Beauty-Health

Is Spicy Food Good For You? Spicy Food Nutrition 101

Is spicy food actually good for us?
From the health benefits to the myths and active compounds, we’re breaking it all down so you know everything you need to about spicy food and nutrition.
Some people love it, others tread lightly, while the rest avoid it at all costs; spicy food preferences differ greatly from person to person.
Yet albeit popular belief, spicy food actually has some pretty great health benefits that come along with the heat.
But before we jump into the benefits, what exactly is going on when we feel that heat?
<h3>What Makes Food Spicy</h3>
When we hear spicy, we automatically think heat. Spicy food is hot, right?
Kind of, but not exactly. There are two specific compounds that start a chain of events in the body as soon as spicy food is consumed.
Let’s start with the most prevalent one!
<h4>Capsaicin</h4>
Capsaicin is a colorless, odorless compound. It naturally occurs in the fruits of plants within the Capsicum family. Think jalapeño peppers, cayenne peppers, serrano peppers, cinnamon and cilantro (the last two in much smaller amounts than the peppers).
This compound is an irritant, meaning it actually triggers pain receptors in your tongue, mouth and throat. Stay with me! I promise it’s not as bad as it sounds.
Once these receptors relay the message to your brain, it’s actually perceived as heat. Hence the reference of heat with spicy food! This is the brain’s way of telling you to eat or drink something in response to the irritant, or to “put the fire out”.
Capsaicin will actually cause this irritation when it comes into contact with any human tissue, not just the mouth. Ever rub your eye after slicing a jalapeño? Same here, not great.
<h4>Allyl isothiocyanate</h4>
Allyl isothiocyanate is the second most common compound responsible for the spicy sensation. It’s also colorless but instead has a slightly irritating scent.
As opposed to being innately present such as the case with capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate is actually created in response to chewing food items with the enzyme myrosinase naturally present.
In this case think wasabi, hot mustard or horseradish. While it’s also found in many cruciferous vegetables, it’s not found in high enough quantities to create the same intense sensation. Due to the fact that this particular chemical is so volatile (essentially meaning it vaporizes really quickly), the flavor and burning sensation hit the nose very fast.
The same pain response is sent to the brain as with capsaicin, but since the majority of its presence is in vapor form, the sensation subsides much more quickly than that of capsaicin!
<h3><img alt="Spicy Tahini Roasted Cauliflower | Nutrition Stripped" class="alignnone wp-image-64870 size-full" height="1800" sizes="(max-width: 2700px) 100vw, 2700px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3.jpg 2700w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-431x287.jpg 431w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-762x508.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-606x404.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-307x205.jpg 307w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-1346x896.jpg 1346w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-168x112.jpg 168w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-100x67.jpg 100w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-150x100.jpg 150w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-50x33.jpg 50w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tahini-Harissa-Cauliflower-Salad-recipe-side-nutritionstripped3-600x400.jpg 600w" width="2700" /></h3>
<h3>Health Benefits Of Spicy Foods</h3>
This doesn’t exactly sound like it’s good for us, right? We’re tossing around words like, pain, heat, and fire. Yet somehow the consumption of spicy food can lead to some pretty substantial health benefits.
Let’s talk about what those health benefits are and how spicy food contributes!
<h4>Reduces Inflammation</h4>
Technically speaking, inflammation is a part of the body’s defense mechanism. There are two major types of inflammation, acute and chronic.
For acute inflammation, think of tangible, physical damage or trauma. The inflammation that occurs when you get a cut or break a bone to help protect the body
Chronic inflammation on the other hand is long term inflammation, that when left untreated, can cause secondary complications and disease states.
Spicy food containing capsaicin actually has the potential to reduce chronic inflammation (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18380920">1</a>,<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12531428">2</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5785894/">3</a>). A reduction of chronic inflammation can reduce chances of developing complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes as well as arthritis.
Wasabi may also reduce chronic inflammation (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28671636">4</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31216970">5</a>). While studies have not yet been conducted on humans, the preliminary research is promising!
<h4>Promotes A Long Life</h4>
Who doesn’t want to promote longevity through their diet?
Research has shown that consuming spicy food daily can reduce your chances of death by about 14%, specifically relating to death caused by cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525189/">4</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5222470/">5</a>).
<h4>Helps Prevent & Possibly Treat Ulcers</h4>
Have you ever heard that eating spicy food may cause an ulcer? Technically, this isn’t very truthful.
H. Pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. It’s a type of bacteria found in the stomach. While almost 50% of the world’s population is infected with this bacteria, not everyone will develop an ulcer because of it.
The formation of an ulcer from H.Pylori is often caused by an excess of gastric acid, overuse of NSAIDs (think aspirin, ibuprofen), smoking, stress, and many more lifestyle factors.
Research has shown that capsaicin in spicy food actually inhibits the production of acid in the stomach, ultimately acting as a preventative measure against peptic ulcers (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16621751">6</a>).
Allyl isothiocyanate may also play a role in treating said ulcers after they develop. Additional human trials must be conducted to further support this conclusion, but some animal-based studies have shown that wasabi may help treat ulcers caused by H. Pylori as well (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20530903">7</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20530903">8</a>).
<h4>Aids Weight Loss</h4>
Many factors that are involved in weight loss can be positively impacted through the consumption of spicy food!
Spicy food has the ability to slightly increase satiety as well as decrease both appetite and leptin resistance (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426284/">9</a>).
Just to give you a little background, leptin is a hormone that lets us know when we’re feeling full. Therefore, leptin resistance occurs when this process doesn’t happen appropriately and we’re then left feeling hungry all the time.
Additionally, the consumption of capsaicin has also been shown to promote fat loss as well as increase energy expenditure. When we say increased energy expenditure, we essentially mean the number of calories the body naturally burns at rest.
As far as the fat loss goes, weight loss was predominantly shown in the abdominal region in relation to spicy food intake (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22634197/">10</a>).
<h4>Fights Cancer</h4>
Last but certainly not least, spicy food has the ability to possibly prevent certain cancer causing mechanisms.
Capsaicin has been shown to protect against some chemical carcinogens and mutagens (chemicals that have been linked to cancer) (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7746093">11</a>). Not only this, but mice trials have also shown capsaicin to specifically inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells as well (<a href="https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/66/6/3222">12</a>).
<h3>How Much Is Too Much?</h3>
Just as with most other things, too much of anything can be bad.
When it comes to spicy food, you want to be sure to listen to your individual body and do what’s best for you. While spicy food does have quite a few health benefits, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend subsequently adding it to every meal every day after reading this article.
Additionally, there are certain conditions and disease states that call for a reduction or possible elimination of spicy food intake. For example, spicy food may exacerbate symptoms of IBS, IBD, or gastroesophageal reflux in certain individuals. These are just two of many examples that fall within this category.
As always, be sure to consult your <a href="http://nutritionstripped.com/services">registered dietitian</a> if you’re wondering whether or not spicy food intake is a good choice for you.
<h3>NS Recommends</h3>
Whether you’re a spicy food lover or completely new to the food group, we have some great recipes for you to try out!
<ol>
<li><a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/spicy-tahini-roasted-cauliflower/">Spicy Tahini Roasted Cauliflower</a></li>
<li><a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/spicy-coconut-curry-with-sweet-jasmine-rice/">Spicy Coconut Curry With Sweet Jasmine Rice</a></li>
<li><a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/jalapeno-cornbread/">Gluten Free Jalapeño Cornbread</a></li>
</ol>
You can also add spice to your old favorites! Try simply topping your dishes with a couple of jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes. Or maybe use a little wasabi with your next sushi dinner.
A little goes a long way! We recommend starting small and working your way up. Just remember, you can always add a little more heat but you can’t always take it out.
<h3>Connect With Us</h3>
I would love to hear about your experience with spicy food! What are your favorite ways to incorporate spice into your cooking? Do you enjoy spicy food or would you rather do without?
As always, you can also connect with us on Instagram via<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nutritionstrippederica/"> @nutritionstrippederica</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nutritionstripped/">@nutritionstripped,</a> #nutritionstripped.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com/spicy-food-and-nutrition/">Is Spicy Food Good For You? Spicy Food Nutrition 101</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com">Nutrition Stripped</a>.
 
 
from Nutrition Stripped https://ift.tt/2S0rJl2

Is Spicy Food Good For You? Spicy Food Nutrition 101

Is spicy food actually good for us? From the health benefits to the myths and active compounds, we’re breaking it all down so you know everything you need to about spicy food and nutrition. Some peopl…

31 Jan 2020

4 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Your Gut

4 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Your Gut

…

31 Jan 2020

Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration

…

30 Jan 2020

Have You Had Acrylamide for Breakfast Today?

