Curious about intermittent fasting? In this Diets Dissected blog, we break down what intermittent fasting is, the different methods, potential benefits, and important downsides—all with expert insights from Western’s registered dietitian. Whether you’re considering intermittent fasting for weight loss, energy, or overall health, get the facts to decide if it’s right for you.

Meal prepping sounds like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be! In this easy-peasy guide, we break down what meal prep really is, share do’s and don’ts, and walk you through a simple step-by-step plan. Plus, get tasty recipe ideas and tips to keep things fresh and stress-free all week long. Whether you’re cooking for workouts, busy days, or just to save time, this guide makes meal prep doable—and even enjoyable!

Feeling the heat? Cool off with cryotherapy at Western Racquet! This quick, ultra-cold treatment can help reduce pain, speed up recovery, boost your mood, and leave you feeling totally refreshed. Whether you’re sore, stressed, or just curious—this is your sign to give it a try.

Dietary fiber? Total sugars? Added sugars? Reading a nutrition label can feel like you’re decoding a secret message. Between flashy buzzwords like “low fat,” “natural,” or “clean,” and contradictory advice from every corner of the internet, it’s tough to tell what’s actually good for you. 

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone’s body and dietary needs are different. But if you want to get a better idea of what’s in your food, the nutrition label is a great place to start.

“I know what I need to do, I just need to do it.”

“I don’t need a dietitian, I know how to eat.”

“Why is food news so confusing? One day eggs are bad and the next day they are not?”

Sound like anything you’ve ever thought? That makes sense, because there can be some misconceptions about who a dietitian is and what an appointment might look like.

Let’s get into it.

February is American Heart Month, which is the perfect time to remind ourselves of how important heart health is! Your heart works hard for you. Every second of every day, it keeps you moving, lifting, playing, and living. But did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women? In fact, about 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease!

Navigating the many eats and treats throughout the holiday season can be stressful for anyone who is on a health or fitness journey. Read this blog from Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Tad Taggart and get the lowdown on how to handle the holidays stress-free.

Stay fit and festive this holiday season with our top tips! Embrace indulgence, prioritize wellbeing, set realistic goals, plan strategically, practice mindful eating, and enjoy outdoor activities. Discover a holistic approach to maintaining your fitness journey amid the holiday hustle. Let’s sleigh the season together!

We all have those "good ol' days" that give us a feeling of nostalgia, but some of those memories may be holding you back when it comes to weight expectations. Read the latest Wellness Corner blog from Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Tad Taggart and learn why trying to recapture those "good old days" may be holding you back.

It’s pretty clear that when you go to a session with a personal trainer, you’re going to work out. Likewise, you talk with a therapist, get your teeth cleaned at the dentist, and get your eyes checked at the optometrist. So, what the heck happens in a dietitian session?

BMI or Body Mass Index has long been the go-to metric used to determine whether an individual falls within a "healthy" weight range. But after decades of using it as a standard practice in the health and fitness world, there is now a growing understanding that BMI is actually fraught with error and inconsistency and is rarely a great measure of health.

Olive oil is a staple in many kitchens and is well known for its distinct flavor and versatility in cooking. However, did you know that olive oil is also a powerhouse when it comes to health benefits?

In Wisconsin, we know that sunlight is a precious resource in the winter. With our long work weeks, busy school schedules, extracurriculars, and other hobbies, it can be hard to soak up enough sun during the colder, darker months of the year. Unfortunately for us northerners, we get most of our intake of Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, which can be challenging during the winter. In fact, it’s so hard for us to get enough sunlight in the winter months that Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in Wisconsin.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference. The cherry on top of the milkshake. The little massage at the hair salon. The mint on your pillow when you get to the hotel. The extra luxuries are what can elevate an everyday experience into something special, and that includes at the gym.

When it comes to seeking nutritional advice, finding an equipped, experienced, and educated professional goes without saying. There is a lot of misinformation about nutrition out there, so consulting with a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RD/RDN) can help clear up misconceptions and make sure you're receiving accurate information that's relevant to you and your lifestyle.

Advice for what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat can be confusing and conflicting. I’ve talked to many people that say the amount of nutrition information out there tends to be more overwhelming than helpful.

Do you feel like your life is on hold until you reach that particular body goal? You’re not alone – the lines between an individual’s body, body image, nutrition, and overall happiness blur all too often.