NEW RESEARCH ALERT: Ultra-Processed Foods Are Designed To Be Addictive.

Processed foods are engineered to be irresistible.

Chips, candy, and fast foods are convenient, cheap, and everywhere.

But they also create so many health problems 😩

👉🏽 Now a new study finds that with the right support, people can cut their intake of processed foods nearly in half—and experience big health benefits—in just 8 weeks.

Participants in this study received:

✔ Education about processed foods and their health effects

✔ Mindfulness strategies to cope with cravings

✔ One-on-one meal planning

✔ Support for improving their home food environment

✔ Financial assistance to buy healthier foods

The results were impressive:

✔ Processed food intake dropped by nearly 50%

✔ Daily calorie intake decreased by 600+ calories

✔ Sugar consumption fell by 50%

✔ Participants lost an average of 7.7 pounds

✔ Many reported better mood and energy

I love this study because it backs up strategies we’ve used with our clients for years.

You do NOT need to stay addicted to processed foods ❌

You CAN break the cycle and feel better ✅

Does Plant-Based Mean Vegan?

🌱 What does a ‘plant-based’ diet really mean?

I just saw this headline: “Evidence Suggests Plant-Based Diets Reduce Cancer Risk.”

But it turns out that plant-based means different things to different people (and to different researchers 🧐).

One recent study found that the healthy gut microbes in vegans also appeared in omnivores who ate more plant foods—meaning that eating more fruits and veggies makes a difference even without eliminating meat 🥩🥦

Plant-based diets can mean:

✨ vegan

✨ vegetarian

✨ omnivore

The most extensively researched plant-based diet is the Mediterranean Diet, which includes 🫒healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, 🐟moderate amounts of lean proteins like fish or poultry, 🥗and at least ⅔ of the plate coming from fruits, veggies, and plant foods.

So, why do plant-based diets reduce the risk of cancer?

It could be any of these things:

✔️ a healthier microbiome

✔️ lower inflammation and oxidative stress

✔️ better blood sugar regulation

✔️ fewer processed foods

The point is that ⭐️ food quality matters and you don’t need to be vegan to get the health-promoting benefits of a plant-based diet.

Are you tired of complicated and confusing nutrition information?

The truth is that the same basic principles will never change:

Our bodies crave whole and nutrient-dense foods.

This is the foundation we start from with all our patients, tailoring personalized plans based on each individual’s unique needs.

If you’re ready to finally understand what your body needs to feel good, head over to our website to schedule your first visit! 🌱

Nutrients Over Calories!

All calories are not created equal 💥

Let’s take salmon vs. hot dogs:

For the same number of calories, salmon is loaded with healthy omega-3s and B vitamins, but the hot dog? Mostly sodium.

This is exactly what we mean by ✨nutrient density.

Nutrient-dense foods deliver more vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds per calorie, compared to “empty-calorie” foods.

It’s like…

🫐 Blueberries vs. Gummies

For the same number of calories blueberries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Gummies? Pure sugar.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes vs. Potato Chips

For the same number of calories, sweet potatoes give you beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium.

Potato chips? Processed oils, sodium, and empty carbs.

Whereas any calories will fill you up, nutrient-dense foods actually fuel your health.

They lower inflammation, balance hormones, support digestion, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

✨ That’s why we do things differently around here ✨

We don’t believe in just counting calories. We help our clients transition to nutrient-dense foods that support long-term health.

We’re here to support anyone ready to take their health seriously.

#elementsnatmed #naturalmedicine #columbusga #colga #nutrients #omega3s #bvitamins #nutrition #foodisfuel #fuelyourbody #foodismedicine #foodasmedicine #vitamins #vitaminrich #nutrientdense

Want to Add Something New to Your Thanksgiving Spread? Give This One a Try! 🍁

Maple Miso Brussels Sprouts

INGREDIENTS

4 cups brussels sprouts, halved

¼ cups slivered almonds

Dressing

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp maple syrup

1 tsp miso

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp fresh orange juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F

2. Thoroughly wash and cut brussels sprouts in half. Remove any brown or yellow outer leaves. Add to large bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

3. Transfer to a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake 15-20 minutes (toss half way through), until they are brown and outer leaves are crispy.

4. When they’re almost done, remove from oven and add the slivered almonds and half the dressing. Toss to coat, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes. You don’t want the almonds to burn.

5. Remove from oven, drizzle remaining miso dressing on, mix to coat evenly.

6. Transfer to serving dish, garnish with shredded parmesan if you want, and enjoy!

Recipe from Harvest Table Nutrition

The Soy Debate

What the research says ⬇️

Phytoestrogens are plant compounds in foods that mimic estrogen. They include:

✔️ Isoflavones in soy

✔️ Lignans in flax seeds

✔️ Resveratrol in wine

Research shows that eating more phytoestrogens is correlated with a lower risk of breast cancer in women before menopause and a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence in women after menopause (PMID 35241506 and 38070485).

How much?

The most risk reduction was in women who ate about 60 mg of soy isoflavones per day, or 2-3 servings of soy.

One caveat is that soy is a common allergen, often genetically engineered, and highly processed 😬

So look for organic soy products that are minimally processed—like tofu, tempeh, miso, and edamame.

If you don’t want to make sense of all this by yourself and want a personalized assessment and plan for hormonal health, we are here to help!

🔗 Follow the link in our bio to get started!

REFERENCES:

-Boutas I, Kontogeorgi A, Dimitrakakis C, Kalantaridou SN. Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis. In Vivo. 2022;36(2):556-562. [link]

-Desmawati D, Sulastri D. Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019;7(3):495-499. [link]
-van Die MD, Bone KM, Visvanathan K, et al. Phytonutrients and outcomes following breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2024;8(1). [link]