<h4 style="font-family: BebasNeueRegular, arial, Georgia, serif;font-size:22px;margin-top:0px;">How Easy Is It to Create Acrylamide?</h4>
Whether it’s whole grain or gluten free, people enjoy eating toast.  It is a form of comfort food for many.  Whether you place home made jam on it, coconut oil or even grass fed butter, it is hard to believe that toast would be on the “ouch” list.
Before you pick up that next slice, take a look at what we’ve found.  Ovens, cook tops, even toasters tend to heat food up to as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit.  As much as we enjoy food that is piping hot, there is a chemical reaction in some foods that create a neurotoxin in humans known as acrylamide.  The National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
Acrylamide is a chemical that can form in some foods during the high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, and baking. Boiling and steaming do not typically form acrylamide.
Acrylamide in food forms from sugars and an amino acid that are naturally present in food as part of the Maillard Reaction (that’s the chemical reaction that transforms the flavor and color of food when cooked).
Acrylamide has probably always been present in cooked foods. However, it was first detected in certain foods in April 2002.  Since then, the FDA has been actively investigating the effects of acrylamide as well as potential measures to reduce it. On March 1, 2016, the FDA posted a document with practical strategies to help growers, manufacturers and food service operators lower the amount of acrylamide in foods associated with higher levels of the chemical.
Acrylamide is found mainly in foods made from plants, such as potato products, grain products, or coffee. Some foods are larger sources of acrylamide, including certain potato products (especially French fries and potato chips), coffee, dried fruits, and foods made of grains (such as breakfast cereal, crackers, cookies, and toast.  According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, acrylamide is found in 40 percent of the calories consumed in the average American diet.
<h4>Ways to Reduce Creating a Carcinogen</h4>
<ul>
<li>Comparing frying, roasting, and baking potatoes, frying causes the highest acrylamide formation. Roasting potato pieces causes less acrylamide formation, followed by baking whole potatoes. Boiling potatoes does not produce acrylamide.</li>
<li>Soaking raw potato slices in water for 15-30 minutes before frying or roasting helps reduce acrylamide formation during cooking. (Soaked potatoes should be drained and blotted dry before cooking to prevent splattering or fires.)</li>
<li>Storing potatoes in the refrigerator can result in increased acrylamide during cooking. Therefore, store potatoes outside the refrigerator, preferably in a dark, cool place, such as a closet or a pantry, to prevent sprouting.</li>
<li>Generally, more acrylamide accumulates when cooking is done for longer periods or at higher temperatures. Cooking cut potato products, such as frozen French fries or potato slices, to a golden yellow color rather than a brown color helps reduce acrylamide formation.  Brown areas tend to contain more acrylamide.</li>
<li>Toasting bread to a light brown color, rather than a dark brown color, lowers the amount of acrylamide.  Very brown areas should be avoided, since they contain the most acrylamide.</li>
<li>Acrylamide forms in coffee when coffee beans are roasted, not when coffee is brewed at home or in a restaurant. So far, scientists have not found good ways to reduce acrylamide formation in coffee.</li>
</ul>
Years ago, we ate that piece of burnt toast so as not to waste food.  We just added more jam to it. We also made inexpensive meals of fried potatoes with crispy brown edges we affectionately called “burnt potatoes.”
Yet, today, I find myself easily cutting up root vegetables and drizzling olive oil over them and roasting them at 400 degrees for an hour.  This makes a great dish with leftovers and a busy person likes leftovers.  What I have learned is, that to make it even healthier, I can soak my root vegetables for a while first, before I roast them, and then I can enjoy serving an even healthier meal.
Knowing that people are continuing their research on how to prepare food with less neurotoxins, carcinogens and all around more healthfully should give us all a great sense of relief even though we aren’t necessarily seeing this news on our local television networks.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/ampm/acrylamide-breakfast-today">Have You Had Acrylamide for Breakfast Today?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com">Plant-Based Diet - Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet</a>.
 
 
from Healthnews – Plant-Based Diet – Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet https://ift.tt/38OLP8H

Have You Had Acrylamide for Breakfast Today?

How Easy Is It to Create Acrylamide? Whether it’s whole grain or gluten free, people enjoy eating toast. It is a form of comfort food for many. Whether you place home made jam on it, coconut oil or …

29 Jan 2020

Maple Miso Glazed Salmon

Maple Miso Glazed Salmon is our go-to meal that is big on flavor and makes cleanup a breeze!
Has this ever happened to you? You’re finishing up a delicious meal with family, friends, or totally solo, when your eyes drift from your plate and fall on a kitchen that is in complete disarray. We’ve been there, and that’s why we are such HUGE fans of sheet pan dinners!
This Maple Miso Glazed Salmon is the perfect dish to save you time and energy when it comes to cleanup. It also happens to be delicious and packed with healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
We know that <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/seafood-shopping-guide/">Seafood</a> isn’t for everyone. That’s why we strive to create recipes that taste just as good if you opt to go plant-based. Just substitute the fish for your favorite firm tofu or tempeh and follow the cooking instructions below. For more information about consuming animal proteins check out our Guide to <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/guide-animal-protein/">Guide to Eating Animal Proteins</a>.
 
<img alt="Maple Miso Glazed Salmon | Nutrition Stripped" class="alignleft wp-image-69449 size-large" height="1024" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-683x1024.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-762x1143.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-606x909.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-67x100.jpg 67w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-100x150.jpg 100w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-33x50.jpg 33w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honey-Sesame-Miso-Salmon-roasted-carrots-dinner-entree-protein-fish-vegetables-recipe-simple-nutritionstripped2-600x900.jpg 600w" width="683" />
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<h3>Stripped</h3>
<h4>Carrots</h4>
*Per 1 cup
<ul>
<li>Fiber | 4g</li>
<li>Carbohydrates | 12g</li>
<li>Vitamin A | 428% DV</li>
<li>Vitamin K | 21% DV</li>
<li>Potassium | 12% DV</li>
<li>Vitamin B6 | 9% DV</li>
<li>Manganese | 9% DV</li>
<li>Vitamin C | 13% DV</li>
<li>Antioxidants | carotenoids (alpha and beta-carotene), anthocyanidins.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Salmon</h4>
Salmon contains both DHA and EPA which are important omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health, brain health, fetal development. (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22332096">8</a>) (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29494205">9</a>) (<a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/">10</a>)
Here are some of our favorite sheet pan recipe ideas that go great with Maple Miso Glazed Salmon!
<ul>
<li><a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/roasted-broccoli/">The Best Roasted Broccoli</a></li>
<li><a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/mashed-roasted-sweet-potatoes/">Mashed Roasted Sweet Potatoes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/cilantro-lime-southwest-salad/">Cilantro Lime Southwest Salad</a></li>
</ul>
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com/maple-miso-glazed-salmon/">Maple Miso Glazed Salmon</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com">Nutrition Stripped</a>.
 
 
from Nutrition Stripped https://ift.tt/2GtgbBD

Maple Miso Glazed Salmon

Maple Miso Glazed Salmon is our go-to meal that is big on flavor and makes cleanup a breeze! Has this ever happened to you? You’re finishing up a delicious meal with family, friends, or totally solo, …

