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, acceptance... Read More

In the heart of Boulder, Dr. Bray stands as a pillar of health and wellness, reshaping the community with her integrative approach to nutrition and well-being. As a Certified Health Coach and a PhD holder in Biomedical Science and Neuroscience, she not only calls Boulder home but also dedicates her life to its betterment. Through her deep research into health challenges such as obesity and addiction and her holistic view that true health encompasses physical, emotional, and mental balance, Dr. Bray offers more than just guidance; she offers a pathway to a rejuvenated life. Her personalized, evidence-based... Read More

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 due to... Read More

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 deliver a vitamin-packed... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More

Boulder is known for its vibrant and active community, with many people who enjoy outdoor activities and sports. But did you know that there is a simple and delicious way to boost your athletic performance and health? The answer is beets, the humble root vegetable that has amazing benefits for your body and mind. Beets’ Antioxidant Boost: Betalains Beets are powerhouse sources of antioxidants as well as a variety of additional vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to inflammation, aging, and chronic... Read More

If you live in Boulder, Colorado, you probably know someone who follows a vegan or ketogenic (keto) diet. Maybe you are one of them. But do you know how these diets affect your immune system and your health? We all worry that vegan diets are protein-deficient and keto diets can clog arteries, but is this true? A recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)1,2 reveals some surprising insights into how switching to a vegan or a keto diet rapidly impacts your immune system, metabolism, and gut microbiome in just 2 weeks.      Study Design The study involved 20 healthy volunteers who... Read More

Breaking barriers in the world of health and wellness, Dr. Brenna Bray has been named Blogger of the Month for AboutBoulder.com marking a historic milestone in the industry. This achievement not only highlights her exceptional contribution to the field but also celebrates her dedication to inspiring and educating others. Based in the vibrant city of Boulder, Colorado, Dr. Bray’s impact reaches far beyond her local community, resonating with a global audience. About Dr. Brenna Bray Dr. Brenna Bray, a prominent figure in the health and wellness sphere, has been a trailblazer in promoting... Read More