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BEST WHOLE SELF
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 Blog

Oatmeal cookie balls

12/22/2020

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This is the PERFECT healthy substitute to your classic holiday favorites--oatmeal cookies!

Without the use of refined sugar or flour yet not skimping on flavor, these balls of deliciousness are perfect to enjoy as a snack, with a cup of coffee for breakfast, or as a quick pre-workout fuel to hold you over without weighing you down!

Oatmeal Cookie Balls

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup (dry) oatmeal
  • 2/3 cup toasted unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:

  1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
  2. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine are about 1″ in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  3. Makes about 20-25 balls.

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Winter quinoa salad

11/22/2020

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Looking for a delicious side to your festive holiday dinner?  Do you want a quick, easy lunch that you can make ahead of time?  Or, would you like an any-time side that adds protein and brightness to your meal?

This Winter Quinoa Salad has it all!


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Winter Quinoa Salad


(Serves:  8)


Ingredients:
2 medium butternut squash or sweet potato, About 3 cups, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
5 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 cup Quinoa
2 cups Chicken Stock, Or vegetable stock
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
1 cup Fresh spinach
1/3 cup Chopped Italian Parsley
1/3 cup Thinly Sliced Scallions
1/2 cup Roasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds
1/2 cup Feta Cheese
1/2 cup Fresh Pomegranate Seeds (optional)
Salt and Pepper




Directions:


1.  Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.  Place the butternut squash on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3.  Heat the remaining olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the quinoa to the pan and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the chicken or vegetable stock and a generous pinch of salt.
4.  Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn down the heat to low and cover the pan; cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all of the liquid. Take the pan off the heat and allow the quinoa to rest for 5 minutes covered. Fluff with a fork.
5.  Transfer the quinoa to a large serving bowl. Gently fold in squash, dried cranberries, parsley, spinach, scallions, pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, and pomegranate seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


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One man's burden is another man's wife

6/15/2020

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Last week, the New York Times published an article in their Ethicist column titled "Is it OK to Dump Him Because of His Medical Condition?" where the writer was posed a question by a woman about whether or not it was ok to no longer see a guy she was dating because he told her he has Crohn 's Disease which causes him to visit the doctor frequently and follow a strict diet, and my lead to a shortened life expectancy.  

The author, in turn, replied, "You don’t owe it to anyone to accept that burden; indeed, if you think you don’t want such a life, you have a good reason not to enter into the relationship."

Ouch.  The word "burden" cuts like a knife, as that was my biggest fear when living with Crohn's prior to meeting my husband.  

One of the stories I often share is when I was hanging out with friends at a local pool and couple of guys approached us to talk.  When asked how we met, I said I met my one friend through the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, as I have Crohn's Disease.  His reply was something I will never forget. 

He said, "Oh, a friend of mine has Crohn's.  That sucks.  Well, you better hope you are married in three years because then you are going to have a bag and no one will want you."

No one will want you.  

Those words hit harder than anything I have ever heard in my life, and 7 years later, still sting.  This also came after a previous relationship where I was told, "I didn't sign up for this" while I lay in the hospital with a flare, extremely vulnerable and sick.  

Burden.
No one will want you.
I didn't sign up for this.

Unfortunately, many Crohn's (or any chronic illness) patients hear these words when looking for their life partner.  But, I will make a bold statement and say...THAT'S OK.  It is ok that some think we are a burden, or an inconvenience and that they don't want to deal with it.  And, you know why? Because it weeds those people out of our lives.  It prevents us from finding the wrong people and makes room for the right one.  

Just like they don't want to be with a person who has a chronic illness, I don't want to be with a person who resents me. 

I remember laying in the hospital bed talking to my gastrointestinal (GI) team about my surgery back in February 2014, and getting extremely upset about what that means for me and my future, and (of course) my scar.  My GI must have read my mind because he grabbed my big toe at the end of the hospital bed and said,

"Don't worry. Any guy who cares about that scar isn't worth it."   

And he couldn't be more right.

Three weeks after my surgery, I met my husband.  While I didn't share the fact that I had Crohn's until after a few dates, he never once minded that I was living with a chronic illness.  His response to me telling him was, "Ok. Well, everyone has something." And that was it.  It was never an issue.  He never worried if it would ruin our plans, make it difficult to have children, be an embarrassment to his family, or prevent us from dining at certain restaurants because of my restricted diet.  

