214-736-9365
Beware: 7 Common Household Items That Are Toxic

Beware: 7 Common Household Items That Are Toxic

7 Toxic Household Ingredients
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the potential dangers lurking in our own homes. While we often focus on external threats to our health and well-being, there are silent dangers hiding in plain sight – common household items that can be toxic if not used or handled properly. From cleaning products to seemingly innocuous items, here are 10 household items that could pose a risk to you and your loved ones:
  1. Bleach: While bleach is a powerful disinfectant, it can also be extremely harmful if ingested or if fumes are inhaled. Mixing bleach with other cleaning agents, such as ammonia, can create toxic gases that can cause respiratory problems and even death.
  2. Pesticides: Many households use pesticides to control pests, but these chemicals can be harmful to humans and pets alike. Prolonged exposure to pesticides has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems.
  3. Air Fresheners: Despite their pleasant scent, air fresheners often contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and benzene. Continuous exposure to these chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, and even damage to the central nervous system.
  4. Nonstick Cookware: Teflon and other nonstick coatings may make cooking and cleaning easier, but they can release toxic fumes when overheated. These fumes can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to polymer fume fever.
  5. Antibacterial Soaps: Many antibacterial soaps contain triclosan, a chemical linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance. Regular use of these soaps may do more harm than good, as they can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria.
  6. Bisphenol A (BPA) in Canned Foods: Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical found in many plastic products and the lining of canned foods. Research has shown that BPA can leach into food and beverages, especially when heated, and may disrupt hormone levels, leading to potential health issues such as reproductive disorders and developmental problems.
  7. Mothballs: Mothballs contain chemicals such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which can release toxic fumes. Prolonged exposure to these fumes can cause headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver and kidneys.

It’s important to read labels carefully, store hazardous substances properly, and use protective gear when handling potentially toxic household items. Additionally, consider opting for safer alternatives or natural remedies whenever possible to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals. By being aware of these common household hazards, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family from unnecessary risks.

 

Healthy Restaurants in Plano

Healthy Restaurants in Plano

Looking for delicious and nutritious options in Plano, Texas? This article is your guide to healthy dining! Whether you’re seeking vegan bowls, fresh Mediterranean fare, or creative plant-based cuisine, Plano has something for every health-conscious taste.

Salmon Salad

Bellagreen

Serving gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian options, Bellagreen has a variety of healthy options.

2408 Preston Rd Ste 704A, Plano, TX 75093
(972) 975-9033

Sunday           9 AM-9:00 PM
Monday          9 AM-9:00 PM
Tuesday         9 AM-9:00 PM
Wednesday    9 AM-9:00 PM
Thursday        9 AM-9:00 PM
Friday             9 AM-10:00 PM
Saturday         9 AM-10:00 PM

Grilled Salmon on Cedar Plank

Season's 52

With seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients, grilled or roasted dishes (without a fryer in sight) Season’s 52 is a great option for lighter fare.

7300 Lone Star Dr Suite C 100, Plano, TX 75024

Sunday            11 AM-9:00 PM
Monday           11 AM-9:00 PM
Tuesday          11 AM-9:00 PM
Wednesday     11 AM-9:00 PM
Thursday         11 AM-9:00 PM
Friday              11 AM-10:00 PM
Saturday          11 AM-10:00 PM

 

Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl

True Food Kitchens

True Food Kitchens has a huge variety of healthy options with seasonal ingredients. Friendly to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.

7601 Windrose Ave. Ste F100, Plano, TX 75024
(214) 291-9591

Sunday            9:30 AM-9 PM
Monday           11-9 PM
Tuesday          11-9 PM
Wednesday     11-9 PM
Thursday         11-9 PM
Friday              11-10 PM
Saturday          9:30am-10pm

 

Mediterranean Bowl

Cava

Cava is a mediterranean restaurant with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salads.

1901 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75093
(945) 219-5359

Sunday          10:45 AM–10 PM
Monday         10:45 AM–10 PM
Tuesday        10:45 AM–10 PM
Wednesday   10:45 AM–10 PM
Thursday       10:45 AM–10 PM
Friday            10:45 AM–10 PM
Saturday       10:45 AM–10 PM

healthy buddha bowl

Original ChopShop

With protein bowls, salads, sandwiches and more ChopShop is a great option to help you feel energized for the rest of the day.

5717 Legacy Dr #185, Plano, TX 75024​
(972) 546-0462

Sunday          7 AM–8 PM
Monday         7 AM–9 PM
Tuesday        7 AM–9 PM
Wednesday   7 AM–9 PM
Thursday       7 AM–9 PM
Friday            7 AM–9 PM
Saturday        7 AM–9 PM

Healthy salads

Flower Child

Offering fresh vegetarian, vegan, and paleo dishes, Flower Child is a great option for a healthy meal.

