Monthly Archives: June 2019

If you already have a yoga practice, you might be curious about extending the benefits of family yoga to everyone. Or, perhaps you would like to try yoga but cannot find the time between work and family to attend a class. Family yoga is a great way to get the whole family moving. Here are 3 reasons to try yoga as a family.

3 Benefits of Family Yoga

1. Move More. Any activity that gets the whole family moving is fantastic. However, winter weather can make it difficult to get outside for a walk or hike. Yoga is a great alternative. Plus, trying a new activity together is a great way to bond as a family. Yoga is a non-competitive environment, which offers both parents and kids a break from sports and other more demanding activities.
2. Stress Less. Perhaps finding child-care makes it difficult to make time to exercise. Family yoga eliminates the need to find child-care, and gives you and your family a great opportunity to exercise. Yoga also offers stress-relief and stress-management skills, which is beneficial at any age.
3. Network. You might find that family yoga offers a new environment for both children and parents to make friends. You might people outside of your usual circle of school and work, and have an opportunity to bond with parents who share similar interests.

KareBoost Health offers Kids Yoga every Sunday at 11:45 for children 8 and over. Parents are welcome to attend. Try family yoga, and see the benefits for yourself!

Kara Unal JD, RYT
KareBoost Health

Have you ever asked yourself, is your child hungry or bored. Many times boredom is an excuse to eat. Kids, as well as adults, can use food for reasons other than hunger, and often eat in response to emotions and feelings. Eating in response to emotion is not always negative; for example, there is nothing wrong with having a piece of cake to celebrate a birthday. However, if your child is getting three balanced meals and a snack a day but still expresses a desire to eat, there may be other reasons besides hunger.

Is your child hungry or bored? 3 Ways to combat emotional eating.

1. Examine Your Own Relationship to Food. If you speak to your child in a negative or critical way about food, it may be difficult for your child to make changes in that environment. If you reward your child with food, you may be inadvertently contributing to your child’s emotional relationship with food. You are your child’s primary example for healthy eating, so cultivate a positive relationship with food.
2. Provide Alternatives. If your child is eating out of boredom, help them find activities instead of eating. Spend time with them outside walking, hiking or throwing around a ball. Teach them about all the many fun things the world offers besides food.
3. Snack Smart. Offer healthy, filling snacks for kids. Vegetables with hummus, fruit with yogurt, nuts and microwave popcorn are all healthy, filling snacks that provide nutrients to tide kids over between meals. Provide snacks instead of letting them pick out their own.

So do you know…is your child hungry or bored? Use these tips to help everyone in your family navigate a healthy relationship with food. If you need more direction, KareBoost Health is here to help. Contact us to set up a free consultation with Dr. Karen Leibowitz and find out more about how we can help your family be the healthiest yet.

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health

It’s time to forget fad diets and focus on health. If you are trying to eat healthier, you have probably encountered the many restrictive diets sold by writers, bloggers and Instagram. With so much conflicting advice, it is easy to become confused. Instead, try focusing on a life-long healthy eating pattern that will set you up for long-term success.

3 Reasons to Forget Fad Diets

1. Patterns Create Change. One meal does not mean success or failure. What you eat most of the time is more important. Fill up on fruits and veggies- produce should make up about half of your plate. Focus on whole grains, beans, seafood and nuts for the rest of your meals.
2. Foods to Enjoy in Moderation. Eat less red and processed meats, sweetened drinks, desserts and processed grains. You do not have to entirely limit these foods, but making them an occasional indulgence in an otherwise healthy diet will set you up for success. Added sugars should make up no more than 10 percent of your diet.
3. Consult our Health Coach, Dr. Karen. It can be difficult to figure out a diet that works well for your lifestyle, budget and individual needs. Consider meeting with Dr. Karen, especially if you have concerns about restricting certain foods or are on a special diet. Dr. Karen can help you wade through the sea of diet information, and instead find a healthy eating pattern for life.

Considering health coaching? Set up your free consultation today with Dr. Karen. KareBoost Health believes that healthy eating is a lifestyle, forget fad diets! Contact us to find out how we fit in to your goals.

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health

When you begin a meditation practice and maintain a meditation practice, it can have many benefits. People that meditate regularly have reported reduced stress, increased self-awareness and an overall improvement in emotional health. Starting a meditation practice can be daunting.

3 Ways to Begin a Meditation Practice

1. Start Small. If you are just beginning, it will probably be difficult to find the time or attention to sit still for a long period of time. Start with 5 minutes, or even 2 or 3 minutes if sitting still is very difficult. Set a timer with a soft, pleasant noise and practice being still and observing your thoughts for a few minutes.
2. Don’t Go It Alone. Meditation has grown in popularity, and so have the resources devoted to it. Try an app on your smartphone with preset meditations. You will learn lots of techniques and be able to find one that works well for you.
3. Set Yourself Up for Success. Find a quiet space to meditate, and make sure you are comfortable. Minimizing distractions will help you to quiet your mind and will signal to your mind and body that your meditation time is yours alone. Let family members know that you will be meditating and for how long, and ask them to ensure your attention is not needed during that time. Maybe they will join you!

Interested in learning more about how you can Begin a Meditation Practice? KareBoost Health offers yoga and meditation classes for all levels. We are here to help you succeed. Whether you have a specific goal you are working towards, or just want to improve your quality of life, our unique approach can help. Schedule a free consultation today to find out more.

Kara Unal JD, RYT

KareBoost Health