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Abs, Core and Pelvic Floor

8/7/2017

4 Comments

 
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Natalie Hodson, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #abscorepelvicfloor  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
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​I've never been one to shy away from hard topics when it comes to women's health and I'm excited that, today, I finally get to dig deeper into one of my very favorite topics that most women don't talk about.

The health of our core and pelvic floor post-baby. 

I've personally suffered from Pelvic Floor Disorder and pelvic inflammation for years, even before Grey was born, and after a 29 hour natural labor, four hours of pushing and a traumatic birth, my pelvic issues have continued since his arrival and I stay diligent to do all I can to support the health of my abs, core and pelvis. Not only for my health throughout life, but for when and if I'm blessed to carry and birth another little baby. 
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Planning My Week and My Workouts

In addition to pelvic floor therapy and massage, I have been following Natalie Hodson's Abs, Core and Pelvic Floor program to work on my pelvic floor and core health daily. Therapy and massage can be pricey, and with a one year old, hard to get in for appointments as often as I'd like. Natalie's program allows me to stay on top of my body's performance and health every day, even with a baby in the room. 

Along with Dr. Monique Middlekauf, a specialist in pelvic floor dysfunction, this program is well-rounded, touching not only on exercises that can help your overall pelvic floor and core health, but it also includes nutrition help, supplement advice and encouraging self-talk affirmations.

To be honest, I actually cried a few tears of joy when I found out about this book and program. I've been searching for ways to minimize pain and improve function in between doctor visits and this has been such a blessing to me, and by extension to my family, because when I feel better and have an outlet to exercise in a safe, effective way that supports the post-partum issues we as mamas can deal with, I am a happier person overall. 

The program is an easy 30-day program that can be done right in your own living room. It addresses issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction (raises hand), Diastasis Recti (a problem that plagues many of my mama friends and clients) as well as helping with overall fitness and turning our mom-bods into leaner, healthier bods we can feel good in. Natalie and Dr. Middlekauf are extremely knowledgeable and the program is written well and is easy to understand and follow along. 

Women are able to start the program as early as 6 weeks post-partum (or as advised by your doctor) and on. It's never to late to start taking care of your core and pelvic floor, and even women who haven't gone through childbirth but who suffer from pelvic or abdominal muscle conditions, can benefit from this program. Issues ranging from incontinence to chronic tightness (my personal ailment) to painful intercourse and urinary problems (also mine), can be improved by putting effort into supporting such an important part of our bodies. 
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As mamas who are looking to get back in shape, I know a lot of us jump right back into our old routine - crunches, planks, vigorous workouts - when in reality, as a personal sufferer of pelvic floor disorder, and with fellow moms struggling with Diastastis Recti, these are big no-no's in getting yourself back on track and they can actually increase your pain and underlying issues. 

Abs, Core & Pelvic Floor addresses all of these key points and gives us women alternative, beneficial exercises that can not only help us get back into shape, but that support our issues, helping to heal, restore and strengthen. 

The entire program is available in a printable PDF, as well as a series of videos, to further assist in understanding how to do each exercise, how to engage your muscles and how to use the right form to prevent injury. There's also bonus information on nutrition, which, as a nutritionist, I found exciting to see included because it is such an important piece of the health puzzle. 
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Taking steps to improve my pelvic health, is HONESTLY, one of the BEST decisions I ever made for myself. It personally changed MY life, which is why I am SO passionate about it, and why I don't shy away from the topic when other women want me to share my story or ask for advice. 

Personally, from one mama friend to another, I would suggest you speak to your doctor or a pelvic floor therapist in your area to assess and diagnose your specific issues. 

To learn more about this amazing 30-day program, read more on Abs, Core & Pelvic Floor on Natalie's website!

And when you do start the program, reach out! I'd love to cheer you on and do it along with you! Find more on the program and follow along my journey on Instagram as well with the #AbsCorePelvicFloor hashtag. 

Although it's a 30-day program, I plan to integrate their exercises, stretches and tips in to my day to day workouts. Take the step, you won't regret. I feel so much stronger, healthier and so many issues have improved since I've implemented my game plan to better pelvic health. There is so much valuable information to gain from this program, in addition to what I was already doing, that I can use for life and am so thankful for it, and for them. 






​Pin It!

