Category Archives: Nutritional Well

As adults, 80% of our energy goes towards eliminating byproducts of normal metabolism from our bodies. Our bodies are actually very good at eliminating things that we don’t need; however, our modern diets with lots of refined and processed foods tend overwhelm our bodies and clog not just our arteries, but our livers, colons, lymph system and kidneys as well.
From a naturopathic perspective, most problems with health arise either from deficiency or congestion. Congestion involves both overconsumption and reduced eliminative function. Many of our acute and chronic diseases result from clogged tissues, suffocated cells, and subsequent loss of vital energy. Frequent colds and flu’s, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and allergies are all consequences of congestive disorders. – Margaret’s Natural Health Blog

Author Miriam Hospodar writes about Ayurvedic approach to eating in her article “The Dosha Balancing Diet” at Yoga Journal.

I found this illustration on a recent blog post at Co.Exist – mind-provoking, food for thought…

Has your healthcare professional advised you to limit your consumption of animal protein and find alternative sources? Is your body and digestive system craving a break from the immense effort that goes into digesting animal protein? Are you simply trying to reduce your carbon footprint by eating vegetarian a couple of times per week? There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan sources of protein: beans, green leafy veggies, whole grains and nuts. Superfoods, nutrient dense foods, are not only excellent vegetarian and vegan sources of protein – they also supply essential superb levels of fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and chlorophyll.

The seven listed in Stephanie Barroilhet’s full blog post are all complete source of protein and some have higher amounts of protein than any animal protein (i.e. Steak= 25% of protein).

For those looking for alternative protein sources – and ways to increase energy, improve digestion/absorption, and give your body the full array of vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, check out the full blog post. Let’s move towards health together!

A 2009 Scripps Research Institute study found that over-consumption of fast food “triggers addiction-like neuro-addictive responses.” Spollett said: “The whole push of the food industry towards having people eat more, and eat the wrong kinds of foods, is rampant in the U.S., endangering people at genetic risk for obesity.”

Also – read: Is Junk Food Really Cheaper – by Mark Bittman

High sugar foods are addictive. Diabetes – comes about directly as a result of eating too much sugar for too long of a period of time. Your body stops processing. You’ve got to take responsibility for your health – it’s about nourishing yourself. Check out pediatrician Nadine Burke’s discussion video about the consequences of eating food high in sugar and fat.

I read this post by Dani Walker, a Wellness Advocate and Restaurant Owner, who plainly explains what Oxidative Stress is, what it does to your body, and how to combat it. I encourage you to check out the full post here. You can start fighting Oxidative Stress and the build-up of free radicals in your body by adding more raw foods (especially greens) into your daily diet.  Dani, who runs an amazing fresh foods only restaurant, Calderas, in Joseph OR, offers a yummy smoothie recipe – Pacman Smoothie – within the full blog post. My smoothie (below) – which I have for breakfast nearly every single day! –  is very similar, but I use soy milk and add protein powder. I swear by fresh spinach (or chlorella) – gives me amazing energy that lasts all day.

What’s keeping local produce out of school cafeterias?

As a vegetarian, nearly vegan, I can attest to being tired of people asking me where I get my protein – from vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, perhaps?!

Have you ever, in your whole life, heard of anyone with a protein deficiency?

Michele Simon, a public health lawyer specializing in industry marketing and lobbying tactics, says most people assume vegetarians and vegans are doomed to a life of protein deficiency due to PROTEIN PROPAGANDA.  Read her insightful blog post at GRIST.

Also visit The Vegetarian Resource Group to see a chart listing protein content in select vegan foods.