Finding Balance & Nurturing Wellness: Abigail King, Certified Nutrition Specialist
Health and wellness are certainly in the spotlight for 2020, so we are checking in with local Charleston Certified Nutrition Specialist Abigail King as we harness our energy toward positive changes and the work ahead.
Abigail King focuses on functional nutrition to promote optimum health and longevity. In her own words, “Simply put, functional nutrition addresses imbalances in the body by restoring function through food, lifestyle, and if necessary, supplement interventions. It transforms dysfunctioning body systems into optimal, functional health.”
Rather than turning to medications to mask or suppress the symptoms you may be dealing with, Abigail believes in taking an in-depth look at your comprehensive health and diet, and finding where you can better nourish and fuel the body to achieve better health, energy, and sleep.
Whether the events of this year have left you feeling focused on optimizing your health, in desperate search of a better night’s sleep, or craving more energy to get out and rebuild a better, more hopeful future, Abigail’s got you covered!
Functional Nutrition Tips from Certified Nutrition Specialist Abigail King
This has been an incredibly stressful year for everyone. What are your three top tips for approaching stress from a nutritional standpoint?
My first tip to combat stress is to prioritize sleep.
For adults, about 7-9 hours of sleep per night is ideal.
Sleep deprivation is associated with problems, including fatigue, headaches, reduced productivity, mood issues, weight gain, and higher risk for many chronic diseases.
My second tip goes hand in hand with the first, and that's to get outside and get sunlight exposure.
Exposure to natural light is a very important regulator of the brain cells that are responsible for forming the circadian rhythm, our internal body clock.
It helps to regulate our hormone melatonin, which is responsible for making us sleepy at night.
Try to get outside in the morning for at least 10-30 minutes for a walk. You'll also get an immune boost from the vitamin D you are producing.
My third tip is to eat a fiber-rich diet.
This includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Most of us don't consume enough fiber. The recommended dose is about 30-35 grams per day.
Fiber is critical for building and maintaining a healthy gut, which research shows is key for overall health and longevity.
What are some of the most common issues your patients bring to you, and that you're able to address through nutrition?
Patients come to me with a range of concerns:
Gut health (bloating/gas, stomach aches/pains, IBS, constipation, food sensitivities, etc.), weight loss, fatigue, hormone imbalance, cardiovascular health, or just overall not feeling themself and want to feel better.
I focus on nutrition and lifestyle modifications, and I address nutrient deficiencies & imbalances/toxicities in the body.
My goal is to give my patients the knowledge and tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle that promotes longevity and optimal health.
What are your go-to meals or ingredients during tumultuous times?
I love my smoothie bowls!
My body craves all the good nutrition and fiber in the smoothie. I like to teach my patients to make balanced smoothies with enough protein, carbs, healthy fat, and fiber. Enjoying a balanced smoothie should keep you full for about 3 hours.
Lately, I've been making a veggie pasta concoction. I love the Banza pasta made from chickpeas. It's packed with fiber and protein. I'll sautee a few cloves of garlic with fresh herbs and then add whatever veggies I have in the fridge. Super satisfying!
What are a couple of your favorite takeout meals around Charleston?
I love the Golden Buddha bowl from Huriyali.
I love the vegan Caesar or basic bowl from Basic Kitchen and grabbing a smoothie from Hustle Smoothie Bar when I'm on the run.
What are your favorite nutritional powerhouse ingredients or superfoods? Local products?
I love fresh ginger and turmeric root from Spade & Clover in Charleston, SC.
I'll add an inch of the root to my smoothies or add fresh ginger/turmeric to my cooking.
Blueberries are also a favorite of mine. They are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods. Studies show that blueberries can help protect against neurodegenerative diseases, lower blood pressure, and promote healthy digestion.
What do you put on your pizza?
I really think a yummy tomato sauce is key.
I love a margarita pizza or just loading it with veggies: mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, onions.
Do you have any guilty pleasure foods? (Be honest!)
Absolutely!
I love baked goods like cookies, breads, and muffins. I'll take anything from the Harbinger; they make the most delicious vegan treats!
What’s your favorite life lesson that you’ve learned through your journey in nutrition?
Through my education and mostly through my experience with patients, I've learned that health is not just about what you eat.
Stress is a huge component of one's health.
During consultations, I find that it is typically a stressful life event that is the tipping point in someone's health.
Don't underestimate what stress can do on the body. Stress causes inflammation in the body, just like a physical injury would swell up; it's a similar immune response.
Become aware of the stressors in your life and incorporate more relaxation techniques and prioritize sleep.
How do you focus on wellness and balance outside the kitchen?
I really cherish my downtime.
Whether it be taking a walk with my dog, doing a mellow yoga class, or spending time with friends. Taking time to unplug is crucial for my mental health and maintaining balance in my life.
We’re grateful to Abigail King for her time and sharing her wisdom with us! If you’re ready to start your functional nutrition journey and find a new, healthier balance, you can schedule your consultation with Abigail King Functional Nutrition through her website.
Wellness and balance is a priority at Grit & Grace Studio as we navigate the waves of 2020, and we hope you enjoyed our recent Staff Picks: Best Online Workout post.
We also encourage everyone to follow Abigail’s sage advice and make time for relaxation and reflection this year.
Light one of our Oyster Shell Candles and spritz some Los Poblanos Lavender Mist to clearly define your “you” time, or create an at-home spa experience by pouring your favorite bath salts into our Gilded Oyster Dish, filling up the tub, and having a luxurious soak. Finish your routine with Los Poblanos Skin Oil for a truly decadent experience, and curl up in your most comfortable chair with a Sugarboo journal to work through your thoughts or manifest your goals. You’ve got this!
One Love & Blessings,