Regenerating Wellness

I know it's been a while, but big things are happening! I am so excited to be part of the amazing team at Optimal PDX. Looking for all around wellness care? Follow us for tips and updates. If you are in the greater Portland area, come check us out!

This was my other favorite farmer's market find this past weekend. The first bit of spring deep into a gloomy Pacific Northwest winter!

A farmer's market is one of my favorite things. While there is often less variety in winter than in summer, it still amazes me how much new and different varieties there are from what I see at the grocery store.
Make it your goal this week to try something new! Whether from a farmer's market, a local grocery store, or a delivery service - branch out from the same fruits and vegetables you always eat and see what else you can try.
This time of year, there is an abundance of greens, cabbages, squash, apples, oranges, potatoes. Maybe you'll discover a new favorite!
More tips at this week's post: https://www.regeneratingwellness.com/post/diversity-does-a-body-good

This is my second post here about sleep - are you getting a feeling that this might be important?
This blog post is full of tips that could help you sleep better.
One of the most useful things you can do is maintain a schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Help your body lock into its circadian rhythm. We are creatures of habit in so many ways...
https://www.regeneratingwellness.com/post/sleep-the-missing-link

The blog is finally started, and this seemed like the perfect place to begin!
https://www.regeneratingwellness.com/post/magnesium-the-master-mineral

I've never been one for New Year's resolutions - I need to act on decisions as soon as I make them rather than risk losing motivation.
Having said that, my goal this year is to improve my sleep. Do you have a health goal this year? Would you like some support making it happen?
www.regeneratingwellness.com

What a year this has been! And now we're going into a holiday season like no other. Life can be overwhelming at times, but remember that small breaks can make a big difference. Proper sleep has a huge impact on how we handle stress. But beyond that, my favorite trick is simply breathing - stopping for 2 minutes and breathing deeply is huge! Do you have a favorite stress reduction tip?

One of our favorite rainy day meals is homemade pho. We love the meaty neck bone from Birkeland Farm and use them (along with other soup bones) to make a delicious beef broth. Simmer some broth with star anise and cinnamon, add the meat of the bones, along with vegetables, herbs and tofu - wow, what a meal!

Did you take advantage of your extra hour of sleep this weekend?
It is being proven time and again that proper SLEEP is critical to mental and physical well-being. So many detoxification processes happen overnight, as well as memory consolidation and physical brain cleansing. Do yourself a favor and make sleep a top priority. Without it, all other changes you make will be diminished.

We (hopefully) all know by now that sugar is the source of many problems, including major chronic diseases like diabetes. If you are looking for steps to start reducing your sugar intake, start here:
1. Stop drinking sugary beverages! These send the sugar straight into your system without any buffer. Instead: Squeeze some citrus juice into sparkling water, or use a flavored electrolyte powder in your water (Trace Elements has great options) - this gives a great beverage while replenishing minerals.
2. Sugar is hidden in processed foods and, often, chain restaurant foods in many forms. Making your own meals gives you full control over what goes into it. If you eat out, try to frequent local restaurants where you can likely have a conversation directly with the chef about ingredients.

The weather is starting to cool down - this weekend has been wet and blustery for us here. Fall calls for a new batch of Fire Cider - I always reference Nourished Kitchen for a reminder on this one. It's a vinegar, infused with everything warming and immune boosting: ginger, garlic, turmeric, onion, peppers, cinnamon, horseradish, etc. Let it steep for a month. Use it as a digestive aid before eating, as a morning shot of health, or just like you would any vinegar, maybe as a salad dressing.

This is important to remember... The trick is figuring out what diet is right FOR YOU.

Have you ever wondered what easy food and lifestyle changes could start to improve your health and energy? This may seem counter-intuitive, but start by looking at the fats you eat.
Vegetable seed oils (canola, soy, sunflower, safflower, corn, cottonseed) are highly refined and processed, often made from GMO crops that are doused in chemical herbicides, and promote systemic inflammation - especially when you consume them as your primary fat.
Instead, support overall cellular health and promote sustained energy by switching to more varied and natural fats. Yes, this includes animal fats, like butter, lard, and tallow. Also, avocado, coconut, and olive oils. Use all of these generously!

Regenerating Wellness now takes appointments on their Page.