Relax & Reclaim

Ever feel like your metabolism’s stuck in a slow-motion loop? 🐢 You’re not alone! I've been there before myself. When dieting and exercise just aren't helping you to hit your goals it can be very frustrating. It's like you've hit a wall and you can't seem to get past it. 🧱 It can seem like your body’s inner engine takes an unscheduled break just when you’re hoping it will work overtime. That, of course is the bad news. The good news? There are simple, science-backed ways to get it humming again—and maybe even turn up the heat on calorie burn.🔥 Let me show you what I mean: 1. Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): The Secret Saboteur 👿 Here’s the deal: after your 20s, your RMR—basically the calories you burn just staying alive—drops about 1-2% every decade. Not exactly thrilling news, but here’s the catch: this slowdown isn’t set in stone. Factors like activity level, muscle mass, and diet all play a massive role in how much your RMR dips. Translation?  Staying active an...

At Relax & Reclaim , we’re committed to helping those who want to improve their health. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so we aim to provide a variety of practical approaches to guide you on this journey. If you’ve been following global health trends, you’ve probably noticed growing concerns about environmental toxins. Toxicity , a term that refers to harmful substances and their impact, is one of the biggest challenges we face today. What Is Toxicity In Humans? So, what exactly is toxicity? Simply put, it’s the harmful effects caused by pollutants—substances like GMOs , pesticides, PCBs , and petroleum by-products—that contaminate our environment. Every day, these pollutants reach us through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the food on our plates. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid all exposure, we do have some control over how we equip our bodies to manage these intrusions. This issue demands attention, and at Relax & Reclaim , we often get question...

In many parts of the world, Valentine's Day is celebrated as a holiday to commemorate romantic liaisons between two people in love (or lust, depending on your idea of love) with each other.  One way to symbolize romance on Valentine's Day is through trinkets or (usually unhealthy) food gifts.  I wanted to take this time to show you that Valentine's Day is also an opportunity to improve your health with some very sexy fruits. Enjoy! Nothing says romance quite like indulging in something sweet, juicy, and just a little bit decadent. Whether you're feeding them to someone special, savoring each bite for effect, or simply treating yourself to nature’s most tempting delights, these fruits are as seductive as they are nourishing. Apple Crisp, luscious, and irresistibly refreshing, apples are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support heart health. They can aid digestion, help regulate cholesterol, and keep you feeling full longer. With so many varieties—gr...

Believe it or not, some readers asked if there was any difference between vegetarians and raw foodists.  They have their similarities AND are different at the same time.  We will attempt to break down the basic differences in the simplest terms available so that everyone has at least a clearer understanding of these culinary cultures. Here we go! 🌱 Vegetarians vs. Raw Foodists: What’s the Difference? Ever wondered if there's a difference between being vegetarian and following a raw food diet? The short answer—yes! But both lifestyles have one thing in common: a deep love for plants. 🥦 Vegetarian vs. Raw Foodist: Who Eats What? A vegetarian skips meat, fish, and poultry, sticking to plant-based foods like veggies, grains, and legumes. Some enjoy dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarians), while others avoid all animal products altogether (vegans). A raw foodist , on the other hand, takes things a step further. Their diet consists mostly of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic...

We named our blog "Relax and Reclaim" for a reason. Definition: Relax ( your mind ) and Reclaim ( your time ). If you've been an adult for a while you know that it's common to feel overwhelmed by the burdens of here, now, and yesterday .  It's a part of life. We also know that when we let those worries pile up, they can quickly turn our stress levels up several notches. In order to stop this buildup, it's important to release the baggage of the past and focus on the here and now. Easier said than done, right? Stress Relieving Strategies  But, we have four effective strategies that have been proven to help most people with managing stress: Stress-Relief Strategy #1:  Embrace Mindfulness in the Present Decide right now to let go of yesterday's thoughts. Be entirely present—just this thought, this breath, this moment. Start with three deep breaths, releasing each one slowly. Picture every concern, problem, or unresolved issue melting away with each exhale....