Relax & Reclaim

We caught a lot of heat from some readers about our last article on this diet option. We decided it was a good idea to highlight some counterpoints on this subject for fairness sake.  So, please don't hate us: Fibermaxxing is having a moment. Suddenly fibermaxxing feels like it's everywhere Fibermaxxing didn’t come out of nowhere—it rode the wave of a much bigger shift. Search interest in things like “ gut health ,” “ fiber foods ,” and “ blood sugar balance ” has been climbing steadily, and now the internet has done what it always does: packaged it into a trend with a name. “ Fibermaxxing ” just happens to be the version that stuck. Scroll long enough and you’ll see it framed as the missing piece: better gut health , fewer cravings, smoother digestion , more stable energy. Add some chia , hit 40 grams, fix your life. And to be fair, fiber does matter. Most people probably need more of it. But whenever a single nutrition idea gets this much momentum, it’s wo...

Have you ever noticed how certain foods seem to call your name when you're stressed? Maybe it's cookies after a long day. Or potato chips while watching the evening news. Or that bowl of ice cream that somehow appears during a rough week. Stress and food cravings are closely connected, and many people turn to so-called comfort foods when life gets overwhelming. But, is there any good news? Maybe. Understanding why these cravings happen can make them much easier to manage. cookies ala remote The Stress–Comfort Food Connection When your body experiences stress, it releases hormones designed to help you cope with challenges. One of the most important is cortisol, often called the stress hormone. Cortisol can increase your appetite and make you crave quick energy foods , especially those high in sugar, salt, and fat. In other words, the very foods we tend to label as “comfort foods.” These foods can temporarily boost feel-good chemicals in the brain like dopamine, which is why...

Think of Fibermaxxing as the 2026 evolution of the early-2020s “high protein” craze. Back then, wellness culture was basically: hit 150g of protein, chug your shaker, repeat .  Protein still matters, obviously—but people are finally admitting something out loud: protein alone doesn’t automatically fix your gut, your skin, or those mid-afternoon energy crashes. Fibermaxxing can be beneficial for many people, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain gastrointestinal conditions like IBS or IBD. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before significantly increasing fiber intake. Some side effects of fibermaxxing include gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea, especially if fiber intake is increased too quickly. It's important to gradually increase fiber and stay hydrated to minimize these issues. That’s where Fibermaxxing comes in. * This article isn’t meant to strongly support or dissuade your decis...

Did you know that one of the worst things you can do to your body while trying to diet is to follow an actual diet plan? Sounds preposterous doesn't it? Let's rephrase that: “One of the worst things you can do to your body while dieting is diet plan inflexibility?” What does that even mean?  We’ve created a list here of diet do’s and do not’s. We're not saying everyone does this, but some of us have done at least a couple of these at one time or another: 1. All-or-Nothing Thinking Clearing out your cupboards and swearing off anything that isn’t green or grilled might sound brave—but it’s not sustainable. Our bodies don’t like extremes. Cut too much, and you’ll slow your metabolism . Then comes the binge. Then guilt. Slip up? Keep going. Don’t toss the whole day for a few bites. a man working out and resisting a cheeseburger  2. Same Food, Every Day Eating grilled chicken with broccoli six nights a week? Rough. Your body needs a mix of nutrients —...

I was recently talking with a friend of mine about healthy foods and alternatives for nuts for folks that have nut allergies.  She mentioned that certain seeds can be safely consumed and still provide the necessary nutrients that nuts carry.  Then, it came to me:  Seeds represent the starting point of life. The image of a seed represents the very definition of a new beginning not to mention how tasty they can be. We often think of nuts as the gold standard for healthy snacking, but for those navigating nut allergies—or just looking to diversify their diet—seeds are the unsung heroes of the pantry. ​Think about it: a seed contains everything necessary to grow an entire plant. They are literally the "starting point of life," packed with a concentrated blueprint of energy, minerals, and healthy fats. If you’re looking for a fresh start in your wellness journey, look no further than these four tiny giants. ​1. Hemp Seeds (The Misunderstood Superfood) ​Years ago,...

Thank you to our loyal blog visitors for your ongoing support and feedback, which helps us enhance your experience here on Relax and Reclaim .  We’ve noticed a strong interest in our recent posts about natural skincare . You've asked us to focus on anti-aging solutions for individuals with specific skin concerns.  In response to your requests, we are excited to announce that we will be expanding our content in this area to better serve your needs starting with this article. staying flawless takes effort  Save Your Face Let's face it (no pun intended), skin issues are the gift that just keeps on giving. Many of us deal with these annoying problems every single day!  Our skin, especially our lovely faces, receive a huge barrage of heat, dust, and not-so-clean air. These ongoing attacks can lead to skin issues like aging and wrinkles.  What’s behind this aging drama? Well, it’s a mix of genetics and those ever-present UV rays from the sun. But, ...

We all have at least one friend or family member that we sometimes disagree with on one subject or another.  Some subjects tend to raise more controversy than others. In the end though, it always ends in a draw or at least the proverbial agreement to “not agree”.  The person I am referring to is one of my best friends ever. We grew up together in the same neighborhood and we share a lot of mutual interests and opinions. Except for the subject of fasting for health . He is of the persuasion that you don't have to “starve” (read: fast) yourself in order to obtain optimal health. I, of course, disagree with that…insinuation.  Here at Relax and Reclaim, we want to give you the facts about all the topics we discuss and let YOU decide for yourself. So, this article is dedicated to my friend and anyone else who may have the same or similar viewpoint. glass of water with lemon and lime in it What’s Fasting, Anyway? Fasting simply means going without food for a set amount of t...