Health Coaching 101

Greetings readers!

I've gotten some questions on about what this 'health coaching' thing is and why I'm going it.

Well, first of all, it's not necessarily 100% only focused on nutrition. I am not and will not be a dictator when it comes to different diets or exercise. The entire focus of this is people. You as a whole person. It's focusing on you as a living, breathing, person. There is so much more to you than your food and the food is secondary. The main concern is nurturing you as a person in all aspects of your life because if your life isn't giving you joy or making you happy the food on your plate suffers.

My goal is not to force any nutrition or diet ideas, it's focusing on the roots of you and how everything makes you into you.

It's more of a holistic, wellness approach to your being rather than the focus on various diets. I'm really excited to dive in and am excited to start sharing my learning.

If you're interested in following my journey go to my facebook and like the post or comment here because if there is interest, I'll keep writing!

Thanks in advance!

Yoga

It's been a minute since my last photo/update so I'm going to take this opportunity on Christmas to give you a peek into my world since my last posts.

Over the past four months, lots happened. I moved, the new job became hectic, personal life shifted immensely, and for all those reasons, my eating and workouts suffered. I was going to pilates maybe twice a week but mostly didn't want to get out of bed to go. I was still doing yoga but not as much as I was when I first moved here. At the beginning of December, my friends agreed to go to yoga with me, which meant accountability. I also figured out I could go to more classes than just the one studio I had been attending for the one class so that meant I had more options! For a few weeks, I've been going consistently! I have to say I have figured out more about myself and my body through yoga than ever before.

I have strong feelings about being a white woman who practices yoga and what that appears as and could be read as but for me, it's deeper than being cool or hip. It's about the connection to my body, the connection to a greater being, the connection to my breath which I often forget. I find myself holding breath throughout the day but through my practice, I have figured out how to breathe.

When I first moved here, my eating and body suffered greatly. As any person would, I was trying to find my footing. Now that I have a "routine", my community, and have a commitment to eat like I normally would, I am finding myself more centered and balanced.

I decided to take a picture today while doing laundry to show how far I've come in my practice. My body responds in a different way than it has to pilates or barre. It has become longer and leaner and slowly I'm seeing different muscles. One of my teachers pointed out my strong neck. Cool...LOL. But in all seriousness, my body (and soul, really) have taken to this new practice and I feel more me than I have ever.

This move has changed my life in so many (unexpected) ways and for that I'm grateful.

In a month, I'll have hit my four year Paleo anniversary and what a wild four years it has been! I'm so thankful for the ups, the downs, the tears, the laughter, the strife, the changes, but most of all, I'm so happy to be where I am. I am so grateful.

Today's practice was about the root chakra and how to lead from a place of gratitude. Therefore, today I am thinking about the people I am thankful for, the body that I am grateful hasn't crapped out on me, and the ability to move at my own pace.

Happy Holidays all.

Warning! Period post!

Good morning readers!

This post is about periods, again, because let's be honest, my period is something that should be discussed because not everyone has "normal" periods and mine are far from it....until now!

I got a lovely surprise Thursday morning without knowing it. My period tracker in my phone said I wouldn't get my period until November so I didn't think that it was going to happen...until it did.

I had no warning signs, which are typically food related or cramps. So before my period I often want cheese, chocolate, and baked goods. This time around not so much. I did devour a gluten free brownie but that's normal, I love them. So when I woke up with it, I was shocked! I had no cramps and no bloating. I felt a little chubby but felt like I was just having one of those days. Well turns out, my body didn't cramp this period, AT ALL. I'm on day four and I haven't had an episode with my endo. I cannot believe I am even writing these words. In 21 years of having my period, I have suffered from cramps due to my illness. I have never had a completely cramp free month, until now. I don't know why or how or what on Earth made it this way but it is this way. I brought my meds just in case and even toyed with having my doctor call in a Rx to CT but I didn't need it.

I'm sitting here thinking "it has to happen" because I expect to it happen. But it hasn't. I am so grateful to have a hassle free period this month.

