John Aaron Wellness

I remember when I first started working out, the big question people most asked me was, “How much can you bench?” It was like a badge of honor. The more weight you could bench press, the higher up your collective he-man reputation climbed. But it wasn’t until I attended a seminar at The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas that I learned about the importance of “grip.” And, it’s not just for a firm handshake, either. Grip strength was a big thing in the bygone era of ‘Charles Atlas.’ You don't hear too much about it today. As a result, most of us have focused more on what I call vanity muscles (the kind you like to flex in the mirror) and as a result, we've un-knowingly learned to develop a WEAKER grip. This “vanity” phenomenon has caused people to think it's normal if your grip isn't strong. That's what wrist-straps are for! Some think it's perfectly fine, and normal, if your grip can't hold yourself up when doing leg raises or chin-ups - It's not...

I know there are times when our schedules get so out of hand that we can barely find time to bathe let alone eat well. In fact, most of the busy clients I work with are just like you. They are very smart and knowledgeable when it comes to what a healthy diet and lifestyle looks like. The real challenge is to make it happen in their hectic and over-committed lives. Right? So, for the busy folks I work with, I tell them the key to implementing healthy dietary changes is to think it through and make a plan. Planning smart is key to eating smart. If you make healthy choices available to you when you need them, chances are you will make better decisions. I’ve listed a few tips that I apply to my life to hopefully help you develop you own “smart eating plan” so that you can start eating better and feeling better, too: Plan for the week ahead – It sounds daunting, I know, but planning out your meals for the upcoming week will keep you on track with your health and wellness goals. Tak...

Ever heard of the phrase, “Fake it till you make it?” I’m not a big fan of the way it’s worded because I think we should always remain true and authentic to ourselves, but the idea does hold a valuable concept. It’s the concept of modifying your behavior to create the outcome, situation, or lifestyle you desire We all have goals/dreams we would like to achieve. The trick to making these achievements a permanent reality is to determine who we are going to be once these goals have been accomplished. How will they change you and your actions? How would you feel? For some, a goal may be to have more energy throughout the day. So, put yourself in that person’s reality. What would your current life be like if you already reached that goal? Chances are, you would be making time to prepare healthy energetic foods & snacks, exercising regularly and fitting in some self-care and recuperation time (like meditating or getting a massage) The idea of “fake it till you make it” is to dete...

This is the time of year everyone is talking about New Year's Resolutions and setting goals. I used to think that the "resolutions" themselves were actually the goals. Turns out I had it all wrong... “Goals” are more like “stepping stones” that will bring you closer to the kind of life you want to live; what you’ve always dreamed your life would be like. It's what pulls you through when things get challenging and you feel like giving up. Having a great life is all about goals: big goals, small goals. Together, they assemble your life from dream to reality. I've also recently discovered that goals are so much more than “physical” or material achievement. I've met many people whose amazing accomplishments have left them feeling spiritually unfulfilled, emotionally ill, physically broken, and deeply unhappy. So aside from getting a raise or promotion, losing weight, meeting the love of your life; whatever your goals may be - what emotions do you want to e...

How’s it going? Have the holidays treated you well? Mine have been rather chaotic. First, I received late notice that my building was going to be closed on unexpected days, so I had to cancel a few client appointments for those days. Then, the AC/Heat went out in the building and I was forced to cancel more appointments. Then, my five year old got sick and I had to cancel out the last few remaining appointments of the year. Not to mention I had family in town, Christmas shopping (and wrapping) to get done, a dinner party to cook for, AND an office to move, too! I felt VERY out of control and uneasy. And, I don’t LIKE feeling out of control. Who does? Lucky for me, Lexi is a resilient child and felt better after just a few days (I think the thought of Christmas Day toys had a lot to do with it. LOL!), and I was able to take some time to chill, meditate and plan for my office move, and for the 2014 year. As 2013 comes to a close I’ve been reflecting on this crazy year. To me it...

The Migraine Research Foundation reveals that there are about 6 per cent of men who suffer from migraines while 18% of American women have it. Richard Lipton, a neurology professor from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City says that the causes of migraines can be 50 per cent genetics while the other half includes a lot of different environmental factors. If you are suffering from migraine, read further for some tips that will surely work. Stick to a low-fat diet. A study showed that participants who were on a low-fat diet for three months reported that their headaches reduced for up to 40%. And, by the time they experienced headaches, the pain was 66% less severe while its duration also reduced by 70 per cent. Make time for exercise. A 2011 research conducted from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden provided additional proof to the theory that exercise can be beneficial to migraine sufferers. The said research revealed that exercise is just as effective as t...

It’s been a general rule of thumb; less salt = lower blood pressure. So, why is it so difficult to use less of it at the table and in cooking? My guess is that we’re afraid to miss out on flavor. So, to avoid salt without sacrificing flavor, I have listed some of my tried and true remedies for you to add to your pantry. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with making your own seasoning blends. Just be sure to share your favorite blends with me. Chinese five-spice blend for chicken, fish, or pork Combine ¼ cup ground ginger, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground cloves, and 1 tablespoon each ground allspice and anise seed. Mexican blend for chili, enchiladas, and tacos Combine ¼ cup chili powder; 1 tablespoon each ground cumin and onion powder; 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper; and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Mixed herbs for salads, steamed vegetables, or fish Combine ¼ cup dried parsley, 2 tablespoons dried tarragon, and 1 tablespoon eac...