A Prescription For Produce! Love It!!!!

If you eat like this, your heart and soul will sing! :)

I've been saying (and living) for years...nutrition is the best medicine.  Now, I'm not saying that there aren't times when Western medicine is needed because there absolutely are.  Especially in acute situations.  BUT in general, we need to go back to nature.  Nutrition is what feeds our bodies as well as our mind and souls.  If we don't eat properly then the triad suffers.  Not an isolated element of it. Nothing works in isolation.  NOTHING!  My first response to any health situation is to 1) assess the situation (what's happening on all levels and how is it manifesting in the body) and 2) what can we do nutritionally to alleviate the underlying issue.  Not treat the symptom.  Yes, this approach may take longer because it doesn't involve using potent fast acting drugs.  But it's not only better for your body, it heals your body and it treats the issue not the symptom.  Okay, enough of my rant.  The reason I'm writing this is because I think FINALLY medicine (and doctor's) are starting to believe this.  I think there's a movement or a shift happening where doctor's are going back to our roots and to nature to look for cures or natural nutritional ways to alleviate physical symptoms.  Here's why I say this, I read an article the other day in the Houston Chronicle.  They did a piece on a doctor who is doing just what I said above!  The title of the article was 'Doctor writes prescriptions for produce'.  How freaking awesome is that!!!  I love this guy!  In the article he is quoted saying, "As physicians, we perform surgery or prescribe medications to our patients to make them well," said Davis. "Why not also educate them on healthy eating, and make fresh fruits and vegetables readily available?".  And here's the best quote....

"I think a few other doctors have written prescriptions," continued Davis. "I would like to get more doctors writing the prescriptions. Hippocrates said, 'Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.' Produce is medicine. The vegetables and fruits are an alternative for use in treating diseases."

Did you see that where he said "produce is medicine"???? YES!!!!!! Finally a doctor saying something like this! Something like "this" that we in the holistic nutrition field have known for years.  And by the way, those 'prescription pads' he's referring to in his comment are prescription pads for produce!  Prescriptions for fruits and veggies!!! Words can't describe how awesome this is!!!  I just HAD to share it with you all!!

So the next time you're feeling a little under the weather, have a rash, feel exhausted, etc.  don't look for a pill to take.  Take a good look at your diet and lifestyle.  Change it from within.  Naturally.  And what will follow is a tidal wave of health, vitality, and awareness that you thought didn't exist.  I promise!

XO   Joy

Kale vs Spinach

Kale and spinach

I get asked often, "which is better for me, kale or spinach?".  My answer is always both!  As with all vegetables and fruits, each has its own nutritional make-up that contain more vitamins or minerals than the other BUT they area ALL great for you! That is why I always stress to eat a variety of fruits and veggies.  Don't stick with your usual favorites and ignore the rest.  Sure there are some you may not like the taste of no matter how you serve them.  And that's ok!  But keep looking.  Variety is key.  As for the 'show down' between kale vs spinach, I will say this...spinach packs a protein punch that kale just can't compete with (spinach has virtually double the protein per serving than kale).  But kale contains 1/3 to 1/2 more vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K than spinach.  So eat both.  Here are a couple of highlights and comparison between these amazing greens:

• Each pack roughly 40 calories per cup cooked (that's it!!)
• Kale packs ~10% of your daily requirements for 7 different nutrients
• Spinach packs ~10% of your daily needs for 17 different nutrients
• Both are delicious raw or cooked and in smoothies
• Both contain protein (although almost double in spinach) which helps you feel full longer
• Both are packed with phytochemicals 
• Both packed with fiber
• Both contain a decent amount of calcium

So let's stop comparing these two and crown them both winners!! Variety and balance.  It's the key to health and wellness!

XO  Joy

Portion Size Confusion....

Clients ask me all the time, "How many calories should I eat to lose weight?  Or maintain weight?" and although there is an equilibrium that needs to be maintained in order to lose/gain/maintain, I don't like the tedious task of counting calories.  For myself or my clients.  I will absolutely take a snap shot of what their body needs are after a thorough intake and evaluation and I do give them guidelines on how many calories a day are required to get them to their goals.  But I stress that they are guidelines. Life is to be lived and spending time counting every morsel you put in your mouth is no way to live life!  I feel that society (companies wanting your money in particular) make nutrition and health harder than it is.  I have helped clients break through weight loss plateaus by designing plans that had them losing 2+ pounds in one week.  But that isn't what my focus is or where my passion lies.  It's teaching my clients how to live a healthy lifestyle rather than knuckle their way through a diet, boot camp, or fad.

In my health coaching practice I've found the three most common things that help my clients achieve their goals are;

1. Nutrition and wellness education
2. Teaching proper portion size and healing foods specific to their body type
3. Partnership (they know I'm in this with them to cheer them on every step and guide them when they need it)

It's important to learn and know your body.  Pay attention to how foods feel to your digestive system. Do you feel sluggish after certain foods?  Or have indigestion?  Or nausea? These are all signs your body is giving about the foods you consume.

As for portion size, you can memorize the charts you find on the internet showing a deck of cards for protein, dice for 1oz of cheese, etc. but I find even that a little annoying. Here are a couple tips on portion sizing that, if you follow, are sure to get you some results even if subtle.  BUT it still matters what you're eating!  You can't use "proper portion size" recommendations while eating fast foods and junk still expecting to achieve health and wellness.  But you already know that ;)

• Use a 9-10" plate (if plate is bigger just don't fill it completely)
• Fill half your plate with vegetables
• Fill 1/4 plate with healthy protein
• Fill 1/4 plate with whole grain or healthy carbs
• If you're not using a plate and it's a quick snack; always have protein source with a vegetable or fruit and use your fist as the serving size guide 

Achieving health is not a difficult task.  It just requires desire from within and consistency until new habits become your new way of being.  But it can be done.  EVERYONE is capable of change.

XO   Joy

Balance

Balance in your life is critical to health, well-being, longevity, and happiness.

• This means work hard and play hard
• Be selfless and a little selfish
• Exercise and rest
• Eat well and a little "bad"

Not everyone's 'balance' will look the same.  What balance looks like for me may be imbalance for you.  The point is to find your balance with everything in your life.  And I promise when you do...doors open, opportunities arise and you will achieve everything you desire.

XO  Joy