Podcasts about eat your greens

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Feel overwhelmed by food packaging? You're not alone — and food companies are counting on it. In this episode of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black, I'll teach you how to break through the marketing noise and decode nutrition labels in 5 lightning-fast steps. You'll learn how to spot hidden sugars, check for healthy ingredients, and choose foods that actually support your health goals — without wasting time at the grocery store.

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Did you know tofu has been around for over 2,000 years? Or that it's a complete protein packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron? In this fun facts episode of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black, we're diving into tofu health benefits and cooking tips, busting common soy myths, and sharing expert tips to make tofu taste amazing (spoiler: don't just pat it dry with a paper towel!).Listen in to learn: ✅ Tofu health benefits—why it's a complete protein and packed with iron, calcium, and omega-3s ✅ The truth about soy and estrogen—does it really cause man-boobs? ✅ Tofu cooking tips—how to prep it for the best texture and maximum flavorTofu is one of the most versatile plant-based proteins, but if you've ever struggled to make it taste great, this episode is for you! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! Don't forget to visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Did you know most Americans get only half the recommended daily fiber? Low-fiber diets are linked to rising colon cancer rates, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease—but increasing fiber doesn't have to mean uncomfortable bloating or gas. In this episode, Dr. Black breaks down simple, practical ways to boost fiber without the unwanted side effects.You'll learn:✔️ Why fiber is essential for gut and overall health✔️ The best fiber-rich foods that are easy to digest✔️ How to increase fiber gradually to avoid bloating✔️ Smart swaps for breakfast, snacks, and everyday meals✔️ The trick to making beans and whole grains gut-friendlyJoin the Eat Your Greens community and take small, sustainable steps toward better health!Strawberry Fruit Leather RecipeProtein Oat BallsCinnamon Quinoa Breakfast BowlIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! Don't forget to visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.I love any excuse to talk about delicious food—and Cinco de Mayo gives me the perfect opportunity. In this short and tasty episode, I'm diving into the real story behind the holiday (spoiler: it's not Mexican Independence Day), how it's celebrated in Mexico, and how it evolved into the food-filled fiesta we know here in the U.S.From there, we'll head straight into the kitchen. I'm sharing how traditional Mexican diets looked before chips and queso took over, and how you can enjoy bold, authentic Mexican flavors without the food coma.You'll learn:What Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates (and why we should thank the people of Puebla!)How ancestral Mexican diets compare to modern Tex-Mex mealsSimple, plant-forward swaps to make your tacos, enchiladas, and burrito bowls a little lighter—but just as deliciousMy favorite comfort food when I'm feeling under the weather: vegan sopa de fideoWhether you're celebrating with tacos, aguas frescas, or just good vibes, I hope this episode inspires you to enjoy Mexican food in a way that supports your health and honors its cultural roots.

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Thanks for joining me today on the Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black podcast. In this episode, I'm excited to introduce you to an amazing local restaurant in San Marcos that offers healthy, plant-predominant options. I sit down with Dalton, the general manager of Sakura, to dive into the restaurant's unique offering, including conveyor belt sushi and hot pot dishes. Sakura provides a variety of plant-based options, such as fully customizable vegan sushi rolls and a diverse selection of vegetables and vegan proteins for the hot pot. They also offer traditional Japanese noodle varieties, including my favorite sweet potato noodles. We discuss the importance of incorporating a wide range of plant-based foods like mushrooms, cabbage, lotus root, and more to support gut health and overall well-being. Discover how eating healthy can be fun and flavorful at Sakura, whether it's for lunch, dinner, or a unique date night. For more details, visit their website sakurasmtx.com. Don't miss this episode filled with delicious insights and tips for enjoying plant-based dining.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! Don't forget to visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In this fun and informative episode of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black, I explore the fascinating world of fermented foods. From ancient beer and sourdough bread to modern kimchi and kombucha, I dive into the history, science, and health benefits of fermentation. Learn how microbes work their magic to create tangy, funky, and sometimes downright stinky flavors while boosting gut health and preserving food. I explore fermented favorites like sauerkraut, miso, and sourdough, plus some more adventurous options from around the world. Tune in for trivia, bad puns, and practical tips for incorporating fermented foods into your diet!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! Don't forget to visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Struggling to get healthy meals on the table without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black, I'm breaking down a stress-free approach to meal planning and prep that will save you time, money, and energy—all while helping you and your family eat healthier.You'll learn how to create a weekly meal plan, streamline grocery shopping, and prep meals ahead without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, I'm including a FREE one-week meal plan with recipes and a step-by-step meal prep guide to get you started!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.What happens when nerdy math meets delicious baked goods? Pi Day, of course! In this irrationally fun bonus episode, I'm serving up a well-rounded discussion about pi (the number) and pie (the food)—because why choose just one?In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Fun facts about pi—why it never ends and how it earned its own holiday ✅ A brief history of pie—from medieval “coffins” to modern favorites ✅ The top 5 most popular pie flavors (spoiler: Kansas once banned cherry pie for being too sensual

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Welcome to another fun and educational episode of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black'! This time, it's all about microgreens—those uber trendy, nutritious tiny plants. Join Dr. Black for a '5 Fun Facts' segment where she dives into the fascinating world of microgreens. Discover the difference between sprouts and microgreens, their impressive nutritional value, and their health benefits including antioxidant properties, cancer-fighting abilities, and more. Learn easy tips for growing your own microgreens at home and how to incorporate them into your diet for maximum flavor and health benefits. Don't miss out on these miniature superheroes of the vegetable world!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Are you ready to supercharge your immune system this winter? In this episode, I'm diving into practical, evidence-based tips to help you stay healthy and thriving through the colder months. We'll explore how your diet, sleep, and even your stress levels can make or break your immunity. Spoiler alert: Eating the rainbow and adding more mushrooms to your meals might just be your secret weapons! Here's what you'll learn:The science behind how plant-based foods and gut health boost immunity (plus why fiber is your immune system's best friend).Surprising immune-boosting benefits of everyday habits like sleep and moderate exercise.Why some supplements might not be as magical as they claim—and how to choose wisely.Fun and family-friendly ways to eat better, reduce stress, and make hydration more exciting.Whether you're looking to avoid the sniffles, keep your kids healthier, or just feel your best, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you and your family stay well. Grab your headphones and click play now—you don't want to miss this one! Nourishing White Bean and Lemon SoupIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Ever wonder how food can be a cornerstone of your health journey? In this episode of Eat Your Greens, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Jaclyn Albin, a leader in culinary medicine and director of the UT Southwestern Culinary Medicine program. Dr. Albin shares her inspiring journey from traditional medicine to building a program that empowers individuals to take charge of their health through food.We dive deep into the concept of culinary medicine—what it is, how it works, and why it's so impactful. From teaching medical students how to discuss food with patients to running community-based cooking classes, Dr. Albin explains how food, science, and medicine intersect to create a powerful tool for prevention and healing.In this conversation, you'll learn:How culinary medicine bridges nutrition science, cultural traditions, and medical care.What a typical culinary medicine session looks like—from chopping onions to setting realistic health goals.Real-life success stories that show how even small dietary changes can transform lives.Practical tips for families to start improving their diets today, no matter their budget or time constraints.Whether you're curious about how to cook healthier meals, manage chronic conditions, or learn more about the growing field of food-as-medicine, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Why listen? If you're ready to discover the joy and power of food to improve health, this episode is for you. Plus, Dr. Albin's insights might just spark some ideas for your own health journey—or even inspire you to explore culinary medicine in your community."Culinary Medicine Gets Cooking in Oak Cliff"   videoFind Dr. Albin on LinkedIn and at UT SouthwesternFind a Culinary Medicine Program near you.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Welcome to Episode 41 of the 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black' podcast! In this fun and informative episode, Dr. Black breaks down the concept of 'exercise snacks'—short bursts of physical activity that you can incorporate into your daily routine to boost your health. Whether you have a busy work schedule, family commitments, or simply find it hard to fit a solid block of exercise into your day, this episode is for you! Dr. Black explains the science behind exercise snacks, discusses types of physical activities, and gives practical tips on how to sneak in these mini-workouts anywhere—from your office chair to your living room. Listen in to learn how to achieve 150 minutes of weekly physical activity without the need for expensive gym memberships or equipment. Plus, get inspired by real-life examples of how small movements can lead to big health benefits, including improved mood and cognitive performance. Exercise Snacks & Insulin ResistanceResistance Exercise SnacksIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

