Health and Human Services Professional Development

Eating for Energy: 4 Easy Tips by   Natasha Chong Cole, MPH, RD   on   June 5, 2014   We get it – you’re busy. You barely have time to sleep, much less go to the gym or cook a homemade meal. You fall asleep in class or at your desk, and you zone out every 15 minutes.  The good news is that nutrition can help improve your energy situation. The bad news is that none of these tips are a replacement for actual sleep, so be sure to catch your zzzzs 1.     Stay hydrated.  The human body needs adequate water to function, and sometimes fatigue is simply a result of dehydration.  Carry a water bottle with you as a constant reminder. Also, beware of vitamin waters, sports drinks, and energy drinks, which can contain a lot of sugar and/or caffeine. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try jazzing it up with  fruit or herbs .  Check out:  Better Beverage Finder 2.      Eat often . Meal timing is an importan...

You had me at…,”Would you like some water?” by   Guest Author, Sylvia Crowder   on   July 29, 2014   It is a challenge to stay properly hydrated, especially during summer.  Hydration status is essential in improving one’s overall health and well-being and plays a vital role in both physical and cognitive functioning.  Water plays numerous roles in the body (e.g. regulating body temperature, controlling blood pressure, and transporting nutrients) making daily consumption essential. Even a mild dehydration can affect one’s mental and physical performance.  Here are some points to remember when you are in the heat: Prevent dehydration.  Anyone can become dehydrated.  You may be especially at risk if you engage in physical activity, travel often, or lack appropriate beverages.  Carry a refillable water bottle  as a reminder to drink eight glasses daily.  Do not forget that fluid requirements increase as higher intensity e...

Eating on a Budget: 5 Ways to Fill Your Belly When Your Wallet is Empty by   Natasha Chong Cole, MPH, RD   on   August 8, 2014 Eating healthy does not have to be expensive.  Here are 5 ways to stretch your food budget: 1.       Drink More Water Instead of spending money on bottled drinks, invest in a  filtered water bottle  and refill often! Bottled water is no different from tap water in terms of  safety . If you’re not a fan of plain water, here are some  tips  on how to make drinking water taste better. 2.       Plan Your Menus Check out deals at your local grocery store and plan meals based on what’s on sale. Create menus and  grocery lists  in advance and stick to your budget! 3.       Bulk Cook and Freeze Once you plan your menus then the next step is to find recipes that you can bulk cook and freeze. Bulk and  fr...