Women’s Health

Healthy Resolutions for The New Year

As the new year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about some of our healthy resolutions that we want to keep in 2023. Becoming a healthier version of ourselves is something that many of us strive for all year round and setting achievable goals can help make this easier. But how do you actually go about making successful healthy resolutions? This post will cover the basics of what you should know before starting your journey towards creating healthier habits, as well as providing tips on how to stay motivated and make sure your resolution lasts through 2023!

A Healthier You New Year Basics

The first step towards achieving your health goals is understanding where you currently stand. Take inventory of where your diet and exercise are now, so you can have a clear idea of where you want to go. Setting realistic goals that can be broken down into smaller, achievable steps is key. Write out your goal and include the actions you plan to take in order to reach it. With any resolution, it’s important to keep in mind that progress is not linear; sometimes it will be slower than expected, while other times it will move faster. Remind yourself that this is normal and focus on the small improvements each day!

Do’s and Don’ts of New Year’s Resolutions

When making your resolution, make sure they are specific enough so they can actually be achieved—for example ‘exercise more’ should be changed to ‘go for a 30-minute jog three times a week.’ Additionally, it’s important to set achievable goals; resolutions should be something you can actually do and not too extreme or far-fetched.

Make sure your resolution is realistic based on the time, resources, and support systems you have available. Don’t forget to break it down into smaller tasks that are easier to achieve so that you can start seeing results sooner!

It’s All About Small, Continuous Changes

The key to making changes stick is small steps—small goals that can be completed in a short amount of time lead to big wins over time. Identify one area where you want to make a change, whether this is your diet, exercise habits or lifestyle choices. Then work on breaking it down into smaller tasks that you can complete each day. Celebrate the small wins and track your progress—this will help keep you motivated to achieve your goal!

Mind and Physical Resolutions

It’s important to remember that resolutions don’t just have to be physical goals; they can also include mental health goals. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself to relax, reflect, and recharge. Prioritize activities like reading, listening to music or podcasts, meditating and journaling—all of which can help lower stress levels and increase happiness.

Celebrate All Wins

No matter how big or small the win may be, make sure you take a moment to celebrate! Whether it’s a new healthy habit you’ve been able to stick to for a week or the fact that you’ve made it through another day, each success should be acknowledged and appreciated.

Creating healthy resolutions is an important part of being able to make real and lasting changes in your life. By understanding your starting point and setting achievable goals, breaking them down into smaller tasks and celebrating all wins – big or small – you are taking the first steps towards creating healthier habits that will last well into 2023! Good luck on your journey towards becoming a healthier version of yourself!

Need a Health Reset?

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Let’s Connect!

Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

Be sure to follow me on my FacebookTikTokInstagram and Pinterest for tips and tricks on how to use nutrition to live your very best life! ​

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Your Healthy Eating Guide for This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for celebrating and enjoying family, friends, and delicious food. But all that indulgence can add up quickly if we’re not careful—especially when it comes to our waistline! This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun of holiday feasting. With these tips for healthy eating this holiday season, you can enjoy your favorite dishes without sacrificing nutrition or your health.

Healthy Feasting Basics

One of the best ways to make sure you keep your diet in check is by focusing on balanced meals. Aim to fill up half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein sources like fish or chicken and the other quarter with starchier items like whole grains or sweet potatoes. Cutting down on processed foods and added sugars is also important. When it comes to drinks, try to limit your intake of sugary sodas and opt for water or herbal tea instead.

Smart Substitutions

It can be tough knowing which ingredients should stay and which should go when making traditional recipes healthier. Using substitutes like Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese, and whole wheat flour rather than all-purpose flour are great ways to cut back on fat and calories without sacrificing taste. You can also experiment with healthy oils like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or nut butter for baking instead of butter or margarine.

How To Be Gluten Free and Still Enjoy Holiday Meals

Those with gluten sensitivities can still make their favorite holiday dishes without compromising on taste. Instead of traditional wheat flour, use gluten-free options such as almond or coconut flour. You can also substitute quinoa, buckwheat, or amaranth for other grains like oats or barley. If you’re baking your own treats, make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure they don’t contain any hidden sources of gluten.

Drinking Basics

Alcoholic beverages are a staple at many holiday gatherings—but it’s easy to overindulge if you’re not careful! Choose drinks with fewer calories and sugar whenever possible, such as wine spritzers, vodka soda or light beer. Make sure to drink plenty of water in between each alcoholic beverage and don’t forget to pace yourself—sipping on your drinks slowly will help you avoid drinking too much.

