Ready Set Go!
Ready Set Go!
Nourish...Nurture...Achieve...Connect! This blog will include
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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#MotivationMonday - The Best Decision You'll Ever Make!

2.18-MotivationMonday-Choosetobehappy

 

Nothing more to be said...What's your #decision?

 

#BeHappy #Nourish #MotivationMonday


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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#MotivationMonday - The One Who Will Love You The Most...

2.12-mondaymotivation.love oneself

 

Start this #weekoflove by focusing on WHO will love you the most!

 

I commit to: 

 

 

NOURISHING my body, mind & soul with the right things at the right time...

 

NURTURING my talents and gifts so they'll reach their full potential...

 

 ACHIEVING the things that I need & want in my life.  And, be perfectly ok if those things change...

 

CONNECTING with myself and the Universe to keep me grounded, grateful and generous...

 

#Love #Happiness #LetsGo 

 

 2.12-Heart for Blog - Motivation.Monday

 

 


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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#TuesdayThoughts - Am I Paleo? Am I Vegetarian? Am I confused?

1.23 -PureWow -Plant based diet

 

 

Now I know how to describe my new 2018 eating plan!

 

 What Is The Plant Based Diet?

 

#nourish#nolabels

#TuesdayThoughts #2018goal


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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#Travel #Thursday - #Chihuly Gardens And Glass Museum

1.11-Travel Thursday - chihuly gardens
Happy #travel #thursday ! This is an oldie but goodie and taken when we were in #seattle. #chihulygardensandglassmuseum is the place to visit when you want see and experience #beauty.

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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

It's #What'sCookingWednesday! - WARM LENTIL MOROCCAN CARROTS

 

 

I love winter.   I especially love it when I have a warm stew to munch on, cuddled under a warm blanket with my pups.  The only downfall is when I nod off and realize that one of the pups ate my lunch. 

 This dish is especially satisfying and quick to do if you do some prep work ahead of time... Enjoy!

 

Warm Lentil Moroccan Carrots

 

1.10-What'sCooking Wednesday.curry carrots & lentils


  

 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?:  Under 30 minutes

 

SERVES:  2 generous servings

 

INGREDIENTS:
 

Coconut Curry Sauce:

1 tsp olive oil
Chopped garlic ...as MUCH as you want
1 1/2 to 2 TB  curry powder
Any other spices you like in your curry...I add turmeric and cumin
1 can garbanzo/chickpeas beans
1 TB Tahini
1/2 to 1 TB pure maple syrup 
Jalapeños (optional) 
1 TB dried coconut (unsweetened)
Lime Juice (to taste)

 

Crunchy Carrot Mix

1/2 c cooked lentils (red, green, brown)
1/2 c diced carrots
1/4 sliced red onion
Bunch green onions
1 tsp Red Wine Vinegar (Apple Cider Vinegar is fine too)
1/4 c chopped parsley
1-2 tsp chopped garlic (to your taste)
salt and pepper (to your taste

 

1 c of sliced carrots

4 oz of peanuts

 

DIRECTIONS:

Make the Coconut Curry - this can be done ahead of time and stored up to 5 days in your fridge. Plus, you don't use all of it so you can actually add it to some veggies and other dishes. 

Start by heating up olive oil and adding the chopped garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 1-3 minutes). 

Add curry powder and other seasonings and again, cook about 1-2 minutes.Add the garbanzo beans and let them heat up in the spices.

Take off the heat and put the mixture in a blender/food processor.

Blend until mixed thoroughly, adding the rest of the ingredients.- This should be like a paste. Store in the refrigerator until you're ready to use.

Make the Crunch Carrot Mix - Mix ingredients together...that's it! Again, you can make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Heat oil in the pan - Add sliced carrots - sauté for 1-2 minutes - Add 1/2 c water, cover and let cook for 6-8 minutes.

Add Coconut Curry and the Crunch Carrot Mix and heat on low heat until warm.

Sprinkle with peanuts and you're ready to eat!

 

Inspired by Hungryroot

 
 

 
 


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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

#ThoughtfulTuesday! - USING DAILY HABITS TO CHANGE

 

 

1.9-ThoughtfulTuesday - Daily Habits.jpg

 

It’s #ThoughtfulTuesday and as promised, I’m sharing my Daily Habits that I created for 2018.  We all know that it’s not enough to say you want to change, it’s the actions that we do faithfully that will “transform” us in the people we want to be.

