What is Lifestyle Medicine – and what can it do for me?
Lifestyle medicine – just the name conjures up thoughts of docs lying on a beach, drink in hand, stethoscope dangling just above the sand, doesn’t it? I just returned from a conference hosted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine with four other doctors from our group. Even the T-shirt for the event has palm…
Sprouting Lentils – Getting More From These Legumes – Toasted Lentils or in a Lentil Salad
I used to sprout lentils a lot when my kids were younger but stopped for a while as some of the cooking patterns changed at our home. Recently, I started sprouting beans and lentils again and am enjoying using them in any recipe that call for lentils or beans. Basically, you can use the same…
Besides the fat and calories in fast food – now we need to think about phthalates
A few weeks ago, there was an article in the Washington Post about consumption of fast foods that I thought would get more press. It reported on a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives that looked at phthalate levels and how they relate to fast foods. First, to explain, phthalates are used to improve flexibility in plastics….
You Want Me to Eat a Fungus?
Mushrooms, technically speaking, are the fleshy, fruiting body of a fungus. Not so enticing so far, right? But, they are quite versatile. Some have a meaty texture and can be added to dishes to reduce or eliminate meat and calories, assuming you have another source of protein. One cup of raw sliced mushrooms has only…
Vitamin C Revisited – Food Sources and Recipes
Vitamin C A recent Health Pearl by Dr. Tran noted that Vitamin C can have one positive effect on the body that is related to heart disease. It can decrease endothelia-1, which can constrict blood vessels. The article mentioned that Vitamin C, like exercise, can decrease this level. Of note, however, is that Vitamin C itself has…
What Do Back Pain, Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease Have in Common?
More than you would think, it turns out. A few weeks ago, I attended a conference about Nutrition in Medicine that focused on prevention of cardiovascular disease. It was hosted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and George Washington University in Washington, D.C.In 2013, their conference focused on nutrition and the brain, showing how…
Mediterranean Diet: New Orleans Style
New Orleans is a “foodie” city for sure. Fresh seafood, ripe ingredients, fragrant spices and cultural diversity add to the distinct properties of its culinary uniqueness. Having studied topics in culinary medicine and taken cooking classes at the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, which is part of the Tulane School of Medicine, I understood the initiative for exploring the…
Hats Off To The Washington Post: Forget the Fitbit. Focus on Lunch.
A comical drawing of a young man exercising on the front of the Outlook Section of today’s Washington Post caught my eye. As did the title: Forget the Fitbit. Focus on Lunch. It is written by a cardiologist who is a consultant clinical associate to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in Britain. I am simply…
How To Get More Whole Grains In Your Life
Most articles you read about healthy nutrition mention the benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with some low-fat dairy, and healthy fats, particularly those contained in nuts. Often, foods rich in whole grains will keep you feeling fuller longer. So, indirectly, increasing your whole grains may help you…
The Good News About Avocados – or Alligator Pears
Sometimes called “alligator pears,” avocados are shaped like pears and have tough, green and bumpy skin, which resembles alligator skin. They are fatty fruits, not vegetables, and come from the avocado tree, known as Persea americana, which is native to Mexico and Central America. Easy to incorporate into one’s diet, they are tasty and versatile….