Author Archives: Nicki Hicks

5 Reasons Having a Dog Will Keep You Healthy

Nicki Hicks

Nicki Hicks

Guiding Stars Contributor

Nicki is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients' search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.

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Man's best friend is well known for being a great companion, but did you know he/she could make you healthier too?

Happiness

It's been proven owning a dog actually makes you happier - you could even get a discount on your life insurance! Bonus: being happier makes you healthier.

Walking/Running

Dogs need exercise, just like us. Having to walk or run them for a half hour every day will help you drop pounds on the scale, too.

Swimming

I'm a certified lifeguard and swim instructor, but my 1 year old lab could still easily outswim me - but then, that's what he's bred for. As hot as it's been this summer already, how about taking your four-legged friend for a dip? It will be a treat for him and you!

Playtime

Running around and playing with your dog burns calories, just like playing with your kids. So let the child in you out and play some tug o' war.

A little weight lifting

It's a little outside-the-box, but you can get your weight lifting time in with a dog. My dog is scared of stairs and at 60 pounds, I can't afford for him to be afraid of them for much longer. But, lucky for me, I've noticed as he's gotten bigger, I've gotten stronger... Read more »

5 Reasons Having a Dog Will Keep You Healthy

Shh…The Ultimate Secret to Weight Loss

Nicki Hicks

Nicki Hicks

Guiding Stars Contributor

Nicki is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients' search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.

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Contrary to popular belief, diet supplements, the latest diet fad, and even exercise can't help you lose as much weight as this secret. And I'm going to let you in on it....are you ready?

It's portion control.

If you can control the size of your food and meal portions, you're well on your way to looking great - and [bonus] feeling better.

It's easy to over indulge, especially with those foods that may not be the healthiest for us. But don't worry. You don't have to give up your chocolate or lose the carbs.

Here are some tips that will help get your portions down to size [pardon the pun]... Read more »

Shh…The Ultimate Secret to Weight Loss

3 Ways to Make Your Kitchen a Happier Place

Nicki Hicks

Nicki Hicks

Guiding Stars Contributor

Nicki is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients' search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.

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Last night, I looked through my kitchen cabinets - not just in the front, which houses all of my go-to, use-all-the-time ingredients, but to the deep, dark back. I was shocked. Soup from 2005. Canned tomatoes from 2006. Canned veggies from who knows when (the label was ripped).

I moved to the freezer. I'm embarrassed to say how many bags of frozen vegetables I have stockpiled. Suffice it to say, I could make stir fry every night for the next three weeks.

Lucky for me, all of these (mostly) non-perishables will last for a little while longer. It got me to thinking, though...how many of us stock pile like this? And is it just being wasteful?

Never fear. We can combat this torturous use of the heart of the home in three (pretty painless) steps... Read more »

3 Ways to Make Your Kitchen a Happier Place

What you get out of exercise over losing weight

Nicki Hicks

Nicki Hicks

Guiding Stars Contributor

Nicki is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients' search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.

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There's more to exercise than meets the eye. Sure, you lose calories, weight, and look great. You chisel muscles and get lean; but exercise can do more than that.

Looking good leads to feeling good - both reasons lead to higher self esteem. Regular exercise will help you alleviate stress and feel happier.

Exercise helps your body work more efficiently, thereby giving you more energy. We could all do with a littler more energy, couldn't we?

Not only will you have more energy, but at night you'll be more tired. That's right...put those sleeping pills away if you have trouble falling asleep at night. Exercise more, and you'll find the secret to catching your z's.

Walking, running, or going to the gym? Regardless, more exercise combats illness and chronic disease.

Spend some quality time with friends or family and go for a walk or a hike. Play with your kids on the jungle gym. All these seemingly fun activities?...code words for exercise... Read more »

3 Options to Cure Your Sweet Tooth

Nicki Hicks

Nicki Hicks

Guiding Stars Contributor

Nicki is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients' search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.

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Post holidays, our taste buds still crave what we've been giving them. What with all the holiday parties, cookies, and candies how could we not want more? Hopefully decreasing sugar intake is one of your New Years’ resolutions, but if it’s not…these tricks will help you become far healthier.

I should clarify: these may not cure your sweet tooth, but they'll certainly occupy it for the time being.

Craving candy? Try a piece of fruit. An apple is a great option, or try berries (to get the antioxidant benefits). The natural sugar isn't only good for you, but it should take care of that sugar craving. Although if you need some extra sweetness, try some form of raw sugar or cinnamon on top.

Need ice cream? Try a soy-based or no sugar added ice cream. There's still sugar, but they're both healthier options.

Try a drink. Stay away from the liquor cabinet, but try a sweet tea - maybe a white tea or peppermint flavored. If that isn't enough, try juice - but make sure it's 100%.

What about you? What’s your tip for staying away from the cookie jar?... Read more »

3 Options to Cure Your Sweet Tooth