Well Honestly: Episode: 18- Food Deserts & Black Girl Scientists Interview with Stacey Minor of Sweet Potato Patch

Do you have questions about your body and how to navigate getting your health in order? We are in the same boat. During this episode we talk with Stacey Minor, founder of Sweet Potato Patch. We dig deep into the impact food deserts are having on minority communities, how we can step up to the plate and be in control of what we eat and how generations can promote healthy lifestyles. This week it is all about recognizing your black girl magic and being the change you want to see. 

[8:20] What We Are Loving This Week

[13:30] Introduction of Guest Stacey Minor

Stacey Minor was one of the first African American women to work
for the food company Monsanto. Now, she is taking her knowledge
and using it in Chicago’s neediest communities.

– Minor is the founder of Sweet Potato Patch, which is a meal
delivery service operating on the South Side. She uses produce
that major retailers will not take and turns it into gourmet heat and
serves meals — and produce bags.

[44:44] Andretta Honesty Moment

[45:40] Aaqila’s Honesty Moment

[46:46] Stacey’s Honesty Moment

[49:00] More About Us & Our Mission & How to Be featured on our podcast

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

+ @WellHonestlyPodcast on Instagram

+ Join the Facebook Community

+ Buy Our Tea

SUBSCRIBE + REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

Thank you for listening. We hope this podcast has been informative & an inspiring resource to create the kind of life you want with your health in mind.

To help get this podcast in front of more women like you, please consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here! The 10 seconds you take doing this means the WORLD to us and the women who will be helped by this show.

Click here to go to our Podcast Website

About Sweet Potato Patch [ https://sweetpotatopatch.life ]

Sweet Potato Patch is a Technology based Food business whose overall all mission is to utilize day to day technology to increase and create an ease related to healthy food access to residents in Urban Food Deserts.

We utilize smart technology and GPS Tracked Crowd-Sourced Delivery Technology to deliver farm to table, healthy food options, to the front door of residents in Urban Food Deserts. Our farm to table food meets the needs and also the cultural necessity of our customers.

About Stacey [ LINKEDIN ]  [ FACEBOOK ]

Often recognized as a Plant Scientist or Executive Career Strategist, Stacey Minor is just a home-girl from the South Side of Chicago (by way of Roseland and Chatham). Stacey graduated with honors from the 2nd overall class of the Chicago High School for Agricultural Science and went on to pursue her studies at the University of Illinois in Champaign.  In the 90’s Plant Biotechnology was so new, that the University did not have a degree program for it, so she ultimately studies Plant Sciences, but went on to work for the Monsanto Company and became one of the first of a handful of African American women to work in Plant Biotechnology professionally as a Senior Research Scientist.

Stacey went on to switch careers after pursuing a MBA with an emphasis in Organizational Development from Washington University in St. Louis, to work at helping people re-brand and re-position themselves after career loss, as an Executive Job Coach in outplacement and Director of Career Services in Higher Education. She is a graduate of the Joseph Business School, founded by Dr. Bill Winston. Stacey is also the author of The 28th Chapter, and is now the Founder/Farmer In Chief of Sweet Potato Patch and Patchwerkz – Chicago, a faithful member of Apostolic Church of God in Woodlawn.

Well Honestly: Episode: 17 Your Wellness Questions Answered

Do you have questions about your body and how to navigate getting your health in order? We are in the same boat. During this episode we talk about the fundamentals of mindset awareness on your wellness journey. We dig deep into our experiences with doing all that we can to stay healthy. We share our go to tips and the things you should look out for when it comes to your health. 

[2:10] Hot Topics 

[11:20] Wellness Q & A 1: What’s The Most Important Thing to Focus on for Wellness?
Test Your Hormone Levels with Everly Well
Best Sun Screen for Brown Women is THIS
Need Magnesium or a Probiotic – Tierra Goes Green

[49:00] Wellness Q & A 2: How Can I Give Up Pop?
This is Your Brain on Junk Food Article – New York Times
LaCroix- Tasty Alternatives for the Soda Flu via Eat This

[58:15] What Aaqila is Loving This Week

[59:26] What Andretta is Loving This Week
Read The Article She mentions HERE

[1:02:38] More About Us & Our Mission & How to Be featured on our podcast

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

+ @WellHonestlyPodcast on Instagram

+ Join the Facebook Community

+ Buy Our Tea

SUBSCRIBE + REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

Thank you for listening. We hope this podcast has been informative & an inspiring resource to create the kind of life you want with your health in mind.

