The Starkel Nutrition Blog
The latest from the expert team of nutritionists at Starkel Nutrition to help you live healthier, vibrant, and fuller lives.
Inclement Weather Policy at Starkel Nutrition Winter is coming!
With Seattle buzzing with the talk of snow, everyone's reaction seems to be different. Some anticipate it with a smile, some dread the implications for the roads and the traffic. Whichever end of the spectrum you may fall on, we would like to take this opportunity to...
How to Practice Mindful Eating
It can be human nature to go through life on autopilot. Have you ever been driving only to arrive at your final destination without any recall of the journey? Let’s face it, we are living this life distracted. Whether it be cell phones, the latest reality TV...
Holiday Mason Jar Granola Recipe Add a little holiday magic to your kitchen
Our own Siona Sammartino is not only a master nutritionist, she is also an excellent chef. Full of cooking know-how and helpful recommendations for personalizing every concoction, she has shared one of her favorite holiday recipes with us. Read below for Siona's...
Nutritional Implications of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
November is Trans Awareness Month! We want to celebrate the transgender community by providing nutrition information regarding gender-affirming care for individuals. The following is nutritional implications for clients undergoing hormone therapy of estrogen and...
What is Intuitive Eating? And why is it helpful?
We were all born with an inherent trust of our bodies. As infants and children, before we became influenced by diet culture, we were able to listen to what our bodies needed. If the privilege of food security was present, we had the skill to eat, stop when we were...
5 Benefits of Telehealth Appointments What is telehealth and why should you consider it
In the last decade, as we live in an increasingly digital world, the way we access goods and services has changed drastically. Online shopping allows us to order what we need from the convenience of our own homes, chat and text capabilities let us speak to customer...
Can Comfort Food Be Healthy? And what does 'healthy' really mean?
Can comfort food be “healthy?” Diet culture is so pervasive in our society that many believe a meal must be overly restrictive, exclude certain food groups and, often enough, lack flavor and satisfaction in order to be considered ‘healthy’. What if we redefine the...
4 Low FODMAP Substitutions for Onion & Garlic Ideas to get you inspired and cooking again!
Are you on a Low FODMAP diet but missing the flavors of onions and garlic? Here are four awesome ideas to get you inspired and get you cooking again!
The Why, What and How of Cleansing What our Cleanse is not
WHY Today we are exposed to more toxic chemicals than ever before. They are in the air we breathe, the food we eat and water we drink. Our skincare products are full of ingredients we can hardly name, our furniture comes with warnings of carcinogens present in the...
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) And How It Can Be Treated
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects up to 10% of women of childbearing age. PCOS is typically characterized by an excess of insulin and androgens (male sex hormones) circulating in the body as well as formation of...
Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating What's the Difference?
At a young age we learn that food choices often come with judgement and we learn to not trust our bodies 1. Disordered eating can be difficult to identify when the cultural “norm” is to obsess over size, weight, excessive exercise, and dieting. Ironically, these are often the same behaviors that can contribute to eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating in the first place.
10 Simple Rules for Eating Eating Tips for Parents, Kids and, Well, Everyone!
Eating today shouldn’t be more difficult than it was 100 years ago, so here are ten easy-to-follow “rules of thumb” to help your family eat without stressing about the often-insignificant details.
5 Things to Consider Before Adding Spirulina to Your Diet
There are a number of superfoods you already know and love. Whether it is berries, leafy greens or nuts, you have undoubtedly heard of their superb nutrient density and their overall benefits for your health. But what about spirulina?
The Endocannabinoid System: An Introduction PART I
Did you know there is a system in your body that is responsible for a large number of functions, from sleeping, to pain management, mood, and everything in between? This amazing and complex biochemical system is present in all animal life, it is called the...
Should you consider body acceptance & Health at Every Size (HAES)?
We are all products of a culture fixated on dieting, and rich in messages from media and medicine telling us that being “overweight,” is the greatest indicator of poor health. Unfortunately, we’ve all internalized these messages, and
Stress, Cortisol, and the Digestive System
Excessive levels of cortisol in the body can negatively impact many of the body’s systems and has a significant effect on the digestive system. During the stress response, cortisol aids in moving blood flow towards the brain, large muscles, and limbs rather than towards the digestive tract.
We Are Open Snow Days! To Our Clients
We know that weather and traffic conditions in Seattle can be quite unpredictable. Making it into the office for your scheduled appointment may be difficult at times, especially at times where we are experiencing lots of snow! We never want you to put yourself at risk...
Our Holiday Wellness Gift Recommendations
We all know the holiday’s can be a stressful time of year, even if they are filled with festive cheer. For those that participate in holiday gift-giving, finding the perfect gifts for loved ones without breaking the bank can be a daunting task. That is why we are here...
Moving From Mindless to Mindful
It’s 9 p.m. You finished dinner almost two hours ago, but with the new episode of your favorite TV series airing, all you can think about is how those Kettle chips or chocolate-covered almonds or whatever snack you love to indulge in, would be perfect. But, are you...
Treating Childhood ADHD with Food
With the start of every new school year, families have a lot to worry about- the their child will have a nice teacher, excel in their studies, and make new friends. However, parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) arguably have a...
Probiotic Foods: Kefir vs. Yogurt
Many consumers are unfamiliar with kefir or assume that it has the same properties as a drinkable yogurt, but that is not the case. There are actually several differences between yogurt and kefir, including how each is made, the types and amount of bacteria present, flavor, and consistency.