgive Yourself

    Stopping the round of emotional eating is not about being perfect, it is about making progress. If you make a mistake, forgive yourself. Negative self-talk may as well support emotional eating so show self-kindness. Remember that every meal that you take is another chance to live mindfully.

     

    6. If You Need it, Ask for Professional Help 

    Sometimes what lies behind your emotional eating habits is something that goes beyond what mindfulness can provide help with. Therapists who are trained specifically in cognitive behavioral therapy or eating disorders will give you strategies and support that are very well tailored to your needs.

    7. Be a Member of a Support Group 

    Sharing with others in similar situations will give you that push, increase your responsibility level and provide you with new coping strategies. Support groups can be invaluable whether they are online or in person.

    Conclusion

    Emotional eating can only be stopped by self-searching and mindfulness. If you can identify your triggers, practice mindful eating, let your emotions be, and get support when need be, you will be able to have a better relationship with food and gradually transform your eating habits. Keep in mind that the purpose is not to achieve perfection but to progressively adopt healthier alternatives.

     

     

     

     

  • Five Ways to Support Your Vision and Eye Health

    Five Ways to Support Your Vision and Eye Health

    Vision is one of the most important aspects of our human experience, yet one that we can often take for granted. Seeing the world around us, our loved ones and ourselves is one of the greatest gifts. So many of us don’t realize what goes into the process of seeing and what our eyes are doing to take in information. Our eyes are complex organs. They work hard by allowing us to adjust to different conditions and environments instantly.

    Here are some simple facts about our eyes that might just blow your mind: Did you know that our eyes are made up of over 2 million working parts? The muscles that move our eyes are the fastest and strongest muscle in the body? And that our eyes process up to 36,000 pieces of information per hour? Without our eyes, we wouldn’t be able to learn nearly as much as we do, that is why it is so important that we protect them to the best of our ability!

    In this blog post we’re going to share five ways you can support your vision and overall eye health! If you’re interested in learning more, keep on reading..

    1. Eating enough vitamins and nutrients

    When it comes to our mind and body working optimally, vitamins and nutrients play a key role. Vitamins and nutrients all work in unique ways to provide our body with different benefits. When it comes to our eye health, here are some of the most important vitamins and nutrients out there:

    • Vitamin A: This vitamin is particularly important for maintaining good eye health. It is a component in the protein called rhodopsin, which allows us to see in dim lighting conditions. This vitamin also supports the cornea of the eye, which is the outermost layer. One of the primary ways of obtaining Vitamin A is through foods with a high amount of beta-carotene (the primary source of Vitamin A in the human diet). Foods with Vitamin A include sweet potato, carrots, squash, and peppers!
    • Vitamin E: This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that is so important for fighting off free radicals in the body. Free radicals lead to damage, and this can even happen within our eyes. Studies show that a high intake of Vitamin E can help prevent the development of cataracts! Some of the best Vitamin E-rich foods include almonds, peanuts, spinach, avocado, and olive oil.  

    2. Resting the eyes 

    We spend a lot of time staring at screens daily. In fact, a recent survey from Zippia found that the average American spends over 7 hours staring at a screen in a given day. This puts a strain on our eyes and can lead to short-term issues. In the short term, staring at a screen for too long can cause eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. We don’t know the long-term effects of too much screen time, but limiting and preventing damage when possible is important. Some of the ways you can support your eyes while using screens include:

    • Adjusting the brightness on your device to match the level of light. 
    • Keeping an arm’s length away from the computer screen
    • Taking breaks from staring at the screen every 20 minutes by looking at something in the distance or getting up to get a glass of water.

    3. Getting routine eye checkups 

    Regular eye examinations are important, and getting a checkup every 2-3 years if you’re between 20-40 and every 2 years if you’re between 40-65 years old is recommended. Eye exams help detect certain eye conditions, which can lead to sight loss, and they can even uncover other health issues. Problems and changes in eye health can be signs of other conditions such as lupus, MS, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more!

