Tag: self care

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 😆

Whole 30/Gut Protocol Week 1+

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If you haven’t yet, read my previous post first, then come back to this one!

There is one thing that is extremely important to remember when starting a food sensitivity elimination program, like Whole30 or Gut Protocol, that can make or break the success you have: preparation.

I’ll admit I came into this round confidently, cocky even, because it’s not my first experience with these types of programs. I felt prepared. I even went over all the information, for both programs, just in case there was anything I didn’t remember; there wasn’t. I know every last bit, down to how much food Gut Protocol recommends I eat for my weight, how much sugar I’m allowed daily, and the optional foods to give up. I remembered everything! Except…

The actual food prep part of planning ahead. I had some ideas for meals I was going to eat, but I did no real planning ahead for tricky times. I figured since I spend most of my time at home I wouldn’t run into very many obstacles as far as meals go; I usually cook all my meals anyways. But, as you may have guessed from my tone, during this first week I had several days where I had things come up that I wasn’t prepared for, nourishment-wise, so I ended up feeling hungry during the day!

Originally, I was planning to stick with the Gut Protocol version so I know I’m getting just the right amount of nutrients for my body and I can get back to feeling my very best – but I forgot how difficult that can feel when you’re switching from a standard diet – not paying attention to nutrients or anything – to a buttoned up version that your body thrives on. So I found the middle ground, that is – Whole30. Whole30 specifically says in its instructions to not worry about calories in the beginning, just focus on getting in the “right” types of foods for now. This makes it a lot more manageable in my opinion! Instead of counting containers for every meal, I just make sure I’m eating the foods that are “allowed” during this 30 day program, and I’m feeling great already!

Gut Protocol says, “change starts on day one” – and it’s dang true! Yes there is a difference in energy right away, but the thing I always notice first: 💩💩
I know, TMI…but THIS IS IMPORTANT. Imagine – every morning, like clockwork, you know you’re going to go. And you know it’s going to be easy and complete. Think about what that’s like. I know know. You get it. Let’s move on.

I have my food journal entries for each day of the first week, but you’ll see my motivation for journaling fell off towards the end of the week. The first day of something new is always the most motivated, right? It’s the rest of the time you have to focus harder to really stay committed! I’ve always said, motivation is like a bad friend: they are there when it’s convenient for them, but not always when you need them most. That’s when we have to remember we are strong and it will be WORTH IT and we will feel so proud to have accomplished something so tricky. We can do hard things! For the greater good.

Days 1-6 of elimination

Have I mentioned recently that I eat plant based? I’ve been meat-free since 2018 and it was one of the biggest switches for my health to date. It’s not enough to just give up meat though, it’s very important to make sure you replace those nutrients with other foods. That’s why “junk food vegans” or some vegans, in general, feel like garbage – because they are neglecting essential nutrients! When I figured out how to balance nutrients, even on a plant-based diet, that’s when the real changes started to happen. The catapult that pushed me towards eating better and becoming plant-based? My first round of Whole30 in January 2018. When I tell you this kind of program is life changing in all aspects – from energy, to your skin, to digestion – everything can change in a few short weeks.

So how do I feel right now?

I’m about 10 days in and I’m feeling very motivated now to keep going! I’ll admit around day 5 (and the start of my cycle) I was having a lot of big emotions, so I slipped up on my sugar intake. The normal allowance is 10 grams of sugar per day; I ate some microwave popped kettle corn, which didn’t say it had added sugar but there has to be some kind of sweetener added? The ingredient list was unclear, it didn’t mention sugar but it did say in the allergen list there was milk in it – but I didn’t see that on the ingredient list either?? Sometimes things are unclear – do your best.

Both programs say to try to follow the guidelines as closely as you can, but with any major lifestyle changes things are bound to come up. This is why preparing ahead of time is important, so when you run into situations – like social events or when your fam wants to order pizza – you already have a plan! STICK to the plan. You’ll be happy you did. Yes you’re going to want to give in to the pizza or cake or whatever, but during your 30 day elimination – STAY THE COURSE! You’ll have your best results – meaning you’ll FEEL your best if you make it through all four weeks, without getting off track.

