Can food be your medicine?
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Primary topic: Nutrition
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Articles by Lynda Enright
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69 articles by Lynda Enright · showing 50
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Foods to eat to love your gut
In last week’s blog I talked about why you should love your gut – all it does for you and how it impacts the health of your entire body. This week I want to give you some additional tips on categories of foods you can choose to help nourish your gut the best that you can.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,046 views
Read articleTools to Make Cooking Easier, Faster and Fun: Blenders
Looking for a quick and easy way to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet? Start with your blender! Juicing vs. Blending Juicing is very popular today and can definitely give you juices packed full of vitamins and minerals. But one downside is you lose the rich fiber we get from whole fruits and vegetables. An alte ative approach is to simply blend the whole produce for the rich nutrients as well as retention of fiber content. The right equipment
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,190 views
Read articleIs Your Weight Gain Caused by a Calorie Imbalance or Gut Breakdown?
I see clients every day who have struggled for years to achieve a healthy weight. They have tried every diet on the market with at best minimal results. And so often they also live with chronic digestive issues. Their stories almost always include some or all of the following: a history of the Standard American Diet, regular antibiotic usage as a child or into adulthood, a period of time on the birth control pill, over-the-counter or prescription medications for reflux, constipation or diarrhea. What do the statistics tell us? (data from the National Institutes of Health)
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,029 views
Read articleHeal Your Gut, Heal Your Brain
At Be Well Consulting, we spend a lot of time advocating for the gut’s role in overall health and wellness. We’ve written previously about its influence on bloating, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. Today we’ll be exploring the gut’s vital role in supporting a balanced brain. Go with Your Gut.
Primary topic: Nutrition
923 views
Read articleIs Sitting the New Smoking? Does Your Desk Job Put Your Health at Risk?
"Sitting Is The New Smoking" was the headline in many articles run this winter. Does that get your attention? It certainly got mine and I have continued to think about it through the long winter we had and as we move into warmer weather. Though I exercise regularly, sitting much of the day still may be bad for my health. How much sitting are we doing?
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,125 views5/5 (1)
Read articleThe Perfect Food to End the Post-Vacation Bloat
Post-Vacation Bloat We took a short vacation this spring and with travel comes lots of eating out. It is a pleasure - not having to cook or clean it up, finding restaurant gems in an unfamiliar city. In many ways it is simpler than at home – meal planning, shopping and cooking. I do enjoy those things when I am not feeling time pressured, but it does get tiresome – 3 meals/day, 7 days/week. Vacation is a time to relax, and being more relaxed about eating naturally happens too.
Primary topic: Nutrition
932 views
Read articleWill Protein Intake Help You Lose Weight? Protein Needs for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Body.
Protein to feel satisfied Protein is the component in our food that digests the most slowly. It helps us to feel full and satisfied. In a recent study published in The journal of Nutrition Education, researchers said that a relatively high proportion of women in the U.S. who reported eating more protein to prevent weight gain were linked to reported weight loss. How much protein do you need?
Primary topic: Nutrition
849 views
Read articleBeing Mortal - An Important Book to Read
I am writing a very different article today because I want to share a wonderful and very important book I read recently that I think is a must read if you or anyone you love plans to grow old or get sick. Maybe you would rather not plan for it, but the fact is either one will happen to all of us some day. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,203 views
Read article5 reasons to buy fresh, local and in season
<img src="http://www.bewellconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/orange-tree.jpg" alt="orange-tree" width="300" height="158" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2936" />It is my favorite time of year in Minnesota. The weather is getting cooler, life is getting more settled again after the busyness of summer, and the Farmer’s Markets are full of beautiful food. Not only is the food delicious, but also I appreciate being able to buy from local farmers and vendors. There are several reasons why this benefits my family, and the local community, as well as me.
Primary topic: Nutrition
962 views
Read articleTired of Brain Fog? Eating Well For a Clear Head and a Healthy Body
Do you find it becoming more and more difficult to concentrate? Do you find yourself struggling to remember simple things throughout your day? Brain fog may be your problem. The continual decrease in the quality of the American diet is not only increasing our risk for disease, it is having a significant impact on the health of our brain. The good news is there are simple changes to your diet that can help you think more clearly.
