By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 26, 2024
Ditch dieting. Make it a lifestyle! Feeling full is more than just eating. It’s about choosing the right foods. Let’s break down satiation and satiety and the best foods to promote long-lasting fullness. Satiation is the main process that determines when we stop eating. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 24, 2024
In the current allopathic medical model, patient visits are short with very little time for questions and discussion. Patients may feel unheard, rushed, and disempowered. This is what I call “passive medicine,” because the patient plays almost no active role in the healing process. Naturopathic doctors… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 8, 2024
This recipe is packed full of protein and fiber to keep your blood sugar stabilized and keep you feeling full for hours. Ingredients: 2 TBSP chia seeds ½ cup plus 2 TBSP unsweetened almond milk 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder (ie. Sunwarrior) 2 TBSP… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 4, 2024
Your eating environment affects your eating habits. In a world where processed food is ubiquitous, the kitchen is one of the only eating environments consumers are in control of. Keeping healthy food out on the counter, such as a fruit bowl, is correlated with… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2024
One of the beauties of collard wraps is that they make you feel ultra-gourmet. You can use them as a low carb wrap, they do not require a lot of time or effort, and they’re beautiful. After all, we eat with our eyes! And the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2024
Inspired by Starbucks’ popular egg bites Ingredients: 8 eggs 1/3 cup almond milk 8 ounce jar of sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup thawed and drained frozen spinach) 1 cup feta (optional- omit if you are dairy-free) Salt… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 17, 2024
In our pursuit of living longer, happier, healthier lives, we often encounter terms like “lifespan” and “healthspan.” What’s the difference? Live Longer: Lifespan Lifespan refers to the total number of years a person lives from birth to death, or in essence, the duration of life. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onFebruary 20, 2024
Buckwheat groats are rich in the flavonoids rutin and quercetin, which are both linked to reduced inflammation. Buckwheat groats are also a great source of fiber to support a healthy microbiome. In addition, buckwheat is rich in minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, and iron. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 31, 2024
If you love oatmeal in the morning but don’t want to spike your blood sugar, try these blood-sugar stabilizing carrot cake overnight oats. They are high in protein, packed with fiber, and take just minutes to prepare. Prep them the night before and wake up… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 4, 2024
Supercharge your smoothie with one of these superfood powders. The powdered version of these foods are easy to mix in smoothies, baked goods or oatmeal and are an efficient way to maximize your nutrition needs. They can also help boost your energy levels, support your… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 4, 2024
There is nothing more comforting than a cup of hot cocoa on a cold, wintry day. Put down the Swiss Miss and swap it for this hot cocoa packed full of superfoods- collagen, cacao powder, coconut oil and raw honey. And as an added energy… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 29, 2023
Moringa is a greens superfood powder, giving kale a run for its money. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, notably vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, zinc, and calcium. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been shown to regulate blood… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 29, 2023
Inability to lose weight is so often due to metabolic inflexibility. Our body has two main metabolic modes- sugar burning and fat burning. Sugar burning mode is like kindling on the fire. Fat burning mode is like putting a log on the fire. You need… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onDecember 6, 2023
Thai curries are one of my favorite foods. This recipe combines all the nourishing and comforting flavors of a Thai curry (coconut milk and spices) AND super-foods like bone broth, sweet potato, kale, ginger, and turmeric. And it’s one of the easiest soups you’ll make. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 5, 2023
Did you know that a cup of red peppers has almost 3x more vitamin C than an orange?! This soup is a delicious way to incorporate more immune-supportive vitamin C in your diet AND sneak in some other nutrient-packed veggies as well. I use jarred… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onNovember 1, 2023
This Butternut Squash Hummus is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Tahini makes it creamy (and full of satiating fat and bone-building calcium) and miso gives it an umami punch while also supporting your microbiome. I roast the squash with smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 27, 2023
We know alcohol is not good for us on a regular basis- its hard on the liver, increases the risk of cancer, negatively impacts the gut microbiome, triggers hot flashes and night sweats, promotes weight loss resistance, ramps up anxiety, disrupts sleep….the list can… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 24, 2023
