All posts tagged nutrition

July 10, 2013 · Blog

Welcome to Holland

 

A young mother gives birth. She knows this child well. This baby kicked and moved about and the mother understood the child’s special energy. Sometimes, between the 1st and 4th birthday typically, some children receive a dreaded diagnosis of a spectrum disorder.
The feelings a mother has at a time like this are fear, and worry, maybe panic. The beautiful  “Welcome to Holland” story says it like no other.

I love this mom’s analogy. She describes having a child with a disability like planning a trip to Italy but ending up in Holland. It’s not bad, it’s just different. It’s not what you were expecting and now you have to navigate this new place with no itinerary.

A health coach is like your travel agent/ concierge. We help you navigate Holland and help to make it the best trip ever.

 

(read “Welcome to Holland” HERE)

 

I am guessing that a lot of parents would like to take back the responsibility and control of their child’s situation.  That is where we come in. Those of you who have been reading my blog know I believe very strongly that the brain and gut are totally linked together.  We work to help with the challenges of diet change and behavioral issues.  The results, healing and behavoiral changes  have been astounding.  We begin with the following challenges.

Challenge #1– knowing what you can and cannot eat.

 What really happens; often when people begin they look at a long laundry list of stuff they can’t eat. So they feel deprived, confused and HUNGRY.

What a Coach does; We help navigate the whole landscape of new foods. We translate old unhealthy choices into healthful ones. We menu plan and answer questions in emails and emergency texts from the grocery store.   We help to create substitutes for favorite foods that are delicious, satisfying and easy.

 

Challenge #2- slowly incorporating different ways to detoxify and change the digestion.

 What really happens; people take on these tasks and they start to feel like it’s a full time job.

What a Coach does; We help develop a doable routine that is fun and easy.

 

Challenge #3-rebuilding gut flora;

What really happens; every member in the family, because of the changes being implemented, feels the resistance.

What a Coach does; We try to meet the emotional needs of all family members and give support with solutions that become part of day-to-day life.

 

Yes there are challenges, but with the right support a parent can meet them with a smile, and take back control of their child’s health and healing.  One of my favorite Client Mom’s recently told me “Had I known how easy my life was going to be, I would have welcomed the challenges with open arms!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 20, 2013 · Blog

Paleo Rocks!

Okay people, listen up!!! In the past week alone I have read 3 Paleo-bashing articles.  The science is out there but there are people who are tenaciously holding on to a set of conventional principles that don’t seem to be working. With animal protein and saturated fat being villainized and whole grains becoming “health food” Americans have become fatter, sicker and more unhealthy than ever.

If you would like the studies and science behind Paleo please go to www.chriskresser.com and www.robbwolf.com. These two are biochemist researchers who are on the cutting edge, and get down and nerdy with the science . Or read Rob Wolf’s book “The Paleo Solution”.  I follow them regularly to get the latest studies and reports.

All I have, which is nothin’ to sneeze at, is results. I coach many clients with a ‘Paleo template’ Diet, which is a more individualized version of a Paleo diet. Here are the results I have personally witnessed in my practice, thank God;

  • Adults who have healed their guts, depression, and anxiety with this diet and Tapping.
  • Autistic and ADHD children who have become more attentive and interactive as their digestive tracts are soothed and healed.
  • Compulsive eaters who are finding themselves a lot less compulsive and much calmer around food.
  • Children who complain of  constant tummy aches feel better after a few days and then go on to heal their guts.
  • People suffering from chronic constipation, acid reflux and poor digestion whose symptoms go away in a short time.

Before my eyes I see people healing from the most serious mental and physical illnesses. It is miraculous. Food is powerful! I’ve personally seen crazy results, documented in my blood work.  Back in the day,  I was a dedicated vegan.  I would cry to my doctor because I had so many numbers in my blood test results that were way off.  “But Doctor,” I would say, “I eat perfectly!! No animal protein, kale, seaweed, pure vegetable and nut oils, and organic whole grains!  How can that be?! ”They always blamed it on my genes. How ironic.

Fast forward many years……. 6 months after changing to a Paleo Diet. Perfect blood test.  Miraculous!!! You can’t argue with the proof. Please check out this video of a doctor who healed her MS by eating this way.

One claim is that the Paleo diet promotes obscene amounts of meat eating. The truth is;  the Paleo diet recommends 1/3 protein and 2/3 veggies on your plate.  Paleo is a huge part of the natural foods revolution. They recommend eating the best quality food you can find; Organic, grassfed, and local.  No processed junk foods.

These articles claim that we need grains, beans and legumes in our diets. Paleo doesn’t agree. All the nutrients in those things are found in greater amounts in animal protein, fruits and vegetables. The anti-nutrients (phytates) found in whole grains, beans and legumes can actually create mineral deficiencies over time.`They also damage the balance of good bacteria or probiotics in the gut, as well as the gut wall.

They  claim that the Paleo diet has too much saturated fat. They have not caught on to the fact that saturated fat is actually good for us! Watch the movie “Fatheads” and you will see the other side of the story. Or watch this clip on my website.

