Ellen Vora, MD
  • Dr. Vora
  • Book
  • Resources
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • TikTok

THIS Is The Healthiest Food You Can Buy At A Gas Station

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 24, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

This is a great and challenging question. In gas-station extremis, I’ll usually grab a seltzer or coconut water and a little baggie of almonds. And then I’ll make a mental note to pack plentiful healthy car snacks for the next road trip.

Read more

What Is Postpartum Anxiety?

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 21, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

Anxiety can be a component of postpartum depression, but it also occurs on its own. Even when someone doesn’t meet diagnostic criteria for one of these disorders, there can be significant shifts in mood and anxiety levels in the post-natal period.

So, how can new moms deal with and treat postpartum anxiety? While you should never hesitate to seek professional help, here are my suggestions to help you get started…

Read more

mindbodygreen’s Revitalize 2019

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 20, 2019 / Share

So excited to be speaking at mindbodygreen’s Revitalize conference next weekend. What an honor.

I’m showing up with a clear intention to speak my truth in the name of helping heal the ways we all get out of balance. And I can’t wait to meet so many of my health heroes, like Melissa Hartwig Urban and Rich Roll, and to reconnect with old friends like Dr. Will Cole and Dr. Frank Lipman.
#mbgrevitalize

New Research Shows Artificial Sweeteners Are Making You Gain Weight

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 17, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

I recommend reaching for a jar of almond butter instead. Keep a jar on hand at work, at home, and in your bag, and feed yourself a spoonful a few times throughout the day. This will ensure steady blood sugar, warding off any blood sugar crashes that can make you go scavenge for a hit of sugar.

Read more

4 Simple Room Changes To Make For A Great Night’s Sleep: A Doctor Explains

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 14, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

How you set up your room can make or break a good night’s sleep. In short, if you want your bedroom to promote good sleep, it needs to be pitch-black dark, cooler than you think, quiet, and it should feel minimal.

Here’s a crash course on how to create the perfect bedroom for deep sleep:

Read more

Overthinking SoulCycle

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 13, 2019 / Share

I went to a SoulCycle class with some friends. I’m out of shape, so here’s where my defensive, panting-for-breath mind wandered to while trying to hide and not die in the back row… First, a caveat: if you enjoy SoulCycle, fabulous! I realize a lot of people get tremendous benefits from it, like a great workout, community, affordable psychotherapy, and a light dose of spirituality. I’m all for this.

BUT! Do we really need to be YELLED at to push ourselves any more than we already do in this hustle burnout culture? As the people-pleaser/overachiever that I am, when someone says, “stand up, push, give it your all”, I’m inclined to obey. But every time I obediently pushed harder, it felt like a betrayal of all the work I’ve done to cultivate mindfulness in my life. Being told to push is at odds with listening to our bodies. I know I’m not the only people-pleaser out there who will do what the teacher says, even if it means pushing past your body’s pleas to take it easy.

There’s a tension between pushing ourselves in a healthy, life-affirming way, being gentle with ourselves, and doing what people ask of us.
We’re in an epidemic of burnout–we’re being asked to push ourselves beyond healthy limits at work and in life logistics. We’ve trained ourselves to ignore our body’s limits 9 to 5; I’m not crazy about tacking on an additional 45-min of “pushing” during my leisure time.

I personally would respond better to an instructor who encouraged me to push at ~85% effort, trust my body, and ease off when I’ve hit a limit. I suppose I’m describing yoga.

If you feel I just had an anomalous, bad SoulCycle experience, I’m totally open to hearing evidence to the contrary.

For now, I’ll be saving my $$. If you love SoulCycle, keep loving it! For anyone out there who goes to these classes and finds yourself obeying the instructor’s commands over honoring your body’s limits, and the voice inside you is quietly asking you to NOT push yourself any more than you already do in your life, I’m here to give you permission to listen to that voice and be gentle with yourself. See you at yoga :).

