The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

Erin often thinks of the work that she does in 2 parts. While it’s true that we have to work on the physical body - nutrition, movement, lab testing - we have to be open to the fact that our energy body and emotional body impact our physical health as well. This conversation with Andrea Mitchell, intuitive wellness coach and founder of Andrea Mitchell Wellness, explores the other half of healing that often goes overlooked.A lot of folks have been asking us for more “woo”-ish episodes, so we’re bringing this conversation to you and hope you can pull some little pieces to use in your day-to-day life! Tune in as Erin and Andrea discuss the purpose of art therapy, somatic healing, breathwork, and hypnosis - as well as diving into some high level topics like the ego and consciousness. Stay through to the end to hear Erin and Andrea’s hot takes on manifestation, and how Erin uses it in her life, work and healing.Andrea Mitchell is an intuitive wellness coach and founder of Andrea Mitchell Wellness. She uses a whole body approach to healing. Living in true balance requires the alignment and integration of the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical bodies. Through private and group offerings she empowers her clients to use this awareness of whole body health to take ownership of their healing. She has training in Pilates, Yoga, Reiki, Breathwork, Akashic Records, Intuitive Guidance, QHHT, and is a Licensed Art Therapist in NYC.*Disclaimer* This episode has some swear words!In this episode:-Andrea’s journey into working with the whole body approach [8:25]-The purpose of art therapy & how it differs from talk therapy [10:14]-How breathwork & somatic therapy ties into mind-body healing [14:33]-Different styles of breathwork and their effects [18:16]-How physical ailments can be connected to emotional blocks [22:41]-Why the body might deactivate cortisol [29:06]-The variety of trauma & how it impacts your health [32:32]-Opening the brain with hypnosis [35:36]-What makes QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique) unique [38:52]-The conscious ego vs the unconscious state, explained [43:17]-“Feet on the ground, head in the sky”: Caring for the physical body while acknowledging energetic health [49:21]-Erin and Andrea’s thoughts on manifestation [51:31]-Questions to ask yourself when manifesting, unpacking fears and limiting belief blocks, and the importance of intention [55:12]https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/193-emotional-body-breathwork-hypnosis-manifestation-andrea-mitchell

There are tremendous health benefits to strength training - including lowering inflammation, supporting hormones, mitochondrial function, metabolic health & immune health. But based on the messages and questions we received, a lot of women out there are intimidated by strength training.Erin wanted to bring on someone who could help, so she’s chatting with Nora Matthew about how to approach strength training in a sustainable way - without burning out. Because the benefits of exercise only exist if you’re not *overdoing* it, which kind of flies in the face of a lot of mainstream fitness advice. And unfortunately, burnout is a trend that both Erin and Nora have seen working with thousands of women.If you want to be working out more, but you’re nervous about how to start…OR you are already exercising, but feeling burnt out & unsure of what you’re doing wrong… this episode is for you! This conversation will help you get started (or slow down!) with confidence.Nora owns Her Strength Studio, a female focused strength training gym in upstate NY that primarily utilizes the modalities of kettlebell, barbell, and bodyweight for functional strength training. They offer small group personal training with each client following their own curated program based on their goals, exercise history, injuries and time commitment. Her Strength Studio also offers a selection of self-led online programs and remote personal training for those who are out of the area.In this episode:-Our opinions on the best types of exercise for women’s health [5:34]-Nora’s journey to strength training (as a former athlete and mom of 4!) [6:54]-The biggest problems in the fitness industry & how doing more isn’t always better [10:54]-Considerations for intense workouts [16:20]-Exercise sustainability: when you’re in it for the long haul [20:50]-The benefits of going to a coach for guidance [22:18]-Feeling sore post-workout: how to gauge good vs. not good [24:37]-Red flags that you’re pushing too hard [31:27]-Why you should prioritize form/technique over intensity [32:46]-How to know when it’s time to take time off – and why you should [33:51]-When to know it’s time to push for more [36:47]-Specific benefits of resting between sets [39:40]-Where to get started if you’re feeling intimidated by lifting weights [44:19]-Nora’s tips for finding a coach [47:48]-At home exercise options [49:22]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/192-sustainable-strength-training-nora-matthew