 

I’m starting an intensive Functional Medicine program in February as well as finishing up my Personal Training Credentials.  I feel like I’ve been only focusing on those things and at the end of the year, I was burnt out and feeling very disconnected.

 

My 2018 Intentions includes more Nurturing and Connecting!  And while this looks like a lot of work, it really wasn’t…Each item took no more than 5-10 minutes (except for the sleep part) and it made me feel accomplished and good at the end of the day!

 

I used an Excel Spreadsheet to track it and my hope is that I can work on it every day and see how I do.  I don’t expect perfection but at least I have something to work up to.  

 

What’s on your list?  Please share and let’s support each other in being the best that we can be!

 

 

 


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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

NOURISH: FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - A New Approach To Medicine

9.18-functional medicine
 

I’m sure you’ve heard of Functional Medicine…

I have but I really had NO idea what it’s all about.  If you look it up on the Internet (which is my “Go To” source for everything), Functional Medicine’s definitions usually have the words “alternative” and “holistic”in it.


 

“Woah…wait a minute…I don’t want to get involved in any of that New Age stuff…you know, doctors go to medical school for a reason….”

 

Normally, I’d agree with My Guy.  I’m a firm believer in science and really do try to avoid any “woo woo” concepts.  And it doesn’t help that “alternate” and “holistic” methods had a bad rap up until a couple of years ago.

 

However, two years ago, I was introduced to Functional Medicine firsthand…

 

I’m a former fan of the “quick fix.”  Whenever my colds would get serious and refuse to leave, I’d automatically ask for the miracle,  Z-Pack.  In fact, my Ex and I affectionately called our Family Doctor, the “Drug Dealer,”  because he’d allow us to skip the visit to him  and just directly call the script in to the Pharmacy.

 
Getting rid of that pesky infection was completely worth the nausea and the stomach pain I’d get from using that Z Pack.  And, my doctor would just prescribe a stronger one when the old one didn’t work.  Unfortunately, for me, the cure was worse than the actual cold but I didn't care because I didn't know better.

 

Due to insurance reasons, I had to switch doctors.  Naturally, right after that, I caught the cold that would never leave.  I went to visit my new assigned doctor and we started playing the 20 Questions Game when I requested the Z Pack. What was I eating?  What was my environment?  Was I stressed?  Was I getting enough sleep?

 

I was annoyed at first but then he explained that he was a certified Functional Medicine Practioner and it was his job to see the complete picture.  This totally made sense for me.

 

Functional Medicine changed my life and the way I take care of myself…

 

This approach focuses on the underlying root causes of what may be happening within your body.  The body is viewed as ONE integrated system, not a collection of independent organs divided up by medical specialties.  It’s a Big Picture, Long Term focus, not applying just the short term cure.  And best of all, the customized patient-centered approach addresses & supports each unique individual.  Bio Individuality rules!

 

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

 

·     There is a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness and autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis

 

·     For chronic illnesses, our current medical system addresses the symptoms not the cause…this is like putting a Band-Aid on the wound but not understanding why we keep getting the wound.

 

·     Other elements like environmental exposures, unhealthy lifestyles and genetic factors are not taken in account when considering diagnosis and strategies to get better.  We all know we’re different…why wouldn’t we have customized unique solution for each individual person?

 

·     Functional Medicine will be the evolution of the practice of medicine to better address the healthcare needs of the 21st Century.  It will integrate traditional Western Medical practices and create a focus of prevention through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.

 

 

By working with my new doctor, I realized that eating too much Dairy and Sugar created congestion and wrecked havoc on my immune system.   I also needed to move every day to “work everything” out.  My happy ending is that within the last 2 years, I only got one sinus infection.  And that was self-inflicted because I knowingly overdosed on ice cream while comforting Patient Zero.  (I’m waiting for the day when they find out why loved ones always want to share their germs) 

 

I want to know more!   Helping my clients develop natural and long term strategies to feel better and be healthier is what makes me spring out of bed each day.

 

I was recently accepted into the IFM’s (Institute of Functional Medicine) Coaching Program so stay tuned for more interesting ideas and approaches!

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

NOURISH: Eat THIS not THAT! Savory & Sweet Substitutes That BEAT My Cravings….


5.9-You've put on a little weight..

Last January, during my annual checkup, my doctor voiced her concerns after reviewing my annual Lab Test results. 

“Something is really weird…your levels have always been pretty good but this time you’re really high in your cholesterol and your A1c (blood glucose) levels.  I know you’re a health nut and I’m suspecting that this is probably genetic but we still have to do something about it.” 