Abs, Core & Pelvic Floor Review | Nosh and Nurture | #Ad #AbsCorePelvicFloor #Pmedia | @nhodson1
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Big Announcement: Learn To Cook With Me Through SCNM's Thrive Program!

4/18/2017

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I have a big announcement that I've been waiting to share with you all!

As of this month, I am the newest Nourishment Instructor at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine for their Thrive Community Program! 

Being able to teach even MORE people how to cook, bake and eat gluten-free and dairy-free is a dream and I love this journey more and more everyday. 
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If you're local to Arizona, come join me April-June, where I am scheduled once a month to teach the basics of GF/DF cooking and baking. I will be focusing on how to create the perfect Italian Dinner, a delicious Weekend Brunch and a special class on integrating Anti-Inflammatory cooking into your day to day menus. 

​You'll get to learn how to make the dishes seen here on Nosh and Nurture, a few surprise treats and of course, you'll get to taste ALLLL the deliciousness first hand in a state-of-the-art kitchen facility at one of my FAVORITE schools in the country!

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Located in the new building on the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine Campus in Tempe, Arizona, my class schedule is as follows:
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  • Prepare a Traditional Italian Dinner - Gluten & Dairy Free
    Saturday, April 29, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
    This class will teach you how to create traditional gluten-free and dairy-free Italian dinner and dessert favorites without sacrificing flavor
  • Anti-Inflammatory and Immunity Boosting Cooking 
    Friday, May 19, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
    Learn to implement anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting ingredients into easy, everyday meals
  • Learn to Prepare a Gluten & Dairy Free Weekend Brunch  
    Saturday, June 24, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Learn the basics of Gluten and Dairy Free baking and how to prepare family Brunch favorites!


You can get more information of the classes offered, pricing details and register here:
SCNM Thrive Classes
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10 Ways To Increase Daily Health and Wellness

5/9/2016

11 Comments

 
Pairing up with the Aetna Foundation for the Healthiest Cities Challenge inspired me to share with you some ways that me and my family infuse health and wellness into our everyday. Implement one of these each day, or each week, for a couple of months and they will become a healthy habit! 
10 Ways To Increase Daily Health and Wellness | Nosh and Nurture
 
01. Start Your Mornings Slow -
​Each morning I take my time to get ready for my day. Prayer, devotionals, cuddles with the puppies and a nice breakfast are key to centering me and setting me up for my best day working from my home office or heading out for events or meetings with clients. 

02. Connect With Your Inner Child -
Playtime isn't just for elementary school and recess. Even as adults we need to take the time to connect to our inner child and play. For my full post on ways you can play as an adult, click here. 

03. Drinking Water & Meal Planning -
​Make sure that you’re getting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and water each day. Planning your meals ahead of time can help you incorporate healthier food options for your snacks and meals. (credit Aetna Foundation) For assistance in healthy, effortless meal planning, contact me. 

04. Make Playtime Count - 
When it comes to playing with the kids, opt out of video games and TV time and do something that will stimulate you all mentally or physically. Whether this is a craft project or getting outside for some old fashioned sports and sunshine, it will benefit you all more if activities such as these become part of your regular routine. 

05. Physical Care -
Aside from your daily workouts, activities like getting regular massage, joining a sports team, or yes, even regular sex with your spouse can greatly boost your endorphins, pumping the feel good chemical through your body, thereby lowering stress levels naturally. 

06. Get Involved - 
Volunteering, meeting new people and staying connected to your friends and families is shown to improve health outcomes. With a strong support system, you can also help each other make healthier choices and organize ways to stay on course. Websites like Volunteer Match or Big Brothers, Big Sisters are great places to start to connect to new people and help your community in the process. 

07. Micro-Breaks - 
Life can get busy and overwhelming, but simple acts like taking a few deep breaths, standing and stretching or taking a walk can help calm the mind and relieve stress. Remember to take breaks even on busy days, not just the slow ones and if you work from home, having animals is great because it helps force you to take mini-breaks. (credit Aetna Foundation) 

08. Daily Workouts - 
Of course one of the most important aspects of daily wellness is exercise. Aetna shares some great tips to making working out fun: Break it up throughout the day! Watching TV? Have a competition with your family members during commercials: Who can get the most steps up and down the stairs? Or who can do the most push ups or sit ups? Another way to make it fun is to put on music and dance! Me and Mr. Charming also turn up our iPods when we clean the house so we can clean and dance around, burning extra calories and making chores fun. Taking an after dinner walk as a family is also a great way to get in your fitness while bonding.

