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Eating Disorders are Real Mental Health Issues Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions recognized clinically but largely minimized by the healthcare industry and society as a whole.…
Eating Disorders are…
Eating Disorders are Real Mental Health Issues Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions recognized clinically but largely minimized by the healthcare industry and society as a whole. This is especially true of binge eating disorder (BED), a clinical mental health diagnosis that involves discrete episodes of binge eating, in which individuals consume large amounts of food quickly and persistently (~1/wk for >3 months in 2-hour periods), often feeling a lack of control, guilt, and shame. Like all eating disorders, BED can lead to significant distress and health …
Brenna Bray
January 19, 2025
In the heart of Boulder, CO, a new battle is brewing against the predatory practices of the food industry. This fight echoes the historic struggle against Big Tobacco, drawing alarming parallels betwe…
In the heart of Boul…
In the heart of Boulder, CO, a new battle is brewing against the predatory practices of the food industry. This fight echoes the historic struggle against Big Tobacco, drawing alarming parallels between the two. The Rise of Big Food Just as Big Tobacco once manipulated public perception and downplayed the dangers of smoking, Big Food has employed similar tactics. From the 1980s to the present day, these companies have created environments that promote unhealthy eating habits, leading to a surge in eating disorders. "With tobacco, we were working on these treatm…
Brenna Bray
January 18, 2025
Boulder, Colorado, is a lively city celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery, abundant outdoor recreational options, and a strong community spirit. For parents who want to keep their children p…
Boulder, Colorado, i…
Boulder, Colorado, is a lively city celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery, abundant outdoor recreational options, and a strong community spirit. For parents who want to keep their children physically active without incurring costs, Boulder offers a treasure trove of free / low cost activities that promote exercise, creativity, and exploration. Here are some active, affordable things parents can do with their kids in the Boulder area. Explore the Boulder Creek PathThe Boulder Creek Path is a picturesque, paved trail that follows the creek. Families can walk, jog, or bike along the p…
Brenna Bray
January 16, 2025
In a groundbreaking decision for Boulder and National public health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food products and ingested medication…
In a groundbreaking …
In a groundbreaking decision for Boulder and National public health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food products and ingested medications. This significant action comes more than thirty years after initial studies revealed concerning links between the dye and cancer in animal models. The FDA's announcement, prompted by a petition from various advocacy organizations, represents a crucial step toward enhancing consumer safety and health standards. Overview of Red Dye No. 3 Red Dye No. 3, scientifically known as erythrosine, is…
Brenna Bray
January 15, 2025
In the heart of Boulder, CO, Dr. Brenna Bray, PhD founded and leads the NourishED Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit research foundation that uses research to improve awareness, pre…
In the heart of Boul…
In the heart of Boulder, CO, Dr. Brenna Bray, PhD founded and leads the NourishED Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit research foundation that uses research to improve awareness, prevention, treatment, and the lived experiences of eating disorders and other mental health disparities. Among its many activities, NourishED uses research to raise awareness about the ways predatory food industry practices and environments significantly impact disordered relationships with food and eating, which can lead to eating disorders. The Rise of Big Food Just as Big Tobacco once manipul…
Brenna Bray
January 15, 2025
In a groundbreaking lawsuit, 18-year-old Bryce Martinez from Warrington, Pennsylvania, has taken on 11 major food companies, claiming that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are as addictive as cig…
In a groun…
In a groundbreaking lawsuit, 18-year-old Bryce Martinez from Warrington, Pennsylvania, has taken on 11 major food companies, claiming that ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are as addictive as cigarettes and have led to serious health issues, including fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. In a groundbreaking lawsuit, an 18-year-old Pennsylvanian takes on 11 major food companies, claiming their ultraprocessed foods are as addictive as cigarettes and have lead to serious health issues, including fatty liver disease, Type 2 diabetes, and - Dr. Brenna Bray (pHD) adds - eat…
Brenna Bray
January 11, 2025
