Mindful thoughts.

Articles on Nutrition, Health, and Wellness.

Dopamine and eating behavior
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Dopamine and eating behavior

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for transmitting signals in the brain. It plays an important role in various functions including movement, motivation, reward, and attention. Dopamine is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, as it is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and reward.

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Mindless Eating and Nudges
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Mindless Eating and Nudges

Mindless eating and nudges are two important concepts in the field of behavioral economics that aim to encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyle.

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Self-Control and the Two Selves
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Self-Control and the Two Selves

Do you ever find yourself struggling with self-control? Perhaps you have difficulty resisting a tempting treat or procrastinating on important tasks. According to the book Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, self-control problems can be better understood by thinking about an individual as containing two semiautonomous selves…

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Thinking Fast and Slow
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Thinking Fast and Slow

Thinking Fast and Slow is a fascinating book written by Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist. The book explores the two systems that drive the way we think, namely the reflective system and the automatic system.

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Fish oil versus SSRIs for mental health
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Fish oil versus SSRIs for mental health

When it comes to mental health, there are many options available for treatment. One of the most popular treatments is the use of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medications. However, there is also evidence that suggests that fish oil may be beneficial in treating depression and anxiety.

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Mindful eating
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Mindful eating

Mindful eating is an important practice to help us stay healthy and nourished. Mindful eating involves being present and aware of the food we consume, paying attention to when we feel full, and taking our time while enjoying meals. It helps us become more conscious of our relationship with food, which allows us to be more mindful in other areas of our lives.

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Atomic Habits
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Atomic Habits

Atomic habits refer to small, consistent, and incremental changes or practices that we engage in repeatedly to achieve our desired goals. The idea behind atomic habits is that small changes can lead to significant outcomes over time. Rather than trying to make sweeping changes all at once, focus on making small, positive changes to your daily routine that will add up over time.

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Setting intentions
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Setting intentions

Before setting your intentions, reflect on what is truly important to you. Consider what you want to achieve in your personal and professional life. Write down your goals, and make sure they align with your values. This step will help you create intentions that are meaningful to you.

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Omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for both cardiovascular and brain health. They are polyunsaturated fats that can be found in a variety of foods, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.

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What are the three axioms of mindfulness?
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

What are the three axioms of mindfulness?

At the heart of mindfulness are three key axioms: intention, attention, and attitude (IAA). Intention involves setting a purpose or goal for your practice. This could be anything from focusing on your breath to cultivating compassion for yourself or others. Attention is about bringing your awareness to whatever you’re doing in the present moment without judgment or attachment. Finally, attitude refers to the way we approach our practice with openness, curiosity, and acceptance.

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Small Steps
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Small Steps

Taking small steps to accomplish personal goals is a great way to stay motivated and make progress towards your goals. Breaking down your goal into smaller, achievable tasks can help you stay focused and on track. It also allows you to celebrate each milestone along the way, which can be incredibly rewarding.

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Choose colorful produce.
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Choose colorful produce.

Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is an important part of a healthy diet. Not only are they packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but they also provide us with a wide range of phytonutrients that can help to protect our bodies from disease.

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10 Calcium-Rich Plant Foods
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

10 Calcium-Rich Plant Foods

Calcium is an essential mineral that is essential for the growth, development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. While dairy products are a common source of calcium, there are many plant-based foods that are rich in calcium too. Here are 10 plant foods that are rich in calcium:

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Automatic versus reflective systems
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Automatic versus reflective systems

The human brain can be thought of as having two systems for processing information: the automatic system and the reflective system. The automatic system is fast, intuitive, and operates without conscious awareness. The reflective system, on the other hand, is slower, deliberative, and requires conscious effort.

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Fish or fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids?
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Fish or fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for our health and well-being. But what is the best source of these healthy fats? Should we be eating fish or taking fish oil supplements?

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Motivational interviewing
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based practice that is used to help people make meaningful changes in their lives. It focuses on listening and responding to a person’s individual needs and goals, rather than telling them what to do. Through this process, the person can explore their own thoughts, feelings, and values while working towards change.

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Healthy Shopping
James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD James Peth, MS, MPH, PhD

Healthy Shopping

Creating healthy habits for grocery shopping is an important step towards maintaining a nutritious lifestyle. Planning your grocery shopping in advance can help you make informed decisions about what to buy and ensure that you don't end up with a cart full of junk food. Here are some tips to help you get started:

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