It’s only natural to spend time reflecting on your habits at the beginning of the new year – and that includes eating and drinking too. In this episode we speak to the author tracing the philosophy of food systems around the world and drop in to a mocktail bar in Canada. Plus: we sit down with the Danish “gastrophysicist” on a mission to get the country to eat more greens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Episode 40 of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black,' your go-to resource for actionable health insights. In this kickoff to Season 2, I sit down with Dr. Tom Lawlor, a leading physical therapist in Central Texas, to discuss the crucial role of exercise for our health. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the concept of progressive overload and how to get started without getting injured. We also dive into the significance of boosting core strength with everyday functional exercises like sit-to-stands and planks. Additionally, I reveal some surprising benefits to regular exercise, like improved immunity, cognitive function, and lower cancer risk. Dr. Lawlor introduces the 'Peace and Love' method for treating minor injuries, offering a fresh perspective on recovery. Tune in to learn how even small steps can drastically improve your health and longevity. Texas Physical Therapy SpecialistsPEACE & LOVE for injuriesIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Join Dr. Black in this 'Eat Your Greens' podcast episode as she dives into the delicious world of avocados. Discover fun and unusual facts about this favorite fruit, its historical roots, nutritional benefits, and versatile uses. From avocado's Aztec origins and its amusing associations to its fiber-rich, heart-healthy fats and unique culinary applications, Dr. Black shares insights and tips on enjoying avocados in various dishes. Learn how to keep your avocados fresh, enhance antioxidant absorption with tomatoes, and even use avocado peels for natural dyes. Don't miss these fun avocado tips to inspire your plant-based journey!Easy Avocado Chocolate PuddingChickpea Salad SandwichMash together canned chickpeas and 1 large or 2 small avocados.Add the juice of a 1/2 of a lemon, 1 Tbs Dijon mustard, salt & pepper to taste, chopped green onion, and whatever fresh herbs you like such as cilantro, parsley, or thyme. Throw in a tablespoon of wheat germ for extra B vitamins and fiber and mix it all together. Spread on toasted whole grain bread with your favorite sandwich veggies and enjoy!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Welcome to a special holiday episode of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black.' This week, Dr. Black and Chef Wendy explore the world of scrumptious, high-fat, high-sugar vegan desserts, straying from their usual healthy fare. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful Great Vegan Dessert Showdown where Dr. Black's friends serve as judges, evaluating an array of vegan delights from sweet potato brownies, lemon bars, and cheesecakes to oatmeal raspberry cups, peanut butter pie, and classic chocolate chip cookies. Listen to the candid feedback on each dessert's taste and texture and discover the winning recipe that takes the crown. Links to all featured recipes are available in the show notes for you to try at home. Spoiler: Even the last-place dessert had redeeming qualities! It's an indulgent, festive treat that's not to be missed.Nora Cooks chocolate cakeMinimalist Baker Vegan CheesecakeNo-bake raspberry oatmeal cupsNora Cooks Chocolate Chip Cookies Feel Good Foodie Lemon Bars Sweet potato browniesConnoisseurusVeg Peanut butter pieIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In this episode of the 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black' podcast, Dr. Black discusses emerging trends in healthcare, including digital detox and dopamine fasting, that are gaining attention on social media and from major medical organizations. As she celebrates the one-year mark of her podcast, Dr. Black, a board-certified pediatrician, reflects on her journey and expresses gratitude for her growing audience. She shares her excitement about lifestyle medicine, a medical specialty recognized by the American Medical Association, which she is on the path to becoming board certified in. This specialty focuses on promoting long health spans through a plant-forward diet, exercise, and other healthy habits. Dr. Black recounts her decision to enter pediatrics, driven by the opportunity to make a significant impact on children's health. She also highlights the potential of lifestyle medicine to prevent and manage chronic diseases. The episode features Dr. Black's talk to pre-health students at Texas State University, where she emphasizes the importance of integrating lifestyle factors into medical practice, the promising research on plant-based diets, and the role of the gut microbiome in overall health. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Howdy EYG family! This episode is being released just 3 days before Thanksgiving. I know you've probably got a ton of pre-holiday prep to do right now, some of you are traveling this week and have to get the last minute packing done, or maybe you're hosting a huge family meal and are listening to this episode while baking in the kitchen. Or maybe you're one of my international listeners and you're just having a pleasant late November Monday. Regardless of where you are or how busy your schedule is, I want you to know that I'm thankful that you chose to spend your time with me. My topic today is not directly about nutrition, although it is about health - specifically mental health - and what might be the single most effective and easy thing you can do to boost it. If you're like me and are feeling extra stressed out and anxious this year, this episode is for you!If you liked this episode, you might also like this episode of Healthy Looks Great on You!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Welcome to episode 35 of the 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black' podcast! In part 2 of this special two-part series, Dr. Black continues to explore the controversial and complex issue of pediatric obesity treatment. Joined by Dr. Ann O'Connor, a seasoned pediatric surgeon specializing in bariatric and metabolic surgery, they discuss the new clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the various treatment options available for children and adolescents dealing with severe obesity. This episode sheds light on the multi-disciplinary approach, the lengthy process leading up to surgery, and the numerous physical and emotional considerations involved. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how surgical interventions can significantly impact a young person's quality of life while also recognizing the importance of empathy and body positivity.Christus Children's Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ClinicIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Join me on this comprehensive episode of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black' as I delve into the critical issue of treating pediatric obesity with weight loss drugs. Featuring Dr. Katie Queen, a board-certified pediatric and obesity medicine specialist, we explore why obesity is considered a chronic disease and discuss innovative treatment strategies. Learn about the multidisciplinary approach to managing obesity, the complexities behind it, and the importance of addressing it without stigma. Discover the latest in medication options, including GLP-1 agonists and the new 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics. We also discuss the importance of lifestyle changes, advocacy, and policy-level interventions to improve access to comprehensive obesity care. Dive into real-life examples and expert opinions that provide practical strategies for families and healthcare providers alike. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on the medical, social, and policy aspects of pediatric obesity! AAP Clinical Practice Guideline for Pediatric ObesityFind a board certified obesity medicine doctorKatie E. Queen, MD:Our Lady of the Lake Children's Healthkatiequeen3@gmail.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Join Dr. Black on this fun episode of 'Eat Your Greens' as she delves into the fascinating world of sweet potatoes. Discover the differences between sweet potatoes and yams, their historical significance, and why they are considered a superfood. Learn about their nutritional benefits, environmental advantages, and versatile culinary uses. Don't miss out on the humorous insights and why purple sweet potatoes should be on your radar. Tune in for an insightful, light-hearted session dedicated to these remarkable root vegetables and celebrate the humble sweet potato!Sweet Potato Chili by Cookie & KateSweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos by Cookie & KateIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Transform Your Health with a Plant-Based Diet: Live PresentationIn this unique episode of the Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black podcast, Dr. Black shares a live presentation given to the local Lifelong Learning group. The discussion revolves around how a plant-based diet can help prevent, manage, and potentially reverse common chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Referencing acclaimed books 'Undo It' by Dr. Dean Ornish and 'How Not to Die' by Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Black presents actionable tips and evidence-based research to support a healthier lifestyle. Tune in to learn about the benefits of lifestyle medicine and gain powerful tools to take control of your health. Don't forget to pick up the recommended books and visit the Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black YouTube channel for the full presentation with slides!NutritionFacts.orgHow Not to DieOrnish.comUnDo It!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In this episode of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black, Dr. Black discusses the relationship between ADHD and diet. Drawing from her 20-year experience as a pediatrician, she explains how ADHD is diagnosed, the different types, and the implications of untreated ADHD. The focus shifts to non-medication treatments of ADHD, emphasizing the importance of diet and nutrition. Dr. Black covers the role of various vitamins and supplements like Vitamin D, iron, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. She addresses the impacts of artificial food dyes, gluten, sugar, and overall dietary patterns. The episode offers practical advice on how a whole-food, plant-forward diet can significantly improve ADHD symptoms, why sleep and exercise are crucial, and what strategies can be implemented at home to support children with ADHD. Tune in for a detailed exploration of how lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD effectively.Data & Stats on ADHD from CDC, 2024Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidenceIncreased oxidative stress in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorderEating Patterns and Dietary Interventions in ADHD: A Narrative ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Today's episode is all about sleep. Dr. Black delves into why sleep is crucial for overall health and wellness, debunking common myths along the way. Learn fascinating facts about how sleep affects organisms, including the unique sleep habits of aquatic mammals. Discover why nightlights aren't as harmless as you might think, the truth about 'catching up' on sleep, and why a pitch-black room and quiet environment are ideal for rest. We also talk about the profound effects of sleep deprivation, touching on mental, physical, and even genetic consequences. Get insights into how sleep can enhance learning and skill mastery, backed by scientific studies. Plus, dive into the curious case of dreaming in color and the influence of color TV. Don't miss the actionable tips for improving sleep quality. If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review Eat Your Greens, and subscribe on the website for more plant-forward lifestyle tips.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

The top 10 healthiest vegetables.