    4. Wearing sunglasses

    It might be tempting to go without sunglasses on a nice sunny day, but for long periods, the UV can actually cause some damage. A balance exists between sunlight being important for the eyes and too much of it potentially causing some damage. During peak hours of the sun in the afternoon, it is best to avoid looking directly at its gaze and opt for some sunglasses if you’re spending the day out. During the early morning and evening, as the sun is rising and setting, it is an incredible time to gaze into the sun and get some of the wonderful benefits.

    5. Taking supplements

    At NutraChamps, we advocate for taking supplements when filling in nutritional gaps within our diets and busy lifestyles. We know the importance of maintaining good eye health, so we created a supplement designed specifically for supporting and protecting the eyes! AREDS 2 Eye Health is NutraChamps’ premium eye blend, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and specific herbs and vitamins to support eye health. This supplement works to support long-term vision, defend against macular degeneration, reduce eye strain, and even protect from blue light harm! 

    Our eyeballs need the protection they can get to work to the best of their ability. As with any other part of our body, we need to protect and take care of ourselves by being mindful of our daily choices. From food, to mindset, environment, and relationships, all of these things make a big difference in how our minds and bodies function and feel their best. 

  • Introducing Our NEW Vitabeets Beet Soft Chews!

    Introducing Our NEW Vitabeets Beet Soft Chews!

    Behind the scenes at NutraChamps, we’re always working to bring forth supplements that cater to a variety of health and wellness needs. We’re always looking to support the lives of our customer’s, helping them to feel more vital, energized, and happy. Another priority of ours is developing supplements that our customer’s will be excited to take because of how good they taste and how it makes them feel! With all this being said, we are so excited to introduce a brand new supplement…Vitabeets! 

    These bite-sized chews taste fantastic, support better circulation, and cardiovascular health! In each serving of Vitabeets, you can expect benefits such as supported blood pressure, better circulation, heart healthy energy, and more. The star of the show in these delicious chews are, you guessed it, beets! This vibrant vegetable is potent in color and has impressive benefits. Beets are high in nitrates, which has been shown to directly support cardiovascular health. Additional complimentary ingredients in these chews are grape seed extract and açai berry to give the body a boost of antioxidants, circulation, and more vitality! 

     

    Another thing you’ll love about Vitabeets is just how easy it is to take them on the go. Each chew is individually wrapped, making it super convenient to throw into your purse, gym bag, or stored around the office at work! 

    Now, let’s talk about the flavor. Our Vitabeets chews are deliciously Pomegranate Berry flavored! We use no artificial colors or dyes in our beet chews. They’re also gluten-free, vegan, soy free, and lab tested.

    Shop our Vitabeets today and feel energized, supported, and ready to take on your day!

     

  • 7 Incredible and Easy Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes!

    7 Incredible and Easy Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes!

    Do you struggle to come up with breakfast ideas to keep you satiated and full? Are you looking for an energy boost from the food you’re eating in the morning rather than feeling lethargic and bogged down? Well look no further, we’ve compiled 7 delicious protein-packed breakfast recipes which are healthy and satisfying. Eating enough protein in the morning not only boosts energy but it also helps to regulate your appetite all day long! 

    Here are some yummy breakfast recipes you’ll definitely want to try out:

    PBJ Breakfast Parfait

    PB&J a classic combo that never gets old.. In this PBJ breakfast parfait you’ll get to pair some protein packed yogurt alongside crunchy peanut butter, a homemade berry chia jam, and some granola. This salivating combo will not only keep you full until lunchtime but it will also be reminiscent of those childhood days of enjoying a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. 

    Tip: Make these parfaits ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a quick grab-n-go breakfast! 

    Sweet + Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl

    In the past year, cottage cheese has made a great comeback. Going from a type of cheese that many didn’t talk about to a popular commodity for high protein snacks, meals, and desserts. One of the reasons cottage cheese is a great dietary choice is because it’s lower in calories and high in protein. Cottage cheese is also a great source of calcium! In this recipe, cottage cheese is the base and paired alongside toppings that have a sweet option and a savory option. This breakfast option is a light and healthy way to get your morning protein!

