I’ve been happily traveling with my family for the past couple of weeks. In my absence, the American Heart Association issued a doozy of a report entitled “Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association.” Part of the report included information about coconut oil, and perhaps due to coconut oil’s current popularity, the press…

The gut is called the “Second Brain” for good reason. With the explosion of research on the the gut microbiome (meaning “small environment”), we learn more about the fascinating ways the gut affects the brain and the brain affects the gut.   David Perlmutter, neurologist and expert on the gut/brain connection, wrote a book called…

How many mechanics does it take to check the oil? The other day, I met with a new client for the first time. She warned me ahead of time that I should not be shocked by her reasons for coming to see me, so I was somewhat prepared. What I felt as I read her…

Have you ever heard of “shitty first drafts?” In my previous life, I worked as a middle and high school English teacher. As a teacher, I was fascinated with the process of writing, not just the end product. I loved creating an environment in my classroom where teenagers felt excited to express themselves and create. At…

Um, no. January is an awesome time for a fresh start, and I have a huge crush on January for this reason.   But before we go starting something new, please, let’s check our intentions. If you’d feel healthier or more vibrant if you lost a couple pounds, then there’s nothing wrong with devoting some…

We are moving toward winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. This year, I’m excited about this season because I’ve been obsessing about the power and the value of darkness.   It is human nature to yearn for light rather than dark, to prize action over inaction, order over chaos, agreement over disagreement, success…

 “Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.” Harry S. Truman There are so many ways “in” to a peaceful, healthy, balanced holiday season. A non-harried holiday season is totally within our reach if we care to create it deliberately. Before the holidays happen TO you, take a moment to envision and plan a holiday season that…

It’s been a big week for our country. I want to open with three true statements: I care about your well-being. I believe health on one level (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) affects all other layers of health. I will make recommendations here about how to find some ease, clarity and empowerment in a confusing time with no…

If you’re paying attention to popular science, you probably have read about the microbiome and its many health implications. The microbiome is the collection of bacteria, pathogens, viruses, protozoans and fungi that live on and in our bodies, most predominately in our large intestine or colon (although teeming on every surface and orifice of our…