Posts by Dr. Samantha
Your Values, Your Healthcare – A Story
[this is an excerpt on values from my book Overcoming Overwhelm if you would like a full chapter (for free!) just click here.] About 15 years ago, a woman named Susan came to see me for high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure, a cluster of symptoms we call metabolic syndrome. She was 53 years…
Read MoreFall Chinese Medicine Tips to Stay Healthy
In Chinese Medicine autumn represents the transition season from the height of yang or active energy of summer into the passive or yin energy of winter. The season is associated with the Metal element and the Lung organ network. Just as the lungs and the breath help to establish a rhythm within our bodies, fall…
Read MoreCook This: Delicious Fall Recipes
The transition into the season of fall is beautifully illustrated by the changing of leaves to reds, oranges, and yellows. Dryness plays a pivotal role in this seasonal display as trees prepare to conserve energy for the winter months by drawing their moisture in away from the leaves and down deep to the trunk and…
Read MoreBack to School- Keeping the Kids (and Yourself!) Healthy
It’s not just kids and parents who get sick in the fall. More sick kids = more sick parents = more sick people sneezing on your kale. We spend more time inside as the weather cools down. We find ourselves getting less exercise. We are more likely to turn to poor habits as we head…
Read MoreCook This: Pork Chops (or grilled chicken!) with Spicy Peach Salsa
Grilled pork chops are an easy and lovely staple summer dish in our house. Protein forward with a light taste. The peaches make add some sweet, the adobo chiles add some spicy, and the cilantro adds a delicious depth. We always make some extra chops to freeze for later with our Food Saver (these things…
Read MoreOvercoming Overwhelm: You Can’t Fail at Self Care
[this is an excerpt on true self care from my book Overcoming Overwhelm if you would like a full chapter (for free! just click here.] There will always be times when you get off track—times you accidentally oversleep and don’t get to the gym, times you forget to plan for dinner and end up going…
Read More5 Rules for Choosing the Right Protein Powder
Some people feel that using protein powder to get protein levels up is cheating. I disagree. Given that getting enough protein is an important part of steady energy, even mood, and stable blood sugar, I personally feel that it is often a great option for a boost. You can check out another post I wrote…
Read MoreMy Favorite Macro Balanced Smoothie
A smoothie is an easy way to get a little bit of extra protein in your day, And adding it in around your workout can help with muscle gains! Until recently I really tried to get that protein within 20 minutes after a weightlifting workout. We’re beginning to find that it’s ok before as…
Read MoreThe Top Three Mental Traps that Keep You Stuck in Overwhelm
Today I’m back with a pretty bold statement: The cycle of overwhelm, stress, fatigue, burnout, and ill health is epidemic in our culture. It’s not that society’s demands to do-it-all (and with a smile) are causing our ill health or symptoms, but these demands pile on top of all of the other things that we…
Read MoreTo Sunscreen or Not to Sunscreen?
Why wear sunscreen? Put simply, to keep our skin from burning: Sunburns are linked to cancer. It is not known if sunscreen use prevents skin cancers like melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, but it does lower your risk. Keep in mind that sunburn is different than sun exposure. Regular sun exposure can means higher vitamin…
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