FOOD'S FIRST FIRE

WHEN DID FIRE FOR COOKING FOOD FIRST BEGIN?

 #REALFOOD4UFIREANDCOOKING

I have been thinking about this question for a while and there are a few different scientific pieces of information for answers. Traces of ash found in the Wonderwerk cave in South Africa indicates that hominins were controlling fire at least 1 million years ago, the time of our direct ancestor Homo erectus. Burnt bone fragments also found at this site suggest that Homo erectus was cooking meat. However, the oldest remains of obvious hearths are 400,000 years old. There is also some earlier evidence that our species was cooking dates just 20,000 years ago, when the first pots were made in China. Scorch marks and soot on outer surfaces of the pots point to their use as cooking utensils. The archaeological evidence seems to not be definitive on an exact date for when earliest man and woman began using fire to cook our food.

Around 1.9 million years ago some major changes occurred in hominin biology. Compared with its ancestors, Homo erectus had very small teeth, a small body and a much larger brain. There is a controversial hypothesis by primatologist Richard Wrangham, these changes were driven by cooked food. Wrangham believes that cooking drove our lineage’s divergence from more ape-like ancestors and that the bodies of Homo sapiens couldn’t exist without cooked food.

Cooking improved our ancestors’ lives as heat makes food softer, so that means less time due to less chewing. Heat-treated food is safer versus scavenged meat that has high levels of pathogens. Another benefit of cooking is that it makes otherwise inedible foods, such as tubers, edible. 

Food usually tastes better when cooked. We did not know if our ancestors appreciated cooked food versus raw, but studies with apes found that they prefer their food cooked, choosing baked potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes over raw ones most of the time.

Today, an estimated three billion people worldwide still cook their meals over open fires. There is something about fire and cooking that goes deep in our DNA; we feel it from the campfire to the gas stove or fire pit and backyard grill. Something to think about while you flip the burger or chicken or veggies on the grill. More at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/…/a-brief-history-of-co…/

MY THREE CENTS ON THE MEDICAL SYSTEM
#SEEINGMEDICALFUTURENOW

FIRST OF ALL, there are a lot of changes on the horizon from chemical applications to hardware (devices for measuring and diagnostic - no, low and high tech). Will these changes benefit humankind in a holistic way or simply advance us to a more bionic hybrid? Obviously, if we can create a functional heart with a 3D printer - that is a huge advancement to say the least. The obstacles I see are adaptability and being proactive on both sides of the table: practitioner and patient/client. More dialogue and more invitation and up to date information to the public for participation from all walks of life and more affordability health care that encompasses and rewards being proactive on both sides of the table. Less is more in terms of chemical and mechanical invasiveness and it would be prudent to seek less of both since at the moment health costs are a runaway budget that is putting a strain on ALL OF US. 

THE MILLION DOLLAR (OR TRILLION DOLLAR) QUESTION
Where and what (besides feeling better and yes, that is its own reward) is the payoff for eating better, exercising, lowering stress and changing bad habits to good ones? In the current medical climate, there is little to none for taking care of one's health as an individual in efforts of choice and changing one's lifestyle to a healthy one. The medical system smiles and congratulates this proactivity but does little to support beyond 'atta boy/girl' pats on the back. Preventative to my way of thinking, starts from how and what foods we choose (quality, grass fed, certified organic, non processed foods, non-fast food), the portions we eat, the regular fitness we do, how we handle stress, change unhealthy behavior to healthy habits, connect to ourselves, each other and nature (those are vital and healthy for a fulfilling existence). 

OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM needs to be based on actually helping individuals be proactive with their health and lifestyles as already described above (showing up for shots and diagnostics yearly or more as preventative are not for the most part, a wholesome preventative that promotes and gives real resources for health through better decisions in our daily lives from food choices to exercising to handling stress. 
WHY WAIT until we are sick to become active with our own health? Seek an integrative health practitioner or a reputable health coach or nutritionist that can help you navigate through making your journey to feeling better one that you can do on your own. It can be a successful and enjoyable journey if you are willing to put in the effort, time and learning to make the changes to healthier way of living.

What are the Healthy Food Decoded Labs?

There are 8 separate Healthy Food Decoded sessions that clients can choose from: Basic (2 sessions), The Works! (8 sessions) or Individual Lab Sessions from one of the eight Labs offered.  For those who are just beginning, or have taken a break from their healthy pursuits or want to have a breakthrough to igniting their healthy lifestyle, the Basic Starter Package of 2 Labs is an excellent place to begin. Each lab session is sixty minutes long and done by remote.  These labs are designed to help you begin the learning process and discovery about aspects of your food choices and how those choices affect your health. 

In the Lab or session, I listen closely to your concerns and challenges with your chronic conditions that manifest in symptoms of digestive distress, food allergies or sensitivities,, aches and pains, weight gain, inflammation, mood swings, anxiety and blood sugar imbalances. 

