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Huff Post interviews Energizing Nutrition on Healthy Eating

From mason jars to pre-cleaning to splurging on some nice dishware.

The Huffington Post recently interviewed us for their Spring article on simple tips for healthy eating.  Check out what myself and other health experts had to say: 

Divide the fridge into sections (and CLEAN IT.)

Many people keep fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawer of their fridge and fill their pantries with boxed and canned goods, but how many of us really go beyond that? 

Molly Lee, holistic health coach and founder and director of Energizing Nutrition, said that further organizing your fridge and the rest of your kitchen can make it easier when you’re cooking.

“Have different sections for different categories of food,” she said. “It prevents cross contamination, but it also is organized so you can make a well-balanced meal.”

Consider revamping your dishes (and don’t forget about mason jars)

Lee told HuffPost that “organization is the key” when it comes to a kitchen that will help you eat healthier, but having an appealing kitchen can also help. 

“If you have chipped plates or you don’t have the right equipment, it’s not going to be pleasurable to make food,” she said. “A beautiful bowl, plate and mug that you love can really go a long way for making sort of a ritual.”

Don’t sleep on mason jars, either.

“You just stack your favorite ingredients,” Lee said. “You can stack greens, nuts and seeds, chickpeas, tuna or leftover chicken or feta cheese, and it’s easy. Plus, it looks beautiful and you won’t forget about it because it’s clear.”

For those with a sweet tooth, Lee suggested adding organic Greek or plain yogurt to fresh berries and low-sugar granola (make sure it’s naturally sweet, not made with a ton of added sugar). 

Read the full article here.

Looking to kickstart your health for Spring and Summer? CONTACT US today to discuss your health and nutrition goals.

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Beat the Winter Blues with these 9 Vitamin D Foods  

Are you feeling the Winter Blues?  Check out IntegrativeNutrition.com’s article on how to boost your mood, energy and immune system naturally with Vitamin D foods:

Our bodies are intricately tied to the environment around us, and as the seasons change we develop different nutritional needs. In the spring and summer we benefit from the abundance of vitamins and minerals that come from fresh, local foods. We sweat more and need to hydrate, and we’re careful to avoid sunburns.

However, in the winter there are fewer fresh food options, we crave more warming foods and protein for energy, and we need to make up for lower exposure to sunlight.

Vitamin D is considered the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies produce it after skin exposure to UVB light. It plays a role in hormone regulation, immunity, and calcium absorption.

In winter, when our skin is covered and more often indoors, Vitamin D is particularly important as many of us can become deficient.

According to research, about 42% of people have inadequate levels of Vitamin D, and this deficiency can contribute to bone loss, cancer, cardiovascular disease, frequent infections or illness, depression, muscle pain, hair loss, impaired wound healing, and other symptoms.

Blood levels of at least 30 ng/mL are considered optimal.

While it may be tough to book weekly tropical getaways for the sake of your health, you can increase your bio-available levels of Vitamin D through certain foods:

  • Cod liver oil
  • Sardines and herring
  • Salmon (wild is best)
  • Mackerel
  • Eggs
  • Caviar
  • Raw milk
  • Yogurt
  • Beef liver (opt for grass fed)

Of course, we realize these are not vegan foods, and most are also impractical to consume on a daily basis. So while there are some other foods that contain Vitamin D, such as mushrooms and tofu, the amounts there would not be enough to avoid deficiency. This is where a supplement can help fill in the gaps, with recommendations ranging from 400-1000 IU per day.

The best way to maintain healthy levels of Vitamin D in winter?  Spend time outdoors, especially on sunny days!

Turn your face to the sun, expose your hands if it’s not too cold, and go for walks regularly. There are many other benefits to mild exercise outdoors in winter.

And we know what you’re all thinking, can you sunbathe indoors near a window to help your body produce Vitamin D? Nope, sorry. Most windows block out the ultraviolet light you need, so this won’t help, but it does feel good!

How are you taking care of yourself this winter?

We’d love to hear from you!  CONTACT US to discuss your health and nutrition goals.

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year from Energizing Nutrition!
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Happy New Year from Energizing Nutrition!

2017 was a huge year of growth and transformation for many people, including myself.  There were great shifts presented to us on a personal, family, community and global level, bringing with it a wealth of emotions.  As we reflect upon the past year and look towards the New Year, it’s good to take some time to consider what we have learned and accomplished, and what we are grateful for.

A simple gratitude list could include: a warm bed, a healthy body, access to fresh food and clean air.  These are just a few of the things I’m grateful for.

When it comes to health, think about what true health means to you.  From a holistic perspective, true health does not only include exercise and a balanced diet.  True health means living with joy and a sense of peace and purpose.  As you envision the New Year, what are activities and relationships that invoke these feelings for you?  Let go of the ones that don’t.

When you follow what you love to do, you naturally begin to improve your health and create a positive ripple effect in your relationships, communities and the world.  

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work in the field of holistic health and nutrition – the individuals I’ve worked with over the years have taught me so much and I am happy to say I love what I do and the people I work with!

As a thank-you, I would like to offer a gift –  a copy of my book, Energizing Nutrition: A New Food Paradigm,  to each person who embarks on a health and nutrition program with me before Feb. 15th.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2018 with great happiness, health, joy and prosperity!

Molly 

We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch here.