Welcome to Our Blog for Nutrition + Optimal Health!!
All Posts
The Science of Serotonin: How Your Gut Produces the Happiness Hormone
Did you know that up to 95% of your serotonin—the "happiness hormone"—is made in your gut, not your brain? This powerful connection between your gut and your mood is part of a fascinating system called the gut–brain axis. In this article, we’ll explore how your microbiome helps produce serotonin, why gut health matters for mental wellness, and the simple nutrition and lifestyle steps you can take to support both. If you’ve ever felt “off” in your digestion and your emotions, this is the science you’ve been waiting for.
Ask the Expert: Q&A on Summer Nutrition
Planning summer adventures? From road trips to park days, this Q&A blog answers your top nutrition questions so you can stay nourished and energized—wherever the summer takes you.
Simple Anti-Inflammatory Meals for Real Life: Quick Recipes to Nourish and Thrive
Feeling a little creaky in the mornings or noticing brain fog, fatigue, or stubborn weight that just won’t budge? These could be signs of chronic inflammation — In this blog, you’ll discover quick and easy anti-inflammatory recipes packed with nutrient-dense, healing ingredients like turmeric, berries, leafy greens, and healthy fats. From a vibrant Golden Smoothie to a creamy Chocolate Cinnamon Chia Pudding, these delicious ideas will help you nourish your body and feel your best — even on your busiest days.
Gut Health for Weight Loss: Why It’s the Missing Link in Your 2025 Plan
Struggling with weight loss despite your best efforts? The secret to lasting success might lie in your gut. Your gut microbiome plays a powerful role in metabolism, cravings, and fat storage, making it a critical factor in achieving your health goals. Learn how rebalancing your gut can curb sugar cravings, reduce inflammation, and support sustainable weight loss. Plus, discover simple dietary and lifestyle changes to get started. Don’t miss out on our upcoming Group Challenge Program in January designed to reset your gut and help you reach your 2025 goals. Registrations are open now!
Is Stress Aggravating Your Guts?
Discover the intricate connection between stress and digestive health in our latest blog. Learn how chronic stress impacts gut motility, microbiome balance, inflammation, and enzyme production, which can lead to worsening common gut issues. Explore actionable strategies to break the stress-digestive cycle and improve overall gut wellness.
How To Know If You Have Parasites!!
Understanding Parasites: Symptoms, How to Avoid Them, and Natural Solutions - While the thought of parasites may conjure images of tropical diseases, these unwelcome guests can and do affect people all over the world, including right here at home. I believe it’s important for everyone to understand the symptoms of having parasites and to have some simple steps to take to begin to address them for better health.
Want to Learn Clean Summer Eating? Afraid it Won't Taste Good?
Summer Clean Eating: Embrace the Season with Fresh, Hydrating, and Soul-Nourishing Foods - As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, the summer invites us to take advantage of the change in energy. I don’t know about you but for me, it's the perfect time to refresh my eating habits and nourish my body. Summer clean eating isn't just about shedding winter weight; it's about revitalizing our mind, body, and soul. Let’s dig into some hydrating foods, enjoy the freshest seasonal produce, and feed our souls with delicious, wholesome meals.
Mental Wellness Awareness: Eating for Anxiety
Nutrition Tips for Managing Anxiety: In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between the foods you eat and anxiety. I hope to provide evidence-based nutrition tips to support mental well-being. From healthy habits to nourishing foods, incorporating these strategies into your routine can help manage anxiety and promote overall wellness.
Mindful Eating: Are you Ready to Savor the Flavor of Every Bite?
Mindful Eating: Embracing the Joy of Healthy Meals - In this blog post, I'll explore the concept of mindful eating, share tips for enjoying healthy meals without distractions, and introduce mindful cooking techniques to enhance the culinary experience.
Nourish Your Gut with Herbal Tea: Discover the Health Benefits and Top Blends
Herbal Teas That Can Soothe Your Gut: Hot or cold, herbal tea has been cherished for centuries for its healing properties and soothing effects on the body and mind. From calming chamomile to invigorating peppermint, herbal teas offer a myriad of health benefits, including support for gut health. In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind herbal tea's impact on the gut and introduce you to some top blends that I love for promoting digestive wellness.
Embracing Spring: Seasonal Eating for Vibrant Gut Health
How Important is It to Eat with the Seasons? Embracing seasonal eating not only connects us with nature's rhythms but also provides an array of health benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of changing up our eating patterns with the seasons and provide two delicious spring recipes to kickstart your journey to vibrant health.
The Power of Detoxifying Foods: Nourishing Your Body for Optimal Health
Can I detox with food alone? Let’s face it, in today's modern world, our bodies are constantly bombarded with environmental toxins, pollutants, and processed foods that can wreak havoc on our health and well-being. Today I want to explore the importance of incorporating some of these foods into our diet so we can nourish our bodies for optimal health.
Harnessing the Power of Probiotics and Prebiotics for Gut Health
In the fascinating world of gut health, probiotics and prebiotics stand as mighty allies, working in harmony to support our digestive system and overall well-being. In this blog, we'll delve into the remarkable benefits of probiotics and prebiotics, explore how to incorporate them into your diet, and unlock the secrets to nurturing a thriving gut microbiome.
Exploring the Gut-Lymph Connection: Understanding the Link Between Gut Health and Lymphatic System
This past weekend, I spent time at a conference exploring the importance of supporting the lymphatic system of the body. You may be asking yourself, “What is the lymphatic system? Why do I care about it?” Well, it’s your other circulatory system, and it plays a very important role in detoxification; it houses your immune system, and it picks up what your cardiovascular system leaves behind!
Winter Wellness: Our Favorite Nutrient-Rich Recipe
Elevate Your Winter Wellness Journey: As the frosty embrace of winter sets in, nourishing your body with nutrient-rich foods becomes paramount. I'm Megan Barefoot, a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Health Coach from No Shoes Nutrition, and I'm excited to share insights and a recipe on why specific nutrients are crucial during the winter months.
Nourishing Resolutions: 2024 Here We Come!!
As a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Certified Health Coach, I understand the importance of approaching the new year with realistic goals that prioritize your overall well-being. This year, instead of setting unattainable resolutions, let's explore five healthy nutrition resolutions that can become sustainable habits for achieving weight loss, improving nutrition, and enhancing gut health.
Gut Health and Giggles: The Importance of Spice in your Life (and your Meals!)
Welcome, food enthusiasts, to the No Shoes Nutrition blog, where we believe that the road to a happy gut is paved with laughter, culinary adventures, and a sprinkle of spice. This week, we'll explore why challenging yourself with new foods is not just essential for your gut health but also a delightful journey that can transform your meals from dull to delicious. Get ready to spice up your life and your plate!
From Our Hearts to yours: Happy Valentine’s Day
Transit Time Talk - Are you Pooping Enough?
How Much Time Should It Take? - Are you Moving Fast Enough?
I did a little experiment. I ate some foods that would indicate how long things take to move through my body. This is called my transit time. The time it takes food to travel from my taste buds to the toilet. I was curious; would my dinner show up after breakfast? Would it take longer? I was fascinated to find out I had an almost 48-hour transit time! The slowest on the range of what is considered normal and for my goals, not at all optimal.
