The new community garden at Ramon Mobile Park may still be in its early stages—no seedlings yet, no herbs perfuming the air—but its impact is already unmistakable. As part of Blue Zones Project (BZP) Palm Springs’ long-term partnership with residents, the garden joins Walking Moais, Purpose Workshops, social gatherings and other Power 9®–inspired activities that… Read more »
Your digestive system is like a food-processing machine. After all, it is responsible for breaking down your meals, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. It’s home to trillions of microorganisms; it contains its own nervous system and communicates directly with your immune system, metabolism and your brain. That’s why it is so important to look after… Read more »
Creating a healthier community takes teamwork and collaboration. What better place to start than bringing restaurants and local farmers together for tasty, fun and educational experiences. That is precisely what Kathrine Gonzalez of Chula Artisan Eatery and Mark and Nicole Tadros of Aziz Farms are doing. In November, they introduced a Fall Farm Dinner held… Read more »
Winter in the Coachella Valley is the quiet hero of the gardening year—cooler days, softer sunlight, and the perfect conditions for crisp lettuces, hearty roots, and vibrant herbs. With a little consistency and a simple rhythm, your winter garden can feed you generously all season long. Below is a user-friendly guide—practical, calm and easy to… Read more »
When I heard that the first local Blue Zones-approved restaurant was a bakery, I was appalled. We know that baked goods, bread and sugar are primary causes of today’s chronic disease epidemic, so it didn’t make sense. Then, I met Bread and Flours. The beloved Palm Springs café is all about healthier ingredients and a… Read more »
When it comes to health, many underestimate the “power of the plate.” However, scientific evidence on food’s ability to hinder or heal continues to grow and is now referred to as the Food as Medicine Movement. Today, that movement is larger than ever. For 15 years, Desert Health has published articles about the effects of… Read more »
In the bustle of modern life, reaching for a ready-made meal often feels like a lifesaver. Marketed as convenient and quick to prepare, these packaged and processed foods promise to save you time and effort. But if you find yourself relying on these foods every day, you need to consider the true cost of this… Read more »
When I consider what the healthiest diet is for us, I think biologically. To fully understand current human biology, it helps to understand our evolutionary biology. Daniel Lieberman, professor of evolutionary biology at Harvard has distilled this complex subject in his 2014 book, The Story of the Human Body. He traces our evolution from chimpanzees… Read more »
In September, clinicians, researchers and advocates from around the globe gathered to explore how food functions as medicine at the International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference (PBNHC). Four immersive days featured industry leaders along with the latest science and breakthroughs proving the power of nutrition and the purpose of compassion in health care today. PBNHC has… Read more »
Everywhere you go, you hear a different opinion about what it means to eat “healthy” and which macronutrients are “good” or “bad.” In reality, it’s not one size fits all. People have different nutritional needs, so let’s explore each macronutrient, what it does, and how much you really need, so you can make informed decisions… Read more »
What is the basis for good health and wellness? According to the latest longevity research, it’s what you put in your body every day.1 Growing your own food at home empowers you to consume the freshest, most nutrient-dense produce, provides a buffer for disruptions like pandemics and disasters, and allows you to reclaim control over… Read more »
Delicious dates are definitely having their day! The nutrient-dense nuggets are being touted as a superfood snack with online searches for soft and sweet Medjools recently hitting an all-time high.1 This is great news for local farmers as the Coachella Valley is our country’s leading producer of dates. Many are challenged to meet demand as… Read more »
Do you find yourself anxious often or perhaps anxious in certain situations? You are not alone, and finding ways to calm your mind can really help. Anxiety is a complicated mental health disorder that requires a wide range of approaches to manage it effectively. Lifestyle changes, including nutrition, can help, as there are foods that… Read more »
Thankfully, we still have a few sweet summer days to enjoy as we prepare for autumn, which will usher in the eagerly awaited football season and all the fourth quarter festivities. Beyond excitement for the games themselves, this time of year presents a unique opportunity to adopt a holistic approach to well-being, blending the thrill… Read more »
I am delighted to be joining Lauren and her team at Desert Health and also getting to know you, our wonderful readers! While the UK is my primary home, my work has brought me to the desert for many years and I have fallen in love with its landscape and tranquillity. But it is you,… Read more »
Summer sun and festivities are upon us, so eating lighter foods feels good and makes sense. I am eating salads in plentitude and love adding a healthy variety of crunch with seeds and nuts. My latest favorite is sunflower seeds which I eat out of a bag, or add to avocado toast, summer soups, eggs,… Read more »
When we see a plate of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables, we know we are about to eat something good for our bodies. In fact, a food’s color is one of the most important sensory cues informing us of its freshness and our expectations of how it will taste. Eating a diet full of… Read more »
This year, Tommy and I had the opportunity to return to Italy. With a desire to slow down and indulge in the best regional cuisine, we decided to skip the cities and head to the countryside. A friend recommended Le Mandrie Di San Paolo, an agritourism farm outside of Assisi, where everything served is made… Read more »
Herbal soups have been used in many cultures throughout generations to prevent and treat diseases. In China for example, many soups tend to be mild in nature and easily absorbed and digested. Around the world, families revere and swear by their traditional recipes, and pass them along through the ages. Popular soups include Tom Yum… Read more »
I recently watched the classic heartwarming movie “Swiss Family Robinson” about a family shipwrecked on a Polynesian island. Beyond battling with pirates and wild animals, they make a home and thrive on the abundant foods found on the island. There are no foods in bags or boxes…no food labels…nothing is processed. If we are careful… Read more »
