Tag: health

Week 2, Whole30 + Gut Protocol

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Find the week 1 recap of my current round of food sensitivity elimination here.

I came out of week 1 feeling pretty amazing; regular 💩, bloat-free, ready for more positive feelings surrounding my health and how I’m feeling physically! I was a little unprepared in the day to day because I didn’t prep any food ahead of time – which is really a game changer for completing this entire program with little stress! So let’s talk about week 2…

I strayed from my path 😶

I ate ice cream with my family. Throughout the week I ate sour gummies, chocolate, and too much gluten free bread – which technically isn’t against the rules, but for the amount of bread I ate I have to tattle on myself. It’s definitely not recommended on Gut Protocol, and even if Whole 30th basically says you can eat as much as you want I’m sure they would frown up on consuming a loaf of bread in just a couple of days. But I’m moving on…

I’m not beating myself up for getting off track. Not even a little. This is a big switch to make, from eating lots of low-nutrition foods to eating lots of nutritious foods – the mind and body will crave the sugar and caffeine for a little while, especially if you regularly consume a lot, but the switch will happen and you will begin to feel amazing in a relatively short amount of time! And I’m talking to myself here 😅 I have to remind myself that if I just stick with it for a little longer I will feel great for a long long time! And feeling good feels good. I want to always choose feeling good over falling back into old habits again and again.

So here’s my plan for this week.

Today is Memorial Day, meaning a day off of school for my kid. I know she’ll sleep in so it’s a typical morning for me: pack my husbands lunch (because he doesn’t have the day off), mix some preworkout, walk on the treadmill (currently), stretch + Pilates, then breakfast. Luckily, I have leftover food from preparing husbands lunch this morning so I will just have to warm it up and add some greens and a dressing of some kind. It came together quickly this morning: (frozen) riced cauliflower, tofu, bell peppers, onion, tomato. It smelled great, even at 5:30 am 😆 I don’t usually have an appetite first thing in the morning (I like to start my day with this) and I don’t always make extra so I’m happy to have food ready for after my workout today!

From there, I want to prep some food. Like for real this time. I have ideas for meals (just like week 1), but this time I will make some rice and quinoa, chop the veggies I have in the fridge (zucchini, bell peppers), I already washed the grapes and put them into a bowl for easy access, and I will press a couple blocks of tofu so they are ready to go for meals quickly. I used to LOVE cooking and couldn’t wait to make meals every day – until I hit burnout. Now, I get motivated to cook by serving myself a beverage (usually just La Croix, I’ve been sober since 2018), I put in an earbud that’s connected to my laptop, and I watch (or mostly just listen to) Sex and the City. This is the one show I know by heart and can be entertained by the content without really having to watch the screen. Do you have a show like that? Background noise that also brings a little joy to your heart at the same time? (Currently working through season 6, the last one, but I will inevitably start all over again from the beginning once I reach the final episode. There is something about the first season that gives me great nostalgia for a pre-internet era).

So it all comes down to the planning and preparation again. I had my fun last week with sweet treats (maybe I can blame hormones?), but this week I’m back on track. I saw the beginning of some results already in week 1, and I want those back!! Things are okay at the moment, but I really saw a difference in the way my skin looks and feels (remember: psoriasis) in week 1, and now regressing in week 2 with the extra sugar intake. Am I allowed to say diet can affect autoimmune disease yet? I see a difference, but let’s see what happens in the next few weeks as I WILL DEFINITELY stay on track (I hope 🤞).