2101 Preston Rd Suite A, Plano, TX 75093
(945) 867-8776

Sunday          11 AM–9:00 PM
Monday         11 AM–9:00 PM
Tuesday        11 AM–9:00 PM
Wednesday   11 AM–9:00 PM
Thursday       11 AM–9:00 PM
Friday            11 AM–9:00 PM
Saturday        11 AM–9:00 PM

Healthy Salads

Snappy Salads

Snappy Salad offers large and customizable salads, allowing for an easy light meal.

5930 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
(972) 267-7627

Sunday          11 AM–8 PM
Monday         11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday        11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday   11 AM–9 PM
Thursday       11 AM–9 PM
Friday            11 AM–9 PM
Saturday        11 AM–9 PM

Ahi Tuna Modern Market

Modern Market

Find nourishing scratch-made salad, bowls, and more at Modern Market.

 2100 Dallas Pkwy Suite 126, Plano, TX 75093
(469) 378-9500

Sunday          10 AM–9 PM
Monday         10 AM–9 PM
Tuesday        10 AM–9 PM
Wednesday   10 AM–9 PM
Thursday       10 AM–9 PM
Friday            10 AM–9 PM
Saturday        10 AM–9 PM

Chicken salad and pineapple bowl

Tropical smoothie Cafe

With multiple locations in Plano, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is an easy stop for healthier meals with made-to-order salads, wraps & soups.

901 W 15th St Suite B, Plano, TX 75075​
(469) 298-3775

Sunday         10 AM–8 PM
Monday         7  AM–9 PM
Tuesday        7  AM–9 PM
Wednesday   7  AM–9 PM
Thursday       7  AM–9 PM
Friday            7  AM–9 PM
Saturday        8  AM–9 PM

Fresh Salad

Vitality Bowl

Offering a wide range of superfoods in the form of bowls, salads, and more, Vitality Bowl is an easy pick for a refreshing meal.

2100 Dallas Pkwy Suite 132, Plano, TX 75093​
(469) 969-0088

Sunday          8  AM–7 PM
Monday         8  AM–8 PM
Tuesday        8  AM–8 PM
Wednesday   8  AM–8 PM
Thursday       8  AM–8 PM
Friday            8  AM–8 PM
Saturday        8  AM–8 PM

McKinney’s Healthiest Eats

McKinney’s Healthiest Eats

Craving delicious food that won’t derail your health goals? McKinney has a diverse selection of healthy restaurants catering to every taste and dietary preference. Whether you’re seeking fresh, farm-to-table fare, protein-packed bowls, or vibrant vegan options, McKinney’s culinary scene has something to keep you energized and coming back for more. 

Roasted Chicken Plated

Harvest at the Masonic

Harvest at the Masonic offers sustainable locally-sourced seasonal American fare.

215 N Kentucky St, McKinney, TX 75069
(214) 726-0251

Sunday           Closed
Monday          Closed
Tuesday         5-10:30 PM
Wednesday    5-10:30 PM
Thursday        5-10:30 PM
Friday             5-12:00 AM
Saturday        10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm -12AM 

 

Everbowl Superfood Smoothie Bowl

Everbowl

As a quick-serve restaurant with superfood bowls and smoothies, Everbowl is a great option for a lighter fare. 

3009 S Custer Rd #150, McKinney, TX 75070

Sunday            8 AM-8:00 PM
Monday           8 AM-8:00 PM
Tuesday         8 AM-8:00 PM
Wednesday   8 AM-8:00 PM
Thursday        8 AM-8:00 PM
Friday             8 AM-8:00 PM
Saturday       8 AM-8:00 PM

 

Stack of sandwiches

Patina Green

A true farm-to-table shop, Patina Green offers a seasonal lunch menu, farm fresh produce, and house-made packaged foods to go.

116 N. Tennessee Suite 102 McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 548-9141

Sunday           Closed
Monday          Closed
Tuesday         11AM-3:00 PM
Wednesday   11AM-3:00 PM
Thursday       11AM-3:00 PM
Friday            11AM-3:00 PM
Saturday       11AM-3:00 PM

Table of Healthy Indian Dishes

Honest

For those looking for vegetarian options, Honest Mckinney serves more traditional Indian cuisine.

8910 TX-121 Suite 220, McKinney, TX 75070
(469) 634-4900

Sunday          11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM
Monday         11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–9:30 PM
Tuesday         Closed
Wednesday   11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–9:30 PM
Thursday       11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–9:30 PM
Friday            11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
Saturday        11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 5–10 PM

Healthy Thai Coconut Chicken Bowl

Original ChopShop

With protein bowls, salads, sandwiches and more ChopShop is a great option to help you feel energized for the rest of the day.

3041 S Custer Rd Ste. 100, McKinney, TX 75070
(972) 798-4520

Sunday          7 AM–8 PM
Monday         7 AM–9 PM
Tuesday        7 AM–9 PM
Wednesday   7 AM–9 PM
Thursday       7 AM–9 PM
Friday            7 AM–9 PM
Saturday        7 AM–9 PM

Acai Bowl

3 Natives

Serving up fresh acai bowls, super smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wraps, and salads, 3 Natives has plenty of great options!

8710 W University Dr Suite 125, McKinney, TX 75071
(214) 548-4207

Sunday         9  AM–5 PM
Monday          8  AM–6 PM
Tuesday         8  AM–6 PM
Wednesday   8  AM–6 PM
Thursday       8  AM–6 PM
Friday             8  AM–6 PM
Saturday        9  AM–6 PM

Healthy Thai Coconut Chicken Bowl

Salata

While not exclusive the Mckinney, Salata is a great option for a healthier meal with made-to-order salads, wraps & soups.

3540 W University Dr Suite 400, McKinney, TX 75071
(214) 842-4200

Sunday          11 AM–8 PM
Monday         11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday        11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday   11 AM–9 PM
Thursday       11 AM–9 PM
Friday            11 AM–9 PM
Saturday        11 AM–9 PM

Grilled chicken on a skew and veggies

Little Greek Fresh Grill

Little Greek is another great option with flavorful and nutritious greek inspired food.

2058 W University Dr #808, McKinney, TX 75071
(469) 678-5001

Sunday          10:45 AM–8 PM
Monday         10:45 AM–8 PM
Tuesday        10:45 AM–8 PM
Wednesday  10:45 AM–8 PM
Thursday       10:45 AM–8 PM
Friday            10:45 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday       10:45 AM–8:30 PM

Healthy lunch wrap

Tropical smoothie Cafe

With multiple locations in Mckinney, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is an easy stop for healthier meals with made-to-order salads, wraps & soups.

6675 S Custer Rd, McKinney, TX 75070
(214) 548-4600

Sunday         10 AM–8 PM
Monday         7  AM–9 PM
Tuesday        7  AM–9 PM
Wednesday   7  AM–9 PM
Thursday       7  AM–9 PM
Friday            7  AM–9 PM
Saturday        8  AM–9 PM

Healthy Steak Salad

Vitality Bowl

Offering a wide range of superfoods in the form of bowls, salads, and more, Vitality Bowl is an easy pick for a refreshing meal.

3610 W University Dr STE 100, McKinney, TX 75071
(469) 714-0800

Sunday          9  AM–7 PM
Monday         8  AM–8 PM
Tuesday        8  AM–8 PM
Wednesday   8  AM–8 PM
Thursday       8  AM–8 PM
Friday            8  AM–8 PM
Saturday        8  AM–8 PM

Hack Your Habits

Hack Your Habits

Habit Tracker

Ever stare at a list of ambitious “new you” plans, only to crumble back into old routines faster than a stale cookie? Yeah, us too. Enter habit stacking, the secret weapon for weaving healthy choices into your life like, well, weaving.

Here’s the deal: we all have habits on autopilot, like brushing our teeth or scrolling Insta in the bathroom. Habit stacking lets you hijack that autopilot and sneak in a sneaky little bonus habit right after. Think brushing your teeth, then bam! Two-minute meditation or a quick power-up stretch. See? Effortless wins!

Understanding Habit Stacking: Habit stacking is rooted in the idea of piggybacking new habits onto existing ones. By attaching a new behavior to an established routine, you can create a chain of activities that flow seamlessly from one to the next. This not only helps in building new habits but also makes it easier to remember and execute them consistently.

Benefits of Habit Stacking:

  1. Efficiency: Habit stacking allows you to accomplish multiple tasks in a more efficient manner by organizing them into a cohesive routine. This reduces the mental effort required to initiate each habit individually.
  2. Consistency: Building habits is all about consistency. Habit stacking makes it easier to stick to your routine since you’re already engaged in a set sequence of activities. Consistency is key to forming lasting habits.
  3. Time Management: By combining activities, you can make the most of your time. Habit stacking helps you maximize productivity by ensuring that every moment is utilized effectively.
  4. Building Momentum: Completing a series of tasks through habit stacking creates a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum. This positive reinforcement encourages you to continue the routine, reinforcing the habits you’re trying to establish.

