Have you heard about processed foods? Everywhere we look, there is some talk show, video, podcast, book, etc. demonizing processed food as a way to regain your health. We are left to wonder, “What is considered ‘processed food’ and what should we be eating?”

The PhytoFit Difference 

I’m Debbie Zimmerman. Thank you for stopping by my blog. If you’re looking for more information about PhytoFit, LLC, you’ve come to the right place.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As Andy Williams’ 1963 song states, “There will be parties for hosting,

“Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Together” was the theme of my Food for Life classes during October. Throughout the month, I

You may recall over the last several months, I have highlighted many of the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Remember, Lifestyle Medicine

"Let's Beat Breast Cancer Together" I want you to be the first to know about my upcoming Food for Life events as

Take a Deep Breath…and Relax I admit it! These articles on stress management have made me…well, STRESSED! Let me explain.

What Doesn’t Kill Us, Makes Us Stronger…Well, Maybe! When it comes to being stressed, we all have stories to share.

“Early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.” We’ve all heard it before, and the importance

In the 1968 film, Funny Girl, Barbara Streisand made popular the song, “People.” The opening lyrics are timeless and as

Lifestyle Medicine VS Diet-de-Jour Have you read the US News “Best Diets 2021” report? If you haven’t heard of this annual publication, let

I began thinking of Mother’s Day and what special meal I will prepare to honor my Mom. The meals Mom

Sandy struggled with an extra 50 pounds most of her life. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure that she realized she needed some help. She knew that her past efforts with diets and exercise programs were short term and had led her to where she was today, facing serious life-altering diseases. Sandy decided it was time for the help of a health coach and perhaps, a personal trainer.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrate March as National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is Personalize Your Plate. To emphasize the importance of Nutrition Month, I have been posting daily on social media different fruits, vegetables, legumes or grains to highlight the vast health benefits of each. The variety of plant-based foods is so plentiful that I have had to be very selective in my featured choices. Did you know that there are 300,000 plant species in the world that are edible? Can you count the number of foods that you eat each day, week or even a year? If you are like most creatures of habit, chances are the variety of plants that you consume needs to be expanded and diversified!

For more than 30 years, I have insisted, “Good Health is a Lifetime Choice… Choose Wisely!” Every day we make hundreds of choices that ultimately impact our health. When the “opportunity clock” wakes you (this is Zig Ziglar’s positive psychology, most believe it is an “alarm” clock), do you press snooze or do you jump out of the bed, into your exercise clothes and take off for the gym? Do you choose a healthy breakfast such as a bowl of hot oatmeal with raisins and walnuts? Or do you opt for the “two egg & muffin sandwiches for just $2” under the golden arches? (Spoiler alert, there is nothing healthy about “two for $2” at any fast-food drive-thru!) Then there is Starbucks where you have your choice of 50 different coffee options, from decaf to full lead, cappuccino or Frappuccino? What about caramel drizzle, chocolate drizzle or just plain whipped cream? Choices…we have so many choices and those are all before we begin our workday!

Valentine’s Day is upon us! Everywhere you go, you see fabulous displays of heart-shaped candy boxes to treat your favorite Valentine. It is estimated that 58 million pounds of chocolate will be sold just this week leading up to Valentine’s Day. That represents estimated sales of over $345 million!

Have you ever had a sleepless night?  You may vividly recall an agonizing evening of tossing, turning and checking the clock every five minutes. I admit when I was in my teens and twenties, sleep was not my top priority. These days are much different; sleep, like oxygen, is a necessity.

As the New Year unfolds, I encourage you to rethink “resolutions” for yourself. After all, the majority of Americans aren’t too successful when fulfilling their promises of change. As Albert Einstein so eloquently stated, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

Christmas is almost here, and I’m sure all of us have tested our willpower during the holidays. Many stories have surfaced from clients who are frustrated—they’re finding it hard to “just say no!” All emphasize the struggles and temptations associated with the holiday season including cookies, pastries and doughnuts for breakfast and meaningful friends bearing gifts of decadent foods.