PS the Plant-Based Reese’s Cups? Fan-freaking-tastic 😋😋😋😋😋 I ate them all so I won’t have any to tempt me this week 😆😆😅😅 an obvious tip for during your food sensitivity elimination? Don’t keep tempting junk food in the house 🙅‍♀️ or at least keep it out of sight, if you have family who still wants to eat it 😆

Can Diet Help Autoimmune Disease? Let me find out…

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This is a road I’ve been down before. More than once, actually. It’s been well-documented here on this blog in the past, but I’ve never done it like this, the way I’m about to, before. A quick background:

  • I randomly started a round of Whole30 in 2018 and it changed the way I looked at food forever. I did it to literally “see if I could do it” -and I did! But even though I learned a lot about how food works in MY body specifically, I went straight back into my old eating habits (Standard American Diet, with some “health” food mixed in). At this point in time, I didn’t have psoriasis flareups – or at least not until after this program.
  • In 2022, I was part of an online wellness community (read: MLM (that I loved)) that had a new food sensitivity elimination program, at the time, called Gut Protocol. Same idea as Whole30 with more parameters around the right amount of nutrients for your individual body. I didn’t expect changes to my skin, but one day, a few weeks into the elimination program, the most significant patch I had was almost entirely faded – like ALMOST ALL THE WAY GONE. But what did I do? I finished the program and thought, “I’m healed!!!!!” and went right back to eating the old way, when clearly my body needed more time.

I didn’t learn my lesson either of those times. I saw the clear changes, yet still believed healing was a destination, not a journey.

So here we are, present day. I am restarting the Gut Protocol because I know in my heart the way we eat and everything we consume makes an impact on our overall health. I’ve seen it before, and I have high hopes that I will see a change again! So here’s what this means:

  • Eliminate top allergens from my diet
  • Drink at least half my body weight in ounces of water
  • Keep caffeine intake low (less than 200mg/day)
  • No more than 10g/day

Maybe you’re asking, so what will you eat? I actually have a hard time eating as much as I’m supposed to on this plan. The focus, as always, is essential nutrients.

  • Protein: I don’t eat meat, so my proteins will come from tofu, tempeh, protein powder (this one), and beans.
  • Carbs: Rice, oats, potatoes, quinoa, millet (a food I never had before doing GP, but is now a favorite!!)
  • Fat: Avocado, nuts, hummus, olive oil, nut butters
  • Vitamins & Minerals: Any and all fruits and vegetables

Mixing and matching these different groups easily creates well balanced meals that leave me feeling full AND energized! It honestly amazes me how great we can potentially feel when nourished properly, and how DIFFICULT people have made the process seem. You don’t need the latest fad diet to do the trick. And even if you don’t want to do a full elimination program, taking a moment to think “do I have all the essentials covered?” can take you a long long way in your health journey.

So how is this time different? I’m in it for the long haul. In the past, I went the full 30 days of the program, and went straight back into reintroducing the top allergens and into the old way of eating. This time, I’m going as long as I can. I can admit – I do get to a point where I feel like F* THIS and go back to eating some processed junk food. After I overindulge on this stuff, I instantly feel miserable and feel like IT’S NOT WORTH IT. It happens every single time. If I could learn how to have small treats, that are still satisfying, without OVER-indulging to the point where my body HATES ME – that’s the real goal here.

Today, Monday May 5th, is my Day 1. I woke up this morning and sipped water, my favorite pre-workout (allowed on this plan), and a ginger turmeric shot. I haven’t eaten breakfast yet, but as soon as I finish writing this I’ll be headed into the kitchen to figure out what to make. I don’t ever have a big appetite in the morning, but in order to eat all the food I need (which includes six cups of vegetables) I have to start early. I’ll admit, nothing sounds appetizing at the moment, but my tummy is growling loudly after having my ginger shot! I could eat leftovers or I can make oats. I don’t want either. Actually what sounds great is some toast – easy and delicious, one of my favorite things to eat – but gluten is one thing I’m supposed to avoid during this time. I do plan to make gluten free bread at some point, but I’m usually lazy. ***Edit: I decided on a vanilla protein shake made with oat milk. I’ll snack on some pistachios while I drive to the grocery store. So that gives me a protein, a carb, and a fat for breakfast!

Next week I will share my food journal for the week, which documents everything I’m eating, plus how I’m feeling one week into eating this way. Overall I feel pretty good right now, but I want to see if I can feel even better just by changing what I’m consuming (I know I will).

Do you know someone who could benefit from improving their autoimmune symptoms? Share this post with them!