Considering a food sensitivity elimination program? Be sure to PLAN AHEAD! I’m not suggesting you plan every single meal, but there is a ton of info out there now for meals and food ideas, making your journey (potentially) much smoother. Keep some breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas handy, and if you can, prep some things ahead of time to make your life easier during your 30 days. A few quick prep ideas:

  • Cook grains ahead of time; rice, quinoa, millet, etc. can be cooked then stored in the fridge for a few days. Add to meals, salads, etc to make meals quickly.
  • Chop fresh veggies ahead of time. Store in the fridge and grab as needed for snacks or meals; ready to eat raw with hummus or a compliant dip, or they’ll be ready to cook when you’re prepping dinner.
  • Keep your water bottle full and nearby at all times! Arguably the most important essential nutrient. Keeping up on your hydration can help keep you feeling full in between meals.
  • Wash and cut fruit so it’s ready to grab at any time! Fresh fruit is the savior of food sensitivity elimination. When your body and brain are craving sugar (and it will, especially in the first week) fruit is there to satisfy! I love having grapes on hand, in particular, because once they are washed and put into a big bowl in the fridge all I have to do is open the fridge door and there is a sweet snack waiting for me!
  • This one is a bonus but super helpful: Make a plan each evening for the next day of meals/snacks. Prep what you can ahead of time so it’s easy to prepare when you need it. Having a plan is half the battle…but it doesn’t have to feel like battle – just make tiny plans along the way!

This way of shifting how I eat has continually shown me how amazing food can make me feel, inside and out. Are there other environmental factors that affect the way we feel from day to day? Of course. But food, nourishment, is the one thing we are in complete control of every day. Within one week I see positive changes in the way my skin looks and feels, and as someone with an autoimmune issues that I deal with regularly – this is life changing.

Want to learn more? Click the tab at the top of the page that says 4 Weeks to Heal w/ Food for a complete outline of the contents of the program I follow.

I’d love to hear about your journey in autoimmune issues and/or food sensitivity elimination!

Quick Self-Care Secrets for a Hotter, Healthier You

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We all know the feeling: Life gets busy. Deadlines pile up, family commitments demand our attention, and suddenly, those well-intentioned self-care routines fall by the wayside. You might find yourself reaching for convenience over nourishment, skipping workouts, and feeling the stress build. But what if I told you that achieving a healthier, “hotter” body and a more balanced life doesn’t require hours of grueling workouts or elaborate self-care rituals?

Enter Hot Body Habits: Quick Self-Care for Life, a transformative program, designed by me, to help you weave simple yet powerful self-care practices into your daily routine. This isn’t about drastic changes or unsustainable habits. It’s about embracing small, consistent actions that lead to significant and lasting results – both inside and out.

What is Hot Body Habits all about?

This program understands the realities of modern life. It acknowledges that time is precious and energy can be limited. That’s why it focuses on:

  • Bite-Sized Self-Care: Forget hour-long meditations or intense gym sessions. Hot Body Habits introduces you to quick and effective self-care strategies that can be put into practice in minutes throughout your day. Think mindful breathing exercises, short bursts of movement, and conscious food choices.
  • Building Sustainable Habits: This isn’t a quick fix. I’ll guide you in developing habits that seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle, making self-care a natural and enjoyable part of your day, not a chore.
  • Holistic Well-being: The program recognizes that a “hot body” is more than just physical appearance. It encompasses feeling energized, confident, and mentally strong. Therefore, it addresses various aspects of self-care, including movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and stress management.
  • Expert Guidance: I’ve been on my own journey for close to ten years, plus many years of *wanting* to live a healthy lifestyle. The program provides the tools, resources, and encouragement you need to stay motivated and on track.

Why is Quick Self-Care so Powerful?

The beauty of quick self-care lies in its accessibility and consistency. By adding small, manageable actions throughout your day, you can:

  • Boost Your Energy Levels: Even a few minutes of movement or mindful breathing can revitalize your mind and body.
  • Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Simple relaxation techniques can help you navigate daily stressors with greater ease.
  • Improve Your Relationship with Food: Conscious eating habits, even in small doses, can lead to healthier choices and a greater sense of control.
  • Enhance Your Physical Well-being: Short bursts of exercise can contribute to increased strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.
  • Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Prioritizing self-care sends a powerful message to yourself that you are worthy of your own attention and care.