Primary topic: Nutrition
985 views
Read articleWhat everyone ought to know about poop
Ok, it’s not something people like to talk about. My clients often say, “sorry for too much information…” But really, I don’t think we are talking about it enough. What comes out tells you so much about what has gone in and how well those choices are serving you. And it helps you to make changes if necessary to feel your very best every day!!
Primary topic: Nutrition
887 views
Read articleVitamin D - Do You Get Enough in the Winter?
In the heart of winter in Minnesota, I am keenly aware of the lack of vitami D we are getting from the sun. Vitamin D is an important nutrient that isn’t found naturally in many foods. The body can synthesize vitami D when exposed to sunlight, but in the winter months our exposure to the outdoors and sunlight decrease (depending on your climate). Supplementation with Vitamin D may be recommended for many whose diet is deficient and exposure to sunlight is minimal. What are functions of vitami D in the body?r
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,022 views4/5 (1)
Read articleHow to clear up your skin while healing your gut
Do you remember the skin of your childhood? It is just one of the many parts of your body that may have functioned better in early life. It was probably soft, smooth and blemish free. We all want to have healthy looking skin. And healthy looking skin is not just aesthetic – it may tell us something about the health inside as well.
Primary topic: Nutrition
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Read articleBack to School - 4 Quick Lunches for You or Your Kids
Back to school - back to routine. As much as I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the summer, I do enjoy getting back to the routine of fall. Whether or not you or kids in your family are in school, fall is a time when there is a shift and with that may come a shift in eating habits as well.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,363 views
Read article5 simple steps to a dinner to nourish your gut
Is your gut a mess – constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, gas and bloating? If so, you are not alone! Millions of people suffer with these same symptoms. And sadly, so many are reaching for over the counter medications to quickly cover up the symptoms so they don’t interfere too much with life. Well, it isn’t working well for most. The symptoms just keep coming back and sadly they will continue to get worse and could lead to more serious conditions if the gut doesn’t get healed.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,037 views
Read articleBuying Organic Foods - Is It Worth The Cost?
Are you purchasing organic foods today? Do you buy organic but are not really sure which are the best choices to make? Food Dollars Spent On Organics According to the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2013 U.S. Families Organic Attitudes and Beliefs 81% of families report that they purchase organic foods at least some of the time. That is a big number! Organics often cost more and I am sure families are wondering if it is worth the extra cost. Comparing Organic to Conventional
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,191 views
Read articleDon’t do these 3 things if you want to end digestive upset
Gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, stomach pain and cramps – these are symptoms that millions of Americans live with every day. And there is a drug at every commercial break to cover up these very symptoms. Because this affects so many people, we may minimize the impact of what may seem to be mild annoyances. But I know that it can effect every area of your life from your job to your social activity to your enjoyment of food.
Primary topic: Nutrition
943 views
Read articleWhy You Shouldn't Eat in Your Car
Americans eat everywhere today besides sitting at the kitchen table – at their desk, at sporting events, at social gatherings, standing at the kitchen counter, in front of the TV and even in their cars. With the busy life that you may lead, sitting down for a meal may seem next to impossible. But there are many reasons why you should do just that and many reasons you should skip the car eating. The dangers of eating in your car
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,308 views
Read article7 Ways to Make Breakfast Better
In your busy life, do you take the time for breakfast every day? Breakfast is important for many reasons: it fuels your body for the day getting your body’s engine (your metabolism) revved up, it prevents overeating later in the day, and with the right choices it can help keep your head clear for a productive day. Breakfast may not have to look like you expect. It can be any number of options. But there are some key components that will help you to feel good and enjoy breakfast each and every day.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,216 views
Read articleSlow Down! Enjoy Your Food and Enjoy Your Life
How long does it take you to eat a meal? 5 minutes, 10, 20? You may have learned that it takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that you are full. Many of us don't spend enough time eating to wait for that message. In addition to preventing overeating, eating more slowly can have other significant benefits. Slowing down for digestive health
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,009 views
Read articleDoes Eating Healthy Have to Be Expensive? The Costs of Feeding a Family of Four.