Even though those articles were so negative towards Paleo , in the comments below the articles you can see the huge amount of healing that is going on with the Paleo diet.  People are respectfully writing in about how they have healed everything from stomach aches to celiac disease to crone’s disease. Nice.

I don’t mind if people don’t want to eat “Paleo”. It’s a choice we all have. But the fact that so many people are doing so well on it, does say a lot.

 

 

 

 

February 27, 2013 · Blog

little sugar addicts

 

-Does your child ask for sweet foods all the time?

-Does she have meltdowns that end in tantrums or tears?

-Is he impulsive, restless, and wildly dramatic or talk a lot and fast?

– Does your child have a hard time paying attention or lock in on a task and then forget to do anything else?

-Does she cry easily and frequently?

– Is he moody and exhibit low self-esteem?

-Does your child have a lot of allergies, or persistent ear infections? Is he overweight?

 

All of these things may sound like normal childhood behavior, or everyday life.  “Mood swings, inability to concentrate, temper tantrums, and the most significant-low self-esteem are all the affects of too much sugar in your child’s diet.” Says Kathleen DesMaisons author of Little Sugar Addicts. 

Knowing how horrible sugar is for us, and especially our children, makes me want to jump up and down and shout “STOP GIVING THEM SUGAR!!!” Also knowing that will not help the situation and that a softer approach is always better, I try to contain myself and help those who are ready to be helped. I know how difficult it can be, so no judgement. Just a little education ;).

 

Little children don’t handle or process sugar the same way as an adult.  You may be surprised at how strong an effect a small amount of sugar has on a child’s body. “ If you have an adult who drinks a 12 ounce can of soda (40 grams of sugar)”, explains DesMaisons “they are having one gram of sugar per four pounds of body weight.  But if you give a can of soda to a 40 pound child, the dose relationship is very different.  For a child that is the equivalent of four cans or a six pack”!!!

 

 

What does sugar do to kids? It effects their brains and bodies, blood sugar, serotonin and beta endorphin levels.

 

Serotonin is affected by sugar. “ Serotonin is a chemical that quiets the brain,” writes DesMaisons. It makes us have a feeling of well being and peacefulness.  “Sugar sensitive children have lower levels of serotonin than other children.” By changing diet, these levels can be raised, creating more self-confident, in-control children with a much happier outlook.

 

Beta-endorphins, DesMaisons calls “ the brains own pain killer”. Children who are sugar sensitive are much more sensitive towards physical and emotional pain. Children who eat too much sugar tend to feel inadequate and unworthy, even if they are smart”, once the sugar wears off.

 

From all the research I have read over many years, I can say with confidence that the precursor to all addiction is sugar.

Researcher Dr. Robert Lustig says sugar is as addictive as cocaine according to brain scans.

 

Kiber Stanhope, a biologist at the State University of California Davis, believes that a calorie is not just a calorie and over consumption of high fructose corn syrup increases the same risks as sugar.

 

In his article in the Huffington post Dr. Mark Hyman wrote “people can be biologically addicted to sugar in the same way we can be addicted to heroin, cocaine or nicotine.  Binging and addictive behaviors are eerily similar in alcoholics and sugar addicts.  In fact most recovering alcoholics often switch to another easily available drug: Sugar.”

 

For those with personal struggles with food addiction, remember it is not a moral failing or lack of will power.  There is help available.

 

In my practice I see many children.  I have witnessed the huge change in their self-esteem and confidence when they are taken off sugar.  I am here to tell you it’s not impossible!!  Many parents are seeking help and the results are astounding!! Teachers are the first to comment. “ He’s a different child, so focused and calm.”

These are results that make my heart sing!! I have clients as young as 6 years of age who proudly proclaim “I don’t eat that, its not healthy!” When they are offered sugar laden treats.  They influence their peers and become empowered to make good choices.

 

DesMaisons has seven steps to fight sugar and its effects:

1.Eat breakfast with protein: and do it within the first hour of waking, to beat a drop in blood sugar.

2.Make connections between food and mood.  Never reward a child with food-especially sweets.

3.Change snacks.  Children under the age of 18 should eat every 3 hours to avoid a drop in blood sugar. In addition to good, well-balanced meals, your child should get several high-protein snacks throughout the day.

4.Eat protein lunches. Foods like poultry and meats, eggs and nuts are all essentials.

5. Cut any white flour breads and pastas from your diet.

6.Take out the sugar. (“Notice that taking out sugar is not step one. It is step six,”)

7.Take care of life. Relax have fun and spend time with your family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 13, 2013 · Blog

The Great Cholesterol Myth

Many of my clients come in worried and anxious about their cholesterol numbers, I mean anxious!! I say the same thing to each one “Cholesterol is good. Don’t worry!” I go on to teach them that not only is cholesterol good and necessary, but so is saturated fat. You have to see the raised eyebrows I get. It’s comical.   I was so happy when I saw this Dr Oz clip. Its an interview with two of the courageous people who wrote a book debunking the myth we have all been convinced to believe is true.   Please watch this video until the end and forward it to your friends.  It is time we all know the truth about cholesterol and statin drugs! Did you know:

  •  Total cholesterol levels don’t matter!
  •  Statins are dangerous.
  • What really matters is the size of your cholesterol, not the kind.
  • High blood sugar levels can lead to arterial inflammation.