To help get this podcast in front of more women like you, please consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here! The 10 seconds you take doing this means the WORLD to us and the women who will be helped by this show.

Click here to go to our Podcast Website

Well Honestly: Episode: 16 Wellness on a Budget- Affordable Self Care Tips

Do you have questions about your body and how to navigate getting your health in order? We are in the same boat. During this episode we talk about the fundamentals of mindset awareness on your wellness journey while counting your coins. We dig deep into our experiences with doing all that we can to stay healthy and on a budget. We share our go to stores and the things you should look out for at the checkout lane, on packaging and more to not only save you money but your life as well. 

[2:10] Hot Topics 

[11:20] Wellness Tip Number 1

[14:10] Wellness Tip Number 2

[16:03] Wellness Tip Number 3

[19:04] Wellness Tip Number 4

[23:20] Wellness Tip Number 5

[24:35] Wellness Tip Number 6

[27:27] Wellness Tip Number 7

[29:50] How to Get The Most Wellness for Your Money

Thrive Market
Revive
Trader Joe’s
[SUPRISE BONUS]

[40:30] What Andretta is Loving This Week

[44:57] What Aaqila is Loving This Week

[47:20] More About Us & Our Mission & How to Be featured on our podcast

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

+ @WellHonestlyPodcast on Instagram

+ Join the Facebook Community

+ Buy Our Tea

SUBSCRIBE + REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

Thank you for listening. We hope this podcast has been informative & an inspiring resource to create the kind of life you want with your health in mind.

To help get this podcast in front of more women like you, please consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here! The 10 seconds you take doing this means the WORLD to us and the women who will be helped by this show.

Click here to go to our Podcast Website

Well Honestly: Episode: 15 The Mindset of Health with Vanessa Mack Fit

Do you have questions about your body and how to navigate getting your health in order? We are in the same boat. During this episode we talk about the fundamentals of mindset awareness on your wellness journey. We dig deep into the issues centered around bringing those you love on the health journey with you. We even talk about holding yourself accountable for your health as the root to all progress. VMack Fit is vulnerable and real in this episode as she shares her battle with feeling like she let her body down and what we all can learn from her tenacity. 

[2:10] BREAKING NEWS – WHAT’S IN THE NUMBERS? 

[8:00] Introduction of @VMACKFIT  (Instagram)

[15:16] VMack’s Thoughts on PURPOSE

[22:36] Aaqila’s Honesty Moment

[24:35] VMack’s Honesty Moment

[26:35] Andretta’s Honesty Moment 

[31:00] More About Us & Our Mission & How to Be featured on our podcast

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

+ @WellHonestlyPodcast on Instagram

+ Join the Facebook Community

+ Buy Our Tea

SUBSCRIBE + REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

Thank you for listening. We hope this podcast has been informative & an inspiring resource to create the kind of life you want with your health in mind.

To help get this podcast in front of more women like you, please consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here! The 10 seconds you take doing this means the WORLD to us and the women who will be helped by this show.

Click here to go to our Podcast Website

Learn More About Vanessa Mack’s By Reading Her Bio Below:

Vanessa Mack’s aka (VMack Fit) vision and enthusiasm knows no limits, and “no limits” is a mindset that she incites throughout her life. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, Cyber professional, and fitness guru; she has her personal training and nutrition certification through the National Association of Sports Medicine, Master Spin Instructor certification with Madd Dog Athletics. These are just a few of the many hats she wears with awe-inspiring poise and devotion to wellness.

Vanessa is committed to changing lives through health and wellness, she allocates her time between her corporate workday, fitness and wellness movement without compromising the fidelity of either. Vanessa realized that too many of her loved ones are affected or losing their lives from chronic diseases that is largely preventable and at the very least, manageable. Thus, she decided that enough was enough and embarked upon her mission to inspire healthier, more active lifestyles. She is the creator and executive producer of The Health & Wholeness show, which is a social networking talk show that focuses on wellness and healing within our communities. Vanessa has been sought out to be a guest speaker by a variety of wellness organizations based on her passion and commitment to wellness. 

