Skip to main content
Christine VanDoren

Christine VanDoren

Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 467 articles

Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her passion is helping others learn how strong and healthy they can become by transforming their daily habits. Christine spends most of her time in the gym and learning how she can influence others through positivity!

 

Man and woman using ellipticals

Elliptical workout plan for beginners: Burn fat without the impact

Interested in adding the elliptical to your routine? Discover some of the best workouts to try.
Man on treadmill

3 effective incline treadmill workouts for a stronger lower body

Looking for low-impact training that will help you build muscle and burn fat? Try these three incline treadmill workouts.
Man showing muscles, eating healthy vegetarian salad

What is the best food for muscle recovery? Here’s what to eat after training

What is the best food for muscle recovery? Discover seven essential additions to your meal plan.
Supplements

The supplement boom: What’s behind the $69 billion wellness surge?

NBJ recently shared that the supplement industry is worth $69 billion. What is behind this sudden surge?
Man with headphones on looking at his phone

New report: Why you should double-check your favorite influencer’s nutrition tips

Social media allows for almost anyone to have a broad audience. This report shares how you need to be careful with any health advice.
White bean soup.

7 foods high in potassium and magnesium for better health

Are you looking to improve your overall health and consume enough minerals? Discover seven foods that provide plenty of potassium and magnesium.
two men smiling friends creatine protein shake powder

Does creatine break a fast? What you need to know

Does creatine break a fast? Learn whether you can take this supplement during fasting periods.
Muscular shirtless man working out outside doing chest dips on parallel bars

8 dip station exercises for a full-body workout

Are you looking for a full-body workout only using a dip station? Try these eight effective exercises.
Man doing standing cable chest press exercise in gym on cable machine

5 cable machine chest exercises for a killer pump

Are you looking to grow your chest with the cable machine? Discover the five best cable machine chest exercises.
Canned tuna

This affordable, high-protein food deserves a spot in your pantry

Looking for an easy and versatile protein source? Consider adding canned tuna to your diet.
Closeup of handsome african american sportsman training body on modern rowing exerciser in gym, copy space. Motivated young black sportsman with wireless headset having workout on rowing machine

Can a rowing machine build muscle? Why fitness pros swear by it

Are you interested in adding the rowing machine to your workout regimen? Discover whether it can contribute to muscle mass.
Man eating chicken

How much protein is in a chicken breast? A complete guide

How much protein is in a chicken breast? Discover all the nutrition facts of this healthy and versatile food.
Factor.

I needed help hitting my protein goals: Was Factor the solution?

Do you have a busy lifestyle and need help with hitting your protein goals? Discover whether Factor may be the solution.
Man eating protein bar

The top 13 best bulking snacks for muscle growth

Are you interested in building lean mass and strength? Discover 13 snacks that are easy and high in protein to help you through your bulking phase.
Man's face

How to lose face fat: 5 helpful tips for a slimmer, more chiseled face

Is your face rounder of puffier than you would like? Discover five essential tips for how to lose face fat effectively.
Man doing battle ropes workout.

5 battle rope benefits: Why they should be included in your workout routine

Are you looking to make your workouts more dynamic and explosive? Discover the benefits of battle ropes.
Man doing hyperextensions

The benefits of creatine supplements for HIIT workouts (and how to take them)

The potential benefits of creatine supplements include improved power, speed, strength, and athletic performance. Here's how.
Salmon entree

These 6 benefits of the Mediterranean diet prove why it’s a fan-favorite

What does the research show about the Mediterranean diet? Here are the evidence-based benefits you should know
Healthy eating: grilled skinless, boneless chicken breasts in a cast iron grilling pan.

11 low-calorie, high-protein foods that will help you lose weight

Are you looking for the best foods to help you lose weight? Discover 11 low-calorie, high-protein foods to include in your diet.
A banana shake with bananas, nuts, wooden spoons, coaster, and a glass of milk.

Are protein shakes good for breakfast? Tips for a high-protein morning meal

Are you curious whether protein shakes are good for breakfast? Discover how to make them a nutritious meal.
Jars of food in glass containers in a pantry

13 healthy diet staples to always have in your kitchen

Always having key staples in your house is a great way to set yourself up for a successful weight loss journey. Discover which diet staples to have on hand.
Pair of dumbbells and a resistance band with handles

Why resistance bands are never my go-to for strength gains

Do you only use resistance bands for strength training? Discover why they may be limiting your gains.
Pork chop in skillet

9 foods high in lysine for improving muscle strength

Are you looking to tweak your diet for improved muscle strength? Discover nine foods high in lysine that could help.
Pink salt on a spoon

We need to stop demonizing salt – here is what the real issue is

You've likely heard you need to avoid salt, but should you altogether? Learn why the body needs it.
Bowl of foods high in soluble fiber with fruit and nuts and oats

5 effective tips on how to get more fiber in your diet

Fiber is essential for your digestive system and being healthy overall. Discover five easy tips to reach your daily target.
Weight loss scale black and white doctor office weighing scale

8 nutrition tips I swear by as a personal trainer and nutritionist

Are you looking to drop a few pounds to feel your best? Discover eight essential nutrition tips.
Healthy foods

Forget the fads — here’s why protein and fiber are the real game-changers

Are you currently trying to lose weight? Discover why meals high in protein and fiber are key to your success.
Running shoes sneakers outside park bench sunrise sunset

Your guide to how running shoes should fit for optimal performance

Are you new to running and aren't sure how running shoes should fit? Discover tips for finding the optimal pair.
Alcoholic drinks.