One of the Lab sessions may be devoted to discovering underlying causes of your behavior or habits that have played a role preventing you from achieving a healthy lifestyle or goals specific to your well being. Whatever your symptoms are, I address those concerns in our Lab sessions together. Once we identify your challenges, I give you the tools and information on how to resolve them.  You will get lots of support whether by emails, phone, or texts throughout our Lab sessions. 

There are followup sessions for thirty minutes that can be scheduled singly or in a bundle of 4 thirty minute sessions.

With each Lab session, we build upon the previous Lab and you may have light homework with takeaways from the Lab as well.  Some of your light homework may be: 

·      - Find a buddy to walk, or bike or work out with at the gym - twice a week.

     -Meditate 5 – 10 minutes daily and keep a record of it.

·       -Take a photo of a healthy meal each day and post it to a blog of your healthy journey.

·       -Try 3 new recipes of healthy meals. I will provide you with easy recipes and snack ideas.

-Create a special notebook on your desktop or in hard copy for your questions and concerns or comments on any Healthy Food Decoded sessions and if helpful, share them with Adrian.

DISCOVER A BETTER WAY TO --

MAKE FOOD AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES EASY AND FUN,

GET UNSTUCK, 

SUCCEED AND BE HAPPY!
VISIT https://www.integrativewellnesspartner.com/services/

HEALTHY FOOD DECODED LABS ARE NOW OPEN!

For the moment or maybe, well, a week or so -- my website is under construction.

In the meantime, my Healthy Food Labs are in full operation and you are welcome to

check them out here and on Facebook (visit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Integrative-Wellness-Partner-449390008405178/services/?ref=page_internal ).

While you are here, check out the three tiers of -

NEW SERVICES DESIGNED TO KICKSTART YOUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!

BASIC HEALTHY FOOD DECODED LAB SESSIONS

Session 1       Establish Goals

What you want and what you need from HFD Sessions. 

Food & Mood Journal. 

                        Digestive Health

Food Allergies, Food Intolerances,Gut Inflammatory Issues, Blood Sugar Imbalances, Mood Swings, Weight Gain. Digestive condition and ways to improve it.     

Takeaways.

Session 2       Food and You -Best foods for you, Recipes, menus, snacks, quick fixes, eating out, food preparation and cooking.  Foods to Avoid. Eating out and ready to eat foods Primer.

Takeaways.

Session 3       Grocery Store Shopping– Onsite Tour (if possible), Shopping on A Budget, Healthy Food Shopping Lists, What Are Labels. 

Kitchen Logistics – Kitchen flow, preparation and how to’s, freezing, storing, batch cooking, equipment, pantry and refrigerator makeover.

Takeaways.

Session 4       Behavior and Habit Changes – Getting Unstuck, Tips, Suggestions

Review of previous sessions and/or areas of concern to client.

Takeaways.                                   

4+ Sessions  $248.00

PREMIUM Healthy Food Decoded Lab Package includes the following:

Session 1  Goals, Food & Mood Journal, Digestive Health

Session 2  Foods & You, Recipes, Menus, Snacks, Eating Out

Session 3  Grocery Store Shopping, Kitchen Logistics

Session 4  Behavior & Habits, Getting Unstuck

PLUS --

Session 5       Fitness – Exploring Physical Activities – What Works Best for You

Motivation, Accountability, Current Physical Condition, Preventatives

for Pain and Injuries. 

Takeaways.

         

Session 6       Supplements, herbs, teas and tonics. Education and information of what, why, where and how of supplements, herbs, teas and other remedies of interest and relevancy. 

Lab review and Takeaways. 

6+  One Hour Sessions                                    $372.00          

-----------------------

DELUXE Healthy Food Decoded Labs

Session 1  Goals, Food & Mood Journal, Digestive Health

Session 2  Food & You, Recipes, Menus, Snacks, Eating Out

Session 3  Grocery Store Shopping & Kitchen Logistics

Session 4  Behavior & Habits, Getting Unstuck

Session 5  Exploring Physical Activities, Motivation, Injury Preventatives

Session 6  Supplements, Herbs, Teas & Tonics

PLUS –

 Session 7          Stress, Pain, Sleep

Meditation & Mindfulness Stress Based Reduction (MBSR)

Connection– Nature, Family & Friends, Support Groups, Etc.

Takeaways & homework.

Session 8       Diagnostic Tests- Through your physician and/or in-home lab kits (stool, saliva, breath) available through IWP.   Resources(books, website, blogs, videos)

Other Concerns of the Client, Lab Evaluation and Takeaways and Future Plans.

8   One Hour Sessions                   $496.00       

Pay Here for  $496.00 

Partial Payment $248* (2nd Payment Due Prior to 4^th Session)

HEALTHY FOOD DECODED FOLLOW-UPS

 You may wish to schedule a thirty minute follow-up session whenever you need a check-in or feel it’s time for an ‘adjustment’ to your healthy lifestyle that may be going off track. 

You can schedule a follow-up session for one time, or purchase a 4 session bundle of follow-ups.

FOLLOW-UP $30 for THIRTY MINUTES   $30

FOLLOW-UP BUNDLE SESSIONS 4  (Total) THIRTY MINUTES EACH

GET 10% DISCOUNT      $108

HEALTHY FOOD DECODED MINI-SESSIONS

Pick ONE from the 7 topics*and we will pack as much as we can in 30 minutes!

