I am currently reading  Dr. William Sears newest offering, The NDD Book.  NDD stands for Nutrient Deficit Disorder and Dr. Sears believes that it is a contributing factor to many of the “D disorders,” from ADHD to GERD to diabetes, that are becoming alarmingly prevalent in kids.  This is my favorite quote so far:

“You put junk food into a child’s brain, you get back junk behavior, junk learning, and junk mood.  It’s as simple as that!”

Now, we know it isn’t always as simple as that.  But, almost always, what we eat matters.  Most medical conditions are a complex blend of genetics and environment.  Often times, we emphasize the genes, which we can’t change, over the environment, which we can.

However, change is easier said then done.  The culture of food in the United States is totally deranged.  Much of what constitutes “food” now would be totally unrecognizable to our great-grandparents.

So it becomes the responsibility of  families to create a culture of real food and pass that legacy down to their children.

So where do we start?  As my patients know, I frequently recommend two cookbooks – Whole Life Nutrition and Feeding the Whole Family.  Both of these books are not only full of family – friendly recipes, but they provide a basic groundwork for whole foods cooking.  Many of us don’t know how to cook whole grains, use dried beans or make tasty vegetable dishes.  No worries, because these cookbooks provide simple instructions that will have you cruising the bulk aisle and perusing new produce in no time.

Get cooking!

Dr. Caitlin

With the Winter Rejuvenation cleanse coming to a close, I invited my dear friend, owner and creative director of Sol Vida Dance!,  April Charmaine, to guest blog about her personal experience with the program.  I was impressed and inspired by what she had to say.  Enjoy!

After putting on major weight by indulging in every single thing imaginable –  brie cheeses, cakes, cookies, hams, Irish liqueurs and wine nearly every day of November and December – I was feeling on the verge of a physical, mental, and psychological crisis.

Then along came my friend, Dr. O’Connor and the All Families Natural Health Winter Rejuvenation program. I’d wanted to cleanse my body for sometime now, but didn’t have the conviction or moral support to do it. On January 18, I found out that would I be saying goodbye to all my best friends: caffeine, animal products, GLUTEN, SUGAR, and alcohol. What I didn’t know at the time is that I would be saying goodbye to my monthly PMS migraine, my general lack of energy, my constant need for a vice, and extra weight and inches.

After the second week of the cleanse, I really began to get over my withdrawal symptoms and began to feel a “zinging” energy which I’m still maintaining today. Three weeks later, my zest for life has dramatically increased and I am producing like never before. I truly believe this is because I am taking care of myself by eating whole foods and  drinking so much more water. Go figure, it is actually not that difficult.

I have gained so much from Dr. O’Connor’s guidance through this program.  I feel that if I take even half of the habits I’ve acquired through this process with me, I am going to be a much happier and healthier  person for a much longer time. I love looking in my food cabinets now and seeing an array of bulk items, medicinal foods and so much less packaging   My  fridge is  filled with things that I’ve actually made and that actually taste good. I am building that healthy, whole foods kitchen I always craved and desired. And imagine me –  a total sweets freak – who can hardly handle the sweetness of raisins now!

I authentically feel really good!

April Charmaine, Artistic Director, Sol Vida Dance!

I hope you all are well.  January flew right by and February is threatening to do the same.  I have a busy month planned including some great talks scheduled at two of my favorite local mom and baby meccas.  First, on February 10th, Dr. Bryan Kono (a fabulous pediatrician from Partners in Pediatrics) and I will be discussing Hot Topics: Immunization and Circumcision with the lovely ladies at Belly Bliss.

Then on February 16th, I am debuting my “Lunch and Learn” series at The Giggling Green Bean.  The topic this month is What, Where, When and Why: An Exploration of Food Introduction. I’ll be  presenting a new topic every third Tuesday of the month, so mark your calendars and join the discussion.

Hope to see you there!

Dr. Caitlin