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Three Takeaways from the Colorado Food as Medicine Summit
Now in its third year, the Colorado Food Is Medicine Summit, hosted by Project Angel Heart and Kaiser Permanente, is a one-day event that brings together leaders, practitioners, and advocates to explore innovative programs, share research, and build sustainable solutions that place nutrition at the center of care. For me, it was a valuable opportunity to learn from experts in the field and to reconnect with clinicians, community health advocates, and organizations engaged in similar work, including many familiar faces. After a full day of conversation, here are three key takeaways that stood out to me and highlight how this…
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Dietary Guidelines vs. Diabetes Care: What Works, What Doesn’t
If you work in the nutrition, wellness, or public health space or honestly if you were just on the internet this week, you probably noticed the stir around the release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2025–2030 update has arrived with no shortage of commentary, critique, endorsements, and of course, funny and creative memes. Love them or hate them, these guidelines are clearly fueling plenty of online chatter. But what does all of this actually mean for people living with diabetes? Are these new guidelines helpful or harmful? And how do they stack up against the nutrition guidance outlined…
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Banning Artificial Food Dyes: Health Risk or Overreaction?
Lately, I’ve been fielding more questions than usual about food dyes, and I can’t help but wonder if the recent ban on six harmful food dyes in California schools is sparking more concern. Many of my clients are increasingly worried about how these dyes might affect their health goals—whether it’s weight loss, diabetes prevention, or overall wellness. The conversation around food dyes is gaining momentum, and it’s clear that people are paying attention to the potential impact on their health. For a long time, my mindset was, “If it’s on the market, it must be safe.” But since having a…
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The Weight of the Nation: Insights from the Global Health Data Exchange
A recent article published in The Lancet highlights the concerning status of overweight and obesity in the United States, providing a stark look at the trajectory of this public health crisis. Not only are the numbers projected to rise, but the data also underscores a troubling reality: efforts to combat overweight and obesity over the past 30 years have been largely ineffective. I’m no public health expert, but this clearly calls for a critical reassessment of current strategies and the adoption of a more comprehensive approach. Could this study be the wake-up call we need? Study Overview and Data Analysis…
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Are “Forever Chemicals” Really Forever?
I’d be lying if I said I thought much about the chemicals in my food or cookware. If they’re on the market in the U.S., they must be safe, right? But now, with a toddler at home, I feel a strong obligation to consider these health concerns—especially regarding PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. What are these “forever chemicals”? How do they end up in my food? Should I be worried, and what can I realistically do? If you’ve had similar questions, let’s take a closer look at some of these recent health claims and explore practical strategies to reduce…
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A Closer Dive into the “Food is Medicine” Debate
What we eat has profound effects on our health and well-being. Research shows that dietary habits can influence the risk of developing various diseases; while some foods may contribute to chronic health conditions, others offer therapeutic and protective benefits. This has led many to advocate for the concept of “Food is Medicine,” emphasizing nutrition’s potential to prevent and manage disease. But what about when conventional medicine is necessary? Are we asking patients to choose between food and pharmacology? Let’s take a closer look at the “Food is Medicine” debate to explore how nutrition and traditional medicine can complement each other…