09. Power Down - 
Hearing this one at the Aetna Foundation event reminded me that this is a weakness for me and something I want to implement in our home. 
Put your smart phone and yourself in sleep mode. Try to create a relaxing bedtime routine or develop a sleep schedule to help you get the best night’s rest possible. This includes unplugging from electronics an hour or more before bed time. Remember that you can turn off notifications when you go to sleep. It keeps you from waking up when your phone receives messages throughout the night. Also remember to shut down the Wi-Fi! It forces everyone to have quiet time and it can have a positive impact on the morning routine.  (credit: Aetna Foundation)

​10. Help Your City! - 
Help your city become the healthiest it can be by joining the #HealthiestCitiesChallenge. For more information read my blog post on ways to increase health and wellness citywide in your area. 

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6 Mistakes New Gluten Free Foodies Make

4/17/2016

4 Comments

 
Going completely gluten-free in 2011, (and doing it cold turkey), was both one of the hardest things, and most rewarding things I've ever done. Food, for many of us, is more than just a means of survival. Even if we have a healthy relationship with food. It can be a social aspect of our lives, or a true lifestyle if it's a career for us or if we spend time in the kitchen baking or cooking for our families or guests on a regular basis. 

So when you have to make a major diet change, of any kind for any reason, whether it be medical or for diet, it's going to take some getting used to. 
6 Mistakes New Gluten Free Foodies Make | Nosh and Nurture

It was hard for me in the sense that, in the beginning, I had no idea what was safe. What I could and couldn't eat. I did a lot of research and learned quickly, but those early months brought upon a lot of panic and uneasiness about shopping, dining out, attending events and travel. 

If you have any questions, I'm always here to help. However, this post isn't going to be focusing on the how or the what's of what to eat, it's to focus on some of the mistakes or challenges that many new gluten-free foodies and clients of mine face that I wanted to address today. (P.S. I dislike the word mistake, as all of this advice comes out of love and we are all navigating these waters one day at a time, in our own way.) This is just here to serve as a helper along the journey. 
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6 Mistakes New Gluten Free Foodies Make | Nosh and Nurture


Mistake #1 - The Processed Food Trap 
This one is number one because it is the one I see most often when I am helping my readers through the gluten and wheat removal process. They find comfort in the boxes emblazoned with a "now gluten-free" label on it. Now while some of these items are fine, most boxed and processed foods lack real nutrition of any kind. Developing an intolerance to gluten can come about for many reasons, but for me and many of my clients, it was a breakdown in our gut health. Gut health cannot be restored through processed grains from another family, or through nutrient-lacking, sugar laden products that are so readily available today. 

The best thing you can do when making your transition, is stick to whole, natural, healthy foods such as tolerated vegetables, fruit, healthy meats and fish, opting for gluten-free packaged goods in very low moderation so that you don't feel deprived. 

Mistake #2 - The In-Home Contamination Issue
Many of my readers and clients say, "I have to go gluten-free, but my (husband, parents, kids, etc.) don't want to or don't have too. How can we co-exist?" Or the unfortunate instance to where they say they've gone gluten-free but continuously feel sick after eating at home with family members who aren't gluten-free. 

One of the tasks I took on when I switched over, was claiming "my" safe spaces in the kitchen. Mr. Charming for the most part is gluten-free, out of support, for his health and because I cook most of the meals, haha, but he isn't 100% and does have his own snacks, occasional bread or waffles, etc. 

I purchased my own toaster (this one is key because it's not cleaned like other dishes, such as pans, plates, etc are.) for starters because of waffles and other morning goods I need to heat up after a weekend of baking. I also have my own Ninja, which I know is pricey to own two, but we don't like to dishwasher clean them after each use, and it makes it easier for him to be able to use his milk-based proteins if he wants too and I don't have to worry about residual powder in my smoothie. I also have my very own shelves in the pantry. Crumbs are evasive little buggers, and those with Celiac or an allergy know they can't have even just a sprinkle of gluten, so your own shelves, preferably at the top are best. That way all of our food stays separate and his cookie crumbles don't touch my packages. 