*Recommended for you - #1 Below --

Pick the Number from below -   $30 Per Mini Session

1       Goals, Food & Mood Journal, Digestive Health

2       Food & You, Recipes, Menus, Snacks, Eating Out

3       Grocery Store Shopping & Kitchen Logistics

4       Behavior & Habits, Getting Unstuck

5       Exploring Physical Activities, Motivation, Injury Preventatives

6       Supplements, Herbs, Teas & Tonics

7       Stress, Pain, Sleep

HEALTHY FOOD DECODED MINI-SESSIONS

BUNDLE OF 4 - THIRTY MINUTES EACH 

Pick the Number (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of the topic that you want for your first session.  You may also split one topic over 2 sessions if you find that one thirty minute session is not enough for that topic.

We will set up your remaining choices (3 from bundle of 4)  and schedule your appointments from the topics offered.  GET 10% DISCOUNT    $108

Send an email to Adrian.IWP@gmail.com with your choice of type of session in subject line (Basic, Premium, Deluxe, Mini). Once I receive your email I will send you an invoice with two choices (days/times) for your sessions. 

HOW'S THAT RELATIONSHIP GOING - 

YOU KNOW THE ONE YOU HAVE

WITH FOOD?

We all have relationships with loved ones, friends, co-workers, strangers and pets. And there is a relationship we have with food whether we realize it or not. It can be good, bad, ok or benign. What is your relationship with food - have you thought about moods that certain foods evoke in you, like fresh baked bread or chocolate chips cookies hot out of the oven or that unmistakable smell of pulled pork barbecue as the smoke swirls around thick in the air luring you in. For others it's the heavy intoxicating fumes of a bourbon or cognac. Food can transport you to a happy place - if you think about it now, you most likely can think of a food or beverage that conjures up warm and fuzzy thoughts or emotions.

Food has many meanings and benefits for me. When I was 8, my mom gave me a birthday present that sparked the beginning of my relationship with food and cooking. It was a Betty Crocker Cook book for Boys and Girls. That book has traveled around the world with me and it is showing wear and one of my prized possessions. It is symbolic of my longstanding relationship with food and how it has grown into a deep joy of discovery and culinary creativity. The act of cooking on a gas stove and using a gas oven to cook is something that any culinary oriented person appreciates. The act of using fire to cook our food links us directly to our past of days around a primitive fire and discovery that cooked meat enhanced the smell, flavor and texture of what was previously raw and possibly full of pathogens. Suddenly cooking took food and eating to another level. In short, using fire simply makes food taste better.

We have lost the art of cooking somewhere along the way. We look at pretty photos of recipes and watch cooking and chef shows. And yet, less of us are cooking at home and even less of us are spending time around the dining room table together. The incredible array of ready to eat foods when we enter the grocery store now and the options of already made salads, fruit assortments, sushi, side dishes and cooked meat, fish and you name it, well it's just too easy, too tasty and its there in front of us.

In spite of all the seduction that the ready to eat foods, beverages and sauces have, I find myself thinking about making fresh lump meat crab cakes and  gluten free hush puppies with fresh cucumber and heirloom tomatoes on the side. Even the tartar sauce will be healthy because it will be a non-mayo version made with coconut milk, Greek yogurt, lime juice, a dab of relish and some cayenne pepper for a spicy touch.I think about taking recipes and making healthier versions that will taste even better than the original recipe because of the love and creativity with a dose of 'it's healthy and nutritious too' thrown in.

So you probably know by now I something about my relationship with food and it is a longstanding one that gets better and better. I have taken training at a culinary school and also am certified in Culinary Coaching through Harvard Medicine Lifestyle Institute. Harvard did a research project that was the catalyst in starting the Culinary Coaching. What their research revealed about our health crisis with our health (overweight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease to name a few) was that fact that we are cooking less at home and eating out or buying ready to eat foods more. Thus, Harvard decided that people needed Culinary Coaches to help figure out how to cook and cook more healthy meals at home.

What's cooking at your home tonight? Maybe you will pass on the seduction of all the ready to eat foods or restaurants and do something different in your own kitchen.  Maybe a loved one or family member will join you in the kitchen and put together something fun, healthy (mostly) and tasty. While you put together a fresh made meal tonight, you may find the experience enjoyable as you connect with food and the process of preparing it possibly someone joining you in the endeavor. If you find yourself laughing and being absorbed in cutting, chopping, stirring and arranging things on or in the oven - watch out, you may be in a relationship with - food!

WELCOME TO ADRIAN'S HEALTHY FOOD DECODED LAB 101!

I am excited about creating a Healthy Food Decoded Lab for anyone seeking to make the journey to transform their style of life into healthy dreams of thriving in body and mind! Follow along either as an observer or participant and we will journey together in the discovery of who we are and what it takes to makes us better in body, mind and spirit.

Cheers to Healthy Food and Lifestyles Decoded,
Adrian