28 Jan 2020

Natural Remedies For Menopause Symptoms

Natural Remedies For Menopause Symptoms

…

27 Jan 2020

Vitamins that contribute to eye health

Unfortunately, Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are harmful eye diseases that <a href="http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/nutrition/antioxidants?sso=y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">affect millions of Americans</a> each year.  These diseases are the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment in the country.
Did you know that nutrition makes a huge impact on your eye health? Sticking to well-balanced, nourishing diet can significantly disrupt the progression of both cataracts and AMD. The National Eye Institute also said that staying away from unhealthy foods can help you maintain a healthy weight, which can actually reduce your chance of experiencing <a href="https://nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/eyehealthtips" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">vision loss conditions</a> such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.
Eating for better eye health is one of the many ways you can <a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/restore-your-health/?cta_name=hp-link-3paths-restoreyourhealth" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">restore your health</a> and see the light that God created for you, throughout each stage of your life.
<blockquote>
Matthew 6:22
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”
</blockquote>
Consider adding foods rich in the following vitamins to your diet to better your visual health.
Vitamin A 
Beta-carotene is the pigment that gives foods their color. When digested in the body, it converts into retinol, <a href="http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/betacarotene" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a type of vitamin A.</a> This vitamin is vital for a strong immune system, healthy skin and mucous membrane and strong eye health and vision. The term beta-carotene derived from the Latin name for carrot, and you probably already associate the two together when it comes to eating for better eye health. However, carrots aren’t the only health foods packed with vitamin A.
Foods with vitamin A: Spinach, peppers, cantaloupe, apricots, broccoli and black-eyed peas are all chock-full of the better vision vitamin, according to the National Institutes of Health.
<div class="tie-full-width-img" style="border-bottom:solid 1px #e5e5e5; margin-bottom:20px;"><img alt="Highblood" class="size-full wp-image-19689 aligncenter" src="https://www.myhdiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Carrots-and-peppers-are-excellent-sources-of-vitamin-A.jpg" />
Carrots and peppers are excellent sources of vitamin A.
</div>
<h4>Vitamin E</h4>
This fat-soluble nutrient acts as an antioxidant by protecting the cells from damage caused by compounds known as free radicals, which result from food converting to energy in the body. Vitamin E strengthens the immune system, keeps blood from clotting and also contributes to healthy eyes. By neglecting to feed the body with the appropriate amount of vitamin E, you may experience vision problems. The American Optometric Association reported that several studies have been conducted to analyze if vitamin E reduces the inclination or chance of developing<a href="http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/vitamin-e?sso=y" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/vitamin-e?sso%3Dy&source=gmail&ust=1464167010361000&usg=AFQjCNGqY_r5lXJv44D4xkZdBtvf-VSuXg" rel="noopener noreferrer">cataracts and age-related macular degeneration</a>, and have all resulted positively.
Foods with vitamin E: Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and asparagus are rich in this nutrient.
<h4>Vitamin C</h4>
Vitamin C promotes healthy gum, teeth, cartilage, and has been known to contribute to a healthy immune system. It is also responsible for supporting <a href="http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/vitamin-c?sso=y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blood vessels in the eye.</a> In a major clinical trial named the <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11594942" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS</a>) it was found that those living with macular degeneration who took 500mg of vitamin C, and a combination of zinc, vitamin E, beta-carotene and copper experienced a lesser progression in the deterioration. 
Foods with vitamin C: While oranges are most commonly associated with vitamin C, there are actually a number of superfoods that have <a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20745689,00.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">higher levels of this nutrient.</a> Peppers, kale, broccoli, pineapple and strawberries are among the many fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C content.
<div class="tie-full-width-img" style="border-bottom:solid 1px #e5e5e5; margin-bottom:20px;"><img alt="Highblood" class="size-full wp-image-19689 aligncenter" src="https://www.myhdiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Did-you-know-pineapples-have-higher-vitamin-C-content-than-oranges.jpg" />
Did you know pineapples have higher vitamin C content than oranges?
</div>
<h4>Lutein and zeaxanthin</h4>
These carotenoids are antioxidants that have been shown to <a href="http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/lutein?sso=y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reduce chances of developing chronic eye diseases</a> as they filter high-energy blue wavelengths of light to protect the eyes. The human body does not make these nutrients on its own, so it’s very important to fuel your body with the proper foods to maintain healthy levels.
Foods with lutein and zeaxanthin: Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collards and turnip greens. Green peas, broccoli and green beans are also excellent sources.
While eating these foods with rich sources of vitamins can contribute to healthier eyes, sometimes it’s not enough. Our <a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/shop/hd-total-eye-health.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Total Eye Health Supplement</a> is full of carotenoids that are more bioavailable than those in raw fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. The nutrients found in these food sources won’t be absorbed until they are fully broken down. Our formula is designed to supply the body with essential nutrients for eye health as quickly and efficiently as possible.  We believe there is no other product out there that can improve your eye structure and function like Total Eye Health can.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/ampm/vitamins-contribute-eye-health">Vitamins that contribute to eye health</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com">Plant-Based Diet - Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet</a>.
 
 
from Healthnews – Plant-Based Diet – Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet https://ift.tt/38Ni3l1

Vitamins that contribute to eye health

Unfortunately, Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are harmful eye diseases that affect millions of Americans each year. These diseases are the leading causes of blindness and visual impai…

24 Jan 2020

Why Check-Ins are The Most Important Skill for Creating Your Healthy Lifestyle

If there’s one thing that I believe can make the biggest impact on your wellbeing, it’s having a consistent check-in practice with yourself.
I don’t mean a weight check-in, measurement check-in, or a before and after photo check-in. I mean a mindful check-in with yourself.
So often, we move through our lives so quickly, running from work to dinner with friends, to yoga class, or whatever else fills our day, and we lose — or never even form — a conscious moment to really check-in with ourselves to see how we’re feeling, what we need, and what’s supporting us or not supporting us in any given moment. 
In this video, you’ll learn how when you use check-ins in your life regularly, you can uncover patterns and signals from your body and you can use those to more easily shift your behaviors and create new habits.
<iframe title="Why Check-Ins are The Most Important Skill for Creating Your Healthy Lifestyle" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YBXXw4hGwgw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h3>Put It Into Practice</h3>
So ask yourself, where can you add a check-in with yourself into your day? It might be after each meal, or it may be at the end of the day. 
Whatever it looks like for you right now, the most important thing is you start including a check-in in your day and make this practice a habit within your daily routine so you can see how you feel and see how you’re progressing towards your wellness vision. 
If you’re interested in what a check-in practice might look like, <a href="https://members.nutritionstripped.com/healthy-habits-guide-opt-in">grab my guide for creating healthy habits with ease</a>! I walk you through an exercise for checking in with yourself to see what’s working for you and where you may need to adjust. 
If you liked this video, let me know by sharing your biggest takeaway and be sure to <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/subscribe/">subscribe to my email list</a> for more videos like this! 
As always, you can connect with us outside of the website on Instagram via <a href="http://instagram.com/nutritionstripped">@nutritionstripped.</a>
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com/why-mindful-check-ins-important-skill/">Why Check-Ins are The Most Important Skill for Creating Your Healthy Lifestyle</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com">Nutrition Stripped</a>.
 
 
from Nutrition Stripped https://ift.tt/3aBjCnx

Why Check-Ins are The Most Important Skill for Creating Your Healthy Lifestyle

If there’s one thing that I believe can make the biggest impact on your wellbeing, it’s having a consistent check-in practice with yourself. I don’t mean a weight check-in, measurement check-in, or a …

