Plant Powered Orthodox Christians Dietitian

09/29/2025

Dear Friends!

God willing, I will be at St. George & St. Rueiss’ Church this coming *Saturday October 4*. Please use the registration link below to let us know you if you will be attending so appropriate accommodations can be made. Join us and invite others ☺️
https://bit.ly/Marriage101registration

08/07/2025

🕊️ St. Mary’s Fast | August 7–21 🕊️

We begin the holy Fast of the Virgin Mary, a season of spiritual reflection, prayer, and devotion to the Theotokos, leading to the Feast of her Assumption on August 22. 🙏

This fast is observed with a spirit of purity and humility, just as St. Mary lived her life — fully surrendered to God.

🍽️ Fasting Guidelines:
• No meat, poultry, dairy, or eggs
• Seafood (like fish and shrimp) is allowed on certain days (except Wednesdays & Fridays), depending on local tradition or guidance from your priest
• Always check with your spiritual father or church tradition for specifics

Let this time be more than just dietary change — may it be a time of renewed prayer, repentance, and connection with Christ through the intercessions of His holy mother.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47)

06/09/2025

📿 Today marks the beginning of the Apostles’ Fast (also known as the Fast of Saints Peter and Paul) — a beautiful time of spiritual preparation and renewal that continues until July 11th.

🙏 The purpose of this fast is to draw closer to Christ through prayer, repentance, and simplicity. We honor the sacrifices of the Apostles, who spread the Gospel with courage and humility after Pentecost. This is a time to quiet worldly distractions and nourish our souls.

🐟 Seafood is permitted during this fast (except on Wednesdays and Fridays), but it’s important not to lean too heavily on it. The fast isn’t just about replacing meat with fish — it’s about embracing simplicity and letting go of indulgence.

🌱 Consider choosing plant-based proteins like:
• Beans & lentils
• Tofu & tempeh
• Chickpeas & quinoa
• Soy & seitan

Not only are these options better for your body and the planet, but they also help us practice moderation — which is at the heart of the fast.

💬 As you begin this journey, ask yourself: How can I simplify my table and open my heart more to Christ?

06/04/2025

GLP-1 Drugs: What You Need to Know

GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) are becoming more common—and for some, they can be life-changing tools for managing weight and metabolic health. I’m not for or against them—they’re not “good” or “bad.” Like any treatment, they’re highly individualized.

But here’s the key: there are important things you need to know and do to get the benefits without the harm.

If you’re on a GLP-1, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it situation. It’s essential to follow up regularly with:
👉 Your Healthcare Provider – for safety, labs, and medication management
👉 A Registered Dietitian – to make sure you’re still meeting your nutritional needs
👉 A Physio or Trainer – to support muscle mass, function, and movement

These meds affect more than just appetite—they can impact digestion, nutrient intake, bone health and muscle health. Make sure you’re getting comprehensive care.

Questions? Drop them below or talk to your care team. 🧠💪🍽️


https://www.ladbible.com/news/health/health-ozempic-mounjaro-wegovy-side-effect-bone-muscle-loss-557180-20250602?utm_source=LLIL&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKtK5VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsqxstZe-Jeiw9jGzbm-oqv5x_oiZxvO66eArAm-Dz7NcxZl1WZyBeNG5jdf_aem__wBWwdrOBxaZBv3jddC2YA

Doctors have warned users of medicines such as Ozempic Wegovy and Mounjaro about an irreversible potential side effect

06/02/2025

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/cancer/exercise-may-benefit-colon-cancer-patients-much-drugs-rcna209560 Exercise may benefit colon cancer patients as much as some drugs

06/02/2025

🕊️✨ Happy Coptic Day – June 1st ✨🕊️
Celebrating faith, heritage, and plant-powered living!

Today, we honor the ancient and resilient Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the earliest Christian communities in the world. Rooted in Egypt and founded by St. Mark the Evangelist, the Coptic Church has preserved a deep tradition of faith, fasting, and simplicity for centuries.