Empowering and inspiring accurately describes the contributions Vanessa has made and will continue to make in the lives of others. She embodies the quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” With that in mind, Vanessa simply aspires to be a vessel for change as she motivates and inspires through her fitness and wellness platforms.

Motto: “Be Good To Yourself”

Follow on Instagram and Facebook @ VMack Fit

The Truth About Health Awareness Interview with Victoria Knox

Do you have questions about your body and how to navigate getting your health in order? We are in the same boat. During this episode we talk about the challenges of facing your ability to prioritize your health and knowing unhealthy social stress triggers. Victoria Knox shares her journey with developing a new role in her wellness as a health conscious survivor of life in general.

[1:30] Introduction of Today’s Episode
[2:03] What We Are Loving This Week
[7:25] Guest Introduction: Victoria Knox
[13:00] Victoria Knox Breaks Down Why People Choose Holistic Wellness
[22:22] Victoria Knox Outlines A Few Common Health Issues & Their Triggers
[25:44] Victoria Knox Offers Her Tips On Prioritizing Your Health
[35:24] Victoria Knox Offers a Few Health Tips Many Women Ignore
[36:30] Honesty Moment of the Week
[42:30] Learn About Victoria’s Products, Services & Contact Information
[48:10] More About Us & Our Mission & How You Can Be Featured On The Podcast

Did You Miss Last Weeks Feature Recipe?
Try Dr. Shante Griggs’ Kale & Apple Juice Recipe” As seen on Instagram?

2 Bunches of Kale Greens

3 Red Delicious Apples

Half of a Freshly Squeezed Lemon

1 Bunch of Spinach

“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”

Dr Shanté Prescribed
“Health… Beauty… Science”

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

+  Dynamic Greens Wheat Grass

+ @WellHonestlyPodcast on Instagram

+ @BrownWomenWellness on Instagram 

+ Join the Facebook Community

+ Buy Our Tea

+ Article of the Week:

Black Nutritionists to Follow for Recipes, Healthy Eating Tips, and More

SUBSCRIBE + REVIEW ON APPLE PODCASTS

Thank you for listening. We hope this podcast has been informative & an inspiring resource to create the kind of life you want with your health in mind.

To help get this podcast in front of more women like you, please consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here! The 10 seconds you take doing this means the WORLD to us and the women who will be helped by this show.

Click here to go to our Podcast Website

Read the Full Bio of Victoria Knox Below & Visit Her Website https://www.vknoxlife.com
I am a holistic health and wellness practitioner with a focus on nutrition as the primary driver to wellness. I work independently and in partnership with naturopathic and integrated medical doctors to create lasting lifestyle change for clients/patients. 

Six pillars that I’ve termed R.A.W. Lifestyle System (Really Awesome Way), was developed from my own experiences, backed by scientific evidence.​  With the integration of whole foods, supplements and medicines (if applicable), coupled with spirit, mind and body engagement, clients may restore or improve their overall wellness by following the basic R.A.W. Lifestyle System.   

Originally from Illinois, and prior to a career in wellness, I held a diverse 30+ year career in business management, communications, and consulting.  My career includes leadership roles for major companies and nonprofits where I’ve managed strategic partnerships and created programs with Fortune 500 companies with a bottom line of $10M in revenue, sponsorships and in-kind donations.  

When my employer quickly downsized, I began my own consulting practice to help entrepreneurs and proprietors build their business.  I’ve independently coached and consulted with more than 500 business leaders through my programs, conferences, and partnerships with higher education, government and nonprofit entities.

As the years flew by, I found myself professionally flourishing, but plummeting in health.  Though I tried different weight loss programs, nothing worked.  I resolved to believe that I’d be overweight (and unhealthy) the rest of my life and engulfed myself in working around the clock to create solutions for clients.

