Christine VanDoren
Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 608 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!
How to make your own homemade Gatorade to replenish electrolytes
Are you looking for a healthier option than Gatorade? Learn how to make homemade electrolyte drinks.
When fasting, what can you drink? The do’s and don’ts
When fasting, what can you drink? Discover which beverages won't break your fast and what to avoid.
Mediterranean diet meal prep for beginners: A simple weekly guide
Do you need guidance with your weekly Mediterranean diet meal prep? Check out our guide for help.
5 quick and healthy drinks I swear by to feel good from the inside out
Looking for healthy drinks to support your body? These five recipes will give you an energy boost and make you feel your best.
As a nutritionist, these are my go-to weeknight dinners for staying fit
Are you looking for easy and healthy dinner ideas? Try these seven recipes to keep you on track with your fitness goals.
Stop following generic diets—build your own with these 5 steps
Everybody is different, especially when it comes to nutrition. Follow this guide to truly understand what you should be eating.
The potato diet explained: benefits, risks, and how it works
Will the potato diet actually help you lose weight? Discover the benefits and downsides.
15 Whole30 snacks that complement your nutrient-dense diet
Are you following the Whole30 diet and looking for snack ideas? Try these 15 delicious options.
Are burgers healthy? The truth about your favorite cheat meal
Are you trying to eat a healthier diet but love burgers? Discover whether they are healthy and tweaks you can make.
10 everyday foods that secretly boost your gut health, according to a nutritionist
Are you looking to improve your digestion? Discover 10 gut-healthy foods that can help.
Why box jumps are my go-to move for explosive strength and better coordination
If you want to improve both your leg strength and athleticism, you must try the box jump. Learn how to do it right for optimal results.
Carbon-plated shoes for new runners: Are they worth the hype?
Are you considering purchasing carbon-plated shoes? Discover if they fit into your running routine as a beginner.
Why trainers swear by fire hydrants for stronger, rounder glutes
Are you looking to build strong glutes and improve hip mobility? Consider adding the fire hydrant exercise to your routine.
Archer row: The underrated back-building move you’re not doing yet
Are you looking to fix muscle imbalances and develop a stronger back? Consider adding archer rows to your routine.
The underrated eating plan that works for nearly everyone
Looking for simple food swaps to improve your health? Learn how to follow the whole food diet.
Why I swapped smoothie bowls for savory cottage cheese—and never looked back
Don't know if a smoothie bowl or cottage cheese bowl should be your morning go-to? Discover the pros and cons of each.
Can AI replace your personal trainer? Here’s what you need to know
Are you considering trying an AI-powered personal training app? Discover the pros and cons.
If you’re new to the Mediterranean diet, these 7 dinners are the perfect place to start
Looking for some quick and easy dinner ideas? Check out these healthy Mediterranean options.
Master your endurance: Key tips for breaking through running plateaus
Are you looking to improve your endurance for better health and to hit running goals? Consider these essential tips.
The TB12 diet: How Tom Brady stays in optimal shape
Are you a fan of Tom Brady and curious how he fuels himself to perform? Discover exactly how you could follow the TB12 diet as well.
Pelvic tilts are the underrated core move you’re probably skipping
Posture and core strength are very important when it comes to longevity and carrying out daily tasks. Discover why pelvic tilts belong in your routine.
Want real full-body power? The clean and jerk might be your answer
The clean and jerk is a popular Olympic lift, but it isn't for the faint of heart. Discover how to do it with proper form and the benefits.
Try these gut-friendly tips for a better Thanksgiving (without skipping the pie)
Thanksgiving dinner often comes with bloating and feeling sluggish, but it doesn't have to. Utilize these simple tips to support your digestion.
Why diamond push-ups hit your triceps harder than standard ones
Are you a fan of push-ups but want to prioritize your triceps? You need to give diamond push-ups a try.
What makes acorn squash a fall superfood, according to a nutritionist
Looking to boost the nutrition of your fall meals? Try incorporating acorn squash, which is rich in both vitamins and minerals.