Other precautions we take are no double dipping in condiment jars. I have my own almond butter and mayonnaise. We also don't share off of plates, drink from each others glasses, etc. It may seem like a lot at first, but once it becomes a habit it will become second nature. It feels like a normal routine to us now and isn't seen as an inconvenience at all. 

Mistake #3 - The Dining Out Question Conundrum 
Being prepared and doing research ahead of time can make dining out a pleasurable experience. This one took some learning and trusting for me, but once I had my tools ready at my disposable I found dining out enjoyable again and actually became a professional gluten-free food reviewer nation wide. 

Find Me Gluten Free is an amazing app that allows you to find gluten-free places in your area and read reviews. The reviews are number one to me when choosing a new restaurant in a new city. Also, visiting restaurants websites and reading their menus, and even calling, can be a huge help in booking.

Mistake #4 - The Unprepared Traveler 
This one I see a lot, I get many people telling me they were stuck at "the airport, hotel lobby, amusement park... etc.) with NOTHING to eat. My biggest tip for you, SNACKS, SNACKS, SNACKS. Always have a snack for every two hours you'll be gone and then an extra emergency one if there is a delay or it turns out the place you planned to go doesn't have safe food. 

Using the Find Me Gluten Free App is always a God send in this situation too. I always map out where the closest markets are and the closest gluten-free or vegan eateries are in the area I'll be traveling too so I can make a plan to go straight there and stock up on food. Not without a stash of protein bars, fruit, veggies or nuts in my purse, just in case. 

Mistake #5 - Not Speaking Up
Having a food intolerance or allergy isn't the time to be shy. Whether it's at a restaurant or a friends or families home, it's always better to ask questions, ask for a list of ingredients or ask to bring your own dish. Asking in certain situations may be uncomfortable, but better to be uncomfortable for a few moments than sick for days, or worse. 

This one was especially hard for me in the beginning because I always like to be a "good guest". So I ended up starving at most social events, haha. Then as I started to open up and take back my life as an "out of home diner" I learned that most people DO care and would RATHER you ask than starve or risk getting sick at their event. 
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Mistake #6 - Not Embracing The Versatility

This one took the longest for me in my process. I stayed really safe with a bland rotation of the same foods for many months. It was when I started exploring my kitchen with a fresh, healthier perspective that I got to learn about God's amazing food supply and the creations I could make that could still satisfy that "home cooked meal" desire we all have inside. 

Cooking delicious GF/DF meals for family and friends is a challenge I love taking on. When I see their faces light up over my lasagna (you can't even tell there's no cheese in here!") or my banana bread french toast (best. thing. ever.) it warms my heart to know that there is purpose in this journey. There is purpose in your journey too, find the blessings in it and get creative. 


All of these are learning curve moments, and I was victim to a couple of them myself in the beginning. As we grow in the change, it becomes easier to handle and we begin to learn to love to cook again. Finding new ways, new recipes and holding a new appreciation for just how powerful food can be to our bodies. Either as poison or as a life-giving, nutrient dense experience. 

The question I get asked the most is, "how do you live without (insert food here)?"

I simply answer, "I live healthier, happier and easier without that in my life."

Plain and simple. 
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The Importance of Nutrition In The Music Business

4/11/2016

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Join me this Saturday on TMI Radio on the Deeper Than Music radio show while I talk about the importance of nutrition for performers in studio, on the road and for overall good health. This talk also pertains to speakers and professionals who travel. 

We will also be talking about my professional background in music, how I came to nutrition in this new endeavor, how I'm still involved with NVE Records/Universal Records and much more! 
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I hope you tune in and call in! I look forward to sharing my love of nutrition and my love of music in the same space! 
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5 Tips For A Successful Detox

2/29/2016

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5 Tips For A Successful Detox
  1. Stay Hydrated. Water, water, water. On days I was dehydrated I felt so much hungrier and my cravings raged. When properly hydrated, I felt fuller longer and sipping on mugs of hot water in the morning helped with coffee cravings and digestion.
  2. Accountability Helps. If you can go on this journey with someone else, a spouse, your kids, a friend or a co-worker it will help immensely. My husband did it with me and his energy level dips weren’t as drastic so he got me motivated to work out and helped cook up some delicious meals.
  3. Meal Prep Is Everything. Without making menus for the month and making sure the fridge was stocked, we probably would have fallen off the diet. Preparation is key to this success, especially if you or your partner is in a work environment. I made my husband a healthy lunch every night while we were cooking dinner so he always had clean options available no matter where he was.

