10 Natural Ways to Ease PMS

Yesterday I was possessed. Not by some mythical creature, alien life form, or demon from the depths of Hell...well maybe it was a demon. (Men keep reading...this information could save your life too)

I should start by saying I've become a pretty patient person, but please don't ask my husband to confirm that. Actually, for a woman living in a household with 4 boys (yes the hubby is included in this count) I should get Sainthood for all the shenanigans I have to put up with.

I deal with never-ending piles of clothes on the bathroom, bedroom, and family room floors. I barely make a peep about the sticks, balls and Legos that I pick up each day, only to have them "mysteriously" reappear in another room minutes later. I've even gotten used to repeating what I just said 4 times without going to my "Black Momma" voice. ("White Mommas" have this voice too, it just requires a little less neck movement)

N-E-WAYS....the point is, I almost never lose my cool, until about 12 hours before my monthly fertility reminder comes to town, and stirs up a whole bunch of shit.

Last night it was like some ranting and raving lunatic had taken over my body and I could barely keep it together. Little things that I would have shrugged off sent me flying into the stratosphere, crashing back down to crazy Bitchville (which is not nearly as zen as Granolaville).

I could see myself being an utter nutcase, but somehow couldn't stop it. PLEASE tell me I'm not the only one who has had these moments? If you haven't experienced the cramps, headaches, bloating, sugary cravings, depression, or high-flying mood swings than consider yourself lucky.

It is estimated that 50% of ALL women experience PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. That's a whole lot of unstable, doughnut eating ladies!

While not everyone shares the same PMS symptoms, it can be difficult for most women to find relief.

NEVER FEAR! I was a Googling freak this morning trying to find easy and natural ways you can deal with this stressful time and hopefully NOT have it end in your kids toys being thrown out, or your husband sleeping on the couch, indefinitely.

10 Secrets to Easing PMS

1.   Steer clear of sugar. Giving in to your sweet tooth could result in hypoglycemia, which is an abnormal drop of sugar in your blood once the tasty treat has left your system, leaving you feeling more irritable and lethargic than before.

2. Avoid alcohol. I know knocking back a glass of wine, or a Baily's Irish Cream with milk (not that I would know) might seem like a good idea to relieve stressful feelings, but since alcohol is a depressant you might end up feeling worse than you did. Also, "it disrupts the liver's ability to metabolize hormones, which can lead to higher-than-normal estrogen levels."

3. Stay away from salt. Eating foods high in sodium can increase water retention, causing bloating and breast tenderness.

4. Move your body. Aerobic exercise causes a release in happy hormones called endorphins that can help elevate your mood.

5. Get some rest. Interrupting your normal sleep pattern can make your fuse shorter than normal. Make sure to get a proper night of rest, some of these tips may help.

6. Calcium. Women with low levels of calcium have been shown to have a decrease in symptoms when taking this supplement.

7. Chaste Tree Berry. This South East Asian herb is very popular in Europe for reducing breast tenderness

8. Magnesium. This mineral naturally occurring in foods like black beans, peanuts, broccoli, and spinach has been shown to improve mood swings.

9. Evening Primrose Oil. This little flower has many uses, including aiding in ripening the cervix to induce labor, but for PMS it seems to only be backed up by anecdotal evidence of its efficacy. Never the less, many women throughout the world swear by its benefits.

10. St. John's Wort. For centuries, the flowering plant St. John's wort was used as a health remedy in Europe. Today, St. John's wort is best-known as a treatment for depression.

Do you have any secret remedies for easing PMS?

Regaining My Sanity in Granolaville, 

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P.P.S. For personalized support throughout your pregnancy check out Soulfueled Mama!

Wellness Wednesday: 5 Natural Remedies for Teething Toddlers

First off I want to thank EVERYONE for the out-pour of birthday wishes and crunchy love I received yesterday, I'm one lucky lady! If you haven't gotten a chance to yet, you have 3 days left to enter in my Favorite Natural Product Birthday Giveaway!!(Now over)

Check out the entry form above for YOUR chance to win some awesome prizes!

I had a great day yesterday stuffing myself silly with fattening, delicious food (everyone can use a day off from juicing and organic eating). I got to spend time with family and friends, which is the best part of any day.

Too bad my night didn't get to end on such a high note.

Right around the time I was sinking my teeth into my fully-loaded  bacon cheddar burger with mushrooms, and garlic aioli (it was sinfully good) my 23 month old began crying while shoving his finger into the back of his mouth.

I touched is head, which all of a sudden felt like it was on fire. I thought we had avoided this whole period of growth, but I couldn't deny Nolan was cutting some serious molars.

