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Have you ever considered the profound connection between our food, culture, and overall health? Until I met my guest today, I had never fully understood how deeply intertwined these are and how they shape our well-being in ways we often overlook.
Maya Feller is the founder and lead dietitian at Maya Feller Nutrition. Maya’s expertise in providing medical nutrition therapy and nutrition coaching is unparalleled, addressing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mood disorders, developmental disabilities, and disordered eating.
Get 15% off any of Maya’s courses with code “GOALDIGGER15” here!
Maya’s approach to nutrition is both inclusive and culturally humble, ensuring that her education is anti-bias and patient-centered, helping people make informed and personalized food choices.
She has shared her insights with millions through speaking engagements, writing, social platforms, and numerous appearances as a national nutrition expert on Good Morning America, TODAY Show, and Tamron Hall, among others. She’s even been featured in The New York Times, mindbodygreen, Well+Good, and many more!
In today’s conversation, we explore the intersection between food and culture, emphasizing how our cultural food traditions influence our nutrition and health.
We also dive into the importance of metabolic health for optimal well-being and longevity, with practical tips for enhancing our metabolic health through diet and lifestyle changes.
Maya also shares her expertise on hormone health, her gentle nutrition philosophy, the inclusion of beloved comfort foods in a healthy diet, and more!
Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with actionable advice to help you make informed and balanced food choices. Let’s dive in!
The Essence of Metabolic Health
Maya kicked off our conversation by explaining what metabolic health really means. It’s not just about living a long life; it’s about living a life well. Metabolic health encompasses various aspects of our bodily functions, including hormone regulation, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lipid profiles.
These factors are critical indicators of our overall health and can provide insights into how our bodies are functioning now and in the future.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of lab work. Maya emphasized that while we often focus on how we look on the outside, the real story lies within our lab results.
She pointed out that you can appear healthy, but if your blood pressure or blood sugar levels are off, it’s a sign that your body is under stress. This is a crucial reminder that we need to pay attention to our internal health, not just our external appearance.
The Importance of Food Stories
One of the most touching moments of our conversation was when Maya shared her experience leading a session at a retreat. She invited everyone to share a food story, and the room was filled with laughter and tears. This exercise highlighted how deeply connected we are to food and how our experiences shape our relationship with it.
Maya explained that many of us have been conditioned to view food as something to be restricted or feared. However, she believes that food should be a source of joy and nourishment.
By sharing our food stories, we can reconnect with the pleasure of eating and remind ourselves that comfort foods can and should be part of our diets. This perspective shift is essential for fostering a healthy relationship with food.
The Journey of Understanding Our Health
As we continued our conversation, Maya shared her belief that our journey toward understanding our health often begins long before we step into a clinician’s office.
From the moment we start eating solid foods, the culture around food in our homes influences our health for decades to come. This is a powerful reminder that our eating habits and attitudes toward food are often rooted in our upbringing.
Maya also highlighted the importance of bio-individuality. Each person’s health journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. This is why it’s essential to look beyond general dietary recommendations and focus on what truly resonates with our individual bodies.
The Holistic Approach to Health
One of the most significant themes of our conversation was the need for a holistic approach to health. Many women, especially those who are ambitious and driven, often feel torn between their health and their success.
Maya pointed out that this separation is a societal construct that we need to challenge. Health is not just about what we eat; it’s about how we feel, how we move, and how we nourish our bodies and minds.
Maya emphasized that we need to start small. Instead of trying to overhaul our entire diets overnight, we can begin by making small, intentional changes.
For example, she suggested starting with the easiest part of our day and finding ways to incorporate healthier habits. This could be as simple as drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning or taking a moment to stretch.
The Power of Gut Health
We also delved into the topic of gut health, which has become a hot topic in recent years. Maya explained that the gut is like the hub of our body, influencing everything from our immune system to our hormone regulation.
Did you know that when our gut health is compromised, it can lead to a cascade of issues throughout our bodies?
Maya shared fascinating research about how our gut microbiome is influenced by our environment and lifestyle. For instance, people living in different parts of the world have vastly different gut microbiomes, which can impact their overall health.
This is a reminder that our health is not just about what we eat but also about our lifestyle choices and the environment we live in.
Practical Tips for Better Hormone Health
As we wrapped up our conversation, Maya shared three practical tips that we can all implement to improve our hormone health:
- Bring Comfort Foods Back: Maya encouraged listeners to reintroduce their comfort foods into their diets. These foods are often tied to positive memories and can provide emotional nourishment. The key is to enjoy them mindfully and in moderation.
- Hydrate with Intention: Staying hydrated is crucial for our overall health. Maya emphasized the importance of drinking enough water throughout the day, as hydration plays a vital role in digestion, metabolism, and overall bodily functions.
- Prioritize Rest: Sleep is a biological necessity, and many of us are not getting enough of it. Maya pointed out that lack of sleep can lead to poor food choices and increased cravings for unhealthy snacks. By prioritizing rest, we can improve our overall health and make better choices throughout the day.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
Throughout our conversation, Maya emphasized the importance of self-compassion. Many of us are our own harshest critics, and this can lead to feelings of shame and guilt around food and health.
Maya reminded us that we are all doing the best we can, and it’s essential to give ourselves grace as we navigate our health journeys.
She encouraged listeners to remember that they are good as they are, and that making small changes is a step in the right direction. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and finding what works for our individual bodies.
I left this conversation with Maya feeling inspired and empowered to make small changes in my own life. Her insights on metabolic health, the importance of food stories, and the need for a holistic approach to health resonated deeply with me. I hope you found this episode as enlightening as I did!
If you’re looking to improve your hormone health, I encourage you to start by incorporating Maya’s tips into your daily routine. And don’t forget to follow her on Instagram, visit her website, and get her new book: Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy Home-Cooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World!
Get 15% off any of Maya’s courses with code “GOALDIGGER15” here!
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