22 Jan 2020

Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie

This Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie is our new favorite grab-and-go meal option, and we can’t get enough.
There’s no debating that beets are good for us, but we also know that they aren’t the easiest to incorporate into our diets. So how do you break the mold, and start reaping the benefits of beets today? Try something easy and delicious like the Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie.
<h4>Healthy Hack</h4>
We’re big fans of finding ways to minimalize waste in our kitchen. From recycling to composting to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RCP7WCH/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nutritstripp-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07RCP7WCH&linkId=b044a02fb890fdd9ce0f3984cea6dc72">cutting back</a> on single-use plastics. We do our best, but we’re not perfect. That can be said about the contents of our refrigerator as well.
Sometimes that Zucchini or head of cauliflower we purchased last week gets overlooked on batch cooking day and is starting to look a little droopy. Don’t worry! Just pop those seemingly sad veggies in the freezer to incorporate into future mealtime smoothies. The vegetables will taste perfectly fine, and by freezing them, you get a boost of health benefits instead of just using ice.
<img alt="Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie | Nutrition Stripped" class="alignleft size-large wp-image-69432" height="1024" sizes="(max-width: 702px) 100vw, 702px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-702x1024.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-702x1024.jpg 702w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-206x300.jpg 206w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-768x1121.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-762x1112.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-606x885.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-69x100.jpg 69w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-103x150.jpg 103w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-34x50.jpg 34w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pink-Beet-Smoothie-healthy-pink-smoothie-breakfast-vegan-nutritionstripped-recipe-shake-600x876.jpg 600w" width="702" />
 
<h3>Stripped</h3>
<h4>Beets</h4>
*Per 1 cup raw
<ul>
<li>Fiber | 4g</li>
<li>Carbohydrates | 13g</li>
<li>Vitamin C | 11% DV</li>
<li>Folate | 37% DV</li>
<li>Magnesium | 8% DV</li>
<li>Potassium | 13% DV</li>
<li>Manganese | 22% DV</li>
<li>Antioxidants</li>
<li>Phytonutrients | betalains, carotenoids (beta-carotene), vitamin C</li>
</ul>
Beets are great to incorporate into our diets for anti-inflammatory and detoxification benefits. They have also been shown to lower high blood pressure and improve both digestive health and athletic performance. For more detailed information about the wonderful benefits of beets check out the NS <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/food-index/">Health Index.</a>
 
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com/almond-butter-pink-beet-smoothie/">Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com">Nutrition Stripped</a>.
 
 
from Nutrition Stripped https://ift.tt/36cWI2s

Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie

This Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie is our new favorite grab-and-go meal option, and we can’t get enough. There’s no debating that beets are good for us, but we also know that they aren’t the easies…

21 Jan 2020

The Ultimate Anti-Cancer Diet

The Ultimate Anti-Cancer Diet

…

20 Jan 2020

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment on the Decline

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment on the Decline

…

20 Jan 2020

Tips for Easing Through Your First Trimester

Tips for Easing Through Your First Trimester

…

20 Jan 2020

Fight Back Against Food Cravings

Craving your favorite childhood ice cream cone or a bag of salty chips or pretzels every now and then is perfectly normal. Often, they are situational, but sometimes cravings are your body’s way of trying to tell you something. As we’ve previously explained, a chocolate craving could mean <a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/ampm/what-causes-cravings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">you are in need of more magnesium or Vitamin B</a>. The good news is that if you want to stay strong and refrain from giving in to those hankerings, there are natural means of doing so.
The next time that bag of potato chips seems to be calling your name, consider these strategies:
Opt for Spices and Herbs 
You may think that satisfying that sugar craving with a small piece of candy every now and then isn’t doing any harm. However, <a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/science_of_her/part-1-herbs-and-spices-that-stop-sugar-cravings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">refined sugar can negatively impact your blood pressure</a>, metabolism and immune system. Rather than temporarily pleasing that sweet tooth, consider a more permanent and convenient solution such as the herbs and spices found right in your kitchen.
Did you know that cinnamon has been found to curb that hankering for sugar? Festive, flavorful and natural, cinnamon is an ideal way to fight back against a craving for sweetness. You can add this spice to your coffee or tea, whip up a tasty raw cinnamon dessert or even sprinkle it over your sweet potatoes. In addition to tasting great, cinnamon is high in trace minerals and antioxidants, two things extremely beneficial for your health. <a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/health-news/part-2-herbs-and-spices-that-stop-sugar-cravings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nutmeg and ginseng</a> are two other sugar substitutes complete with beneficial health-boosting properties.
<div class="inlineImageWrapper" style="padding-right: 3px; float: left; margin: 10px !important; width: 100% !important; height: auto !important;">
<figure style="margin: 0px!important; font-style: italic!important;"><img alt="Consider using spices and herbs to curb cravings." class="inlineImage" height="auto" id="14064299" src="https://pictures.brafton.com/x_0_0_0_14064299_800.jpg" width="100%" />Consider using spices and herbs to curb cravings.</figure>
</div>
Get Up and Move 
When a craving for sugar, sweets, fatty or processed food hits, it can be overpowering. At times, no matter how much you try to overcome that urge to reach for a chocolate bar, it just won’t go away. The best thing to do when this happens is to get up and move. Go outside, talk a walk through the park or distract yourself in another big way. Anything distracting enough to take your mind off the desire will be effective.
Eliminate Tempting Foods 
As much as walking around the block can help take your mind off of cravings, it’s less likely you’ll have a hankering for ice cream if it’s not there in the first place. If you are someone who struggles with cravings more often than most, resolve to rid your kitchen and cabinets of anything you shouldn’t be eating. Find natural, <a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/tag/vegan-desserts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">raw alternatives</a> instead.
Drink Water 
Sometimes, modifying the chemistry of your body can help to push back and eliminate certain cravings Dr. Michael Roizen told Reader’s Digest. The next time you feel a hankering for something from the Standard American Diet creeping up on you, consume two glasses of water and wait 20 minutes. Often, the water, which can also be accompanied by a handful of raw nuts or veggies, can diminish that need of the body.
<div class="inlineImageWrapper" style="padding-right: 3px; float: left; margin: 10px !important; width: 100% !important; height: auto !important;">
<figure style="margin: 0px!important; font-style: italic!important;"><img alt="Consume two glasses of water when you feel a craving coming on." class="inlineImage" height="auto" id="14094302" src="https://pictures.brafton.com/x_0_0_0_14094302_800.jpg" width="100%" />Consume two glasses of water when you feel a craving coming on.</figure>
</div>
Try a Juice Cleanse 
If your body is used to consuming relatively unhealthy foods filled with processed ingredients, refined sugar and simple carbohydrates, you may want to consider giving it a jump start with a juice cleanse. By removing all the toxins from your body, it has the chance to start fresh. As CNN explained, going cold turkey is the most effect way to eliminate unhealthy foods from your diet, especially sugar. The first two to three days will typically be the hardest. After that, the cravings will likely fade and saying no will become easier and easier.
Once you’ve removed unhealthy, addictive foods from your eating plan and replaced them with a diet of primarily raw, plant-based foods that are wholesome and filling, your body will adapt and no longer yearn for those salts, sugars and fats. Give the Hallelujah Diet Perfect Cleanse a try and in addition to fighting back against cravings you’ll reap a number of other health benefits as well!
<a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/shop/barleymax/"><img class="inlineImage" height="auto" id="14137490" src="http://pictures.brafton.com/x_0_0_0_14137490_800.jpg" width="100%" /></a>
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/health-news/fight-back-against-food-cravings">Fight Back Against Food Cravings</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com">Plant-Based Diet - Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet</a>.
 
 
from Healthnews – Plant-Based Diet – Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet https://ift.tt/2R9x9uU

Fight Back Against Food Cravings

Craving your favorite childhood ice cream cone or a bag of salty chips or pretzels every now and then is perfectly normal. Often, they are situational, but sometimes cravings are your body’s way of …

