We all know that eating a balanced diet with lots of whole foods helps us to feel better and more energised, so why can we find it so hard to do? My guest in this episode is Elizabeth Dall, a food freedom expert and certified women’s health and wellness coach who helps women create sustainable, healthy habits that lead to body confidence and transformation. Her passion is to help people to create a more balanced, empowered approach to food, body confidence and change.

Elizabeth kindly shares practical strategies for creating healthy habits and achieving a lifestyle of health, without restriction, which can be adapted for our own unique lifestyles. We discuss the role our mindset plays in holding us back, how to quieten some of the noise around food, particularly on social media, breaking free from the all or nothing mindset, mindful eating and how to stay consistent with our goals.

Elizabeth offers really practical advice and reminds us that change is manageable.The lovely herb sage is our store cupboard staple for this episode!Resources"The Woman of Wellness Podcast": https://www.awomanofwellness.com/podcastFree mindful eating meditation: https://awomanofwellness.com/foodconfidenceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomanofwellness/Website: www.awomanofwellness.comhttps://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/20692/ingredients/herbs-spices/herbs/sage/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

According to the Cambridge dictionary, “longevity means living for a long time or remaining popular and useful for a long time.” Of course, I would like to live a long life, as long as my loved ones anyway, and I would like to be independent and happily busy for as long as possible. We know that nutrition, exercise, sleep and wellbeing are important but is there another ingredient in this secret sauce for living with as much vitality as possible, for as long as possible?Scientific studies show that being happy and grateful has a massive positive impact on our physical health. But there is another way of thinking which can also contribute and that is being curious. According to an article by George Lee (link in notes) “by encouraging our desire to seek out new knowledge, ask questions, and explore the world around us, curiosity may help to improve our memory, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and increase our resilience in the face of stress and adversity.”Miles Spencer is, in his own words, a curious guy from Pittsburgh. His day job has been to help create over 1,100 jobs while founding, financing, building and exiting three digital media companies. Prior to that, he was a Venture Principal at Capital Express (register.com), hosted MoneyHunt on PBS (pre- SharkTank), led over 1,500 people across 14 miles of open sea on kayak, and trekked 1,100 miles through the deserts of Saudi, Jordan and Syria… and A Line in the Sand ended up an Amazon Bestseller in the Middle East.Miles joins me on the podcast to chat about his adventure and his adventurous spirit which be believes has helped him to remain vital, active and interested in life into his seventh decade. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Miles Spencer, author of "A Line in the Sand"The store cupboard staple for this episode is the amazing prebiotic and versatile asparagus!Other ResourcesMiles' website https://milesspencer.com/Link to book https://www.amazon.com/Line-Sand-Novel-Miles-Spencer-ebook/dp/B0CX25Y2X4https://discoveryvillages.com/senior-living-blog/maintaining-a-curious-mind-as-you-age-the-key-factor-to-longevity/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ieHealthy recipes for Asparagus https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/19289/ingredients/vegetables/asparagus/

In this conversation about the power of play, I chat to Deirdre O'Reilly who is a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, who specialises in Play Therapy. Deirdre tells us why play is so important and explains the structure of a consultation, including the initial work with parents. We mention the many challenges and issues that might arise in family situations which communication through play might support, and Deirdre generously shares her own experience. The powers of play are fascinating!The store cupboard staple for this episode will help to keep the doctor away - The good old fashioned apple 🍏Other resourcesDeirdre's Linked In ie.linkedin.com/in/deirdre-o-reilly-0b256831https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/event/creative-facilitators-language-to-encourage-creative-play-for-children/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/communicationthroughplay/posts/hello-everyone-for-those-of-you-that-dont-know-me-im-deirdre-oreilly-the-face-be/3379191112144885/ Instagram Deirdre Gilbride (@communicationthroughplay) • Instagram photos and videoshttps://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2023/08/10/how-to-wash-fruit-and-vegetables/Studieshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30126932/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16712638/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7810460/Recipeshttps://thecleaneatingcouple.com/30-healthy-apple-recipes/https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2022/03/15/apple-strawberry-crumble-gluten-free/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

It is a fact that what we think can impact our physical health, and so this episode explores the benefits of two more tools, which therapists can use to support clients, neuro linguistic programming and emotional freedom technique. Our conversation also covers mobile phone use, how we talk to ourselves and the necessity of a good nights sleep (which Pauline says is the alarm bell for mental health).

My guest on this episode is Pauline Clarke, Mindnua and she has trained in the following practices and therapies:

• Mindfulness Facilitator & Counselling

• M.B.C.T. (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy)

• Reiki Master Teaching

• N.L.P. (Neuro Linguistic Programming)

• Solution Based Counselling

• E.F.T. (Emotional Freedom Technique)

• Neuroscience Coaching

• Meditation Coaching

• Trauma Healing

She regularly talks to groups of all ages and is a great advocate for mindfulness and mental health in Co Cavan, so I know that you will enjoy my chat with Pauline Clarke.

P.S. The store cupboard staple is the beautifully aromatic herb, Rosemary.

Other Resources

Pauline's Website https://www.mindnua.com/

Meditating with Pauline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxKhHnXdaVk

Penny Sharkey https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lyn-sharkey/episodes/Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy-Explained-with-Penny-Sharkey-e2tq3cd/a-abo6dau

Breandan Larkin https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lyn-sharkey/episodes/Mental-Health-Matters-Counselling--Psychotherapy-and-Hypnotherapy-Explained-with-Breandan-Larkin-e2n7n85/a-abfvp0r

Willie Horton https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lyn-sharkey/episodes/18-Re-train-your-brain-to-succeed-with-Willie-Horton-e21k25n/a-a7ndj54

The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT

Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition.

Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

Recipes using Rosemary https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/20693/ingredients/herbs-spices/herbs/rosemary/

In this episode of Alimentary, I have a lovely chat with a philosopher, who has spent years exploring the ethical, environmental, and social implications of our food choices. In new book Hungry, Beautiful Animals, author Matthew C. Halteman aims to transform our perception of vegan living by focusing on what it promotes rather than what it restricts. Now, I am not a vegan myself but I am concerned about our food chain and love animals so, this was a really interesting conversation. Some of the perspectives that Matthew shares, we can absolutely apply to other areas of our lives.

His book is a heartfelt, humane, and humorous exploration of how going vegan has brought abundance into his life. The book is a love letter to life itself in all forms, and presents an imaginative vision of a true, beautiful, and good world that motivates and sustains our deepest desires to be well. It’s not about shame and blame, but about finding joy in the journey. Matthew is professor of philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in the UK. He is the author of Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation and co-editor of Philosophy Comes to Dinner: Arguments about the Ethics of Eating. He brings a philosopher’s precision and a dog-lover’s joyto explaining how human connection, humor, and forgiveness (for oneself and others) has been a part of his journey. So, I hope that you will enjoy my conversation with Matthew C Halteman. The store cupboard staple for this episode is Broccoli, which I can't believe hasn't been featured before!! Resourceshttps://calvin.edu/people/matthew-c-haltemanhttps://www.hungrybeautifulanimals.com/Effects of different cooking methods on health-promoting compounds of broccoli - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2722699/https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/sulforaphane#section=TopDietary Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Carotenoids and Their Role in Eye Health - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3705341/https://www.eatingwell.com/gallery/8076952/broccoli-recipes-to-make-forever/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT

Interview with Sally Pacholok about Vitamin B12 Deficiency #16 Could It be B12? An Interview with Sally Pacholok R.N. by Alimentary!Importance of Vitamin B12 #11 Why Vitamin B12 is so Important for Optimum Health by Alimentary!

Tips on a Vegan Diet #11 Why Vitamin B12 is so Important for Optimum Health by Alimentary!Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website Homepage - Lyn Sharkey Nutrition

Any sort of gastro intestinal issue, even if non-fatal, can really impact our quality of life and our enjoyment of our food. Gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of these conditions which is on the rise. In this episode of Alimentary! I had a really interesting discussion about GERD with Lauren O'Connor. We talked about the difference between occasional heartburn or reflux and GERD, and some of the surprising symptoms which might indicate an issue. We also chatted about lactose intolerance which can be a driver if not managed, the impact of stress, timing of meals and how a personalized approach works best. It was great to hear a perspective from someone who is not only a professional in this field, but also has dealt with this condition herself.My guest Lauren O'Connor MS,RDN, RYT is a private-practice dietitian, five-time cookbook author, and freelance writer with a passion for gut health, fitness, and culinary nutrition. She is a regular contributor to health and wellness publications with numerous articles in Health and Livestrong. On her website, NutriSavvyHealth.com, she shares evidence-based nutrition advice and a wide variety of gut-healthy recipes for everyday living. In addition to all of this, Lauren is a yoga teacher and enjoys hiking in her local hills. She is also a member of the community singing group Band of Singers. ResourcesLauren's Instagram @laurenoconnor.rd Lauren's Linkedin @lauren-oconnor-ms-rdn-rytLauren's Facebook NutriSavvyHealth Follow @theHealingGERDrd on TwitterLauren's website http://nutrisavvyhealth.comhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34326345/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28257716/The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie

So, Polyphenols might not be a term that rolls off the tongue, but these plant compounds have some pretty impressive health benefits, from reducing inflammation to fighting oxidative stress, and even supporting healthy aging. In this short episode of Alimentary! Lyn breaks down what polyphenols are, where we can find them, and most importantly, why they are so important for our health. So, if you are interested in living and ageing well, I hope that you stick around because you won’t want to miss this episode!ResourcesPolyphenols: Benefits & Types | StudySmarterhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6160559/Tea Polyphenols in Promotion of Human Health - PubMedDark chocolate: An overview of its biological activity, processing, and fortification approaches - PubMedHealth Benefits of Quercetin in Age-Related Diseases - PubMedPlant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease - PubMedSign up for my newsletter www.lynsharkeynutrition.ieMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition

Recently I read an article from 2020 which noted that colo-rectal cancer diagnosis in young adults was on the increase and has been for some time. So, in this episode we are taking a deeper dive into bowel health, from discussing the health of our cells right through to the importance of bowel screening and what is involved in that. My guest is Thanasie Kaldanis, who has been a qualified nurse for 20 years. He initially worked in acute and emergency settings and for the last 12 years he has worked as a cancer data registrar, with National Cancer Registry Ireland. Thanasie is also the Health 7 Wellbeing Officer with local GAA Club Cornafean in Cavan. He is passionate about bringing people together to create a healthy and thriving community for everyone, In addition to bowel health, we discuss the importance of younger generations attitude to food, challenges to changing habits and how we can encourage a healthier lifestyle at community level. Towards the end, he explains how bowel screening in Ireland is carried out, what is involved and why not to fear it. The store cupboard staple for this episode is Yoghurt and natural 9dairy or soya) is best. If you think you don't like the taste, listen in for some simple ideas to incorporate it in everyday ways. Resources HSE Website Bowel Screening https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/bowel-screening/ Yale Medicine Report https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colorectal-cancer-in-young-people Pubmed Report https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8371519/#:~:text=This%20systematic%20review%20demonstrates%20the%20increasing%20incidence%20of,a%20young%20adult%20who%20presents%20with%20gastrointestinal%20symptoms. The Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMT Recipes https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2024/07/05/choccy-chia-treat-pot/ https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2025/01/03/oat-egg-berry-pancakes/ https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/01/oat-bread/ Music composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie