Practical Nutrition

The feeling of biological hunger cues may be experienced in a variety of ways, with different sensations in different parts of the body. It can vary from person to person. People may assign different qualities to the experience. For example, feeling mildly hungry may be enjoyable, while feeling ravenous may be uncomfortable. The dietitians and Maria discuss the hunger-mind-body connection, ways to get more in-tune with your hunger cues, and what to do to stay ahead of your hunger.

Wide-ranging research suggests that strong social ties are linked to a longer life. Having deep connections with others and a shared community can provide various mental and physical benefits due to improved sleep, emotional regulation, and making more healthful choices. In contrast, loneliness and social isolation are linked to poorer health, depression, and increased risk of early death. This brings attention to the importance of strong relationships and connected communities! How are your connections? How could they serve you better?

As humans, we naturally have a negativity bias: a brain that constantly sees the worst case scenario. This can serve as protection, but can also cause stress. How much time are YOU spending in fight-or-flight mode? How strong is YOUR negativity bias? How can we spend less time fight-or-flighting and more time resting-and-digesting? The dietitians and Maria discuss positive self-talk, empathy, self-awareness, and ways to relax your brain and body to allow more space for positivity.

Ask yourself this question: What's the difference between loving your body and treating your body with love? What are some ways you are already doing these things? Which is more sustainable for you? What does this like like for your healthiest, ideal self? Let's talk about unpacking thoughts and feelings around body image and learn how to treat our bodies with love!

Today the dietitians and Maria discuss everything you need to know about the 75 Hard mental toughness program. What is it? What are the pros and cons? Is it right for you? Let's find out!

Leaking when you laugh, jump, or cough? Pain in your pelvis, tailbone, or pubic bone? Struggling to engage your core during exercise? These symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are common, but NOT normal. The dietitians and Maria chat with Dr. Ali from 417 Female about pelvic floor health and how their physical therapy practice can help with all of these symptoms. Contact Ali at www.the417female.com for more info!

The holidays are a joyful time of year filled with family, friends, parties, cheesy Christmas movies, and of course- delicious foods, sweets, and beverages. It’s a time when we put aside our woes… and sometimes our nutrition and fitness routines. A 2015 study by Harvard University found that Americans eat -on average- an excess of 200 calories per day within the 5 week period leading up to New Year’s- causing an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds. A piece of pie here, some eggnog there, cookie before bed, a candy cane after lunch… That doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up quickly. And few people shed the weight post-holidays as quickly as they put it on. So if you’ve been successful thus far on your health journey to maintain or lose weight, how can you still enjoy the holiday festivities without feeling like you have deprived yourself or jumped ship in nutrition and exercise? We are here to help!

We welcome newest dietitian, Anthony. The dietitians and Maria discuss types of coaching styles, the pros and cons of each, and how to help you identify which style will help you achieve your best.

The dietitians and Maria discuss the validity of 4 common wellness tests: IgG "Food Sensitivity" Test, Hormone Tests, Cortisol/Stress Tests, and DNA Nutrigenomics Tests. Are they worth the money? Are these backed by science? Are the tests necessary for my wellness journey? Are the results being accurately interpreted by my clinician? What are the pros and cons of these tests?

Have you ever had a gut feeling that a health professional's advice might be a little... concerning? Unfortunately, that is becoming more common as wellness becomes a trendy place to spend more time and money. The dietitians and Maria break down the scopes of practice for specific health care professionals. What is their education process like? What are they allowed to do or not do? What are some common red flags that you should be aware of? Let's learn how to ask the right questions, be your own best advocate, and find a professional who is client-centered!