Rachel Mistry, a functional dietitian from Erin Holt's clinic, dives into the intricate link between histamines and hormones. She explains how histamines can cause unexpected symptoms like cyclical headaches and emphasizes the impact of stress on hormonal balance. Listeners learn about the importance of estrogen balance, potential dietary adjustments, and hormone testing strategies. Rachel also highlights the influences of home environments on endocrine function, providing practical tips for managing histamine intolerance effectively.

Join a heartfelt reflection on navigating the complexities of life in the past year. Explore the balance between self-acceptance and the drive for personal growth. Discover how past struggles can inform current goals, and hear about the importance of self-care, not just for oneself but for everyone around us. Learn about the experience of a DIY retreat and valuable lessons on honoring both your past and present selves, all while embracing gratitude and community.

This minisode is Part 3 of a 3 part series Erin is doing on Metabolic Health, where she answers some of the most common questions she has received on all things metabolism! Tune in as Erin rounds out this series with topics like the red flags to look for with high and low blood sugar, glucose monitoring, lethargy after eating, how much hunger is “normal”, what stress/sleep have to do with blood sugar, and the best types of movement practices for your hormones.In this episode:-Without testing, what are red flags to look for? [3:12] - Low Blood Sugar Red Flags [4:12] - High Blood Sugar Red Flags [4:54]-Should everyone do glucose monitoring for a baseline? [6:30]-Do you recommend testing blood sugar every morning even if someone is NOT diabetic? [9:52]-Is lethargy normal after eating? [11:05]-How much hunger is normal? [11:55]-Do I have to be using a CGM to do the Carb Compatibility Project? (Hint: No! Here's why) [15:48]-Best things to prioritize to rein in glucose metabolism after a few days of heavy carb intake [21:30]-When trying to keep blood sugar balanced is it necessary to eat carb/fat/protein at every meal and snack? [25:38]-How to figure out your unique threshold for carbohydrates [27:49]-What are the basic principles that everyone should apply in regards to metabolic health [29:17]-What does stress and sleep have to do with blood sugar [29:33]-The best type of movement practices for your hormones [31:11]- Is healthy sleeping all due to diet/wellness work, or dedicated sleep hygiene? [33:41]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/189-metabolism-3-glucose-monitoring-red-flags-metabolic-health

This minisode is Part 2 of a 3 part series Erin is doing on Metabolic Health, where she answers some of the most common questions she has received on all things metabolism! Tune in as Erin covers topics like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) causes and prevention, “hanger”, 3am anxiety and hunger, the connection between mood and blood sugar, preventing hypoglycemia during exercising and if HRV is a good measure of metabolic health.In this episode:-Do you think HRV (heart rate variability) is a good measure of metabolic health? [5:32]-What is the connection between irritability, low patience and blood sugar drops? [7:15]-Why does hypoglycemia happen? [8:58]-Why do I wake up stressed and hungry at 3:00 am? How do I prevent this? [13:13]-Can you drink a protein drink to prevent hypoglycemia episodes while exercising? [16:06]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/188-metabolism-2-hypoglycemia-mood-exercise

This minisode is Part 1 of a 3 part series Erin is doing on Metabolic Health, where she answers some of the most common questions she has received on all things metabolism! Tune in as Erin covers topics like high blood sugar, insulin, weight loss, and menopause.In this episode:-Why metabolic health and blood sugar regulation are SO important [3:24]-What does high blood sugars/insulin have to do with weight loss? [5:47]-What should I consider if weight loss is my goal? [12:29]-What is the link between insulin & COVID? [14:01]-Why does perimenopause cause a lot of struggles to metabolic health? [22:13]-After intermittent fasting for a year, my labs came back as me being prediabetic. Doesn’t fasting regulate sugars? [29:16]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/187-metabolism-1-high-blood-sugar-insulin-weight-loss

Dive into the world of gut health with insights on leaky gut, digestion, and the microbiome. Discover how stress, diet, and medications impact your gut ecosystem. Learn about the crucial role of stomach acid and the overlooked significance of gallbladder health. Explore the importance of chewing food, the effects of low stomach acid, and why microbiome diversity matters. Uncover practical tips for improving gut health and the connections between gut issues and systemic health, including mood and autoimmune conditions.

