Tuesday, April 27, 2010

NutroKidz

Yesterday marks the beginning of a pilot nutrition education program called Nutro-Kidz (Wellness Club). Nutrolution and City Year Org. are working together to implement a nutrition education in the Miami Dade Schools for middle school kids in City Year's after school "starfish" program to start.

My goal for the program is to teach these children about nutrition and their bodies, and bring up awareness for disease prevention topics including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. From the surveys we received yesterday, I learned that the kids are both interested in and in need of nutrition education.

We realize that if an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure, then our time is best spent educating our country's children. With the health care crisis moving exponentially into children's health, we hope to create a wave of nutrition awareness and lifestyle modification which will overturn the wave of disease and poor health that we as a country have been riding.

Monday, April 12, 2010

5 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Health

Most people have dealt with emotional eating at some point in their life. For many, it's a constant battle. It's because foods can literally boost the serotonin in your brain and make you feel happier. The problem is that most of these foods tend to be sweets and carbs, which also lead to weight gain and diabetes.

So how can you use food to enhance your mood without getting caught up in high calorie, toxic junk food?

Here are 5 Nutrition Tips for Better Brain Health...

1- Scratch Artificial Sweeteners off your meal plan! ...They do not belong, and not only that, but they have been linked to health problems. In particular, Aspartame, known as "Nutrasweet" and "Equal," have been reported to cause brain problems including depression, anxiety, memory issues, and even more severe neurological diseases.

2- Up Your Essential Fatty Acids, especially Omega-3s! ... Omega-3s help make up your brain cell membranes, where neurotransmitters like serotonin enter your cell, allowing the feelings of happiness, optimism, and peace of mind. If you don't have enough omega-3, your brain won't receive your happy hormones nearly as effectively, and you're likely to feel more sad or other unpleasant emotions. You can get omega-3s from free range egg yolks, free range poultry skin, walnuts, flax oil, and wild caught fish.

3- Trash Trans Fats! ...The government now tells us that no amount of trans-fats are safe for human consumption. In fact, they can cause cancer, diabetes, and yes, brain problems like depression and attention defecit. Why? Because they clog up the receptors sites where your Omega-3s belong. Trans fats are found in many processed foods still and can be identified on the label as "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil.

4- Protein Power! ... Protein provides the key nutrients for building your happy hormones, aka, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, etc. Therefor, it's important that you get enough protein every day. Otherwise your body will triage whatever you have to more important things, like maintenance of heart tissue, which could leave you feeling blue. Most people need around 60-80 grams of complete protein per day, and some need much more, depending on exercise output, daily stress, immune load and injuries.

5- Digestion is Key... The digestive system and brain are sister organs therefore if your digestive system is not working so well, your brain will suffer. Why? Because neurotransmitters are produced primarily in the gut. If your gut is not working smoothly- as evidenced by constipation, gas, inflammation, etc.- you'll need to restore it starting with healthy probiotics, water, possibly some fiber, and fresh green foods. Supplements can be incredibly useful for repairing a broken down digestive system as well, although I recommend consulting with a licensed nutritionist or medical practitioner before adding random items.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

5 Top Tips for Better Rest

Are you getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night? If not, your metabolism can slow down, and your body may not be able to repair and rejuvinate adequately.

Here are a few tips to help you get more shut eye and feel your best:

1. Shut down TV/Computer at least 1/2 before bed time- the EMFs from electronics can 'wire' your brain and prevent it from shifting into its meditative and sleep cycles. So plan to shut down your TV, computer, and cell phone use a good half hour before bed time.

2. Stick to a regular sleep pattern. The body works in rhythm, so create a sleep rhythm that works for you. Sticking to it will ensure less time wide awake in bed, and more time getting your zzzz's and beauty rest!

3. Balance your blood sugar before bed- rather than a high sugar snack which can cause your blood sugar to plummet in the middle of the night, waking you up, try something more balanced and wholesome.
     - Sliced Apple with Almond Butter
     - Plain Yogurt with fresh chopped fruit and nuts
     - A small scoop coconut milk ice cream
     - A peice of Millet toast with avocado

4. Curtail Caffeine- People who cut out coffee, caffeinated soda and black tea report improved depth and ease of sleep withing days of making the change. If you have any trouble sleeping, cut out caffeine and you may just watch you sleep troubles cease.

6. Cal-Mag and Chamomile Tea- These are two of my favorite tricks for a restful evening. Calcium and Magnesium are two minerals involved in relaxing the nervous and muscular system, and chamomile is a safe effective relaxing flower which you can find in teas at any grocery store. Give 'em a shot!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Nutrolution Seeks to Create a Kid's Revolution

Last night's meeting with some of my best friends in life- Leah Beeson, Anne Estes and Ivan Amayo- left me buzzing with the light of knowing that my goals of touching lives WILL happen. Not that I don't already touch lives, but this is something else.

The four of us are combining skills and talents to create a Children's Nutrition Movement that we are confident in. Focused on the pride that comes with caring properly for your body and the confidence that comes with knowing how to grow, shop for, and prepare food, our book series is destined to inspire children worldwide. I will keep you posted as we come closer toward realizing the vision... for now, if you know any publishers and/or illustrators, contact RRichardson@nutrolution.com