The Vagus Nerve – a key regulator
An exciting aspect of our world is the ever-changing landscape of health and nutrition. Scientists continue to explore how the body works, what it is capable of, and how best to support it. Take, for example, the vagus nerve. This peripheral nerve begins in the...
Adaptogens and resilience
Adapt To modify To become suitable for a new use or purpose To become adjusted to a new condition Adaptation is fundamental to growth. As humans, we adapt all the time…to new living spaces, new weather patterns, a new exercise routine, a new political climate,...
Is organic food worth the cost?
I'm often asked if organic food is worth the cost. It’s the same question I asked about 15 years ago…before I started to understand the impact that high pesticide residue, heavy metals, and low nutrient content can have on inflammation and overall health. The link...
How to mind your mind with MIND
Here’s what’s on my mind this week. It's the MIND approach to healthy aging. The MIND approach is based on extensive research in the areas of nutrition and cognitive health. The name stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay...
Vietnamese cuisine (con’t)
After I shared a Vietnamese Hot Pot recipe in a previous post, several of you commented that you were inspired by the Vietnamese way of eating…lots of broth, rice or rice noodles, a variety of protein, and lots of fresh veggies, especially greens.
Vietnam – An opportunity of a lifetime
In March of this year, I returned from a trip of a lifetime…two weeks exploring Vietnam. From the Sa Pa Valley in the north to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, the people were welcoming, the landscapes breathtaking, and the tables brimming with delicacies.
Savoring food for your health
Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m a fast eater. There, I said it. I used to think my fast eating resulted from the short break schedule during my teaching days. I had 20 minutes to get students out of the classroom for their lunch break, stop in the bathroom, get to the...
Post-workout refueling options
It’s not a secret that I like whole foods. I like to cook, create, and nourish myself with fresh ingredients that include a variety of health-boosting herbs and spices. When I'm not out enjoying the sunshine, a favorite weekend activity is cooking a pot or two of...
Link Between Oral and Heart Health
I’ve always been fascinated by the numbers the dental hygienist calls out while examining my teeth and gums just before a cleaning…1, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, etc. At the end of the counting, she usually says, "Things look good," and moves on to the next step. I...
Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods
The rise of ultra-processed foods has coincided with a decline in the health of our nation. ~ Marion Nestle ~ Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita at New York University Ultra-processed foods are not food but...
Dark Chocolate and Its Health Benefits
Why is dark chocolate my go-to sweet tooth satisfier? In addition to just one small square being satisfying enough, dark chocolate has been associated with several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Chocolatey Flourless Cake
This rich and chocolatey flourless cake will make anyone who dismisses non-gluten desserts sit up and take notice. They're sure to ask for a second serving, too. Ingredients: 3/4 C uncooked quinoa 1 1/2 C room temperature water 1/3 C olive or avocado oil 4 eggs 3/4 C...
Nut and Seed Biscuits
These nut and seed biscuits are grain-free and vegan, a great combination for anyone sensitive to grains, gluten, and dairy. Easy to prepare and delicious, too! Ingredients: 1 C sunflower seeds 1/2 C hemp or sesame seeds 1/2 C chopped hazelnuts or almonds 1/2 C...
Blue Zones – Part 2
Several months ago, I received an awesome gift from an awesome colleague. The Blue Zones American Kitchen is a photo and recipe journal with 100 recipes representing healthful eating habits across regions where people live the longest. In a previous Blue Zones post, I...
Winter Curry Stew
This Winter Curry Stew recipe is delicious any time of year and especially on cold winter days. Curry powder is a blend of widely varying spices based on South Asian cuisine. It is used primarily to flavor meat, fish, and vegetables. The main ingredients in curry...
Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s a new year. No, it’s not possible! How did 2022 slip through my fingers? It seems like just yesterday that it was 2021. Allow me to pull back the curtain on last year. I took on two new leadership roles with NANP; shared extended time...
Mushroom and Leek Pizza
Mushrooms are in a category all their own. Neither fruit nor vegetable, plant nor animal, mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi. What we see above ground is just a small portion of a larger network that permeates the underground. There are an estimated three...