I was never a "burden" to him.  And that is the type of person I had to find to spend the rest of my life with.

My point is, it is ok for those to think being with someone with a chronic illness is a burden.  Just like it is ok for someone not to want to date someone with kids.  We all have our preferences, and that is how we end up finding our partners.  I think it helps to eliminate those who aren't a good fit for us, as I surely wouldn't want to cause resentment in my relationship just because he thought it was rude to not date me because of my illness. 

You don't like my illness? That's ok.  Someone else won't mind.  Someone else won't call me a burden.  He will call me his wife.


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Celebrating mother's day in 2020

5/7/2020

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I know. Another holiday, another day spent virtually sending hugs the ones you love and not getting to enjoy it to the fullest.

Mother's Day is Sunday and it is likely that you will not be celebrating it the way you wanted. 

Traditionally, moms might go out for brunch or spend the day doing an activity they enjoy like shopping or getting a spa treatment.  But, this year, things will have to change...somewhat.

Regardless of whether or not your traditional Mother's Day plans have changed, you still deserve to be treated like the queen that you are--or treat that special Mom in your life like the queen that she is. 

And here's Ways to Treat Yourself (and others) Like a Rockstar Mom:

1.  Do something special for yourself.
Bummed that you cannot see your Mom, kids, grandkids, godchildren, etc. this weekend? Do something that makes you happy that is special.  Make your favorite recipe or do some online shopping from a store you wouldn't normally shop.  Or, just spend a few hours watching your favorite movie uninterrupted.  The sky is the limit, my friends, and you do not have to leave your house to do it.

2.  Think outside the box.
If you normally see your mom on Mother's Day, show her you care through a thoughtful gift that is literally outside the box.  Send her a "fruit of the month club" subscription, or an e-gift card to a spa that you can enjoy together at a later date (this will also help local businesses at this time!).  Do your best to create an experience, even if it means in the future.

3.  Rely on technology.
Using Zoom or FaceTime is the norm these days, so why not use it for a group "hang out" with your special women on Sunday?  Do a group FaceTime with your family rather than just one person at a time, and rather than just talking, play a game or have everyone dress up in a theme (80's prom, anyone??).  You can also suggest everyone bring their favorite family photos to the hang out or if you are using Zoom, you can share them from your computer.  Do whatever it takes to make these unusual circumstances memorable for a good reason!

4.  Don't dwell on it too much.
It's one day. And, while the calendar says "Mother's Day", it doesn't mean that you cannot celebrate it another day, or every day, at another time.  If you are used to all getting together to celebrate all of the moms in your family, wait until later in the Summer and make it a fun bbq.  Or, use it as an excuse to celebrate a few times throughout the year. 
​Just because we "should" celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday doesn't mean you cannot create a special day again in the future.  Besides, moms deserve every day to be Mother's Day :)

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Staying healthy & sane during Covid-19

4/1/2020

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Life hasn't been easy lately.  We're stuck inside, cannot socialize, have a looming fear of contracting a virus for which there is no cure, and we have no idea when this madness will end.  

Most days, I am totally fine with staying indoors with my husband and 7-month old daughter since that means we are healthy and safe.  We have food, water, plenty of TP, laughter, health, and most importantly, each other.  However, there are days where I feel trapped and unable to see the light at the end of this tunnel, so I have to refocus on what can make my days "count", especially when they all seem to blur together.

Luckily(?) I have had some experience with being stuck indoors for extended periods of time during my Crohn's flares, so I have compiled a list of ways to feel normal and thrive during an otherwise abnormal and unstructured time.

1.  Keep your days as similar to your normal schedule as much as possible.

Get up at the same time that you would for work Monday-Friday.  Take a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast. Do everything you would normally do during the work day.  If you normally eat breakfast at 7am and then have a snack at 10am and lunch at 12:30pm, do that.  Don't use the excuse of WFH to lounge around and eat whenever you feel like it, or see food.  Keep your normal schedule (as much as possible) and you will feel more like your normal self.  This will also be beneficial when you transition back to work so that you do not have to start a new schedule and habit. 

2.  Take advantage of this time to start something new.

This is a new time for all of us, so why not try something new that can enhance your life?  Use this time to create  healthy habits such as doing a quick in-home workout before your morning shower or taking the time to meditate for 5 minutes before starting your day.  Or, register for free online courses to try a new skill or brush up on a subject you've been too busy to practice--like speaking a foreign language or playing an instrument.  Why not make this time like your cocoon from which you can emerge a new, better version of yourself because you do not have temptations to distract you from achieving something great?

