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Five Things You Can Do in February to Taste Life: Guest Post

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Thank you to Chere Bork for this guest post:

Chere believes life is easy and we make it hard. She empowers people as a National Speaker, Media Spokesperson and Wellcoach® with the 5 key ingredients for savory living – purpose, energy, balance, happiness and health. Learn more here:  www.cherebork.com.

Five Things You Can Do in February to Taste Life

  1. Melt a Hershey chocolate bar in a saucepan and dip strawberries for a quick “Be My Valentine” treat.
  2. Each morning declare your “SELF LOVE” intention for the day…only ONE. Just do it!
  3. Give yourself a valentine card to yourself. Pick one that you will treasure. Fill it with loads of affirmations.
  4. Send a valentine to someone that would least expect it.
  5. Connect with your heart – it is the center of self love. Still your mind and focus on the feeling around your heart. Feel it!

Achieve Your Highest Level of Health with Integrative Health Coaching

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“The time for action is now. It’s never too late to do something”.     ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French aviator and writer

Do you ever find yourself saying, “I know what I should do to improve my health, I just need help doing it”?  If so, then Integrative Health Coaching is for you! 

Working with a personal health coach is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for achieving health goals and improving overall well-being. Specifically, an Integrative Health Coach uses a client-centered approach to empower you to achieve your highest level of health.  Additionally, an integrative approach acknowledges that your good health is about the whole of you (your personal values, goals, work, balance, fulfillment and life purpose).   

Integrative Health Coaching (IHC) is about you achieving your goals for optimal health and well-being.  It helps you identify your health values and your individual goals and take decisive, active steps to achieve those goals. IHC was developed at Duke University’s Integrative Medicine Center following the realization that the need is not just to help people follow their doctor’s orders – the actual need is pro-active self care and support for self-directed change.  

Through the coaching process, you will articulate your vision of optimal health and develop your own personalized health plan. You will reach your goals, improve your performance and enhance your quality of life.

Angie Lamberson is a graduate of Duke University’s Integrative Health Coach Professional Training Program. Make 2012 your most fantastic year yet!  Partner with her to discover, achieve and maintain your optimal state of health and wellness. A variety of coaching packages are available to suit your individual needs. 

Angie and her husband, John, are Registered Dietitians & Certified Diabetes Educators. Contact Nutrition Pair today at 252-335-WELL, www.nutritionpair.com, or www.facebook.com/Nutritionpair and schedule your initial Integrative Health Coaching Session today! 

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make That Change!

~ Angie

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1 in 3 American Babies Will Have Diabetes

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One in three American babies born today will have Type 2 Diabetes in their lifetime.  That is, if current trends continue. 

Today is World Diabetes Day.  In the past 25 years, the rate of diabetes in the United States has more than tripled. Currently, over 26 million Americans have Diabetes.  Another 79 million have a condition known as “Prediabetes” and are at a high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.  The current prevalence of diabetes could double or even triple over the next 40 years if exercise and eating habits do not improve (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

One out of every 5 health care dollars is spent on the treatment of Diabetes.  Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is triggered by both controllable and uncontrollable factors which include: 

    • Age over 45
    • Overweight or Obese Status
    • Sedentary Lifestyle
    • Family history of Diabetes
    • African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latina or Hispanic Ethnicity
    • Have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or were diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes

The good news is that diabetes is a controllable and, sometimes, preventable disease. We can’t control our genetics, ethnicity or age, but we can control unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Complications are decreased when blood sugar control is managed through healthy eating and physical activity. For every 1% reduction in Hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar over the previous three months) the risk of developing eye, kidney, and nerve disease is reduced by 40%.

If you have diabetes, pre-diabetes or are at high risk of developing diabetes, find a Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE). A CDE is a health care professional that teaches people with diabetes to manage their condition. Formal education, years of practical experience, and a Board Examination are required. CDE’s provide tools, skills and emotional support to help control blood sugars and decrease the risk of complications.

Let’s reverse these trends and take care of ourselves!  Stay active.  Eat well.  Most importantly, let’s be positive role models for children. 

