Health

America’s Nutrition Coach: A Food Prescription for All Day Long

Published

11 years ago

March 2, 2015

By Dr. Ro
NNPA Columnist

Whether you vowed to lose the weight – for the very last time, get your dream job, or harder yet, rear perfect, angelic geniuses – this year you’ll need energy to achieve all of your heart’s desires (and promises) and I’ve got a deliciously, smooth remedy to help. You may have tried these “meal in a cup” beverages lauded for their “instant” weight-loss power. The truth is meal replacements can be nutritious additions to a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and sprouted whole grains.

But you get more bang for your nutritional buck when you control the ingredients that go in to your smoothie choices. Let’s face it, some of the options you buy at the mall, airport, and other such places – can contain a whopping 25-40 grams of sugar, having little nutritional benefit at all. Yikes!

Since food is medicine, it’s a good idea to opt for your own personal arsenal of top shelf DIY smoothies – not those found in a can or bottle – in order to control the sugar, calories, and nutritional content therein. Now comes the time for you to dust-off your Vitamix, Ninja, or any high-powered blender or bullet; try these recipes to soothe your sniffles, detox your body, replace heavy, hi-fat meals, lose weight, get youthful-dewy skin, or all of the above. These are dairy-free, vegan recipes that double as gluten-free options. Each smoothie batch has 21 grams of protein (provided by Hemp protein concentrate).

Here are my go-to smoothies and the reasons they are such a big part of my family’s (and my patient’s) diets:

My Pick-Me-Up Green Smoothie–

I love this one because the green veggies and fruits in this smoothie have natural anti-inflammatory antioxidants and chlorophyll, which reduce inflammation in the body that leads to joint and muscle pain (think arthritis) and that feed destructive free radicals that lead to chronic diseases of the heart, and more. This smoothie also boosts energy and metabolism, found in the matcha green tea powder and fresh ginger it contains. For an extra power-packing energy boost and anti-inflammatory alkaline boost, I add 1 scoop of organic, whole leaf wheat grass powder, which also boosts immunity.

Here’s your Food Rx:
2 handfuls washed, fresh spinach

2 handfuls washed, fresh collards and/or kale

4-5 spears fresh pineapple

½ cucumber

1 peeled kiwi fruit

½ banana

1 small orange, peeled

1 small granny smith or fuji apple, quartered

1-thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled (more if you like spicier flavor)

1 scoop Hemp Protein concentrate

1 tsp. matcha green tea powder

1 scoop Organic whole leaf, wheat grass powder

1 cup pure coconut water

Blend to all ingredients to desired consistency

Serve Cold poured over ice cubes or for extra energy boost poor over Wheat Grass ice cubes (found in frozen foods section of Whole Foods, Publix, or local grocery store) Makes four, 6-ounce servings.

The Detox Formula Smoothie–

This is my go-to Detox smoothie (and sometimes a juice when made without the protein concentrate). Rich in potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A, and B-vitamins, beets support healthy liver function. If you’ve ever had dare I say, 1 too many cocktails, or eaten poorly, this is a great smoothie to detox the liver. Beets are especially healthy for women because they replenish the iron lost to menses and for those who are pregnant or who wish to conceive, beets supply iron and B-vitamins for the growth of new cells during pregnancy. What’s more beets contain boron, a mineral necessary to produce healthy human sex hormones. That’s code for “Get your Sexy back!” Finally, the antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber found in the supporting fruits of this smoothie make it a slam-dunk for detoxing the body.

Here’s your Food Rx:

3-4 Med Beets

1 small Orange

1 Granny Smith or McIntosh Apple

2 Carrots

4 Pineapple Spears

1 handful Blackberries

1 scoop of Hemp Protein Concentrate

1 Cup Pure Coconut Water (uber hydrating)

Thumb-sized pce. Fresh Ginger root cut into slices

Blend all ingredients and serve over ice

Drink up! Rich source of Vitamins C, A, Fiber to detox!

Makes 4/ 6 oz. servings

Antioxidant Punch (for glowing skin and wellness)

This smoothie is an elixir for youthful, dewy skin that glows. It is an uber-rich source of antioxidants, Vitamins A & C, Beta-carotene,

and of heart-protecting soluble fiber.

Here’s your Food Rx:

4 Pineapple Spears

¼ Cup Blueberries-washed

5-6 medium Strawberries-washed, tops removed

¼ C Raspberries-washed

2-4 Carrots-washed

1 Orange small, peeled

1 small Granny Smith or McIntosh Apple

1 Thumb-sized piece of Ginger root cut into slices

1 scoop Hemp Protein Concentrate

1 Cup Pure Coconut Water (substitute filtered or purified water and save 45 calories/8 oz serv.)

Blend, serve over ice

Makes 4/ 6 oz. servings

Enjoy and be well!

