Finding Balance & Nurturing Wellness: Tips on how to best nourish and fuel our bodies
I had the honor of interviewing last month with Grit & Grace, a coastal chic gift company in Charleston, SC. Founder Rachel Gordon started this company wanting to make beautiful gifts using oyster shells, however, after researching the industry Rachel learned there was a shell shortage in South Carolina.
Rachel partnered with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ oyster restoration and enhancement program. Grit & Grace Studio recycles ten oyster shells for each one of these precious gilded oyster jewelry dishes sold.
Recycled oyster shells help to restore marine habitats, protect our shores, and preserve the very waterways that inspired this design.
The hand-crafted oyster dishes and jewelry are truly one of a kind! Check out the studio’s online store.
Here are some of my favorite highlights from my interview with Grit & Grace!
This has been an incredibly stressful year for everyone. What are your three top tips for approaching stress from a nutritional standpoint?
My first tip to combat stress is to prioritize sleep. For adults, about 7-9 hours of sleep per night is ideal. Sleep deprivation is associated with problems, including fatigue, headaches, reduced productivity, mood issues, weight gain, and higher risk for many chronic diseases.
My second tip goes hand in hand with the first, and that's to get outside and get sunlight exposure. Exposure to natural light is a very important regulator of the brain cells that are responsible for forming the circadian rhythm, our internal body clock. It helps to regulate our hormone melatonin, which is responsible for making us sleepy at night. Try to get outside in the morning for at least 10-30 minutes for a walk. You'll also get an immune boost from the vitamin D you are producing
My third tip is to eat a fiber-rich diet. This includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Most of us don't consume enough fiber. The recommended dose is about 30-35 grams per day.
Fiber is critical for building and maintaining a healthy gut, which research shows is key for overall health and longevity.
What are your go-to meals or ingredients during tumultuous times?
I love my smoothie bowls! My body craves all the good nutrition and fiber in the smoothie. I like to teach my patients to make balanced smoothies with enough protein, carbs, healthy fat, and fiber. Enjoying a balanced smoothie should keep you full for about 3 hours.
Lately, I've been making a veggie pasta concoction. I love the Banza pasta made from chickpeas. It's packed with fiber and protein. I'll sauté a few cloves of garlic with fresh herbs and then add whatever veggies I have in the fridge. Super satisfying!
What have you learned through your journey in nutrition?
Through my education and mostly through my experience with patients, I've learned that health is not just about what you eat. Stress is a huge component of one's health.
During consultations, I find that it is typically a stressful life event that is the tipping point in someone's health.
Don't underestimate what stress can do on the body. Stress causes inflammation in the body, just like a physical injury would swell up; it's a similar immune response.
Become aware of the stressors in your life and incorporate more relaxation techniques and prioritize sleep.
Check out the full interview with Grit & Grace!
If you’re ready to start your functional nutrition journey and find a new, healthier balance, you can schedule your consultation online today!