"It costs too much money to eat healthy!" This is commonly what I hear about nutrition and healthy eating. Yes, it is not hard to spend big bucks when going to the grocery store, but it doesn't have to be that way with a bit of planning. According to the most recent data from the USDA, the cost of feeding a family of four a healthy diet can range from $146 to $289/week. These numbers are based on preparing all meals and snacks at home for 2 adults and 2 school-aged kids Some of the more expensive items at the store will include: Meatr Organic foodsr Pre-cut producer
Primary topic: Nutrition
956 views
Read article6 Steps to an Organized Kitchen and Why You Want to Have One
An organized life makes healthy choices easier, it's as simple as that. Meals planned, exercise scheduled, house uncluttered - all can be helpful to have your best life. But more specifically, what about an organized kitchen? Having meals planned is wonderful, but what if you can't remember why you purchased that fresh herb or you can't find what you are looking for when it's time to cook? There are simple steps you can take to keep your kitchen organized. An organized kitchen will help you to stay on track each day and each week as you plan well and eat well.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,052 views
Read articleAre You Putting Yourself at Risk for Diabetes?
Do you know what your fasting blood sugar is? Did you know that "normal" blood sugar levels recommended today are significantly higher than those recommended 50 years ago? And why should you care? Statistics Diabetes is an epidemic in this country. It is estimated that about 26 million people in the United States are diabetic. An even bigger number - about 79 million people have Pre-Diabetes. I am conce ed that we aren't taking Pre-Diabetes serious enough.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,291 views
Read articleIs this “normal?” 8 reasons you may be living with chronic constipation
Is this “normal?” What is normal for digestive health? There is not a simple answer, each person is different. What is normal for you may not be normal for another. The reasons an individual may become constipated and the solutions to the challenge will vary. However, we do know what is optimal to prevent complications in the future and to help you feel your very best.
Primary topic: Nutrition
866 views
Read articleIrritable Bowel Syndrome - A Life Changing Solution to This Vague Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) the summer after my freshman year in college. At that time, I was not pursuing education in nutrition and didn’t know much about how food impacted my health. I was 18 years old and certainly was not a good example of someone eating a nourishing diet. After testing to rule out a more severe medical condition, the doctor suggested I add a fiber supplement to my diet and manage the symptoms with over the counter medications. Even at that time, I knew this was a vague diagnosis with no attempt at understanding the cause.
Primary topic: Nutrition
970 views
Read article5 Foods to Stop Your Food Cravings
You may have experienced it – the ice cream calling you from the freezer, or the bag of chips in the cupboard. Food cravings – they can quickly drive you from whatever you were doing to staring into the fridge looking for a snack. What can we do about it? Well, first minimizing the extreme challenges in your environment can help. If there is no ice cream, potato chips or whatever you crave easily to be had – it helps. But sometimes in an extremely weak moment, even a trip to the store may happen to satisfy that craving.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,271 views
Read articleAre You Looking For Smoothie Ideas?
A fruit and vegetable smoothie can be a delicious breakfast or a healthy snack. It is a great way to boost the nutrition in your diet, but be cautious because a high calorie smoothie may make it difficult to lose weight. It is best to make your own as with any restaurant options, you don't always know what you are getting and it definitely could be higher in calories than you would make at home. Why can a smoothie be a great part of your diet? • It's an easy meal or snack for you or your family. • It's full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
Primary topic: Nutrition
733 views
Read articleDo You Know What Is a Good Serving Size? Correcting Portion Distortion.