~ Angie

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change! ™

We are Angie and John Lamberson, Registered Dietitians, CDE’s and owners of Nutrition Pair, LLC. Because John has Type 1 Diabetes, we know what it is like to manage a chronic disease on a daily basis. We often personal experience when educating on and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Nutrition Pair ™ offers the following services:

  • Nutrition Therapy
  • Duke Integrative Health Coaching
  • Group Presentations
  • Consulting Services for Health Care Facilities and Corporations

Contact us at 252-335-WELL. Visit our website at www.nutritionpair.com & become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/Nutritionpair.

Hypoglycemia…When a Child Takes on the Role of a Parent

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"If I had only one wish in this world, I would wish for Daddy’s diabetes to go away".   – Jonathan Lamberson, age 10 ½

I cannot express how proud I am of my son. He took on the role of a parent the other night and helped his father treat an extremely low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is rare for John, but it does occur. Often when it happens, it is sudden and with very little warning.

I was home Saturday night, but Jonathan stepped in while I was in the other room locating glucose gel. He did exactly what we have taught him. What surprised me was how very calm and consoling he was to John. Jonathan is a ten year old who does not always show responsibility and does not always think of others. However, he really surprised me and stepped up to the plate that night.

Sometimes I worry about exposing our children to the really ugly side of diabetes—hypoglycemia. I hate that they have to witness their father in such a vulnerable, bizarre state. I know how much it scares them. But, I do hope that it in some way, it will help them grow into considerate, responsible adults. This is life, after all.

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change!

~ Angie

Breast is Best!!! August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week

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“Imagine that the World had created a new ‘dream product’ to feed and immunize everyone born on earth.  Imagine also that it was available everywhere, required no storage or delivery and helped mothers to plan their families and reduce the risk of cancer.  Then imagine that the world refused to use it”.     — James Grant, Executive Director for Unicef  (1980-1995).

John and I are huge fans of breastfeeding.  As parents, we have seen the wonderful outcomes and rewards that breastfeeding has provided in our own children.  As Registered Dietitians, we know that breastmilk is nature’s most perfect food.  Besides the ideal balance of carbohydrate, protein, fat and micronutrients, it contains antibodies specifically obtained from the mother to destroy viruses and harmful bacteria.  The benefits of breastmilk extend well into an infant’s adult years and will reduce their risk of ever developing obesity, diabetes or cancer.

This week is World Breastfeeding Week  and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has announced this year’s theme as “Talk to me! Breastfeeding – a 3D Experience”.  The focus is not only on the importance of the mother-baby connection (two-dimensions) but also the support needed from the health care system, friends, family members and the community (the ever-important 3rd dimension).

For more information about this year’s world breastfeeding theme, visit the WABA website at www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org.  Also, to view what the state of North Carolina is doing to encourage support for nursing moms, please see:  http://www.ncdhhs.gov/pressrel/2011/2011-08-01-nursing_moms.htm.

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make That Change!

~ Angie

Summer Oatmeal Recipe

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Sharing a quick and easy summer breakfast that I’ve been enjoying since the weather has warmed up…This recipe for Summer/Swiss Oatmeal was given to us by our good friend and colleague, Jennifer Spellman.  Jennifer is the Director of School Nutrition Services for Great Falls Public Schools in Great Falls, Montana.

This is the perfect combination of high quality complex carbohydrates and low saturated fat protein.  It is a quick, easy and filling breakfast.  The recipe for one serving is as follows:

Summer/Swiss Oatmeal

1/2 cup Quaker oats, Scottish oats, or steel-cut oats
4 oz skim milk (or soy milk)
cinnamon to taste
dash of salt
fruit of choice (blueberries, bananas, raisins or dates, etc.)
4 oz  of 2% or 0% plain Greek yogurt*                                                                                                                                                                                           2tsp. Flax Meal (optional)
1Tbsp Favorite chopped nuts (optional)

The night before, combine oats, milk, salt, and cinnamon. Stir and store in tight container overnight. The next morning, stir in the yogurt, flax meal, fruit, and nuts. This dish can be sweetened with 1 packet Splenda or 1 Tbsp maple syrup.  Enjoy!!!

