Announcing Board of Advisors for The Institute for Integrative Nutrition!

/in , /by

As you may know, I received my Health Coach Certification from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in September 2010. I learned from many of the board advisors below and am excited that they are now officially part of a board to help cultivate better Health Coaches so we can help many people around the world become happy, healthy, and thriving individuals and communities!

The announcement below is from Joshua Rosenthal, Founder and Director of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition:

“Today, on behalf of all of the staff at Integrative Nutrition, I am proud to announce the establishment of a Board of Advisors who will help shape the strategy, vision, and long-term direction of the Health Coach Training Program.

The board consists of 15 physicians, researchers, and leading authorities whose specialties span the fields of nutrition, health, and functional medicine.

  • Andrew Weil, MD, Director of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona
  • Walter Willet, MD, Chairman of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health
  • Joel Fuhrman, MD, author of Eat for Health: Lose Weight, Keep it Off
  • David Katz, MD, Director of Yale Prevention Research Center
  • Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., Co-founder of the Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy
  • Lynn Goldstein, MS, RD, CDN, nutrition educator at the Jay Monahan Center
  • Bernie Siegel, MD, bestselling author and expert in healing and patient empowerment
  • Sally Fallon Morell, Founding President of the Weston A. Price foundation
  • John Douillard, DC, international teacher of Ayurvedic medicine
  • Stephan Rechtschaffen, MD, Senior Advisor on Omega’s board of directors
  • David Wolfe, authority on superfoods and raw foods nutrition
  • Collette Heimowitz, MS, Vice President of Education and Research for Atkins Health
  • Howard Lyman, author of Mad Cowboy: Plain Truth from the Cattle Rancher Who Won’t Eat Meat
  • Paul Pitchford, MS, author of Healing with Whole Foods
  • Barry Sears, Ph.D., founder of The Zone Diet

We already teach concepts like primary food and bio-individuality that are unique to Integrative Nutrition and set our curriculum apart from other nutrition programs. In the coming year we plan to add even more exclusive content to our course, and this Board of Advisors will help us as we continue to add new principles and update and innovate the Health Coach Training Program.

I look forward to seeing where this next step in the Integrative Nutrition journey takes us, and thank all of the founding board members for the invaluable insight their leadership will provide.”

Cool Off With Red Raspberry Fizz

/in , , , /by

Berries are in season mid-summer and a great way to enjoy them is in a cool drink. I picked up some fresh Driscoll’s berries at Publix and was inspired to create a mocktail, perfect on a hot day. I specifically seek out Driscoll’s berries if local are not available. They use high quality practices to grow delicious berries and none of their berries are GMO (genetically modified) or irradiated. That gives me peace of mind Smile

Raspberries are low in sugar, high in fiber, and a good source of Vitamin C. They also contain a ton of antioxidants which fight free radicals in our bodies and help lower inflammation.

To make this drink, pour 8 ounces of club soda (pure carbonated water) into a glass. Add ice if you like. Grab a handful of fresh mint leaves and fresh red raspberries. Wash thoroughly, then toss into glass. Find a cozy spot outdoors and enjoy!

This fun drink is delicious and low in calories and sugar. The mint and raspberries are a lovely cooling combination.

red raspberry fiz (480x640)

Ingredients:

8 oz club soda (pure carbonated water)

small handful of fresh mint leaves

small handful of fresh red raspberries

Method:

1. Pour club soda and ice (optional) into a glass.

2. Wash mint leaves and raspberries thoroughly.

3. Toss mint and raspberries into glass.

4. Sit back and enjoy!

red raspberry fiz close up (640x480)

Nut-Free Living in a Nutshell

/in , , /by

If you have a child with a nut allergy, or you have one yourself, you worry about everything from school lunches to family gatherings—“nut” anymore! While nut allergies can be dangerous, they’re also common, affecting an estimated 3 million people, including more than 400,000 school-aged children, in the U.S. Today, there is greater awareness and recognition of nut allergies—along with more resources and solutions for those suffering from the condition.

Whether you’re allergic, sensitive to or just don’t like nuts, they can be avoided with these basic strategies:

1. Scrutinize labels: Review ingredient lists with an eagle eye. Look for any variety of nuts and/or nut oils, as well as warnings that food products were manufactured in a facility that processes nuts. If your child has a nut allergy, teach him or her how to read labels carefully. Also be aware that manufacturers can change ingredients or production processes at any time. Even if you have used a product for years, scan packaging for information.

2. Wipe it Clean: For those with severe nut allergies, a reaction can occur simply coming into contact with items or surfaces that have been contaminated by nuts. When caring for a child with a nut allergy, be vigilant when he or she plays with other children, ensuring that dishes and utensils aren’t shared. Wipe down toys and tools, and be sure your child washes his or her hands frequently, especially before eating.

3. Fake it: You can still enjoy the flavor and texture of nuts, without actually eating them! The key is to creatively mimic their taste and consistency. For example, old-fashioned oats can make a mock pecan pie seem like the real deal. For a nutty flavor, toast chickpeas and sprinkle with sea salt. For similar nutritional benefits, snack on seeds, or use them in baked goods and other recipes.

4. Bring your own: Headed to the spa? Many massage oils and beauty products contain nut oil. To stay safe and still enjoy a little pampering, bring your own oils, or call ahead to let the spa know you have a nut allergy. While equipment is generally sterilized and should be free from oil residue, mention your allergy to the staff beforehand, so you can truly sit back and relax.

5. Fly without fear: Before you board a plane, let the airline know you have a nut allergy. They will remove all nuts from the aircraft and make an announcement before take-off, so that any nuts carried on by passengers will be removed as well.