​4. Keep A Journal. By keeping a journal, I am able to share food ideas as well as my specific struggles along the way. I can reference back to how it went the last time each time I embark on a new cleanse, and it gives me hope to read about the days I felt lighter, lost weight or felt super energized!
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5. Don’t Beat Yourself Up. Remember that you are doing this for YOU. For you to feel GOOD. To feel LIGHT and HEALTHY. If you mess up, it’s OK. Be kind with you


& if you havn't yet, read my Honest Girl's Guide To Surviving A Sugar Cleanse
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An Honest Girl's Guide To Surviving A Sugar Cleanse

2/29/2016

24 Comments

 
Last year I guest posted on Around My Family Table on my Honest Girl's Guide To Surviving Sugar Cleanse. And as many of you are working hard at your resolutions, getting healthy and striving to stay healthy if you're on a good health path, I wanted to share it here in this space this year. 
An Honest Girls Guide to Surviving A Sugar Cleanse

t’s that time of year again.  When we all set out to refresh. Wipe the slate clean. Become A “New” Person, whatever that last one means. This intention is masked with words like “resolutions”, “goal setting” and “complete turnaround”, and while the effort we make is commendable, sometimes we are setting ourselves up for disappointment if our January 1st To-Do list isn’t completed by the next time the ball drops.

Today I wanted to focus on healthier goal setting, specifically one of the most popular trends on every social media feed and that is “Completing a Sugar Detox” or a “Sugar Cleanse”.  If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it’s a basic whole food diet that eliminates starches, breads, pastas, starchy vegetables and sugar in any form. As someone who has personally done a sugar detox in the past, and as someone who doesn’t consume dairy, my diet looked a little something like this.

– Grass-Fed and Free-Range Organic Meats
– Organic Vegetables and Some Organic Fruits
– Nuts and/or Seeds
– Healthy Fats (Avocado, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil)

Diets rich in these foods with help to cleanse and reset your system from all the holidays treats that it had to endure over the last few months and it will help you realize what you crave, what you’re sensitive too and what you can most likely live without.

As someone who has been through this,  I am here to paint the honest picture of the roller coaster that you might, er, will endure, and how to fight off your sugar dragon like a superhero.
An Honest Girls Guide to Surviving A Sugar Cleanse


​Surviving Your Cleanse



Day One – You’re going to feel great. Powerful. Determined. You’ve spent your paycheck on the cleanest of clean foods and you’re ready to take on the world with a version of yourself that’s fitter, more energetic and healthier. Hold on to her. Hold on to this feeling and vision, because I am about to tell you that she will disappear or turn on you, but that there’s hope and she DOES come back.
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Days Two – Four. Or Ten.  Not going to sugar coat it, mmmm sugar coating, this is the hardest stretch and this is how your mind will start to work. Everything you look at will resemble a donut. Your energy levels will drop drastically and you may experience an onslaught of detox symptoms. One may wonder, why would I continue on with such a wretched lifestyle? Because you’re worth it. Your health is worth it and it gets…  So. Much. Better.

Days 10-14 – Your energy will surprisingly pop up sometime this week. You will actually want to work out instead of dragging yourself out of bed from your nap, and you will wonder how you still have energy to clean the house or walk the dog. You will start to see fat melting off and definition setting in, (more so if you’ve been working out along the way.)  It’s a good time. Enjoy this time.Skip along joyfully with your bag of washed carrots in hand and easily turn away the offers of sugar and starch filled foods at the office or your kiddo’s play date.
Days 14-20 – Halfway there! This is where I really got into the groove of making recipes, experimenting and eating more variety of approved foods.  I started to get more confident of my time in the kitchen and I had cooking and packing my husband’s lunch down to a science.
Days 21-29 – The sugar dragon strikes again! Around day 21, I almost gave up. The dragon kept saying, “You’ve done well enough.” “A three week detox is just as good as a four week detox.” “Coooooookies.” Don’t give in. Don’t listen to it. You made a commitment to go 30 days on your new healthy plan. Stick it out. Remember on Day 8 when you didn’t want to get out of bed, your head was throbbing and all you wanted was a gallon of hot coffee? Ok, maybe that was just me, we all have our own story, but the point is, don’t let it win.
Day 30 – You did it! Most of the stories you see on the detox plans is simply “I felt great. I got healthier. I was more energized!” And while truth be told, that is the gold at the end of the rainbow, getting there is a journey in itself. Like anything worth having it takes hard work, dedication and a good support system if you can rally one together. When I finished I went to a light grain, low sugar diet and I plan to start another sugar detox, this time my goal is to be strictly Paleo upon completion.

