Navigating Nourishment Podcast
In the Navigating Nourishment Podcast, Debbie and Wendy talk nutrition, tackle trends, answer niggling questions, interview thought leaders and foodies, and help you navigate the world of health.
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Recent Episodes
The Gap Between Knowing and Doing
If you know what supports your health but still struggle to stay consistent, this episode is for you. In this Navigating Nourishment episode, we talk honestly about something so many women quietly struggle with: knowing what supports their health and still having a hard time following through. We explore why this isn’t a willpower or discipline issue, how doing things alone actually makes change harder, and why shorter, gentler timeframes can help habits finally stick. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, tired of starting over, or wondered why “knowing” hasn’t translated into feeling better, this conversation offers relief, clarity, and a more compassionate way forward. In this episode, we also talk about why trying harder often makes things worse, not better — especially in midlife. We unpack how support, shorter time horizons, and narrowing your focus can calm the nervous system and make consistency feel possible again. It’s a conversation about shifting from self-criticism to self-trust, and why feeling better doesn’t require a total overhaul, just the right kind of help at the right time. This episode reflects the heart of our 6-week group, The Nourish Way, where we offer steady support, simple focus, and a way to make healthy habits finally stick. Read more about the benefits of connection in this Harvard report. The importance of connections: Ways to live a longer, healthier life By Giulia Cambieri Read more in our blog: Real Change Happens Through Connection
Understanding Ayurveda and the Wisdom of Vata Season
In our latest Navigating Nourishment episode, we open the door to one of the world’s oldest healing systems—Ayurveda. We welcome Dr. Roberta Garceau back to our podcast and explore how Ayurveda's timeless principles can help us feel more balanced, grounded, and well - especially during the breezy, unpredictable Vata season of fall and winter. We break down the Ayurveda essentials: ???? What Ayurveda really means.????️ The five elements and how they shape our bodies and minds.⚖️ The three doshas—and why understanding yours can be life-changing.???? How Vata season affects energy, digestion, sleep, and mood.???? Simple, comforting practices to stay nourished, steady, and centered. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel a bit more scattered, cold, dry, or restless this time of year—or how to bring more calm and rhythm into your days—this episode is your warm blanket. Tune in and learn how aligning with nature’s seasons can bring more vitality, ease, and clarity to your daily life. Listen now and let’s embrace Vata season with intention. More about Roberta Dr. Roberta Garceau is a practicing dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Roberta is also a certified yoga and Ayurveda instructor, professional speaker, and Amazon best-selling author. Her book is Bliss, Not Burnout: Hope for Health Care Providers. She blends these passions into Elemental-Wellness, her unique brand of integrative medicine, to help others improve their health, function, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Fostering self-awareness, Roberta is passionate about helping others to empower themselves and live with greater wellness. She and her husband, Jerry, reside in Connecticut and enjoy spending time outdoors with their adult children, Jacenda and Liam, as well as their dogs. Listen here to our previous interview on Navigating Nourishment as she shares her story and wisdom about health. Follow on Instagram
Creature Comforts and Self-Compassion with Grace Conte
Ready to add a dash of playfulness and a sprinkle of self-compassion into your day? In this episode of Navigating Nourishment, we welcome the wonderful Grace Conte, who wrote the delightfully creative Creature Comforts at Your Fingertips. In her book, Grace fills every page with animal-inspired hand mudras, drawing on ancient wisdom like Jin Shin Jitsu. With every page, children (and the child in you!) are invited to roar like a lion, flutter like a butterfly, and discover how simple hand gestures can help calm big feelings, build confidence, and spark resilience. The playful, colorful illustrations make these practices feel like a joyful adventure through the animal kingdom—one where everyone is welcome. What we love most about this book is these gentle, mindful tools aren’t just for kids. Grace shows us that anyone can weave a little self-compassion and mindfulness into their daily routine, one playful “creature comfort” at a time. The magic is in the small, consistent steps of self-compassion. Find the book: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Austin Macauley, Waterstones (UK). Follow Grace on Social Media: Linked In, Instagram, Facebook Creature Comfort Ideas In our conversation about the book, Grace offers a variety of simple, accessible practices that can be woven into daily life to nurture self-compassion and emotional well-being. Here are some ways to integrate these practices: 1. Hand Mudras and Gestures Grace describes using hand positions (mudras) inspired by nature and ancient practices like Jin Shin Jitsu. For example, making a gentle fist with the thumb tucked in (Adi Mudra) can help to feel grounded and promote a sense of safety. Practicing these mudras as a daily ritual, and especially during moments of stress, can help regulate emotions and foster self-kindness. 