As estrogen declines, the body is not as good at building muscle. This is why lifting weights and eating adequate protein is crucial during perimenopause. Combining strength training with increased protein intake is the best way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and thus boost metabolism. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 20, 2023
A battery of scientific evidence shows that if you want success in changing something, you should meet with groups of people doing the same. Approximately 12% of Americans are considered “metabolically healthy.” That means the other 88% of us aren’t meeting basic medical guidelines for… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 15, 2023
This 3-Ingredient Hearts of Palm “pasta” recipe is a staple of mine when I am in a hurry. Unlike most dried pastas, it does not need to be boiled (making it ready in a flash!), is low in carbs, and is packed full of fiber. Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onOctober 5, 2023
This apple crisp has all the tastes of apple pie but without the fuss. And it’s gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and full of fiber! Apple Filling Ingredients: 5-7 apples, chopped (I use Honeycrisp) 2 TBSP maple syrup 1 TBSP lemon juice 1 TBSP arrowroot starch… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 28, 2023
I love lightly cooking spinach. It makes it slightly less bitter and more appetizing, especially on a cold day. Ingredients: Warm Maple Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar 1 TBSP maple syrup 1 tsp Dijon mustard ¼ tsp smoked paprika Salt and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 28, 2023
The crispy chickpeas on this salad are like croutons only more nutrient-dense, adding fiber and protein to the salad. Forbidden rice is a black rice from Asia rich in both taste and nutritional value. It is so named because it was considered the Chinese Emperor’s… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onAugust 28, 2023
This hearty and healthy salad is made with turmeric-roasted sweet potatoes, lentils, arugula, feta, and candied pecans. Lentils provide soluble fiber- the type your microbiome love. You get an initial blunting of blood sugar just after eating beans. Then, hours later, after your gut… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 28, 2023
I encourage all of my patients with osteoporosis to eat collards regularly as they are full of bone-building minerals, notably calcium. One cup of collards provides about 300 mg calcium- the same amount in a cup of milk! Tahini (found in the dressing of this… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 21, 2023
A battery of scientific evidence shows that if you want success in changing something, you should meet with groups of people doing the same. My goal with this Perimenopause/Menopause Group Visit is to facilitate a support network among women and give women better tools to… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 14, 2023
I got turnips in my CSA box this week and was inspired to make turnip fries. Thank goodness for CSAs to inspire me to branch out of my typical “broccoli, green beans, and spinach” routine. The American Gut Study, the largest published study to date… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 13, 2023
Papaya is one of my favorite fruits. For one, it is such a vibrant, beautiful orange hue, adding a pop of color to your plate. After all, we first eat with our eyes. And not to mention its sweet (but not too sweet) flavor and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 7, 2023
I’m a big fan of smoothies. They are a great way to pack in superfoods: greens, flax, chia, berries, matcha, avocados, and maca. The possibilities are endless. But for a smoothie to keep your blood sugar stable and keep you feeling full for hours, it… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 5, 2023
This Creamy Green Basil Smoothie is bursting with a sweet herby flavor of summer. Strawberries are a relatively low sugar fruit and are packed full of antioxidants and fiber. While many smoothies are full of higher-sugar fruits (such as bananas, mango, and pineapple), this smoothie… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJuly 1, 2023
IBS is a BS diagnosis. I don’t want to discredit the symptoms associated with IBS because they are absolutely real…the abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea can be debilitating. I know all too well the significance of these symptoms because I myself have suffered,… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 21, 2023
This 5-Ingredient Spaghetti Squash recipe is a staple of mine when I am in a hurry. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and is packed full of fiber and protein. The spaghetti squash nests at Trader Joe’s have been pre-cooked and spaghetti-fied, then… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 18, 2023
So many women walk through our clinic doors complaining of fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and anxiety. My goal as a naturopathic doctor is to determine the WHY. These symptoms are often due to low ferritin. Ferritin is the storage form of iron. It’s the… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 12, 2023
