#plantdiet

So I recently became mostly vegan (I try to eat 80-90% of my meals during the week plant-based) and let me just tell you - I have noticed a HUGE difference! I feel better, I have less break outs, I have more energy... the list goes on and on. 

Not to mention all of the environmental benefits that come with more people living a plant-based life. 

I want to advise anyone who is thinking about it, start slow! 🐢 

Find some food bloggers you love, watch some Youtube videos, download some cook books, or even join a Facebook group! 

⏬ Here are some suggestions for cookbooks! ⏬

The Plant-Based Recipe Cookbook Includes over 100 mouth-watering recipes for Everyone to Enjoy!

Unleash The Vegan Power With These Easy-To-Make, Delicious Recipes. You’ll Never Lack Of Vegan Options Again!

A few tips for people who are thinking about it... 1. Just TRY IT - you will feel so much better as a whole. Less bloating, more energy, weight loss, less risk for diseases... the list is long. 🍋 2. You don’t have to be 100% if that is too much - just try 2-3 days a week to start! 🍊 3. It doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think! Buy local, buy what’s in season, and stay away from the over-processed substitutes. 🥦 4. A great documentary that is super informative - “What The Health” on Netflix! (this is what converted me) Most recently, I also just watched Seaspiracy that talks a LOT about the environmental impacts of specifically the fishing industry.

Just remember - always be patient with yourself. It’s okay not to go 100% immediately. Trust me, I understand how hard it is to quit meat cold turkey! (pun-intended😉) 

Always take it one day at a time, one meal at a time!

XOXO L-A-Wins 

"Healthy Halloween Treats: Fun and Nutritious Ideas for Your Next Spooky Celebration"

Halloween is just around the corner, and while it’s a time for spooky costumes and decorations, it’s also a time for sugary treats and unhealthy snacks. But don't let that derail your healthy eating habits! You can still enjoy the holiday with fun and nutritious Halloween treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

As a dietician, I believe that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or tasteless. Here are some fun and nutritious ideas for your next spooky celebration:

1. Jack-o'-Lantern Fruit Cups Get in the Halloween spirit by carving out mini Jack-o'-Lanterns from oranges or mandarins. Simply cut off the top, scoop out the fruit, and use a knife to create a spooky face. Fill the Jack-o'-Lanterns with a variety of mixed berries, kiwi, and other seasonal fruits for a healthy and festive snack. 2. Spiderweb Avocado Toast Avocado toast is a nutritious and delicious snack that can be easily transformed into a spooky Halloween treat. Top a slice of whole-grain bread with mashed avocado, then use a toothpick to create a spiderweb design with hummus. Finish with sliced olives to create the spider's body and legs. 3. Witch's Brew Smoothie A green smoothie is a perfect Halloween treat that looks like a witch's brew! Blend together spinach, banana, pineapple, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder for a nutritious and delicious smoothie that's perfect for any Halloween party. 4. Ghostly Cheese and Crackers For a savory Halloween treat, cut slices of low-fat cheese into ghost shapes using a cookie cutter. Place the cheese ghosts on top of whole-grain crackers and finish with a sliced olive for the ghost's mouth. 5. Monster Apple Bites Cut a green apple into slices, then use almond butter to create "teeth" on one side of each slice. Top with another slice of apple to create a monster's mouth, and finish with sliced strawberries or raspberries for the monster's eyes. 6. Spooky Trail Mix Create a Halloween-themed trail mix by combining pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, and whole-grain cereal. Package the mix in individual bags or bowls for a festive and healthy snack. 7. Candy Corn Fruit Cups For a fun and healthy twist on the classic candy corn, create layers of pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream in a clear cup. The colors resemble candy corn and make for a festive and nutritious Halloween treat. By incorporating these fun and nutritious Halloween treat ideas into your next spooky celebration, you can enjoy the holiday without sacrificing your healthy eating habits. Remember, healthy eating can be fun and delicious! With the right ingredients and creativity, you can make Halloween treats that are both nutritious and festive.

"The Mind-Body Connection: How Healthy Eating Can Support Your Overall Well-Being".

As a dietician, I have seen the powerful impact that food can have on not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being. The mind-body connection is a concept that has been gaining more attention in recent years, as research continues to demonstrate the interconnectedness of our physical and mental health. In this blog post, we will explore how healthy eating can support your overall well-being through the mind-body connection. What is the Mind-Body Connection?

The mind-body connection refers to the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health. It suggests that our mental and emotional states can influence our physical health and vice versa. For example, stress and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and muscle tension. On the other hand, engaging in physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. How Does Healthy Eating Support the Mind-Body Connection? Nutrition is an important aspect of the mind-body connection because the foods we eat can impact both physical and mental health. For example, certain nutrients are essential for brain function and can affect mood and cognitive performance. In addition, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the mind-body connection, as it produces neurotransmitters that can influence mood and behavior.

Here are some ways that healthy eating can support the mind-body connection:

1. Promoting Brain Health Certain nutrients are essential for brain health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants. These nutrients can improve cognitive function, enhance memory and learning, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. In addition, consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

2. Boosting Mood Research has shown that the gut microbiome can influence mood and behavior by producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Consuming a diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics can support a healthy gut microbiome and improve mood and emotional well-being. 3. Reducing Inflammation Chronic inflammation is linked to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Consuming a diet high in processed and refined foods can increase inflammation in the body, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can reduce inflammation and support overall health. 4. Supporting Sleep Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health, and nutrition can play a role in promoting restful sleep. Consuming foods high in tryptophan, magnesium, and melatonin, such as turkey, almonds, and cherries, can support healthy sleep patterns.