Must Have Protein!!

The USDA estimates that most American men eat 70% more protein than they need every day. Women consume about 25% more than they need.

I have found that the men I know seem to always crave meat. If they go a few days in a row eating chicken, then it is time for them to have "real" meat, meaning they want to eat a nice juicy steak or a form of red meat. I find this to be very fascinating that on average men eat 70% more protein then they need each day when females consume 25% more than the recommended amount. Is it because the male mind is wired to the paleolithic era when they primarily hunted as a means to survive? 

Chances are the food you are eating has been imported

Brought to you by Food and Water watch you can go on a virtual grocery store trip. Pick out foods that you would normally pick up at the grocery store and then see what the average percentage of the food that you choose is imported. These numbers will probably shock you!

To find local food near you check out this website:
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/global-grocer/

Shop local to support local farmers and decrease the amount of foods that are imported into the US.

What does "healthy" really mean?

On a daily basis, I hear that many people eat "healthy food"; especially from the 2nd graders that I teach each week about nutrition. Is "healthy food" eating only foods in the raw or foods only found at a health food store or maybe they are those bars that you may find wrapped up that have a million different claims on them. I have found that each person has their own definition of what "healthy food" means to them.

So what does "healthy food" mean to you?

After spending 6 hours working at the hospital, I had to dig out the snow from around my car so I could leave. I never thought that keeping a shovel in my car would be necessary. Apparently I need to invest in one to make my life a little easier.

I began my first week back at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford, ME for my clinical rotation. This week was off to a blustery winter start. I experienced testing my ABS in my car for the first time as I nearly slid into the middle of an intersection. That definitely got my heart going! I have seen more snow in the past week then I have seen in my entire life!

Clinical is off to a slow start, but a good one. I completed a rotation in the summer at the same location and I have been greeted with another warm welcome. I had the opportunity to go meet with a patient and that was a very exciting experience! I can't wait to do more!

Aside from working with patients and learning more about the hospital setting, I was also introduced to walking down hallways where people are grieving for a lost loved one. This really opened my eyes to what a dark and depressing place a hospital can be. I am so grateful for the life that God has blessed me with and for keeping my friends and family healthy, happy and safe.

The Home of Hockey

UNH vs Boston University
5:2

I went to my first D1 college hockey game last night and I am addicted! I love this sport and I am ready to go out and play myself, so I can release so stress. Not only did I get to watch the game, but I was living the high life in box seats! It was phenomenal! BU is ranked fist in hockey east and we killed 'em last night! It should be an excellent season and I will be attending as many games as possible!

Overwhelmed but Rejuvinated!

It is that time of the internship when everything feels that it is piling onto itself. I am currently working on a wide variety of projects and assignments. Right now, I just decided to take a break from writing my book critique on "The Gospel of Food: Everything You Think You Know About Food Is Wrong" by Barry Glassner. An enjoyable read for the food enthusiast.

The first week in November I spent time at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Boston. Every time I attend this conference, once in Chicago and now once in Boston, I feel empowered to go out into my career and make a difference. Most of the speakers are motivating and respark my desire to be in the field that I am in. The Six-Figure Private Practice session I attended was by far the most inspiring and enjoyable. There are so many needed within the field of nutrition and I am inspired to focus on a few particular needs and start my own business at some point in my life. What those particular needs will be I am not sure yet. Luckily, I have plenty of time to figure that out before opening my own practice.

Lastly, and most enjoyably, my mom, sister, and aunt came to visit me last weekend! We spent our time on a duck tour in Boston, up at York Beach, ME, and North Conway, NH. My family is terrific and they are the primary reason I will be returning to the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

HEAL

Today, I attended the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) conference in Concord, NH. To give you a better understanding of what this organization is trying to achieve I will provide the vision for you, "HEAL envisions a New Hampshire where all residents improve health and quality of life through healthy eating and active living." Various coalition members spoke about the ways in which NH can achieve this vision.
I became highly motivated at this conference to return back to my home state, Washington, so I can look at the ways WA is working to achieve a similar vision. The major piece that I took from this conference was that with a collaborative effort from all areas in the community this vision is attainable. Now, I am trying to envision my role in this movement and how I can bring the skills that I have learned in New England back to the Pacific Northwest.