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John La Puma MD: Internist, Author, Chef, Organic Farmer.

Each time we cross something off our to-do list, t

Each time we cross something off our to-do list, three things sprout up in its place.

With the transition to remote work, our jobs never leave us--the emails are constantly buzzing, and there’s few excuses to evade a zoom meeting. Where we live, eat, and sleep is the same as where we work.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

It’s great to respond to the emails quickly or to work extra hours, but when was the last time you devoted extra hours to your health?

And that doesn’t have to look like going to the gym and drinking supplements. Devoting an extra hour to your health can look like buying a plant for your kitchen or walking the dog.

When was the last time you treated yourself to your favorite nature activity? Let your attention be drawn rather than demanded? Make yourself a priority rather than your to-do list?

Can you grow a hippocampus? Yes–and it might be

Can you grow a hippocampus?

Yes–and it might be easier than you think!

How to grow your hippocampus:
🧠Exercise: even a few minutes every day add brain cells. Walk, swim, garden…
🧠Smell something with a distinct nature smell everyday
🧠Eat a Mediterranean-style Diet – and try to eat food grown in healthy soil by buying organically, from someone you know or growing your own!
🧠Meditate and practice mindfulness however that works for you

People who eat more rosemary have less Parkinson’s disease and less Alzheimer's Disease. Is that a coincidence? I don’t think so!

It’s time to SPRING into gardening. Here’s som

It’s time to SPRING into gardening. Here’s some easy-to-grow veggies to plant in March:

-Asparagus
-Lettuce
-Radishes
-Beans
-Carrots

Of course, these are from my experience in Southern California. To learn what to grow in your region, visit: https://harvesttotable.com/march-vegetable-garden/

We’re spending as much as 50 percent more time u

We’re spending as much as 50 percent more time using digital devices than they did two years ago.

While it is unlikely that this digital dependence will disappear any time soon, there are simple changes to make so that time spent online is healthier.

Here are some of my favorites:
🌿look at a plant or out the window before you look at a screen in the morning
🌿set a timer for online tasks. When the timer goes off, take a no-screens break
🌿schedule time outside to do something you love (gardening, walks, and hikes are always good ideas)

How do you limit your time online?

#online #screentime #lowerscreentime #natureheals #livinghealthy #healthyliving #stayawayfromscreens #lowscreentime #highscreentime #unplug #unplugreconnect

You are what you eat! But could how you think and

You are what you eat! But could how you think and feel change your gut? Yes they can.

Deep meditation seems to change your microbiome (nearly as big as your brain, by the way).
The gut-brain axis is the focus of new research on Tibetan monks who show how enriched your healthy gut bacteria can be with regularly scheduled meditation.

The brain is constantly changing in response to experiences. New behaviors, new learnings, environmental changes, and physical injuries may all cause the brain to grow new neural pathways or reorganize existing ones. These changes can fundamentally alter how information is processed….and how your gut responds.

95% of your serotonin–the feel good hormone– is made in your gut.

#guthealth #serotonin #microbiome #healthyliving #healyourself #meditation #meditatedaily #mindfulness #mindfulnessandhealth

The average person throws away nine times their ow

The average person throws away nine times their own body weight in waste every year. As much as 30% of that waste is in the form of food scraps and yard waste that could otherwise be used in composting.

Want to start composting? Check out this guide to starting and maintaining your compost pile at the link in my bio.

#treehugger #compost #composting #healthyliving #growfoodnotgardens #growfood #growyourownfood

Let’s face it: we spend more time on screens tha

Let’s face it: we spend more time on screens than ever before–and it could be having damaging effects on our eyesight.

How can you naturally protect your eye health when you have to be on screens for work all day?

Luckily, there's an easy solution: follow the 20/20/20 rule: For every 20 minutes spent using a screen, look away at something that is 20 feet away from you for a total of 20 seconds (it takes 20 seconds for your eyes to completely relax).

Have you ever tried out this rule?