20 Jan 2020

How to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones

How to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones

…

17 Jan 2020

What Is Orthorexia? What You Should Know About Orthorexia

When “eating clean” becomes an all-consuming obsession, orthorexia may be present where healthy eating can do more harm than good.
Eating well can be great for your physical, mental and even emotional health. But when does “eating clean” become too much?
<h3>What Is Orthorexia?</h3>
Orthorexia is a serious eating disorder that was defined in the early 90s. While not as well-known as many other eating disorders, its prevalence has unfortunately been picking up momentum in recent years.
Orthorexia is a type of eating disorder.
It’s characterized by an obsession with eating food that is considered to be healthy. Sounds a bit contradictory, right? Eating healthy food is a good thing, how could that be a disorder?
Well, think of the commonly coined phrase, too much of anything can be bad. This is key here. Someone suffering from orthorexia systematically, consistently avoids food items they believe to be “unhealthy”, which can cause an excess of anxiety, depression and even isolation.
The purpose of eating a healthful diet is to nourish the health of a person, both physically and mentally. While an obsession such as this one may have great intentions, it unfortunately results in a negative relationship with food.
<h3>Possible Signs And Symptoms Of Orthorexia</h3>
<ul>
<li>Excessive attention to detail regarding meal compositions and food item ingredients</li>
<li>Obsessive concern with relationship between food intake and medical concerns</li>
<li>Increased avoidance of food items because of allergies without a health practitioners recommendation</li>
<li>Obsession with supplements or herbal remedies</li>
<li>Extreme restriction of food items that are acceptable to eat</li>
<li>Strong focus on quality with moderate focus on quantity</li>
<li>Rigid eating patterns; may involve time, location, preparation, etc.</li>
<li>Loss of weight</li>
<li>Food anxiety around specific food items</li>
<li>Self-loathing, depression or anxiety in response to food choices</li>
<li>Constant thoughts of food and food choices</li>
</ul>
<h3>Diagnosing Orthorexia</h3>
Orthorexia can be a bit more difficult to diagnose when compared to conventional eating disorders. This is primarily due to the fact that it can simply go unnoticed.
Many of the signs and symptoms of orthorexia are commonly referred to as healthy habits. The key to diagnosing orthorexia is the acknowledgment of excess.
This must be addressed through self realization, which is often the first step. Self realization may happen all on its own, or it may commence after a comment or concern that has been brought up by a loved one, friend or family member.
<h4>Orthorexia Self-Help Quiz</h4>
Coming to terms with <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/disordered-eating-habits/">disordered eating habits</a> can be very difficult. It’s hard for many people to admit when there is a problem present in any capacity. If your gut is telling you that either you or someone you know may be struggling with orthorexia, ask yourself the following questions:
<ol>
<li>Do you ever wish you could stop thinking about food and food choices so much?</li>
<li>Are you constantly questioning the quality of food and whether or not it is healthy?</li>
<li>Do you feel guilt or shame when you eat something you consider to be “unhealthy” or “not clean”?</li>
<li>Does it seem nearly impossible to eat a meal prepared in a restaurant or by someone other than yourself?</li>
<li>Do you feel satisfied, in control or calm only when you stick to your “clean” diet?</li>
<li>Do you look down on others who eat less healthfully than you? (<a href="https://www.psycom.net/eating-disorders/orthorexia/">1</a>)</li>
</ol>
Be honest with yourself. Honesty and transparency are the only way to start the pathway to recovery. If you answered yes or maybe to more than half of these questions, orthorexia may be present.
Your next step is to bring up these thoughts and the results of this quiz to a health practitioner. That may be a <a href="http://nutritionstripped.com/services">dietitian</a>, your primary care physician, psychiatrist or even a mental health counselor.
If you’d like to jump right to how to find a trusted professional near you, scroll down to “Asking For Help”.
<h3>What Causes Orthorexia?</h3>
The why and the how behind the development of an eating disorder is very individual. It may simply start as an interest in nutrition, or it may possibly develop from a preexisting mental health concern.
Some of the most common factors associated with the development of orthorexia are listed below:
<ul>
<li>A history of other eating disorders or disordered eating habits</li>
<li>Preexisting obsessive compulsive disorder</li>
<li>Presence of anxiety or tendencies of perfectionism</li>
<li>Careers involving or those with a heavy focus on health and wellness (i.e. healthcare practitioners, ballet dancers, athletes, etc.) (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6234674/">2</a>), (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18791881">3</a>), (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19932826">4</a>), (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22361450">5</a>)</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy.jpg"><img alt="McKel (Hill) Kooienga | nutritionstripped.com" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-67439" height="300" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-200x300.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-200x300.jpg 200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-762x1143.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-606x909.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-67x100.jpg 67w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-100x150.jpg 100w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-33x50.jpg 33w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy-600x900.jpg 600w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hunger1-copy.jpg 1280w" width="200" /></a></h3>
<h3>Asking For Help</h3>
It can be just as difficult to ask for help as it is to admit that there is cause for concern in the first place. It can also be intimidating and confusing when you don’t know who to reach out to or where to look for guidance.
If you find yourself in this particular situation, we have some recommended steps for you to take! Depending on your particular situation, you may want to reach out to a family member, friend or loved one first. Having the support of another can make all the difference in your recovery. Confide in someone you trust who will have your best interests in mind.
Your next step is to reach out to a trustworthy professional who is trained to aid those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating habits. Having both a registered dietitian along with a mental health counselor on your team is a great place to start. While reaching out to loved ones can be comforting for support, be sure to also reach out to a professional and only take the advice of a trusted professional.
Here are some great resources for you to use to find a trusted professional near you:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/">Health Practitioner Near You Search Engine</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists">Mental Health Practitioner Near You Search Engine</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/therapists-specialists">Eating Disorder Practitioner By State </a></li>
<li><a href="http://nutritionstripped.com/services">Nutrition Stripped Wellness Coaching </a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Helping A Friend</h3>
Whether someone comes to you or you are initiating the conversation, there is no right way or easy way to go about it. It will always feel a bit uncomfortable, but hearing from friends or family is key for encouraging individuals to seek out help.
With that being said, there are a few tips we have for you if you’re considering reaching out to a loved one who may be dealing with orthorexia.
<ol>
<li>Educate yourself – the more you know about orthorexia, the better you can communicate your thoughts to the loved one (if you’re reading this article, you’ve come to the right place!)</li>
<li>Choose a comfortable environment – talk to your loved one in a comfortable, safe space; the more comfortable they feel, the more open they will be to hearing you out</li>
<li>Be honest – speak truthfully and plainly, sometimes it can be difficult for them to hear, but the more direct and truthful the message, the more powerful</li>
<li>Be realistic – try not to just tell them to “stop acting that way” or “just do this”, these seemingly simple tasks can be much more difficult for someone battling a disorder, be realistic about the journey they may have to recover</li>
<li>Encourage professional help – your bravery is the first step, now the second step is for them to seek guidance, always encourage them to seek help from an RD and a licensed mental health counselor</li>
</ol>
<h3>NS Recommends</h3>
Be honest with yourself and your loved ones. You deserve to feel better. You deserve to lead a life that isn’t controlled or guided by fear.
Think of yourself in the future, physically picture yourself – what do you see? Use this image, this vision as your motivation to make a change and build a healthy relationship with food.
Initiating change is never easy, but the outcome and the result of a guilt-free relationship with food is undoubtedly worth it.
Whether you’re supporting a loved one or making the change for yourself, you can do this! We have seen clients and family members of clients make these changes and successfully go through the process of recovery time and time again.
It is doable and it is possible, just believe in yourself and your capability of change.
<h3>Connect With Us</h3>
Please feel free to share any of your experiences with this subject! I would love to hear from you and I know there are many others out there that could use your support as well. As always, you can connect with us on Instagram via <a href="http://instagram.com/nutritionstripped">@nutritionstripped</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/nutritionstrippederica">@nutritionstrippederica</a> and #nutritionstripped #nswellnesscoaching.
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com/orthorexia/">What Is Orthorexia? What You Should Know About Orthorexia</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com">Nutrition Stripped</a>.
 
 
from Nutrition Stripped https://ift.tt/2sxlvAv

What Is Orthorexia? What You Should Know About Orthorexia

When “eating clean” becomes an all-consuming obsession, orthorexia may be present where healthy eating can do more harm than good. Eating well can be great for your physical, mental and even emotional…

