Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Real Food Nutrition in the Bay Area

It is fantastic to see whole, organic, sustainable, REAL food experiencing such a renaissance in the Bay Area. Slow Food Nation was so fun and educational last summer. The Eat Real Festival was loads of fun this summer. We have so many amazing year-round local resources, my favorites being our gorgeous farmers markets (I like Alemeny best) and the truly wonderful Three Stone Hearth.



We have access to an abundance of great local food here in the Bay Area. There is also a wealth of education available. I want to share two resources with you.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a training with excellent local nutrition educator Julie Matthews of Healthful Living and Nourishing Our Children. Ms. Matthews' approach is built around traditional, unprocessed foods, because, as she writes on her web site, "organic whole foods, unprocessed dairy, traditional fermented foods, and other nutrient-dense foods are ideal ways to build nutrient reserves and support healing." Her areas of focus range from fertility and healthy children to autism, detoxification and emotional issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and aggression. Her classes are fun and her manner is approachable and warm. I highly recommend taking a workshop with her, but if you can't do that you can catch up with her on her weekly radio show, "Reality Sandwich" that airs Thursdays @ Noon, on 89.5FM KPOO in San Francisco.

Next weekend is a fun and informative training with the good people over at Circle Community Acupuncture. They write, "Have you ever wondered how Chinese medicine views the Four Seasons? Have you ever wanted to learn how to use food as medicine? If so, join us at our upcoming workshop! The workshop will include some demonstration, recipes and a resource guide to take home, and (best of all) samples of nourishing foods to foster a healthy season. If you thought healthy food was boring and expensive, think again!The workshop will include some demonstration, recipes and a resource guide to take home, and (best of all) samples of nourishing foods to foster a healthy season. If you thought healthy food was boring and expensive, think again!"

The workshop is on Saturday, October 17 at 1:30pm. See their website for contact information.

Now that I'm writing I can't resist throwing in one more recommendation. I tell all my clients about Nina Planck's books, Real Food: What to Eat and Why; and for my pregnant skincare, massage, and doula clients, Real Food for Mother and Baby: The Fertility Diet, Eating for Two, and Baby's First Foods. Ms. Planck's books are readable, sensible, and full of great information that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired about your food choices. Great reads- check them out.

Nutrition is so important for holistic health. What we eat truly affects how we feel and how we look. What are your secrets to incorporating real, whole foods into a busy and active life? What challenges do you face? Has anyone out there transitioned from a processed, industrial diet to a real, whole foods diet? How did it make you feel?









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