3.  Set small daily goals.

The days have been blurring together.  Somedays, it is 8pm and I think "where did the time go, and what the heck did I do all day?"  This can leave you feeling empty and somewhat useless, so set small daily goals that will allow you to go to bed at night feeling accomplished.  Perhaps you can set a goal of checking in on three friends, or practicing the yoga pose you want to master for a half hour.  Maybe your goal is to workout for 60 minutes in between Zoom meetings.  And, don't forget about setting business goals if that is available to you.  Just because you are not physically in the office does not mean that you are less productive.

4.  Celebrate little wins.

This one can go a long way in a time where everything seems to be negative.  Notice small wins around you--the fact that you were able to get a same-day Amazon Fresh delivery, your kids didn't fight all day, you tried a new recipe and it turned out great, the sun came out!  Find things that are worth being grateful for and what has gone right in the day, as opposed to what is going wrong.

5.  Practice self-care.

I know this has become a buzz word lately, but stay with me on this one.  After my shower last night, I decided to do a mini facial with one of my store-bought face masks.  It was a small gesture, but something that made me feel pretty and pampered.  In a time where getting our hair and nails done is not possible, we can begin to feel drab and unkempt.  I, personally, don't feel like my typical self, and know we have a ways to go until we can have access to our beauty team, so why not bring the beauty into your own home and create a spa-like experience for yourself?  Go on YouTube and try new ways of styling your hair, or follow a makeup tutorial to try a new look. Find ways to be your own glam squad and even if it is just to go to the living room, make yourself feel pretty from the inside out.  And, put on real clothes once in a while. It will make you feel like a real human (although yoga pants are acceptable 80% of the time!).

6.  Eat well.

The same is true for your diet.  Putting good food into your body will not only boost your immune system which is critical at this time, but it will make you feel better mentally, too.  I know that eating comfort food is all too tempting right now (I helped myself to a bowl of pasta last night out of anxiety after watching the news.  Note to self: don't watch the news.)  but eating fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will help keep you feeling energized rather than sluggish.  And, in addition to not feeling lousy physically, you will not feel lousy emotionally since the guilt of indulging in cookies and chips will not be there.  Since grocery shopping has become limited, prioritize high-quality foods over junk food when filling your virtual cart, and use this time to fill your diet with healthy foods that will create healthy habits for when all of this is over and we all return to normal--because Summer is coming.





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a healthy take on cookies and hot chocolate

12/16/2019

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The holiday season is upon us and with that comes a magic duo--cookies and hot chocolate.  Annual traditions include making and decorating your favorite holiday cookie with your loved ones and kids, and what better way to cozy up after a day in the snow than with rich hot chocolate?

Enjoying your favorite holiday classics can be great, when in moderation.  However, if you find yourself using any excuse to eat a cookie or make some hot cocoa, then the extra sugar and calories will sneak up on you leaving you feeling bloated, exhausted (hello, sugar crash!), and with a little extra weight before the New Year.

So, I am taking this classic holiday duo and making it a lot lighter, yet just as tasty!  See below for my No-Bake Energy Bites and Christmas Coffee that will be your new Winter season favorite!!
(As seen on PHL17 Morning Show 12/17)

No-Bake Energy Bites


INGREDIENTS:
1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used gluten free old-fashioned oats)
2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup almond butter (or all-natural peanut butter)
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate chips)
1/3 cup honey  (or agave nectar)
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt


DIRECTIONS:

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for at least a half an hour.
Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine are about 1″ in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Makes about 20-25 balls.


Christmas Coffee

Ingredients:

1 cup light-medium roast coffee
Milk of your choice
1/2 tsp. cocoa powder
3 shakes of cinnamon

Directions:

Pour all ingredients in a coffee mug and stir until well blended.

Enjoy immediately.



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truly italian Eggplant rollatini

6/5/2019

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Makes 13 eggplant rolls


Ingredients:


1 medium-sized eggplant
salt
olive oil, for brushing
2 cups part skim ricotta cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella, divided
1/2 cup grated parmesan, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
3 fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves (stems removed)
1 jar (24-ounces) marinara sauce


Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Lightly grease a 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.


Prepare the eggplants.


