Since the clock has leaped forward one hour, it feels like your heart leaps with energy and joy now that the sun rises earlier and the wonderful, warm weather is here. 

Time to bask in the glorious sun, scroll in the park.....time to go to the Farmers Market at Union Square.  The atmosphere at the market is so invigorating - fragrant lavender, herbs, flowers, fresh honey, leafy green vegetables......and ....GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN BREAD! 

We know that hormones and antibiotics given to livestock remain present within the meat these animals produce, and it’s not a surprise these chemical substances are also present in the dairy products from these animals. What is shocking is the sheer number of chemicals that make their way into these products.

Finally, there has been a break through for nutrition in the fast food world for children. This Wednesday, a group of 19 restaurant chains in America plan to announce that they will be offering healthier meal options for children on their menus.

Samantha Neier, Integrative Nutrition graduate, knows a thing or two about traveling. Not only does she travel to see clients of her Health Coaching business, Faith In Food, her job in sales at Nike also takes her all over the country for meetings and product presentations. Luckily, her Integrative Nutrition education has allowed her to stay healthy on the road.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group tests the amounts of pesticides that remain on fruit and vegetables after they have been picked, power washed and stocked onto grocery store shelves.  The EWG uses this information to compile two lists for consumers to reference while they shop, The Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15.

The dirty dozen are the 12 produce items that contain the most pesticides, and should either be avoided or bought organic.

For health conscious meat-eaters, we know it is important to choose the most natural and least modified meat you can buy. Unfortunately, with the confusing array of labels and claims, picking your meats is easier said than done.

Here's a guide to the legal definitions of labels you could find in the butcher’s department at your local grocery store:

"Cage Free" - The animals were not put in cages. However, this does not mean they were free-range or even set foot outdoors.

Today, the USDA abandoned the classic pyramid shape that Americans associate with the food groups and replaced it with a more practical shape for the eating public – a plate.

The revised chart is being supported by the Obama administration, and specifically by Michelle Obama in her campaign to fight obesity. In an article from Reuters, the first lady noted at the unveiling that the plate should serve as “a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we're eating.” 

Summer is finally here! It’s time for BBQ’s and outdoor dinner parties with friends and family. We want to make it easy for you to make healthy dishes for your family, but still enjoy the cooking activities that define summer. We collected a list of 100 healthy recipes for you to enjoy all summer long! 

Appetizers

1. Pizza Caramel by Nourish Nutrition

Every Mother’s Day is the chance to celebrate all the mothers in our lives and show them just how much we appreciate all they do for us.  Finding the perfect gift to show Mom how much we care can sometimes be tough. At Integrative Nutrition, we have a few ideas about how to express the love and appreciation we have for all the wonderful mothers we hold so dear.

Here are a few ideas that will keep Mom healthy and happy long after Mother’s Day is gone.

When a woman finds out she’s pregnant, she begins to examine her habits for the protection of her unborn child. Certain foods become off limits or greatly reduced and many of her routines, like exercise, are adjusted to compensate for the changes to her body and her growing baby.

Many women make the conscious decision to eat only organic food during their pregnancy. It turns out; this looks to be a smart decision for a healthy pregnancy and for the child’s intellectual development for years to come.