    Southwest Tofu Scramble

    Vegan or not, this southwest tofu scramble is a tasty egg alternative loaded with spices, onion, bell pepper, and kale! Just 8 ounces of this tofu scramble provides a whopping 20 grams of protein. This tofu scramble isn’t just a great source of protein but also hosts a variety of health benefits including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium. You’re going to love how simple it is to whip up this breakfast in the morning, pair this tofu scramble alongside breakfast potatoes or a slice of sourdough bread and you’re set!

    Breakfast Protein Bites

    This breakfast option is perfect to make ahead as a grab-n-go option throughout the week or as meal prep! They’re made in a 12 cup muffin pan and contain a secret ingredient, collagen peptides powder! These bites are also made with eggs, veggies, and two different kinds of cheese! Quick, easy, tasty, and protein-packed. Not to mention, sneaking the collagen powder in there is quite genius for getting extra benefits for hair, skin, and nails!

    Protein Baked Oatmeal

    Who says oatmeal has to be boring? This recipe definitely proves that it doesn’t have to be! You’re going to love this recipe if you feel like having “dessert” for breakfast. With ingredients such as old fashioned rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, eggs, maple syrup as sweetener, fresh blueberries, and other on-hand pantry items. This delicious baked oatmeal contains 17 grams of protein per serving! Top it by drizzling some nut butter like peanut butter or almond butter and you’re set. 

    Halloumi Breakfast Sandwich

    This recipe is a twist on a classic egg breakfast sandwich that you’re going to love…adding Halloumi cheese! The entire sandwich is a total of 20 grams of protein all together. Halloumi cheese is semi-soft and has a stretchy and rubbery texture. This cheese has origins rooted in Mediterranean culture and is made from sheep or goat’s milk. It does tend to be quite salty so make sure to limit the salt on all of the other ingredients you are pairing it with in this sandwich. Nonetheless, it’s a delicious combo you’re sure to love and enjoy! 

    Carrot Cake Oatmeal

    You won’t believe just how much this oatmeal tastes like carrot cake, it’s literally dessert for breakfast except healthy! The spices and warming factor from the cinnamon makes it so comforting and it also contains the addition of peanut butter and cottage cheese for extra protein. This oatmeal will be sure to leave you full, satiated, and ready to take on anything in your day with energy!

    Getting enough protein for breakfast doesn’t need to be boring, with these flavorful and creative breakfast recipes you’re going to go to bed looking forward to the breakfast you’ll have in the morning!

    What did you think of these recipes? Which one would you try first? Let us know in our comments below!

  • 4 Amazing Herbs for Cognitive Health

    4 Amazing Herbs for Cognitive Health

    Cognitive health is one of the key components to living a happy and fulfilling human life. Having good cognitive health is essentially the ability to learn, remember, and think clearly. Cognitive brain health is important because a variety of functions we carry out day to day rely upon healthy brain function. Activities such as decision-making, language, and even judgement can all be tied back to cognitive health. The quality of our cognitive health depends on a variety of factors in our lives such as exercise, diet, sleep, stress, social interaction, and more! Although our environments are an extremely important aspect for impacting our cognitive health, what we consume can also make a difference. In this blog post we are going to share some of the best herbs for the brain and cognition. 

    1. Turmeric

    Turmeric, also known as the Golden Spice, is a herb with a wide variety of incredible and medicinal benefits. Turmeric dates back it’s use to over 4000 years ago within the Vedic culture in India. Turmeric can be used in recipes such as stews, curries, and condiments. It also has uses in warm beverages and can even be taken in supplementation form. When it comes to cognitive health, turmeric has been studied and shown to be effective in increasing brain levels of BDNF. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in neuronal survival and growth within the brain and body. Turmeric has also been shown to fight inflammation within the body.

    2. Ginseng

    Used for thousands of years and one of the most revered herbs in ancient times throughout China and other countries, ginseng is a herb that almost does it all. Not only is it an adaptogen which helps bring balance to the body, but it is also shown to be an energy booster, sexual health booster, and offers a wide range of cognitive benefits. Here are just some of the many brain benefits which ginseng provides:

    • Ginseng improves memory and mental performance
    • It protects against neurodegenerative diseases
    • It increases blood flow to the brain
    • It increases important brain chemicals
    • It boosts mood and mental well-being

    There are many ways in which ginseng can be used and consumed: eaten raw, made into a tea, consumed as a powder, consumed as capsules through supplementation.