If you understand my struggles and feel comfortable sharing, I’d love for you to comment below or send me a message so we can connect!

The Secret to a Healthier Nation? Move Like Our Elders.

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We live in a culture obsessed with high-intensity workouts, grueling gym sessions, and the relentless pursuit of peak physical performance. But what if the key to a healthier country wasn’t in pushing ourselves to our limits, but in embracing a gentler, more sustainable approach to movement? What if we took a page out of the playbook of our elders? Here’s my theory:

When you picture a senior engaging in exercise, what comes to mind? Perhaps a leisurely walk in the park, a gentle stretching routine, a calming Tai Chi session, or some light gardening. You probably don’t envision them crushing heavy weights or sprinting on a treadmill for hours. And yet, this consistent, low-impact approach to movement holds a profound wisdom that could benefit us all.

Debunking the “No Pain, No Gain” Myth

I’m not saying lifting heavy weights or pushing yourself is a bad thing, far from it!!! The science is there that proves lifting weights has many benefits. But what I’m saying is it doesn’t have to feel like punishment to be effective. Health benefits can be achieved through regular, moderate activity, no doubt there. Research consistently shows that even small amounts of regular movement can drastically improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight management, boost our mood, and increase energy levels. The issue with lifting heavy is the high rates of injury and burnout that can accompany intense training, and the appeal of a gentler approach becomes clear. The biggest thing to consider is what YOU like, and what feels good for your body. If you aren’t a professional athlete, or dreaming of becoming one, it’s okay to take a low key approach to fitness.

The Wisdom of Senior Movement

Our seniors often intuitively understand the importance of moving their bodies in a way that is sustainable and enjoyable. Their fitness routines often prioritize:

  • Consistency: Showing up for movement regularly, even if it’s just for a short period.
  • Low Impact: Protecting their joints and minimizing the risk of injury.
  • Functionality: Focusing on movements that improve balance, flexibility, and the ability to perform everyday tasks with ease.
  • Mindfulness: Often incorporating a sense of body awareness and presence during their activities.

The Universal Benefits of Gentle Movement

The beauty of this “senior-style” movement is its universal applicability. The benefits aren’t exclusive to older adults; they extend to everyone, regardless of age or current fitness level:

  • A Healthier Heart: Regular, moderate activity strengthens the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease.
  • Sustainable Weight Management: Consistent movement, even at a lower intensity, burns calories and supports a healthy metabolism.
  • A Happier Mind: Gentle exercise is a fantastic stress reliever, easing anxiety and lifting our spirits.
  • More Energy, Not Less: Moving more can combat fatigue and leave us feeling more energized throughout the day, where if you did a long, high-intensity workout you might feel more depleted the rest of the day.
  • Stronger Foundations: Light strength training and weight-bearing activities, common in senior routines, help maintain bone density and muscle mass at any age.
  • Improved Stability: Focusing on balance and flexibility, as many senior exercises do, reduces the risk of falls and improves overall coordination for everyone.

Making Gentle Movement Your Own

The best part? Incorporating more gentle movement into your life doesn’t require a gym membership or hours of dedicated training. It’s about weaving movement into the fabric of your day:

  • Take those short walks: Even 10-15 minute strolls throughout the day add up.
  • Embrace the stairs: Your legs, and heart, will thank you.
  • Stretch it out: Incorporate simple stretches or light yoga during work breaks.
  • Dance like nobody’s watching: Put on some music and move!
  • Get your hands dirty: Gardening is a great way to move your body and connect with nature.
  • Find joy in movement: Explore beginner-friendly classes like Tai Chi, gentle yoga, or even water aerobics. A little movement, daily, goes a long way!

A Healthier Nation, One Gentle Step at a Time

Imagine a nation where we prioritized consistent, enjoyable movement over punishing workouts. A nation where we embraced the wisdom of our elders and understood that the key to long-term health isn’t about pushing harder, but about moving more, and moving mindfully.

It’s time to redefine what “exercise” looks like. Let’s shift our focus from the fleeting intensity of the gym to the sustainable power of gentle movement. Our bodies, and our nation’s health, will thank us for it!!

