Ive had many people reaching out and asking… “How did you do it?!”
How did I lose 40lbs in less than a year not living in a gym 😉
With Daily Healthy Habits that support my body exactly where it needs to be!
- Mindset – I was ready to make a solid change in my life. I didn’t exactly at the time know HOW it was going to happen – I was READY for it to happen.
- Daily Healthy Habits – This is where my daily use of my oils and plant based vitamins and minerals and sustainably sourced marine oil and land-sourced omega fatty acids.
- Eating healthy and moving my body properly – Cut out the processed boxed pre-made food and make healthier choices for foods. I began Yoga.
Mindset
For many years I told myself I was “fine” and didn’t have time to take for me – even 10 minutes to meditate. I lived in a “busy” world and that’s exactly how I felt all the time. I felt unsettled for many years, even in our first house after a few major renovations, in our 2nd house I still didn’t feel like it was me. I knew last year with the physical changes happening in our space – our nest, I knew it was time to make my own physical changes to become healthy and stronger. Honestly its 100% about that. Being ok with having to buy new clothes during the transition and feeling the true value this was going to have on my life.
I now make time for ME. Am gentler on myself for needing downtime if I begin to feel mentally exhausted. These whole home renovations have been an incredible growth opportunity. I am thankful for that.
I appreciate the value of meditation and clearing my mind.
I visually could see myself stronger.
That I could do this – even though I didn’t really know how I was going to do it 😉
I deserve and am worthy of having a healthy, strong body and happy life!
Cause lets face it when you do not feel healthy – its easy to feel sad!
Daily Healthy Habits
Many people are reluctant to understand how using essential oils daily can improve your health. Ive experienced it first hand. My advice – keep the oils accessible and make a point of using them even if its just diffusing in your home at first.
We began using essential oils in our home in June 2014. I used to be sick all the time, no matter the season. I was physically and mentally exhausted every single day and in a lot of pain. I felt miserable more often than not. It was extremely hard to even begin to describe. Even doctors who I had worked with for years could not get pharmaceuticals to work for my body. It was “the norm” for me to have frequent visits to the doctor because of how I felt.
I began taking baby steps. Got the oils and committed to use them. Topically on my body and Aromatically in the diffuser. Yes this meant small changes in my daily habits. Instead of immediately reaching for a pain medication, I pushed myself to think outside of the box and educate myself of the natural options available to me to support my body. One of the biggest life lesson is patience. Slowing down. Whenever I would reach for a pain killer I did because I needed immediate relief. However my body was in pain for a reason… I was now figuring out, rather than cover up the pain, why not search for the reason!
Constant pain and discomfort from my digestive and endocrine systems. Years ago being diagnosed with PCOS and Hypothyroidism, also having challenges with IBS and Endometriosis, I was very upset with my body. I had little medical support and I became frustrated quite easily.
What I have learned is that when I honor my body in the way it needs to be – I CAN and DO live a pain free life! You can too!
So some of my daily healthy habits Ive changed are reaching for my natural health products (essential oils and supplements) vs over the counter medication or running to the doctor for a prescription.
Did you know your gut health is a significant factor in your overall health and happiness. Whenever you take a prescription antibiotic you kill off bad AND good bacteria. It is very important to ensure if you must take a prescription antibiotic you also take a high quality pro-biotic to re-populate the good bacteria. This was big for me. I had been on a lot of various prescribed and over the counter meds. In January 2017 I began a cleanse and restore program and this kick started a significant weight loss and more focused lifestyle change.
Use or make natural cleaners for your home. The cleaners you can buy in a store are filled with toxins that are damaging to your health – especially to the endocrine system – which is what PCOS and Hypothyroidism affects. Many cleaners and air fresheners for homes are also filled with fragrance which may “smell” good – however they are synthetic and also damaging to our health.
Sleep is important to ensure our body had adequate rest to repair and rejuvenate. Sleep has been a challenge for me for many years. With the use of the various oils I have found I am sleeping much better, my mind is able to relax and if I have any issues falling asleep I have various combinations of oils or natural supplements to use to support my body in relaxing vs med’s which can be addictive.
What you put on your body – goes in your body!
I switched out my commercial deodorant and experimented with some – I used a DIY for a while, however my underarms were sensitive to the baking soda. I have been using a deodorant crystal now for almost a year and Im really loving it. You do sweat still – which isn’t enjoyable to me, however it does help with any body odour, this of which is also linked to how clean you are eating!
Also think of soap, lotions, make up, shampoo, conditioner – anything that goes on your skin is going in your body and affecting your body in some way! We cleaned up those things in our life as well to much healthier options.
I began supporting my body’s daily required nutrition with plant based supplements and sustainably sourced marine omega oils. This was an adjustment for me to ensure I take them daily, this is still one that I must remind myself of everyday. Its a lifestyle change – however one that has had a significant impact on my life and health.
With using essential oils on our body, its easily recognizable as plants and our bodies are similar systems.
Eating Health & Moving Your Body
With having PCOS there are certain foods that are great to support your body – just like exercise. For years I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t loose weight when I was exercising or going to the gym – these exercises weren’t the right ones for my body type – someone with PCOS!
For someone with PCOS our body type is similar to someone with Diabetes and if not properly controlled can develop into Diabetes. I found for myself, cardio exercise isn’t the ideal way to move my body. This is actually common in women with PCOS. Although Aerobic Training does improve ones health, we know that with PCOS comes physical and emotional challenges. Yoga has actually been found to help with decreasing anxiety levels in girls with PCOS. I began taking Yoga classes October 2017 and have found an incredible outlet for relaxation as well as stretching and strength training.
Take a moment and think about what you eat in a day.
Do you really think about what you eat or just move through the day eating on the go? When I became much more conscious about what I was eating – including the ingredients in the food – I became more educated and empowered to make healthier choices. Choosing convenience over time was proving challenging to my health. Feeling the value of time in the kitchen to prepare healthy foods has made a significant difference in my overall health. Selecting foods supportive to my body, all of which are supportive to my health are also supportive to my ADHD boy, my daughter and husband too.
For example one switch I made years ago was for my love of dip. I switched out sour cream for greek yogurt. We buy wholegrain bread vs white bread. Whole wheat flour vs white flour. Make home made chicken fingers/burgers vs boxed frozen. Choosing organic when possible. Washing fruits and vegetables before eating. Choosing fresh vs pre-made. I also learned that my body isn’t able to process twice cooked starches like potatoes, pasta, rice etc which has helped with meal planning and being more comfortable!
Regardless of the changes you make in your life – YOU are the one who needs to be comfortable with these changes and committed to giving it a shot. To be able to open your mind to a different way of thinking of our health in a more proactive vs reactive way.
These changes truly are what helped me shift my lifestyle for my own health and my family. They can however help anyone make that shift they may need.
As a wellness advocate I am here to help you! If you think you are ready to make a change in your life and would like support – reach out lets connect!
Your Life As Art Essentials 
So good and helpful!
You are welcome and thank you!