    3. Lion’s Mane

    Did you know that buddhist monks used Lion’s Mane mushrooms to increase brain focus in meditation? This powerful mushroom has actually been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for years and is supposedly amazing for multiple organs in the body. The mushroom is also hailed to help combat the deficiency of “Qi” or life force in the body. Cognitively, studies on lion’s mane mushroom have shown that they contain two main compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which work to stimulate the growth of brain cells. 

    4. Ashwagandha

    One of the oldest holistic health systems, Ayuerveda with its roots in India, used Ashwagandha medicinally. It was used to relieve stress, alleviate anxieties, and promote overall wellness. More recent studies have now shown that Ashwagandha intake can impact cognitive performance in healthy adults! Ashwagandha’s roots and leaves also contain bioactive compounds which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents to protect the brain. 

    When it comes to protecting our cognitive health and brain health there are a multitude of things we can do, but consuming healthy and helpful herbs is way that can have fantastic impacts. Before starting any new supplements or herbs we always recommend consulting with your healthcare practitioner. 

  • How to Keep Your Mind and Body Fit In 2024

    How to Keep Your Mind and Body Fit In 2024

    Keeping the mind and body fit and healthy is everyone’s priority. Entering 2024, it has become more important to focus on our diet and activities while also taking care of anything that’s disturbing the quality of life. 

    Feeling exhausted and struggling to achieve a balanced lifestyle is a problem so many of us face. Hence, we created this blog which can help you to keep your mind and body fit in 2024. Let’s make it our responsibility to maintain the well being and happiness of our bodies.

    Understanding Mind-Body Fitness

    Mind-body fitnеss is all about taking care of the body and mind so you can ultimately fееl good, rеlaxеd, and happy from inside and out. Achiеving еquilibrium bеtwееn your mind and body is еssеntial. Running and hеavy еxеrcisеs to build your body strength is important but taking care of your mеntal health is important as well. In simple terms, it’s about nurturing our mеntal hеalth with as much carе as we do our physical hеalth. 

    Whеn your mind and body is in good shape, you’rе likеly to fееl happiеr, morе rеlaxеd, and full of еnеrgy. Eating the right food in the right amount, propеr еxercisеs, and appropriate slееp are ways to rеlax and manage strеss. They all contribute to achieving our aim of getting a proper mind-body balance. 

    Connection between Mental and Physical Health

    Thе connеction bеtwееn mеntal and physical hеalth is profound. John F Kеnnеdy oncе said, “Physical fitnеss is not only onе of thе most important kеys to a hеalthy body, it is thе basis of dynamic and crеativе intеllеctual activity”. You nееd to undеrstand that both mеntal and physical hеalth are important for thе wеll bеing of an individual. 

    If thеrе arе mеntal hеalth issues likе strеss and dеprеssion, it can lеad to multiplе physical hеalth issues. Hеart disеasеs, wеak immunе systеms and еvеn hypеrtеnsion arе a fеw of thеm. Similarly, physical ailmеnts can take a toll on our mental health leading to high anxiеty lеvеls and incrеasеd strеss. 

    Setting Mind-Body Fitness Goals for 2024

    Identifying Personal Wellness Goals

    In this journey to mind-body fitness, the first step is to identify your personal wellness goals. Understanding yourself and what you need holds the utmost importance. Now, you need to be clear about what you want to achieve. Do you want to lower your stress level? Is your cardio health your issue? Do you want an enhanced cognitive function? All these questions are supposed to be answered by yourself to identify the right and appropriate wellness goals.

    SMART Goal Setting

    Adopting the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework for goal setting can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your wellness plans. Setting goals that are clear and realistic means they will be more achievable. Create a roadmap that will guide your daily actions. Make sure that you always stay on track with your scheduled plan to achieve holistic wellness.

