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...

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....

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, and while its causes are complex, nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining healthy hair growth. Understanding the relationship between vitamins , minerals, and hair health can help you make informed decisions about your diet and supplementation. B The B-vitamin family is crucial for hair health, but it's important to understand their specific roles. B vitamins, particularly biotin (B7), niacin (B3), and B12, contribute to the creation of red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Research suggests that deficiencies in these vitamins may contribute to hair loss. Key B Vitamins for Hair Health: - Biotin (B7) supports the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair - Niacin (B3) improves blood circulation to the scalp - B12 helps create red blood cells that nourish hair follicles - B6 helps the body process protein, which is essential for hair structure A Vitamin A and essential fatty acids work tog...

This is a very different article from what you're probably used to seeing here on Relax & Reclaim. As you all know, this blog is all about natural and alternative treatment methods for health maintenance and remedies. So, before you start assuming that there's been a change in policy around here, keep in mind that balance is also just as important. As a result, this post is to inform you about  the dangers  associated with fake or low quality remedies and treatments. It even covers the tried-and-true remedies and methodologies many of you are familiar with. Not every remedy is good for everyone. With that said let's get into this discussion! Herbal remedies have a reputation for being safe and natural, but it’s important to approach them with care. Nature offers powerful tools for improving health , but these tools can be unpredictable. If you’re thinking about incorporating herbs into your routine, here are some essential points to consider. "herbal" lab w...

Raw foods are an excellent choice for maintaining good health and achieving a balanced diet. Raw foods are not for everyone, but they do have their benefits for someone pursuing better health and weight loss. Is The Raw Food Diet Good For Humans? We live in a world of convenience, often filled with highly processed meals and snacks. It’s easy to forget what we’re really feeding our bodies. Have we turned into food landfills instead of the nutrient-absorbing beings we’re meant to be?  It might be time to rethink our habits and rediscover the power of raw foods. Again, I must emphasize that raw diets aren’t for everyone, but even small changes—like adding a raw meal here and there—can make a big difference. Let’s explore the benefits, challenges, and simple ways to embrace raw eating. raw foods on display What Can You Eat During A Raw Food Diet ? At its core, a raw food diet focuses on eating natural, unprocessed foods—often fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds—in their most basic...