Always a student- what I learned this summer about health promoting diet

I took this summer off from teaching nutrition and cooking classes to become a student myself and expand my own knowledge on the topic.    First, I spent a week with Dr. John McDougall and 140 others like me, who wanted to get a more solid understanding on the best diet for humans. Dr. McDougall and his wife Mary have devoted their lives to educating people on nutrition which often results in reversal of several chronic diseases- labeled "chronic and irreversible" by most of medical professionals.
Dr. McDougall doesn't have a magic pill, sophisticated laser procedure or secret potion. What he has is the medical research and 40 years of experience to back up his now famous phrase -" IT'S THE FOOD".

After spending a week in Costa Rica with the McDougalls my head was exploding with new info, ideas for new series of classes and even more drive to continue on my path of nutrition education. But I wasn't done learning just yet...

 My next educational escapade was a 10 day visit to a True North Health Center in Santa Rosa CA.  True North is a facility that in addition to nutritional education (very similar to Dr. McDougall's) specializes in water-only fasting for health promotion and disease reversal.
Dr.Goldhamer is a founder and a director of this health center that throughout over 2 decades saved countless patients from chronic diseases, complications and side effects of pharmaceuticals, promoted diet and life style and most of all- recognized the ability of every BODY to heal itself.

The idea of water-only fasting might seem extreme, almost barbaric for some, but if we truly strip it to what it actually is... We can see that it's actuly about doing absolutely NOTHING to the body- just providing clean water, clean air, sunshine and lots of rest.   The body does it's own healing and medical professionals are just ensure the safety of the process.

I learned a lot yet again from another doctor who puts his patients' health ahead of a fame or fortune.

The drive and dedication I have to continue my journey of teaching and empowering people about their wellness and health is in huge parts possible because I learn from doctors, nutritionists and others who tirelessly and courageously have been spreading this message for years.  Dr.McDougall, Dr.Goldhamer, Dr.Esselstyn, Dr. T.Colin Campbell, Jeff Novick and many others- I stand on your shoulders and spread your teachings to as many people as I can reach right here in Tolland CT.  Thank you for being wonderful role models for me.

Here is a short interview with Dr.Goldhamer and Dr.Mcdougall about benefits of health promoting diet and therapeutic fasting. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3SSL30-kQk

Iwona Leger, RN, MSN, Certified Health Coach, founded  Love and Peas Health Coaching and runs individual and group coaching sessions. She is very passionate about disease prevention, lifestyle and diet modifications, as well as stress reduction techniques.

For more info visit www.loveandpeashealth.com