Podcasts Worth a Listen

I love learning! Sometimes I feel like I need several lifetimes just to learn all I can about the different topics that interest me. I also hate sitting. I think it comes from the fact that I am 5' 3" (as of my last physical) and they do not make furniture for short people!

Therefore, I love listening to audio books (go Audible) and to podcasts. I have listened to good podcasts and to terrible podcasts, so for this post I thought I would share some of my favorites and maybe save you from endless searching. 

Podcasts

• PlantStrong - weekly podcast hosted by Rip Esselstyn where Rip interviews physicians and regular folks who have are changing lives one plate at a time.
  
  
• TheProof - weekly podcast from physiotherapist and nutritionist Simon Hill. He takes deep dives into the hype and truth about nutrition today.
  
  
• The Exam Room - podcast from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. There are multiple episodes per week and they are also on FB and YouTube.
  
  
• Feel Better, Live More - podcast with deep dives on topics that will do exactly what it says - help you feel better and live more.
  
  Heart Doc VIP - podcast from triple board certified cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn. It is always cutting edge and fun.
  
  
• Plant Based Wellness Podcast - Dr. Jami Dulaney is a cardiologist and endurance athlete in FL. She is non nonsense and inspiring.
  
  
• Mastering Diabetes - for those with any form of diabetes, this is the podcast for you! Type II is reversible - find out how from this podcast.
  
  
• Beat Your Genes - this is an evolutionary psychology podcast which has great insights and thought provoking scenarios.
  
  
• Bible in a Year - Fr. Mike Schmitz takes you through the entire Bible in one year with commentary on each day's readings.
  
  
• Jen Fulwiler - former atheist turned Catholic, Jen is a hilarious stand up comedian who has a fun take on life.

I am always on the lookout for new and engaging podcasts so look for an update in the future, and please let me know your favorites! 

Thought I would add a few of my favorite audible books as a bonus...here ya go.

• Mind Your Body
  
  
• The Stress Paradox
  
  
• Living in Wonder
  
  
• The Mindful Body
  
  
• Make Change That Lasts
  
  
• How Not to Die
  
  
• How Not to Age
  
  
• Food for Life
  
  
• Next Level
  
  
• Eat for Life

Have a favorite I need to read, let me know.

No Bake Energy Bites

Energy Bites

Going hiking, need a great snack or an easy dessert? Not someone who needs to worry about caloric density (aka growing children and athletes)? Well, then these energy bites are for you! They are quick and easy to make and absolutely delicious! Actually, they are for everyone to enjoy but some of us will need to indulge in moderation.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened) or dried cherries (unsweetened)
• 2 TBSP Raw Pistachios
• 3 TBPS Almond Meal
• 1 TBSP Ground Flaxseed
• 1/3 cup Old Fashioned Oats
• 1-2 TBPS Date Syrup
• Dash of Almond Milk if needed for consistency

Preparation

• In a food processor, add the cranberries and pulse for about 10-15 seconds
• Add the pistachios and pulse for 10-15 seconds 
• Add the Oats and pulse for 10-15 seconds
• Add the Almond Meal and Ground Flaxseed and pulse for 5-10 seconds
• Add 1 Date Syrup and pulse until a dough is formed (add up to 1 more tablespoon if needed to make the proper consistency.
• Take out chunks with you hands and roll into balls of the desired size (smaller for treats and larger for more calories)
• Store in the refrigerator until ready to consume or pack up for that hike

The only problem with these is that they taste so good, you may want to eat them all. If you make 15 bites, the calories are 35 per bite so you can determine the calories per bite based on how many bites you make from a batch (yes, size does matter).

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think or if you would like to schedule an individual nutrition or cooking class to help you jump start your healthy lifestyle!