Whether it’s a plane ride or birthday party, always give a timely heads-up so the host can prepare accordingly – and don’t forget to show your gratitude. Nut-free living in a nutshell: Be gracious, be mindful and be prepared.

This article has been provided by the folks at Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com has been selling discount vitamins since 1994. Since then it’s grown into one of the biggest online marketplaces for healthy living essentials-with vitamins and supplements being just one of their many helpful categories! You can find out about Gluten Free Diet or get information about the Green Coffee Bean Extract. You will get the best price on vitamins, nutritional supplements, whole foods and diet. It’s Vitacosts.com goal to provide you with the best nutritional supplements, health foods and sports nutrition to help with your health and wellness. Vitacost.com is not affiliated with this blog, and isn’t responsible for content outside of this article.

By: +Elizabeth Lotts writer for Vitacost.com

National Women’s Week: May 13-19, “It’s Your Time” To Prioritize Your Health Now!

/in , /by

National Women’s Week is May 13-19 and now is the time to begin prioritizing your health ladies! “It’s Your Time” is this year’s theme and women are encouraged to consider their health by eating better, exercising more, reducing stress, and getting checkups and preventative screenings so we can all feel great and be our best.

May 14 is the 10th annual National Women’s Checkup Day, click here to learn more about early detection, disease prevention, and other steps to better health. Take action today to begin improving your health so you can lead a healthy and productive life. Women spend so much time caring for others, but when we take the time to better our own health, we are better able to be there for the ones we love.

There are several local events this month, check out the one in your neighborhood:

Sign up for the free events and in the meantime, take steps to better health by eating better and exercising more. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet to get essential nutrients that women need, including Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, B12, Folate, and Vitamin E. Potassium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium are also key nutrients for women which help keep up energy levels, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Here are a few easy ways to add more produce to your diet:

  • add potassium rich banana or berries to your morning cereal or yogurt
  • stir fresh spinach or grated zucchini into your favorite pasta sauce
  • use spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta noodles
  • roast broccoli, cauliflower, and garlic to serve with grilled chicken or burgers
  • enjoy crunchy carrots with hummus for a satisfying afternoon snack
  • add sliced cucumber, tomato, and sprouts to sandwiches
  • substitute lettuce or steamed collard green leaves for wraps made with flour

Are ready now and believe, “It’s Your Time”, but don’t know where to start? Working with a Health Coach who can customize an eating, exercise, and life plan can give you the support you need to succeed and hold you accountable so you will reach your goals.

Where do you struggle when it comes to prioritizing yourself?

Whole Foods at a Fraction of the Price

/in , , , /by

I am a huge fan of Vitacost.com and I also love whole foods. Read on for more information on what whole foods you can get from Vitacost with just a few key strokes.

Unless you’re talking price, a fraction of something usually isn’t ideal. What is ideal is paying just a fraction of the price for something complete, fulfilling and wholesome. And what could be more wholesome than whole foods?

Whole foods, a term heard frequently these days, are foods that haven’t been processed and contain no added ingredients—colors, flavors, fillers or preservatives. While certainly better for your health, whole foods can strain your budget, especially when they’re organic.

To better satisfy your body—and your bank account—shop at Vitacost.com for whole foods in nearly every grocery category. Though we don’t carry fresh fruits and vegetables, at Vitacost you’ll find a variety of certified organic, all-natural, preservative-free options.

And while you might normally have to run to one store for organic foods and another for your gluten-free items, at Vitacost, you’ll find it all. The best part of the whole shopping experience? You don’t have to leave home to get what you need. And you won’t be tempted by processed cheese balls—because we don’t carry ‘em.

Click your way to the checkout after browsing these go-to grocery sections:

Produce: Just as you would in the supermarket, head straight to the produce section and fill your cart with good-for-you fruits and veggies—the more colorful the better. Vitacost offers a variety of canned, dried and pureed organic fruits and vegetables. Many of our featured natural brands harvest fruits and vegetables at their prime ripeness, ensuring you get the freshest possible products. And choosing organic means your produce is grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals.

Dairy: In the Vitacost (non-) dairy aisle, you’ll find a variety of natural, plant-based milks, derived from nuts (almonds), rice and coconut. You’ll also find goat’s milk, which is naturally rich in vitamin D and easier for some to digest than cow’s milk.

Meat: While Vitacost doesn’t carry fresh meat, we have a great selection of natural, freshly harvested fish, including tuna, salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies—plus crab meat, oysters and clams. There’s also organic beef and chicken stock for soup and other recipes. You can also fulfill your protein needs with beans (we carry just about every kind, from aduki to soy) and lentils.

Breads, Pasta & Grains: Spaghetti night just got a lot more exciting. At Vitacost.com, you’ll find dozens of healthy pastas, from gluten-free and low-carb to whole wheat and brown rice, which can be enjoyed with homemade garlic bread, prepared from one our healthy bread mixes. Or, choose from whole loaves of bread, rolls, or even English muffins, many of which are gluten free. We also carry organic brown rice, wild rice, couscous and other favorite grains.

Baking: If you’re committed to making your own whole foods from scratch, you can choose from natural flours, plant-derived sweeteners and other baking essentials.

Find your inspiration for wholesome cooking by shopping for whole foods at Vitacost.com.

This article has been provided by the folks at Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com has been selling discount vitamins since 1994. Since then it’s grown into one of the biggest online marketplaces for healthy living essentials-with vitamins and supplements being just one of their many helpful categories! Vitacost.com’s goal is to provide you with the best nutritional supplements, natural foods, sports nutrition and products like green coffee bean extract to help with your health and wellness. Vitacost.com is not affiliated with this blog, and isn’t responsible for content outside of this article.

By: +Elizabeth Lotts writer for Vitacost.com