Rovenia Brock, Ph.D. is a medical advisory board member and contributor to the “Dr. Oz Show,” where she helped more than a half-million Americans lose more than 5 million pounds. She is the author of “Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets To Livin’ Healthy (Bantam). For more health, nutrition, and fitness tips, join Dr. Ro and her social media community and get a FREE Download of her new eBook of super-easy tips, “You Healthy and Happy” at www.everythingro.com.

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Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the 117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.

“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”

The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.

Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings, particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.

“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.

A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year. Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.

Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.

The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.

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How Is AI Affecting California? The State Wants You to Share Your Story

The program marks the first time the state has opened the platform to all Californians. State officials said the effort is designed to give residents a direct role in discussions about how AI should be regulated and used as the technology rapidly expands across industries.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced May 7 that California is expanding its Engaged California digital democracy initiative statewide, inviting residents to help shape future state policies on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on jobs and the economy.

“We’ve got to be clear-eyed about this moment: AI is moving fast, bringing enormous opportunity, but also real risks,” Newsom said in a statement. “Californians deserve a seat at the table as we shape what’s to come.”

The initiative will roll out in two phases. Beginning immediately, Californians can sign up online to share how AI is affecting their work and communities and provide ideas for possible government action. Later this summer, a smaller group reflecting the state’s workforce demographics will participate in live discussions focused on developing policy recommendations.

State officials said the goal is to identify areas of agreement among Californians and provide policymakers with public feedback as the state develops future AI regulations and workforce strategies.

Engaged California is modeled after digital democracy programs used in Taiwan and is intended to encourage structured public discussion rather than social media-style debate. Officials described the effort as a form of “deliberative democracy” aimed at helping residents engage directly in state decision-making.

“The more Californians are engaged in the democratic process, the better able we’ll be to confront the challenges we face together,” said Nick Maduros, California Secretary of Government Operations, in a statement.

The statewide launch builds on two earlier pilot programs. One pilot gathered public input following the Los Angeles firestorms to help guide recovery efforts, while another collected ideas from state employees about improving government operations.

California has positioned itself as a national leader in AI policy and development. Since 2023, the Newsom administration has introduced initiatives focused on responsible AI use in government, cybersecurity protections, workforce training and regulations targeting risks such as deepfakes and AI-generated robocalls.

The state has also partnered with companies in Silicon Valley — including NVIDIA, Google, Adobe, IBM and Microsoft — to expand AI education and workforce training programs across California schools and universities.

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California Launches Free Diaper Program for Newborns Statewide

The initiative, called Golden State Start, will provide 400 free diapers to every newborn delivered at participating California hospitals beginning this summer. The state is partnering with Baby2Baby, a California-based nonprofit that distributes essential items to children in need nationwide.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that California will launch a first-in-the-nation program providing free diapers to families with newborns, part of a broader effort to lower costs for parents and improve infant health outcomes.

The initiative, called Golden State Start, will provide 400 free diapers to every newborn delivered at participating California hospitals beginning this summer. The state is partnering with Baby2Baby, a California-based nonprofit that distributes essential items to children in need nationwide.

State officials said hospitals participating in the program will give families the diapers when they are discharged after birth, helping parents leave with an immediate supply of newborn essentials.

“Every baby born in California deserves a healthy start in life,” Newsom said in a statement. He said the program is part of California’s broader affordability efforts, which also include free school meals, universal preschool for four-year-olds and expanded after-school programs.

The announcement comes ahead of Mother’s Day and is tied to the administration’s broader CalRx initiative, which aims to reduce costs for essential products and medications. State officials said California is also exploring ways to lower diaper prices by challenging high costs from major brands.

The first year of the program will prioritize hospitals serving large numbers of Medi-Cal patients, with plans to expand to additional hospitals and birthing centers over time. Officials said the effort is intended to reduce financial pressure on low-income families and improve infant and maternal health by ensuring parents have access to clean diapers.

“California families deserve to feel supported during one of life’s more exciting, yet vulnerable transitions,” First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a statement. She said the program would allow parents to focus on caring for their newborns instead of worrying about basic supplies.

According to Baby2Baby, one in two families in the United States struggles to afford diapers. The organization has distributed more than half a billion items to children over the past 15 years through partnerships with shelters, hospitals, foster care programs and schools.

State officials said Baby2Baby will oversee diaper purchasing, warehousing and distribution through its existing hospital and community partnerships across California.