3. Cut eggplant lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices; you should get about 13 slices total. (I use a Mandolin slicer which creates thin, even slices.)
4. Lay slices on a baking sheet; sprinkle with salt on both sides and let stand for about 10 minutes. Using paper towel, pat slices dry.
5. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil and transfer back to the baking sheets in a  single layer.
6. Roast the eggplant slices for about 8 minutes; flip over and continue to roast for about 5 more minutes, or until tender. (Pictured)
7. Remove from oven and let cool.


In the meantime, prepare the cheese filling.
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8. In a large mixing bowl combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/3 cup parmesan, basil, garlic, eggs, salt and pepper; mix until well incorporated.

9. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce onto the bottom of the previously prepared baking dish.
10. Divide spinach leaves among eggplant slices, creating a thin layer of spinach.  Then, spread ricotta mixture down the center of each slice. (Pictured)
11. Roll up prepared eggplant slices and place them seam-side down in  baking dish, over the marinara sauce.
12. Use any leftover cheese mixture to spoon around the eggplant rollups. (Pictured)
13. Top eggplant rollups with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. (Pictured)
14. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
15. Remove foil and continue to bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly.
16. Remove from oven and let stand for about 10 minutes.
17. Serve.

​

*Note: I actually use 1/2 of the jar of sauce on the eggplant rollatini and the remaining 1/2 as sauce for the side of pasta I serve with it.
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5 Years after my life-changing surgery...and life couldn't be more different

4/9/2019

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On April 10, 2014, I had a life-changing surgery for my Crohn’s Disease.  I had been avoiding this surgery for quite some time, but it was apparent that my bowel was too diseased for any medication to work, so 12 inches of my small intestine, and appendix, had to be removed.

Most of you know my story by now, so I will keep it brief.  I decided to make a complete lifestyle change, remove gluten and dairy from my diet, better manage stress, and had begun to prioritize my health (as we all should do but often don’t) in order to stop the endless cycle of being hospitalized, sick, and stressed.

So now, 5 years later, I have so much to reflect on, and be grateful, for that I honestly don’t even know where to start.

First, I am reminiscing when I was told in the Summer of 2013 that I “better hope I am married in three years because then you will have an [ileostomy] bag and no one will want you”.  That leads to me recalling the painful days in the hospital that were spent without food or drink due to “bowel rest” and endless IVs blowing through my veins because I was so dehydrated.

I cannot neglect to note the amount of work that I missed while I was a Financial Advisor due to being sick and debilitatingly exhausted, which of course had a negative domino effect to follow.  In addition to missing work, I missed out on countless social events with friends, had to leave vacations early to go directly from the airport to the ER due to a flare, and nearly missed my best friend’s wedding because of this chronic disease that just would not leave me alone.
You can imagine the wave of emotions I am feeling as I am typing this, looking at the 8x10 picture of my husband and I from our wedding on April 21, 2018, and seeing my growing baby bump that is our child’s home until September when we bring him/her into this wonderful world.

And honestly, had I been in the same condition I was 5 years ago, none of this would be possible.  I used to be terrified that I would be sick for my wedding day (which didn’t happen!).  I was concerned, not only about fertility issues due to my Crohn’s, but the ability to carry a child because my blood work results were always so poor.  I also knew that when I was ill, I had to put all of my focus on caring for myself, so could therefore not be responsible for another human being.

Lastly, in addition to my physical improvements, my mental health has greatly improved, which is equally as important when living well, and creating the life you want.  I have learned to meditate, deal with my emotions in a healthy way, not let things get me too down for too long, and to see the world in a brighter light.  This is often difficult when suffering from a chronic illness to be optimistic and happy, but it can be argued that much of the chronic suffering stems from the mind (total chicken and the egg situation).  Now that all of that is in check, I know I can great my future and raise my family in a healthy and emotionally stable environment.

As you can see, a lot has changed over the past 5 years.  I am healthy, living the life I always wanted, married to the guy I had always dreamed of, building the career I had always strived for, and most importantly, growing Baby Palumbo as best as I know how.  We don’t know why lies ahead of us, and if I could go back in time to April 10, 2014 I would tell myself that this is just the beginning of a beautiful life, and it starts today.

xo,
Julie
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Don't ever do a workout you don't enjoy. ever.

1/29/2019

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I am a huge advocate of only doing workouts that you like.  Some people may argue that you should do the workout that gives you the results you are looking for.  Others may say you should vary up the workouts to prevent muscle fatigue.

While I can get behind both of those (for various reasons), the main reason you should do any workout is because you like it.  Period.

