It can be easy to forget about the humble eggplant. You probably walk by it in the produce section and marvel at its shiny black-purple skin and large size. The next thing that pops into your mind is, "What the heck can I do with that?", and you move onto other vegetables.

A low carb diet can be challenging when it comes to the amount of time it takes to prepare food. I'm currently trying to nudge low carb and good planning is definitely something required when you need to eat mostly non-processed foods. Fresh vegetables, non-processed meats and cheeses, and low carb condiments are required which can take alot of time without a strategy. I've learned that cooking in bulk is a great way to save time. If I'm grilling chicken, I grill a few pounds of it for the week. As soon as I bring home broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, etc., I cut them up into bite size and store them in ziptop bags for easy snacking or meal options. I also try to prepare low carb condiments and dips for the week.

What the heck are zoodles? Why, zucchini noodles of course! Zoodles are a great way to replace pasta noodles if you're trying to cut carbs, are gluten intolerent, or just want to include more healthy vegetables in your diet. Zucchini has already made a very tasty replacement for pasta in our Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna recipe and we also talked about all the health benefits of eating more of this versatile vegetable.

We all know exercise is important for any weight loss or weight management regimen. Daily exercise makes you stronger and makes you feel better. But did you know that if you Nudge yourself to regular exercise, the effects are much more far reaching than just weight loss and strength? Studies show that daily exercise can add years to your life, stave off sickness and disease, and even improve your quality of life.

If you're using Nudge, you know the value of loading up on healthy vegetables and grains throughout the day. As we've mentioned before, one of the key ways to make sure you're eating healthy throughout the day is to have a healthy dish that when taken to your workplace is so fresh and delicious, you won't be tempted to hit the vending machines or head out for fast food. It needs to travel well, not spoil easily, and be full of nutrients and energy to keep you alert and focused until the next meal.

The human body is made up of between 50 to 75 percent water based on sex and body type. Our brain is made up of 85% water. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things we can do as all of our organs depend on it whether we're being active or not. The Mayo Clinic has found that the average water intake for a man is 3 liters.  But staying hydrated and not being thirsty isn't the only benefit, your overall health can improve by drinking enough water.

Whether you're trying to eat more vegetables, cut down on carbs for a weight loss regimen or have a gluten allergy, one thing is for sure - we all crave a good home cooked meal from time to time. By home cooked, I mean something that is made from scratch, hearty, and has all the flavors you remember growing up. Most times when we think of such a dish we think of pot roast and potatoes, roast chicken and vegetables, meat loaf, and of course, casseroles. Casseroles are the embodiment of home. A one pot meal loaded with all kinds of delicious (and most often unhealthy) ingredients that inspires your taste buds and satisfies the soul.

Weight loss ideas are abundant and searching the web for how to lose a few pounds will turn up a wealth of information. Eat less, check. Exercise more, check. Stay hydrated, check. Rinse and repeat. Most of us already know this and do this all the time - well at least for a week or two. The biggest hurdle a person has with weight loss isn't basic knowledge of what they need to do, it's sticking with it. Consistency in a weight loss program can only be achieved if a person feels satisfied and rewards themself from time to time.

We've always been told the best way for a proper weight management program involves focusing on caloric intake while expending those calories with exercise. While this is still true, a recent study shows the importance of getting enough sleep.