Avoid These Foods

In addition to limiting processed foods, it’s important to stay away from unhealthy fats like trans fats and saturated fats found in fried foods and baked goods. Refined carbohydrates should also be avoided since they can spike blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain. Additionally, limit the amount of salt that is added when cooking dishes—too much sodium can cause fluid retention leading to bloating.

Be Sure to Include These Items to Your Holiday Meals

Include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as peppers, carrots, kale, apples and oranges. Add lean sources of protein like fish, eggs and poultry. Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice can also make a great addition to your holiday menu. And don’t forget about healthy fats—avocado, nuts and seeds are all good choices when you’re preparing your meals.

The holidays are the perfect time for gathering with family and friends for some delicious feasting. But it doesn’t have to be an unhealthy affair! By following these tips for healthy eating this holiday season, you can enjoy all your favorite dishes without sacrificing nutrition or your health. With just a few simple swaps, you can make any meal healthier and more enjoyable. Happy feasting!

7 days to a healthier, more vibrant YOU!

Feed your body well, listen to it, and you will benefit in the long run. In my free meal plan, you’ll get 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners and 7 snacks that help you do just that. Download my free 7 day meal plan and you’ll get an introduction to eating balanced meals and snacks.

Let’s Connect!

Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

Be sure to follow me on my FacebookTikTokInstagram and Pinterest for tips and tricks on how to use nutrition to live your very best life! ​

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Gluten Free Can Be Easy!

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley. For some people, consuming gluten can cause health problems. If you have celiac disease, for example, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine that leads to damage. For others, going gluten-free may help with digestive issues, fatigue or other symptoms.

There are many delicious and healthy foods to choose from when following a gluten-free diet. With a little creativity and effort, you can make meals that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable to eat.

Here are some tips on how to incorporate a gluten free diet:

Why Go Gluten Free?

If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you need to avoid gluten to stay healthy. For some people, avoiding gluten can also help with digestive issues, fatigue or other symptoms.

What Does Gluten Free Do to Your Body?

For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine that leads to damage. For others, going gluten-free may help with digestive issues, fatigue or other symptoms.

Best Gluten Free Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet

There are many delicious and healthy foods to choose from when following a gluten-free diet. With a little creativity and effort, you can make meals that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable to eat.

    • Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich food that are naturally gluten-free. They’re a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
    • Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a good choice for a healthy, gluten-free diet. There are many fruits and vegetables that are naturally gluten-free, such as apples, bananas, oranges, carrots, and potatoes.
    • Beans and Legumes: Beans and legumes are a good source of protein and fiber. They’re also naturally gluten-free. Some examples include black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
    • Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a healthy, gluten-free option. They’re a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Some examples include almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
    • Gluten-Free Flours: There are many types of gluten-free flours that can be used in place of wheat flour. Examples include almond flour, coconut flour, and rice flour.
    • Meats: Most meats, including beef, chicken, pork, and fish, are naturally gluten-free.

Why Can’t People with Celiac’s Disease Eat Gluten?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. This can lead to damage of the lining of the small intestine and problems with absorption of nutrients from food.

General tips

Here are some general tips for following a gluten-free diet:

Read Labels Carefully: Gluten can be found in many processed foods, so it’s important to read labels carefully. Look for products that are labeled “gluten-free,” “certified gluten-free” or “made with no gluten-containing ingredients.”

Avoid Cross-Contamination: When preparing food at home, be careful to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and knives for gluten-containing and gluten-free foods and wash your hands thoroughly after handling gluten-containing foods.

Be Aware of Hidden Sources of Gluten: Gluten can be found in many unexpected places, such as in medications, lipstick and playdough. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer to see if a product contains gluten.

Following a gluten free diet can be healthy and delicious! With a little creativity and effort, you can make meals that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable to eat.

Download My Gluten-Free Meal Plan

Feed your body well, listen to it, and you will benefit in the long run. In my free meal plan, you’ll get 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners and 7 snacks that help you do just that. Download my free 7 day meal plan and you’ll get an introduction to eating balanced meals and snacks.

Let’s Connect!

Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

Be sure to follow me on my FacebookTikTokInstagram and Pinterest for tips and tricks on how to use nutrition to live your very best life!

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Getting Enough Sleep but Still Feeling Tired?