For Orthodox Christians who embrace a plant-powered lifestyle, the Coptic fasting traditions offer a beautiful example of how spiritual discipline aligns with whole-food, plant-based eating. With over 200 fasting days per year—free of meat, dairy, and eggs—Coptic cuisine is naturally rich in plant-based meals that nourish both body and soul.

🍲 Favorite Coptic plant-based foods include:
• Koshari – a hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and spicy tomato sauce
• Falafel (Ta’ameya) – made from fava beans, not chickpeas!
• Lentil soup (Shorbat ’Ads) – simple, comforting, and full of flavor
• Bamia – okra stewed in a savory tomato and garlic sauce
• Foul Medames – slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, garlic, and lemon
• Roz Bel Laban (plant-based version) – rice pudding made with almond or oat milk

On this day, we celebrate the wisdom of tradition, the strength of faith, and how plant-based living continues to thrive within the Coptic Orthodox community.

🌍🕊️ May we continue to be inspired by their devotion, resilience, and reverence for creation.

04/02/2025

🥦 Fasting & Healthy Eating—A Surprising Connection! 🥑

A new Quebec study shows that nutrient-rich, plant-based diets boost your chances of aging well. Interestingly, the foods we traditionally eat when fasting—like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and healthy fats—are exactly what science says supports longevity!

✅ Leafy greens & veggies 🥬
✅ Berries & fruits 🍓
✅ Whole grains & legumes 🌾
✅ Nuts & healthy fats 🥜
✅ Fatty fish 🐟

Fasting traditions may have been on to something all along!

04/01/2025

🥦 Fasting & Healthy Eating—A Surprising Connection! 🥑

A new Quebec study shows that nutrient-rich, plant-based diets boost your chances of aging well. Interestingly, the foods we traditionally eat when fasting—like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and healthy fats—are exactly what science says supports longevity!

✅ Leafy greens & veggies 🥬
✅ Berries & fruits 🍓
✅ Whole grains & legumes 🌾
✅ Nuts & healthy fats 🥜
✅ Fatty fish 🐟

Fasting traditions may have been on to something all along! Read more here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/good-nutrition-maximizes-chances-of-healthy-aging-says-quebec-study/

Individuals whose diets are rich in plant-based foods and low in ultra-processed foods have a better chance of aging in good health, according to research involving a Montreal scientist.

03/11/2025

✨A Fast That Transforms ✨

Fasting is more than just a change in diet—it’s an opportunity for true spiritual renewal. As HH Pope Shenouda III reminds us, Lent is a time to strengthen our relationship with God and those around us, shedding our weaknesses and growing in faith. If we complete these 55 days without deeper fellowship with God, what have we truly gained?

Let this season be a time of lasting transformation, not just temporary discipline.

02/28/2025

🚀 Exciting Things Coming Your Way! 🚀

Get ready to take your fasting game to the next level! We’re rolling out:

✅ The Fasting Master Menu – A full breakdown of meal ideas to fuel your fasts.
💪 The Ultimate Protein Guide – Maximize muscle and energy with the best protein sources.
🍽️ New Recipes & Meal Ideas – Delicious, fasting-friendly meals made simple.
🥑 Snack & Lunch Solutions – Easy, satisfying options to keep you on track.

Stay tuned – you won’t want to miss this! 🔥

02/26/2025

Ultra-Processed Foods & Heart Health: What You Need to Know

Recent studies link ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats, and instant meals—to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. People with high UPF intake face a 23% greater risk of cardiovascular issues.

Healthier swaps:
❌ Sugary drinks → ✅ Infused water or herbal tea
❌ Processed meats → ✅ Lean poultry, fish, or legumes
❌ Packaged snacks → ✅ Fresh fruits, veggies, or nuts
❌ Instant noodles → ✅ Whole grains with fresh ingredients

Reducing UPFs and choosing whole foods can make a big impact on your heart health!

New 2025 study explores how ultra-processed foods are adversely affecting the health of people in Canada.