The Importance of Play

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 13, 2019 / Share

This spring I spent 2 days at Disney with my family. For some this is an aspirational vacation; to others it sounds like a new fresh hell. I’ll say at the outset: I’m an unapologetic Disney aficionado. I went frequently as a kid, and I have so much nostalgia wrapped up in this strange place.⠀
⠀
For the haters: I get it. There’s a lot to hate–the crowds, the lines, the consumerism, the plastic, the atrocious princess thing that insidiously impacts how little girls understand their role and potential in this world.⠀
⠀
There’s also a lot to love. We NEED to play—it’s a salve for what ails us. Disney is an enormous playground, and if you let it, it will coax you into a state of divine play. The picture above is an embarrassing example of this—a grown woman about to take off on Thunder Mountain Railroad (my favorite roller coaster on earth), filled with delight. I never smile as stupidly as that in my daily life.⠀
⠀
Disney uses ambient music and fire strategically. These forces work on an energetic and vibrational level. They give prana. Modern life, with its cold eco lighting and digital social connections, drain us of our prana, rather than filling us up.⠀
⠀
Finally, I love that employees are present. They’re called “cast members” and they stay in character at all times. This applies to Snow White but also the dude serving your (truly disgusting) burger. Nobody is a cell phone zombie, and that’s refreshing in this world where we’re chronically and ubiquitously distracted. In fact, you’re probably in a scroll hole right now. ⠀
⠀
I’ll reiterate, Disney can be gross in about a 1000 ways (and I’m sure you can guess my stance on the quality of their food), but I’ll be the first to admit I had a magical 2 days, in spite of a non-napping, blood sugar crashing, overstimulated toddler and hormone-laced burgers. They’re doing something right.⠀

5 Health Hazards of an “Always On” Lifestyle

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 12, 2019 / Share

Originally published in One Medical

Technology has multifaceted benefits. Your smartphone can keep you connected with friends and family, find you healthy dining options nearby, and entertain you with games, music, and videos.

Unfortunately tech has a darker side, too. Being plugged-in or “on” all the time can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Here are some common health issues that could be related to your use of technology and how to combat them.

Read more

Ten Healthier (And Not Soggy!) Dishes To Bring To A Summer Picnic

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

I like to bring kitchari—sprouted rice and sprouted lentils cooked in the Instant Pot with plenty of ghee and a light touch of Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. It’s easy to make, it travels well, and then people can scoop a portion into a bowl and eat with a spoon. It’s healthy, satisfying, not too messy, and (bonus points), it’s tri-doshic, meaning it is well-tolerated and beneficial for people of all ayurvedic doshas.

Read more

The One Tonic I Recommend For Amazing Sleep: An M.D. Explains

by Ellen Vora, MD on Jun 11, 2019 / Share

Originally published in mindbodygreen

If you’re struggling with sleep, try this blended chamomile latte for a cozy, effective nightcap.

It packs several ingredients that help promote a good night’s sleep. Chamomile tea is an evidence-based remedy for insomnia. Cherries provide melatonin, the hormone that helps us feel sleepy. And coconut oil and almond butter give us stable blood sugar overnight while almond butter has the added benefit of magnesium and tryptophan to promote sleepiness. Collagen and raw honey can also help us sleep through the night.

I recommend this new twist on a nightcap for a deeper night of sleep:

Read more

Previous
Next

Free Guide!

Sign up with your email to receive 4 Keys to Health.

Recent Posts.