In Boulder, where the mountains stand as silent witnesses to the resilience of nature, a similar strength is found in the hearts of those who seek healing. Ellie Grey Ashton, a Colorado local with an …
In Boulder, where th…
In Boulder, where the mountains stand as silent witnesses to the resilience of nature, a similar strength is found in the hearts of those who seek healing. Ellie Grey Ashton, a Colorado local with an MS in Psychology, PhD candidacy in Psychology/Developmental Psychology, and an alphabet list of healing certifications, is a testament to this. From Adversity to Empathy Ashton identifies himself as an empathetic leader who earned a “full-ride” NCAA DI football scholarship at the Virginia Military Institute. In his own healing journey, Ashton earned certifications in advanced herbalism, a…
Brenna Bray
March 24, 2024
In Boulder, we’re known for our forward-thinking community and the inspiring natural beauty that surrounds us. It’s the perfect setting for envisioning a brighter future and taking the steps to ma…
In Boulder, we’re …
In Boulder, we’re known for our forward-thinking community and the inspiring natural beauty that surrounds us. It’s the perfect setting for envisioning a brighter future and taking the steps to make it a reality. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, professional achievements, or a more fulfilling lifestyle, the journey begins with a clear vision of your future self. This column will guide you through a simple yet powerful exercise adapted from ancient Hawaiian Healing techniques to help you bridge the gap between your current self and the person you aspire to be. Ready to start?…
Brenna Bray
March 23, 2024
As Boulder’s own remarkable matron, Chris Bray, LP, MA, PhD, approaches her 75th birthday, we take a moment to step back into the pages of her past, which read like an adventure novel. In…
As Boulder’s own r…
As Boulder’s own remarkable matron, Chris Bray, LP, MA, PhD, approaches her 75th birthday, we take a moment to step back into the pages of her past, which read like an adventure novel. In 1973, Bray and her newlywed husband, Tim, embarked on a year-long odyssey that would see them traverse the globe on a shoestring budget, a testament to their adventurous spirits and setting the standard for living bolder before it became Boulder’s way of life. Go On, Take the Money and Run In April, 1973, the newlywed couple Chris and Tim Bray made a bold decision to trade their weddi…
Brenna Bray
March 21, 2024
Feline Elegance on the Catwalk Strutting down the runway of life with unparalleled grace and a wardrobe that would make any fashionista purr with envy, Petunia Adams is not just any feline—she’…
Feline Elegance on t…
Feline Elegance on the Catwalk Strutting down the runway of life with unparalleled grace and a wardrobe that would make any fashionista purr with envy, Petunia Adams is not just any feline—she’s Boulder’s next top model and our adored “Cat of the Week.” From Foster Care to Forever Home Petunia’s rise to fame began in the cozy confines of Payton Adams’ heart and home. Payton, a former cat foster parent, has a history of caring for cats with compelling backstories, from Mauna Kea with her musical namesake to Don Juan, the sneezing romantic. Yet, it was Petunia who stole th…
Brenna Bray
March 19, 2024
As Boulder dons its festive hues of green, St. Patrick’s Day brings a fresh take on tradition with a focus on cabbage, a leafy powerhouse that’s stealing the show from corned beef. The Humble…
As Boulder dons its …
As Boulder dons its festive hues of green, St. Patrick’s Day brings a fresh take on tradition with a focus on cabbage, a leafy powerhouse that’s stealing the show from corned beef. The Humble Cabbage: A St. Patrick’s Staple Cabbage has long been associated with St. Patrick’s Day, often served alongside corned beef in a meal that’s become a tradition in the United States. The corned beef and cabbage tradition became a St. Patrick’s Day staple in America as Irish immigrants substituted the more affordable corned beef for their traditional Irish bacon, pairing it with cabbage …
Brenna Bray
March 17, 2024
Nestled among the majestic peaks of Boulder, Colorado, lies a verdant treasure trove: dark leafy greens. These emerald wonders thrive in our crisp mountain air, offering a wealth of health benefits y…
Nestled among the ma…
Nestled among the majestic peaks of Boulder, Colorado, lies a verdant treasure trove: dark leafy greens. These emerald wonders thrive in our crisp mountain air, offering a wealth of health benefits year-round. Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or any ordinary day, let’s explore how these greens can elevate your well-being. The Nutritional Powerhouses Dark leafy greens are like nature’s secret handshake—a promise of vitality and nourishment. Here’s why they deserve a permanent spot on your plate: Vitamins Galore: Boulder’s kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens de…
Brenna Bray
March 17, 2024
