Nutrition has the power to bring the body back into balance. According to Stephanie Jack, what Hippocrates said thousands of years ago rings true today. The ancient Greek philosopher expressed the importance of viewing food as medicine, and Jack couldn’t agree more. 

As a holistic health coach and natural health consultant, Jack uses the knowledge she gained while completing her doctorate to educate the public on the cost benefit of eating unprocessed, local, fresh, plant-based foods, and explores the implications of quick eating decisions. She recommends making preparations ahead of time, whether to shop for fresh ingredients or to cook meals, because it is the first step in ensuring that the food that is accessible is also healthy. 

“You wouldn't put diesel fuel in your gas powered car and expect it to run,” suggests Jack.  “You have to give it the right fuel to operate properly. Why eat non-foods and expect to be healthy?” 

Her consultations are non-invasive, informative and educational, rather than diagnostic or prescriptive, taking into account the client’s mind, body and spirit. Her intent is to help clients connect with their primary care physician by helping them to ask the right questions about healthy choices for diet and exercise. “It is important for people to realize that they should work with a professional and not self-medicate or self-diagnose,” cautions Jack. 

Jack understands that figuring out what foods to eat can be complicated, so she brings non-biased health and nutrition information to clients. She advocates for consuming high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that fuel the body, beat fatigue, increase energy and eliminate the highs and lows of blood sugar. While many grab-and-go food choices may seem practical, they can have devastating consequences. Processed foods contain white sugar as a main ingredient, which contributes to almost every chronic disease condition. 

Through her research, Jack studied The Genealogy of Gynaecology: History of the Development of Gynaecology Throughout the Ages, 2000 B.C.-1800 A.D., and found that there was evidence to support the conclusion that women had pain associated with their menstrual cycles throughout history. This was intriguing to her, and she sought to find the similarities to modern day. 

Her search lead her to the similarity of sugar consumption, which can be directly related to pain. “My goal is to teach women about keeping their bodies in balance, rather than suffering with pain,” explains Jack. “Slowing down by applying mindfulness to eating, work, and daily activities reduces stress. Mindfulness, along with detoxifying, cleansing and balancing body chemistry, reduces pain.” 

“Nutrition should be simple because it is key to a healthful life, and proper nutrition can prevent disease,” notes Jack. “Figuring out how to eat healthy foods and exercise doesn’t have to be a chore.” This philosophy led her to write a book that anyone could read and find it easy to take away their own golden nugget. Her book, Food For Thought: Energizing the Busy Professional, is a guide to making high-quality choices for a long and vibrant life. 

With a direct focus on changing habits to create a lifestyle of well-being—rather than one of yo-yo dieting, binge eating and sporadic or non-existent exercise—Jack proposes the consumption of power foods. “Power foods are groups of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds in a variety of colors, tastes and textures that can be combined in endless ways to make complete meals,” explains Jack. “Power foods contain substances that may be elixirs of long life and good health. They give the body sustained energy and benefit the mind with clear thinking.” 

She also teaches nutrition classes to local retirement community residents and provides nutrition classes for corporate wellness programs and women’s groups, with topics that are varied, such as: promoting active lifestyles, healthy eating based on genetic predisposition to chronic illnesses, women’s reproductive health, fertility awareness classes and how to become pregnant naturally, shopping guidelines for the home pantry, sleep, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and inflammation. 

“Better health comes from eating the right kind of nutrients, getting adequate exercise and sleep, and spending time at leisurely pursuits. For a better tomorrow, live each day in harmony and balance,” enthuses Jack. 

Stephanie Jack provides consultations and classes by appointment. To connect, call 717-881-3962, email [email protected] or visit SBJack2011.wix.com/nutritionunwrapped.