I’ve been enjoying this using steel-cut oats, dates and macadamia nuts.  It makes for busy mornings make easier,   just remember to mix the oatmeal, cinnamon and milk before heading to bed the night before!

*I make my own Greek yogurt the night before:  take 3/4 cup non-fat plain yogurt and strain using either cheesecloth or a small strainer.  (This is a much more economical way to make Greek yogurt, or “labneh”).

Nutrition Facts, per serving:

  • Calories:  420
  • Fat:  13 gm
    • Saturated Fat:  2 gm
    • Trans Fat:  0 gm
  • Sodium:  270 mg
  • Carbohydrate:  66 gm
    • Fiber:  9 gm
  • Protein:  19 gm

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change!™

– Angie?????

A Must Read for Heart Attack Survivors or Anyone at Risk for Heart Disease

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I have just finished reading Dr. Janet Bond Brill’s (PhD, RD, LDN) newest book, “Prevent a Second Heart Attack”.   This book is packed full of useful information. Dr. Brill carefully explains the “How” and the “Why” the vessel damage occurs. More importantly, she thoroughly explains what you can do to prevent another cardiovascular episode. The book is full of tips for adopting a healthier diet. She includes a sample meal plan and over 50 delicious recipes to help you eat the Mediterranean way (“Dr. Janet’s Roasted Red Pepper Hummus” is superb and a new family favorite of ours!). The Mediterranean-style eating plan that Dr. Brill describes is a delicious, easy and cost-effective way to improve your health and prevent a second heart attack.

As Registered Dietitians and Certified Diabetes Educators working in the areas of public health, cardiac rehab, dialysis and long-term care, John & I routinely see the detrimental effects of poor dietary habits. This book will not only be useful to those who have had a heart attack, but to anyone who wants to adopt a healthier way of eating. It will be especially useful for anyone with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes. Research has shown that people with Diabetes, even Pre-Diabetes, are much more likely to have a cardiac episode. In fact, the risk for having a second heart attack is twice as likely in someone who has diabetes. I am highly recommending this book to my clients, especially those who are living with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes

This is not a “diet” plan. It is a delicious lifestyle that can easily be adopted and followed for life!

You can visit Dr. Janet Bond Brill’s book website at: http://preventasecondheartattack.com/

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make That Change!

~ Angie

It’s Monday…Go Meatless!!!

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Pan Frying Ukrainian Perogies with Sausage and Onions -Photographed on Hasselblad H1-22mb Camera

It’s Monday!  Are you going Meatless today?  Going meatless at least one day a week is an increasingly popular trend. And why not go meatless, even if it is only for one day a week???  You will save money, reduce your saturated fat intake and help the environment.

For those of you who recognize practice fasting and abstinence from meat on the Fridays during Lent, it sometimes gets difficult to find meal ideas.  I wanted to share a healthy, easy, delicious, low cost recipe that John and I made up and our children love.  In fact, they ask for it at least once a week!  Enjoy!

Spinach and Tomato Pierogies

Ingredients:

– One Vidalia/sweet onion, chopped

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 2 T Extra Virgin olive oil

– 1 16 oz. bag frozen, chopped spinach (we use Pictsweet)

– 2 – 14.5 oz. cans No Salt Added Diced Tomatoes (we use generic)

– 16 frozen pierogies (we use Mrs. T’s Potato & Cheddar Pierogies)

Directions:

Sauté onion, garlic and olive oil in a large skillet until onions are transparent.  Add 2 cans of no-salt added tomatoes (undrained) and 1 (about 20 oz) bag of frozen spinach. Let these simmer in a saucepan on low with the top on. Place 16 frozen pierogies in a bowl with hot water.  Allow to sit about 5 minutes.  Drain the water and add hot water again (to warm them up). When they no longer feel frozen inside, pour off the water and add to your tomato/spinach saucepan mixture. Allow to simmer covered on a low temp for 5-10 minutes and then serve topped with parmesan cheese. This will make 4 adult-size servings (4 pierogies each). 