2. Mindful Tracing and Doodling The book encourages tracing animal shapes or doodling. This practice engages both hemispheres of the brain and provides a calming, full-brain response. Setting aside a few minutes each day to trace, draw, or color can help quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote creative self-expression. 3. Pausing and Stillness Grace emphasizes the importance of pausing—taking intentional breaks to check in with oneself. This can be as simple as a few deep breaths, a moment of silence, or a mindful hand gesture. Regular pauses throughout the day help build self-awareness and compassion. 4. Playfulness and Joy Grace specifically designed the practices to be playful and joyful, so they appeal to both children and adults. Approaching self-care with a sense of play can make it more sustainable and enjoyable. 5. Gratitude and Affirmation Practicing gratitude, even in small ways, is a powerful mindfulness tool. Taking time each day to acknowledge something positive or to affirm one's own efforts can boost emotional well-being. 6. Integration with Daily Activities These practices can be incorporated into everyday routines - commuting, before meals, during work breaks, or as part of a bedtime ritual. The key is consistency and gentle repetition, not perfection. 7. Modeling for Others Grace notes that these tools are beneficial for all ages and can be shared within families or groups, creating a ripple effect of compassion and emotional intelligence. By embracing these simple, mindful practices, we can all gradually build greater self-compassion, resilience, and emotional balance into our daily lives. You've heard it from us before! Small, consistent steps and trusting the process, rather than seeking immediate results, is key to moving forward. We encourage you to pick one or two of these practices and play around with incorporating them into your daily life. And buy the book for yourself, a child, a friend and a neighbor to spread the ripple effect of self-compassion.
How To Eat More Vegetables
We are on a quest to find out how to eat more vegetables. Welcome to Navigating Nourishment Podcast. Be honest, do you love vegetables or not? In the latest episode hosts Debbie and Wendy dive deep into the vibrant, colorful world of vegetables—just in time for the bounty of the season! This episode is a celebration of everything fresh, local, and nourishing. Debbie and Wendy share their own experiences at the market, the joy of discovering new produce, and the challenges many of us face when it comes to trying unfamiliar vegetables. They discuss why we sometimes resist adding more veggies to our plates, from old stories we tell ourselves to the convenience of prepared foods that hijack our taste buds. But it’s not just about the “why”—it’s about the “how.” The hosts offer practical tips for overcoming resistance, discussing your palate choices, and making vegetables a delicious and exciting part of your daily routine. Whether you’re a seasoned veggie lover or just starting to explore, you’ll find inspiration to pick up something new at the market, experiment in the kitchen, and nourish your body with the incredible variety nature offers. Here are some of our tips on how to eat more vegetables: Embrace curiosity: Challenge yourself to try a new vegetable or recipe, even if it’s just once a month. Remember the benefits: Vegetables are packed with polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and even protein—everything your body needs to thrive. It’s okay to start small: Even if you’re not used to cooking vegetables, there are plenty of resources and recipes to guide you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Reach out to Debbie and Wendy if you need tips on preparing something new. Debbie and Wendy also share stories from their coaching practice, highlighting how challenging your mindset can open up a world of delicious possibilities. Plus, they invite you to check out their website for recipes, resources, and updates on their cookbooks—including the beloved Nourish-a community supported cookbook and the upcoming cookbook Seasoned. Ready to get inspired? Listen to the episode, try something new, and join the community of veggie enthusiasts! For more tips and updates, follow Nourish Coaches on Facebook and Instagram, and visit nourishcoaches.com. Bon appétit—and happy veggie exploring! Read more about the summer harvest list here.
Menopause Adventure Guide
Do you wish you had a Menopause Adventure Guide!? In this episode of Navigating Nourishment, we're busting a few menopause myths wide open. We share a new approach that might be worth investigating. Three reasons you'll want to listen: 1. Discover why menopause is NOT just about hot flashes - there's so much more happening that no one talks about 2. Learn how to work WITH your changing body instead of fighting against it, saving you years of frustration 3. An invitation to gain practical, actionable insights from women who have already navigated this journey and come out stronger on the other side Whether you're just starting perimenopause or deep in the midst of hormonal changes, this episode will give you hope, humor, and helpful strategies to reclaim your health and energy. Get ready to see menopause in a completely new light. Links we promise in this episode: Debbie's Menopause Adventure Guide book interview with an expert what menopause is Want to join the menopause group? Want to meet One-to-One?
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