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In episode 29 of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black,' Dr. Black discusses the relatively new diagnosis of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with Mo Salari, a clinical therapist at the Austin Center for Eating Disorders. The episode covers the distinguishing features of ARFID compared to typical picky eating, including its classification as a psychiatric disorder, its severe health and nutritional consequences, and common underlying factors like anxiety and sensory sensitivities. Salari shares insights on the diagnosis, associated risk factors, the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach, and the relevance of parental support and patience. The episode also emphasizes the need for more research and awareness about ARFID.Austin Center for Eating DisordersMo Salari, LMSWARDIF CollaborativeIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In Episode 28 of the 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black' podcast, Dr. Angela Black shares expert advice on helping kids eat healthier, especially picky eaters. Joined by a self-described picky eater & mom of three, they explore the emotional challenges associated with having a limited palate and offer straight-forward strategies to encourage kids to enjoy a variety of foods without feelings of fear or shame. Learn how to define picky eating and differentiate it from more serious conditions, how to support healthy eating habits, and discover mindfulness techniques and tips for making mealtime positive and fun.Links:Ekstein S., Laniado D., Glick B. Does Picky Eating Affect Weight-for-Length Measurements in Young Children? Clin. Pediatr. 2010;49:4. Wang L, Martínez Steele E, Du M, et al. Trends in Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods Among US Youths Aged 2-19 Years, 1999-2018. JAMA. 2021;326(6):519–530. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.10238Tinu Mary Samuel, Kathy Musa-Veloso, Manki Ho, Carolina Venditti and Yassaman Shahkhalili-Dulloo. A Narrative Review of Childhood Picky Eating and Its Relationship to Food Intakes, Nutritional Status, and Growth., Nestle Nutrition InstituteFernandez C, McCaffery H, Miller AL, Kaciroti N, Lumeng JC, Pesch MH. Trajectories of Picky Eating in Low-Income US Children. Pediatrics. 2020 Jun;145(6):e20192018. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-2018. PMID: 32457215; PMCID: PMC7263050.Picky Eating in Children: A Scoping Review to Examine Its Intrinsic and Extrinsic Features and How They Relate to Identification. Chilman L, Kennedy-Behr A, Frakking T, Swanepoel L, Verdonck M.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Aug 27;18(17):9067. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In this Five Fun Fact episode of the 'Eat Your Greens' podcast, Dr. Black proves that beans can be fun to talk about and to eat! Discover what legumes are, including various beans, peas, lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas. Learn about their historical significance, nutritional benefits, and how they contribute to a healthy diet. Also, explore some surprising facts, like their role in sustaining the environment and their presence in the diets of the longest-living people on the planet. Packed with a bunch of fun facts, this episode provides a comprehensive look at legumes and their importance in our diet and the world. Don't forget to follow and rate the podcast for more insightful episodes.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Love chocolate mousse?? Ever had Mexican Hot Chocolate?? What if we could combine these? And... what it if was healthy?Have I got good news for you!  I recently visited Toronto, Ontario and I discovered a gem at the St. Lawrence Market that I just had to share with you. The Chocosol Chocolate store has amazing ethically sourced, locally made vegan chocolate. Listen in to hear about the incredible health benefits of pure dark chocolate. Then join me for a tutorial on how to make the most decadent vegan Mexican Chocolate Mousse. YUM!!Video Tutorial on YouTubeChocosol TradersRecipeIngredients:1 bar Chocosol Turmeric-Ginger dark chocolate1 package organic silken tofu*1 tsp espresso powder or 1 individual pack of instant espresso¼ cup maple syrup3 Medjool dates, pitted and coarsely chopped1 tsp fresh ginger, grated 1 tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp chili powder¼ tsp ground turmericInstructions:Add all ingredients except the chocolate to the pitcher of your blender and blend on high until thoroughly combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the pitcher and blend again to ensure that the dates are thoroughly incorporated.Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat for 30 second intervals at 50% power, stirring well each time until chocolate is melted. Do not rush this process or the chocolate will burn.With the blender on low speed, gradually add the melted chocolate to the spiced tofu mixture. Scrape the sides and blend for an additional minute at medium speed.Pour into a glass bowl, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight. Serve cold topped with your favorite grated Chocosol chocolate, vegan whipped cream, or berries. *Use silken tofu, not firm or extra firm. If you are allergic to soy, substitute with 2 ripe avocados.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

What can we say about this one. Morgan reflects back on the online reaction to announcing her podcast, and the never ending shit storm of men sharing their irrelevant opinions about her body. She also learns of some new(ish) online drama surroundign two internet stars thanks to producer and Gen Z correspondent, Anissa. Morgan's "Thinspiration" journal also makes a comeback in this episode - giving us an inside look at the inner dialogue of a teenager stuck in the heroin chic era of 2012. Join our new Reddit page and share your thoughts - https://www.reddit.com/r/MyBodyMyJokes/

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In episode 26 of Eat Your Greens, Dr. Angela Black and cohost Mae Parrish discuss how to leverage your lab results to take control of your health. With a lighthearted anecdote, they explore how the food you eat affects your fasting blood sugar, lipid profiles, and hemoglobin A1c levels. Using real lab results, they break down how HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides affect your health. The episode also features a relatable case study of a patient diagnosed with diabetes and covers actionable steps you can take to maintain your metabolic health, reduce your risk for heart attack, diabetes, and dementia.  For more information on fat and carbohydrate metabolism:https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterolTriglycerides: Why do they matter?Prediabeteshttps://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/milkshake-french-fries-flavor-combination-food-scienceYour Brain On... SugarYour Brain On... FatsIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In this episode of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black,' Dr. Black interviews Mike Singleton, the owner of Naturally Cafe in New Braunfels, Texas. They discuss the cafe's commitment to healthy, plant-based, and gluten-free menu options. Key highlights include their popular vegan soups, homemade plant-based bacon, and guilt-free desserts. Singleton shares tips on making simple, healthy soups at home and talks about the challenges and successes of running a health-focused restaurant. The episode emphasizes the importance of whole foods and offers insights into the cafe's popular menu items including smoothies and sandwiches.Naturally Cafe websiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In episode 24 of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black,' Dr. Black speaks with Bill Jollie, founder of the nonprofit Interrupt Hunger. They discuss how his organization uniquely addresses both obesity and food insecurity, and how building healthier communities starts with individual effort. Jollie shares his inspiring journey, including his fight against leukemia, and how it led him to create a program that motivates people to adopt healthier habits while giving back. The conversation touches on practical steps like forming accountability teams, incorporating better eating practices, and the immense impact of volunteering. Dr. Black also discusses how doctors can screen for food insecurity and the new Corridor Primary Care Food Pantry. Tune in for an insightful talk on taking better care of ourselves and our neighbors.Find Jollie:Interrupt HungerMove Eat Give PodcastJollie is an employee of AbbVie, but is here today on his own accord and not in his professional capacity as an AbbVie employee. All viewpoints provided are his personal opinions and not intended to reflect those of his employer.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Episode 23! In this Small Byte episode of the Eat Your Greens podcast, learn five fun facts about chocolate. Discover how chocolate is made, the difference between cacao and cocoa, and some interesting trivia, such as how many beans it takes to make a pound of chocolate and the world's largest chocolate bar. The episode also delves into the health benefits of dark chocolate, which include lowering blood pressure, reducing stroke and heart attack risk, improving cognitive functions, boosting athletic performance, and even reducing stress. Finally, learn why dark chocolate is a great addition to a plant-based diet. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Episode 22 of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black features a conversation with special guest Dr. Vicki Petz Kasper, a dual board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and lifestyle medicine physician, and current chief medical officer of Equilibrium Medical. The discussion centers on nutrition in pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of good nutrition both before conception and during pregnancy for both the mother's and baby's health. Dr. Petz Kasper shares advice for expecting mothers, focusing on the intake of folic acid, protein, and a well-balanced diet to prevent birth defects and support overall health. They delve into the issue of morning sickness and strategies to mitigate it, including dietary adjustments and the avoidance of certain triggers. Additionally, the role of the gut microbiome in maternal and infant health is explored, highlighting the benefits of a plant-based diet rich in fiber for long-term metabolic health and reduced risks of allergic diseases. The podcast aims to provide comprehensive guidance for pregnant women on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making informed nutritional choices for themselves and their developing babies.Find Dr. Petz Kasper at:Equilibrium MedicalHealthy Looks Great on You PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Haven sits down with serial entrepreneur, Audrey Bennett, during this week's episode. They discuss Audrey's businesses in marketing and social media management, how she started a thriving merchandise empire, how to find community in a new city, and how she had the courage to put everything on the line by working for herself. They, of course, also chat about becoming a group fitness instructor and about Audrey's marathon and spartan racing experiences. You don't want to miss out on this fun conversation!Keep up with all of Audrey's businesses and projects on Instagram! @seemlyandsprucecreativeco for marketing, @seamsxseemly for merchandise, and @shesalittlelocal for the best local businesses and travel recs.Exclusive to HxH Podcast listeners! Get 15% off your “Eat Your Greens” and “The Marathoner” merchandise using code “HXH.”Follow Haven on Instagram @healthbyhaven for more health and wellness content! Get healthy recipes, read wellness articles, and learn all about HxH at healthbyhaven.com. 