A few months ago I had purchased an amber necklace and shared the reasons why it is used as a natural aide for teething babies. Since then, we've never had any issues with teething. Nolan would have the tell-tale drooling and minimal crankiness, but it was never unbearable.

Last night that ALL changed. He was crying out in pain, running a temp, and so just laying in a mushy puddle against my chest. He had about 3 ice pops, chewed on a frozen teething ring, a cold wash cloth, and nursed.

Nothing was soothing him.

After a few hours of this I decided to do something I try to avoid...I cracked open the children's ibuprofen. Usually if my kids have a fever I let it run its course. Fevers are an indicator that your body's immune system is trying to fight off some kind of infection by heating up to a temperature bacteria and viruses can't stand.

When you reduce that fever prematurely you can prolong the healing process and actually stay sick for longer.

In most instances I would try a cool compress or bath. But I knew his discomfort was caused more by the pain in his mouth, than the spike in temperature. So to give him some relief I slipped some pain reliever in his apple cider.

It seemed to help for a while, until he was waking up every hour screaming in agony. I wasn't sure at first if he was having a bad dream because he would yell bloody murder from a deep sleep.

So I held him, rocked him, nursed him some more, and prayed we'd be able to get some sleep.

This morning he was like a different child, but I fear when his other molars start to come in we'll have a repeat performance. TO THE GOOGLE!

Here's a list of the top 5 Natural Remedies for Toddler Teething:


1. Chamomile

This herb, commonly found in tea, is a common remedy used for very irritable children with tooth pain. Some ways you an use it for your child are to crush up a chamomile tablet, found at a natural food store, and mix with water. You can also brew a chamomile tea, let it cool, and give it to your baby. Lastly, you can dip a washcloth in the tea, freeze it, and let your child suck on the cloth.

2. Belladona

 
Babies who need Belladona often have fever, may not be thirsty, and my startle easily while asleep. A popular, 100% natural, remedy is Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets. They claim, "Belladonna is included in the Tablets to ease the redness, inflammation and discomfort of the child's gum that often occurs during the teething process." This herb has come under some scrutiny because in large doses the leaves of the plant can be poisonous, but in smaller amounts has value. (As always please consult your doctor and do your own research when it comes to you health)

 3. Chiropractic Adjustments

 They aren't just for an aching back! Fellow crunchy mama Mommypotomus says, " [Chiropratic] helps by reducing cortisol levels and increasing white blood cell counts, which reduces stress and promotes healing for inflamed gums."

4. Amber Necklaces

Mom's in my Granolaville SWEAR by them! Raw, unpolished amber contains large amounts of succinic acid, a natural painkiller that is released against warm skin. Up until last night this worked like a charm and, as you can see Nolan loves wearing his!

5. Gum-omile Oil

 This oil derived from willow bark and clove oil which are natural analgesics, and chamomile can help calm cranky babies. 

At the end of the day you have to do what works for you and your baby. Always consult your doctor and if all else fails, rum works wonders (to help YOU sleep, not the baby!)

What's your natural go-to for teething pain? Share it below, and don't forget to enter my Favorite Natural Product Birthday Giveaway!! 

Hugging my cranky baby in Granolaville, 

   



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Wellness Wednesday: Charting Your Cycle, How to Get Pregnant (or not) Naturally

Aunt Flo. Dot. My monthly friend or the beast from the East. Most women, from the time they hit puberty, are ruled by the cyclical nature of their bodies.

Some of us, for a time, are obsessed with avoiding pregnancy. Then all of a sudden we hit a certain age and ALL we can think about is making babies. But what do any of us really know about working with our bodies to plan a family?

I realized, only recently, that even though I've had 3 children, I was still in the dark about the inner workings of my lady parts. I don't think I'm in the minority here.

I know many women who wouldn't know how to pick out their vagina in a line-up, much less be able to recognize when she is ovulating. But, as we all know, knowledge is power. Whether you are trying to get pregnant or your baby making factory has closed it's doors, understanding how your body works so that you can work with it is essential.

After having my third son I decided that I was no longer going to pump myself full of crazy making hormones. I'd been on birth control from age 17 to 29, with a brief time off for kid number 2 when I was 25. That's a whole lot of artificial chemicals being pumped into one body.

Since embracing a more natural way of living I told myself I was done with the birth control and had to find another way to get in tune with my body (and avoid having a 4th boy!) It was only after attending a La Leche League meeting that I realized there was another way.

So, if you are not yet ready to read about things like fertile mucus and cervical positioning you might want to bookmark this page and save it for later.

At this meeting was when I first learned that exclusive breast feeding can be up to 99% percent effective in preventing pregnancy as long as:

1. Your baby is less than six months old
2. Your menstrual periods have not yet returned
3. Baby is breastfeeding on cue (both day & night), and gets nothing but breast milk or only token amounts of other foods. (from Kellymom.com)

Why didn't ANYONE, not my midwife, OB, or even mother tell me this! If I wasn't already convinced of the benefits of breast feeding for me and my baby, this certainly sealed the deal.

