Last week, we explored the simple challenge of eating 30 different plant foods each week to support a healthy gut microbiome. The wonderful thing about this challenge is that it doesn’t have to be complicated—every fruit, vegetable, herb, spice, bean, nut, seed, and whole grain counts. This week, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite food groups for gut health: whole grains. When I visit my local farmers market during the summer, I’m always inspired by the colorful produce that fills every stand. Fresh kale, sweet peppers, mushrooms, herbs, and crisp vegetables remind me that the […]
GLP-1 medications have become one of today’s biggest health stories. But long before these medications existed, our bodies were already producing GLP-1 naturally. GLP-1—short for glucagon-like peptide-1—is a hormone released in the digestive system after we eat. It helps the body manage blood sugar, slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach and sends signals of satisfaction to the brain. Prescription GLP-1 medications are designed to imitate and extend the activity of this natural hormone. Food cannot reproduce the powerful or long-lasting effects of these medications. However, research suggests that certain nutrients may help support the body’s own GLP-1 […]
Where delicious meets nutritious. Long before fermented foods became a wellness trend, they were simply part of life in my family’s kitchen. When I was a teenager in the Philippines, my mother and I made atchara together—a sweet-and-sour relish traditionally made with green, unripe papaya and colorful vegetables. We would grate the papaya into long, thin strips, add carrots and other vegetables for color and crunch, and prepare a tangy mixture with vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a little sweetness. I can still remember working beside her in the kitchen. We made sweet and salty pickled cucumbers, too. And because German […]
I’ve always believed that the foods we eat can be some of our most powerful tools for supporting good health. This is especially true when it comes to inflammation. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense system. It helps us respond to an injury, illness, infection, or even a strenuous workout. This short-term response is necessary for healing. But when inflammation continues over time, it can begin working against us instead of helping us. Chronic inflammation can be influenced by ongoing stress, inadequate sleep, repeated infections, certain health conditions, and a diet high in heavily processed foods. Over time, […]




