After an indulgent holiday season, I like to start off the New Year with a dietary cleanse. I have found it highly effective, for both myself and my clients, to eliminate the most problematic foods- wheat, dairy, alcohol, and all other sugar based or artificially sweetened drinks (see below for a detailed list) for 4 weeks. During this time it is equally important to eat fresh, unprocessed, nutrient dense foods to help detoxification and support optimal health.
Grilling is out, roasting is IN
During the long warm summer days, I love the easy no-dish cooking method of throwing everything out on the grill for dinner. But now that the days are getting shorter and it’s not so warm out, I’ve turned to my oven instead.
Ode to Eggs
Eggs are on my list of perfect foods. They are nourishing, delectable, quick-cooking, versatile, and conveniently individually packaged. I strongly advocate eating fresh pastured eggs from chickens who graze on a natural diet of green plants, insects, and grains. When cracked open, these eggs reveal a bright orange yolk and a white that gels together. They are richer in color, flavor, and nutrients (especially omega-3s, which support brain and nervous system development as well as cardiovascular health) than conventional eggs. Both the nutrients and omegas are concentrated in the yolk of the egg. Yes, eat the yolk- it is packed with good stuff! I openly admit that I pay $6-8/dozen for these superior quality eggs. Find this price hard to swallow? You can easily drop the same amount for a single cocktail at a bar. It’s all relative and a matter of priorities.
Picking the Perfect Peach
To pick the best fruits and vegetables possible, you must fully engage your senses. A peach that is heavy for it’s size, fragrant, has smooth skin, rich color, and gives under gentle pressure will be a juicy, sweet, divine experience.
How to avoid the Jingle Bell jiggle
We’ve entered the time of year when cookies, candies, and other temptations seem to be lurking around every corner. While it is important to partake in the merriment of seasonal treats, you don’t want to begin the New Year scavenging the sale racks for a bigger pant size. During November and December, I encourage my clients to strive for weight maintenance, as opposed to weight loss. By indulging selectively and staying active, you will find that you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays while avoiding the Jingle Bell jiggle.
