DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: Our Top Trap Exercises by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD It’s important to develop strong traps in order to strengthen the shoulders. Stronger traps will make Olympic lifting, pull-ups, and lots of other pulling movements easier. And ladies, traps are sexy on you as well! Don’t neglect them because you won’t get […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: Quick & Powerful Total Body Workout by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD This workout incorporates pushing, pulling and lower body activation. Great for when you’re in a pinch or traveling and need a quick workout. Incline Dumbbell Row • Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie face […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: High Protein Smoothie Recipes Get more out of your smoothies with these nutrient-dense versions. Don’t be deceived by how good they taste, they’re packed with nutrition! by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD Coffee Banana Smoothie Ingredients • 1 cup chilled brewed coffee • 1½ bananas, cut into chunks • 1 cup nonfat, […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: Why We Love ‘Thunder Thighs’ (And You Should, Too!) by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD When most people hear the term “thunder thighs”, they likely think of it negatively. I think thunder thighs are fantastic! Why? What’s more powerful than thunder? The Norse God of Thunder, Thor, is the most powerful & […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: 3 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes We Love by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD What’s easier, and less stressful, than coming home to a warm, home-cooked meal without having to do any of the work? That’s why I love slow cooker recipes. You can usually prep the night before, or in the morning […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: How to Do a Pull-Up by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD Pull-ups are probably one of my favorite upper body movements because they target the back, shoulders and traps, along with the arms. Plus you engage the core (or you should be), so it really becomes an (almost) total body movement. Never […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: Top 3 Lower Ab Exercises by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD The lower abs are one of the harder areas to target. Combine that with where visceral fat loves to reside, and getting that all-over chiseled look becomes a little more difficult. It’s a bit easier to target the upper abs, just […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: The 3 Biggest Reasons Why You’re Always Tired by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD Your Breakfast Needs a Makeover • A balanced breakfast is key. Nothing too large, and certainly more than nothing at all. Breakfast literally means to “break the fast” from the night’s sleep. You are turning on your body’s […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: How to Get Lower Back Dimples by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD Lower back dimples, also called Venus dimples, have jumped into the spotlight with the advent of low-rise jeans and body jewelry. However, there is a little bit of debate whether lower back dimples are genetic or not. However, there does […]

DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE: 3 Favorite Meatball Recipes by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD Here are some fun meatball recipes. You can serve these over brown rice pasta, quinoa or rice! Buffalo Chicken & Quinoa Meatballs Makes about 36 small meatballs Ingredients • 2 lbs. 95% lean ground chicken • ¾ cup cooked quinoa • 1 […]