Baked Feta & Pasta Recipe
Oh, I love this baked feta and pasta recipe! I first heard about it while walking one morning with neighbors. The recipe was making the rounds on TikTok, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. At first, I dismissed this delectable combination of ingredients...
Nut and Seed Brittle
This high-protein vegan recipe is a favorite snack or dessert, especially during holidays. Experiment with a variety of nuts, seeds, and spices. For a decadent treat, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and allow to set before serving. The sky is the limit with...
A Versatile Breakfast Bar
This breakfast bar is highly versatile. Experiment with a variety of nuts and seeds. It makes a great no-bake granola bar, too. Simply press the dough into an unoiled baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour. Flavor with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, or pumpkin...
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare cabbage. Cut into steaks, the center leaves become tender while the outer leaves get slightly crispy. This easy and delicious side dish complements any meal. Vary the seasonings, and you have a versatile vegetable to add...
Mindset: A foundation of resilience
I’ll be honest. My mental attitude has been less than positive these days. Navigating several personal circumstances is keeping the gremlins in my head on a treadmill. My mind feels like it is on the verge of spinning out of control at any given time. It’s these...
DIET: A foundation of resilience
What comes to mind when you think of the word DIET? According to Merriam-Webster, diet = food and drink regularly consumed; habitual nourishment. Diet is also defined as a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight. Ugh! This second...
Movement: A foundation of resilience
You were born to move…to walk, stand, sit, reach, turn, lunge, and to regularly pull, push, and hoist things even if only your body weight. Moving keeps your joints flexible and your muscles strong. Every time your muscles contract, the body releases myokines,...
Sleep: A foundation of resilience
Resilience is having the energy you need to handle whatever comes your way and being able to tap into that energy when it's needed. The body needs to regenerate to create energy. Regeneration occurs during sleep…one of the foundations of resilience. Why is sleep...
The Vagus Nerve – a key regulator
An exciting aspect of our world is the ever-changing landscape of health and nutrition. Scientists continue to explore how the body works, what it is capable of, and how best to support it. Take, for example, the vagus nerve. This peripheral nerve begins in the...
Adaptogens and resilience
Adapt To modify To become suitable for a new use or purpose To become adjusted to a new condition Adaptation is fundamental to growth. As humans, we adapt all the time…to new living spaces, new weather patterns, a new exercise routine, a new political climate,...
Is organic food worth the cost?
I'm often asked if organic food is worth the cost. It’s the same question I asked about 15 years ago…before I started to understand the impact that high pesticide residue, heavy metals, and low nutrient content can have on inflammation and overall health. The link...
How to mind your mind with MIND
Here’s what’s on my mind this week. It's the MIND approach to healthy aging. The MIND approach is based on extensive research in the areas of nutrition and cognitive health. The name stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay...
Vietnamese cuisine (con’t)
After I shared a Vietnamese Hot Pot recipe in a previous post, several of you commented that you were inspired by the Vietnamese way of eating…lots of broth, rice or rice noodles, a variety of protein, and lots of fresh veggies, especially greens.
Vietnam – An opportunity of a lifetime
In March of this year, I returned from a trip of a lifetime…two weeks exploring Vietnam. From the Sa Pa Valley in the north to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, the people were welcoming, the landscapes breathtaking, and the tables brimming with delicacies.
Savoring food for your health
Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m a fast eater. There, I said it. I used to think my fast eating resulted from the short break schedule during my teaching days. I had 20 minutes to get students out of the classroom for their lunch break, stop in the bathroom, get to the...
Post-workout refueling options
It’s not a secret that I like whole foods. I like to cook, create, and nourish myself with fresh ingredients that include a variety of health-boosting herbs and spices. When I'm not out enjoying the sunshine, a favorite weekend activity is cooking a pot or two of...
Link Between Oral and Heart Health
I’ve always been fascinated by the numbers the dental hygienist calls out while examining my teeth and gums just before a cleaning…1, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, etc. At the end of the counting, she usually says, "Things look good," and moves on to the next step. I...
Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods
The rise of ultra-processed foods has coincided with a decline in the health of our nation. ~ Marion Nestle ~ Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita at New York University Ultra-processed foods are not food but...
Dark Chocolate and Its Health Benefits
Why is dark chocolate my go-to sweet tooth satisfier? In addition to just one small square being satisfying enough, dark chocolate has been associated with several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Chocolatey Flourless Cake
This rich and chocolatey flourless cake will make anyone who dismisses non-gluten desserts sit up and take notice. They're sure to ask for a second serving, too. Ingredients: 3/4 C uncooked quinoa 1 1/2 C room temperature water 1/3 C olive or avocado oil 4 eggs 3/4 C...
Nut and Seed Biscuits
These nut and seed biscuits are grain-free and vegan, a great combination for anyone sensitive to grains, gluten, and dairy. Easy to prepare and delicious, too! Ingredients: 1 C sunflower seeds 1/2 C hemp or sesame seeds 1/2 C chopped hazelnuts or almonds 1/2 C...
Blue Zones – Part 2
Several months ago, I received an awesome gift from an awesome colleague. The Blue Zones American Kitchen is a photo and recipe journal with 100 recipes representing healthful eating habits across regions where people live the longest. In a previous Blue Zones post, I...
Winter Curry Stew
This Winter Curry Stew recipe is delicious any time of year and especially on cold winter days. Curry powder is a blend of widely varying spices based on South Asian cuisine. It is used primarily to flavor meat, fish, and vegetables. The main ingredients in curry...
Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s a new year. No, it’s not possible! How did 2022 slip through my fingers? It seems like just yesterday that it was 2021. Allow me to pull back the curtain on last year. I took on two new leadership roles with NANP; shared extended time...
Mushroom and Leek Pizza
Mushrooms are in a category all their own. Neither fruit nor vegetable, plant nor animal, mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi. What we see above ground is just a small portion of a larger network that permeates the underground. There are an estimated three...
Baked Feta & Pasta Recipe
Oh, I love this baked feta and pasta recipe! I first heard about it while walking one morning with neighbors. The recipe was making the rounds on TikTok, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. At first, I dismissed this delectable combination of ingredients...
Nut and Seed Brittle
This high-protein vegan recipe is a favorite snack or dessert, especially during holidays. Experiment with a variety of nuts, seeds, and spices. For a decadent treat, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and allow to set before serving. The sky is the limit with...
A Versatile Breakfast Bar
This breakfast bar is highly versatile. Experiment with a variety of nuts and seeds. It makes a great no-bake granola bar, too. Simply press the dough into an unoiled baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour. Flavor with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, or pumpkin...
The Vagus Nerve – a key regulator
An exciting aspect of our world is the ever-changing landscape of health and nutrition. Scientists continue to explore how the body works, what it is capable of, and how best to support it. Take, for example, the vagus nerve. This peripheral nerve begins in the...
Adaptogens and resilience
Adapt To modify To become suitable for a new use or purpose To become adjusted to a new condition Adaptation is fundamental to growth. As humans, we adapt all the time…to new living spaces, new weather patterns, a new exercise routine, a new political climate,...
Is organic food worth the cost?
I'm often asked if organic food is worth the cost. It’s the same question I asked about 15 years ago…before I started to understand the impact that high pesticide residue, heavy metals, and low nutrient content can have on inflammation and overall health. The link...
How to mind your mind with MIND
Here’s what’s on my mind this week. It's the MIND approach to healthy aging. The MIND approach is based on extensive research in the areas of nutrition and cognitive health. The name stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay...
Vietnamese cuisine (con’t)
After I shared a Vietnamese Hot Pot recipe in a previous post, several of you commented that you were inspired by the Vietnamese way of eating…lots of broth, rice or rice noodles, a variety of protein, and lots of fresh veggies, especially greens.
Vietnam – An opportunity of a lifetime
In March of this year, I returned from a trip of a lifetime…two weeks exploring Vietnam. From the Sa Pa Valley in the north to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, the people were welcoming, the landscapes breathtaking, and the tables brimming with delicacies.