One day, I was in pain and could not get out of bed.  I thought it was food poisoning.  A good friend suggested I try a holistic treatment (colon hydrotherapy).  I didn’t know what it was, but, was willing to explore it.  After the first session, the pain was gone.

One session quickly became weekly visits for three months and a 30 pound weight loss without exercise (which I later added and actually become a fitness instructor)!  This started my passion for holistic wellness and led to another career in the wellness coaching.  Though my clients knew the business results, they were eager to learn more about my weight loss and health management routines.  I became a raw foodist (vegetarian), avid juicer, and dropped six sizes in about eight months!  My overall health improved.  Shortly after, I wrote and self-published My Secret Transformation; How I Detoxed My Life and Reinvented Myself. That was more than a decade ago and it’s still how I govern my life.

The same year My Secret Transformation was published, a weight loss franchise recruited me to become their lead weight loss coach and practice director for the Southwest region.  Today, I reside in Arizona and assist people across the country with wellness and integrated approaches.

I studied at Columbia College, Chicago, earned a BA in communications from Governors State University and Holistic Nutrition Wellness Practitioner designation from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Arizona.

In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, juicing, writing and expanding my knowledge on integrated wellness. I’m the mother of three adult sons and grandmother of twins.

Credentials:

  • Holistic Nutrition Wellness Practitioner Diploma, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
  • Behavior Modification Certification, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
  • Fitness Nutrition Certification, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
  • Personal Development Coach Certified
  • BA in Communications, minor in Business Management, Columbia College Chicago and Governors State University (Dean’s List)
  • Nonprofit Implementation and Development Certified
  • Nonprofit Administration Certified
  • CPR Certified
  • Healthy Arizona Workplace Certified

Well, Honestly Episode 3 interview w/ Dr. Tony Hampton

Links:
Dr Hampton Book On Amazon Fix Your Diabetes
Institute of Functional Medicine http://www.IFM.org
Protecting Your NEST with Dr. Tony Hampton Podcast

Think about the last time you went to the doctor, chances are you went to the wrong person for medical advice. 

In this episode of Well Honestly, the ladies dig deep into the work of Dr Tony Hampton and uncover one of the major reasons many brown women globally aren’t receiving the quality medical care that they need.

What is the difference between a traditional doctor vs a functional  doctor? According to the institute of functional medicine “the Functional Medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.”

During a traditional doctors appointment you’d meet with a physician and a few supportive medical team members to categorize your current level of health. The goal is to determine any concerning health issues and document the severity. We’ve all been there. You go in to see your doctor to learn about what is going on with your body and you take a few tests and leave with a new medication.  The medication is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms and not the cause for the disruption of your health. 

That is where Functional Medicine comes in. Within this realm of treatment, the patient’s health is the main priority and not the symptoms. The goal is to find the root of the problem and work as a team to restore the patient to optimal health and wellness. This is especially important during the pandemic. 

When breaking down why Black and brown people were impacted the most during the pandemic Dr. Hampton focused on communities of color dealing with stress, unbalanced cultural food choices, lack of sleep and even trauma. His well documented data set that allows him to outline health via the NEST model is shocking.  (Featured below as 😉

  • N is for Nutrition, which consists of whole, unprocessed foods with no sugar that are low-carb. “I tell them they can have ribs, but not with barbecue sauce.”
  • E is for Exercise, even just walking or easy resistance exercises like pushups and squats at home. “It can be very hard to jog in some communities that are not safe.”
  • S is for less Stress and more Sleep. “Sleep is so important to health but it can be hard to get it if you work the night shift or are under a lot of stress.”
  • T is for “what you are Thinking” and for how you deal with Trauma in your life. “Instead of focusing on everything that is bad, look for the good, like the fact that it is a beautiful day and the sun is shining.”

With the common notion that vitamin D is a game changing factor for minorities looking for preventative measures to dealing with Covid 19, Dr. Hampton pinpoints the safest levels of vitamin D consumption for most. This was pivotal information as he also mentioned that  where you live can determine how long you live.  It’s best to know what elements your body produces naturally so that you can find ways to support your health and fill in the gaps to ensure you are functioning at your highest capacity. The aim is to be as physically , mentally and emotionally strong as possible.