In the quaint town of Boulder, where history buffs and feline aficionados often cross paths, a curious caper unfolded at a local tea party that has since become the talk of the town. The culprit? None…
In the quaint town o…
In the quaint town of Boulder, where history buffs and feline aficionados often cross paths, a curious caper unfolded at a local tea party that has since become the talk of the town. The culprit? None other than Prince Eugene, an 11-pound American shorthair cat with a penchant for pastries and a name steeped in military prowess. A Tea Party with a Historical Twist Angela Naus, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) by day and a history enthusiast by night and weekend, decided to throw a costume-optional tea party to celebrate her love for the Napoleonic Era. The table was set with…
Brenna Bray
March 16, 2024
In Boulder, a city that champions holistic health, residents find solace in the embrace of nature and the community’s commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At the heart of this s…
In Boulder, a city t…
In Boulder, a city that champions holistic health, residents find solace in the embrace of nature and the community’s commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At the heart of this sanctuary is Naropa University, a hub of contemplative education inspired by the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Here, the Buddhist concept of “Brilliant Sanity” offers a profound perspective on inner healing and self-compassion. Understanding Brilliant Sanity Brilliant Sanity suggests that beneath our psychological distress lies an untouched core of clarity, compassion, and wisdom.…
Brenna Bray
March 15, 2024
In the heart of Boulder, where health and wellness are as much a part of the city as the Flatirons, soy has taken its rightful place as a nutritional powerhouse. This humble bean, often enjoyed as eda…
In the heart of Boul…
In the heart of Boulder, where health and wellness are as much a part of the city as the Flatirons, soy has taken its rightful place as a nutritional powerhouse. This humble bean, often enjoyed as edamame, is not only a complete protein but also a rich source of vitamins and minerals essential for our well-being. "Edamame is one of my favorite staple super-foods," Boulder super-athlete Brenna Bray, PhD says, "it's nutritious and delicious!" Edamame: The Complete Protein Edamame (AKA soybeans) punches above its weight, much like Boulder itself. They’re packed with protein, provid…
Brenna Bray
March 13, 2024
Welcome to the world of plant-based nutrition, where health meets taste and every meal is an opportunity for nourishment. Whether you’re an athlete, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about plan…
Welcome to the world…
Welcome to the world of plant-based nutrition, where health meets taste and every meal is an opportunity for nourishment. Whether you’re an athlete, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about plant-based eating, let’s explore three super-sources of complete protein (protein sources that contain all nine (9) essential amino acids that our body needs to build our muscles and tissues but can’t produce on its own). As a plant-based ultra-marathon runner, health coach, and health and wellness researcher and professor, I make my health a priority and these three complete proteins are key…
Brenna Bray
March 12, 2024
The "Boulder Skyline Traverse" is one of Boulder's iconic mountain running trails that summits each of the 5 mountain peaks that etch the Boulder skyline. At 35 miles and 10,500 ft vertical gain, the …
The "Boulder Skyline…
The "Boulder Skyline Traverse" is one of Boulder's iconic mountain running trails that summits each of the 5 mountain peaks that etch the Boulder skyline. At 35 miles and 10,500 ft vertical gain, the out-and-back traverse provides a long day of physical and emotional ups and downs -- not unlike life itself. As a health coach, I find my tools for achieving success on ultra-marathon mountain runs like the Boulder Skyline Traverse apply equally well to life's often challenging and trying ups and downs. AboutBoulder ultra-marathon mountain runner and health coach, Brenna Bray, PhD, asc…
Brenna Bray
March 10, 2024
Boulder is known for its vibrant tech scene, where entrepreneurs and innovators create cutting-edge solutions for the world’s problems. But what happens when we need to step out and unplug? Meet Ar…
Boulder is known for…
Boulder is known for its vibrant tech scene, where entrepreneurs and innovators create cutting-edge solutions for the world’s problems. But what happens when we need to step out and unplug? Meet Ara Howard, founder of Dojo4, one of Boulder's first start-up software companies, which recently closed its doors after nearly 15 years of success. Ara (pronounced Ae-Rah) is not your typical tech mogul. He grew up off-grid in Palmer, Alaska, where he learned to appreciate the beauty of art, nature, and “honest, simple living.” Howard (left), co-founder of one of Boulder's first start-up…
Brenna Bray
March 9, 2024
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