Fresh pasta shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be a human right. As part of the healthy Mediterranean diet, pasta is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. But what about those of us who can’t eat gluten due to celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity? There is a serious gluten-free foods deficiency happening in some parts of the United States right now (especially in Memphis, Tennessee — where I live), which is something I’d like to see corrected. Honestly, it’s as though people decided you aren’t eating gluten just to annoy them or something. So, what do you do when nobody gives you what you want? You make the thing you want while cussing those insensitive gluten-eaters!
Did you know that it was fashionable for people in the Victorian era to chew their food to absolute mush before swallowing it? 2,000 years before that, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates recommended thoroughly chewing food before swallowing and consuming it in moderation for good health. Turns out, they were onto something.
The only thing fancy about this recipe is that it uses French Mirepoix. But first, some nerdy education about why you should be using lentils, which are a powerhouse of nutrition and are known for their numerous health benefits.
Want to boost your digestive health and overall well-being? Probiotic foods might be the answer. When you have a healthy microbiome, your entire life is better. People who increase their intake of probiotics often report fewer feelings of anxiety and depression, clearer skin, more satisfying bowel movements, less stress, and better lab numbers at the doctor. Not bad, right?
In the last week or so, there has been a surge of interest in Berberine, with some dubbing it "Nature's Ozempic." This botanical compound has gained significant attention as a potential supplement for weight loss, with countless TikTok and Instagram reels being made daily. In one video I came across a Kardashian-esque weight loss coach and podcaster incorrectly referred to it as a “new supplement.” With all the buzz, it is important to clarify that Berberine is not a new discovery but rather a compound with a long history of use in traditional folk medicine and integrative nutrition. In this post, we will take a closer look at Berberine and explore its origins, how it works, potential benefits, and what you need to know before you try it. After all, it’s the next “new” supplement (cue eye roll), but it’s also pretty amazing. I should know, since I have been using it with clients for over 8 years now.
Detoxification is crucial for your health and fitness. We're constantly exposed to toxins through what we eat, breathe, and use. These toxins build up over time and can cause fatigue, digestion problems, skin issues, and a weakened immune system. Properly functioning detoxification systems help eliminate these toxins, allowing your body to function better. The only thing is — there are often a LOT of toxins built up, leaving those systems with an impossible job!
Your first meal of the day is important. It affects your blood sugar, energy levels, and brainpower. It can even affect your mood for the rest of the day!
If those things sound important to you, make sure your breakfast includes ample amounts of protein and fiber. That’s what this recipe does.
It’s not easy trying to eat a plant-based diet (mostly plant-based, anyway) when you have an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis or Ehlers-Danlos. Most autoimmune patients are highly sensitive to food that contains soy and wheat/gluten. I should know, my wife has celiac disease and Hashimoto’s. I have a family history of autoimmunity, as well as carrying a gene mutation that makes me likely to develop celiac disease.
Imagine trying to brush your teeth without toothpaste. It might work, but is it working as well as it could be? You mouth probably doesn’t feel as fresh or as clean as it should after brushing your teeth. Your body works kind of like that when it comes to vitamins and minerals.
Every moment of the day, chemical interactions are happening in your body. For that kind of magic to happen, your body needs the right ingredients. When the right vitamins and minerals are available, every cell is operating at its best, your body feels good, and things run smoothly. When an important ingredient is missing from the recipe, everything gets thrown off.
Here's a recipe I've been working on (actually, I stole it from a magazine and changed a few things to increase the veggie content). Recently, I have been interested in recipes from the Mediterranean region. It's probably no surprise to you that the way people naturally eat in that area is super good for your health -- high in vegetables, fiber and healthy fats. This particular dish, Spanakorizo, comes from Greece and has bright, lemony flavors. It is surprisingly easy to make and makes a great addition to a meal. Just top with chickpeas or baked salmon to boost the protein!
Don't let the word vinegar repulse you. High-quality balsamic vinegars are sweet and fruity, perfect for drizzling over berries or ice cream in the summer. This drink is a natural progression of the idea.
Do you love spicy comfort food? Do you also like getting your vegetables in? If the answer is yes, then this veggie-packed recipe is for you. It is high in fiber, has a serving of protein and the carbs are complex and balanced. Grab a bottle of hot sauce and tuck in to some red beans and rice!
Do you sometimes feel like you're dragging your ass ten feet behind you? If the answer is 😩🙋♂️, You might need to look at your vitamin D intake first, and nutrient absorption downstream. When vitamin D levels are lower than optimal (70-90), it can affect how you feel and the ability to get results from even the best nutrition and exercise practices.
Gut health is such a big topic, and we are still finding out so much about it almost daily. With COVID-19, we are getting a lot of questions about how to boost immune function as the pandemic accelerates in the US. It just so happens that gut health and immune function are very closely linked.
You don’t have to be a trippy yoga-teacher or cult-leader type to love what tastes like the lovechild of sweet tea and champagne. One of my favorite drinks is kombucha. Until fairly recently, it wasn’t a thing most places outside Southeast Asia. Now it is one of the fastest growing bottled beverages in the world. But many people don’t even realize that making kombucha at home is easier than you might think. And don’t get me started on the money you can save, but basically you can brew an entire batch for the price of one bottle of booch!
