NOW OFFERING NUTRITIONAL/BEHAVIORAL GUIDANCE.

I have been reading about the fight to stop obesity. Lately, there are new studies coming out about the effectiveness of targeting behaviors that lead to obesity. Since food is becoming just as addicting as drugs, experts are beginning to look at approaching obesity the same way they would ween an addict off of drugs or alcohol. One particular article is in Scientific American February issue and it looks beyond the science of metabolic pathways leading to obesity, and instead focusing on how the media and our society condones behaviors that are ultimately leading us to over-consume.

Ever heard of Weight Watchers? This is a perfect example of helping people lose weight by changing behaviors around food. The main cause for success is having a support group. If you tend to hang out with friends who do not exercise or eat unconsciously, chances are you will not make changes for long term weight loss success. You get the point. Half a century ago, B.F. Skinner, a psychologist at Harvard,  developed the notion that scientists cannot really know what goes on inside a person's brain (even with modern technology) in order to help them lose weight and keep it off. Identifying the correlation between environment and behavior may sound like common sense, but needs to be discussed in order to help people keep the pounds off.

In light of these half century old notions being brought up today, I have decided to offer nutritional guidance, incorporating behavioral analysis into the science behind helping future clients make long term changes in health and wellness.  I feel this is the missing link I have been looking for. Instead of just telling you what to eat and what not to eat, we will get to the root of your behaviors to help you guide yourself long-term. 


If this sounds like something you are interested in, please email or call me with inquires and we can set up a time to talk via telephone or in person. A payment scale for consultations and follow-up guidance varies from client to client.


hunt.gather.nourish@gmail.com
720-281-5248

Urban running on VACATION

I just got back from a great trip to Denver with some friends and it was filled with no exercise, except for having to run across downtown to make it to the Avs vs. Bruins game. Urban running is fun. It seems less daunting when you are running in Jean, boots and a blazer. Anyway, with lots of yummy food, sporting events and bar hopping with college friends I have not seen in the same room in ages, I felt it was totally worth it.

However, when we change our diets to accommodate our vacation mode, our bodies still tell us what they miss about the day to day routine. I ended up feeling incredibly car sick on the 6 hour drive about windy roads back to Telluride and it was all because my body has been healthy, I mean healthier then ever. I am realizing it is more sensitive to changes then ever. I guess it is a friendly reminder that letting loose comes with a price, but it also inspires me to make delicious and more nutritious food when I get home. Check out the Roasted Carrot soup I made tonight!! Speaks for itself.

ROASTED CARROT SOUP w/ PULLED CHICKEN

Hi! Soup warms the soul, especially during the coldest month of the year. ENJOY.

Ingredients:
5-6 carrots peeled and sliced
1/2 yellow onion sliced
1 bell pepper (yellow) sliced
kosher salt to taste
pepper
enough olive oil to cover veggies
3-4C chicken broth (or veggie or half with water
red/purple cabbage to garnish
limes to garnish
red wine vinegar to garnish
crushed red pepper

1. place veggies on sheet tray and toss with oil and salt and pepper
2. roast in oven at 400 until carrots are tender
3. let cool for 10 minutes
4. place in food processor leaving a quarter of veggies out
5. add enough chicken broth until the puree, is smooth and thinned out
6. place on stove to warm
7. add pulled chicken (see recipe below)
8 top with garnishes (drizzle red wine vinegar to liking, totally optional)
9. enjoy

PULLED CHICKEN
1. place 2 split breast chicken breasts in large skillet and add 2 cups chicken broth
2. steam for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
3. shred chicken off the bone and remove skin
4. add to soup
5. if there is any reserved liquid left, add to soup.
skin on chicken is what I prefer as it is less processed and holds moisture better. Don't let the skin scare you because you can take it off before you eat it!

SWEET POTATO & APPLE CAKES

So, I have been feeling uninspired in the kitchen lately. Mainly because I work in a kitchen and because I just gashed my hand, received 5 stitches, a tetanus shot that made me super sick again, and on and on and I am totally being a whiny baby.

Tonight, I redeemed myself. We made purple and red potato cakes for a client the other night. They had flour and butter etc, in them, so tonight I gave it the Paleo edge they needed. These are a great post workout meal and if you have extras, you can save them for breaky with a couple of local over easy eggs on top. DELISH!

SWEET POTATO and APPLE CAKES

serves 2 with leftovers

1 sweet potato (shredded. I used the cuisinart, but a box shredder works too)

1/2 large apple shredded

1 egg

1/4-1/3  cup almond flour

salt and pepper to taste

any other seasoning you like (I used rosemary and crushed red pepper)

1.Place beaten egg in bowl of shredded potato and apple

2. add flour

3. mix together add spices

4. turn skillet on high with a good drizzle of olive oil or even coconut oil

5. take a handful of mix and press it into your hands.

6. place in skillet and flatten like a pancake with spatula.

*make sure they stick somewhat, but not completely. The oil in the pan will help them stay together.

7. repeat until the skillet cannot fit anymore.

8. cook about 5 min per side.

9. once both sides are cooked, put on a sheet tray in over to warm(oven at 200 is ok.)

EAT!

I served these with roasted chicken. IT was delicious. 

Enjoy.

small community

I live in Telluride. It is small. The community that mills about this town looks out for one another, especially when it comes to food and sustainable practices. Here is what I mean. When I took gluten out of my diet it and started to eat with Paleo intentions, it was impossible to find a place that would accommodate. One year later, I can go into almost any restaurant and order something without getting a weird look. It seems as food trends change, hopefully because folks are educating themselves on how to eat better, that businesses respond. It is much easier to get exactly what your diet allows in the city because choices are plentiful, but here in Telluride, demands must be met before a business will provide the option.

The real message here, is that the power of community can drive your life practice in a positive direction. Once you make the commitment to eat like a modern version of caveman and start sharing your experience, it only becomes easier to carry on good habits when you are out of your own kitchen. This message also applies to other passions you possess. Get involved in your community!

It makes me proud to be a part of a place that supports my well being because there is nothing better then knowing my community has got my back!