Joshua Rosenthal - Integrative nutrition: a whole-life approach to health and happiness

Integrative Nutrition: A Whole-Life Approach to Health and Happiness

ISBN: 978-1-941908-14-3 (hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-941908-15-0 (e-book)

Copyright 2019 by Integrative Nutrition LLC

Copyright 2018 by Integrative Nutrition, Inc., 2014, 2011, 2007 Joshua Rosenthal

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019941732

Published by Integrative Nutrition LLC, New York, NY

www.integrativenutrition.com

Notice: This book is not intended to replace recommendations or advice from physicians or other healthcare providers. Rather, it is intended to help you make informed decisions about your health and to cooperate with your healthcare provider in a joint quest for optimal wellness. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to seek medical attention from a competent healthcare provider.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of an audio recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private useother than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviewswithout prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in China

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Fifth Edition

This book is dedicated to the health and happiness of people throughout the world and to the future of nutrition, which will offer new possibilities for everyone.

I am grateful for the work I do every day and the opportunity to interact with so many intelligent, motivated people who share a vision to improve health and happiness in the world.

I would especially like to thank:

Those who supported in the creation of this book: Suzanne Boothby, Tim Tate, Joline Seavey, Shannon Howard, Bonnie Brinegar, and Erika Ramirez

The staff of Integrative Nutrition (IIN)you all contribute to the mission of the school. Your vision, creativity, intelligence, love, and support consistently take the school to new levels

The guest speakers who continue to inspire my students and offer new perspectives on the health and nutrition puzzle

The students, graduates, and their clients who helped shape my view of things and have helped to spread health and happiness in the world

The love of my life, Alexandra Anzalone, for her daily love and support

My dear parents for their love and encouragement

My friends who add love, laughter, and support to my life

Anyone who has ever purchased my books, joined the schools community, and everyone Ive met along the way

This book could not have happened without you.

The Integrative Nutrition Cookbook: Simple recipes for health and happiness

The Power of Primary Food: Nourishment Beyond the Plate

Crack the Code on Cravings: What Your Cravings Really Mean

Serendipity: How to Attract a Life You Love (Second Edition)

Integrative Nutrition Daily Journal

Nutricin Integrativa: Alimenta tu salud & felicidad

A huge contributing factor to illness in the 21st century is stress.

Stress is best defined as the perception of physical or psychological threat. While we are no longer threatened by predatory species, our bodies and minds have started perceiving everyday situations, such as traffic, career stress, and endless to-do lists as threatening.

To prevent illness, we must learn to reduce stress; and to reduce stress, we must consider what impacts a persons life, such as their relationships, career, and spirituality.

A complete approach considers them all, and health coaches are a modern application of that approach. They work with clients to find balance in every area of their lives, understanding that true nourishment is not just about the food on your plate, but what is happening in your everyday life.

As a physician and teacher, I have had the privilege of speaking at many universities, schools, and institutions. I have had the pleasure of speaking at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), which, for over 25 years, has been training Health Coaches around the world.

In this book, you will discover the power of the work that IIN and their students are doing to transform healthcare from the inside out. You will learn about the unique concepts taught at the school and that Integrative Nutrition Health Coaches practice around the world, including the concept of bio-individualityone persons food is another persons poison. Beyond that, you will learn how to take back control of your own healthnot just your physical health, but your mental, emotional, and physical health as well.

Keep an open mind as you read this book, as it will undoubtedly transform your perspective of, and relationship with, your health.

Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, founder of the Chopra Foundation, cofounder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, and IIN Visiting Teacher

To help you prepare for the journey ahead, please take a moment now to clarify your personal goals around health and well-being. What are your main health concerns? What is it you wish to learn or accomplish by reading this book? Devoting a small amount of time now to understanding your optimal personal nutrition will result in a healthier, happier future later.

In this book, you will find discussion of major dietary theories, but the food that is best for you is not going to be found in the pages of a nutrition book. No one diet is perfect for everyone. To best determine what is appropriate for your unique body and lifestyle, this book will guide you through experimenting with new foods and learning to listen to your bodys responses.

A permanent shift in health may seem like a big challenge requiring a lot of dedication, but this approach is not about acquiring more self-discipline or willpower. Its about personally discovering what feeds you, what nourishes you, and, ultimately, what makes your life extraordinary.

With this book, you will unlearn old habits and absorb new information. Give yourself permission to go slowly. Big changes do not require big leaps. As far as your body is concerned, permanent change is more likely to happen gradually rather than through severe, austere diets. Proceed with care for yourself. Have fun.

W e all eat, all day every day, and we all know the saying, We are what we eat. But for some reason, no one knows what to eat. Should we eat more grapes or drink more red wine? Do dairy foods help us gain weight or lose weight?

Nutrition is a funny science. Its the only field where people can scientifically prove opposing theories and still be right. In science, we stick to facts. The earth rotates on an axis around the sun. The freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit/0 degrees Celsius. But we have yet to discover the same definitive truths about nutrition. We are only beginning to understand the relationship between our diet and our health. Despite all the nutritional research thats been done and all the diet books that have been published, most Americans are increasingly confused about food.

I have been working in the field of nutrition for more than 30 years, and what Ive learned is that there is probably no one right way of eating. I keep an open mind about new ideas that are published and respect others who are bravely working in this still-emerging field. My own background is in macrobiotics, an approach to healthy eating and balanced living developed in Japan that emphasizes the importance of whole foods and a plant-based diet. Ive always been fascinated by food and health, and I spent years experimenting with different ways of eating, noticing their effects and looking for the best ones for me and for my clients. I studied with the top macrobiotics experts and appreciated the simplicity and balance of their system. I spent years counseling and teaching others to follow the principles of macrobiotics to improve their health.