Author Archives : Bel Marra Health

I had cereal from a box almost every morning growing up. It’s convenient, tasty (especially with miniature marshmallows) and, once you add your milk, you’ve got pretty much a complete meal with calcium, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins. Mom always had us eating a bit of fresh fruit, too, to cover all the nutritional basis. ...click here to read more

I love it when my friend’s dog, Doug, actually does as he’s told. Like stop jumping all over me as soon as I try to sit down on the couch when I’m visiting. Or snatching up my purse with drooling jaws and hiding it in another room, just for fun. Who wants jaw prints on ...click here to read more

My husband was at a conference recently about communications and what people really want to know about (when information is instantaneous in our digital age). He works in public relations – which means he’s good at talking his way out of unloading the dishwasher and putting away the laundry because of other “pressing” matters, and ...click here to read more

I’m the eldest of three girls, and my dad always appreciated my tomboy side growing up. I liked watching Hockey Night in Canada with him (he can shake a handful of nuts and toss them into his mouth like nobody I know), throwing a baseball back and forth in the backyard, playing ping pong and ...click here to read more

A friend of a mine spends every single weekend at her younger sister’s house to take care of their mom (and give her sister’s family a break). The mom has Alzheimer’s disease, she must be close to 80, and the family is committed to caring for her as long as they can at home. You ...click here to read more

Americans just keep getting fatter, it’s true, but did you know that sleep deprivation could play a role in tipping the scales? Studies have connected sleep, eating and weight in adults and older children. Now new research published in the International Journal of Obesity has found that the same may hold true for younger children ...click here to read more

The next time you crave some salt on your potatoes (or those fresh garden tomatoes), live a little! Grab that salt shaker for a quick sprinkling. Recommended levels of sodium are now considered lower than what’s necessary, and the lower amounts are even linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Sodium Guidelines Too Restrictive ...click here to read more

Alright, admit it. How many times have you caved in to the creaminess of a full-fat latte or frozen yogurt? It’s an indulgence you don’t necessarily need to worry about. In fact, if you want to reduce your body fat, you may want to try consuming more whole-fat dairy products. Bring back the full fat! ...click here to read more