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

There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. And for good reason! The caffeine and antioxidant content in coffee give it some big health benefits that make it a no-brainer for Boulder’s biohacking health-centric community. To be fair, coffee can have some doppio-sized disclaimers – compromised sleep, enhanced anxiety, gut agitation, and exposure to cancer-causing toxins in the beans, water, and to-go cups. But overall, the research shows that daily coffee consumption can save you years of healthy,... Read More

  In Boulder, we’re fortunate to have a health-centered community that supports us in breathing through life’s ups and downs. Boulder is a place where the mountains meet the sky, and the air itself seems to offer healing. This was especially true for me during a recent personal challenge that shook me deeply. I found solace in the support of Callie Taylor, a friend and local health coach, who helped me find my way back to my path, one breath at a time. Callie shared a breathing exercise that brought immediate relief to my heart, helping me release the grief I was carrying. It was... Read More

There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. But do those three things go together? The answer is not as simple as choosing dark or light roast, as coffee has both benefits and risks, depending on how much you drink, how you brew it, what you add to it, when you drink it, how you metabolize it, and – most importantly – which outcome(s) you focus on. Coffee’s “Big Shots” Coffee is more than just a delicious morning beverage; its caffeine and antioxidant content give it some... Read More

Boulder is famous for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and healthy lifestyle. But did you know that Boulder is also home to one of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the human gut microbiome? The American Gut Project, led by researchers at CU-Boulder and UC-San Diego, has analyzed the stool samples and dietary habits of over 10,000 volunteers from around the world and found some fascinating links between what we eat, how we feel, and what’s going on in our guts. The Gut Microbiome: Linking Your Food to Your Mood The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria,... Read More