17 Jan 2020

The Power of Blueberries in Cervical Cancer Radiation Therapy

The Power of Blueberries in Cervical Cancer Radiation Therapy

…

16 Jan 2020

4 Important Facts to Know About Lyme Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is an inflammatory condition caused by the bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It's transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The most common carrier is the black legged deer tick, but various types carry the disease and can be found across the country.
If ignored, Lyme disease can lead to arthritis, facial palsy, an irregular heartbeat, inflammation of the brain, severe nerve pain, problems with short-term memory and more.
Let's take a closer look at some of the interesting and important facts you need to know about Lyme disease:
1. Lyme Disease is Increasing at Epidemic Rates 
According to the CDC, Lyme disease is currently the fastest growing vector-borne infectious disease in the country. Since 1982, the number of reported cases has increased by 25 times, and it infects nearly 300,000 people every single year. That equates to nearly 25,000 cases per month.
2. It's Often Referred to As "The Great Mimicker" 
According to Dr. David Brownstein's newsletter "Natural Way to Health," Lyme disease is often referred to as "the great mimicker." That's because the symptoms come in a variety and can occur in all different areas of the body, which can trick your brain and make it seem as though you are experiencing a different disease.
<div class="pullQuoteWrapper" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; hyphens: auto; width: 25%; float: left; margin: 10px;">
"Symptoms of Lyme disease can occur all over the body."
</div>
"As noted, Lyme disease can mimic many other illnesses, making it very difficult to identify," wrote Brownstein. "And if you can't come up with a valid diagnosis, it's impossible to formulate an effective treatment plan."
3. Common Symptoms are Easily Noticeable 
While the symptoms can often mimic those of other diseases, some signs of Lyme disease are easily noticeable, making it simple to distinguish the condition from other illnesses. Some of the common symptoms include fatigue, neck pain and stiffness, jaw discomfort, muscle and joint aches, swollen glands, digestive problems, harsh headaches and fainting, according to the Lyme Light Foundation.
Bull's eye rash is another symptom, but may not occur for everyone. This rash occurs as a flat, red ring in the area of the tick bite. This is another easily noticeable sign for someone to point out before Lyme disease develops.
4. A Plant-Based Diet Can Help Fight the Disease 
Many believe that neuropathic treatment is the only way to live with the symptoms of Lyme disease. However, that's simply not the case. Based on a variety of <a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/lyme-disease/">testimonies</a> we've received over the years, our plant-based diet provides the nutrients the body requires to help fight the common symptoms associated with this and other debilitating diseases. The vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants found in raw vegetables, fruits, organic whole grains, nuts and seeds can give the body the strength to utilize its self-healing ability.
Whether you're living with Lyme disease or you're looking for a general boost in your overall health and well-being, the Hallelujah Diet makes the perfect choice. Join us on the path to better health today.
<div class="inlineImageWrapper" style="height: auto; width: calc(100% - 20px)!important; float: left; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 5px; margin: 10px;"><a href="https://www.myhdiet.com/shop/joint-health.html"><img class="inlineImage" height="auto" id="14137493" src="http://pictures.brafton.com/x_0_0_0_14137493_800.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div>
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com/healthnews/health-news/4-important-facts-to-know-about-lyme-disease">4 Important Facts to Know About Lyme Disease</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myhdiet.com">Plant-Based Diet - Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet</a>.
 
 
from Healthnews – Plant-Based Diet – Recipes & Weight Loss Supplements | Hallelujah Diet https://ift.tt/2QWZDYF

4 Important Facts to Know About Lyme Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is an inflammatory condition caused by the bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It's transmitted to humans through the bit…

15 Jan 2020

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Fibroids

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Fibroids

…

14 Jan 2020

The Ultimate Green Breakfast

Give your body exactly what it wants to start the day off right with The Ultimate Green Breakfast.
We all know it’s important to eat our greens. Eating a big salad for lunch, or a veggie-heavy focused dinner is a shoo-in, but how do we eat more greens for breakfast? No need to worry, because we figured it out for you with The Ultimate Green Breakfast!
We took a few of our favorite healthy and savory ingredients to whip up a breakfast that would fill you up without slowing you down.
<img alt="The Ultimate Green Breakfast | Nutrition Stripped" class="alignleft wp-image-69423 size-large" height="1024" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-683x1024.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-762x1143.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-606x909.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-67x100.jpg 67w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-100x150.jpg 100w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-33x50.jpg 33w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Healthy-Green-Breakfast-kale-eggs-chives-herbs-avocado-nutritionstripped-recipe2-600x900.jpg 600w" width="683" />
 
<h3>Stripped</h3>
<h4>Kale</h4>
A fiber-rich dark leafy green rich in vitamins A and K, potassium, B vitamins, and not to mention fiber! Fiber is crucial to keeping our digestive systems happy, i.e. functioning optimally and regularly. Kale is great raw in smoothies and juices or lightly steamed, roasted, or cooked. I prefer cooked kale more than raw and recommend you consume it with a healthy fat like coconut oil, avocado, nuts/seeds, etc. to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in kale such as vitamins A and K.
<h4>Healthy Fats</h4>
Eating healthy fats like <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/top-5-reasons-you-should-eat-avocados/">avocado</a> is important for our overall health, whether we’re trying to balance hormones, nourish our skin and hair, or balance our blood sugars for disease prevention and weight management — <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/add-healthy-fats-diet/">healthy fats</a> are where it’s at.
<h4>Eggs</h4>
Egg whites are a great source of protein, actually, most of the protein that comes from an egg is in the egg white, but the egg yolk also contains minerals that are crucial to our health including vitamin B12, zinc, iron, vitamin D, choline, and vitamin A. Learn more about eggs <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/are-eggs-healthy/">here</a>.
<h4>Balance is key</h4>
The trick to incorporating more healthy foods into your diet really is simple. It takes a little creativity and sometimes a willingness to try new foods. Here’s a couple of our favorite breakfast recipes that are packed with greens like The Ultimate Green Breakfast!
<a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/veggie-egg-bake/">Veggie Egg Bake</a>
<a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/refreshing-citrus-mint-green-juice/">Refreshing Citrus Mint Green Juice</a>
<a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/pesto-green-eggs-avocado-toast/">Pesto Green Eggs & Avocado Toast</a>
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com/the-ultimate-green-breakfast/">The Ultimate Green Breakfast</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com">Nutrition Stripped</a>.
 
 
from Nutrition Stripped https://ift.tt/2FNsRmr

The Ultimate Green Breakfast

Give your body exactly what it wants to start the day off right with The Ultimate Green Breakfast. We all know it’s important to eat our greens. Eating a big salad for lunch, or a veggie-heavy focused…