I would love to hear your experiences in taming your own dragon, and what worked for you. I will end with my top five tips for a successful detox.

Next: Read My 5 Best Tips For A Successful Detox

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Holiday Detox

11/11/2015

4 Comments

 
While it's important to detox year round, the holiday season is a crucial time to take care to detox our bodies, mind and souls regularly. The change in weather, family and added financial stressors, additional caloric intake and cold and flu season all threaten our health on a daily basis. Below I share my detox routine that helps keeps me balanced overall. 
I am not a doctor, as a nutritionist I am sharing what works best for me. While most of these methods are gentle and are able to be used by most, please always consult your doctor before trying any new detox methods. 
Holiday Detox | Nosh and Nurture

BODY

Morning Drink: Each morning I start with a warm mug of water with either a lemon slice or 1 TBSP. of Apple Cider Vinegar. Lemon helps cleanse your system, while Apple Cider Vinegar can help with flushing bacteria or yeast out of the system. This week I'm doing ACV all the way.

Garlic & Onion Everything: While everyone's cooking pumpkin into everything this year, I am adding heaps of garlic and onion into all of our dishes when I can. Just today my poor hubs said "I didn't take my lunch to work, because we have to eat in a meeting and I can't be smelly". Garlic and onion are stars at combating viruses, reduce inflammation and are very cleansing. 

Herbivore: I'm also adding spices such as oregano and thyme. Oregano cleanses the respiratory and urinary systems and cleanses out candida. Thyme aids in urine volume output which helps to detox, and is good for the respiratory system. 

Get Moving: I will admit and be 100% real with you. Fatigue likes to be my best friend sometimes. Especially when my body isn't detoxing (Thanks, MTHFR) (I'm not swearing it's a condition I have...) and working out is not my favorite thing. If I could just eat healthy and be super fit, that would be aces. But alas, food is 80% of it, while 20% of it is moving. Working out also helps detoxing, it eliminates stress in the body, keeps all of our systems moving and healthy. So, I joined a new gym this past weekend and I walk, use the elliptical, light weights and do Holy Yoga. 

BODY CONT.

Oil Pulling: I have a full post on oil pulling and how it's benefited me, but its so great for detoxing our bodies and keeping up our oral health. 

Massage & Therapy: I get regular massages. Bi-weekly I get a variation of Swedish for the relaxing properties and deep tissue to help get out any tension I'm carrying. I also go to a Pelvic Floor Therapist which has been a life saver. 

Reflexology: When I am feeling irregular (welcome to my life of TMI, haha) reflexology on my feet along my ":Intestinal" points works like a gem! Staying regular is CRUCIAL for detoxing. And while we're already on this topic, get a Squatty Potty. Enough said. 

Shower Time: I start my showers with dry brushing and while in the shower I alternate hot and cold water as it cleanses the lymphatic system. 

Clean Air: Make sure to get outdoors regularly and use a good air filter in your home. We have a great one in the bedroom, along with organic mattress and pillow covers. 

Drink All The Water: Drinking 8 glasses of clean, filtered water is one of the most important things you can do EVERYDAY. 

MIND & SOUL

When I Rise: I start every day with devotions. I read a daily devotional to set my intentions with God's word, and I read bible verses and pray with breakfast. 

Holy Yoga: Yoga is extremely detoxifying. Both mentally and physically. I however, wanted to be connecting to Jesus when I went through my workout so I found a local Holy Yoga class and its been amazing. 

Crack A Book: Reading calms me and learning new things invigorates and re-inspires my passions. Reading in a quiet, well lit area brings contentment.

Our Inner Child: I did a whole post on the importance of play, and its crucial to our health. Adult coloring, traveling, playing in the yard, hosting game nights. The activity doesn't matter, just have FUN.

