Sunday, March 26, 2017

Meal Plan Update March 26th and April 2nd

Sorry, but no meal plans this week or next week.  We never plan a weeks worth of meals when traveling.  What I will say is that it is always wise to not stray to far from the type of eating you are used to while you are on vacation.  Yes, indulge but try to throw in some healthier meals during your travels as well.  We are fortunate in that we are staying in a house with a kitchen.  Whenever we travel in this manner we try to at least make healthy breakfast foods every morning.  For Kristen and I this trip is all about fresh seafood.  I love being in a coastal town and having multiple options for seafood.  Thanks for checking our blog, our meal plans will be back after our vacation as we try to get back on track after being gone.


Hope everybody has a great spring break week.  We will resume adjusting hours in the office Wednesday, April 5th, 830am-12pm and 3pm-6pm. 

Thursday, March 23, 2017

The Jury's In: Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

So 8 weeks ago, we took a challenge with a patient to drink apple cider vinegar daily to see if the benefits we had read so much about were actually true.

One of the things we had read was that it takes 60 days to see the full benefits of ACV. So we buckled down for the long haul and here we are. Was it worth it? and will we continue to drink it?

The answer is 100% yes.

Since we've started our daily drink neither of us have gotten sick. This says a lot, during what is traditionally known as "cold and flu season," and having a toddler bringing super kid germs home everyday.  We definitely believe in the immune boosting power it brings.

Both of us feel like its definitely helped with our gut health. Dr. Chris describes it as more of a "stable stomach" and for me its been more fighting acid reflux and burning stomach. I have a history of ulcers and when I started to feel stomach burning coming back on, I stopped drinking it for a few days. But after a little bit of research I learned that it might actually be the best thing for it and when I started drinking it again, along with a few other smart eating decisions, the burning stopped. And has stayed away with starting my day with ACV.

I'm not sure if anything can really curb sugar cravings completely, but we have both noticed a decrease, and honestly, any decrease I can get is a good thing! In terms of weight loss, there's nothing dramatic to report, but definitely a sense of overall feeling better.

It's also worth noting that we've been doing pretty well at sticking to our eating and workout plans while doing this. Both of those, I'm sure have played a part in all of the benefits we've experienced, but also can't say that one or the other is all to thank. Just another reminder that one thing won't fix it all. I still think that there's something about starting each day doing something that's great for your health, that sets your frame of mind, and day, up for a healthy success.

So, I encourage you to do your own research to see if apple cider vinegar is right for you, and this is a great place to start. We'd love to know what you think of apple cider vinegar and how you chose to enjoy it!

- Kristen

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Meal Plan: Week of March 19th


Our last week in the office before vacation.  These weeks always prove to be chaotic and busy.  Typically I would want to just pick food up every other night or choose super simple unhealthy options.  However this week we are sticking to a plan so we don't feel miserable before leaving on our trip.

Sunday- Taco night, no special recipes here.  We make our taco meat out of ground turkey to reduce some of the calories and fat.  Also I think the key here is portioning.  Only take 3 taco shells for dinner that will keep you in check

Monday- One pan potatoes asparagus and Turkey Sausage
http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/roasted-garlic-potatoes-and-sausage/
We really have loved doing one sheet pan recipes in the oven, they are quick and easy and do not require a lot of cooking effort.

Tuesday- Singapore Sweet Potato Noodles
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/singapore-sweet-potato-noodles/

Wednesday- Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad
https://cafedelites.com/2016/04/27/greek-lemon-garlic-chicken-salad/ The first thing you will notice about this salad is that it does not have lettuce which makes it delicious.  Instead of Lebanese cucumbers (I have no clue what these are!) I use English Cucumbers they aren't filled with seeds.  Also the better the feta you buy the better this salad will be, my Mom just delivered my feta order from the Greek grocer back home.

Thursday- Quinoa Avocado Power Salad
http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2014/04/quinoa-avocado-spinach-power-salad.html?m=1&crlt.pid=camp.2MLMimluwp9q
This one is a staple for is, it can be made ahead of time and pulled out of the fridge when you want to eat.  We add black beans to the mix to add protein.
- Dr. Chris

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Meal Planning Week of March 12

A lot going on this week so the meal plan is going to look a little short.  We have a birthday party Sunday night.  Yes, this means cake and I won't turn it down, when occasion arises I definitely do take advantage.  One slice of cake won't kill me although it might put me in a sugar coma.  With my parents coming in town Thursday night we will probably going out to dinner Thursday - Saturday.  One smart suggestion I always have for dinner out is split a salad and an entree with somebody else then you get the lighter salad but the satisfaction of an entree as well.

If you stop by the office make sure to ask for New Patient VIP passes for your family and friends.  We are offering these passes to our existing patients as a thank you and an opportunity to help your family and friends lead a healthier life.

Sunday - Birthday Cake

Monday - California Roll Bowl
http://wonkywonderful.com/california-roll-sushi-bowl/

Tuesday - One Sheet Shrimp Fajitas (Kristen loved this recipe and requested it again.)

http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2016/09/21/one-sheet-pan-shrimp-fajitas/

Wednesday -  Thai Peanut Butter Chicken With Cauliflower Rice
https://www.averiecooks.com/2016/02/slow-cooker-thai-peanut-chicken.html

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

What If You Could Ask Your Body What It Needs?