I'm so grateful for this particular period and crossing my fingers that this can be the new normal.

Thanks for reading!

Two months of Beautycounter

Greetings readers!

It's been awhile since I've been able to write but I wanted to give you a two month progress report on my skin.

In July I started using Beautycounter products (see previous posts).  I'm entering my twelfth week using the products and I couldn't be happier. Let me tell you a little about my skin journey.

As many of my readers know, I've struggled with many illnesses throughout my life and struggled with acne (not as bad as some relatives but pretty bad).  I was pretty self-conscious of it and didn't really know what to do. I had this patch on my face (photo below is the closest I could get to showing you) on the right side of my face that never went away. This was my problem area for as long as I could remember. When I transitioned to Paleo/gluten free, for the most part, after about six months, my skin started clear but I still struggled with some blemishes and pimples every few weeks.

Well, in July I started to use Beautycounter and I got a compliment on my skin this week. I have NEVER been complimented on my skin. I fully attribute it to Beautycounter.

Beautycounter is now in Target for a limited run and it's a little expensive (cheaper in Target than online FYI) but it's worth it.

Here are the products I own: http://www.beautycounter.com/skin-care.html

-Nourishing Rosewater Mist
-Body butter
-Lip conditioner
-Nourishing Day Cream
-Charcoal bar
-Purifying Charcoal Mask
-Eyeshadow
-Mascara (I'm allergic to most kinds and I'm not allergic to it.)



 

Self-care

Self care is very important. I have been going at full speed since January between work, love, and school and this summer was no exception. As many of my readers know, I changed jobs and moved from LA to Monterey Bay. Honestly, this move was partially motivated by self care. The ocean is my happy place. There is healing in the air and in the waves. I become rejuvenated by the sea. This move has been so healing. While I miss my friends, chosen family, and students in SoCal, I am feeling more and more myself every day.

This morning I woke up pretty early and decided to drive to the beach. I've been working pretty hard since I started my new job and haven't really had a moment for myself during the week. I jumped in my car and headed to Lover's point. I walked and reflected. I took my self-care one step further and went to the best breakfast place for gluten free pancakes. I'm taking my time this morning before I have to be at work. I'm taking time for me and getting energized. Take time for you today. It's so important to make sure you put your body and mind first for a few minutes every day.

Beautycounter order has arrived!

I came home from work today to find my order!

I promptly laid it all out and checked it out. My first desire to was to try the peppermint lip conditioning balm. It's amazing. My lips feel so good. I am very pleased with it. It looks grown up and smells amazing. There's no weird taste and I really like how shiny my lips are with it on.

I washed my face with the charcoal bar and applied some cream afterward. The bar is so cool. It doesn't look black or grey on but really cleanses the face. My face felt soft and light afterwards. I applied some of the day cream post cleansing and that smells great and also feels very light.

I'm heading out in a bit and thought I'd throw on some mascara for kicks. It's the lengthening one and my lashes look so long. The mascara doesn't clump and so far my eyes aren't burning. I'm amazed at how long my lashes look. I'll take a before and after pic tomorrow. I'm also going to put on the eye-shadow tomorrow.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with my order!!!!

BEAUTYCOUNTER safer skincare

All over instagram lately, I've seen some Paleo folks raving about Beautycounter so I decided to check it out. I went on the site and they are having a deal so I went ahead and ordered some safe makeup and skin care. Yes, I use FatFace and it was great for my skin but it's expired so I thought I'd try something new :)

I ordered a few things: a charcoal bar, nourishing cream, and lip moisturizer. In addition to face care, I got some makeup. Many of you know, I do not wear mascara because it has gluten and it effects my eyes. But this mascara is the best out there for my allergies! I'm pretty stoked!!! I also ordered some eye shadow. There are days when I would like to wear a little makeup but don't trust just any brand. Once I saw some folks with SEVERE allergies using beautycounter, I looked into! I'm excited to be able to have the option to wear some makeup. 

Check them out! 

I'll review products when they arrive!