Does alcohol affect muscle growth? Tips for achieving maximum gains

Are you wondering if you need to cut out alcohol for optimal muscle gains? Learn about what effect it truly has.
man on treadmill picture running by window

Walking pad vs. treadmill: Which is better for your home gym?

Looking to get in more steps but don't know if you should choose a walking pad or treadmill? Learn the pros and cons of each.
Man squatting down doing jump squats at home workout

11 benefits of squats that will improve your overall fitness

We delve into the benefits of squats, how to do them properly, and the best variations. We asked personal trainer Carissa Galloway to share her top squat tips.
Vegetables on cutting board

11 delicious low-glycemic foods to improve your overall health

Food has a major impact on our blood sugar levels. Discover 11 nutritious low-glycemic foods that positively impact your health.
Healthy low carbs products. Ketogenic diet concept. Top view

What is clean eating: How it influences weight loss and bulking

Have you heard about clean eating and wonder if you should give it a try? Learn the simple rules for this eating method and how it can affect fitness goals.
Man drinking pre-workout

What does pre-workout do? 5 benefits of the supplement you need to know

Are you considering adding pre-workout into your supplement routine? Discover its many benefits, as well as a few things to be aware of.
Close-up of hand holding a dumbbell

What dumbbell weight should I use based on my fitness goal?

Are you looking to add dumbbells to your workout routine but aren't sure what weight to use? Discover some essential tips.
A person on their couch watching TV with popcorn

Nighttime snack cravings: The reasoning behind it and healthier options

Are you struggling with late-night cravings? Learn why and how to minimize them.
Cottage cheese and berries

What are the superfoods that make the most impact?

Are you looking for a few of the best foods that will positively impact your health? Learn which superfoods to add to your grocery list.
smoothies

7 tasty, low-calorie smoothie recipes to aid your weight loss

Are you looking to add smoothies to your weight loss meal plan? Try any of these seven recipes for a tasty nutrient boost.
Man training with bare torso abs wheel

Essential gym equipment for better ab workouts: A beginner’s guide

Are you looking to finally achieve that six-pack you've always wanted? Discover the best gym equipment to make it happen.
Scoop of Creatine Monohydrate Supplement and Chemical Formula

Creatine gummies vs. powder: Which is more effective?

Are you looking to add creatine to your supplement stack? Find out whether powder or gummies are the better choice.
Man in the gym wearing a hat and shorts performing leg press exercises on a machine

The best leg day workout routine: Everything you need to know

Looking to build strength and size in your lower body? Discover the optimal number of sets and reps, the best exercises, and an effective workout routine.
Dark, leafy green vegetables

Manage stress with these 9 powerful cortisol-reducing foods

Do you want to manage your stress naturally? Discover nine cortisol-reducing foods that can help.
A bowl of tofu

11 non-meat, high-protein foods to build muscle

Are you looking to hit an ambitious protein goal but aren't a fan of meat? Discover 11 plant-based options to add to your grocery list.
Man taking break from running working out walking wearing weighted vest outdoors in city near train track

Make walking more intense with a weighted vest: Learn the pros and cons

Are you looking to take your walks up a notch with a weighted vest? Discover the benefits and downsides to see if it's right for you.
Man in kitchen cutting healthy food vegetables

How to lose weight consistently every week

Are you on a weight loss journey and trying to achieve consistent results? Discover essential adjustments you can make for progress.
Man doing Smith machine squats

How to use a Smith machine: Key tips and exercises to try

Are you interested in including the Smitch machine in your workout regimen? Discover its many perks and some of the most beneficial exercises.
green tea leaves in spoon and bag

Green tea extract benefits: 5 reasons to add it to your supplement routine

Are you interested in switching from green tea to green tea extract? Learn about five benefits of the supplement.
Person scooping protein powder out of canister

Is protein powder necessary for muscle growth?

Are you trying to build muscle and aren't sure if you need protein powder? Discover how it compares to whole foods.
Raw milk.

The debate over raw milk: What you need to know for your health

Have you heard the hype around raw milk but aren't sure if it's a good addition to your meal plan? Discover whether it's healthy and safe.
roasted coffee beans

The coffee loophole diet: Does it have any real benefits?

Are you interested in trying the viral coffee loophole diet? Discover the benefits and downsides.