The Nutritionist
Dawn Dobrovich, CNC
Natural Healing Institute of Naturopathy
While growing up in New Jersey, some of my favorite memories are of my father and I tending to our garden. It is called 'The Garden State' for a reason. There was nothing as good as pulling on a bunch of green, fluffy leaves sticking out of the ground and revealing a bright orange carrot covered in earth, well except tasting how surprisingly sweet it was. Or picking the brightest red cherry tomato from the vine and popping it right in my mouth to feel it burst full of flavor. And growing kohlrabi when most adults have never heard of it. Slicing it thin then sprinkling it with a light dusting of sea salt. I still love tending to a garden.
I went to school in NYC and have a degree in Fashion, but I've always kept my love for food and couldn't stay away. I've waited tables, tended bar and managed restaurants just to be around it. I recently had the experience of dining at Massimo Bottura's restaurant, Franceschetta 58, in Modena, Italy. He is a genius who has a gift of bringing out the true flavors from fruits and vegetables and creating a masterpiece.
I remember my Nana always being in the kitchen. Since she had 16 brothers and sisters it was often as if she were cooking at a restaurant full of guests. I have no idea how she did it in such a tiny kitchen and in Florida without air conditioning. She was gifted and passed that talent down to my Mom. My Mom was able to whip up a meal even when it looked like there wasn't anything in the refrigerator. It was truly amazing to watch her work and I'm grateful she passed this down to me. While I do prefer to plan meals and drive my son crazy when I ask him what he wants for dinner while he is eating breakfast, I can still pull things together last minute. And of course, I created a foodie in my son. As soon as he was able to read, he understood having a waiter bring him a child's menu was an insult. He's never been a cheap dinner date but it has always been worth it to watch him enjoy the finer foods in life!
~Most people Eat to Live, I'm pretty sure I Live to Eat!
YOUR SECOND BRAIN
It is said your gut is your second brain. There is an entire ecosystem of bacteria, a vast neural network, and a highway of chemicals and hormones operating in your gut that provide feedback to your brain. Since 95% of all serotonin is produced in the gut, your gut’s health can strongly influence your mood and not just your hunger.
SLEEP
Six hours of continuous sleep can be far more beneficial then 10 hours of lying in bed tossing and turning or scrolling through your phone. Along with a healthy diet, a proper nighttime routine can help you get the sleep your body needs and craves. Consistently getting a good night’s sleep will change your life!
INCREASE ENERGY
Not having enough energy to make it through the day is not something you have to accept as your fate. The why is most often caused by not eating the right food, not eating enough, food sensitivities, not getting high-quality sleep, not moving the body enough, dehydration or a vitamin/mineral deficiency.
HEALTHY WEIGHT
What is your healthy weight? Weight shouldn’t just be about the scale. Many people look great but are very unhealthy and feel terrible. Everyone has their own ‘sweet spot’ but this may not always be a realistic goal. It’s true, sometimes when you look good you feel good, but, when you feel good, you always look good!
KIDS NUTRITION
I believe we are never more vulnerable than when we become a first-time parent. It’s unfamiliar territory and we don’t want to mess things up. Sometimes we do what we are told instead of listening to our intuition. Kids eat what you give them. It should be your decision, not some huge food company’s marketing departments. It is important to get it right from the beginning. But changing it up as they grow can be done; it is just more challenging.
DETOXING
Detoxing is extremely popular these days and many people are ready to try it. While it is great to cleanse the body and purge toxins, a critical, and most often overlooked, first step is to be certain your body is efficient at elimination. I will look at what is working properly and what isn’t prior to you starting any detox program