Savoring food for your health
Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m a fast eater. There, I said it. I used to think my fast eating resulted from the short break schedule during my teaching days. I had 20 minutes to get students out of the classroom for their lunch break, stop in the bathroom, get to the...
Post-workout refueling options
It’s not a secret that I like whole foods. I like to cook, create, and nourish myself with fresh ingredients that include a variety of health-boosting herbs and spices. When I'm not out enjoying the sunshine, a favorite weekend activity is cooking a pot or two of...
Link Between Oral and Heart Health
I’ve always been fascinated by the numbers the dental hygienist calls out while examining my teeth and gums just before a cleaning…1, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, etc. At the end of the counting, she usually says, "Things look good," and moves on to the next step. I...
Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods
The rise of ultra-processed foods has coincided with a decline in the health of our nation. ~ Marion Nestle ~ Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita at New York University Ultra-processed foods are not food but...
Dark Chocolate and Its Health Benefits
Why is dark chocolate my go-to sweet tooth satisfier? In addition to just one small square being satisfying enough, dark chocolate has been associated with several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Chocolatey Flourless Cake
This rich and chocolatey flourless cake will make anyone who dismisses non-gluten desserts sit up and take notice. They're sure to ask for a second serving, too. Ingredients: 3/4 C uncooked quinoa 1 1/2 C room temperature water 1/3 C olive or avocado oil 4 eggs 3/4 C...
Nut and Seed Biscuits
These nut and seed biscuits are grain-free and vegan, a great combination for anyone sensitive to grains, gluten, and dairy. Easy to prepare and delicious, too! Ingredients: 1 C sunflower seeds 1/2 C hemp or sesame seeds 1/2 C chopped hazelnuts or almonds 1/2 C...
Blue Zones – Part 2
Several months ago, I received an awesome gift from an awesome colleague. The Blue Zones American Kitchen is a photo and recipe journal with 100 recipes representing healthful eating habits across regions where people live the longest. In a previous Blue Zones post, I...
Winter Curry Stew
This Winter Curry Stew recipe is delicious any time of year and especially on cold winter days. Curry powder is a blend of widely varying spices based on South Asian cuisine. It is used primarily to flavor meat, fish, and vegetables. The main ingredients in curry...
Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s a new year. No, it’s not possible! How did 2022 slip through my fingers? It seems like just yesterday that it was 2021. Allow me to pull back the curtain on last year. I took on two new leadership roles with NANP; shared extended time...
Mushroom and Leek Pizza
Mushrooms are in a category all their own. Neither fruit nor vegetable, plant nor animal, mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi. What we see above ground is just a small portion of a larger network that permeates the underground. There are an estimated three...
Baked Feta & Pasta Recipe
Oh, I love this baked feta and pasta recipe! I first heard about it while walking one morning with neighbors. The recipe was making the rounds on TikTok, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. At first, I dismissed this delectable combination of ingredients...
Nut and Seed Brittle
This high-protein vegan recipe is a favorite snack or dessert, especially during holidays. Experiment with a variety of nuts, seeds, and spices. For a decadent treat, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and allow to set before serving. The sky is the limit with...
A Versatile Breakfast Bar
This breakfast bar is highly versatile. Experiment with a variety of nuts and seeds. It makes a great no-bake granola bar, too. Simply press the dough into an unoiled baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour. Flavor with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, or pumpkin...
The Vagus Nerve – a key regulator
An exciting aspect of our world is the ever-changing landscape of health and nutrition. Scientists continue to explore how the body works, what it is capable of, and how best to support it. Take, for example, the vagus nerve. This peripheral nerve begins in the...
Adaptogens and resilience
Adapt To modify To become suitable for a new use or purpose To become adjusted to a new condition Adaptation is fundamental to growth. As humans, we adapt all the time…to new living spaces, new weather patterns, a new exercise routine, a new political climate,...
Is organic food worth the cost?
I'm often asked if organic food is worth the cost. It’s the same question I asked about 15 years ago…before I started to understand the impact that high pesticide residue, heavy metals, and low nutrient content can have on inflammation and overall health. The link...
