Optimum Vitality Blog

Bibliotherapy: Healing Through Reading Bibliotherapy is the use of books to encourage healing, improve emotional wellness and treat mental disorders. The concept is not new. In ancient Greece, the library of Thebes was considered “a healing place for the soul.” In 1916, Atlantic Monthly published an article called “A Literary Clinic” where the author shares…

Better Balance With pH Concentrated Minerals As you may recall from your high school chemistry class, pH stands for “potential of hydrogen.” Simply put, it’s a measure of the relative acidity and alkalinity of a solution. Without getting too scientific, here’s what pH means for you and your body: The pH scale goes from 0…

All About Dietary Fat Dietary fat is one of three macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and protein. It is used in the body as a source of energy, similar to carbohydrates. Your brain is largely made of fat, and some degree of body fat helps regulate hormones and provide energy during times of fasting. Fat has been misunderstood…

A Word About Glycerin In Food Glycerin is becoming one of the most commonly added ingredients in many food products, especially liquid stevia. Glycerin in food, in personal care products or in any other form is not approved on the SHAPE Program. What is glycerin? Also known as glycerol, glycerin is a sugar alcohol that…

All About Dietary Protein Protein is a macronutrient that helps to build and maintain muscle and tissue (other macronutrients are fat and carbohydrates). Protein is made up of amino acids and is required in every cellular function. Some protein exists naturally within our bodies, and some is required through food. This protein, known as dietary…

All About Dietary Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are one of three macronutrients, along with fat and protein. They are a source of energy found in foods like fruit, vegetables, grains, corn, bread, flour, pasta and beans. Dietary carbohydrates are divided into two categories: simple and complex. Simple Carbohydrates Simple carbohydrates consist of one or two sugar molecules (i.e. saccharides). These…

Before You (Literally) Lose Your Mind, Try This What a strange time we are currently living in right now. The stress and emotions you are feeling are valid. While most stress is unavoidable, it is possible for you to still feel strong, happy and healthy during stressful times. At Optimum Vitality, we are invested in…

5 Reasons Why Most Diets Fail Have you ever wondered why most diets fail? Perhaps you’ve tried every diet out there, only to be disappointed over and over again. You work so hard, you’re so hungry, and you spend hours in the gym, all for just a few lost pounds. Or, maybe you’ve even gained…

Monday Motivation in Middleton “Shape Works, When Nothing Else Has” Most of us have stories. We’ve been through, well, a lot. If I challenged you to name one person you know that hasn’t struggled, sacrificed, or endured a hardship, could you? I can’t. In each of us, there’s a fire that keeps burning. There’s a…

Monday Motivation in Middleton “Plateaus- A Cry For Help” Most of us have stories. We’ve been through, well, a lot. If I challenged you to name one person you know that hasn’t struggled, sacrificed, or endured a hardship, could you? I can’t. In each of us, there’s a fire that keeps burning. There’s a desire…