Your health doesn’t change from big, radical dec

Your health doesn’t change from big, radical decisions. Signing up for a marathon or deciding to go raw vegan might feel good at the moment, but it will be hard to consistently work toward such a big goal without a day to day plan, and a buddy to hold you accountable.

Instead, utilize the power of small, consistent changes with positive reinforcement and rewards. Here are some of my favorite, science-backed ways to radicalize your health in less than 30 minutes:
🌿go for a walk in nature (nature x exercise = a powerful combo!)
🌿buy organic or local food
🌿better yet, grow your own food! You’ll get the benefits of food grown in healthy soil AND of gardening

What reward can you give yourself (that isn’t eating) that feels good after each walk, after each berries-for-a-snack, after each seed tray planted?

What small habit makes a huge difference for your health?

#health #accountability #changeyourhealth #changeyourlife #healthyliving #healthy #holistichealth

Morel mushrooms appearing at the base of last year

Morel mushrooms appearing at the base of last year’s mulch after this year’s heavy rain, and before weed whacking and crimping of the cover crop. The more fungal, your perennial orchard, the healthier, the soil, and the healthier soil the more it’s going to nourish you. #soilhealth #Regenerativeagriculture #organicfood

Health isn’t something you should put on the bac

Health isn’t something you should put on the back burner. As a doctor, I used to spend the days prescribing medications and treatments for patients and nights eating unhealthy foods and not working out.

When I decided to transform my life through eating right, working out, and spending time in nature, I actually became a better doctor.

Your health allows you to be the best you can in your career and life. Are you making it a priority?

Is your food growing in good dirt? #soil #soilhea

Is your food growing in good dirt?

#soil #soilhealth #soilhealthmatters #soilhealthishumanhealth

Even in colder weather, one of the best ways to st

Even in colder weather, one of the best ways to stay healthy is to spend time outside (with weather-appropriate clothing!). Time in nature has amazing physical and mental health benefits.

Will you get outside this winter?

Growing your own food doesn’t have to be complic

Growing your own food doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to grow everything you eat. (It’s next to impossible anyways!) Even growing one herb to season your dishes allows you to feel more connected to nature and reap the benefits of gardening and healthy eating.

Trouble sleeping? Try this easy hack #sleeping #

Trouble sleeping? Try this easy hack

#sleeping #insomnia #sleepbetter #sleepbetterlivebetter #healthylifestyle

You’re not doomed to feel SAD all winter–here

You’re not doomed to feel SAD all winter–here are some easy ways to beat it! Look for a more comprehensive list? Download my free guide to combat SAD. Comment or DM for the link!

Get outside to beat the winter blues! #winterblue

Get outside to beat the winter blues!

#winterblues #winterdepression #seasonaldepression

Spending time outside can transform your life. It

Spending time outside can transform your life. It helps you live longer, improves mood, and supports physical and mental health. Will you commit to more time outside and a life transformation this year?

Have you heard of blue zones before? If you want

Have you heard of blue zones before?

If you want to learn more check out @bluezones

#bluezones #bluezoneslife #bluezonesofhappiness

Healthy Habits You Need in Your Life With the new

Healthy Habits You Need in Your Life

With the new year coming, you might be considering adding new habits and goals in your life.

As a doctor, organic farmer, and chef, I’ve found some amazing habits which have helped my patients and myself live a healthier life. Here are five habits you should incorporate if you haven't already:

1. Grow your own food, even if it’s just a small herb plant to add to your plate
2. Spend at least 20 minutes in nature daily
3. Eat less processed foods
4. Utilize lifestyle medicine (choosing healthy lifestyle choices as a preventative measure against disease)
5. Move your body every day--bonus points if you workout, walk, or practice some other type of movement outside

What is a healthy habit you have incorporated into your life?

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This is the BEST time to go outside. 🌳 Try it! #mynaturedose #nature #health #ReTokforNature #outdoors
♬ Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim