Category: Healthy Chicago

Unhealthy Relationships With Food & Food As A Reward

Unhealthy Relationships With Food & Food As A Reward
The relationship that most people have with food is an unhealthy one.  I’m really no different in that, I still have good days and bad days, but I consistently work to get better, and I hope you do too.  I’ve struggled with binge eating and also the mindset that I should reward myself with food. ... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
March 21, 2014 at 1:41 pm
• 3 comments

Are You Treating The Cause, Or Only The Symptoms?

Are You Treating The Cause, Or Only The Symptoms?
I need to be honest with you, I hate prescription medications.  I realize that some serve a purpose and are actually helping to keep people alive and keep certain pieces of their body functioning, but there are so many out there which are only treating the symptoms of disease and not even addressing the cause. ... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
January 23, 2014 at 6:31 pm
• 1 comment

Holiday Party Survival Guide

Holiday Party Survival Guide
A lot of people tend to put their own health and fitness on the back shelf over the Holidays… claiming no time, no control, or simply no care.  Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s ok to have fun, but I encourage you to not let everything go down the pooper.  I have some... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
December 10, 2013 at 7:35 pm
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The Skinny On Starbucks' New La Boulange Pastries

The Skinny On Starbucks' New La Boulange Pastries
Admit it, you grab a pastry on the go more than you’d like to admit.  I’m going to raise my hand and admit guilt.  Sometimes you are on the go and it’s the only option between eating something or starving yourself (unless you’ve packed snacks, in which case you win!).  I’ve been seeing signs at... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
August 20, 2013 at 7:08 pm
• 6 comments

Homemade Remedies, Do They Work?

Homemade Remedies, Do They Work?
I’m all about healing the body in natural ways.  I actually avoid medications as much as possible.  You know what?  It works!  When I focus on taking in the proper nutrients, my body takes care of itself rather nicely… and this is coming from someone diagnosed with Hashimoto’s.  My symptoms are virtually non-existent if my... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
June 17, 2013 at 12:52 pm
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The Superhero Fitness Challenge Returns To C2E2!

The Superhero Fitness Challenge Returns To C2E2!
Last year the Superhero Fitness Challenge made a splash at C2E2 (Chicago’s BEST Entertainment and Pop Culture convention) by being the only health and fitness related booth there!  People engaged in our fitness challenge and earned great prizes!  We brought an excitement for living healthier lives into an area where it’s been pretty non-existent up... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
April 12, 2013 at 3:11 pm
• 3 comments
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What the HECK am I supposed to eat, anyways?

What the HECK am I supposed to eat, anyways?
It seems that every day we find out that another supposedly “healthy” food may not be quite as healthy as we thought.  Hormones in milk (possibly aspartame soon), pesticides on vegetables, genetically modified soy (GMO) and other foods, cancerous causing meats, stomach upsetting wheat… I mean, really, what can we eat anymore?  It all seemed... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
March 13, 2013 at 3:22 pm
• 1 comment

Spice Up Your Healthy Eating To Stop Food Boredom

Spice Up Your Healthy Eating To Stop Food Boredom
“Eating healthy is so boring,” is a phrase I hear a lot as a fitness instructor.  The truth is that it’s not boring; but the other truth is that most people don’t have a clue what is considered healthy eating (or, at least, how to add variety).  Most people fall back on frozen veggies and... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
February 26, 2013 at 1:00 pm
• 4 comments

The Benefits Of Working Out With A Partner/Buddy & Great Couples Fitness Ideas

The Benefits Of Working Out With A Partner/Buddy & Great Couples Fitness Ideas
It’s no brain science… having an accountability partner with exercise and nutrition is VERY valuable.  If you are part of a couple (married, relationship, siblings, or even simply friends) you will find great support if you can get the other person on the bandwagon with you!  So, rather than fall victim to the same ol’... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
February 12, 2013 at 3:25 pm
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Top Fitness Gifts For Beginners And Advocates This Christmas

FitBit Fitness Tracking Device. There are lots of calorie counting devices out there, but this one seems to be the easiest to use at the best price. I haven't tried it, myself, but I've tried others. My friend, who uses this device, says it's great because it's tiny, it syncs with devices great (and with MyFitnessPal.com), it's accurate, it has a great social function, and so much more. I'm thinking I may have to get one for myself (because I've been underwhelmed by the BodyBugg, BodyMedia, and Nike Fuel Band options). http://www.fitbit.com/ (you can read my friend's full review of this device here: http://geekfitguy.tumblr.com/post/36075253611/my-first-day-with-the-fitbit-one)
Fitness is a touchy subject when it comes to giving people gifts, as you don’t want to risk offending someone or getting someone something that they didn’t ask for.  That being said, before I get into my gift suggestions, I want to give you some tips for when it comes to buying fitness related gifts... Read more »
By Melanie Bolen,
December 4, 2012 at 3:18 pm
• 1 comment