This topic is the thread that tied the last decade of my life together. The more noise those of us affected can create, the more unwitting victims can be helped.
The increasingly common, and often hidden toxin has been underestimated for far too long. Relegated to a mere nuisance for those with overt allergies or sensitivities, mold lurking in the basement, behind paint and baseboards, in AC ducts, and under carpets may be wreaking more havoc on your health than you realize.
This topic is the thread that tied the last decade of my life together. The more noise those of us affected can create, the more unwitting victims can be helped.
The increasingly common, and often hidden toxin has been underestimated for far too long. Relegated to a mere nuisance for those with overt allergies or sensitivities, mold lurking in the basement, behind paint and baseboards, in AC ducts, and under carpets may be wreaking more havoc on your health than you realize.
You've heard me mention this word before - neuroplasticity. It is the brain’s ability to change and form new neural networks. So what does that mean exactly?
Imagine a well-trodden path through the woods that leads you through your day...
Last weekend my extremely laid back, fun-loving, ever-present good friend sensed my left-brain logic kicking up in the midst of our conversation. I couldn't help it. It's the way I've always operated. Ask me a question these days about nutrition or pathogens or toxins and I'll get all cerebral on you! I like to try to make sense of things even if it sends me down one rabbit hole after another in my mind.
Then she said calmly, ...
Remember those high school or college days when you were given an assignment weeks in advance and just couldn’t quite figure out how to manage your time to avoid cramming everything into an all-nighter in the final hours? Maybe you received the instructions for the paper or the upcoming exam and thought, “Whew, I have plenty of time for this. It’ll just take a little bit of effort every day and I’ll ace this thing!”
Read MoreModern day society values hard work. Most of us are brought up to believe that success can only arise out of blood, sweat and tears. That’s how we can become the best versions of ourselves. That’s how we can accomplish greatness. That’s how we can be happy.
Problem is, all this hard work, or being busy, actually distracts us from being happy!
Read MoreLike many you I felt that I had given up so much in my life in an effort to heal.
I gave up gluten, dairy and a laundry list of other foods in an effort to heal my gut.
I made this mean that I had given up on enjoying restaurant meals and social events with friends.
I gave up my high paced career when my energy was no longer available to sustain this lifestyle.
I made this mean that I wasn't really the accomplished woman with whom I had so strongly identified for decades.
The topic of leadership has been bouncing around in my head ever since my son confessed his fears about being an effective leader for the new, younger boy scouts this weekend... As we talked through his dilemma I couldn’t help but think about how we all face a similar struggle every moment of every day as we choose how to be the best leader for our inner worlds, our most significant leadership role...
Read MorePicture yourself waiting for an elevator late at night, all alone in a quiet building. You push the button and search inside your bag for your keys as your mind wanders through any number of busy thoughts. Suddenly the elevator door opens and you're startled to see a strange man, who for some reason, makes you afraid...
Read MoreAmong the some 88,000 chakras, or energy centers, in the human body, Hinduism recognizes seven major ones that run along the spine to the crown of the head. According to some Eastern traditions, learning how to balance these energy centers can optimize energy flow to fuel and sustain aspects of your life and your body. Let's take a look at location, color and basic connection associated with each of these major chakras...
Read MoreI'm more of a frittata fan personally since Paleo crusts made with almond flour tend to be a bit heavy. However, I stumbled upon this one from Everyday Maven and had to give it a try. The almond flour is balanced by the tapioca flour and she chose the perfect blend of just a few simple spices to enhance the flavor. I ended up with four mini quiches and had to force myself to put the last one in the freezer or I would have eaten these every single morning this week!
Read MoreWhile the jury is still out on whether or not their private label products are actually 100% GMO-free (see Food Babe's post), they certainly seem to be a company dedicated to pleasing their customers. They offer many products that are free of antibiotics, preservatives and synthetic colors, they are super friendly, and their prices can't be beat!
I thought it might be fun to post some of my discoveries from time to time. Today I happened to have some kid-free time on my hands and decided to inspect the shelves more closely. I wasn't disappointed!
Read MoreActivated charcoal has been shown to combat ingested toxins and food poisoning, prevent hangovers, sooth insect bites, lower cholesterol and even battle acne. On top of all that it can also whiten teeth!
Read MoreIn spite of its name, buckwheat is not actually wheat at all. It's a gluten-free, wheat-free and grain-free fruit seed that is known for its blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects. It is a complete protein, containing all 8 essential amino acids. Taking the extra step to sprout buckwheat helps to breakdown the anti-nutrients and hard-to-digest components of the seed and at the same time, helps to release highly beneficial nutrients.
Read MoreThe secret ingredient in this recipe is coconut butter. It's creamy texture really adds oomph to these otherwise pretty basic "larabar"-style snacks. If you haven't yet tried coconut cream or coconut butter then you're definitely missing out! I eat a spoonful almost daily to satiate my sweet tooth. In addition to other benefits, coconut butter is rich in lauric acid, which is shown to boost immunity and destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Personally, I prefer coconut cream from Tropical Traditions. Artisana is good as well...
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