International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference Returns

Registration is now open for the 11th annual International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference (PBNHC) taking place September 8-11 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert.  This annual CME-accredited medical event brings together health care professionals from around the world to learn the latest research on the power of nutrition to… Read more »

Go(A2)t Milk?

Maybe you are like me, and although you don’t have a full-blown diary allergy, you consciously consume dairy and have earmarked which forms affect you and how – stomach grumbles, maybe a bathroom trip and/or sinus congestion. I’ve tried alternatives, each with their pros and cons (taste being a theme in the con column) and… Read more »

Fiber: The Carb You Should Be Counting

Average American adults eat 10-15 grams of fiber daily, significantly less than the 22-34 grams recommended to prevent common health maladies including obesity, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders and colon cancer. Current research supports even higher recommendations of 50 grams daily for ideal metabolic health, which includes optimal blood sugar (fasting glucose), triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood… Read more »

Experiment with Prioritizing Protein

Many use this time of year to make lifestyle changes to look leaner and feel healthier. To help, I thought I’d propose a “planned food experiment” to inspire readers to prioritize meals and snacks around protein.  Protein is the most filling macronutrient and, in the right amount, keeps cravings and hunger at bay for hours.… Read more »

The Missing Link

Most of us take vitamin supplements, but what about minerals? Minerals are natural organic matter created over time and found in the earth’s many elements. Before commercial farming, nutrient-dense minerals were plentiful in our soil and the foods we ate. Today’s fruits and vegetables are often void of these substances due to depleted soils, thus,… Read more »

Spice Rack Medicine: Turmeric

With the “Food as Medicine” conference in town this September, I thought it fitting to spotlight one of the healthiest spices around, turmeric. Turmeric has climbed the spice ladder and is one of the latest crazes in food stardom. This fame is well deserved, from its sacred color to its long list of health benefits.… Read more »

Nattokinase: Nature’s Blood Thinner

Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from the traditional Japanese food, natto, which is made from fermented soybeans and has been enjoyed for centuries. Natto is sticky with an earthy, slightly bitter taste, much like aged cheese and is believed to contribute to the longevity of the Japanese people. Nattokinase’s medicinal benefits were first discovered in… Read more »

Book: Uncompressed

Chef AJ’s Unprocessed: Revitalize Your Health with Whole Foods

Abbie Jaye, aka Chef AJ, is a nationally recognized champion of whole food, plant-based cooking and has been sharing its benefits for nearly four decades.  I have had the pleasure of meeting Chef AJ several times and her enthusiasm and positive spirit are infectious. She has received numerous awards for her work and is recommended… Read more »

Nature Wants Us to Be Fat

Nature Wants Us to Be Fat

We are all survivors of food scarcity as our ancestors lived through multiple periods of famine. We survive by storing body fat.  Richard J. Johnson, MD, of the University of Colorado, is a leading physician and scientist who studies fat storage as the “survival switch” to protect us from starvation. He shares his findings in… Read more »