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.Episode 21 of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black, the final part of a three-part series, is dedicated to exploring the truth about plant-based meat alternatives. The episode begins with a recap of the journey, from practical diet shift strategies in part one, to taste-testing plant-based meats in part two. Dr. Black then delves into the health and environmental concerns surrounding these alt meats, discussing their nutritional content, processing level, and impact on human health and the planet. The script critiques the alt meat industry's contributions to environmental issues like monocropping and its effects on crop biodiversity. Additionally, it reviews the nutritional comparisons between plant-based meat alternatives and their animal-based counterparts, addressing common concerns such as content of saturated fat, sodium, and potential allergens. Dr. Black recommends moderate consumption of alt meats, emphasizing the importance of whole, plant-based proteins for health and environmental sustainability. The episode aims to provide listeners with a balanced perspective, enabling informed dietary choices.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In episode 19 of the 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black' podcast, Dr. Black and her sister, Wendy, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, delve into the world of plant-based meat alternatives. This episode, part two of a three-part series, is designed to assist listeners in transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. The duo explores and samples a variety of popular plant-based options on the market, including vegan breakfast sausages, impossible and beyond burgers, vegan pepperoni pizza with creamy Miyoko's pourable mozzarella cheese, and dairy-free ice creams. Through a lively discussion, they evaluate these alternatives based on appearance, texture, flavor, cost, and nutritional content, aiming to provide listeners with comprehensive insights to make informed decisions. Wendy shares her expertise and personal experiences, including her culinary background and how plant-based eating has impacted her health, particularly in relation to rheumatoid arthritis. The episode offers an engaging journey through the delicious possibilities of plant-based eating while providing valuable information to help listeners incorporate more whole plant-based foods into their diets. Links from episode:Chef Wendy's Easy Vegan Shepherd's PieVegan Migas from ConnoisseurusVegIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In episode 18 of 'Eat Your Greens' hosted by Dr. Black, the focus is on helping listeners transition to a plant-based lifestyle with ease. The episode features a conversation with Dr. Michelle Miller, discussing the challenges and strategies of embracing plant-based eating within their family to support their daughter, Mia. The conversation covers the importance of making gradual adjustments, the role of family support, and practical tips for integrating more plant-based foods into daily meals. Topics include experimenting with tofu, modifying favorite recipes, exploring new plant-based ingredients, and gamification strategies for making the transition fun and engaging. The episode emphasizes the benefits of a plant-based diet, not just for individual health but also for environmental impact, and aims to equip listeners with actionable advice for a smoother transition to plant-based eating. Recipes mentioned in this episode:Mediterranean Quinoa BowlVegan Creamy Greek DressingUltra Crispy Air Fryer ChickpeasIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.On episode 17 of ‘Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black,' listeners are treated to Five Fun Facts about leafy greens. Have you ever wondered why kale is called a ‘super food'? Did you know there are over 100 varieties of lettuce! From iceberg to arugula, leafy greens are more diverse than you think. In this episode, Dr. Black explores the numerous varieties of lettuce and other leafy greens, their rich history, and the impressive nutritional benefits they offer, including vitamins A, C, K, folate, and non-heme iron. She also discusses the surprising protein content in greens and provides tips on maximizing nutrient absorption. There might be a reason this podcast is called Eat Your GREENS with Dr. Black!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In an engaging journey through the grocery store aisles, 'Eat Your Greens' hosts, Dr. Black and Mae Parrish, dissect the realities behind food labeling and marketing practices, focusing on a variety of items including snacks, baby yogurt, frozen meals, cereals, and meats. They challenge the veracity of health claims such as 'natural,' 'multi-grain,' 'grass-fed,' and 'free-range,' emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing nutritional label and ingredient list on the back of packages. The episode exposes misleading marketing tactics, and advocates for making health-conscious choices by prioritizing whole foods, plant-based choices, and understanding the true meaning of the nutrition facts label. This consolidated insight serves as a practical guide for consumers aiming to make informed decisions for a healthier diet.Links from the episode:Mae Parrish, RealtorFood Label Accuracy of Common Snack FoodsFood Serving Sizes Have a Reality CheckUnderstanding Food LabelsWhole GrainsAdditives in meat and poultry productsNatural flavoring on meat and poultry labelsIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.This episode of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black delves into the complexities of food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities in children, emphasizing the differences between them. A personal story from a mother, Carli, highlights the severe reaction (FPIES) her son had to oatmeal, underscoring the challenges parents face when dealing with uncommon food reactions. Dr. Black provides a comprehensive overview of food allergies, detailing how they're an immune response, typically immediate and potentially life-threatening, unlike food intolerances which result from digestive issues and are less severe. The episode also explores the concept of food sensitivity and its vague, non-specific symptoms. Misinformation and the exploitation of parents' concerns by the wellness industry are critiqued, particularly the misuse of IgG tests for diagnosing food allergies. Practical advice is given on diagnosing and managing food allergies and intolerances, with an emphasis on the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary dietary restrictions. Additionally, the discussion touches on the genetic and environmental factors contributing to food allergies, and the hopeful message that some food allergies can be outgrown. Finally, the talk highlights how adjustments in diet, based on solid medical advice, can improve symptoms and quality of life.Links for resources and information discussed in the episode:Food Allergy.orgNon-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergyWhat is causing the rise in food allergy? A narrative review of risk factors for the development of food allergy in infants and childrenIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.I have a big announcement! EYG is celebrating 1,000 downloads! Thank you to all the listeners who have helped me reach this important first milestone. I appreciate each and every one of you!To say thanks, I've created a free guide with over 20 tips on how to transition to a plant-forward lifestyle.  To get your free copy, just go to the EYG website and subscribe.  You will get an email whenever a new episode is released – no spam or filling up your in box every day with useless promotions and I don't sell your information – so no worries about that – just EYG updates and a free bonus guide!  In case you didn't know, you can reach out to me via the contact page on the website, or just email me at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.com if you ever have questions about the information or suggestions for future episodes. What do you want to know about WFPBD? Please reach out so I can offer the most relevant content to my audience. THANKS AGAIN FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.This episode of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black is a MUST for parents with infants. Today, I'm talking about introducing solid foods to babies. You will learn about a wide range of topics including spotting the signs of readiness, the best feeding strategies, the recommended order of introducing foods, and new evidence on ways to reduce future food allergies. The episode tackles the debate between spoon-feeding and baby led weaning, potential choking hazards, and the necessity for a varied diet. Special highlights of the episode include insights into the influence of mothers' diet on a baby's preferences and the unexpected dangers of certain foods like honey for babies under a year old. In addition,  I share some funny stories and experiences about feeding my own daughter and about how things have changed in the world of infant feeding over my career. Learn First Aid for ChokingIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.This episode of 'Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black' explores the complex issue of food insecurity, its impact on individuals and communities, and potential interventions. Guests Leslie Jordan Garcia, an expert in eating disorders and food equity, and Lisa Young, the executive director of the Hays County Food Bank, join the conversation to discuss the importance of food, the differences between hunger and food insecurity, and how both issues are intricately linked to several factors including access, stigma, and systemic inequities. The discussion also touches on the heightened risks faced by children, working families, the military, and disabled or elderly individuals. The episode delves into the operational challenges and successes of the Hays County Food Bank, highlighting the importance of donations, volunteers, and advocacy in addressing food insecurity. Furthermore, the discussion sheds light on the interconnectedness of food insecurity with mental health, cultural diets, and the role of healthcare providers in identifying and addressing this issue. The episode aims to illuminate the broader societal implications of food insecurity while encouraging community engagement and support for those affected.FeedingAmerica.orgHays County Food BankIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

Text Dr. Black your questions or comments.In episode 11 of Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black, listeners head to college to learn about the microbiome and its vital role in maintaining overall health. Dr. Black is joined by Dr. Micaela Vargas from the Department of Biology at Texas State University, and they discuss the complex and fascinating aspects of the microorganisms that live in our bodies, particularly our gut. The extensive effects of a healthy microbiome are outlined, from helping to prevent serious diseases like heart disease and cancer, to aiding digestion, regulating blood sugar, and potentially slowing aging. Listen in as Dr. Black and Dr. Vargas explore the impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise on the gut microbiome. The episode concludes with practical tips on how to nurture and support a healthy microbiome.Recipe for Dr. Black's breakfast smoothieConnect with Dr. Vargas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micaelavargasphd/ Links to research articles The Human Microbiome Project Reaches Conclusion The origins of gut microbiome research in Europe: From Escherich to Nissle Current understanding of the human microbiome Association between antibiotics and gut microbiome dysbiosis in children: systematic review and meta-analysis Specific gut microbiome signatures and the associated pro-inflamatory functions are linked to pediatric allergy and acquisition of immune tolerance Faecal microbiota transplantation halts progression of human new-onset type 1 diabetes in a randomised controlled trial Short-Chain Fatty-Acid-Producing Bacteria: Key Components of the Human Gut Microbiota Gut Microbiota: An Important Link between Western Diet and Chronic Diseases Anticancer EffectsIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it, leave a review, and most importantly, share it with a friend! For my free guide to Living a Plant-Forward Life, visit the show website and subscribe! eatgreenswithdrblack.com For resources related to a plant-based diet or if you struggle to afford healthy food for your family, please go to eatgreenswithdrblack.com/resources.You can contact Dr. Black at dr.black@eatgreenswithdrblack.comI am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast. Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child's health or growth, please contact their doctor.Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!

 When should kids start eating healthy? The answer might surprise you.  We all know the rates of childhood obesity are increasing, along with the rates of childhood diabetes and fatty liver. Did you know the rate of childhood obesity has quadrupled in recent years?  But how do you get picky kids to eat their vegetables? What about Attention Deficit Disorder? Does diet affect that?  Learn more in my interview with Dr. Angela Black.  You're listening to "Healthy Looks Great On You," a lifestyle medicine podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Vickie Petz Kasper, and this is episode 110. What Should Kids Eat?  I'm so excited to introduce to you today my guest, Dr. Angela Black. Dr. Black is a board-certified pediatrician on a pathway to become board-certified in lifestyle medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and completed her pediatric residency in Miami, Florida. She currently practices in San Marcos, Texas and has a strong interest in promoting excellent nutrition for her patients. She recently discovered the subspecialty of lifestyle medicine and her long term goal is to shift her practice to a lifestyle medicine model and incorporate food as medicine to help families add more produce into their diet. She's also the host of a great podcast called "Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black." Welcome to the show, Dr. Black. I am so excited to have you here today, and I think we're going to have a really big challenge before us because there has been so much interest in the things you have to say.  Dr. Angela Black: Thank you so much, Dr. Vickie, for having me on "Healthy Looks Great On You." I'm really excited to Be here and talk to you today. And I was really impressed by your listeners,  questions that they had and, really appreciated some of their questions.  Dr. Vickie: Yeah, I think they're going to have to tune in to your podcast, I've listened to several episodes and I think my daughter subscribed and it's just very interesting and it covers a lot of topics and I'm not an expert on pediatrics, so we needed you here today.  Dr. Angela Black: Oh thank you. And  I hope people enjoy it. I hope they find it and, and like it. Dr. Vickie:  So I have to start out by telling people how we met. And that was at the Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Denver. And we literally just sat down at the table and had dinner together one evening and kind of hung out together the rest of the conference.   Dr. Angela Black:  I had met your hotel roommate. And basically I crashed your dinner with her. You guys were going into the restaurant to have dinner and I just invited myself along and we got to know each other and discovered how much we had in common.  Dr. Vickie: That's right, and that was awesome. I'm so glad you did that.  Well, I think I'd like to start out by talking about attention deficit disorder. There was so much interest in that on my Facebook page, and specifically about red dye, and there was a little bit of interest about autism as well. So, could you just start by outlining your approach to treating a patient who has ADD or ADHD?  Dr. Angela Black: Well, my approach has definitely evolved over the years, and I would like to just start by saying that there's a lot of misconception about what ADD or ADHD actually is.  It's been taken over a little bit in the pseudoscience community, the lay community as being not necessarily a real syndrome.  And it definitely is. There are patients whose brain, and if we want to get nerdy, we can talk about the prefrontal cortex and the areas of our brain that are involved in planning, organization,  maintaining attention, resisting impulses, things like that. And, definitely there are people,  both children and adults who just have a dysfunction of that part of their brain.  So, it is a real entity. It's not just bad parenting. It's not just too much TV. Definitely electronic media has its role in contributing to the development of it and the symptoms. So, just to start out by saying, it is a real entity.  I do treat it with medication. But my approach to doing that  has evolved over the years where we start out with an in-depth evaluation. We,  look at the symptoms in the home, we look at the symptoms at school, and in other settings. Can the family go to restaurants, or do they never get to go out and enjoy time in public settings because of the behavioral issues? The impulsivity that goes with ADHD, things like that. Can they go to church or their, or their local religious organization and participate? So we want to see that the symptoms occur in multiple settings. The symptoms need to have started before the age of seven. So we really want to make sure that the child meets the diagnostic criteria. And then we also want to see that they've been evaluated for learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, other diagnosis that may be affecting their ability to  pay attention in class, and follow along. Because if it's a matter of not being able to understand the material and the child is bored because they just can't follow along, it's going to look like ADHD. They're not going to pay attention. They're going to be bored. They're going to get up out of their chair. So we want to make sure we're ruling out other diagnosis and really doing a good job that the child meets the diagnostic criteria. And then we talk about treatment, and that's either going to be pharmacologic medication or non pharmacologic, and both have their role.  Non-pharmacologic treatments definitely work best in the younger child. So we write a letter for the school and the parent can sit down with their educational team and develop what's called a 504 plan. 504 is under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and it applies to children with any diagnosis that affects their ability to participate and learn in the classroom setting that's not intellectual disability. So they may have Asthma; asthma would qualify for a 504 plan if the child has to have frequent absences or  has such a severe disease that they can't learn in the classroom and they need some change to their plan that would help them do that. So,  the parents will sit down with the educational team and develop a 504 plan so that the child has accommodations to their educational plan that help them reduce those impulses, maintain focus, stay on task. And that's individualized from child to child. There are some tips and tricks that we tell families that they can do at home, for instance, helping them get through homework time, things like that. And then when available, if we can get them in with a child psychologist who specializes in behavior to help the families develop a positive discipline plan to help reinforce the desired behaviors and minimize the undesired behaviors. But as we know, mental health care in this country is another health care crisis.  You know, accessing that is simply not  realistic for many people.  So that's all of the non- pharmacologic treatments. I do also talk about some dietary changes that we can make and I know that's what many of your listeners had questions about - the dietary recommendations. And then, when appropriate, we do prescribe medications. There are both stimulants and non stimulant medications available. Dr. Vickie:   You know, I think that's important to say because medications definitely have a place. And this can be a debilitating disease. It can make a child completely fail.  And medication can mean the difference between success and failure. But I think the frustration is the knee jerk response to prescribed medication rather than to either trial other things, or to do the thorough evaluation to see if medication really is necessary and if that's really the diagnosis. So I think that's the frustration, not just with the medication, but with the healthcare system in general.  Dr. Angela Black: Right, and unfortunately, it is faster, easier, more efficient to just write a prescription. Now, as you know, physicians don't get any, like I'm not selling the medication. I don't run a pharmacy. I don't get any financial incentive to prescribe medications. I do get some financial disincentive to do the right thing and really spend that time with the parents because unfortunately, insurance, especially Medicaid, just don't reimburse very well. And so the amount of time that it takes as a primary care physician to really sit down, have those conversations, explore what non-pharmacologic treatments are going to work and what accommodations the child might benefit from, that that's my time. That's not really being reimbursed very well by the third party payers. So there is actually a disincentive for me to practice medicine the best way. And it is true that with the high rates of physician burnout, many doctors just don't have the time, the energy to put into it. And it's just a lot easier to write a prescription. So it's not that they're, purposefully not practicing good medicine. It's the system is definitely, unfortunately weighted against primary care physicians. Dr. Vickie   Well, that brings up a good point, and I share that with my listeners often. It's not just the doctor, it's the patient too. As a patient, when you call, you want an appointment, and you want it soon because you've got an issue. And if the doctor is spending a lot of time with each of their patients, then it's going to take longer for you to get in and get an appointment. And then when you get there, you don't want to sit in the waiting room all day long while they talk to someone for an hour about lifestyle changes.  And I think that's why lifestyle medicine is really coming to the forefront, because it does need to be a subspecialty in and of itself because of the time constraint on other physicians and the shortage of primary care physicians.  Dr. Angela Black: Right. Exactly.   Dr. Vickie: So let's go back and talk about diabetes and fatty liver and childhood obesity. I love one of the things you said on my Facebook page today, and that was that healthy eating for a child starts.. Dr. Angela Black: Before they're born.  Dr. Vickie:  Right, prenatally. So now you're touching an issue that's dear to my heart because I was an obstetrician.  And so, let's talk about the impact of prenatal diet, because there is some evidence that a mom who has obesity is more likely to have a child who has obesity  independent of how they eat afterwards.  Dr. Angela Black  Those nutrients or not nutrients are crossing the placenta and affecting the baby in those critical stages of development when the baby's brain nervous system are developing. So there's that. And then there's mounting evidence that the health of mom's gut microbiome also can affect baby's development. Not only do those bacteria that in mom's gut produce chemicals called short chain fatty acids that also cross the placenta and affect baby's development, but even the bacteria themselves. Apparently there is some evidence that they can leave mom's colon And cross the placenta and the baby starts developing their own microbiome, even in the womb. And for centuries, we thought that that was a completely sterile environment and there was no bacteria at all. And that may not be true. So there's a number of ways that the mother's diet affects the baby. And then last, again, I try to rein it in, but sometimes I get a little too nerdy about things, there's something called epigenetics, right? So our genetics is our DNA, it's the blueprint for everything, every aspect of our being, but epigenetics are the genetic switches that get turned on and off that dictate whether or not a gene will be expressed or not. And there are genes that impact our rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and those epigenetic switches can get turned on or off based on the mom's environment, her diet, her stress levels, sleep levels. You know, so many factors go into that and that's what really plays a big role in why  you're going to see certain diseases like obesity, heart disease, diabetes run in families.   Dr. Vickie: Oh, I love that you talk about the science. My listeners are used to me taking them to mini medical school, so they've come here to learn.  Dr. Angela Black:  Great. Well, I often talk about  the rates of things like diabetes. When I was in medical school and training, this was in the early to mid-nineties, they were just starting to recognize that children can have type two diabetes. Back when I was in training, we called it adult onset diabetes. And  there was a lot of skepticism about whether or not. children could get type two diabetes. Now, fast forward, I don't even want to say it - almost 30 years later, it's not in doubt. It's not even rare. I diagnose this in young teens. I have diagnosed children as young as 10 years of age with type 2 diabetes. And I definitely see pre-diabetes very often. Several times a year we'll have a teen in our practice develop actual type 2 diabetes. So the rates have really skyrocketed. The Lancet recently came out with a publication documenting that the rates of diabetes have quadrupled since the 90s, in children aged  12 to 19 year old, and they're continuing to climb. And so it's really becoming a healthcare crisis.  Not only because of the diabetes itself and the cost of care, the cost of insulin, the cost of blood sugar monitoring, but also the secondary effects of having a high blood sugar on the person's health over time. Right? So if you're 60 and developing type 2 diabetes, how many years do you have to develop kidney damage, eye damage, damage to your blood vessels. Now we're talking about kids in their teens. So they're really going to have a shortened lifespan. The quality of life is going to be greatly impacted. They're going to be developing those other chronic diseases so much younger than what we have seen in previous generations. Dr. Vickie:  So what symptoms should parents look for if they're concerned about type 2 diabetes in childhood?  Dr. Angela Black: Type 2 diabetes specifically, now it is a myth that people who have a normal body weight cannot develop type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. So your pancreas, the organ that makes insulin, is working fine, but the cells can't use that insulin to take the sugar out of the blood and use it for energy. So some of the signs that the insulin level is starting to rise are  Acanthosis nigricans. So that's darkening of the skin in the creases. Often it starts on the back of the neck, but you can also see it in the armpit folds, under the breasts, around the waist. So if you're starting to see what looks like dirt that doesn't wash off on your child's neck, you might want to talk to your doctor about having some blood tests. Dr. Vickie:  So when my daughter was probably in junior high school, we spent a lot of time out in the sun and we were in the pool and she had what I thought looked like acanthosis in her armpits. And I made her go in and have blood work done. And she was like, mom, you're always finding stuff wrong with me.   Dr. Angela Black: On the other hand, I did recently have a child come in whose parent was really concerned about diabetes because of some brown on their neck and it was on the front and usually acanthosis is on the back. And I was looking and I got a little paper towel and scrubbed it and yeah, it was actually just dirt. So it's not always a bad sign, maybe they're just not scrubbing enough in the bath. Now  as it progresses what you're going to see that if the child is actually developing diabetes is the common symptoms associated with a high blood sugar will be increased thirst and increased urine output. So if they can't be more than two feet away from their water bottle, they're waking up three or four times a night to pee, or they're having wetting accidents, That's another reason to consider getting their blood sugar checked. And that's true whether it's type one or type two diabetes because the increased sugar causes more water to be put into the urine. So they're peeing more and then as a consequence, they're more thirsty. Also, if they don't have energy, they're feeling sick a lot of the time. If they have some skin  infections that aren't healing well, even early in diabetes. I think the most common time that I've diagnosed kids with type 2 diabetes, they came in for an ingrown toenail that wasn't getting better. And I asked them about other symptoms and checked their blood sugar and sure enough, it was over 400.  Dr. Vickie: Wow, that's really interesting. Also increased hunger. I've actually been diabetic before when I was on prednisone. And then I had pre diabetes. And I'm normal weight, but it runs really strong in my family.  But when your blood sugar is going up, your body is actually starving because your body can't move that blood sugar into the cells for energy. And so, it increases your appetite, which becomes a vicious cycle. And I reversed it with plant-based eating, and that's when I really became a believer in that. And I'm not exclusively plant-based by any stretch of the imagination, but I try to get the majority of my calories from plants. And that's what I always try to explain to people. It's not necessarily vegetarian and it's not necessarily vegan. It's plant-based. And so if you can get the majority of your calories from plants, because I feel like there's some resistance among parents to try to feed their kids a plant based diet.  Dr. Angela Black: Right. And I did see some questions about how to do that, especially if your child is picky. How do you get a picky kid to accept healthier foods? And, I give my families a similar message to what you're saying, you don't have to go 100%. Now I do think that's the gold standard. Just like we would never tell somebody, "Oh, you know, just cut back to half a pack of cigarettes a day. That's fine. Just, you know, smoke every once in a while." We're not saying that for a reason. I do think that the more plant-based, the more plant-based foods that you can incorporate and the fewer ultra processed foods and high fat animal foods that you can put in your diet, the better. So I would hold out a 100 percent whole food plant-based diet as the gold standard. But I also know that that's not accessible to many people and it's not going to help them, make changes for me to say that. So I usually say, any movement you can make in that direction, you're going to get some health benefits. And then you build on it. So some tips for getting kids to accept more variety of plant based foods: Number one, sorry parents, but you're going to have to eat it yourself. You have to set the example. You have to have it in the house and with the meals every single day and that's a really good way. Kids will eat what the family eats often. So, I have plenty of parents that tell me, "Well, he keeps sneaking my soda." I'm like, well,  why are you drinking soda? You know, so they are setting the example. And then the other two techniques that are really effective are, getting the kids involved in the planning and cooking process. So let them go on the internet and pick some recipes that they think would taste good that include fruits and vegetables, and then let them at an age appropriate level, chop and prepare and, and work with you in the kitchen, and then make family dinner time a priority. Make it happy and fun and really make that part of the routine. Those have been shown in the data, in the science. And I try to always look at the actual evidence to be some of the most effective ways of getting kids to actually accept and eat the foods that you're trying to make. So you don't have to sneak it in there and they won't even know those vegetables are in there. Well, that is a good technique that I recommend often while you're working on the other things, right? We want them ultimately to be on board with eating them and enjoy it without you having to hide it, or sneak it in their nuggets. But, definitely in the short term, being a little sneaky is never a bad idea. Dr. Vickie: I think it's important in developing the palate because both of my adult children eat fairly healthy and I think they just grew up eating that way and that's what they're used to but what I've seen in my grandkids and this is interesting because my oldest grandson is four and he just loved to eat vegetables. He just loved it and they did the baby-led weaning and so he