What kind of gentle movement will you add into your day?

Food Journaling for Autoimmune Health

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I didn’t know I had an autoimmune disorder until I was in my late twenties, when I started playing around with different diets and ways of eating. Before this I ate your standard 20-year-old diet: Lots of fast food and soda, an occasional salad, and lots of alcohol. Do you also sometimes wonder how your body could handle all that week after week?

Once I started paying attention to nutrients my body really started to change from the inside, in a good way AND a*different* way. I did a food sensitivity elimination program, Whole30 and this one, that taught me how certain foods, the most common food allergens, worked in my own body. Every body is different, so it’s great way to learn how real food can work for YOU, as an individual. It was an eye opening program, and I learned some very valuable lessons during those 30 days. One simple habit was food journaling; something you can do in minutes a day that can be a very helpful to your progress in controlling your autoimmune symptoms or your weight loss or tummy troubles.

Here’s how it works (if it’s not obvious). Grab a notebook or your phones notepad and write down every single thing that you consume. Food, drink, water, edibles, etc., anything that goes into your mouth and to your tummy – write it all down. I know sometimes it’s hard to be honest with ourselves when we have to actually put it out there and on to paper when we’re busy judging our choices, but it’s important!! Seeing every last thing will help us make better connections.

In addition to the list of things you ate, write down any symptoms you feel before/during/after you eat things. Immediate feelings like tummy aches, gas, sleepiness – write them down. PLUS, in the coming days if you notice random symptoms, write those down too! Redness in your skin, itchiness, headaches, anything! There’s nothing off limits. It can also to be helpful to write when you have bowel movements and the start of your cycle (if you have one) so you can truly learn your body!

I made some journal pages to get you started. Every BODY is different, it will change your life to learn how yours works day to day using the fuel you provide it! Fill in each day as you consume food and drinks, then at the end of the week look back to see what connections you can make! Symptoms may be subtle or hard to connect in the beginning, so keep going and it will be more obvious! Only about 20% of the world’s population has food sensitivities, and 15% of the population deals with autoimmune issues. If you are part of the 15% it’s worth a shot to see if food changes help your symptoms.

Hot Body Habits (who cares about weight??)

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Getting into a workout routine is, to put it bluntly, fucking hard.

This, coming from a fitness trainer, me, who worked out consistently for 8+ years. I took two measly months off from doing any kind of physical activity (more on that in a sec) and now getting back into it I can see why it’s a struggle for most to stay consistent with their healthy lifestyle goals. It feels like I took an entire year away from exercise and stretching and moving my body, yet it wasn’t long at all!!!!! So that’s why I’m creating a new workout series, Hot Body Habits, for those of us who are trying to get into the groove- but 30-60 minute workouts feel like a chore right now – but you also know taking care of yourself feels good (and feeling hot doesn’t hurt either!).

So why did I take two months off from working out, etc.? Laziness? Injury? No and no. For a long time I thought I was struggling with some food sensitivity/disbiosis/gut probs because I was gaining weight in my belly, but not really anywhere else in my body. I still fit in all my clothes, but the belly seemed a little tighter. Long story short, and after some wrong diagnosis from gut docs, I found out I had a twenty centimeter mass growing on my left ovary. Thankfully all testing came back clear, but it had to be drained. At the end of October I went in for laparoscopic surgery, and was in, out and home all in the same day. It was still a major surgery with several small incisions, but I am very thankful to my doctor for making me feel calm the entire way. Although from the time of my first exam to coming home from surgery it was only about a two week period. Once they found the mass they pretty much said, “okay let’s do this asap.” Recovery time: 6-8 weeks. I am forever grateful for this experience, even though it could have been scary, I feel my mindset and meditation work helped me stay on the positive side of things. I’ve done a lot of work to get myself into the head space that everything happens for a reason; everything is meant to be. Everyone is going to have some kind of medical procedure done in their lifetime, that’s just the way things are. My situation was nothing new to the team working in that operating room, another day at the office for them. I knew everything would be okay; I’m very thankful for modern technology!!!!!