  • Middle Sleep
  • 6 Steps to Better Immunity
  • Gradually Reducing Caffeine Can Be an Act of Radical Self Love
  • Boundaries: Setting Relationships Up For Success
  • Bipolar Might Be…
  • Anxiety is the Tone of Modern Western Culture
  • A Reflection on “Personal Responsibility”
  • Normalize Miscarriage
  • Trust Yourself
  • When We Say “Yes” But We Really Mean “No”…
  • ADD is Sometimes…
  • 6 Tips for ADHD
  • A Message For NYC
  • Feeling Anxious and You’re Not Sure Why?
  • Vitamin D
  • It’s Always Both
  • Caffeine & Consistency
  • These Conditions Travel Together…
  • These Conditions Travel Together
  • 8 Tips for Borderline Personality
  • Safetyism
  • Switch Up Your Date Nights
  • Nature Playground
  • Nature is the Medicine
  • Anti-Racism is Action
  • Screens Play an Underappreciated Role in Immunity
  • Possible Root Causes of Anxiety
  • GABA, Melatonin, & Vitamin D are the Endangered Species of Modern Life
  • Is Temperature Affecting Your Sleep
  • How to Respond to Criticism
  • All Struggle Is Valid
  • The Key to Taking Care of Ourselves Now
  • My Favorite Medicine
  • Keep It Simple, Keep It Local
  • Which Exercise is Best?
  • Avoid Fake Food
  • Missing Spring
  • Social Distancing
  • Meditation
  • Waking Up With Anxiety? It Might Be Medication Withdrawal
  • The Challenge of Modern Life Is Having a Properly Calibrated Immune System
  • Mindfulness Exercise for Parents
  • Simplifying Our Lives
  • A Simple Shift
  • Social Distancing Looks Very Different Depending On Circumstances
  • Self-Care Is An Outcropping of Capitalism
  • The Need To Feel Witnessed
  • You Are Enough
  • Healing Anxiety Starts with Blood Sugar
  • No Shame, No Judgment: How to Deal with Depression and Anxiety – Women of Impact Interview
  • 8 Ways to Reduce Anxiety
  • Gut Health, Inflammation & Mood
  • What It Means To “Do The Work”
  • Navigating Our Broken Medical System
  • Pregnancy Loss
  • 3 Tips to Prioritize Sleep and Avoid Burnout
  • Shut It Down
  • Normalize Miscarriage
  • Sleep Procrastination — How I Finally Stopped
  • Healthy Eating vs Social Connection
  • Eat Real Food
  • My 2020 Wellness Predictions
  • The Tweak I Made To The Kondo Method That Totally Works For Me
  • Can Trauma Really Be ‘Stored’ In The Body?
  • Gut Health = Health
  • The Health Impact of Loneliness – The Phoenix Helix Podcast
  • Managing Life’s Storms – The Magik Vibes Podcast with Kelsey J Patel
  • Is Hitting The Snooze Button Really That Bad For You?
  • Optimize Your Sleep
  • How to Move From Loneliness to Connection
  • Are Instagram Filters Harmful?
  • Stop Scrolling
  • Fight The Daylight Saving Slump With Time Outside
  • Do *This* First Thing In The Morning If You Wake Up Tangry (Tired + Angry)
  • What 4 Health Experts Are Doing To Prep For Winter Right Now
  • Easy Self-Care Advice for Stress-Free Meal Prep
  • Instead Of TV, Try This
  • Letting Ourselves Be Sad
  • Have Anxiety About Work? Try This
  • Holistic Strategies to Beat Stress & Anxiety – Happier & Healthier Podcast
  • Your Gut Issues Aren’t Just In Your Head
  • The Best Healthy Lunches To Pack For Kids
  • How to Manage Stress and Anxiety Through Diet and Lifestyle Changes – Mrs Startup Podcast
  • Podcasts vs. Silence
  • It’s Time To Talk About Post-Weaning Depression
  • 9 Easy Ways To Reset Your Diet At The End Of Summer
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Always Choose People
  • Portugal’s Policy on Drugs
  • It’s Time To Rethink Our Relationship With The Sun
  • Europe Is So Much More Energy-Efficient Than The US
  • Reflections on Portugal
  • Reflections on Burning Man
  • Eating For Your Brain
  • Got Gas & Bloating — Even While Eating Super Healthy? These Expert Tips May Help
  • Why You Should Prioritize Family Dinner + Easy Tips To Make The Most Of It
  • Stress And Anxiety Are Serious
  • 9 Food & Health Pros Share Their Best Tips For Saving $$$ On Healthy Food
  • My #1 Sleep Tip
Dr. Ellen Vora

About Me.

Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health–considering the whole person and addressing the problem at the root, rather than reflexively prescribing medication to suppress symptoms.

She specializes in depression, anxiety, insomnia, adult ADHD, bipolar and digestive issues.

More

  • Dr. Vora
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Speaking
  • Group
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
© 2025 Ellen Vora, MD.
Site by SPYR
✕
  • Dr. Vora
  • Book
  • Resources
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • TikTok