just ate whatever they were eating and they ate healthy stuff. But then, he went to daycare, and at daycare they were feeding him pizza rolls and French toast sticks. And his palate changed, and suddenly he didn't want vegetables anymore. He just wanted junk food because he had gotten a little taste of it at daycare. And that's a challenge, because what are you going to do? I mean, daycare is expensive, and food is expensive, and they're trying to take care of a lot of kids, and just keep costs down, so they're going to buy the cheap stuff, which unfortunately is the ultra processed stuff. Dr. Angela Black: Right. And it's a good point because those foods are designed to really hit that right combination of sugar, fat, and salt that releases that flood of dopamine and really lights up those pleasure centers in the brain. And unfortunately, broccoli just doesn't. does not do that. So when kids get introduced to those foods, it can be difficult, which brings up a few of the points. First of all, going back to good nutrition starts before birth. Some of those flavor molecules from the food that moms eat also cross the placenta and babies can start tasting very early in gestation. So those receptors on the tongue are actually active. And then once they're ready to start solid foods, introducing a variety of different flavors between six months and a year, not only flavors, but textures. And make sure you include bitter things like kale and broccoli. And really those first thousand days, the first three years of life to the extent possible, lay a strong foundation of good, healthy eating with a variety of healthy whole plant-based foods. Even if they go through those picky phases later, they're more likely to come back around and accept those healthier foods later.  Dr. Vickie:  And I think it's so important because I've eaten healthy for a number of years even though, like I said before, especially years ago, I wasn't necessarily eating plant-based, but I didn't eat ultra processed food. And in fact, one year, I even put dried fruit in the kids Easter basket. And they were like, Mom, you've gone too far. We want chocolate bunnies. And I said, OK, OK, you're right. And, you know, today's Friday, but yesterday was Pie Day. And so, I said this on Facebook, Just go ahead, have a slice of pie. Dr. Angela Black: Have your pie on pie day. I already had mine and it was not vegan. I don't bake myself and so I'm not going to make a vegan pie crust. I just got a yummy, it was fruit based, at least there's that. But traditional cherry pie from my grocery store and I had my big piece of pie.  One of your, listeners on Facebook asked, "How rigid should we be?" When it comes to allowing kids to have foods at school, should you try to cut it out entirely? And that has really been shown to backfire. So if you are super rigid, we never eat this food, I'm going to send your special food to school with you. What about birthday parties? Things like that. You know, especially as they get a little older, preteens, teens, it's really important for them to be similar to their peers. And if you are too rigid in excluding those foods, they're going to rebel. They're going to hide it and sneak it. And they're also going to develop an unhealthy relationship with food that may set up feelings of guilt and shame and could even set them up for eating disorders. So again, what you do most of the time, what you do at home on a regular basis is really the important thing and having some flexibility, will ultimately lead to kids with healthier eating habits in the long run. So I would avoid being overly rigid. Dr. Vickie: So my kids were right about the Easter basket and the chocolate bunnies. Dr. Angela Black: They were right. Dr. Vickie: Darn it.  Dr. Angela Black: Right. Dr. Vickie: My daughter was the one that actually asked about daycare because that's an issue right now. Her youngest is going to be one in April. And she's like, what do I do? They're going to be eating what they're going to be eating. And she's tried to talk to them about, okay, if you're having pizza, mashed potato, and peas, eat the peas, eat the mashed potatoes, but skip the pizza. And you know they're not going to follow that. They have too many kids to take care of. So I guess she just does the best she can do when she's at home.  Dr. Angela Black: You do the best you can. Now, I have had families in a similar situation. I have written letters for daycare because the daycare director said, "Well, we can't feed them anything different without a doctor's note," meaning they have to have some medical diagnosis. And this is a perfectly healthy child with no lactose intolerance or something. So I have been known to write letters stating, this child must be allowed to have healthy foods brought from home and should limit intake of ultra processed foods. Like, it's stupid. But I have written that letter. Here's a note from my doctor stating my kid has to have vegetables.  Dr. Vickie: I think that just gives us a little insight, a little window into the mentality that we have. Like, I just think about it in the past, it seemed like kids could eat whatever they wanted and get away with it. And then you went to college and gained the freshman 15. And then there came a time when there was a day of reckoning and you had to make some changes because it sort of caught up with you. But now it seems like kids are just affected so much younger.   Dr. Angela Black: There are so many reasons. It's very complex, right? And it's not just bad parenting. It's not ignorance on the part of the parents. By and large, parents want to do what's right for their children. They want their children to be healthy. They want to feed them healthy foods. And we really have to be careful not to make judgments about why families aren't feeding their kids healthy.  There is a significant problem with food insecurity in our country, especially in marginalized communities or in people of color. And paradoxically, obesity goes hand in hand with food insecurity because of access. They don't have access to healthy foods and they would love to feed their kids healthy foods if they could, or they're exhausted, working several jobs. They don't have the energy to put into cooking. And so they're resorting to ultra processed foods, fast foods, things like that. So we know that. Eating a whole food plant-based diet is the best way to ensure health, to maintain a healthy weight, and so the cause of obesity and these chronic diseases is not in question. It's definitely our diet. The reasons that we eat an unhealthy diet or feed our children a less than optimal diet are very complex, and they're going to require changes at really the national level, the community level, you know, ensuring that people really have access to healthy foods. And, that's a whole 'nother podcast episode, but so many changes need to be made. I mean, it just shows what what doctors like you and I are up against. We're trying to promote lifestyle medicine and healthy lifestyle choices, but gosh, I mean, even at the daycare level, it's, it's very difficult. Dr. Vickie: And so it's part of a bigger complex issue. It's not just, oh well, everyone just needs to eat plant-based because that's so unrealistic. You have to make other changes to facilitate that. And, and some of those can be very expensive. It's much cheaper to go to the grocery store and buy a box of macaroni and cheese than it is to buy enough vegetables to cook, and then time is a factor before. And like you said, that's a whole 'nother podcast.  Dr. Angela Black: So it's like many things in life. You can actually make a plant-based diet cheaper than an ultra processed food diet. In fact, when they've studied it, it can be up to $500 per year cheaper for your grocery budget. People who follow a whole food plant-based diet actually spend less on their groceries. But what you sacrifice is the time for planning and cooking and prepping. So just like many things, you have to pick one.  Dr. Vickie: It's the convenience factor. We all live in a fast paced world. I mean, I'm semi retired at this point, and I can cook every day, and I can go to the grocery store every day, and it takes a huge chunk of my time. Huge. And you know, when you're raising a family and working a job, and your kids are involved in extracurricular activity, it feels nearly impossible. I had a friend one time whose son was having significant GI distress at a very young age. He was 8 or 9 and just had constant stomach problems and acid reflux. And the doctor asked, "What do you eat?" And they said, "Well, we eat hot dogs at the ballpark every night because we're playing travel baseball." Dr. Angela Black: Right, right. Dr. Vickie: And it's so hard because we eat on the go and parents who have kids, especially with ADD, they want to know, can we just eat carrots or can we just eat blueberries? Is there something in particular that we can eat to make it better? Or does red dye make it worse? So, can we talk about that a little bit? Or autism.   Dr. Angela Black: There was a lot of questions about dye. And I really, that was the one question that I really appreciated because when I recommend dietary changes for ADHD, I do start by saying, unfortunately, there's not. One food or type of food that you can add or remove and expect to see a big difference. There's a lot out there in the junk science world. You know, a lot of supplements on the market and people say, "Oh, I cut gluten out of my child's diet and they did better." You know, if your child doesn't already have a reason to be sensitive to gluten or not tolerate gluten, scientifically, the evidence does not support that gluten is a cause of ADHD. So you really do have to do a whole food plant-based diet and variety is key. And again, that goes back to the microbiome, including a variety of different plants and their associated different types of fiber supports a higher diversity of gut bacteria. And that in turn can affect a lot of things, including brain health, cognitive health, memory, focus. Even they're looking at some studies on Alzheimer's, things like that. Having said that, the reason I was very grateful to your listeners, I had never actually looked to see what the science says about dyes specifically, because if I'm going to advocate for a whole food plant-based diet, that's automatically going to cut dyes out. So I hadn't looked. And my assumption was that there was no evidence to support that. And I was wrong. There are good, randomized placebo controlled trials showing that dyes not just red, also blue, and so I suspect, by extension, any of them. Children can have worsening ADHD symptoms, and, conversely, an improvement in their symptoms. When those are removed, so there is actual data supporting that dyes can contribute to ADHD symptoms, but again, it's not changing my recommendations because I recommend a whole food plant-based diet with a variety of diversity of various plant based foods. Dr. Vickie:  Right. Apples are red. You don't have to add dye to make them red, and blueberries are already blue.   