Weil Nutrition Corner

Weil Nutrition Corner

Our Go-To Secret Seasoning + Snack Plate Inspirations

Plus Diana's Father's Day Reflection

Dr. Andrew Weil & Diana Weil's avatar
Dr. Andrew Weil & Diana Weil
Jun 09, 2025
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Happy Monday! We have a great week coming up, leading up to Father’s Day next Sunday… and in that arena, today’s issue brings you Diana’s take on Father’s Day, and what it means to her as a daughter and new mom. (Check out Dr. Weil on being a dad and granddad if you missed it last week.)

And in honor of National Osteoporosis Month, we run down five amazing snack plates that are not only tasty, but help support bone health as well. Plus a look at nutritional yeast - sounds weird, tastes amazing, we love it! Trust us, you will be happy to add this umami-bomb to your pantry!

We’d love to hear from you!

What are your favorite snack plates? Share in the comments!

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Wishing you all a wonderful upcoming Father’s Day!

This year, Father’s Day feels extra special. It’s obviously a time to celebrate my own dad - who’s been such a source of inspiration and wisdom throughout my life - but also to honor Harley on his first Father’s Day. Watching him step into fatherhood has been such a joy.

I don’t think dads get enough credit for the steady, grounding presence they bring. I’ve watched the men in my life be transformed by becoming dads in the best way. They’re all such incredibly present fathers. I recently read that children release oxytocin when cuddling their moms but when playing with their dads. And I’ve seen that firsthand in our home. Harley brings so much play and laughter into our days, just like my dad did for me when I was growing up.

I’ve learned so much from my dad, not just from the wisdom he’s shared with me but also from watching how he moves through life. He’s curious, funny, wise, has such a playful spirit, and has this unique ability to bring absolute magic into people’s lives.

So, to all the dads out there, thank you for helping your children feel safe, seen, and supported. Your presence matters more than you know. Your care, even when it feels quiet or unnoticed, leaves a lasting mark. And a gentle reminder: you can’t pour from an empty cup. I hope today (and every day) offers you a moment to rest, recharge, and care for yourselves, too.

Snack Plates for Healthy Bones? Yes Please!

June is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to take a closer look at how our diet can support strong, healthy bones. In this post, we’re breaking down the key nutrients your bones need - and sharing a delicious snack plate that does just that.

Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, we've got ideas for you. Plus, our featured plate includes a creamy, flavorful hummus - so be sure to check out our easy homemade Herb Hummus recipe!

Herb Hummus Recipe

Key Nutrients For Bone Health

In addition to weight-bearing exercise, which is key for building and maintaining bone density, your diet plays a major role in preventing osteoporosis and keeping your bones strong. While calcium is often the first nutrient that comes to mind when we think of bone health, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Your bones rely on a variety of nutrients to stay strong and resilient, which is why one of the best things you can do for your bone health is to eat a diverse, well-rounded diet. The nutrients important for bone health include:

Calcium: Builds Bone Structure. Calcium is the primary mineral component of bones and teeth, making up about 99% of the body's calcium stores. It's essential for building and maintaining bone density throughout life. When dietary intake is low, the body pulls calcium from the bones to maintain other functions, increasing the risk of bone thinning and fractures.

Good Sources: Full-fat dairy, dark leafy greens, beans and legumes, seeds, fortified foods, canned salmon with bones

Vitamin D: Enhances Calcium Absorption. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the digestive tract. Without enough vitamin D, calcium absorption drops significantly - even if dietary intake is sufficient. Vitamin D also helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, which are vital for healthy bone formation.

Good Sources: Fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods

Vitamin K2: Directs Calcium Into Bones. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) activates osteocalcin, a protein that helps bind calcium to the bone matrix. It also helps prevent calcium from depositing in arteries or soft tissues, where it can cause harm. While vitamin K1 (found in leafy greens) supports blood clotting, K2 (found in fermented and animal foods) is more directly tied to bone metabolism.

Good Sources: Natto (fermented soy), aged cheeses, egg yolks, butter from grass-fed cows

Magnesium: Assists with Bone Mineralization. Magnesium is involved in bone matrix development and supports the enzymes necessary for forming new bone. Around 50-60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones, where it contributes to structural integrity and helps regulate calcium balance. Low magnesium is linked to lower bone mineral density and may impair the actions of both vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH), further impacting bone health.

Good Sources: Nuts and seeds, legumes, dark leafy greens

Protein: Necessary for Bone Matrix Development. Protein provides the amino acids needed to build collagen, which makes up about

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