14 Jan 2020

Bringing Self-Healing to a New Level with the Perfect Cleanse

Bringing Self-Healing to a New Level with the Perfect Cleanse

…

13 Jan 2020

Our Wedding Story and My 5 Top Tips For Wedding Planning

Ever since we got married last year, 1.11.19, I’ve had so many questions about how to plan for a wedding, the details of everything I wore, the food, the reception, and tips I learned.
I’m sharing our wedding story, how we met, and all the details in hopes that I can support you if you’re currently wedding planning or newly engaged! Scroll down to see our wedding video too!
Planning a wedding is so unique to you and your soon to be spouse, so keep that in mind whenever you’re reading resources about “how to plan a wedding”, including mine!
That one was the thing I kept in mind when we first got engaged — I found myself reading so many blogs and magazines about what to do and it was incredibly overwhelming, so I’m sharing exactly what we did to have a very relaxed, chill, and special wedding planning experience. If you haven’t checked out my previous wedding series posts, then check out <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/wedding-diet/">The Best Wedding Diet</a>, <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/healthy-bachelorette-party-ideas/">How To Have a Healthy Bachelorette Party</a> and the <a href="https://nutritionstripped.com/wedding-week-self-care-checklist/">Wedding Week Self-care Checklist</a>.
<a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/mckel_jesse-9-2/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-9-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a> <a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/mckel_jesse-10/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-10-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a>
<img alt="Our Wedding and 5 Wedding Planning Tips | Healthy Wedding | McKel Hill Kooienga Nutrition Stripped" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69683" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-147-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-71006" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-167-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
<h3>How We Met</h3>
I’ll preface this story by sharing that I totally believe in soulmates, I’m a big advocate for manifesting what you want in life and designing a way to achieve your dreams, and most importantly how to call in and align your life with what you want and deserve. That also goes with relationships and partners! Back in 2015-2016, I created what I call a manifestation list where I wrote out everything I wanted and deserved in a partnership — from characteristics of this partner, passions they may have, and how I wanted to show up in a partnership. So much of my mindset was in the truth that I was enough on my own, that I didn’t need anyone to create happiness for me, my self-worth was and is really high, and the standards I set were also what I felt I deserved in life.
In short, I only wanted someone to come into my life if they were the person for me and I could see him like that, otherwise, I was so happy and at ease with being alone with Luna pup for however long it took. I’m often asked about this mindset and how to cultivate self-worth so please let me know if you’re interested in me talking more about this because it absolutely fuels the mentality around how you nourish your body, mind, and heart. 
I got a text one day from a close friend asking me if he could set me up on a blind date and without hesitation, I was like sure why not! Fast forward a few days of texting, we went on a date to meet for the first time and it all happened like that — so quick and so strong. All my friends and family know how I’m like and I’m not one to jump into anything nor am I one to settle and within two dates, I immediately knew Jesse was the person I wanted to spend my entire life with and explore all the chapters of life with.
We moved in as a little family of three (Luna pup) after six months of dating, then bought our first home together after a year, and a year and a half after our first date Jesse <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdgjafKHgay/">popped the question</a> on New Year’s Eve in the heart of our home, the kitchen.  We got married on January 11, 2019, and now are in the process of building our dream home out in nature similar to how Jesse grew up (<a href="http://instagram.com/thenatureelement">come follow our journey! @thenatureelement</a>).
Life is such a whirlwind and it’s so beautiful to be present in the moment enough to soak it up and enjoy. I’ve learned so much about not only relationships, but marriage, and I learned the most while planning for our wedding. So many things come up when planning a wedding and many of them have nothing to do with the logistics of the wedding itself, but the relationships, family, and juggling your own needs with others.
This leads me to why we chose to have an intimate no-fuss wedding.
<img alt="Our Wedding and 5 Wedding Planning Tips | Healthy Wedding | McKel Hill Kooienga Nutrition Stripped" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69688" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-158-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
<h3>Why We Chose A Small Wedding</h3>
We chose to have a very small wedding to keep it simple.
We adore all our friends, extended family members, and community but for our wedding, it was getting to be a bit much for us personally — our wedding could’ve easily been in the 200’s! We wanted to keep our wedding intimate so we could spend this special time with our immediate family, create space for meaningful conversations, dancing, but more importantly, so Jesse and I could enjoy each other.
We’ve been to so many weddings with over 100 guests where the bride and groom spend the entire night just greeting people, then the night slips away and the couple have barely been able to dance and spend alone time together to soak up all the fruits of their labor in organizing the wedding and getting everyone together. 
We chose this because it just felt so right in our hearts to do and our families were fully supportive of going that route.
On the logistical front, planning a wedding for 15-20 people still required organization and, but it was something that I could personally manage mostly by myself until the weekend of when our day of wedding planning hopped in.
<a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/mckel_jesse-159/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a> <a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/mckel_jesse-150-2/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-150-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a>
<h2>My Top 5 Tips For Planning A Wedding</h2>
1. Get crystal clear on the vision and the vibe.
Establish your vision with your wedding from the aesthetic to the experience. Having this firm vision in mind will keep you from going off the path while planning and while you may have a lot of opinions from family, planners, and friends. I had a Pinterest board where I gathered images, vibes, colors, and moods of how I wanted our ceremony and the experience to feel and look. This helped so much when finalizing all the details and picking florals, accessories, etc. that kept in line with the original vision — it can be so easy to get thrown off with so many options shared with you.
2. What are your unique elements?
Having a few or many like we did, non-traditional elements to your wedding that completely feel like you is what makes your wedding, your wedding! We had our wedding in a greenhouse in the winter because we both love nature and envisioned getting married in the winter.
We had special moments of citrus fruits in the fountain, Indian food at our reception, a gluten-free wedding cake, Luna in the wedding party photos, my family singing and playing guitar during the ceremony, meditation during the ceremony, and Jesse’s father who officiated the wedding.
3. Delegate and DIY.
Establishing what things you can delegate and what things you can easily do yourself is key! For example, I hired a day of a wedding planner because I’m incredibly organized and very efficient so I felt more than capable of doing all of the wedding planning up to the day of.
I also designed all our stationery because the design is in my wheelhouse and it was really fun to do. We delegated florals, rentals, food, video, and photo to the experts so we had peace of mind knowing all of that was taken care of. In a nutshell, get a day of wedding coordinator or planner if you’re hosting a larger wedding, they’re so amazing at what they do!
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-71003" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-3-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
4. Future thinking.
Think about how you want to feel after your wedding — when you reflect on your big day what are the moments you most want to remember? Maybe it’s your first dance, your dances with your parents, cutting the cake, dancing with friends, etc. Whatever those big moments that stand out for you, make sure those are top of mind when you’re planning your big day — make sure they are a top priority in the schedule so that when the day is over, you’ll have those moments and memories.
5. Set a budget and stick to it.
Do you know what it’s like when you go grocery shopping while hungry? You walk away with so many things you didn’t really need. Same with wedding planning! It’s so easy to get caught up in adding things here or there and then your initial vision and budget might be off alignment.
Jesse and I both had strong feelings about not spending a lot of money on our wedding because we wanted to save or put those resources towards other things we wanted to accomplish in life such as building our home and we did! Again, everyone is so different especially if there are family members contributing to the wedding or if that’s simply where you want to put resources, just listen in to your gut and what you and your spouse want to do and go with that.
<img alt="Our Wedding and 5 Wedding Planning Tips | Healthy Wedding | McKel Hill Kooienga Nutrition Stripped" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69681" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-122-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
<h3>A Wedding Isn’t Complete Without A Trip To The ER?</h3>
Just 3 days before the big day, and my first day off work so I could relax and prepare for the big day, I was chatting with my mom about last-minute details when I got a few back-to-back phone calls from Jesse’s brother. I immediately knew something was wrong. Jesse had an accident moving a 1500 pound rose quartz art sculpture for his father’s business, which landed on his foot putting him in the ER.
Talk about pre-wedding stress, anxiety, and panic mode! For Jesse who was in shock, I was cool, calm, and collected on the outside because I’m actually pretty great under extreme circumstances, but the second I had a moment alone I completely caved and allowed myself to feel the anxiety, the panic, but also the gratitude that it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. I look back at that time around our wedding and despite having a very low-key and low-stress wedding experience, I was undergoing so much stress with work with tying up loose ends with some huge projects — that wasn’t the best example of my time management or setting boundaries but I learned so much from that experience that I’m grateful.
Luckily with crutches, lots of love from our families, and good spirits, the wedding day went on without a hiccup. Fast forward to the present day, we have such a great wedding story to share haha! 
<a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/mckel_jesse-99/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-99-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a> <a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/mckel_jesse-119/'><img alt="Our Wedding and 5 Wedding Planning Tips | Healthy Wedding | McKel Hill Kooienga Nutrition Stripped" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-119-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a>
<h3><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/384110507" width="640" height="396" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></h3>
<h3>The Day Of</h3>
While Jesse was with his brother Sascha getting ready for the day, I got ready at home with my sister-in-law Katya who did my hair and makeup with my friend Jana, it was so special and pretty chill. We had champagne, veggies and hummus, and gummy bears (it’s my go-to sweet treat). 
Our niece Saschenka was our flower girl and she was so perfect! She and I had a special little moment before I walked down the aisle with my dad to our violinist playing Bluebird by Alexis Ffrrench. Jesse’s father William was our officiant and he weaved in poems by Pablo Neruda into the ceremony along with stories of Jesse and I which was so special to hear him share.
The space alone was calming and we were surrounded by nature — very aligned with Jesse and I. But to add another extra layer of peace and calm to the wedding, William shared a guided meditation for us and the wedding party — it felt so right to have something grounding and connecting us all. Before the exchange of vows, my dad Joe, brother Josh, and sister-in-law Cristina sung and played acoustic guitar to one of our favorite songs, Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.
We walked out of the ceremony to My Winding Wheel by Ryan Adams played on the violin, taking wedding photos with the family, followed by going to an intimate reception at Mayker Creative filled with our favorite Indian food, a gluten-free German Chocolate wedding cake, and champagne to celebrate on the dance floor.
We had our first dance to Something by The Beatles and danced the night away with their family, crutches in all!
<img alt="Our Wedding and 5 Wedding Planning Tips | Healthy Wedding | McKel Hill Kooienga Nutrition Stripped" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69676" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-82-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
<h3>The Wedding Details</h3>
<h4>Wedding gown</h4>
My wedding gown was designed by <a href="https://lizmartinez.co.il/">Liz Martinez Bridal</a> from <a href="https://www.bhldn.com/">BHLDN</a> and it was my dream gown! I had a BHLDN showroom appointment with my brother and sister-in-law in New York and instantly fell in love with the gown after trying on a few I saw on their website first. We had such a fun time trying on dresses, I highly recommend this activity as a bride to be!
As soon as I tried it on I knew it was made for me — long, flowy, blush and ivory tones, lace, see-through on the sides that showed off my first (and favorite) tattoo of a feather I sketched in my early twenties after a really rough time in my life. It was a small visual reminder of all the chapters of life I’ve walked through already, and the new ones before me. I also got my shoes and hair accessories from <a href="https://www.bhldn.com/">BHLDN</a>. I loved everything about their gowns, the process, and accessories so I highly recommend it! I’ve even gone back to them for party gowns as a guest to weddings.
<a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/mckel_jesse-165/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-165-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a> <a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/mckel_jesse-159/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/McKel_Jesse-159-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a>
<img alt="Our Wedding and 5 Wedding Planning Tips | Healthy Wedding | McKel Hill Kooienga Nutrition Stripped" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69691" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/McKel_Jesse-45-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
<h4>Jewelry</h4>
I chose <a href="https://www.catbirdnyc.com/">Catbird</a> earrings, a <a href="https://pascalemonvoisin.com/en/">Pascale Monvoisin</a> navy shell necklace, and <a href="https://www.zoelev.com/14k-gold-charm-locket-necklace/">Zoey Lev</a> charm locket necklace with J and M initials, all were so special and I wear them in my day to day life. Our wedding bands and my engagement ring were custom from <a href="https://considerthewldflwrs.com/">Consider Bridal</a> who is based in Nashville, but has an online shop for everyone around the world — highly recommend her amazing rings and jewelry and the customer care is incredible! 
<h4>Rentals and florals</h4>
Our color palette was very calming and focused on nature and the elements of greens from the greenhouse with pops of champagne, white, ivory, and blush to play off the color tones of the wedding gown. All rentals and florals were done by <a href="https://www.mayker.com/">Mayker Creative</a> and I couldn’t recommend their services more, they were incredible! They also recommended a fantastic day of wedding planner, Brandy Lester, for us that day as well.
<a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/mckel_jesse-9/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-9-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a> <a href='https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/mckel_jesse-24/'><img alt="" class="attachment-305x366 size-305x366" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-24-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" /></a>
<h4>Venue</h4>
The wedding venue was at <a href="http://longhollowgardens.com/">Long Hollow Gardens</a> in TN. It was a lush greenhouse featuring dangling vines over the ceremony alter, gorgeous champagne and blush-toned florals, all placed organically amongst white twinkling candlelight votives. From fruits displayed by the champagne bar and sliced citrus in the fountain, there were small details of the theme of abundance and nourishment. They have two event rooms and typically they host weddings in a gorgeous event space overlooking a vineyard, but I threw them a curveball and asked if we could just use their gorgeous greenhouse space as our setting. They were so accommodating and incredible to work with!
<img alt="Our Wedding and 5 Wedding Planning Tips | Healthy Wedding | McKel Hill Kooienga Nutrition Stripped" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-69687" height="1598" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200.jpg" srcset="https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200.jpg 1200w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-225x300.jpg 225w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-762x1015.jpg 762w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-606x807.jpg 606w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-75x100.jpg 75w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-113x150.jpg 113w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-38x50.jpg 38w, https://nutritionstripped.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/McKel_Jesse-200-600x799.jpg 600w" width="1200" />
<h4>Food</h4>
Food plays such a big role in our lives — not only in what I do each day with Nutrition Stripped (and now Jesse too!), but also our love and enjoyment of trying new dishes, eating food, and cooking. We know we had to make the food component so special and unique to us, yet very cozy, casual like we were sharing a meal with our family at home.
We chose our favorite Indian food restaurant here in Nashville, Bombay, which was also one of our early date spots that we visit frequently. The food had such sentimental value and experience to it, that it was our way of sharing with our families and they loved the warming meal on a cold night.
Our wedding cake was a delicious german chocolate cake which was my late grandfather’s favorite dessert, one that inspired the same recipe in the Nutrition Stripped Cookbook. The wedding cake was by <a href="https://www.bakedon8th.com/">Baked on 8th</a> (gluten-free and dairy-free).
<h4>Photography and Video</h4>
Photography was done by <a href="https://tecpetajaphoto.com/">Tec Petaja</a>. Videography was done by <a href="http://www.jessicasteddom.com/">Jessica Steddom</a>. They’re both so creative and incredible at what they do.
<h4>Memories</h4>
After we got our photos, we put them all in a stunning coffee table book so we could flip through the pages and relive that day over and over again. There are so many choices to do this online, but <a href="http://bit.ly/MCKEL20">Artifact Uprising</a> is hands down my favorite with all the customization of the page layouts, the cover, and the quality of the product. I reached out to them to get a discount code for any of you who are getting your pictures printed soon and they graciously are giving you all 20% off a photo album using the code <a href="http://bit.ly/MCKEL20">MCKEL20</a>.
<h3>The One Question To Answer!</h3>
My biggest piece of advice for brides to be is to ask yourself this question: What do you truly need, want, and desire from this one day, from this moment?
There’s so much pressure put on brides to look a certain way, feel a certain way, spend a certain amount of money or just follow what a traditional wedding looks like. Go with what you uniquely want and what represents you well and as a couple!
After all, this day is about you and your partner, not about anyone else’s wants or wishes. Also, have a little fun doing things that don’t feel traditional, we had meditation in the ceremony which felt magical and very aligned with who we are and Indian food regardless of people telling us that was a unique idea. We went with it and are so happy we did what felt right for us! 
Whew, that was a long one! I hope it was entertaining, insightful, or you enjoyed it. Let me know if you’d like me to write more personal-style posts like this, I’m always excited to hear what you’d like to see. xx M
The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com/our-wedding-story-and-5-top-tips-for-planning/">Our Wedding Story and My 5 Top Tips For Wedding Planning</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://nutritionstripped.com">Nutrition Stripped</a>.
 
