Do I have to take my vitamin D in the summer?

A lot of people ask me, “I spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer. Can I quit taking my vitamin D supplement?” That really depends. There are many variables to consider: What is ‘a lot’? The difference between how much time we think we’re spending outdoors and how much we actually spend could be quite different. Likely if

What is it about Dairy?

What is it specifically about dairy that causes inflammation? Sugar? Is it what the cow eats? These questions were recently posed to me on my Facebook page. I thought it was worth sharing again. The simple answer is – yes! But it’s more complicated than that, and dairy isn’t always inflammatory for everyone. The dairy food group contains a mix

6 Steps to Overcoming Cravings

Most people are well into their New Year’s Resolution plan by this time of year and have likely made some progress in reaching their goals. Right about now in the process, however, is when the honeymoon phase has worn off, and the actual work of changing habits begins. It’s also the time when most progress begins to slow down, and

My LEAP Story by Kristina

Kristina’s LEAP Story Click here My name is Kristina and this is my LEAP story. My headaches started in high school. My junior and the first part of my senior year were mostly spent in bed. I had headaches nearly every day. I was so sick from the pain, I couldn’t go to school because lying down was the only

I’ll Take My Coffee Black

I love my morning coffee. Especially as the days grow cooler and darker, there’s nothing that smells as good as fresh brewed coffee or warms my cold hands like a hot mug. Coffee has been the center of much debate over the years as it relates to health. Often times when a person has onset of health complications, the first

What’s all the Fuss about Fasting?

Fasting, the exercise of going prolonged periods of time without food, has been practiced in many cultures for centuries as a way to restore clear thinking and optimal body function, as well as connect with one’s spirituality. Lately, it’s been touted as the newest and best method for weight loss. There are many approaches to fasting. They can vary in

Your Prescriptions May Be Harming Your Nutritional Status

Nearly everyone takes a prescription medication at one time or another in their lifetime. Some medications manage acute conditions and others manage chronic disease symptoms. All medications, whether taken short or long term, have specific functions designed to eliminate or manage symptoms. Unfortunately, they also have some drawbacks that most people are unaware of:  every medication causes at least one

What the Health- I watched it, see what I thought about it

I admit.  I watched it. WHAT THE HEALTH I bet you’re dying to know what I think! Curiosity got me again. I’ve seen several documentaries that depict the disturbing nature of food production. We would be wise to be concerned. I agree with this author’s perspective that plant-based eating is better for our health, better for our environment, and better

My Leap Story by Maddy

Life Before LEAP Click here. My name is Maddy, and I’m a 20-year-old college student studying public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a very busy and engaged student, I am heavily involved with two campus organizations and two honor societies, I work 20-40 hours a week as a resident advisor for the housing department,