This was a complete surprise to me. 

I’ve always been pretty active and tried to eat well but years of eating cookies for breakfast and the mindset of running five miles and being able to eat anything I wanted has failed me at this point of my life.  Further more, now that I’ve transitioned into being a Health Coach, I need to “Walk the Talk.”    

I was determined.   

I only allowed myself one “treat” a day.  I tried to eat healthy meals most of the week and would only allow myself a “splurge day” one day a week.   

Note: I would never advocate a strict diet without foods that gave me some pleasure.  It may work for some people, but it has never worked for me.  My usual pattern is to be good for 2 weeks and then binge on whatever I was trying to eliminate from my diet. 

I’d also be cranky and very hard to be around. 

In my mind, I was doing the best that I could.  I was making an effort to change my diet a little at a time.  I was moving every day and felt like I was making good choices. 

Three months later, I was very hopeful.  I took the tests again and went in for the results.  This visit, my doctor was running late and had her partner step in.   (Let’s just say, he needs to work on his Bedside Manner.)

“If you keep going in this direction, I’m going to put you on medication.” 

YIKES! 

Although, my feelings were a little hurt... the lab tests don’t lie.  Even though I thought I was “trying,” in reality, I really had only made small adjustments. I still had bad eating habits but for some reason, I thought if I did this less, it would make a difference. 

“Hey Mom…do you know the definition of insanity?"

Now, I had to come up with a new eating plan while I daydreamed about what I would say on the day my daughter comes to me with this same issue.   

But I digress…back to my new plan… 

I’ve eliminated added sugar and white flour from my diet and been sticking with lean proteins (fish) and veggies (non starchy) for most of my meals.  And, I’ve been feeling good and mostly satisfied. 

Until that time of the month…    

Please let me know that you go through this too!  You know...when your hormones are ruling your brain and stomach and your cravings make you an obsessive maniac. 

“Hello, my name is Allie and I’m an Obsessive Maniac who needs a sweet or savory snack right now…. seriously… NOW! 

Talk about being between a rock and a hard place… 

If I give into these cravings, I’ll have to start taking medicine.  What’s makes it worse is I might do lasting harm on my body and develop heart and diabetes-related diseases.  This would be worse than denying my cravings. 

But, what’s a girl to do?… 

I decided to experiment.  I’m going to try to train my body (and my hormones) to accept a healthier “treat” when those craving hits. 

Here's what I've come up with, so far.  The following ideas should take you less than 10 minutes to make …  

Savory Snacks

When I want something salty…
5.8-bbq chips









   like BBQ Chips, 

I'll make THIS instead...

5.8-BBQ Popcorn   It's really easy!

Air pop some popcorn, sprinkle some olive oil, sprinkle some BBQ seasonings and some sea salt and there you go! 

Another savory (and healthy) treat is

5.8-Rosemary Garlic Almonds  Rosemary Garlic Roasted Almonds...


These are also easy to make!  Melt some ghee or olive oil.  Use 1 tsp of chopped garlic and let it cook in the oil for about 1 minute.  Add 2 cups of natural raw almonds and brown for about 5 minutes (watch it carefully…it can burn fast!).  Sprinkle dried rosemary along with sea salt.  Spread out hot almonds on foil and let it cool. 

Sweet Treats 

Everyone who knows me knows I have the biggest sweet tooth ever!  These are my “go-to’s when I’m craving something sweet!.    

When I’m craving a milkshake…  I make this instead!     

5.9-my peanut butter shake

This is my version of the Peanut Butter Shake that I used to get with my daughter all the time.   I loved it but after drinking it, I’d feel weighed down and really lethargic.  Plus, the dairy didn’t help me either  (I curse my lactose intolerance almost every day!) 

So, I made a healthier version…here’s how… 

Get the glass that you want to serve it in, fill it up halfway with coconut/almond milk.   Put 1 Tb of Peanut Butter (natural & crunchy is the best) as well as frozen banana pieces (I cut up bananas ahead of time and keep them in the freezer every week).   We use our Single Serving Ninja blender (which I highly recommend to have) which makes it fast and easy clean up. 

You can also add chia and flax seeds for more fiber as well as any protein powder to give it more nutritional punch.  It’s fun to change it up too…I’ve made matcha (with a little of vanilla extract) , chocolate (using Chocolate flavored coconut/almond milk) and a variety of fruit flavors.  Just remember, coconut milk and bananas will be your base.   

Sometimes, you might just want a bite of something sweet.  I used to have chocolate kisses on hand all the time.    

