I had the pleasure of discussing alternative nutrition with Isabel Blanco Vargas, a unique Psychology of Eating Coach and owner of the Juice Bar and Cafeteria, ITACATE, based in Barcelona. As a formerly trained journalist, working for a large multi-national organisation, Isabel was all too familiar with stress. Suffering from back pain, low mood and a lack of energy, she decided to take the plunge and retrain as a nutritional coach and has never looked back.
Isabel’s transformational approach to nutrition is an holistic one that was developed by the founder of the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, Marc David. Their approach is a unique one. The focus shifts from what we are eating and when we are eating, to why we are eating the foods we do. The emphasis is on the family, relationships, work, sexuality, money, and spirituality that represent us. The all-encompassing approach is, quite frankly, refreshing to hear. As individuals, we are not a single entity that can be separated from our social world or the historical past that we embody, but rather a multifaceted blend of all of these factors. A Psychology of Eating coach embraces that.
I am thrilled to hear that this dynamic coaching technique also includes a deep understanding of the mind and body connection. Thoughts affect us, not only on a behavioural and emotional level, but also at a cellular level too. “Our mind has a deep influence on our body in terms of digestion, assimilation, and calorie burning”, says Isabel, who is a proponent of the mindful approach to eating. How we feel, and what we think, has a direct impact on the choices we make with food.
The unique approach to nutrition was of benefit to Isabel, who herself had suffered from bad diet choices since childhood. A self-confessed yo-yo dieter, she had jumped from one fad to another, resulting in a damaged metabolism and low self-esteem. The course worked wonders to improve her all-around vitality; her sense of self recovering in the process. Isabel is all too happy to share her knowledge, experience, and expertise on holistic living with me.
I asked Isabel for one of her favourite recipes. She shared her yummy, but healthy Oat-Spinach pancake, aptly named The Hulk, with me. Bon appetit!
Oats- Spinach Pancakes (2 servings):
You will need:
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup of steel-cut oatmeal
* 2 handfuls of raw baby spinach
* 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
* A dash of oatmeal milk
* 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
* A pinch of sea salt
* Xylitol or stevia to taste
1. Put everything in a mixing cup and blend it with a mini primer or blender. Blend the oats and spinach until the mix turns green.
2. For better results let the mix sit for 20 to 30 minutes (this is optional)
3. Using a teaspoon of coconut, heat the frying pan, gently placing the mixture inside. Cook as normal.
Happy eating! <3
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