Implementing Habit Stacking in Your Life:

  1. Identify Existing Habits: Start by identifying habits that are already ingrained in your daily routine. These can be as simple as brushing your teeth, having breakfast, or commuting to work.
  2. Choose Target Habits: Select the new habits you want to incorporate into your life. These could be related to personal development, health, or any area you want to improve.
  3. Create a Sequence: Organize the habits into a logical sequence that makes sense for your lifestyle. Ensure that the flow is smooth, and each habit naturally follows the previous one.
  4. Start Small: If you’re new to habit stacking, start with a small sequence to avoid overwhelming yourself. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually add more habits to your routine.
  5. Use Triggers: Associate each new habit with a trigger from your existing routine. This could be a specific time of day, a particular location, or an activity you regularly engage in.

Habit stacking is a powerful tool for transforming your daily routines and boosting overall productivity. By leveraging the habits you already have, you can seamlessly integrate new behaviors into your life. Remember, consistency is key, so start small, stay committed, and watch as your stacked habits lead to positive and lasting change.

 

 
 
 
 
10 Tips for a Healthier Workplace

10 Tips for a Healthier Workplace

Men walking in office

In our fast-paced and often sedentary work environments, maintaining good health can be a challenge. However, creating a healthier workplace is not only possible but also essential for the wellbeing and productivity of employees.

An increased focus on health and wellness in the workplace has shown to im In this article, we’ll explore ten practical tips to foster a healthier, more vibrant workplace for everyone.

  1. Encourage Regular Physical Activity – Promote physical activity among employees by providing on-site fitness facilities, organizing group workouts, or encouraging short breaks for stretching and walking. Physical activity can boost energy levels and reduce the negative effects of a sedentary work life.
  2. Ergonomic Workstations – Ensure that workstations are ergonomically designed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems. Properly adjusted chairs, desks, and computer monitors can make a significant difference in employee comfort and health.
  3. Healthy Snacking Options – Stock the workplace kitchen with a variety of healthy snacks like fresh fruits, nuts, and yogurt. Encourage employees to make nutritious choices by making these options readily available.
  4. Offer Standing Desks – Standing desks allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing during the workday. This reduces the negative impact of prolonged sitting on health and can improve posture.
  5. Mental Health Support – Provide resources and support for mental health, such as access to counseling services and stress management workshops. A supportive environment for emotional wellbeing can lead to more content and productive employees.
  6. Hydration Stations – Encourage employees to stay hydrated by offering water stations with clean, filtered water. Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can help improve concentration and energy levels.
  7. Promote Healthy Meetings – Encourage walking meetings or provide healthy snacks instead of sugary treats during meetings. This fosters a culture of wellness and mindfulness during work gatherings.
  8. Prioritize Breaks – Employees should take regular breaks to rest their eyes, stretch, and relax. This helps prevent burnout, reduces stress, and increases overall work satisfaction.
  9. Health Challenges and Incentives – Organize health challenges and incentive programs, such as step-count competitions or wellness rewards. These initiatives can motivate employees to stay active and make healthier choices.
  10. Set the Example – Leading by example can create a culture where health and wellbeing are valued and embraced throughout the organization.

A healthier workplace benefits both employees and employers. By implementing these ten tips, you can create an environment that promotes physical and mental wellbeing, fosters productivity, and helps employees achieve a better work-life balance. Remember that the investment in a healthier workplace leads to happier, more engaged employees and ultimately, a more successful and thriving organization.

Consistency Trumps Content

Consistency Trumps Content

healthy food journaling

Do you want to get to your goals without time-robbing detours? Don’t drive blind.

It’s Saturday. There is a party. There is pizza. There is cake. There is ice cream. Or rather, there WAS. It’s gone now. You ate it. You ate a LOT of it. That was dinner. And you had pancakes for breakfast. And hit a fast food drive-through for lunch. You look at your phone, and notice the nutrition journaling app. The seemingly logical thought follows: “Yeah, I think we’ll skip this today.”

Oh what a mistake that would be! Here’s 5 reasons that’s a VITAL day to record in your journal:

1) Those are the kind of days we need to fully understand, to help better navigate them and mitigate damages

2) Those days have a big influence on your average daily nutrition. You may not need to make as drastic changes as you once thought

3) This flawed thinking gives yourself a giant hole in the foundation of your success, through which you will repeatedly fall

4) The easiest habit to maintain is a daily habit. Every day you skip on purpose increases the chances of you skipping another by accident

5) Self respect breeds better self care. You’ll respect yourself more for honoring your commitment to consistency and transparency, and in turn will naturally take better care of the thing for which you have much respect. (you!)

Remember, the studies show that the very act of journaling itself improved results. (they didn’t separate the groups based on what they actually ate.) So what you record in that journal is, believe it or not, less important than the act of journaling. So don’t be afraid to journal on the days when you slip up. It’s just one more step on the journey to your goals.