 
from Nutrition Stripped https://ift.tt/2QFSsnJ

Our Wedding Story and My 5 Top Tips For Wedding Planning

Ever since we got married last year, 1.11.19, I’ve had so many questions about how to plan for a wedding, the details of everything I wore, the food, the reception, and tips I learned. I’m sharing our…

10 Jan 2020

Load more posts

Beauty-Health

Is Spicy Food Good For You? Spicy Food Nutrition 101

4 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Your Gut

Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Have You Had Acrylamide for Breakfast Today?

Maple Miso Glazed Salmon

Natural Remedies For Menopause Symptoms

Vitamins that contribute to eye health

Why Check-Ins are The Most Important Skill for Creating Your Healthy Lifestyle

Almond Butter Pink Beet Smoothie

The Ultimate Anti-Cancer Diet

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment on the Decline

Tips for Easing Through Your First Trimester

Fight Back Against Food Cravings

How to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones

What Is Orthorexia? What You Should Know About Orthorexia

The Power of Blueberries in Cervical Cancer Radiation Therapy

4 Important Facts to Know About Lyme Disease

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Fibroids

The Ultimate Green Breakfast

Bringing Self-Healing to a New Level with the Perfect Cleanse

Our Wedding Story and My 5 Top Tips For Wedding Planning

Popular Posts

Blog Archive

Labels