    Creating a Vision for a Healthy Mind and Body

    Motivation helps you to move ahead with the same spirit. Envisioning a healthy mind and body is a powerful motivator. It involves imagining your ideal state of wellness. This not only inspires you for your daily routine for wellness but also keeps your mind energetic and active. This vision serves as a constant reminder of what is our aim, helping you to remain focused and motivated.

    Physical Fitness for a Healthy Body

    Exercise

    Rеgular еxеrcisе is a cornеrstonе of good hеalth. It helps you to kееp you physically fit. It not only hеlps in your musclе strеngth and boosting еndurancе, but also strеngthеns thе heart and your ovеrall physical wеllbеing. 

    Nutrition

    Propеr nutrition fuеls our bodiеs. The right food in thе right amount providеs you with thе еnеrgy and nutriеnts rеquirеd for your body’s optimal functioning. A balancеd diеt that is rich in fruits and vеgеtablеs, lеan protеins and wholе grains should be your priority. It supports your physical health and еnhancеs your mеntal wеllbеing. 

    Rest and Recovery

    Your body needs rest and recovery time. When we talk about physical health, taking complete rest also plays an important role. Make sure that you give proper time to make your body relax and rest. Allow your bodies to heal, and prevent injury to ensure that you can perform at your best.

    Mental Fitness for a Healthy Mind

    Meditation

    Mеditation is a powerful tool for еnhancing mеntal fitnеss. We all know that stress and anxiеty are common issues nowadays. We always look for solutions. If you are also struggling with it, start your mеditation routinе today. This technique can help to rеducе strеss, improvеs concеntration, and promotе a sеnsе of pеacе and wеll bеing. 

    Stress Management techniques

    To improve your mental health, you can opt for some effective stress management techniques. It includes deep breathing, mindfulness, time management, and many more. You can escape from the ongoing loop of stress and give yourself some time to relax and calm.

    Cognitive Health

    Cognitivе hеalth mеans thе ability of your brain to think, lеarn, and rеmеmbеr. It is very important for thе wеllbеing of an individual. How we process information and make decisions forms an important part of our lives. You nееd to takе carе of your cognitivе hеalth too whеn discussing about mеntal hеalth. 

    You should еngagе yoursеlf in activities that stimulatе your brain such as solving puzzlеs, reading books, and playing games that may challenge your thinking. Physical еxеrcisеs also help you to improve your cognitivе hеalth. Social interactions keep the mind active and engaged, hence contributing to our brain’s active functionality.

    Creating a Mind-Body Fitness Routine

    Integrating Physical and Mental Practices

    A comprehensive mind-body fitness routine integrates both physical and mental practices. 

    You need to perform all activities that help your both mental and physical health. Just don’t ignore the one by focusing on the other. Finding a balance for complete wellness is important. You may combine daily exercises with meditation, which will take care of your mind-body balance.

    Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Routine

    Establishing a routinе that includes daily, wееkly and monthly activities can help maintain focus and consistеncy. Bе surе that thе routinе should bе flеxiblе еnough to adapt to changing nееds and circumstancеs еnsuring that it rеmains rеlеvant and еffеctivе. Don’t miss it and do it regularly with a motivated spirit.

    Staying Consistent and Adapting as Needed

    Consistеncy is kеy to achiеving mind body fitnеss. Howеvеr, it is also important to rеmain flеxiblе and be willing to adapt our routinеs as our nееds, goals, and circumstancеs change. This adaptability ensures that our approach to wellness evolves with us, providing sustained benefits over time.

    Conclusion: A Journey Towards Holistic Health

    Mind-body wellness is all about your determination to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This not only helps you to stay happy and healthy but also successful in your work schedule. With a calm, relaxed body and mind, you can focus more on your work and hence drive results. Without a balance in your lifestyle, you will miss opportunities. 

    I hope now you have understood the importance of taking care of your mental and physical health along with how you can do the best. As we move forward into 2024 and beyond, let us embrace the principles of mind-body fitness, setting the foundation for a healthier, happier life.