Ready to Embrace Your Hot Body Habits?

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed and neglecting your well-being, Hot Body Habits: Quick Self-Care for Life offers a refreshing and effective approach. It’s about making self-care accessible, sustainable, and ultimately, transformative.

ALL CONTENT available RIGHT NOW for just $11.11!!

  • Four 15-minute workout videos
  • Two stretch videos
  • 2 healthy habit videos

Click here (or Hot Body Habits at the top of this page) to learn more and get a jumpstart on your journey towards a hotter body, a calmer mind, and a happier life with me, Kate Needs!

My ~New~ Daily Ritual: A Shot for Self Care

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There’s something that feels SO FREAKING GOOD about starting my day with a vibrant AND tasty ginger + turmeric shot. You can see and feel the health in the moment; a ritual that is a moment of connection with myself and my own personal well-being. In the quiet of the morning, when I blend together these strong flavors I know to be beneficial, I feel a sense of intention, a commitment to nourishing my body and mind…and I’m OBSESSED!!!!

This simple shot has become my daily anchor, a reminder that small, consistent choices can have a huge effect on my entire day. Knowing I’m getting some kind of benefit from each ingredient working together helps me make healthier choices throughout the day. It’s like a gentle nudge in the right direction, a reminder that I’ve already invested in my well-being, so why not continue?? Because I am easily swayed to make sugar-y, less healthy choices, the ones you know will make me feel like poop later.

My Morning Shot: The Ingredients and Their Magic (I Google’d them)

  • Ginger Root: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Soothes the digestive system, reduces nausea, and can maybe even ease muscle soreness. I’m addicted.
  • Ground Turmeric: beautiful vibrant golden hue, turmeric’s makeup is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, supporting joint health and overall cellular function.
  • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: A burst of vitamin C and citric acid, lemon juice alkalizes the body, aids digestion, and boosts the immune system. A jolt on energy for the senses!
  • Mandarin Orange: Adding a touch of sweetness, mandarin oranges provide Vitamin C, and other antioxidants. It makes the shot more enjoyable I think.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of healthy fat is crucial for the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. It also adds a smooth, silky texture, but without noticing the olive oil taste because of the other strong ingredients.
  • Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Piperine, found in black pepper, enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, making it more effective. I almost left this ingredient out because I’ve had shots in the past with WAY too much making it too spicy to drink and I was afraid I’d add too much. So far I haven’t had that problem at all.

Beyond the Shot

It’s not just about the physical benefits, though I hope to notice some with continued use! I’ve had this shot about five times so far and I’m really just enjoying it for the flavor- and it’s the mental and emotional boost that truly makes a difference. When I start my day with this intentional act of self-care, I feel more grounded, centered, and ready to tackle whatever comes my way!!! The knowledge that I’ve already nourished my body encourages me to make better choices throughout the day. I’m more likely to reach for a healthy lunch, stay hydrated, and prioritize movement. It’s as if the shot sets the tone for a day of mindful living.

A Simple Ritual, Profound Impact

This ginger turmeric shot isn’t just a recipe; it’s a ritual, a moment of connection, and a catalyst for healthier choices. It’s a reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes, all it takes is a small, potent shot of goodness to set the stage for a day of radiant well-being.

Recipe adapted from Minimalist Baker’s version – my version is a single serving. I looked at several recipes and landed on this one because the ingredients are simple and I had them on hand already, my favorite kinds of recipes! I don’t use as much lemon and the MB recipe, and I don’t measure my ingredients because I’m usually lazy- no measuring no dishes cool with me. Also, I use an immersion blender and a mesh strainer instead of a juicer or regular blender.