CBT: Last year I regularly saw a therapist to work through anxiety and the loss of our little. I still check in with her for maitenence appts to keep my mind clear. She's also Christian and we pray and read God's word together.

Quality Time: Spending quality time with loved ones is a great way to detox your whole body. Endorphins are magical & wondrous.  

Meditation & Breathing: Deep breathing is everything in detoxing. We often breathe so shallow, taking time to be mindful a few minutes a day to breathe in fully, connect with God and clear our mind of the day is as important as the food, herbs and water we consume.

Next On The Detox Plan: 


​Always looking for ways to aid my body in detoxing, I've asked Santa for a rebounder (translation: adult trampoline) which aids which also gets the lymph system moving. 

The gym I joined has a dry sauna which is king in ways to detox. I plan to start slow and steady under the care of my doctor and increase my time in the sauna. 

I also have more tests scheduled on my detox pathways. Always growing, learning, but most importantly praying for healing.

You may have noticed detox baths (usually a mix of warm water, Epsom salt and essential oils) are missing from my list. I found each time I did one I got sick. My doctor told me they are probably to intense for me right now (which is why everyone is different) and that a foot soak is probably a better way for me to go right now. 

Anything missing that you swear by to detox this time of year? Or do you have a favorite from the list? Also, for those of you that have experience rebounding or hitting the sauna, what's been your experience? 

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Three Day Post Vacay Detox
A Sugar Cleanse
Why I Smoothie
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Serving God With Your Choices

9/18/2015

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Throughout my life, one could consider me a "foodie". Though I never had a bad relationship with food in the past, after moving out on my own, I ate semi-healthful diet as a young adult, but I based my food choices on pleasure over purpose. 

Living in Hollywood, I enjoyed salads, vegan subs and whole wheat pastas and chicken when at home. So I thought I was golden to eat whatever I wanted on my "off time". I loved sipping a sugar-laden latte (before I knew better) and biting into a posh bakery cupcake. I enjoyed late night movies with friends eating local L.A. Chinese takeout & red wine. Rich cream sauces topped my salmon dinners. I had gotten it wrong. Decadence over dedication. To my body, and to God. 

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I firmly believe that we can find purpose in our pain, and developing health ailments was a way to force me to change the way I ate and the way I look at food. I believe it all had a purpose. It wasn't easy, even a little scary, it takes dedication, it takes diligent planning every single day, but its not without purpose. 

It's what led me here. To this blog. To meeting you. It's what led me back to school. It's what led me to learning more than I ever thought I could about food, our food system, our bodies. It's what led me to helping me family eat better. It's what led me to be able to calmly answer those who are scared when they learn they can no longer drink milk or eat bread. I believe its what led me to conceive a child giving us hope for a family one day. 

That is all what one calls purpose.

And it's all from a wonderful and purposeful God.  
Through biblical principles we can deduce that it is beneficial and even morally right to emphasize a healthful diet.
Above & beyond the outward and earthly reasons that God places us on a path to research nutrition and gain a better understanding, is that it's His food that is made for us and we can bring Him glory through our choices. I wanted to look deeper into where it is sourced biblically and use it to keep myself committed to eating and cooking clean and taking care of my family for His glory. I knew, when I walked away from some of the western doctors who tried to write me prescription after unneeded  prescription*, that His food was going to be a path to healing. He put vitamin and nutrient rich foods here FOR us. Herbs FOR us. All made by our glorious God. 

We know God cares for our well-being and that our bodies need to remain in good health to carry out the work God has planned for us as seen in Exodus 2:10. 
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Having an unhealthy body makes our work harder to do and puts at risk for injuries and illness. Those with chronic illnesses know the wrong foods, unhealthy foods and sugar can also cause pain, lethargy, depression, anxiety and brain fog, among many, many other problems. All hurdles to motivation and movement. 

Psalms has so many beautiful verses on God's provision over us, and His animals, with the food He's blessed us with. I've learned through God's word and eating organic to respect the seasons. I no longer eat strawberries when there's a chill in the air because it was God's plan for them to be sweet treats of summer. Same with the cyclical life of grapes and squashes. As we cleanse our bodies of GMO and non-organically grown food we learn to plan our menus around the seasons.

And there is something so beautiful about that. 
Psalm 104:27 These all look  to you, to give them their food in due season.

