Living with chronic illness has its difficult moments, but I’ve always said it’s a bit of a “blessing in disguise”. At 22 years old, I was forced to listen to my body. It had a new credential after all – “HLA-B27 positive, Ankylosing Spondylitis.” This diagnosis felt empowering (there’s potential to heal a diagnosis). People … Continue reading Chronic Contemplations Part 1: Movement is medicine.
Author: The Wellness Dish
Kirsten is a Certified Nutritionist with a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. She is on the clinical staff at the Institute for Functional Medicine where she develops curriculum for advanced training modules and supports the implementation of programs. She is dedicated to using personalized, root-cause, systems-biology approach to healing and is passionate about providing education that empowers individuals to advocate for their health.
How To Build New Habits
Just start...and let your brain do all the changing An essential feature of the brain is its plasticity (neuronal plasticity). This essentially means that it’s malleable and flexible, neuronal connectivity and circuitry can be re-routed, ready and capable to be continually shaped by you. And this isn’t just metaphorical. Changing your mind, redirecting your path, … Continue reading How To Build New Habits
Chronic Contemplations
I started this blog while teaching English in South Korea. I had just been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and I was learning to navigate my own dietary restrictions and developing my own toolkit of lifestyle interventions. It made my day to share my recipes and experiment in my tiny apartment kitchen. Nutrition and functional medicine … Continue reading Chronic Contemplations
Start building your toolkit and see your health transform
What is the value of slowly building your own toolkit? 1. The body has an innate ability and desire to heal. Giving it some kindness and grace overtime gives the body the nudges it needs. Support your body like you would your own team, family, friends, etc. 2. Slowly adopting new “bite-sized” lifestyle changes will … Continue reading Start building your toolkit and see your health transform
Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle Tips
Our body's immune response is a beautifully intricate system; it's the way our body signals the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue and mount a response against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. It is our defense system. So, a little bit of defense is great - it helps to keep the peace. … Continue reading Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle Tips
Paleo Magic Cookie Bars
I grew up eating these delicious, sticky, caramelized squares of graham cracker crumbs, condensed milk, chocolate and hearty sweetened coconut. When I picked up some coconut condensed milk at the store on a whim (ie: in the sale section!), I knew I had to make a version I could safely eat. I've been eyeing out … Continue reading Paleo Magic Cookie Bars
Chai Cardamom Chia Pudding
Who doesn't love chia pudding? I'm always stocked up with bags of chia seeds. I'm often more of a coffee drinker. I never used to like it, but I've become so accustomed to grabbing the good ol' cup of joe in the morning. Long story short, I often buy way too much tea to know … Continue reading Chai Cardamom Chia Pudding
Hitting that quarter century! 25, happy and full. <3
I honestly cannot believe I'm already 25!! There are so many milestones you hope to have accomplished at your quarter century mark and it's definitely a time of reflection. Although, I think I've done pretty well.... While discovering my love for food and nutrition later in life and still being in the process of getting my Masters … Continue reading Hitting that quarter century! 25, happy and full. ❤
How do you snack?
When I first started eliminating foods and introducing more wholesome, nutritious meals into my diet, I struggled with the constant questioning. "Oh, why aren't you eating?" "Can't you have that?" "Oh come on, it's so good. Just one bite." For people who don't struggle with food intolerances and/or autoimmune diseases, slight slip-ups are totally normal … Continue reading How do you snack?
Smoothie Season
It's finally here! My favorite season of all. I'm a freckly-pale, kinda-ginger, so the frigid cold makes me shiver and the summer heat turns me into a cherry. Spring is the perfect balance. I also LOVE being able to enjoy my morning smoothies without freezing on the way to school. Store-bought smoothie bowls can often … Continue reading Smoothie Season