The crucial role of carbs post-workout that every nutritionist knows
Are you looking to replenish your energy after training? Follow this guide to carbs post-workout.
Do anti-aging supplements really work? Here’s what science says
Many supplements claim to be anti-aging, but what does the science say?
Farmer’s carry: The full-body strength builder hiding in plain sight
Are you seeking noticeable grip strength improvements with a simple exercise? Try the farmer's carry.
Why metabolic health is the fitness goal you’re probably overlooking
Your metabolic health affects how you look and feel. Discover essential habits to support it.
I’m a nutritionist—here’s why boron matters for men who lift
If you are looking to step your game up in the gym, you may want to consider boron. Learn how this nutrient impacts the body.
Personal trainer-approved: Build muscle with this 1-dumbbell workout
Maximize your fitness with this 1-dumbbell full-body workout. Perfect for home or travel, it targets all major muscle groups for strength, muscle building, and fat loss.
Why protein is the key to losing weight and keeping it off
Is protein good for weight loss? Discover the benefits of a high-protein diet.
9 nutritionist-approved healthy late-night snack options to curb your cravings
Looking for some healthy late-night snacks? These nine options will curb your cravings while benefiting your body.
Unlock serious chest gains with these 5 no-equipment bodyweight exercises
You don't need the gym to build a strong chest. Try implementing these five no-equipment chest workouts for great results.
7 filling foods I swear by as a nutritionist to help you stay full and lose weight
Are you trying to lose weight but aren't sure what foods will support your goal? Discover seven filling foods low in calories.
A personal trainer’s guide to a balanced 7-day gym workout plan
Are you looking for guidance on structuring your weekly workout plan? Try this 7-day gym program.
Maximize your chest growth with these 5 expert-approved pec workouts
Are you trying to grow a strong and developed chest? Try implementing these pec workouts into your routine.
Zone zero training: The ultra-low-intensity trend redefining fitness
Want some easy tips for implementing extra movement into your day? Try zone zero training.
Avoid these dumbbell-buying mistakes—advice from a personal trainer
Are you considering buying dumbbells for your home gym? Pay attention to these important factors and mistakes.
9 nitric oxide-rich foods I recommend as a nutritionist for better heart health
Are you looking for foods to include in your diet for improved cardiovascular health? Learn about nine foods high in nitric oxide.
Ashwagandha is trending for men—here’s what I’ve learned as a trainer and nutritionist
Are you looking to add a natural supplement to your routine? Discover five science-backed benefits of ashwagandha.
How to combine intermittent fasting with the Mediterranean diet for better results
Are you a fan of the Mediterranean diet? Discover what happens when you combine it with intermittent fasting.
Strengthening your knees: 7 key exercises a personal trainer recommends
Are you looking to support your knees during lifting sessions and everyday activities? Try these essential workouts.
The 5 key micronutrients every athlete should track for peak performance
Nutrition plays an integral role in how athletes both look and feel. Discover the five most important micronutrients for you.
Heart rate zones made my workouts smarter—not harder
Are you trying to build your cardiovascular endurance? You may want to give zone training a try.
30-day workout challenge: Build strength, agility, and endurance with this full-body plan
Are you looking to improve your speed, strength, and agility? Try this 30-day workout challenge.
I’m a nutritionist — these 9 low-cholesterol foods can help protect your heart and boost energy
Do you need to make dietary changes to support your health health? Discover nine foods low in cholesterol.
Walk-run intervals: The beginner hack to burn fat and boost endurance
Are you interested in a cardio form that is more gentle on your joints and lungs? Learn about walk-run intervals.
Should you trust AI to design your meal plan? A nutritionist weighs in
Should you start relying on apps for your meal plan? Discover the pros and cons of using an algorithm.
Get stronger abs without equipment: 7 upper ab exercises that work
Are you trying to develop your upper abs? Implement these seven effective exercises into your routine.