If you want to read more about these important issues, read:

  1.  The Great Cholesterol Myth by Johnny Bowden, PhD and Stephen Sinatra, MD.
  2. Fat and Cholesterol are Good for You!, Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD
  3. The Great Cholesterol Con, Dr. Malcolm Kendrick
Were you shocked by this information?  Did it relax you to know you don’t have to think about cholesterol numbers? Were you aware of the harm that statin drugs do? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

October 10, 2012 · Blog

Coconut Oil, the New Windex

 

I am so compelled to write about coconut oil because my clients are coming back to me with absolute miraculous results!

“ OMG, Joy! I can’t believe it worked when the steroid cream didn’t!”

“I have so much energy and I am losing weight!”

“My baby’s rash just disappeared!!”

“I am thinking so much clearer these days.”

 

Did you see “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”?  The father used Windex on everything! Sprayed it all over his body, hysterical.   Coconut oil is my Windex.

 

I will tell you what it is good for, but first  let me tell you why. Coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti–viral, and anti-fungal. It is full of antioxidants and Lauric acid (a medium chain fatty acid, known to destroy lipid coated viruses like HIV, herpes, influenza and many more).

 

So what has coconut oil been known to help?

 

  • HIV-AIDS
  • Thyroid disease
  • Diabetes- type 1 and 2
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Digestive Health and Intestinal Absorption
  • Weight loss and belly fat
  • Acne
  • Anti-aging
  • Dry skin
  • Hair (makes it gorgeous and silky, no more frizz)
  • Candida yeast infections
  • Alzheimer’s Disease (see video)
  • Common colds
  • Athletes foot
  • Diaper rash
  • Etc., etc., etc.,….

 

Okay, okay, you can close your mouth now, and go order some Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil.  I use the Gold Label topically, for skin, hair, and I take 1 tablespoon 3x per day (if you are trying to heal a specific ailment, like one of the above, that is the prescription).

 

They also have the white label Organic Expeller pressed, which I love, because it doesn’t have the coconut flavor and I can use it in all my cooking, which I do.

 

So let’s review: it helps so many diseases and ailments, it is much cheaper than hospital stays and pharmaceuticals, but it is expensive for oil.  Hmmmm, I think I will stick with the coconut oil :), wouldn’t you?

You can find the Tropical Traditions products in groceries Here.

 

 

 

 

September 27, 2012 · Recipes

Homemade Mayonnaise

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 4 drops liquid stevia
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup liquified Tropical Traditions expeller pressed Coconut Oil

-combine all ingredients except oils, in Vita-Mix or blender.

-when fully combined add oils, pouring slowly through the hole in the blender cover with machine running.

-keep blending on high until you see a white, thick mayonnaise.

– Easy, delicious and so much fun to make!

 

September 26, 2012 · Blog

Yes!! You Are Good Enough!!!

So what is it with those little voices inside many of us, that tell us we are not good enough?  We all know realistically that we are pretty darn good at a lot of things, but someone at sometime, early on, very clearly gave us that “not good enough” feeling.  Now I got the Not Good Enough Blues!! (would be a cute song, huh?)

 

Did you ever just want to fly swat that little voice and make it go away? Well I have an awesome fly swatter. It’s EFT, tapping. It is actually possible to make that ridiculous voice LEAVE!

 

Of course it’s always better to use an EFT Coach, like me (wink, wink) to help you sort through those early years and determine which aspects and experiences to tap on, but I am going to take you through the process.

 

First find the earliest experience you can remember that gave you that “I’m not good enough” feeling. Hint: It usually has to do with your parents and/or siblings.

Go through the experience like a movie and hit the pause button when you feel the strongest emotional response.  Rate your emotional intensity from 1-10 and identify where you are feeling it in your body.

 

Next, form a set up statement as you tap on the karate chop point.(see below for chart, and tapping video for a demonstration) It sounds like “Even though (my mother made me feel not good enough) fill in with your story, I still love and accept myself. Tap as you repeat 3 times.

Follow all the tapping points as you verbalize the problem. After each round notice how the intensity number gets lower and the physical symptom begins to lessen.

 

If you are able to get the emotional intensity down to a zero, well congratulations!!  You are now the proud new owner of a new kind of memory, one that it doesn’t hurt to think about.

 

Many people find that as they get issues tapped out, their responses to many things in life change.  My clients have told me they are calmer, more patient, and not as defensive as before. I love when a client tells me they feel “lighter and free”.

My own response to this exact tapping sequence was in my eyes miraculous! I lost all my fears about putting myself out there, authentically.  I never could have believed that would happen from tapping. It still amazes me!

 

I know it won’t help much but I will say it anyway.  YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! Each person has gifts and talents that the world needs and you are the only YOU who can express those gifts to the world. So if you have anything holding you back, GET TAPPING!!

Love and hugs and tap,tap,tap,

JOY

 

 

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