Relax & Reclaim

This seems like it should be obvious to anyone trying to lose weight. However, we do get emails from time to time from readers that may be having a hard time trying to stick to a consistent meal plan. So, let's not come down too hard on them. This time we got a series of emails from some folks that are apparently needing a little more guidance.  So let's share some facts, shall we? The Fat Facts Obesity affects up to 2/3 of all Americans. It's gotten to the point where you have more options for fast "food" now than at any other point in history. Food delivery services are almost as numerous as the restaurants for which they deliver. All of this readily available fast food can only equal into less-healthy eating habits.  You could even conclude that eating non-home cooked meals can jeopardize your weight loss efforts. The Fat Stats Recent statistics reveal a sharp uptick in this trend. Roughly, sixty percent of Americans order delivery or takeout at least once a we...

Let’s face it—ditching that morning coffee? Not happening for most of us.  You probably already knew this but, around 90% of Americans start their day with some form of caffeine, whether it's coffee, an energy drink, or a scoop of pre-workout.  The upside? That daily ritual could actually be working with your body, especially if you’re active and mindful about your health. Sure, scientists used to call it “trimethylxanthine” (sounds like something out of a Marvel movie), but luckily “caffeine” stuck.  And when used right, it’s more than just a wake-up call—it can give your workouts a legit boost, help with soreness, and speed up recovery.  Let’s break down what the newest studies are saying—and how to use caffeine in a way your body will thank you for. Black coffee in a cup  Updated Benefits of Caffeine (Backed by Science) 1. Go Longer, Go Harder Caffeine helps delay fatigue by increasing the fatty acids in your bloodstream, which your body...

Yeah, you read that right...   Go eat a rainbow!  This summer, a colorful plate might be the easiest health hack ever. Believe that! Why eating colors is so important  Summer’s here.  Long days, iced drinks, and sandals everywhere. Colors are popping—on dresses, in sunsets, even in our cocktails.   But take a quick glance at your plate… does it look like it belongs in the season? If not, it’s time for a change. And no, not the sugary kind. Think real color. Think fruits and veggies. The kind of colors that do more than just look pretty on your feed. They feed your brain , fuel your body, and lift your mood. Let’s get into what those colors actually mean. man eating a rainbow in a diner 🥦 Green: Protects Your Sight, Calms Your Gut Spinach, broccoli, kale, kiwi, green grapes yeah, those guys. They’re full of lutein and zeaxanthin, which shield your eyes from harsh light and lower your risk of eye diseases down the line. And leafy greens like bok choy ...

Summertime is almost here, folks! Time to break out the new summer recipes for your enjoyment! We've got a couple of really good ones for you.  They are delicious and (of course) full of vitamins and necessary nutrients to help you stay on target with your healthy lifestyle goals! As with all our recipes here on Relax and Reclaim , you'll be getting the easiest preparation instructions to make sure that you can duplicate the recipe(s) and (if you like) modify it to your own taste! Try preparing them (or have someone else do it for you) & let everybody know what you think. Comments are always welcome. A Simple Summer Salad 3 cups chicken stock 1 cup wild rice 1 tablespoon of lemon juice 1 tablespoon of lime juice 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 3  kiwi fruit , peeled and diced 1 cup seedless red or green grapes ,  halved 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts Preparation: Place broth i...

Curious About Going Raw? Here's What to Know Before You Dive In “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates  We’ve all grown up hearing it: eat your vegetables! But for some folks, that message goes a step further—into the realm of raw food. If you're wondering what it's about or thinking of giving it a shot, let’s break it down in everyday language. Eat your vegetables! So, What Is a Raw Food Diet? At its core, a raw food diet means eating mostly (or entirely) uncooked and unprocessed stuff. Think fresh fruits, crisp veggies, sprouted grains, nuts, seeds, and fermented treats. The key idea? Keep your food under about 117°F (47°C) to preserve its natural enzymes. These enzymes might help with digestion and nutrient absorption—but your body already does a solid job of making its own. Worth noting: Some foods are actually better for you when cooked. Cooked tomatoes, for instance, pack a more powerful antioxidant punch, and steamed s...

Warmer weather is here and you're ready for it, right? So let's check to make sure you've got everything you need, okay? Sunscreen? Check.  Oversized beach hat? Check.  That sleek new swimsuit you swore you’d earn with those winter workouts? Check... Wait a second—what gives? You're still not sliding into that swimsuit like you planned? Is the scale stuck? Picture it: You’ve been grinding hard — sweating it out like a champ , eating clean , staying focused . But now? The scale’s acting like it forgot how to count. Zero movement. Nada. For days. Maybe even weeks. yelling at the scale never works  Totally maddening, right? You’re putting in the work... but your body’s playing hard to get. Don’t throw in the towel just yet, Relax and Reclaim's got your back! Your body runs on rhythms and routines. If you can figure out what’s going on under the hood, you can crack the code and figure out the patterns to get things moving again. Let’s break down s...

What can you do to improve your health overall? Work out? Eat right? Well, when it comes to improving your health—whether physical, emotional, or mental—we often find ourselves looking backward.  We try to analyze the patterns, the triggers, the “why” behind how we got here. And while that self-reflection matters, there’s something just as important that we often overlook: what we choose to do next. If you can change your mind (or change HOW your mind perceives things) you can change your world. Let's do this! Understanding the Power of “What’s Next” It’s common to fixate on the events or habits that left us feeling broken, stuck, or off balance. Maybe it was burnout, chronic stress, a health scare, or a series of poor choices. But pinpointing the cause of our struggles isn't the same thing as healing from them. This unfortunately, keeps us in the victimhood mindset. Rather than staying stuck in the "why," try asking: "How can I make this situation into a ste...