Nutrition Facts, per serving:

  • Calories:  356
  • Fat:  10 gm
    • Saturated Fat:  2 gm
    • Trans Fat:  0 gm
    • Monounsaturated Fat:  5gm 
  • Sodium:  780 mg
  • Carbohydrate:  57 gm
    • Fiber:  5.5 gm
  • Protein:  9.5 gm

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For recipes & more information about Meatless Monday, visit:  www.meatlessmondays.com

For more meatless Mrs. T’s Pierogie recipes,  visit: http://www.pierogies.com/

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change!™

~ Angie

Fear Factor – Fruit and Vegetable Style

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John and I presented “Eat Right with Color” on Saturday March 12th to a group of 17 children at Port Discover in Elizabeth City.

The somewhat reluctant children took part in our Fruit and Vegetable-inspired Fear Factor.  They sampled 9 different fruits and vegetables: carrot chips, red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, kiwi, blood oranges, raspberries, avocado, beets and dates. Before we served each item, we discussed its history, nickname and particular health benefits. For example, the avocado is called the “Alligator Pear” and it is high in healthy monounsaturated fat. Some of the fruits and vegetables were familiar to the children, but many were new to them. We noticed that the children seemed to be less “fearful” when a child sitting at table with them did not show fear and was quick to pop the sample in their mouth. A perfect example of healthy peer pressure! After tasting, we had them rate each item them with a thumbs up or thumbs down. We kept a running tally on the board (see photo below). We then had them share what they liked or did not like about the item. 

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The Top Five Favorite Fruits & Vegetables were:

1st place: Kiwi

2nd place: Blood oranges

3rd place: Carrot chips

4th place: Red peppers

5th place: Dates

Many of the children discovered new fruits and vegetables that they liked and took home their tally sheets to share with their parents.  Our own children were even surprised. Our son found that he likes blood oranges and our daughter found that she absolutely loves beets. They went home and added these to the week’s grocery list!

We also did a Funky Fruit and Vegetable Art activity using dyes from blueberries, beets, onions and spinach to paint pictures. The kids loved this and also enjoyed the aromas that came from their paint colors! (See photo below)

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The messages that we want the children to take home from the “Eat Right with Color” presentation are:

clip_image002 Fruits and vegetables are vital to our good health

clip_image002[1] Eating “From the Rainbow” – choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables tastes great

clip_image002[2] Fruits and vegetables can come in many different forms-fresh, canned, dried or frozen

clip_image002[3] Phytochemicals (plant chemicals) are what give fruits and vegetables their color and are also what will fight to keep us healthy

clip_image002[4] The health benefits of phytochemicals cannot be put into a pill, so eat and enjoy your fruits and vegetables!

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change!

~ Angie

10 Reasons to Work with an RD

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In recognition of Registered Dietitian Day today, Nutrition Pair, LLC would like to share their Top 10. Registered Dietitians (RD’s) are the nation’s food and nutrition experts and are committed to improving the health of their clients and the community. Below are the Top 10 reasons to seek the advice of a Registered Dietitian (RD):

  1. You want factual, evidence-based nutrition information
  2. To get support, encouragement and coaching to help meet your health goals
  3. You want to gain or lose weight
  4. You want to improve your performance in sports, in school or on the job
  5. To obtain food-based solutions instead of fad diets or supplements
  6. RD’s can help you meet your food and nutrition goals while keeping within your budget
  7. They are able to translate scientific research in an easy to understand manner
  8. Some RD’s are specially trained to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy to treat diabetes, cardiovascular disease and/or kidney disease
  9. They can be an integral part of your health-care team and are the only professionals licensed to provide individualized dietary prescriptions

10. They are THE food and nutrition experts!

Angie & John Lamberson are Registered Dietitians, Certified Diabetes Educators and owners of Nutrition Pair, LLC. They provide individual nutrition counseling/coaching, group presentations and nutrition consulting services for health care facilities and organizations. Contact them at www.nutritionpair.com or 252-335-WELL.

It’s Your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make That Change!

~ Angie

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Angela Lamberson, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, Certified Integrative Health Coach

John Lamberson, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE

Phone: 252.335.WELL or 252.335.9355