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Acorn Health Blog

What we love is great health...

...and we like to write about how we can all achieve better health, naturally. Sometimes tips on how you can DIY to better health and sometimes on the therapies that can make a difference to you, your health and wellbeing.
Thank you for reading, We hope you enjoy :)

Curious about Nutritional Therapy?

Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Wed, September 25, 2024 11:52AM

 Nutritional therapy stands at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being. Rooted in the belief that food is medicine, this practice harnesses the power of nutrition to support and optimize bodily functions, aiming to prevent and alleviate health imbalances.

Origins and History
Nutritional therapy finds its roots in traditional healing systems that have recognized the profound impact of diet on health for centuries. Ancient civilizations, from Ayurveda in India to Traditional Chinese Medicine, emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition for overall well-being. In the West, pioneers like Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, famously stated, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” 🍎🌿

Applications and Approach
Today, nutritional therapy integrates these ancient insights with modern nutritional science and personalized medicine. Practitioners assess an individual’s dietary intake, lifestyle factors, and health history to develop customized nutrition plans. These plans are designed to address specific health concerns, optimize nutrient intake, and support the body’s innate healing mechanisms. 💡🍽️

Nutritional therapists consider not only the nutritional content of food but also how factors such as food sensitivities, gut health, and metabolic function influence overall health. They may incorporate therapeutic diets, targeted nutrient supplementation, and lifestyle modifications to achieve optimal health outcomes. 🥗✨

Benefits and Outcomes
The benefits of nutritional therapy are diverse and individualized, depending on the unique needs of each client. Common outcomes reported include:

– Improved digestion and nutrient absorption 🍽️🌿
– Enhanced energy levels and vitality ⚡️💪
– Weight management and metabolic support 🏋️‍♂️🍏
– Balanced mood and mental clarity 😌🧠
– Support for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders 🩺💚
– Enhanced immune function and resilience to illness 🛡️💪

Nutritional therapy offers a holistic framework for promoting health and well-being through personalized nutrition guidance. By recognizing the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and health outcomes, this approach empowers individuals to take an active role in optimizing their health and vitality. 🌿💫

Find out more about Nutritional Therapy at Acorn


Mind Your Weight at Acorn

General Health & Wellbeing, Personal stories, Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, July 30, 2024 11:24AM

by Jan Cooper, Nutritional Therapist

You’ve probably noticed Mind Your Weight at Acorn and wondered if it’s for you. We’re not your run of the mill diet group, or about making you feel hungry and depriving yourself, we are all about understanding what to eat, and when and how to eat it so that you lose weight sustainably and keep it off for the long term. Isn’t that what most people want? You might have a few pounds to lose so you fit into your clothes more comfortably or you might feel you’ve lost control and have really piled the weight on over the years – wherever you are, we’re here to help.

We are Sally (Clinical Hypnotherapist) and Jan (Nutritional Therapist), and have been running Mind Your Weight for a while now and are seeing some great results, but don’t just take our word for it…

Read about C who has been coming to MYW since February. When C first joined Mind Your Weight, she was facing a frustrating challenge many women experience around menopause—persistent weight gain, especially around her middle. Despite being diligent with exercise and previous attempts to lose weight, the stubborn pounds just wouldn’t budge.

C came into the program with an open mind and ready to try something new. She was open to leaving behind the typical weight loss advice she had always followed, like low-fat diets, calorie counting, and cutting down portion sizes. Instead, she was eager to discover a different approach. She embraced the Mind Your Weight program and learned so much about food, her body, and her mind. Here’s what she discovered:

I learnt which foods to eat and why they were beneficial for me. I started to understand the nutritional value of these foods and how they contributed to my overall health. I learnt exactly what to put on my plate!

The program taught me about how the body functions and why certain weight loss methods work and why some result in rebound weight gain. This all helped me to make smarter choices and feel more confident in what to eat.

They taught us about the psychological side of eating – why we sometimes make unhealthy choices or fall into habits that don’t support our weight loss. It’s all about learning practical techniques to help keep us on the right path. This made it easier for me to stay on track and make better decisions.

The most exciting part was how it helped me integrate new, healthy habits into my everyday life. These changes didn’t feel like a struggle or a strict diet—they became part of my everyday routine and made me feel great too!

I lost 7 kilograms (over a stone) in 4 months without ever feeling like I was on a diet. It wasn’t a quick fix and as the weight gradually came off, I felt healthier and that I was developing lasting habits.

C’s experience of Mind Your Weight is a wonderful example of how a holistic approach to weight management can make a real difference. By focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of eating, she was able to change her relationship with food and embrace a healthier lifestyle. C is happy that she is now much more in control of her weight and body shape and is confident in her ability to keep it off for good. The bonus is that she’s also healthier too!

Find out more about Mind Your Weight at Acorn


Elevate Your Salad Game: National Salad Week Edition

General Health & Wellbeing, Workshops & Classes Posted by JadwigaPosted on Tue, May 28, 2024 10:46AM

by Sally Race

Hello salad enthusiasts and weight loss warriors! As we gear up to celebrate National Salad Week from June 1st to 7th, there’s no better time to give our leafy greens the spotlight they deserve. At Mind Your Weight, we’re all about making healthy eating enjoyable and effective, and what better way to do that than by reinventing the humble salad?

Salad Savvy: Making Greens Great Again

Let’s face it, salads have often been unfairly tagged as boring or bland. But fear not, because we’re here to revolutionise your salad game and turn those greens into a mouth-watering masterpiece! 

The key? Creativity and flavour-packed ingredients that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).

The Do’s and Don’ts of Salad Success

When it comes to crafting a salad that’s both delicious and conducive to weight loss, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

Avoid the Trap of Empty Calories: Say goodbye to croutons and creamy dressings that can sabotage your weight loss efforts. These calorie bombs add little nutritional value and can quickly turn your healthy salad into a calorie-laden indulgence.

Embrace Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Load up your salad with colourful veggies like beetroot, spinach, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Not only are they packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also add a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour to every bite.

Protein Power: Don’t skimp on the protein! Whether you prefer grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, adding a source of lean protein to your salad will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, helping to curb those pesky cravings.

Healthy Fats for the Win: Avocado, nuts, and seeds are not only delicious additions to your salad but also provide a dose of healthy fats that are essential for overall health and satiety. Plus, they add a creamy texture and rich flavour that takes your salad to the next level.

Dress to Impress: Opt for homemade vinaigrettes or light dressings made with olive oil and raw apple cider vinegar instead of store-bought varieties loaded with added sugars and preservatives. A little goes a long way, so drizzle lightly to enhance the flavours without overdoing it.

The Bottom Line

National Salad Week is the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and reinvent the way you think about salads. By focusing on nutrient-rich ingredients, avoiding empty calories, and embracing bold flavours, you can enjoy delicious salads that support your weight loss goals without sacrificing taste. So grab your chopping board and get ready to elevate your salad game to new heights!

For more tips, recipes, insights and so so much more, join us at one of our Mind Your Weight classes (https://www.mindyourweight.uk) and let’s make this National Salad Week one to remember!