Gretchen Lidicker, Author at Clean Plates

This Is The Most Helpful COVID-19 Advice We’ve Read on the Internet So Far

By Gretchen Lidicker / May 31, 2020 /

Even before COVID-19, there was no shortage of conflicting health advice on the internet. And now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, the number of voices online telling us what to do — and what not to do! — have increased tenfold.

5 Ways to Bring a Little Joy to Your Life Right Now

By Gretchen Lidicker / May 13, 2020 /

We may be smack in the middle of a pandemic — many of us confined to our homes and missing our friends and family members — but the truth is, we can still find things to be happy about and grateful for.

You’re Taking Your Bath At The Wrong Time

By Gretchen Lidicker / May 11, 2020 /

When I say the word “bath,” the first image that enters your head is likely of someone relaxing in a tub before bed, with candles burning around them and maybe even a glass of wine in their hand. It’s a pretty relaxing image, and a bath before bed has become a go-to evening ritual for many of us.

These Gummy Multivitamins Are — Actually Good For You

By Gretchen Lidicker / May 7, 2020 /

At first thought, sweet and chewable gummy vitamins seem like a great idea. I mean, who wouldn’t want to disguise their daily dose of health-supporting vitamins inside a tasty little treat?

5 Ways To Lower Your Sugar Intake But Still Have Dessert

By Gretchen Lidicker / April 9, 2020 /

If you want to be your healthiest self, reducing your intake of sugar is a must. The average American consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day — which comes out to about 57 pounds of added sugar in one year.

25 Seriously Effective Things We’re Doing to Stay Calm, Healthy, and Present Right Now

By Gretchen Lidicker / April 3, 2020 /

We’ve put together a list of 25 small, but effective ways we’re taking care of our own mental and physical health. Try one, two — or all!

5 Things To Know Before You Buy A Supplement

By Gretchen Lidicker / March 17, 2020 /

If you’re in the market for a new supplement — whether it be to correct a vitamin deficiency, quell inflammation, or support a healthy mood — there’s a very good chance that you’re overwhelmed by the options.

What is Intermittent Fasting & Is It Actually Healthy?

By Gretchen Lidicker / March 12, 2020 /

You’ve probably heard about intermittent fasting (also known as IF), a wellness trend that has gained major momentum in the last few years.

The 8 Best Clean Eating Diets

By Gretchen Lidicker / March 5, 2020 /

We all know that food has a certain power over our health. In the best of circumstances, it can be used to heal us, fuel us, and support our good mood, energy levels, and metabolism. In the worst case scenario, it can sabotage our health by causing gut issues, weight gain, and chronic inflammation.

These Probiotic-Packed Foods Can Help Heal Your Gut

By Gretchen Lidicker / February 27, 2020 /

You’ve probably heard about the gut microbiome, or the billions of bacteria living in your digestive tract. You’ve probably also head of probiotic supplements, which help inoculate the gut with beneficial bacteria that have shown promise for improving digestion, mood, and even metabolism.

5 Little Ways to Feel Better About Your Skin Right Now

By Gretchen Lidicker / February 18, 2020 /

We all have good skin days and bad skin days. We all go through periods of time where our skin is dry, oil, breaking out, or generally feeling dull.

5 Cheap & Clean Beauty Products You Can Buy at Trader Joes

By Gretchen Lidicker / February 6, 2020 /

On your next trip, check out Trader Joe’s beauty products — throw some of these picks in with your Cauliflower Gnocchi and Everything But The Bagel Dip.

4 Science-Backed Workout Recovery Methods

By Gretchen Lidicker / January 21, 2020 /

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just on a new workout kick, muscle soreness, pain, and stiffness can keep you from reaching your full potential. It is, quite literally, a pain to have the motivation to achieve your fitness goals—but be held back by sluggish recovery from your workouts.

5 Kitchen Appliances That Will Help You Eat Healthier (and Save You Money)

By Gretchen Lidicker / January 16, 2020 /

Eating at home is, arguably, the best way to take care of yourself. When you make your meals, snacks and drinks yourself, you know exactly what’s going in them and you can better control portions. It’s also a great way to save money.

Why, Exactly, Is Colorado The Healthiest State?

By Gretchen Lidicker / January 9, 2020 /

When you think of Colorado, what first comes to mind? If it’s an image of outdoorsy people climbing a mountain, a group of 20-somethings drinking craft beer, or a crowd singing along at the Red Rock Amphitheatre, you’re not far off.

3 Things to Know About Cutting Carbs (From People Who Have Done It)

By Gretchen Lidicker / January 2, 2020 /

Have you been thinking about cutting back on carbs? Or cutting them out completely? We talked to people who have eliminated carbs completely from their diet to find out what you should know.

Why You Should Make Honey Part Of Your Winter Skincare Routine

By Gretchen Lidicker / December 27, 2019 /

Winter is here and for many of us, that means cold weather and dry, itchy skin. If this is you, know that you’re not alone. When I moved to New York City three years ago, my skin was hopelessly dry and inflamed all winter long.

Why You Should Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods + What That Really Means

By Gretchen Lidicker / December 26, 2019 /

We all want to eat foods that are healthy. But it can be hard to nail down which ones actually are. “Avoid sugar, but eat plenty of fruit” and “Cut out grains — but make sure you’re getting fiber!” are just a few of the confusing messages we receive.

5 Immune-Boosting Foods You Should Be Eating Right Now

By Gretchen Lidicker / December 26, 2019 /

Winter is here and that means warm drinks and nights snuggled up on the couch. Unfortunately, the cold weather can also mean seasonal coughs, colds, and the dreaded flu.

What To Eat Before & After An Intense Workout

By Gretchen Lidicker / October 18, 2019 /

HIIT workouts can burn hundreds of calories and leave your body feeling like it just can’t recover. If you’re exercising at that intensity with any kind of regularity, proper nutrition before and after is key.

Here’s What to Eat When You’re Hungry All the Time

By Gretchen Lidicker / October 17, 2019 /

You at lunch an hour ago…and you’re feeling hungry already; you made the effort to prepare a healthy dinner, but by 9 p.m. you’re snacking up a storm; you eat breakfast (the most important meal of the day, right?) but without fail, your stomach is growling by the time you sit down at work.