Taft Draper Nutrition

Taft Draper Nutrition Personalized nutrition coaching that is integrated into your lifestyle! Based in Asheville, NC. Insurance and Private Pay.

The  #1 Spice Recommended to Lower Cholesterol is....👇Cinnamon!Cinnamon has proven to be the  #1 go-to spice for high ch...
01/27/2026

The #1 Spice Recommended to Lower Cholesterol is....
👇

Cinnamon!

Cinnamon has proven to be the #1 go-to spice for high cholesterol. In part because higher cholesterol levels are often correlated with high glucose levels, and, in studies, cinnamon has been a factor to help reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Cinnamon also boasts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, so using it to enhance the flavor of your food can support heart health and have other health benefits.

If you have high cholesterol levels and aren't already, experts recommend adding spices like cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger and turmeric to your diet to support optimal health.

As Greek physician, Hippocrates, famously stated, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food.”

It's been a while since I've introduced myself here, and being the new year, it seems like a good time to make an introd...
01/22/2026

It's been a while since I've introduced myself here, and being the new year, it seems like a good time to make an introduction ....

I'm Taft Draper, a registered Dietitian, Integrative and Functional Nutritionist, and a Certified LEAP MRT Therapist.

I have been active all of his life, playing a variety of sports that has included strength training, yoga, Pilates, and cardiovascular exercise. My life has always been about being outside and in nature. I grew up in Bent Creek and loved spending time getting out in the forest. My journey of being outdoors, learning about nutrition and strength training has provided me a fulfilling life that I love to share with others.

Above all, I believe in empowering my clients to make the healthiest choices for themselves and it is my mission to help my clients understand that food is medicine and your best ally for a healthy, happy life.

Tell me about you!
Taft

Winter brings shorter days and colder temps, and, as a result, we generally get less natural light and our energy levels...
01/20/2026

Winter brings shorter days and colder temps, and, as a result, we generally get less natural light and our energy levels can be at all time low for the year.

If you've been experiencing lower that usual energy levels and winter blues, here's the #1 lifestyle tip to help get you out of the slump.

☀️ Exposure to early morning sunlight ☀️

Grab your cup of joe and step outside for a "hot" (errrr, cold) minute and soak up those early morning rays.

That early morning sunlight is a critical factor in setting your internal clock for the day and keeping our circadian rhythms on track. Staying on track can support our immune system and nurture optimal wellness.

Getting that early morning, natural light triggers chemicals in our body that are responsible for that energy boost. The body's chemicals that are at work are:

✔️ Serotonin
Not getting enough light can lead to lower serotonin levels and serotonin is a key player in our moods.

✔️ Melatonin
As a response to darkness, our brain generates melatonin which makes us sleepy. When we get that early morning sunlight, our body will release melatonin earlier in the evening, and we can get a better night's sleep. This good sleep cycle is super important for sustaining energy during the day and better sleep at night.

✔️ Cortisol
A.K.A. the stress hormone, cortisol kicks in at higher levels in the morning to get us into the day. Several studies have indicated a spike in cortisol levels when viewing early morning sun, and this can give us the energy boost we need to set the day off right.

New year. Better Habits. Try it for a few days and see what happens for you. Would love to hear if and how things improve.

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your body should stop moving. ❄️From a functional nutrition perspective, mov...
01/14/2026

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your body should stop moving. ❄️

From a functional nutrition perspective, movement is about so much more than burning calories...it keeps your circulation strong, your metabolism humming, your joints lubricated, and your mood elevated during the darker months.

The winter slump is real, but there are plenty of ways to keep your body active:

🚶‍♀️Short, frequent walks - even 10 minutes around the block adds up
🧘 Indoor workouts - bodyweight circuits, yoga, or stretching sessions
🙆🏾 Functional movement - carry groceries, use stairs, or roll out your fascia for mobility
👯 Move with friends or family - social accountability makes it fun

Think of it as daily nourishment for your body in motion. Movement supports digestion, hormone balance, and energy levels, just like the food you eat.