We all know how it feels to be tired. You can drink coffee or energy drinks until you’re jittery, but sometimes, no matter how much caffeine you consume, you just can’t seem to shake the fatigue. If you find yourself struggling with low energy levels day after day, there could be an underlying cause. Here are some possible reasons why you might be feeling tired all the time, even if you’re getting enough sleep.

1) Vitamin D Deficiency: One of the most common causes of fatigue is a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for many functions in the body, including maintaining proper calcium levels in the blood and supporting immune system function. Most people get their vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, but during the winter months or if you live in a place with limited sunlight exposure, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from sun exposure alone. In addition, many people are using sunscreen more often to protect against skin cancer, which can also limit vitamin D production. If you think you might be deficient in vitamin D, talk to your health care professional about getting your levels checked and supplementing with vitamin D if necessary.

2) Poor Gut Health: Another possible reason for fatigue is poor gut health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a role in everything from digestion to immunity. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. Improving gut health requires a multifaceted approach, but some simple steps you can take to improve your gut health include eating more fermented foods, taking a probiotic supplement, and reducing stress levels.

3) Nervous System Imbalance: If you’re constantly feeling tired, it could be due to an imbalance in the nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for regulating many important functions in the body, including energy production, mood, and sleep. When the nervous system is out of balance, it can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression. To help rebalance the nervous system, consider adding adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola to your diet or taking a supplement.

Though fatigue is a common issue, it’s important to listen to your body and identify any potential underlying causes. If you’re feeling tired all the time, or you need help with a chronic condition, please see your healthcare professional for your specific health care concerns. I can also help you find the supplements and vitamins you need for your body. Book a free 30-minute call with me so we can talk through your goals, one step at a time.

Need a Health Reset?

Get ready to regain your vitality and feel like yourself again!

This monthly membership will take you through the core symptoms that needs to be addressed when you are looking to optimize your health. You will learn the importance of self-care strategies, overcome emotional eating, and take a deep dive into what you need to do for YOUR body to regain your vitality and feel like yourself again.

Let’s Connect!

Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

Be sure to follow me on my FacebookTikTokInstagram and Pinterest for tips and tricks on how to use nutrition to live your very best life! ​

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3 Tips for Better Sleep

We all know how important sleep is. It’s essential for our health and well-being. But sometimes, it can be hard to get a good night’s rest. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, try following my best 3 tips for a good night’s sleep you can set yourself up for success and get the rest you need.

1) Make Your Bedroom a Relaxing Oasis

Your bedroom should be a calm and inviting space. Make sure it’s not too hot or too cold, and that there’s minimal noise and light pollution. Consider investing in blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out any unwanted light. You might also want to add some essential oils with calming scents to your room, such as lavender or chamomile. And make sure your bed is comfortable – invest in good quality sheets and pillows, and make sure there’s enough space for you to stretch out.

2) Get Your Phone Out of the Bedroom

Having your phone next to your bed is tempting, but it’s not good for your sleep. The blue light from screens can disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycle, so it’s best to avoid using devices in the hours leading up to bedtime. If you must keep your phone in the bedroom, charge it outside of the room to help resist the temptation to use it before bed.

3) Set the Right Temperature

Most people sleep best in a cool, comfortable environment. Consider setting your thermostat to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This may vary depending on individual preferences, but it’s generally a good starting point. Cooler temperatures help your body to relax and make it easier to fall asleep.

 

Supplements That Can Help You Sleep Better

There are a number of natural supplements that can help you sleep better. Inositol is a nutrient that’s found in many foods, including fruits, beans, and grains. It’s also available as a supplement, and it’s thought to be helpful for insomnia. 5-HTP is another supplement that’s often recommended for sleep. It’s a precursor to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in sleep. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It’s known for its calming effects and has been shown to improve sleep quality.

Other Tips for Better Sleep Include:

  • Establishing a regular sleep schedule.
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed.
  • Avoid eating large meals before bedtime.
  • Exercising earlier in the day.
  • Avoid work or other stressful activities in the bedroom.
  • 30 minutes before sleep engage in a relaxing activity such as reading.
  • Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being. Consistency is key, so try to stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. And if you’re struggling to fall asleep, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a sleep specialist. With the right tools and support, you can get the quality sleep you need to thrive.

Let’s Connect!

It’s time to say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life!

Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

Be sure to follow me on my FacebookTikTokInstagram and Pinterest for tips and tricks on how to use nutrition to live your very best life! ​

3 Tips for Better Sleep Read More »