The million dollar question: What is the solution to the obesity epidemic? If there were just one answer it would be a simpler problem to address. But unfortunately, there are many components to a lifestyle that promotes overweight and obesity. Most certainly serving size is one of the factors to consider. How portions have grown
Primary topic: Nutrition
777 views
Read article3 Tips for Putting Out the Fire of Inflammation
What is inflammation? Do you hear about inflammation from your doctor or in the news, but not exactly sure what it means for your health? Acute inflammation is your body's natural response to an injury (a cut or break) or an infection (a virus or bacteria). This inflammatory response is crucial for your body to heal. Unfortunately, chronic inflammation is inflammation that persists over a longer period of time and plays a role in heart disease, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, some types of cancer and obesity.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,122 views
Read articleUsing Healing Spices to Prevent Disease - Try Turmeric
Instead of focusing on which box has the “best” nutrition label, get into the kitchen and experiment with healthful foods that have been used for hundreds of years and can benefit your health in a multitude of ways. Turmeric is a great place to start! This spice used in Indian and many other cuisines is considered to be one of the most powerful healing spices found in nature.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,014 views
Read article3 reasons you should love your gut
You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your gut, unless it is causing you discomfort. I certainly wasn’t thinking about my gut when I was eating fast food and drinking sugary pop. But when it started causing me problems, I started to notice.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,170 views
Read articleCalling All Men to Focus on Scoring Better Health
June recognizes a number of health-related dates. It is noted as Men’s Health Month and includes Men’s Health Week. Additionally there is also Wear Blue Day the color that is designated to raise awareness and educate men and women about the importance of men’s health. Whether it is a day, a week or the entire month, I want to encourage men to note and not ignore the signals their bodies may send that there is something out of order.
Primary topic: Nutrition
964 views
Read articleIs Dietary Fat Tied To Heart Disease?
Researchers are confirming that it is not as simple as saturated fat equals increased risk for heart disease. In a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers did not find that people who ate higher levels of saturated fat had more heart disease than those who ate less. What is a consumer to do?
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,026 views
Read articleAre You A Mindless Eater? Tips For Mindful Eating To Easily Eat Less
Do you eat only when you are hungry, or do you find yourself mindlessly eating throughout your day? Do you struggle to lose weight and keep it off? Being mindful is not only good for your overall health, it is good for a healthy diet and for weight loss. What is Mindless Eating? The phrase "mindless eating" refers to the finding that people make on average 250 decisions each day about food. As you would expect that is remarkably more than we are aware of. Why do we eat mindlessly?
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,066 views
Read articleOvercoming Sugar Cravings
Nutritional science is a dynamic, evolving field. As research continues, different foods become more and less advised. For a time, fat was public enemy number one. Currently, a groundswell of information has arisen conce ing the downfalls of excessive sugar. While we don’t want to jump on every dietary scapegoat or trendy health plan, we agree that there are huge advantages to lowering your sugar intake.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,006 views
Read articleAre You Prepared for the Afterschool Feeding Frenzy? Snack Ideas to Nourish Your Kids and Yourself
Do your kids come home from school and say they are "starving!" Mine do and I am always trying to come up with snack ideas that they will like, are at least somewhat healthy, will fill them up (but not to spoil dinner), and don't always come out of a box. Take stock of your kitchen
Primary topic: Nutrition
982 views
Read articleIs Your Food Making You Sick? Discovering Food Sensitivities to Feel Your Best
Are you sick of feeling sick and tired? Are you taking medication that at best works to cover up symptoms but never solves the problem? Do you regularly experience any of these symptoms? • bloating • diarrhea • heartbu • migraines • joint pain • arthritis • fatigue • brain fog • sinusitis • skin eruptions
Primary topic: Nutrition
700 views
Read articleWill the Proposed Changes to Food Labels Make People Healthier?
The answer is simple: no. While the First Lady and the FDA may have good intentions, revisions need to be systemic before food labels will stop confusing the public. Changes on the nutrition facts label (outlined below) are a start but the proposed changes have some major flaws. And what about all of the misleading health claims about this product "may help reduce the risk of _____" and "made with __grams of whole grains"?
Primary topic: Nutrition
997 views
Read article5 Tips to Overcome Your Resistance to Change
Change is hard! Whether it is an organizational change that needs to occur in your work, a change in your personal or family life or a change in your behavior to achieve a healthier you – you may face resistance.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,180 views
Read articleGut Health and Autoimmune Disease
One of the biggest recent medical revelations is the vital connection between gut health and wellness. Ongoing scientific research suggests that the microbiome, the good bacteria in our gut, helps prevent (perhaps even heal) autoimmune diseases. In fact, our bodies are full of more healthy bacteria than actual human cells!
