Tag Archive for: lifestyle

two swimmers walking into a bay with dramatic clouds

Dressed for a Formal Event that Nobody Else was Attending

For over two years, a few mornings a week, I would get up in the dark, put on my swimsuit, a big lined swim coat, and a thick beanie. I made a cup of coffee, got into my car, and drove to a quiet bay. I made a date with a good friend and…

Metabolic Syndrome: A Primer

Nobody wakes up and feels like they have metabolic syndrome. It builds quietly while we are managing the symptoms we can feel. Knowing what to look for and being willing to make diet and lifestyle changes are among the most proactive steps…
obscured view of light with circles and stripes

Heart Health: A Whole-Body Perspective

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in women. When we talk about cardiovascular health, the conversation often starts and ends with cholesterol numbers and blood pressure readings. Those markers matter, but they are only…
bowl with pomegranate seeds and chunks of kiwiBarbara Sobel 2025

Diet & Lifestyle Habits to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk

February is Heart Health Month; if you’re in midlife, this one’s for you. When I talk about heart health, I am really talking about something more comprehensive: cardiometabolic disease. It develops when metabolic dysfunction—like high…
tree lined walk wayBarbara Sobel 2025

Simple Steps to Help Calm Stress and Inflammation

It’s no secret that life feels more stressful than ever. With schedules and commitments that leave us rushing from one thing to another, worrying about the “what-ifs” on repeat, skipping meals or making less than optimal choices because…
holding up book titled Obesity: The Modern Famine

Book Recommendations: And some gentle reminders

I always have my nose in a couple of books at once. I love to read novels before I go to sleep and health and wellness books when I have a few minutes during the day, or I am researching a specific topic for a client. Here is what I am enjoying…
Bowl of garlic@barbarasobel

Preventing Colds and Flu: A best defense is a good offense

Here in the US, fall and winter are typically considered cold and flu season. School is in session, the weather is cold and often wet, and we tend to spend more time inside, which gives us ample opportunities to spread germs to each other. While…
close up of red peppers, zucchini, and leeks

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent and Improve Cardiovascular Disease

As I sit at my desk this morning looking out at new spring flowers popping up in my yard, I am reminded that even in California we have seasonal changes and that it brings joy to celebrate them, as subtle as they sometimes are. I like to use…
purple wisteria flower growing among green leaves

Seasonal Allergies

You know the feeling, the flowers are in bloom and beautiful, then the itchy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, and headaches start. I wanted to share few tips to help weather allergy season with as few symptoms as possible. Seasonal…
hand cutting tops off of carrots on a cutting board

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Support Immune Health

I listened to an interesting webinar last week from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) about what we can do to improve our immune system as we wait and prepare for the vaccine. Some of us, including me, are going to have a bit of wait…
adorable cat sleeping on chair with arms

Self-Care Lessons from Toddlers and Pets

Nothing better than having a Monday off to sleep in, get organized, hang out with friends and family, spend time outside, exercise, and relax. In the midst of our busy lives, we often put the needs of work, family, and social responsibilities…
purple flowers with the question: Are Your Habits Supporting Your Goals?

Are Your Habits Supporting Your Goals: TV

Making change is hard and uncomfortable. It seems unfairly easy to make a change that can negatively impact your health and so restrictive to make the changes that support wellness. I have been an occasional TV watcher for a long time. When…
purple box with circle that says sleep

Sleep: Getting Back to Basics

We spend about one-third of our time sleeping.  Quality sleep and getting enough sleep is essential for feeling our best. Sleep affects almost every type of tissue and system in the body from the brain, heart, and lungs to metabolism, immune…