Meditation can help with weight loss. Never thought about it that way? Reflecting on why you have certain thoughts can help you resist temptation. They’re actually very good questions: Why do you eat unhealthy foods? What makes you reach for a bag of chips in the evening? It’s usually because you’re seeking comfort. You’re trying…
Activity trackers and pedometers have a beneficial impact on our movement habits and consequently on our body weight. On November 7th, a kinesiology researcher completed a PhD on this topic, showing that trackers are indeed effective. Twenty trackers were studied, and their accuracy was assessed. Most devices proved reliable, although they often struggle to measure…
Mandarins — the perfect fruit for this time of year. Combined with mushrooms and parsnip, they make a unique and healthy Dutch-style mash (stamppot)! Ingredients (serves 4): 3 mandarins 250 ml water 800 g floury potatoes, diced 500 g parsnip, diced 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp coarse mustard 150 ml low-fat milk 150 g…
Each year, a Dutch National Food Consumption Survey is conducted to find out: what are we actually eating, collectively, in the Netherlands? The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) compared what Dutch people ate in the period 2012–2016 to the previous survey from 2007–2010. More than 4,300 adults and children took part…
You hear about it more and more: burnout. It’s starting to feel like an epidemic — we all know someone who’s on sick leave due to exhaustion. But burnout is not the same as being overstressed. The difference is that overstress can usually be reversed if the source of stress is removed. With burnout, you’re…
Exercise can and should be fun. So put on some music while you run — it actually improves your workout! But how? Music keeps your brain focused on the sound, rather than on demotivating thoughts like “my legs hurt,” “I don’t feel like it,” “I still have so far to go,” or “it’s cold.” Instead,…
Looking for something tasty yet healthy? This light crumble with oats and fruit is delicious! With just a few ingredients and low in calories, it’s a simple treat you can whip up in no time. Perfect as a start or end to your day — or as a little indulgence in between. Ingredients (for 1…
March is a month of transition. The days are getting longer, nature is coming back to life, and we often feel the urge to be more active. But this shift can also bring feelings of tiredness or restlessness. One of the best ways to keep your energy and wellbeing steady is by creating a consistent…
Give yourself a moment of calm during these cold, dark months.A simple meditation is a great way to unwind and release stress. Grab a warm blanket, find a quiet spot in your home, and follow these steps for a short winter evening meditation: Winter Evening Meditation in 5 Minutes Set the moodDim the lights, light…
A more extreme but also popular form of low-carb eating is the ketogenic diet. In this article, we’ll explain what it actually involves. On average, an adult gets about 40 to 70% of their daily energy from carbohydrates. That’s roughly 200 to 350 grams per day, coming from sources like pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, fruit,…
October is true pumpkin season — and there are endless ways to use this fascinating vegetable. Like carrots, pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene. Ingredients (serves 6): 1 onion 150 g uncooked risotto rice 3 tablespoons oil 75 g Parmesan cheese 400 g pumpkin, cubed 1 teaspoon sage 500 ml vegetable broth 200 g spinach 6…
Daily movement is one of the most important types of physical activity — because you do it most often. In fact, healthy daily movement does more for your health than an hour at the gym. So how can you build more movement into your daily life? An easy one: take the stairs instead of the…