How to mind your mind with MIND
Here’s what’s on my mind this week. It's the MIND approach to healthy aging. The MIND approach is based on extensive research in the areas of nutrition and cognitive health. The name stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay...
Vietnamese cuisine (con’t)
After I shared a Vietnamese Hot Pot recipe in a previous post, several of you commented that you were inspired by the Vietnamese way of eating…lots of broth, rice or rice noodles, a variety of protein, and lots of fresh veggies, especially greens.
Vietnam – An opportunity of a lifetime
In March of this year, I returned from a trip of a lifetime…two weeks exploring Vietnam. From the Sa Pa Valley in the north to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, the people were welcoming, the landscapes breathtaking, and the tables brimming with delicacies.
Savoring food for your health
Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m a fast eater. There, I said it. I used to think my fast eating resulted from the short break schedule during my teaching days. I had 20 minutes to get students out of the classroom for their lunch break, stop in the bathroom, get to the...
Post-workout refueling options
It’s not a secret that I like whole foods. I like to cook, create, and nourish myself with fresh ingredients that include a variety of health-boosting herbs and spices. When I'm not out enjoying the sunshine, a favorite weekend activity is cooking a pot or two of...
Link Between Oral and Heart Health
I’ve always been fascinated by the numbers the dental hygienist calls out while examining my teeth and gums just before a cleaning…1, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, etc. At the end of the counting, she usually says, "Things look good," and moves on to the next step. I...
Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods
The rise of ultra-processed foods has coincided with a decline in the health of our nation. ~ Marion Nestle ~ Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita at New York University Ultra-processed foods are not food but...
Dark Chocolate and Its Health Benefits
Why is dark chocolate my go-to sweet tooth satisfier? In addition to just one small square being satisfying enough, dark chocolate has been associated with several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Chocolatey Flourless Cake
This rich and chocolatey flourless cake will make anyone who dismisses non-gluten desserts sit up and take notice. They're sure to ask for a second serving, too. Ingredients: 3/4 C uncooked quinoa 1 1/2 C room temperature water 1/3 C olive or avocado oil 4 eggs 3/4 C...
Nut and Seed Biscuits
These nut and seed biscuits are grain-free and vegan, a great combination for anyone sensitive to grains, gluten, and dairy. Easy to prepare and delicious, too! Ingredients: 1 C sunflower seeds 1/2 C hemp or sesame seeds 1/2 C chopped hazelnuts or almonds 1/2 C...
Blue Zones – Part 2
Several months ago, I received an awesome gift from an awesome colleague. The Blue Zones American Kitchen is a photo and recipe journal with 100 recipes representing healthful eating habits across regions where people live the longest. In a previous Blue Zones post, I...
Winter Curry Stew
This Winter Curry Stew recipe is delicious any time of year and especially on cold winter days. Curry powder is a blend of widely varying spices based on South Asian cuisine. It is used primarily to flavor meat, fish, and vegetables. The main ingredients in curry...
Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s a new year. No, it’s not possible! How did 2022 slip through my fingers? It seems like just yesterday that it was 2021. Allow me to pull back the curtain on last year. I took on two new leadership roles with NANP; shared extended time...
Mushroom and Leek Pizza
Mushrooms are in a category all their own. Neither fruit nor vegetable, plant nor animal, mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi. What we see above ground is just a small portion of a larger network that permeates the underground. There are an estimated three...
Baked Feta & Pasta Recipe
Oh, I love this baked feta and pasta recipe! I first heard about it while walking one morning with neighbors. The recipe was making the rounds on TikTok, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. At first, I dismissed this delectable combination of ingredients...
Nut and Seed Brittle
This high-protein vegan recipe is a favorite snack or dessert, especially during holidays. Experiment with a variety of nuts, seeds, and spices. For a decadent treat, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and allow to set before serving. The sky is the limit with...
A Versatile Breakfast Bar
This breakfast bar is highly versatile. Experiment with a variety of nuts and seeds. It makes a great no-bake granola bar, too. Simply press the dough into an unoiled baking dish and refrigerate for 1 hour. Flavor with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, or pumpkin...