5.9-ALmond-Kisses-nice-11.jpg

After all, one wouldn’t hurt, right? 

The big issue was one would turn into two or five (depending on the day I had)… 

Now, I reach for these instead… 
 
5.9-Dates
These are dates filled with nuts and so easy to make!

Take a date, slice it open, remove the pit and insert your favorite nut in it’s place.  I used almonds, walnuts and pecans. 

This really has done the trick and has train my taste buds.  I actually had a leftover Almond Kiss (waste not want not) and it was TOO sweet! 

Can you imagine?

 I’m going to be honest…

I will never give up BBQ Chips, Milkshakes or Hershey’s Almond Kisses. 

Life is way too short.  

However, what I've learned from this experience is that I don’t have to eat them all the time and these substitutions have done wonders for my body and my will power!   

I hope you try these and let me know what you think.  If you have other ideas, please feel free to share them…I need all the help I can get...

5.9-glasbergen-crouton on your sundae.jpg   
Till next time!  

If you liked this article and want more, I’d love to include you in my Email List. I promise not to bombard you! I send out monthly newsletters with helpful articles & invites that may help alleviate your frustrations with Health, Life Balance, Career, Purposes & Relationships. I think this information would be useful and valuable and it's at no cost to you!

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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

NOURISH:  CREATE YOUR OWN DIET!    Here’s the Why and How!





 
 3.30-Blog - Create Your Own Diet



 

Overheard, while shopping…


 “Ok…I’m going to do it this year…I’m going to do everything I can to eat better …I want to fit into these jeans!"

 

“Hey, my friend went on the Vegan diet last year and she lost TONS of weight.  But wait…I can’t give up cheese…seriously?  Maybe, I should go Gluten Free or if I really want to lose… eliminate ALL grains?  Maybe, I should go Paleo?  ARGHHH, again with the “no cheese!” 

 

“Ughhh…maybe, I should just buy a bigger pair of jeans and eat whatever I WANT?  ”   3.30-Frustrated emoji

 

CAN YOU RELATE?

 

I can…that was me about five years ago.  I would have the same conversation with my girlfriends.  I’d go on a different diet every couple of months and do great the first week.   But, I’d get invited out or have a discouraging day (...sometimes, pie is the only cure…) and have a hard time getting back on track.  By the time the month was over, I’d start to hate the food I was eating.

 

And it would avalanche from there… I’d eventually go back to my ways of cake for breakfast and popcorn for dinner.  Luckily, I was fairly active and while I was eating my way out of my closet, it was just a matter of replacing items one at a time.  So, I lived in a wonderful delusional world that I was a healthy eater.

 

“Sooooooo, are we celebrating something?”

 

“No…strawberry pie has fruit in it…I’m just eating more fruit!”

 

It is well known among my friends and family that I’m a foodie and will chase all over town to try the new trendy dish or the dive that serves great chicken pies.   My partner and I have an understanding that while I may drive him crazy with everything else, he can always count on EATING WELL with me.  (P.S…A tip for success in a long relationship is consistency…)

 

Life, like this, was good…except when I turned 50.  It seemed like everything I ate would make me feel tired, edgy or bloated.  And that would make me less motivated to move or go out in the world.  That’s not the way I wanted to live!  So, for the next three years, it was the endless dieting cycle with, tragically, no lasting results…  

 

The truth is…there isn’t ONE diet that works for everyone…what’s really important is to find something that works for YOU!

 

If you think about it...there isn't just ONE pair of jeans that looks good on everyone.  We all have different shapes, sizes and preferences.  What looks good on my tall friend looks horrific on me.   We're the same size but I'd have to hem them and  because of my athletic muscle-ly calves, the jeans would look like leggings instead of jeans.  

We're all different and we should have individual eating plans that work best with our bodies, mental state and emotion well being.  Does that make sense?

This is how I did it…


 
Because we both weren’t feeling like spring chickens anymore, my partner and I went on the JJ Virgin Diet (aka The Elimination Diet).  It required us to take out foods that contained gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, corn, peanuts, sugar and sweeteners…basically everything I ate on a daily basis.

 

This was the looooooongest 21 days of my life….

 

But, it was also life changing…I learned a lot about my body and what it takes to make it run smoothly.

 

For the next 2 months, I learned I had reactions to Dairy, Wheat, and Meat (especially poultry & beef ).  Because of who I am…the overachiever…I would only allow myself these limited choices.  My diet consisted of fish & vegetables.  That was it.  What made things worse was the the diet didn’t make my life better at all!   I was bored, more antisocial and HUNGRY!

