Sparkman Nutrition, LLC

Time for a squawking thank you to our Peacock Patron level sponsors for Missouri Eating Disorders Association’s Wildly Beautiful Gala. We cannot be any more grateful for your support in fighting eating disorders, educating communities and saving lives! Branz Nutrition Counseling Alo Nutrition Sparkman Nutrition, LLC Equip Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare It's not too late to join the Sponsor Squad! Visit www.moedastl.org for more information.

Your pancreas does a lot for your health! It aids in digestion and plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar levels. A healthy pancreas excretes adequate quantities of enzymes needed to properly digest the foods we eat. However, an unhealthy pancreas can result in vast digestive issues. Disorders of the pancreas may require specialized dietary habits. These changes can be overwhelming and difficult to implement. If you are a pancreatic patient and interested in further nutritional advise, reach out to Sparkman to meet with one of our dietitians. You are not alone in this! Kira Alarcón

Produce at the grocery store is divided into organic and conventional labels. But what is the difference between these two options? Essentially, conventional produce is food that is grown and processed in the traditional method while organic produce uses natural methods of deterring pests. Environmentally speaking, the carbon footprint of nonorganic foods exceeds that of organically grown produce, but there are downfalls. Organic foods may have more pesticide residue because these methods are typically less effective than traditional practices and require more pesticide use. As for nutritional content, there is no significant difference in the nutritional composition of organic and conventional foods. Often, the only real difference is price point. So, just choose what looks and tastes best to you! If you're interested in learning more, Harvard Health has an article on organic vs conventional food. Check it out! Kira Alarcón #SparkmanNutrition #organic #conventional #nutrition #produce 

Nutrition professionals often refer to certain foods as "whole foods." But, what does this actually mean? Whole foods are foods that are minimally processed and close to their natural state. This includes plant foods like fruits, veggies, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. It also includes some animal products like lean meats and dairy. RDs love whole foods because they are much more nutrient dense than their processed counterparts. Having a diet predominantly comprised of whole foods can improve overall health and well being. So, next time you're at the store, look for these foods first! Written by Kira Alarcón #SparkmanNutrition #WholeFoods #vegetables #fruits #health #nutrition

How you think and feel about yourself usually affects your relationship with food. Being kind to the person you look at in the mirror can reduce the chance of succumbing to mind hunger. A reminder to practice self love this week #OvercomingMindHunger #sparkmannutrition #selflove

Food can soothe your mood! We all need a little sugar in life, and simple carbs like sweets can calm you down for a short period of time and boost certain chemicals in your brain. However, these blood sugar spikes can crash...quickly. These ups and downs can cause your body to crave more sugar to normalize your blood glucose. This vicious cycle often leads people to binge eat. To avoid blood sugar spiking, try pairing your sweet treat with a yummy source of protein or a complex carbohydrate. One of our favorites is oat bites with chocolate chips and peanut butter--a delicious treat that is energy sustaining! Written by Kira Alarcón #sparkmannutrition #sweets #bloodsugar #spiking #energysustaining #health #nutrition #food #breakthecycle

Your liver is responsible for removing harmful substances from the blood. A healthy liver promotes overall health, but a diseased one can greatly affect your well being. So, what should you eat to protect your liver health? If you are a liver patient, your diet has likely been adjusted to your individual needs, however, we have some general tips for a healthy liver. Emphasizing whole foods and balance in your diet helps your liver function to its best ability. Furthermore, avoiding high-fat foods, like fast-food, and lowering alcohol consumption can also improve the functionality of this important organ. At Sparkman, our favorite liver healthy foods are iced green tea and dark berries. They both contain antioxidants which can support your liver in injury recovery and overall health! Interested in learning more? Contact our team at Sparkman Nutrition to schedule an appointment with one of our dietitians! Written by Kira Alarcón #SparkmanNutrition #LiverHealth #OrganOfTheWeek #liver #LiverAwareness #WholeFoods #antioxidants

Talk to yourself as kindly and compassionately as if you were talking to a friend or loved one. Often times, we are crueler to ourselves than we are to anyone else in our lives. Having love for yourself not only improves your mental health, but can have a positive effect on your physical health. Choose self-compassion! #sparkmannutrition #nutrition #kindness #selflove #health

#atxdietitian #pediatricnutrition #sparkmannutrition

Do you look at foods as good or bad, punishment or reward? If you do, you’re not alone. Luckily, you can overcome this mentality with some effort and understanding of nutrition. Join our Overcoming Mind Hunger Classes. Next cohort begins soon! #sparkmannutrition #health #MindHunger #nutrition #sweets #vegetables #bingeeating