Dr. Angela Black: And you mentioned autism. There are some studies in rats where the female was fed a junk food diet equivalent to an ultra processed diet like humans eat here in the West, and the pups had behavioral symptoms consistent with autism. There is some evidence that the mom's diet can play a role in neurodevelopment and development of autism. It's very complex, though, again, because we don't really understand completely what causes autism. It's a complex disorder that likely has many causes, not just one.  So the evidence is emerging and it's being studied.  Dr. Vickie:  That's interesting.  Now, I want to be sure we cover all of the topics and the questions that we got on the Facebook page and one of them was about the food that kids are given if they're in the hospital. And this is something that I've recently experienced, I had a family member who had surgery and was given a breaded chicken patty that was so tough that I couldn't even chew it. And so, I really think it's more of a systemic issue.  Dr. Angela Black: It is, you're right. It's a systemic issue. You know, if it was a cardiac cath patient or somebody who was hospitalized for a heart attack, the doctor is going to write dietary orders, you know, low salt diet or whatever special diet for that disorder. But when it comes to children who don't necessarily have those diseases, they're going to say regular diet is the orders that they're given.  It's really up to the individual hospital, what kind of foods they have in their cafeteria, what they're offering. And I do think that is an area that the consumer has some input, you know, people can talk to their hospitals, they can ask for healthier options. I have a special needs daughter.  She has a genetic syndrome with epilepsy and we've been in and out of the hospital a lot over her life. She's a young adult now, but we always were given a menu. So I could at least choose slightly healthier options if I wanted to, but, yeah, burgers and nuggets were always high on the list and the kids menu in the hospital. And so I do think that at the educational level for health care professionals, whether it's even dieticians, physicians, definitely, a big change needs to happen in education. My daughter has a G tube, so, she was having very active seizures and she couldn't really eat. She would have lots of seizures overnight, she would get lots of drugs to stop the seizures, and then she would sleep the whole next day and not eat. And it was very difficult and she wasn't gaining weight, so we ended up having a G tube placed so we could give medications and fluids and then feed her on those days when she wasn't able to just wake up and eat.  G tubes, you know, it's a tube that goes directly into the stomach and you can put either formula or different foods. And one of the things that people do is what's called a pureed diet where you can take healthy food, you know, spinach, broccoli, healthy sources of protein, blend them up in your high speed blender and And give that as the meal instead of the commercially prepared formulas, which are often high fructose corn syrup and,  things like that. And there's families that want to do that. And I actually had a family whose dietician  refused to let them do that because it had never been studied. It's like, well, if the kid could eat by mouth, we would be giving them these foods. What's the difference putting it in the mouth and swallowing it versus putting it directly into the stomach through this little tube? There's no difference. But the dietician would not allow it.  Dr. Vickie: Protocols, protocols, and I also think if you're a patient, or if your family member is a patient, you have to be an advocate. I remember when I was in the hospital and I was a diabetic, they brought me chocolate cake. I was like, really? Chocolate cake? That's the last thing I need. But really, to be honest, 9 out of 10 families would probably say, Bring me the chicken nuggets and the fries. But there's definitely an opportunity for education among healthcare professionals. Dr. Angela Black: Right. And they've, they've done studies, actually, it was at a presentation at the Lifestyle Medicine Conference that we went to in Denver where they went into communities and worked with some restaurants and they still had the nuggets and fries available, but on the menu in the kids section, they listed the healthy options and if the parents wanted nuggets and fries, they had to ask for them. "Do you have this?" And then they say," Oh yes." And you know, they could serve it. But, when the healthy options were just placed on the menu in an area of prominence, people ordered it more often and the kids ate it.  But what we do is that the chicken nuggets and fries and burgers  you know, here's the kid's menu and that's all it is. And we just assume that's all they're going to eat, but it's not true. Kids will eat healthier food. Often when given the option.   Dr. Vickie: Yeah, and that's just marketing.  Dr. Angela Black: Yeah, that's marketing. So just making if we can, if we can, you know, go in and talk to our local restaurant owners and say, "I would love to eat here more. Have you considered making this change?" You never know. They might be willing to give it a go. And the restaurants reported that their revenues did not drop. That was the important thing because initially there was pushback, like, "Oh, we're not going to make any money. People aren't going to come here." And that was not the case. Dr. Vickie:  I'm sure a contributing factor is just eating out in general and how convenient that is and so very bad for you. I know that's one of my weaknesses. I mean, I can be much more strict about eating plant-based when I'm home. But when I'm eating out, it's a lot more difficult to choose. Also the portions are so huge, so that's a problem. And also, you can eat plant-based and be very unhealthy.  Dr. Angela Black:  Right? Exactly. Yeah, processed plant-based diet is almost as unhealthy as a standard American diet and restaurant food is, terrible and expensive. So I have one episode and I hope to do more where I find local restaurants in our community here in Central Texas where they offer whole food plant based options. It's not necessarily a vegan restaurant, but they have options on their menu. And I interviewed a local restaurant owner and it was actually one of my most successful episodes to date.  So I think people really want to hear about that. Where can we have the convenience of going out to eat but still be healthy. And where can we go? We just don't know. So I hope to have more of those episodes where I look at local options here around the Austin to San Antonio area.  Dr. Vickie:  I like that. I love the community advocacy. That's so important.    I'm sure there are other things that we didn't touch on, but I think we could probably talk for six or eight hours. Hopefully, this will give you some ideas about things to feature on your podcast, "Eat your greens with Dr. Black," and of course I will put links in the show notes  can find Dr. Angela Black and her podcast. Dr. Angela Black: We could go on and on. So  I think we covered the bases and answered most of the topics that your listeners were asking. And it was great talking to you too. Thank you very much for inviting me onto your show.   Dr. Vickie: And I would encourage anyone to just talk to their pediatrician if they are interested in pursuing a healthier lifestyle for their kids.  Because I promise you, your doctor wants you to be well, and they're interested in your kid's health. Even if they're rushed, and even if they have a waiting room full of patients, they will welcome your input, and they will work with you.  And like Dr. Black said, your kids will follow your example. So if you're ready to get started with a healthier lifestyle, You can sign up to receive this podcast by email. And as a bonus, you'll get "Seven day Prescription for Change," which is a downloadable workbook and seven days of emails to help you identify what lifestyle changes you'd like to get started with and how to implement those. Just look in the show notes for a link. The information contained in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not considered to be a substitute for medical advice. You should continue to follow up with your physician or healthcare provider and take medication as prescribed. Though the information in this podcast is evidence based, new research may develop and recommendations may change.  RESOURCES: Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black Listen to Eat Your Greens with Dr. Black on Apple Dr. Angela Black on Linked In Eat Your Greens Dr. Black on Facebook 7-Day Prescription for Change 00:00 The Urgent Need for Healthy Eating in Kids 00:35 Introducing Dr. Angela Black: A Pediatrician's Journey to Lifestyle Medicine 02:57 The Battle Against ADHD: Understanding and Treating with Lifestyle Medicine 10:42 The Prenatal Impact on Childhood Obesity and Diabetes 15:32 Confronting Type 2 Diabetes in Children: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention 19:04 Embracing Plant-Based Diets for Kids: Strategies and Challenges 34:46 Navigating the Complexities of Healthcare and Diet in Children's Lives 41:36 Conclusion: Empowering Families for Healthier Futures                  /