 

This was NOT going to be the option for me either…

 

So, I went back to the drawing board and started experimenting.  I found that I could eat a little dairy and a little gluten.  I started to add small portions of yogurt and sourdough toast (still healthy!) in my diet which made my day much brighter and best of all, made me much more tolerable.

 

I found that meat was the main culprit for my indigestion and that really encouraged me to find new protein sources besides just fish.  I started to incorporate more plant proteins such as lentils, split peas (LOVE the soup), quinoa, nuts and unprocessed soy.  And when I craved ice cream, I’d blend my plant protein with coconut milk and frozen bananas for a treat.

 

I’m not hungry anymore…

 

I have my own “Allie” Diet that works wonders for me!  I really feel great…I fit in those jeans (although now, they’re a little roomy) and I’m happy!  And occasionally, I can even indulge in  strawberry pie.  (Because, let’s face it, people…life is too short without strawberry pie.)

 

Would this work for you?  Here are my three tips before you start:

 

·Start with a Detox Diet just so you have a “clean” body to work with.  There are some great ones out there and you’ll be able to really pinpoint what your body is feeling.  (P.S…I’m creating one next Summer so be sure to check back)

 

· After the “clean” period is over, start introducing the foods that you eliminated ONE at a time.    Start small and increase your amount by 25%, 50% & 75%.  I didn’t do that and consequently, I mistakenly took out those food groups when all I had to do was eat less of it.  It’s so easy to get carried away but eliminating complete food groups may not be a great lasting solution.  Moderation is much better than complete elimination.  Trust me…you’ll thank me in the long run.

 

·Get yourself a partner. Eliminating foods can be really isolating and sometimes you might not get the support that you really need and you’ll give up.  (When I did this, my mother would roll her eyes and insist on ordering me dessert…this made me feel very neurotic.)  You’ll find trading stories and ideas with someone who is experiencing the same things you are very motivating and both of you will stick to your program.

 

For more help with this, feel free to reach out!  I always offer a free consultation and you’ll walk away with some pretty good ideas to get you going…(offer is at the top of the site...just click!)

 

I know you can do this…

 

Happy Eating….


If you liked this article and want more, I’d love to include you in my Email List. I promise not to bombard you! I send out monthly newsletters with helpful articles & invites that may help alleviate your frustrations with Health, Life Balance, Career, Purposes & Relationships. I think this information would be useful and valuable and it's at no cost to you! Sign up here… http://ready-set-go.me



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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allison_lowe@yahoo.com

NOURISH: 3 Natural Ways To Beat A Cold!

2.24-RSG-Blog-3 Natural Ways to Beat A Cold.jpg

NOURISH:  3 Natural Ways To Beat A Cold!

 

Well, despite the fact that I was running from it as fast as I could, I caught the dreaded cold that everyone has or had...some people I know are actually on their third round.

 

You know what I’m talking about…it first starts as the sniffles (I knew I shouldn’t have done yoga with the cat….) and then the headache, stuffiness and crankiness.

 

“WHY are you breathing so loud?”

 

No respectful words can describe the look I give to my partner.

 

Then comes the full on runny nose and congestion.  This is truly my version of hell.  Not only is it embarrassing to walk around with Kleenex up my sleeve but I’m basically Patient O.

 

“Mom, please don’t sit there…I’ll bring you some hot tea when you GO BACK TO YOUR OWN ROOM!”

 

Are you feeling the love in my house?...

 

I’ve found that using over-the-counter cold medicine’s side effects are usually worse than the cold itself.  Any alcohol-based or antihistamines drugs usually cause my digestive systems to revolt and I hate waking up several days later not knowing where or who I am.

 

And, let’s face it…most of us don’t have time to be down…even for a day!    After all, it’s not like I have the “Man-Flu!  (For those of you who live with males, you know exactly what I’m referring to…)

 

So, this last time, armed with new knowledge of natural remedies, I attacked this nasty bug with everything I learned.  I instantly started to feel better and was able to learn how to put my first Newsletter together.  (Stay tuned…)

 

I got back on track within two days!  Here are my three natural weapons to attack a cold:

 

#Weapon 1 - Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

 

So much has been written about this miracle natural remedy.  It’s anti-glycemic and can help with blood sugar and diabetes control.  It’s also known to be full of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria, which will support your immune function. 

 

But the most important feature, especially, when you’re all stuffed up, is that ACV contains potassium (this thins the mucus) and acetic acid. (This prevents germ growth which is most likely contributing to your nasal congestion.)  Boil some water and put a teaspoon of ACV in and drink it like a tea. 

 

ACV also helps with that sore throat.  Most germs can’t survive in the acidic environment it creates.  Mix ¼ cup of ACV with ¼ cup of warm water, gargle every hour and you’ll notice results right away.  

 

For the dreaded cough, you can make your own natural cough syrup by mixing ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and honey with ACV.  This will also clear congestion as well as reduce your cough naturally.

 

Make sure that you use the unfiltered kind…here’s what I use - http://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html.  I order mine from Amazon and you can easily find unfiltered ACV in most grocery stores.

 

#Weapon 2 – Essential Oils

 

Last year, I was introduced to Doterra (www.doterra.com).   I’ve always heard about essential oils but never really used them except in my bath.  Now, I take them internally or put a couple of drops in a diffuser.  I never realized that this natural remedy could be so effective, especially when I’m not feeling good. 

 

Here’s what I used:  

 

Breathe - Breathe is a Doterra blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca (aka Tree Tea), Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara.  I put a drop or two on my hands, rub then together and cup my hands to cover my nasal passages…then, I take a deep breathe in.   I also rub a little bit on my nostrils as well as on the side of my nose, just for good measure.  If you’re really congested, you can also rub it on your neck and chest.  This works fast and clears you up almost instantly!  You can also use Breathe in the bath or diffuser.  If your skin is sensitive, be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil/lotion. 

 

On Guard – is also a Doterra blend of essential oils consisting of Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark/Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower.   These oils are known for their positive effects on the immune system.  I take this internally with a glass of water and I feel my body getting stronger by the minute.

 

Oregano - is one of the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional health practices for its cleansing and immune-boosting properties.  Caution should be taken when inhaling or diffusing Oregano; only one to two drops is needed.  I put a drop in a glass of water along with my OnGuard.

 

Of course, you don’t have to use this brand exclusively.  You can very easily go to the health store that sells these essential oils and actually mix up a custom blend of your own.  Just make sure to ask the expert on staff…sometimes, oils may not blend as well together or if you have certain allergies, they may be able to suggest some alternatives for you. 

 

One important thing to remember is to make sure that the oils you use are pure 100% essential oils, especially if you’re taking them internally.  I used to buy my oils thru Amazon.   I did some Internet research and I learned that many manufacturers put in unnatural fillers!    Yuck!  Doterra (https://doterra.com/US/en) and Young Living (https://www.youngliving.com) are the most reputable pure Essential Oil sources

 

 

 

#Weapon 3 – Bone Broth

 

Ok…hopefully, you’re now less congested and your throat is less sore.  Now, let’s work on getting rid of this nasty bug and make it stay away. 

 

When I’m sick, I usually will sip as much Bone Broth as I can and again, I usually start feeling better by the afternoon.  I’ve added this to my daily routine just to build up my immune system.

 

Bone broths have been known to promote healing in several ways, mainly by fighting off infections from viruses that cause the flu and colds.   There’s scientific support that chicken soup can help you with the common cold.  Chicken contains a natural amino acid called cysteine, which can thin the mucus in your lungs and make it less sticky so you can expel it more easily.  Bone broth is also a highly nutrient-dense food.  It is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

 

Bone broths are extremely inexpensive and easy to prepare.  They can be made from the bones of healthy animals such as beef, bison, lamb, poultry or fish.   Many ethnic food stores will sell the bones alone for very cheaply.  There are some really great recipes to make your own…just plug in “Bone Broth Recipes” in your search engine and several recipes will come up. 

 

Now I wish I could tell you that I am a domestic goddess and I make a batch every week.  But, I don’t.  Sometimes, I juggle so much, I forget what I’m juggling…but that’s another blog post.   For those of you in my shoes, you can also buy really good Bone Broth.  Any health food store will have them or you can also order online.  I use the brand, Osso Good (https://www.ossogoodbones.com).

 

For me, bone broth is an acquired taste.  If you’re just starting, try diluting ½ cup with hot water.  Pretty soon, you’ll get used to the taste and then you’ll start to crave it.

 

My partner recently got my cold.  I quickly gave him these three natural remedies. 

 

“Hey, I feel much better now.  I must have had just a normal cold instead of my “Man Flu…”

 

Between you and me, I think this would work for the Man Flu too.  I hope you feel better soon…let me know how this works for you!

 

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