I still mess up and as I pray on this, I can feel when God is telling me something isn't right for me or my body. That's its not serving its purpose as something that's healthful or helpful. As a human, I mess up and I make wrong decisions, but I believe as we ask God for strength and conviction on what He believes is best for us, we can give up what's bad and our relationship with Him and our health can grow. Growing in health, in joy and in fulfillment through the delicious, healthy bounty He has put here for us to enjoy.

We can still find joy in His gifts. We can still make beautiful dinners for friends at our table. We can still create beautiful dishes that inspire others to eat clean. We just need to remain mindful of the source of which our food comes, how it benefits our health and bodies so that we may remain steadfast in our works for His kingdom's Glory. 

*I do believe there is always a time and place for prescription medications and they can be a blessing in certain situations. Please always speak to you doctor and naturopath on healthy alternatives and know when your medications are needed. 
 
In what ways have you seeked God's guidance on your health journey?

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Why I Smoothie.

7/29/2015

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Something I've learned in the nutrition world - as well as in the gluten-free community, Paleo community, Whole 30 community, and so forth, is you either smoothie or you don't. 

Some people are totally against it, others find it intimidating (you don't have to, get my easy recipes here!), others argue about the way the sugars of liquid-form fruits work in your body (and as a nutritionist, I understand these points too, which is why I always add veggies to mine for balance) and others find them to be a luxury.

Especially when you add in protein powders. Protein powders can be quite pricey, especially the good quality brands with high health benefit profiles, and so in turn many associate protein = luxury item. 

But to me, it's a non-negotiable and it comes down to my priorities. If I'm blessed enough to have the means to stay on mine regularly, I choose to make it a priority, every morning. I feel better, I feel healthier and I perform better when my body is getting all of the nutrients, vitamins and amino acids it needs. And whether you're on the Standard American Diet, an elimination diet or special diet, its easy to miss out on essential nutrients your body needs. 
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I start every day with one of three smoothies. On weekends, when I cook a gourmet breakfast, I have my smoothie for lunch. I like to put them in rotation so that my body is regularly getting high doses of not only the things I'm deficient in, but things that my Dr. has prescribed for me, things that help my body to heal, to be energized and things that keep my immune system boosted. 

  • The first is a prescribed, anti-inflammatory formulated powder that is obtained through my Naturopath. 
  • The second is a new one for me, also prescribed, it's a pre-natal, fertility smoothie loaded with high levels of methylated B-12 and Folate to aid my MTHFR and fertility. 
  • And last but not least, the fitness star, is the protein and amino-acid packed Everlast protein powder that helps me when I'm working out, running, in yoga and in dance to give me energy and help to repair my body and muscles. If you are vegan, and can tolerate rice, this is a great option. It's a vanilla-flavored blend of pea, rice and hemp protein and packs a whopping 22 grams of protein per serving. That's over half my daily requirement for my weight! AND, NO GMOS and NO SUGAR. It's naturally sweetened with Stevia. It shares so many characteristics of the ones prescribed to me, I felt confident in adding it in to my rotation. 
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As a Brand Ambassador for Everlast Nutrition I get pretty cool perks - yummy product, free shipping, awesome coupon codes, free gifts - and the most awesome part of these perks is that I get to extend the same perks to my nutrition clients! 

Going above and beyond that, this week I'm also extending them to my blog readers and social media followers. ALL the perks.  

Visit www.EverlastNutrition.com to see all of the goodies & if you want to snag some for yourself just enter in my promo code NOSHEVERLAST to take advantage of all the goodies listed above.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! Also if you join the mailing list before September 1st you could be one of ten chosen to get Everlast Vegan Protein COMPLETELY free to try it out! 




This is a sponsored post as I received complimentary product from Everlast Nutrition for review. All opinions, as well as photography, are my own. Nosh and Nurture believes in authenticity and only in products that nurture well-being and health. 
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Nosh & Nurture was born of this journey I am on to better the health of myself, my family and those around me.  What started as a simple compilation of recipes has grown to a all-around lifestyle journal with ways to incorporate organic products into your home, pantry and beauty cabinet.  I also include stories on pregnancy, new motherhood, travel, Proverbs 31 marriage, and spiritual health, as I am a Christian who couldn't do any of this without my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. For more of my story you can click here. 

All recipes are gluten-free and dairy-free with a lot of soy-free, grain-free, sugar-free options. 

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