Why should you only do workouts you like?

1.  You will actually do the workout.
2.  It will be beneficial to your body and mind
3.  You will see results
4.  It will be more of a hobby than a “chore”…and everyone likes doing hobbies
5.  Nothing will stop you from completing the workout
6.  Your life will be exponentially better


You will actually do the workout.

If you are going through a workout that is making you hate every single second, you may begin skimping on the number of reps or just quitting before the end of your session. It is better to enjoy the workout, complete it to your maximum potential, and get excited for the next time you get to work out.


It will be beneficial to your body and mind.

Health is more than just physical—it is important for your mind to be healthy, too.  By choosing a workout that you enjoy, you are both physically and mentally taking a break from your day, allowing yourself to step into a blissful sweat sesh.  This brief time away from your daily stressors is like a mini vacation for your mind.  Endorphins are pumping happy juice into your brain, making you feel happy, and since you are enjoying what you are doing, your mood naturally lifts right from the start.

When you choose a workout that you dislike, you are still producing endorphins which will give you the post-workout high, but your attitude during the workout will be negative, thus defeating the purpose of exercising.  Why not choose a workout that makes you happy while doing it, and for hours afterwards??


You will see results.

If you enjoy working out, you will continue to work out, eventually seeing results.  And, as I mentioned above, since working out is beneficial to the body and mind, you will see results in your mental health, too.

You don’t need the hardest workout to get results.  Whether it be weight loss, muscle definition, stamina, flexibility, or a combination of the above, there are endless workouts you can choose from that will allow you to reach your goals and make you happy while doing it.


It will be more of a hobby than a “chore”…and everyone likes doing hobbies

Sometimes, working out is a turnoff because we think of it as a “chore”.  We feel that we have to work out rather than thinking we get to work out.  When we frame it in our mind as something that we dread doing, it makes it a lot harder to actually do it.

The best way to think about a workout is to think of it as a hobby, and the best way to think of it as a hobby is to make it exactly that….because you love it.  Whether you like it because you see friends you made at the gym, listen to your favorite tunes, or just get a high from hitting your PR (personal record) every session—figure out what makes you like working out most and start practicing your favorite hobby 3-4 times per week.


Nothing will stop you from completing the workout

Per above, if you love little things about the workout like the atmosphere, people, music, etc. it will be very hard to get distracted and find an excuse not to go.  Choosing to workout in a beautiful yoga studio with a few of your newly made pals on your gorgeous yoga mat finally mastering your downward dog will always beat doing something else!


Your life will be exponentially better

Could you imagine if your love of going to bottomless brunch on Sundays led to a healthy heart and a great physique? Or if shopping made your skin glow and the pounds just fall off?  Switch out those two activities with doing a workout you love and those statements become true!

And, you will reap the emotional benefits of working out such as being happy and more confident.  Who doesn’t want that in their life?!


To end on a personal note, I will tell you my experience with doing a workout that I didn’t love vs. one I thoroughly enjoy.

You know that little spinning studio, SoulCycle?  The one all of stars do and that has taken over cities across the country?  Well, I tried it…twice.  It is only a block away from where I live so not only is it super convenient to get to, I thought “well if everyone else is doing it, I must be missing something great.”  Wrong.  I hated it.  Like really, really did not like it at all.  Throughout the entire 45 minute class I was angry, frustrated, and thinking of all the ways I could be spending my time than in that studio.  Sure, I got a great cardio workout in but who cares? I was miserable, (which is defeating the point of the workout! )

So, I tried it twice (to give it a fair shot) and then made  a promise to never do a workout I don’t enjoy again.  I stick to the local studio that I love where I have a great relationship with the instructors, see friends I made from attending classes there over the past 2 years, and honestly look forward to the classes I am about to take.  And that is what a true workout is—enjoyable, beneficial, results-producing, and down right awesome (for me).

xo,
Julie

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What are some (Data-Backed) Benefits of Wellness in the Workplace?

1/14/2019

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As you most likely know, I worked in the corporate world for 10 years.  From 2008-2018, my life was full of highly stressful days in the office, late nights entertaining clients, and very little time to take care of myself.

But, while I was building my career in the financial industry, I was also trying to manage my Crohn's Disease.  It was an endless vicious cycle of being sick and stressed--and it did not benefit anyone.

So, as I started to incorporate healthy habits into my schedule, as well as become certified in Nutrition and Health Coaching, I realized how important it was to bring these newly formed habits into the lives of others. 