  1. Gather all ingredients plus a tall cup, immersion blender, and mesh strainer. (or just use a blender)
  2. To the cup add the chopped, peeled ginger, lemon juice (over a mesh strainer to catch the seeds) and a whole mandarin.
  3. Add a dash or two of ground turmeric, olive oil, and two “twists” of black pepper if using a standard pepper mill.
  4. I use an immersion blender to pulse and blend the ingredients until I get a super smooth consistency – BUT there will still be some mandarin chunks left over.
  5. I place the mesh strainer over the cup I’m going to drink from (I use a special tea cup), and pour the liquid in, pressing down on the mandarin chunks to squeeze out any and all juice.
  6. I like to add an ice cube to the shot, it makes it even more refreshing! It’s so tasty I always wish I had more to sip on when it’s gone, but I know I’m getting what I need from this small amount!

I encourage you to experiment with your own morning rituals and find what resonates with you. Whether it’s a ginger turmeric shot, a quiet meditation, or a brisk walk in nature, prioritize those moments of connection with yourself. You deserve it and NEED it! Tell me about your favorite daily rituals or the ones you want to start ❤

Stop “Keeping Up” and Start Living: The Self-Care Revolution

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Are there really any moms out there who effortlessly juggle work, kids, have a spotless house, cook their own gourmet meals, and have a thriving social life???? They’re up before dawn for a workout, whip up organic lunches, volunteer at school, and still manage to look like they’ve had eight hours of sleep. I think this person is a myth!!!!!

Trying to “keep up” with this impossible ideal is exhausting. It’s a recipe for burnout, resentment, and a whole lot of self-doubt. Nobody actually does it all perfectly on their own. And even if they appear to, there’s usually a hidden cost – sacrificed sleep, neglected relationships, or constant stress.

So, why do we even try? Because deep down, we crave that feeling of being our best selves. We want to be present for our kids, excel in our careers, and still have enough energy left over to enjoy life, the way we, as individuals, want to. We want to feel good in our bodies, be able to think clearly, and kick ass no matter what the world throws our way!!! And you and I both know there is plenty of sh!t out there currently.

And here’s the good news: we can achieve that feeling, but not by chasing the myth of Supermom. Instead, it starts with ditching the pressure to be perfect and embracing the power of small, consistent acts of self-care.

I’m talking about carving out even just 5, or hopefully at least 15 minutes a day for you. Not for laundry, not for meal prep, but for something that truly nourishes your mind and body and soul!!

Movement Matters (More Than You Think):

Exercise isn’t just about losing weight (although that can be a nice perk). It’s about boosting your mood, increasing your energy levels, and improving your overall health. But let’s be honest, fitting in an hour-long gym session with kids hanging off you is rarely realistic.

Instead, focus on incorporating movement throughout your day. A quick walk during your lunch break, a 10-minute stretch in the morning, or breaking out in dance, just like the old clubbing days, with less heavy cologne smell. My favorite combo is a walk to get toasty followed by a quick stretch/mobility work. As moms, we spend a lot of time hunched over, plus proper posture always feel difficult to maintain, so incorporating stretches and movements that open up our hips and shoulders can be game-changers for reducing pain and improving posture.

Silence the Noise (Your Brain Will Thank You):

Our brains are constantly bombarded with information – work emails, school notifications, social media updates. It’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed and stressed. That’s why it’s crucial to give our minds a break.

This could be in the form of meditation (even five minutes can be beneficial!), a quiet walk in nature, or simply sitting down with a cup of tea and enjoying the silence. No scrolling, no podcasts – just gloriously beautiful silence. Find what works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your day. Think of it as a mini-reset button for your brain, and to remember who you are as a human when everything else is quiet.

Permission to Prioritize YOU:

The biggest hurdle to self-care is often guilt. We feel like we’re being selfish if we take time for ourselves, but you know the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential! It’s what allows you to be a better mom, partner, and employee and to keep the real you in tact.

So, let go of the guilt, ditch the Supermom ideal, and give yourself permission to prioritize your well-being. Start small, be consistent, and remember that every little bit counts. You deserve it. And your family deserves a happy, healthy you!

Need the inspo? My new Hot Body Habits 3-Week Program is coming soon! Great for you if you’re just getting started, or getting back into, working out regularly – for life! Each workout is less than 15 minutes long, and only 3 workouts per week! No room for overwhelm or excuses. Check back soon for updates! Program coming 4.4.25