What is Choline? And Why Does it matter?

9/4/2019

It’s not often that science discovers a new nutrient, but Choline is one of them. In 1998, the Institute of Medicine acknowledged it as an essential nutrient. But what is it and why does it matter? Let’s find out:

- Choline is an essential nutrient - which means it’s required by your body to function properly but must be obtained through diet.

- While it’s often grouped with Vitamin B, choline is neither a vitamin nor a mineral - it’s a compound.

- Key functions of choline include liver function, nervous system and brain development, muscle function, and metabolism. Deficiencies can have negative effects on many key systems of the body.

- Adequate intake amounts of choline are around 425mg/day for women and 550mg/day for men, but it’s noted that intake amounts vary quite a bit based on individual needs and with more required during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

- This vital nutrient can be found in eggs, fish, meat, and dairy. One egg contains 113mg and 3oz of cod contains 248mg.

- Those on a plant-based diet will want to ensure they’re getting enough choline. Foods such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, wheat germ, peanuts, and beans have some choline, but amounts are low and may warrant supplementation. One half cup of broccoli contains 31mg of choline.

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Amanda is a mother of three (10, 7, and 5) and has been married for 14 years. My weight loss journey started July 17, 2008, one day after my daughter's first birthday. Tipping the scales at 235 pounds at 5'3, being an over weight, over tired, out of shape role model no longer appealed to me and I knew it was time for a change. Three pregnancies later, I had lost a total of 105 pounds. I had run 2 marathons and dozens of half marathons. Something was missing. I was thin, but I wasn't fit. I wasn't healthy. I could feel it in my insides. I was 136 pounds and a size 8. Something didn't add up. I got my certification in personal training, nutrition, weight management, and dove into supplementation and whole foods. 90 days later, I gained 10 pounds and lost two pants sizes (8 to a 4).

Continuing on this path, all of my clients wanted to know how I was doing it. I always dreamed of creating a business that truly added value to people and improved their health. My husband, Grant, and I decided it was time to take that leap.

December 9, 2016, Simply Prepped Meals was born. Based around the mission of providing whole food based nutrition to people's doorsteps, we set out to create a new idea that fast food didn't have to be expensive or bad for you. Six months later, we built our permanent location in Cynthiana, IN. Then, January 2, 2018, we entered into a partnership with the YMCA of Southern Indiana to continue spreading the word of meal prep and eating with purpose.

Amanda coaches individually as well as continues to drive their business. Any questions about personal coaching can be directed to her at [email protected]

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