Your body will thank you for showing up… even when it’s chilly. ❄️💪

01/12/2026

doesn’t have to be boring.
And if it is… you’re doing it wrong. 😉

Functional, isn’t about restriction or sad meals. It’s about real food that works with your body. Flavor, satisfaction, and nourishment can (and should) exist on the same plate.

When you eat in a way that supports digestion, hormones, energy, and blood sugar and actually tastes good? That’s when stick.

Because food isn’t just fuel.
It’s information.
And it should still be delicious. 🍽️✨

01/08/2026

🛑 Chronic inflammation is sneaky—and it might be behind more of your health issues than you realize.

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to stress, injury, environmental triggers, allergens, gut imbalance, autoimmune issues, diet and other lifestyle habits . Chronic inflammation = trouble. It quietly fuels conditions like heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune issues, fatigue, and joint pain.

Reduce chronic inflammation by:
🥬 Eating whole, anti-inflammatory foods (leafy greens, berries, omega-3s)
🥜 Supporting gut health with probiotics & fiber
🏃‍➡️ Moving your body regularly
😴 Prioritizing sleep & stress management
🚫 Minimizing exposure to toxins where possible

Small, consistent changes can have a huge impact over time. Chronic inflammation isn’t permanent—you can tip the scales toward wellness. 🌿

✨ New Year, New You… or at least a new chance to feel better. ✨Every year, people set goals for their health, especially...
01/06/2026

✨ New Year, New You… or at least a new chance to feel better. ✨

Every year, people set goals for their health, especially when dealing with chronic conditions. It can feel overwhelming—but here’s the truth: relief is possible, and it’s never too late to find it.

Don’t give up hope. Small steps, consistent care, and the right guidance can make a real difference in how you feel every day. Your body deserves that chance. 💙

Schedule a discovery call today and start your journey to better health 👉 TaftDraper.com

Winter brings snow days, cozy blankets… and unfortunately, sniffles and sneezes. When a cold comes knocking, few things ...
01/02/2026

Winter brings snow days, cozy blankets… and unfortunately, sniffles and sneezes. When a cold comes knocking, few things offer comfort quite like a bowl of homemade chicken soup.

Chicken soup isn’t just cozy—it’s functional nourishment:
✨ Hydration from warm, soothing broth
✨ Immune-supporting nutrients from veggies
✨ Lean protein to help your body recover
✨ Anti-inflammatory ingredients that can ease congestion and sore throats

One of our favorites? Karen Rankin’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup (from EatingWell). It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with simple, real ingredients—think rotisserie chicken, carrots, celery, whole-wheat noodles, and a creamy broth that feels indulgent without overdoing it.

When winter colds hit, food can be both medicine and comfort. And sometimes, the act of cooking and sharing a warm meal is just as healing as what’s in the bowl.

Stay warm. Stay nourished. And don’t underestimate the power of a really good soup. 🥣💛

If winter has you feeling like your personality packed up and flew south for the season… you’re not imagining it.Seasona...
12/18/2025

If winter has you feeling like your personality packed up and flew south for the season… you’re not imagining it.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real thing, and no, it’s not just “winter blues” or “being dramatic because the sun clocks out at 4:30 PM.”

SAD happens when your body’s internal clock gets thrown off by less daylight, messing with your mood, sleep, motivation, and (fun surprise!) your cravings.
Yes, that’s why suddenly bread feels like your emotional support food.

Here’s what can actually help:

☀️ Get Light Exposure:
Even 10–15 minutes of morning sunlight can nudge your brain chemistry in the right direction.

🥗 Eat to Support Your Mood:
Omega-3s, complex carbs, colorful veggies. They all support the neurotransmitters that keep your mood steady.
Translation: nutrition matters way more than people think.

💤 Stick to a Rhythm:
Regular sleep + regular meals = a much happier nervous system.

🏃‍♀️ Move Your Body:
Not “new year, new me” gym shame. Just gentle, regular movement to get those endorphins online.

And if you’re dealing with SAD and trying to manage your nutrition on top of it?
You don’t have to white-knuckle it through winter.

Schedule a free consultation with Taft Draper Nutrition.
Let’s get you a plan that supports your mood, your energy, and your well-being even when the sun ghosts us for months at a time.

Let's talk about diabetes and nutrition. Diabetes isn’t one-size-fits-all and your nutrition plan shouldn’t be either.Wh...
12/15/2025

Let's talk about diabetes and nutrition. Diabetes isn’t one-size-fits-all and your nutrition plan shouldn’t be either.

When it comes to managing diabetes, the right approach depends on your diagnosis, your body, and your daily rhythms. That’s where integrative nutrition makes all the difference.

🔹 Type 1 Diabetes:
Your biggest balancing act is timing. When blood sugar dips, quick carbs or a little sugar can prevent a dangerous low. But long-term success comes from pairing your nutrition needs with your insulin schedule and the plan you’ve built with your endocrinologist. Precision here isn’t optional, it’s life-giving.

🔹 Type 2 Diabetes:
Weight loss and carb awareness can make managing blood sugar a whole lot easier. We’ll map out what to eat, when to eat, and how to keep your energy stable (goodbye, mid-day crashes). Eating regularly is essential to keep fainting and fatigue off the table.

The bottom line? Diabetes management should work with your life... not against it.

If you’re ready for a personalized, integrative plan that actually makes sense for your day-to-day, schedule a free consultation with Taft Draper Nutrition.
Let’s build a roadmap that helps you live better, feel better, and stay in control.

12/11/2025

Holiday season = the annual health plot twist.
You start with good intentions… and then boom: parties, travel, stress, cookie trays that magically refill themselves. No wonder most people fall off track... the holidays basically run like a wellness obstacle course wrapped in tinsel.

But here’s the thing: falling “off track” isn’t about willpower. It’s about losing routine, skipping nourishment, and letting stress run the show instead of your body’s actual needs.

✨ Functional nutrition flips the script.
Instead of starting January in full panic-mode enforcing resolutions, you can keep your body steady through the season without being a holiday hermit or skipping the good stuff.

Here’s how to stay grounded and balanced (and sane):

1. Keep your blood sugar stable.
Eat protein + fiber before events so you’re not showing up starving and inhaling the dessert table like it’s a competitive sport.

2. Hydration is holiday magic.
Half the “I’m tired,” “I’m cranky,” and “I need sugar” signals are just dehydration in a Santa hat.

3. Stress management counts as nutrition.
Sleep, breathwork, movement... your nervous system needs support even more this time of year.

4. Enjoy the treats… intentionally.
Zero guilt. Just don’t let sugar be the only food group you remember exists.

5. Keep your anchors.
A morning routine, a quick walk, supplements, or a nutrient-dense breakfast. These little habits keep you from spiraling when everything else gets chaotic.

Instead of “starting over” every January, stay connected to your body all season long.
Balanced, happy, nourished - that’s the vibe going into the new year. ✨

Why we love Omega-3s 🧡Omega-3s are nutritional superheroes... supporting your heart, brain, joints, and overall wellness...
12/09/2025

Why we love Omega-3s 🧡

Omega-3s are nutritional superheroes... supporting your heart, brain, joints, and overall wellness. And the best part? They’re easy to include in everyday meals!

From plant sources like chia, flax, and walnuts 🌱, to fatty fish like salmon and sardines 🐟, Omega-3s help:

✔️ Keep your meals balanced and satisfying
✔️ Support key systems in your body
✔️ Fuel your daily functions

Including Omega-3s doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple swaps or additions each day can make a big difference for your health.

Address

27 Doctors Drive
Hendersonville, NC
28792

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18285518390

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