
BLOG
How to Build a Smoothie (and 8 unique flavor combos)
HOW TO BUILD A SMOOTHIE (and 8 unique flavor combos)
A Functional Nutrition Approach to HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS
WHAT IS HASHIMOTO'S?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own thyroid tissue.
It is the most common cause of an under-active thyroid (aka hypothyroidism).
Because the thyroid is compromised, it cannot perform its job of regulating energy and metabolism.
This means that those with Hashimoto's will often experience lethargy, weight gain, or depression.
“Plant-Based” EXPLAINED
"Plant-based" is a popular marketing term to describe foods that are sourced from plants.
However, it is important to differentiate between an EXCLUSIVE plant-based diet and an INCLUSIVE one.
Caffeine Metabolism: how to know when to cut back
Do I rely on caffeine to get through the day?
Do I have difficulty falling asleep at night?
Do I often feel wired & tired?
Do I have adrenal or thyroid issues?
Do I have high levels of stress?
Do I drink caffeine with lots of sugar?
Do I drink enough water throughout the day?
LUTEAL PHASE Cycle Syncing Guide
BODY'S MESSAGE:
"Potentially pregnant."
FOCUS:
nurture + rest phase
ENERGY:
lower, more cravings
PHYSIOLOGY:
hormones build up uterus lining in case a fertilized embryo has implanted
HORMONES:
progesterone (and estrogen) increase, then decrease if not pregnant
OVULATORY PHASE Cycle Syncing Guide
BODY'S MESSAGE:
"Likely to become pregnant."
FOCUS:
magnetic phase
ENERGY:
highest, outgoing + confident
PHYSIOLOGY:
ovary releases an egg, cervical mucus is slippery, + libido is high
HORMONES:
LH + FSH trigger your ovary to release an egg, testosterone peaks + drives desire
FOLLICULAR PHASE Cycle Syncing Guide
WORK:
create, brainstorm, + start projects
MOVE:
high intensity (intervals, jogging, hiking, cardio, heavy strength training)
NUTRITION:
raw foods, light meals, or gentle fasting
SEED CYCLING:
flaxseed + pepitas support estrogen production
MENSTRUAL PHASE Cycle Syncing Guide
BODY'S MESSAGE:
"Not pregnant."
FOCUS:
shedding lining = detox phase
ENERGY:
low
PHYSIOLOGY:
uterus lining is shedding because there is no pregnancy
HORMONES:
lowest concentrations, giving you ability to make integrated, strategic decisions
Batch Prepping: 18 Easy & Customizable Meal Ideas
overnight oats + cream/berries/nuts
chia seed pudding + coconut/fruit
roasted veggies + sausage/eggs
rice + veggies in breakfast burrito
frittata or egg cups
leftovers
20 Signs of MINERAL NEED
I crave chocolate
I have a history of an eating disorder
My cuts tend to heal slowly and form scars
I have a history of herniated discs or bone spurs
I tend to gag easily
I experience cramps (calf, foot, or toe) at rest
I have irregular bowel movements: constipation, diarrhea, or both
I have been tested to have low bone density
I have brittle nails and hair
I often experience numbness and tingling in my hands and feet
I crave ice and non-food items
I have low energy and brain fog
I follow a diet that limits or eliminates certain foods or food groups
I have white spots on my fingernails
I tend to get sick or feverish often
My joints often pop and click
The whites of my eyes are slightly blue tinted
I experience a decreased sense of taste or smell
I have a general lack of appetite
I experience dry mouth and a lump in my throat
The What & Why of a MEDITERRANEAN DIET
What is THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET?
This diet is based off the traditional eating patterns of people who live in Mediterranean Sea regions.
It does not necessarily have to feature Mediterranean flavors, but rather includes certain foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, olives, and olive oil.
Moderate weekly consumption of fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, poultry, and red wine is also encouraged.
This dietary pattern is high in fiber, phytonutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants and low in sugar, processed foods, and AGEs (advanced glycation end-products that cause aging).
The Mediterranean Diet has been extensively studied for its protectiveness against cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, cancer, and the effects of aging.
RESEARCH GUIDE: how to interpret the literature like a scientist
longitudinal human
lab (in vitro)
animal (in vivo)
epidemiological
meta-analysis
literature review
correlation
causation
clinical trial human
statistically significant
clinically significant
physiological dosage
confidence interval
probability
odds
absolute risk reduction
relative risk reduction
risk ratio
odds ratio
number needed to treat
number needed to harm
confidence interval
prevalence
high sensitivity (true positive)
incidence
high specificity (true negative)
type 1 error (false positive)
type 2 error (false positive)
high precision
high accuracy
no evidence
no effect
evidence against
evidence for
inconclusive evidence
internal validity
external validity
Best Fruits & Veggies for Fructose Intolerance
LEAFY GREENS
CITRUS
BERRIES
BANANA
AVOCADO
PEAS
MAPLE SYRUP
MUSHROOMS
GLUCOSE + SUCROSE
KIWI
COCONUT
12 High-Fructose Foods
APPLES + PEARS
CHERRIES + STONE FRUITS
BEETS
AGAVE + HONEY
MELON
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
MANGOS
JUICE
SWEET SAUCES
GRAPES
DRIED FRUIT
SUGAR ALCOHOLS (impair fructose absorption)
Why does fruit make me bloated?FRUCTOSE INTOLERANCE 101
Fructose is a type of sugar found in fruit, honey, and high-fructose corn syrup.
The body can only process and absorb a certain amount of fructose at a time, and that capacity varies on a bioindividual basis.
Once that threshold has been exceeded, excess fructose draws water into the intestine and is fermented by gut microbes, causing abdominal pain, gas, bloating, belching, nausea, and loose stools.
14 Whole Food Sources of ZINC
LENTILS
BEEF
SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS
OATMEAL
PORK CHOPS
SPINACH
CHICKPEAS
CASHEWS
HEMP SEEDS
OYSTERS
FIRM TOFU
PUMPKIN SEEDS
YOGURT
CHICKEN
8 Ways to Support IMMUNE HEALTH (and why juice is not ideal when sick)
Contrary to popular belief, juice is not an ideal drink when sick because it is high in sugar. Instead, sip on warm water or tea with lemon, ginger, and raw honey.
9 Whole Food Sources of QUALITY PROTEIN
QUINOA
FISH + SEAFOOD
NUTS + SEEDS
EGGS
BEANS + LENTILS
GRASS-FED DAIRY
POULTRY
RED MEAT
LEGUMES
Butyrate for Gut Health (what it is & how to promote production)
What are SHORT-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS?
Butyrate is the SCFA that remains concentrated in the gut and serves as the primary fuel for colon cells.
It also promotes gut health by improving nutrient & water absorption, decreasing colon pH, increasing blood flow to the intestines & liver, and protecting against the development of colon cancer.
Best Foods to Feed Butyrate-Producing Gut Bacteria
what is butyrate and why would I want to promote it?
OAT BRAN
APPLES
RICE + POTATOES
(cooked + cooled)
WHOLE GRAINS
GREEN
BANANAS + PLANTAINS
PSYLLIUM SEEDS
PARTIALLY HYDROLYZED GUAR GUM
BEANS + LEGUMES
CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES