It's no secret that we live in a fast-paced, fast-food culture. But what would our wellness look like if we slowed down and connected with our food on a deeper level? Learn about the European origins of The Slow Food movement, and how it is impacting the world to create mindful connections between food production and food consumption. Check out their website: https://www.slowfood.com/

On today's episode, Cassie, Ryleigh, and Maria are revisiting a topic we have talked about before on the podcast but are diving a little deeper into. Weight loss medications have become really prevalent and accessible in the last several years, and they seem to be helping. Cassie talks us through how the medications work, the results we've seen, and some of the side effects. There is still a lot to be learned about the long-term effects of these medications, but this episode fills in some of the information gaps since we talked about it the first time.

Today the dietitians discuss hydration, dehydration, electrolytes, fluid needs, and how to stay in tune with the fluid balance of your body.

Cassie and Maria had the privilege of talking with Cross Kubik and his parents, Brian and Ashley, about his incredible battles against cancer. At just 2 years old, Cross was diagnosed with cancer, underwent treatment at St. Jude, and cancer free. He lived a healthy life during what he calls "the normal years," until he was diagnosed with cancer again at 16 years old. Throughout his entire journey, Cross found hope, resilience, and strength through his faith in God. You can learn more about his story and his testimony in his book, Power of the Cross: Beating Cancer Twice and God's Plan on My Life, which can be found on his website or on Amazon. All proceeds from book sales go to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Website link: Cross Kubik

Have you ever felt like you know what to do when it comes to healthy living but have a hard time making it happen? In this episode, Cassie, Ryleigh, and Maria talk through some ways we have been able to save time, money, and energy when it comes to meal planning. We cover some grocery shopping hacks, cooking tips to make healthy eating easier, and practical advice when it comes to planning out the week.

If you like this type of content, let us know! We would love to turn this topic into a series that covers different challenges of healthy living.

On today's episode, we're talking about all things protein. With a "high protein" craze happening right now, it can be challenging to figure out how much protein is right for you. We talk through what the research says, why protein is important, good sources of protein, and discuss some ways to help you hit your daily protein goals.

Today, we have a conversation with the dietitian-owners of RD2GO. This is a new, local meal prep service owned and operated by 3 registered dietitians who put together weekly menus that utilize fresh, local ingredients for meals that are ordered online and can be picked up or delivered to your home. We talked with them about their backgrounds in nutrition, the inspiration behind RD2GO, how to order meals, and their partnership with AYB.

To order meals or get more info about RD2GO, click the link:

Macros, weight, calories, steps, ounces, reps, sets... There are SO many things we're told we need to "track" in order to stay on-track in a health journey. But what would happen if you didn't "track?" How would your health journey change? Let's discuss the pros and cons of "tracking" while trying to reach your health and fitness goals.

What is the difference between motivation and discipline? Which one is most important in a health journey? How can you learn to increase these?

The feeling of biological hunger cues may be experienced in a variety of ways, with different sensations in different parts of the body. It can vary from person to person. People may assign different qualities to the experience. For example, feeling mildly hungry may be enjoyable, while feeling ravenous may be uncomfortable. The dietitians and Maria discuss the hunger-mind-body connection, ways to get more in-tune with your hunger cues, and what to do to stay ahead of your hunger.