While it still may be "taboo" to speak of self care in the workplace, below are 11 data-backed benefits of having wellness in the workplace.



1.  Increase healthy behavior & decrease the risk of lifestyle-related disease

In the conclusion of a Workplace Wellness Programs Study Report published byRand Health Quarterly, researchers write:

“Consistent with prior research, we find that lifestyle management interventions as a component of a wellness program can reduce risk factors, such as smoking, and increase healthy behaviors, such as exercise. We find that these effects are sustainable over time and clinically meaningful. This result is of critical importance, as it confirms that workplace wellness programs can help contain the current epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases, the main driver of premature morbidity and mortality as well as health care cost in the United States.”

A well-executed employee wellness program can actually make your employees healthier in the long run!  Why not offer an employee benefit that attracts and keeps incredible talent? 

2.  Increase engagement

A report conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit states that,

"Wellness programs align employer and employee goals more closely. They increase employee engagement with the company’s mission and goals. Employees are also more likely to see their own wellness as being linked with professional success. Companies that build a wellness culture thus acquire a workforce that is not only more focused and engaged, but that sees that culture as benefiting their careers.”

3.  Employees want them!

Experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed surveys to determine the overall perceptions of wellness programs from employee and employer perspectives. Their data analysis revealed that about 59.4% of employees think employers should attempt to improve the health of their workers.

With building competition among companies, why not use this as a recruitment tool to add more than just your standard benefits to your employment packages?  Stay ahead of the game and create an environment that will make your employees want to do well for you!

4.  Increase adaptability

Top researchers at Gallup found that employees who are engaged at work and also experience high levels of well-being were 45% more likely than other employees to adapt to change.

By implementing an employee wellness program, you can help your most engaged employees adapt to change, increasing their performance and reducing their stress levels.

5.  They provide a solid return on investment

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) performed a systematic review of programs that featured health risk assessments with feedback and health education. They found that for every dollar invested in health intervention, employees recouped between $1.40 and $4.60 in avoided medical costs and productivity losses.

Enough said!

6.  Boost productivity

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine stated that when employees leveraged wellness programs to make lifestyle changes, they ended up saving their companies about $353 per person in recouped productivity—productivity they gained as a result of their newfound wellness.

So, if you can save $353 per person per year and have 200 employees, you are saving $70,600 in one year alone!

7.  Elevate company culture

A Virgin Pulse study found that 85% of employers believed their successful wellness program had a positive influence on company culture.
Company culture consists of many variables, which are often difficult to pinpoint, which why connecting an uptick in positive culture with a specific action is so significant.  Allow your employees to come to work every day engaged and excited to be with those around them.

8.  Boost market valuation

In another report published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers concluded that:
“This study supports prior and ongoing research demonstrating a higher market valuation—an affirmation of business success by Wall Street investors—of socially responsible companies that invest in the health and well-being of their workers when compared with other publicly traded firms.”

While it takes time to establish and implement wellness programs, the long-term benefits of doing so prove to be worth it.

9.  Improve mental health & decrease depression

A study from Nutrition found that a specific health and wellness program, the Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP), actually led to decreased depression as an added benefit to improved nutrition.
The researchers used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as a measure, and they suggest that in addition to the nutrition factors contributing to decreased depression, the social interaction and positive reinforcement involved in the program may have helped.

And...

HEALTHY EMPLOYEES = HAPPY EMPLOYEES = PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYEES = PROFITABLE EMPLOYEES


10.  Build camaraderie

By their very nature, employee wellness programs depend on the participation of multiple employees. So no matter what kind of program you choose, it’s guaranteed to bring employees together on some level.

And, going back to #9, since employees thrive off of social interaction, this further enhances their mood and overall mental, as well as physical, wellness.

11.  Reduce and manage stress

Develop an employee wellness program focused on mindfulness, and you could notice a major reduction in workplace stress. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, meditation might help improve anxiety, stress, and depression.

As I mentioned in my own personal experience, I know what it is like to be on the constant merry-go-round of being sick and stressed, leading to lack of productivity, energy, and losses for all of those around me.


So, with all of that in mind...what are you waiting for?  

Let's schedule a time to chat about bringing wellness into your workplace--whether it be for an in-person workshop, virtual coaching sessions, or daily email programs--and we can get your team rolling on the wellness train for all of 2019.



xo,
Julie

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