Today, I started my day doing one of my favorite activities- riding my bike. As I was cruising down Willamette Drive here is Portland, I saw many people filling buckets with the fresh blackberries that were growing on the side of the road. The sight of all those fresh berries gave me the idea to […]
5 Easy Tips to Improve Your Diet
Many of us are using this time of physical distancing to practice some form of self-improvement. I have heard of people tackling a new language, trying new recipes or picking up a new hobby. While this is a time of great anxiety and stress for most of us, it could also be the perfect time […]
Avoiding the Quarantine 15
Lately, I have been hearing a great deal of talk about the fear of the Quarantine 15. Similar to the Freshman 15 we were all warned about when we went to college, the Quarantine 15 is the concern about gaining weight in this time of overwhelming stress and anxiety. While it is true this time […]
Boost Your Metabolism
Many of my clients are still sticking to their New Year’s Resolutions. As for most of the population, one of the most popular resolutions is weight loss. While there are no quick, permanent, safe magic bullets in the weight loss arena, there is some research to suggest that eating certain foods may help in this […]
Ditch the Sugar
Ditch the Sugar Halloween marks the beginning of the long holiday season for many of us. It seems we just tuck away the Halloween decorations and then are reaching for turkeys, cornucopias and other symbols of Thanksgiving. One common concern I hear from my clients is trying to not only find a way to limit […]
Protein Power
Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies. We need to consume protein on a regular basis to build muscle, skin, hair and nails. We also use protein to form hormones and the immune system, digestive system and blood all rely on proteins to function properly. When you eat protein, your body breaks it down […]
Carb Crazy
Carbohydrates have an especially important role in providing the energy needed for exercise and life. Carbs are the most easily used source of fuel for your body and can be found in fruit, vegetables, grains, beans and dairy products. Carbs are also important in the metabolism of fat for energy. Fat, protein and carbohydrates provide […]
Sugar Free Freedom
One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions I hear about from clients is to stop eating sugar. Sugar is ubiquitous in a standard American diet and hides in many places you wouldn’t expect. Our body is wired to crave sugar because our first food, breast milk, is filled with gut health nurturing lactose. Throughout […]
Focus on Turkey
With Turkey Day almost upon us, I thought it seemed pertinent to focus on the nutritional profile of the traditional Thanksgiving main course- turkey. Most people think of the Thanksgiving Day feast as a time of unhealthy choices but it doesn’t have to be. Fill your plate wisely and you can create a nutritious, health […]
Focus on Peaches
The other night one of my friends invited me over for a barbecue. One of the items on her menu was grilled peaches. They were so tasty- soft but not mushy and filled with flavor. Summer time is one of my favorite times of year because of the abundance of peaches and other stone […]
Good Mood Food
As a mental health professional, I see a steady stream of people of all ages struggling with anxiety and depression. Unfortunately this summer, traditionally a time I see a drop in referrals, has been very busy. It seems we live in an anxious world. My dual training in mental health and nutrition often leads me […]
The Beauty of Breakfast
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and supper like a pauper. Conventional wisdom stresses the importance of starting your day with breakfast. But is it really necessary? I often hear from my clients that they are not hungry in the morning or don’t have time for breakfast. The research is really […]