SO, onto the present. I don’t have a consistent schedule yet, but I can tell you the first couple times I tried to stretch/move my body felt COMICAL. Like I said, it felt like it had been a whole year since I did anything, that’s how tight and restricted my body feels, even now, a week or so into getting back into it all. So come along with me as I grunt and groan through more workouts/stretching until I feel like that mobile, flexible, healthy person I know I am!

Here’s what I’m doing:

(Side note: I don’t care about weight. I care more about how my body feels when I wake up, how I feel in my clothes, the control I feel over my emotions day to day. The list of benefits you get from self care is long; physical aesthetics are only a tiny piece of the giant puzzle!)

I am a Type-B (with ADD) kind of gal, so sticking to a strict schedule is not an easy task for me. Each day is different- I like to align with my emotions and how I’m feeling physically, so I keep a rough idea of what I want to accomplish for the week then choose day to day what feels right. If you like more structure you can choose which days you’ll do each activity. Make it work for you! (That’s the key to consistency)

  • Walk on the treadmill (because it’s winter) for ~30 minutes daily. I like to sip my morning matcha and scroll on my phone while I walk. It’s the little boost of energy I need to get myself motivated in the morning, yet I don’t have to put much actual effort into it. During warmer seasons, I go outside for my walk, but sometimes it’s only 5-10 minutes, and always without listening to anything on my phone. I prefer outdoor walks because I turn my brain off and enjoy the sunshine and nature!
  • Stretch or Yoga, 5-10 minutes, right after my walk. Tight hips and hamstrings always make me feel like I can’t properly move my body in the morning so once I’m warm and toasty from my walk, I take a few minutes to stretch out. I say stretch OR yoga because yoga is about connecting with your breath and sometimes I just feel like rolling around my mat in any way that feels good, no rules.
  • Strength training, 3x per week. Muscles need time to recover, especially when starting something new. Soreness is a good thing, it means the muscles are breaking down and building back bigger and stronger, but painful soreness isn’t the goal. You should still be able to function in your everyday life with your soreness, not miserable going up and down stairs or sitting on the toilet or needing a heating pad or pain killers to get through the day! I will consider adding more days in the future when I start to feel and see progress, but not too soon. See more on this below.
  • Meditation or Reiki, no set time frame, I just sit for a few minutes to turn my brain off. Ya know how you get the best ideas while in the shower? That’s like a form of meditation. You give your brain a few minutes to chill out and the most important messages come through. Reiki is similar, but involves using different hand placements on the body (or hovering the hands a couple inches over the body) to exchange healing energy. Energy is everywhere! Read more about it here. This is the one that is toughest for me to stick to because I know I have to take time to sit and do nothing, which is a hard thing to do!!!! But the more I do it, the more I love it and the easier it gets to sit. It’s all in the practice.

I was teaching 4-5 classes per week at a small boutique studio up until my surgery (October ’24), then within the same week I learned I needed the surgery I found out the studio was closing down. It’s bitter sweet because that studio feels like a big piece of my life’s puzzle, but it’s closing for a reason of growth for the owner, and that’s helping me and the rest of the instructors grow and expand into the next version of ourselves too! Change is inevitable; learn to go with the flow!

Soon I’ll be sharing workout videos that are quick and fun to keep you motivated, using basic strength training, mobility, and flexibility movements, to ensure you get the full body, hot body workout you want and need!!! Three days a week, under 20 mins each workout – great for beginners or those getting back into it (like me)! Small habits lead to crushing big goals and feeling like a badass forever!!

A hot body is no longer determined by the size of your jeans!! Now, it’s all about how you feel when you wake up in the morning, the glow of your skin, the way you walk through life (head held high), and to truly feel like the BADASS chick you know you are, every day, for the rest of forever! Strength training with dumbbells, mixed with Barre style moves, in beat with the music for a fun, straight forward sweat session that will make you feel strong, confident, and powerful!

Hot Body Habits coming 2.22.25