Today Erin is sitting down with Lara Adler, who is an environmental toxin expert and educator. Every time the “environmental toxicity” conversation comes up there is potential for overwhelm, but Lara presents this really complex (and important!) information in such a way that you can walk away with low-cost action steps that don’t feel overwhelming.This episode is filled with practical, budget-friendly strategies that you will feel confident implementing. Whether you're someone looking to better their health OR to support others in their health journey, this is a convo you don’t want to miss.Lara Adler is an Environmental Toxins Expert & Educator who teaches health coaches, nutritionists, and other health professionals how to eliminate the #1 thing holding their clients back from the results they are seeking – the unaddressed link between chemicals and chronic health problems. In this episode:-The downstream effects of environmental toxicity exposure. [7:01]-The most effective approach to get someone to care about environmental toxicity. [8:02]-The heart attack & air pollution link. [10:52]-Why reducing exposure can be a “quick fix” for some. [15:43]-The invisible threat that can lead to microbiome issues, leaky gut, autoimmune flares & hormone problems. [17:27]-When you feel like you’ve “done all the things” for your health, but you’re still not better. [18:22]-The connections between leaky gut, cascading symptoms & toxin exposure. [18:52]-Fetal origins of adult disease: how early life exposures can lead to adult disease. [21:44]-Why there’s rarely ONE chemical to blame when toxicants are so ubiquitous in commerce. [23:29]-The difference between persistent & non-persistent chemicals - and why you should care. [26:49]-The cheapest and MOST effective solutions to start implementing TODAY. [28:36]-A powerful intervention study on child asthma. [38:29]-Top priorities for non-toxic eating. [44:47]-Lara’s thoughts on non-stick pots/pans. [45:29]-Cookware to avoid & to use. [52:20]-Lara’s favorite safe cookware brands (with multiple price points.) [1:03:07]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/12/3/episode-185-practical-strategies-to-reduce-chemical-exposure-lara-adler

For the first time ever, Erin’s husband (and web designer, and home reno wrangler) Scott is joining her on the mic to talk about their home reno project. Erin received so many questions about how they navigated this project with health in mind, so they sat down together to bring you all the answers in this episode!Because these questions aren’t normally asked when people are building or renovating homes, Erin and Scott had to navigate through much of this on their own—and are bringing their experience and newfound knowledge to you! They are by no means experts, but they surely learned a lot along the way! Tune in to hear the products and techniques they used, and advice to help make your next home project a safe and toxic-free one. (Plus, a bonus segment from Scott on advice he would give to someone who may be resistant to prioritizing a healthy eating, non-toxic lifestyle.)In this episode:-Rigby Home Giveaway Announcement [1:40]-Getting partners onboard with a healthy eating, non-toxic lifestyle [2:29]-What to avoid with autoimmunity or chemical sensitivities [3:43]-Sustainable cookware & dinnerware [5:27]-Our budgetary and investment decisions [8:43]-Getting started: Design, Building and Installation [13:45]-Floor materials and coatings [16:35]-Paint that prioritizes air quality [22:18]-Using an air filter for off-gassing & steps to reinforce detox pathways [23:25]-Sustainable, non-porous and low-maintenance counters [24:00]-Cabinets & an awesome resource of questions to ask for a toxic-free home [25:30]-Furniture & how to check for added chemicals like flame retardants [27:26]-Venting about the process & things to be mindful of [29:32]-Bonus segment from Scott on resistance to prioritizing a healthy eating, non-toxic lifestyle [36:16]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/12/3/episode-184-our-non-toxic-home-renovation-all-your-questions-answered