Primary topic: Nutrition
956 views
Read articleHaving Fun and Good Health Through the Holidays - Sleep and Stress
Did you know that stress creates inflammation that will make it harder to maintain a healthy weight? Did you know that sleep deprivation alters hormones that make you want to eat more? You hopefully are continuing to pay attention to your eating and exercise habits during this holiday season. Remember exercise does not have to mean going to the gym and eating well does certainly not mean going on a “diet.” Finding ways to incorporate movement each day and choosing to nourish yourself with real, delicious food can definitely be continued throughout the holiday season.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,069 views
Read articleIs Your Food Your Medicine or Your Poison?
I taught a class this morning where a gentleman asked me a question about a pre-Diabetes program that he is involved in. He was wondering my opinion on the eating plan that is being recommended. I won't go into detail on the description, but I told him I didn't agree that what was being promoted was optimal. But he is having good results - weight loss and improved blood lipids. So, why would I disagree with the recommendation?
Primary topic: Nutrition
942 views
Read article9 Convenience Store Foods for Your Next Road Trip
You are on a road trip, headed to the family cabin for the weekend or off to a friend's wedding. You need to take a break, stretch your legs and grab a snack; but where can you stop for a quick bite that will not leave you with a stomachache, a sugar rush and excess calories that don't fit so well into your day? There are a plethora of gas station/convenience stores conveniently located right off the highway, but how can you find real food anywhere quick and easy while traveling?
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,211 views
Read article3 Tips to Heal Your Gut and Lose the Weight for Good
Weight loss is as simple as eat less and exercise more, right? That is certainly the messages we hear in the media. And it sometimes may seem like an easier solution. But unfortunately, it doesn't always work. A surprising weight loss journey Janet (not her real name) is a client of mine who came to me to lose weight. She had tried everything and currently was exercising intensely twice per day to try to make the scale budge. And it wasn't budging!
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,337 views
Read articlePlanting a Family Garden - Increasing Fruit And Vegetable Eating For Healthier Kids
Do you and your kids reach for fruits and vegetables? Growing a garden can help to make that happen! Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Primary topic: Nutrition
973 views
Read articleHaving Fun and Good Health Through the Holidays - Exercise Well
As the holiday months are upon us, I am focusing my articles on managing your healthy lifestyle and arriving at January 1 feeling great! This is definitely a challenging time of the year for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only are the holidays filled with endless opportunities for eating, finding the time for regular exercise may be an added challenge. Plan aheadr So, how can you continue the healthy habits you created the rest of the year?
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,045 views
Read articleEasy Meals - From Freezer to Crockpot
Dinner in a rush? It is 6 p.m., you just got home from work, you have 1 hour to feed your family and get back out the door to a practice/game/recital/meeting and you have no idea what's for dinner. Does this sound like a common story in your life? I admit, it happens to often in my life as well. What a difference it makes when you have a meal figured out, even better - have it already prepared and ready to eat!
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,269 views
Read article7 Reasons to Buy Your Food Locally
One of my "happy places" is the Mill City farmer's market in Minneapolis. I love the fresh produce that changes throughout the season, the fresh cut flowers for my table, the frozen wild-caught Alaskan salmon from Wild Run Salmon, the flour from Sunrise Flour Mill, and fresh prepared foods from Spoon River or Chef Shack. The smells, the flavors and the people all make a visit to the market one of my favorite things to do on a summer Saturday morning.
Primary topic: Nutrition
1,017 views
Read articleA Great Breakfast for Back to School
It's a great time of year to make a plan for starting your day out right - for both you and your kids! When spending time in my kid's schools, some of the challenges that children and teachers face are obvious: bodies that can't sit still, bounding energy that can't be managed, sleepy heads struggling to stay awake, eyes moving unable to remain focused on the topic at hand. This is not only a challenge for the teacher, but what about for the child struggling to pay attention and not get in trouble, again?
Primary topic: Nutrition
723 views
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