Food As Medicine and Clearing The Path

I am heading out to Washington D.C. (actually Bethesda) next week for the Center for Mind-Body Medicine's Food As Medicine Training. This is one of the ultimate trainings on my list of must-do's. I am very excited to be learning more about how to use food as medicine so that I can integrate new holistic clinical pearls into my practice. My current clients and future clients will be the real winners as a result of my attending this training. I also plan to work some of this new information into a presentation I am giving for Global Nutrition Services' annual training. Apparently Food As Medicine is something that GNS dietitians want to know about, and I am honored to have been asked to speak to them on this topic. Perfect timing--everything always works out just as it should.

I wish that I could be an activist while in D.C., but hopefully next time. Recently I've been planning an improved professional path. One free of clutter and projects that don't serve my creativity and passion. I am doing this so that I can clear the way for what matters most to me. My well-being, my purpose, my family and serving the local, national and global community on many levels. Teaching clients and professionals how to achieve/facilitate optimal health and wellness as well as being an activist for sustainable food policies are at the top of my list as a professional and as a good food citizen. As a spouse and a mother, my priorities are to be fully present with my family and to make time each day to meet everyone's needs (including my own!).

These are big goals, but with commitment and coaching, I can achieve this and so much more. Yes, I said coaching. My style when working with clients is that of a coach as well, meaning that I do not just tell my clients what to do (that is so 20th century). A coach teaches you explore your motivation for reaching your objectives and guides you in setting small, achievable goals that will get you there. You meet with your coach regularly to follow up on what is working and not working, and are guided through problem-solving sessions so that you can continue to move forward in reaching your desired end result. I believe in this way of working with clients so much that I have my own coaches who are helping me to reach my personal and professional goals. Coaching works, and it's the wave of the future in health care, so get on board!

Something I will be doing in D.C. is voting with my fork.
I will be dining at Restaurant Nora--the world's first Certified Organic Restaurant. I've checked out the menu, and I will most definitely be having the Applewood Smoked Amish Duck Breast. I am a sucker for duck. Can't resist it if it's on the menu, and I'm guessing that I won't be disappointed. I love a good, sustainable dining experience!

Stay tuned for my critique of Restaurant Nora's when I return from Washington.