Dietary fiber? Total sugars? Added sugars? Reading a nutrition label can feel like you’re decoding a secret message. Between flashy buzzwords like “low fat,” “natural,” or “clean,” and contradictory advice from every corner of the internet, it’s tough to tell what’s actually good for you. 

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone’s body and dietary needs are different. But if you want to get a better idea of what’s in your food, the nutrition label is a great place to start.

“I know what I need to do, I just need to do it.”

“I don’t need a dietitian, I know how to eat.”

“Why is food news so confusing? One day eggs are bad and the next day they are not?”

Sound like anything you’ve ever thought? That makes sense, because there can be some misconceptions about who a dietitian is and what an appointment might look like.

Let’s get into it.

Have you heard about the wellness trend known as “fire and ice”? This dynamic duo—cryotherapy and red light therapy—is making waves for its ability to accelerate recovery, ease pain, and boost overall well-being. And while athletes may have embraced it first, people from all walks of life are now discovering its wide range of benefits, from improving sleep and managing stress to enhancing mood and promoting healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

So how does it work and why is everyone talking about it? Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful combination and how you can experience it for yourself at the Renew.

You know that feeling when you finally remember to breathe deeply during a stressful moment? Turns out, that’s not just a lucky coincidence. Breathwork—the act of consciously breathing—can actually do so much more than just keep us alive. It’s a game-changer for your health, your mood, and your overall sense of well-being.

Keep reading to learn more about Ana's journey with breathwork and what to expect at a Breathwork class at Western!

At this point, most of us know that exercise is about so much more than just keeping our bodies in shape. If you’ve ever left the gym feeling happier than when you arrived, noticed better quality of sleep on the days you exercise, or felt a little sharper back at the office after a lunch break workout, then you’ve experienced some of those mental benefits. In fact, decades of research across the globe have shown that exercise has a profound effect on the brain.

February is American Heart Month, which is the perfect time to remind ourselves of how important heart health is! Your heart works hard for you. Every second of every day, it keeps you moving, lifting, playing, and living. But did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women? In fact, about 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease!

Discover the power of grounding and PEMF therapy for better health and wellness. Learn how grounding can boost mood, reduce pain, improve sleep, and support recovery. Dive into the science behind PEMF therapy and explore easy ways to get grounded—whether at Renew’s wellness center or from the comfort of home.

Explore the world of energy work at Renew. Discover how these ancient practices can enhance your well-being, reduce stress, and promote overall health. Learn about the benefits, what to expect in a session, and how energy work can be a valuable part of your wellness journey.

Discover the unexpected health benefits of saunas and steam rooms beyond just relaxation. Learn how these heat therapies improve detoxification, circulation, muscle relaxation, skin health, and mental wellness. Whether you're a seasoned sweat enthusiast or new to the heat, explore five ways saunas and steam rooms can enhance your fitness and wellness routine. Then head over to Western for your next steam room or sauna sesh!

Explore advanced meditation techniques beyond mindfulness. Discover the benefits and practices of SKY meditation, mantra meditation, walking meditation, and chakra meditation. Find the right style for your personal growth and learn when to choose guided versus unguided sessions. Dive deeper into your meditation journey with us!

Learn the art of meditation and find tranquility amidst life's whirlwind with these beginner-friendly meditation techniques in the first of our meditation series of blogs. Explore mindfulness, body scan, and loving-kindness meditations, and join our Breathwork & Meditation Workshop for guided sessions. Start your journey to inner peace today!

In this series of Healthy Habits blog posts, we'll provide valuable insights into creating healthy habits that promote a healthy life, including aspects of physical fitness, mental well-being, and emotional balance

We all know good sleep is essential for overall health and wellness. During sleep, the body repairs and rejuvenates itself, and the brain consolidates memories and learning. Lack of sleep has been linked to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Good sleep also plays a crucial role in regulating mood, increasing productivity, and improving cognitive function.

In Wisconsin, we know that sunlight is a precious resource in the winter. With our long work weeks, busy school schedules, extracurriculars, and other hobbies, it can be hard to soak up enough sun during the colder, darker months of the year. Unfortunately for us northerners, we get most of our intake of Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, which can be challenging during the winter. In fact, it’s so hard for us to get enough sunlight in the winter months that Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in Wisconsin.

Have you been wandering sluggishly through the past week, yawning in meetings, wishing you could get a little shut-eyet eye? You’re not alone.