Best sweeteners if you are metabolically healthy (ie. do not have insulin resistance, high blood sugar, obesity). Small amounts of the following natural sweeteners are ok since they are minimally processed: Maple syrup Honey Coconut sugar *These sweeteners will still spike your blood… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMay 12, 2023
Ashwagandha is one of the most common herbs we recommend here at Lakeside. It is one of my favorite adaptogenic herbs. In layman’s terms, adaptogens, such as Ashwagandha, make everyone in your life become less annoying! Here are some clinical applications of this rejuvenating herb:… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 21, 2023
These Chocolate Chip Tahini Blondies are a fiber-fueled, mineral-rich chocolatey treat. Tahini (or sesame seed paste) is one of the most nutrient dense foods. We typically think of it as an all- star ingredient in hummus, but there are so many… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 20, 2023
This is a staple in our house. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or you just need a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these Crockpot Chicken Tacos are sure to please the whole family. Super easy and super delicious! Ingredients: 1.5-2 lbs chicken breasts 1 jar… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 6, 2023
Menopause is a medical condition. Simply not true! Menopause is the natural change in your hormones, specifically a decline in estrogen and progesterone. It is also a transitional time in your life where you can speak your truth, honor your wisdom, and nurture yourself. Weight… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2023
Vitex (or chaste tree berry) is one of my go-to herbs for women struggling with PMS, PMDD, irregular periods, painful periods, and breast tenderness. It can also enhance fertility. How does vitex work? Vitex has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onApril 2, 2023
This is a bright yellow, super creamy turmeric ginger sauce that will brighten up your day. It is delicious drizzled over your favorite salads, bowls, or used as a dip for raw veggies. Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp turmeric 1… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 16, 2023
Manuka honey is made from bees in New Zealand and Australia where the nectar is harvested from Manuka flowers. Manuka honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are what set it apart from traditional honey. Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the active ingredient, which is… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 10, 2023
Here are 3 ways to boost your metabolism: 1. Drink green tea- EGCG, the bioactive constituent of green tea, can reduce body weight by decreasing fat cell differentiation and proliferation. One study has demonstrated that green tea extracts and drinks could reduce body weight and… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2023
When it’s cold outside, it can be hard to get in your daily green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, arugula, chard, collards). I admit in the cold winter months, salads and smoothies just aren’t as appetizing. But there is no excuse- we must find warming ways… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onMarch 1, 2023
Gut-Healing Carrot Turmeric Ginger Soup Serves 6 Soup is a great meal option on days when your stomach is upset as it gives your digestive tract a break from having to work hard to break down cold, raw foods. This soup in particular helps reduce… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 27, 2023
This is such a nourishing winter dish. It contains the Holy Trinity of Immunity- garlic, ginger, and onion. High in fiber and packed full of cleansing greens- you can’t go wrong with this stew. Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 3… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 14, 2023
Quinoa Stuffing Gut health tip: Sometimes quinoa can be difficult to digest, resulting in bloating. Soak your quinoa in water and 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar for at least an hour (I often soak it overnight). Then rinse well before cooking it. This will help… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 14, 2023
Inflammation is at the root cause of heart disease. Elevated insulin, elevated blood sugar, inflammatory trans fats, and homocysteine (an inflammatory protein in the blood) irritate and inflame the lining of our blood vessels, or the endothelium. This initiates the process of coronary artery disease. Recent… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 5, 2023
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that is often referred to the “mushroom of immortality” as it has traditionally been used to promote longevity and support overall health and vitality. Here are some benefits Reishi: Immune support: This study shows… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 5, 2023
These are the foods I try not to go a day without: Walnuts– rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which support a healthy brain. Turmeric– has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. I literally add it to everything!… Read More
By Sarah Axtell, ND onJanuary 5, 2023
1. Stick to whole foods with minimal ingredient lists. If you are buying food out of a package, immediately turn it around and read the ingredients. A food may only be 100 calories but it may contain a whole host of inflammatory ingredients, such… Read More