We have a new tool at the office! We recently acquired a Compass Zyto Scan and are excited to share it with everyone.

My Experience

A couple of months ago, a patient invited me to attend an essential oils party she was hosting. She told me there would be a scanner that could help tell you what oils your body was needing. I was skeptical, how could a scanner tell me anything that was going on in my body? But as skeptical as I was, I was also interested. The biggest challenge (and intimidation!) with essential oils for me has been figuring out where to start, exactly which oil I was needing and how to use it, etc. So I went. And I was convinced. It was quick and easy and the report I got back was dead on. We had just been traveling and I had returned home with chest congestion, sore muscles and all that fun stuff that comes along with it. My report told me I needed R.C., which was designed for respiratory care, Purification for getting the germs out, and a whole slew of oils used for muscle tension, relaxation and focus. It was pretty amazing and opened my eyes to how oils could help me feel better. This gave me a great place to start figuring out what my body was needing.

What's It Like to Get a Scan?
Everybody (and every body) is different, often making it difficult to know what oils are best for you. The scan utilizes proprietary software and galvanic skin response (GSR) technology to provide helpful information when making wellness decisions.

Getting a scan is a simple process consisting of 3 main steps:
     1. We'll enter your basic information (so you can compare your scans over time)
     2. Place your hand on the Zyto Hand Cradle
     3. Run the scan & review the results. We'll send an email with your entire report.

What Happens During a Scan?
During a scan, GSR measurements are taken before & after the Compass software introduces a virtual item. Each virtual item represents a different physical item, ie. an essential oil. In the software, your  body's natural responses are tracked, analyzed & ranked. 

What Does it Feel Like?

Some people report a slight tingling or warmth as their hand is on the hand cradle, but most are unaware that the scan is even taking place (we've never felt anything!)

How Long Does a Scan Take?
Compass scans last just a minutes - making it easy for even children.

Is it safe to get a Compass Scan?
There are no known contraindication. The amount of energy used during a scan is so low that it is safe for infants, children, adults of all ages, people with pacemakers & pregnant women.

What Happens at the End of the Scan?

At the end of the scan you will receive a personalized report displaying a ranking of the virtual items that resulted in greater biological coherence. Quick, personalized information used to assist you make choices to maintain health and wellness.

How Much Does it Cost?
$10 per scan per adult
$5 per scan per child
$5 per scan per member of our oil team

When Can You Scan?
Anytime you are in our office! We will have the scanner up at the office, just ask anytime you are in and we'll be happy to run it for you. If anyone you know is interested in getting scanned, bring them in, or if you are interested in having the scanner at an event you have coming up, just let us know, we're excited to get scanning!

How Can You Get Your Own Oils?
There are a couple of ways to get oils.
1. We place an oil order on the 2nd of every month. If there is ever an oil you need, just ask when you are in or give us a call and we will happily add it to our order and let you know when it has arrived!
2. You can sign up to be a Young Living Member to receive your own wholesale pricing with no obligation to buy each month. If you decide to sign up, use our enroller ID/sponsor ID: 2969735
3. Just ask us, we're happy to help!


- Kristen

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Meal Plan March 5th

Since it is such a nice day today it just feels right to light the grill and cook a weeks worth of chicken.  We are going to grill two whole chickens and use it to make 3 dinners.  We will have it tonight with mashed cauliflower and Brussel sprouts.  Then use the left over chicken for a salad on Tuesday and chicken enchiladas on Wednesday.  Looking forward to seeing everyone in the office this week!

Sunday- Grilled Chicken with Mashed Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts.



https://www.thelocalvegan.com/recipe-items/the-best-mashed-cauliflower/
http://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe/crispy-balsamic-brussel-sprouts
Monday-Thai Chicken Soup on a cold day
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-thai-coconut-chicken-soup/7cc193b0-0b00-4ff5-9527-ae68db64039b
Tuesday-Avocado Grilled Chicken Salad
http://www.cookingclassy.com/avocado-and-grilled-chicken-chopped-salad-with-skinny-chipotle-lime-ranch/

Wednesday- Chicken Enchiladas

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2014/06/chicken-and-black-bean-enchilada-skillet-recipe.html

Thursday- Broiled Rockfish, with Old Bay Seasoning and Steamed Broccoli  (no recipe)

- Dr. Chris


Saturday, March 4, 2017

Simplify

Go fishing.
Turn off the GPS.
Write a letter.
Smile at strangers.
Make a fire.
Pop popcorn over that fire.
Stargaze.
Give away books.
Delete unread e-mail.
Walk your dog.
Slow down.
Say thank you.
And mean it.
Take a midday nap.
Read books.
Sit on the floor.
Be unavailable.
Listen to your favorite album.
Eat vegetables.
Walk your dog again.
Bake from scratch.
Split wood.
Go home early.
Ride your bike.
Call your mom.
Breathe.
Light candles.
Take a stretching break.
Burn old papers.
Throw a dance party.
Wear clothes with fewer pockets.
Shower less frequently.
Don't add sugar.
Ignore to-do lists.

- excerpt taken from this month's Outdoor Magazine

- Kristen