The Inside Scoop

Beat the Heat: Tips for Staying Hydrated This Summer

July 31, 2024

Managing Holiday Stress

November 21, 2023

Some people are delighted and excited about the holiday season, and some feel pressure and a bit of dread with the work to be done to prepare for the holidays. Wherever you fall on the scale, most of us are susceptible to holiday stress. Here are some practical strategies that can help keep you from being overwhelmed this season.

A Diabetes Diagnosis: Where to Begin

November 21, 2023

1.5 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. If you’re one of them, you may be overwhelmed, shocked, and worried. It may be hard to accept, and you may be tempted to ignore it or delay seeking treatment. But early treatment is one of the best ways to “take control” of diabetes. Our company name stems from this very fact. The sooner you address the disease, the less severe it will become, and the less long-term risks you’ll face.

Take Control Bought and Liked: Holiday Gift Guide

November 21, 2023

The holiday gift-giving season is here! We at Take Control are here to help you learn skills, habits, and find the tools to be the best version of yourself. Our Team works hard to take our own health and fitness and this year we are sharing some of our favorite things that we have bought and liked. Use our Take Control Gift Guide to help you give the gift of health and fitness this year.

Tips for Transitioning to Baby #2

March 28, 2023

As a mom of three, there have been a lot of transitions over the last eight years. I have to say, adding a new member to our family was always easier than I anticipated! For us, the buildup was worse than the actual event. Regardless, there were some challenges along the way. Here are some strategies we used as a family and advice I’ve gotten over the years to help ease the transition from one to two kids.

Exercise for Busy Moms

November 30, 2022

When you’re a mom, one of the biggest challenges is lack of time. When you don’t have time for the things you have to do, often the last thing you’re going to make time for is exercise. But the benefits of even small amounts of exercise can help in every aspect of your life. Sometimes just re-framing your mindset about how and when you can fit in exercise can help you realize it is possible to squeeze it in, and enjoy the benefits it provides.

Essential Prenatal & Postnatal Nutrient Spotlight: Choline

October 19, 2022

Choline, an essential nutrient during pregnancy and postpartum is often missed by so many supplement companies. This is likely due to its bulky nature (making it difficult to fit into a prenatal) and the fact that supplement companies are just not up to date on the latest research. Most diets are lacking in adequate amounts of this essential nutrient (especially vegan and vegetarian diets). Choline is technically a B vitamin. However, its discovery occurred much later than the original B vitamins, which is why it doesn’t have the numeric name. Choline is important for infant brain, spinal cord development and memory. In addition, it assists with the immune function of both mother and baby, is important for placental function, and research suggests it may help prevent preeclampsia. The recommended amount for pregnancy is 450 mg daily and during lactation the needs jump to 550 mg daily.

3 Tips for Fall Reset

September 21, 2022

The days are getting shorter, and the weather will be cooling down. The end of summer can be a busy time, especially for those with kiddos heading back to school. There are patio sets to put away, school supplies to buy, and getting out for those last summer adventures. No matter your age, the end of Summer often feels a bit chaotic, and it comes fast! As we head into the autumn season of pumpkin spice everything and crunchy leaves next month, why not welcome it with open arms for a fresh start? This is a great time to start or renew, healthy habits, double-down on your goals and get organized.

10 Ways to Stir Up Summer Fitness

June 29, 2022

As we enter the summer months, it’s a great time to start something new in your fitness journey, or make adjustments that will ensure your continued success. New ideas and strategies help invigorate your motivation and prevent boredom. Hot weather or smoky air can derail things, so it’s helpful to look at your plan and switch things up.

Staying Connected with your Spouse after Kids

May 15, 2020

A new baby is an exciting and busy time in life – the beauty and thrill of bonding love, first smiles, first laughs, and nurturing care. Exciting at first, new parents soon learn how challenging the first year can be. Sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and an endless feeding schedule can be exhausting and overwhelming.Whether you have one or more very small children, it’s usually hard on a relationship. The transition from a couple to a family is a big transition. Who has time for date night? Nevertheless, the family dynamic will be stronger and long-lasting if couples make an effort to communicate and stay lovingly connected.

Stress-reducing Tips for Moms of Toddlers

February 20, 2020

It takes a lot of energy to raise a toddler! They are always on the move, learning, very curious,and need a lot of redirection and soothing. Being a mom is challenging, so it is essential to find ways to unwind, manage stress, and re-charge. Juggling work, kids, and other obligations can take its toll. Self-care is integral to prevent exhaustion and burn-out. Keeping all those balls in the air is demanding and leaves very little time for moms to rest, relax, and have downtime. Here are a few tips to try to set aside a few minutes each day for you.

Snacks for Moms and Toddlers

February 20, 2020

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly feeding your toddler and somehow never have time to eat yourself? Or you end up eating food you prepared for the kids, but they didn't eat it? Why not make something you would enjoy, whether they eat it or not. Try one of these easy toddler-approved snacks that are great for adults too!‍

Stress Strategies

February 20, 2020

Everyone deals with stress. For some people, it’s daily – people with anxiety, depression, or high-stress lives. For others it can come occasionally with life changes or random stressful situations. Whether we realize it or not, we cope with stress in some way or another. Many times we choose unhealthy coping mechanisms such as eating, drinking, smoking, or zoning out on our television or phone. ‍Stress is one of the main road blocks to a healthy lifestyle. When we’re working hard to lose weight, exercise, eat healthier, and reduce our blood pressure, stress will pop up and be one of the first things to derail us. In order to take control of stress before it derails you, the first step is to realize when you have stress, and the second step is to choose a healthy coping mechanism.

Choosing the Right Athletic Shoes

February 20, 2020

Starting or maintaining a successful exercise habit can be difficult, but many people overlook the role that activewear can have in that success. Choosing the right pair of shoes one of the most important aspects of a successful and enjoyable exercise routine.

Injury-Free Post-partum Exercise

February 20, 2020

Most women are given the green light to exercise at their six week post-partum checkup. What most new moms don’t realize, is that it’s not okay to jump back into their pre-pregnancy fitness routine.

One Simple Thing New Moms Can Do Today to Maintain Your Identity

February 20, 2020

Sometimes in the midst of transitioning to your role as a new mom, you can feel like you’re losing your pre-baby identity.

The Season of Eating

February 20, 2020

We just celebrated Thanksgiving, and for me that signals the start of what I refer to as “The Season of Eating.” From Thanksgiving clear through Easter there is at least one big eating opportunity each month: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, the Super Bowl, Valentines, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter.

Layering for Winter Workouts

February 20, 2020

Clothing can make all the difference in a fun and safe winter outdoor experience. Whether you’re going for a walk, running, skiing, or snowshoeing, dressing for the cold is essential to maintain your exercise regime throughout the winter.