We all know someone with Type 2 Diabetes. What is their primary challenge? It’s common to think it is high blood sugar, but it is actually insulin resistance. What is the main issue for someone with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure? Insulin resistance. What about frequent migraines, non-alcoholic fatty liver, osteoporosis, or infertility? You guessed it – insulin resistance. Are you beginning to see insulin resistance as the starting gate?
Do you experience cravings? Not surprising that many of my clients do. What surprises them is to learn that not all cravings are the body’s need for food. There are many causes of cravings.
The body is amazing in its ability to maintain itself. It knows when to sleep and when to wake. Your heart beats and lungs breathe without needing any effort on your part.
And yes, you may experience cravings, but instead of responding by going to the pantry or refrigerator, pause and listen. Deconstruct your cravings by asking what does my body want and why?
Cooking gets a bad rap. When I encourage my clients to cook real food, I hear a lot of excuses like it’s time-consuming, difficult, or inconvenient. Would you believe that Americans spend more time watching cooking shows on TV than actually cooking in their kitchens? Many are living on processed and fast foods, and our younger generations don’t know how to cook. I’d like to help you discover the joys of cooking healthful foods.
Did you cook in the kitchen with your mother or grandmother? Cooking is an act of love that strengthens relationships and can support wellness. The process of cooking teaches life skills to your children who need to know how to follow a recipe and create a meal that offers balanced nutrition. Cooking is also an important first step in good digestion and nourishing your body.
Whatever your experience in the kitchen, these strategies simplify the process and encourage healthful cooking in a way that even the busiest novice can enjoy.
When seeking to improve your health, I always recommend starting with what you eat. It can be confusing with so many diets and nutrition plans. Good news – you don’t always have to start with a “diet.” Simply assess the foods you are currently eating and swap out the processed carbs for nutrient-dense foods to fuel healthy function. Packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fats, and antioxidants, these foods will help so you feel great. Here we talk about 7 nutrient-dense foods to fuel healthy function.
Stock your kitchen with some of these foods next time you’re at the grocery store:
Fatty fish like wild-caught salmon, halibut or cod have a rich concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body function optimally. It also has large amounts of potassium, selenium, B vitamins, and magnesium, making it a great source of nutrition for lunch or dinner. Farmed fish does not offer the same nutrients, so choose wild-caught.
A mental health crisis is underway in the U.S. Depression is among the most common mental health issue with 21 million adults experiencing one or more major depressive episodes. A growing number of children and teens are also experiencing depression. Is depression a challenge you face?
Antidepressant medications remain a first-line treatment for depression, even though 2/3 of depressed patients don’t respond well to them. Many doctors are not recognizing the role that the gut plays in mood. Both the foods you eat and the balance of bacteria that reside in your gut affect your mood.
Would you believe that a majority of American adults are considered deficient in vitamin D? Studies of pandemic cases have shown that those who experienced the strongest symptoms had low vitamin D levels. In light of the encouragement to boost our levels, I’d like to clarify how to maximize your vitamin D benefits.
Vitamin D is considered by many to be both hormone and vitamin with a wide variety of benefits, including:
Have you had your Vitamin D levels measured recently? This serum lab test is key to knowing whether your body needs added support and can be requested from your doctor. Though reference ranges on most lab tests consider 30-100 ng/mL acceptable, the optimal level would be 40-60 ng/mL.
Have you noticed that new diets and eating plans are introduced regularly, touting results that we all are seeking? Each new fad presents itself as “the one” yet what really works is a sustainable change to eating foods that fuel our bodies with needed nutrients. It’s actually far simpler than we are making it. Here are 5 Tips For Simplifying Your Eating Habits.
Eating food in its most natural state is a great way to cut some time and stress from your mealtimes. For example, grab a boiled egg on your way out the door instead of breakfast at the coffee shop. Add some fresh veggies as a side at lunch instead of packing chips. Toss everything in a bowl to create a big salad for dinner instead of a complicated recipe or take-out. Read more
Nothing feels better than knowing that you’re progressing in your wellness journey. Yet the holidays can throw a wrench into your progress with delicious baked goods and traditional meals. There really is nothing wrong with those in moderation, but sometimes a few too many treats can cause you to stray from your path.
Just in case you feel you may have strayed and are having trouble finding your way back, here are five tips that can help you get back on track to continue your wellness journey.
While the holidays can bring out joy and excitement, there is also more stress from added demands on schedule, finances, and travel plans. Though these stressors can take a toll on your mental and physical health, I have good news! It doesn’t have to drag you down. Approach this time of year with 4 tips to stay healthy through the holidays. Read more
Cooking food outside is a regular practice in our family, especially in the summer. It’s fun to eat outside and enjoy a different setting whether it’s a picnic or backyard gathering. Each of us can recall memories made as we gathered around a table to enjoy a meal alfresco. And, cooking food doesn’t have to be hard… here are some simple bbq ideas to get you started.
Unfortunately, much of what we put out on the grill isn’t so good for us. If you’re looking to host an outdoor barbecue with healthier options than the typical hot dogs, hamburgers, and ribs — take a look below for some tasty yet healthy suggestions.