At that meeting I also learned that the discharge coming from your vagina is a natural indicator of when you are fertile. My mind was seriously blown!

Natural family planning has become a lost art. We are so used to a pill, injection, or implant to regulate our periods, help us get pregnant, or not, that we've become detached from the wisdom our body can teach us.

It was so great when I found out this was the featured topic at the most recent Holistic Moms Network meeting I attend, entitled: Everything you should have learned in Sex Ed.

Our guest speaker, acupuncturist and fellow crunchy momma, Johanna Herget, got down to the nitty-gritty details pertaining to how we can really get to know our bodies. She explained the most useful tool in getting to know your cycle is by charting 3 things: your temperature, cervical fluid, and the position of your cervix.

Temperature

During your window of fertility, there will be a significant spike in your waking body temperature, about .4 degrees. When keeping a record of your temps make sure to get a reading the moment you wake up. Any change in position or movement will raise your reading, so make sure you thermometer is right next to your bed and you are taking it the same time every day. 

Cervical Fluid

The moisture that is going on downtown is one of the clearest indicators of when you are fertile. About 7 days from the end of your period discharge from your vagina begins. It can vary in texture, consistency, and color, but knowing what fertile mucus looks like can tell you when you may be ovulating.

After your period ends you will have some dry days, which means unless sexually aroused you will not have any discharge. The quality of cervical mucus is on a continuum from dryer (less fertile) to wetter (more fertile) as ovulation approaches. A woman's Peak Day of fertility is the last day of a slippery fluid.

Position of the Cervix

This can be the most challenging technique to use, but with a little practice can get easier. Basically as you get closer to ovulation your cervix will got from a low, closed position, to a higher more open position. The Baby Corner has an in-depth how-to description for getting to know your cervix.

Below is an example on how you would chart each item.

Chart Example

Once you've got these 3 techniques down here are the Four Family Rules for Natural Birth Control:

1. First 5 Days Rule

It's safe to have sex the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle if you have had an obvious shift in temperature 12-16 days before.

2. Dry Day Rule

Before ovulation, you are safe the evening of a dry day. (Sperm cannot survive in a dry vaginal environment)

3. Temperature Shift Rule

You are safe the evening of the 3rd consecutive day your temperature is above your coverline. A coverline is the point on your chart where there has been a noticeable shift (.2 degrees) in your temperature. If following temps are above the coverline for at least three days, ovulation is assumed to have taken place and you are no longer fertile.

4. Peak Day Rule

You are safe the evening of the 4th consecutive day after your Peak Day, or the day you are most fertile.

I know this is a lot to take in, but getting to know your body is one of the most important steps in being able to naturally plan your family. Luckily technology has provided easy tools like the Period Tracker app to help us out. If that's not for you, you can download a blank chart here.

Have you tried natural family planning? Has menstrual charting helped you get pregnant or not get pregnant? Share in the comments section below!

Naturally Knowing My Body in Granolaville,

Wellness Wednesday: Is Your Shampoo Making You Fat?

 

That shampoo is going straight to your ass.

At this point I think most of us know that we are what we eat. You can't put crap in your body and expect for your cells and organs to somehow miraculously take that crap and make you into a healthy, lean, and fit person.

Mother nature just doesn't work that way.

So let's just say you've followed what your favorite health guru has told you. Get moderate daily exercise, eat lean meats, minimal dairy, consume healthy fats, very few processed or refined sugars (if any), get your protein, and of course EAT YOUR VEGETABLES! 

You've switched to mostly organic produce, grass-fed meats, free-range eggs, gluten-free grains and read every book with the word paleo  in it.....jeez, I'm exhausted just typing all this!

So now you wait....and wait....but the pounds and that extra roll of flab on your (insert squishy body part) has yet to tighten, your clothes aren't any looser, and let's be honest....you still kinda feel like shit. What is going on?!

I'm going to tell you a little secret that I discovered over the last year that I attribute to losing the extra 20 lbs I didn't even realize was excessive.

Where did all this fat come from?!

I've always been pretty fit. As a kid I was either in dance class or playing a sport. But becoming a mom at 17 changed all that. My focus became my son, school, and work. Physical exercise and nutritional eating weren't even on my radar. Instead, I ate WAY too much fast food and the only exercise I got was hustling up and down the aisles of the restaurant I worked at.

While the constant walking from my job helped keep extra weight at bay, once I become a full-time mom, the scale mysteriously added on 20-30 pounds over my pre-baby weight.

Then I had two more kids. The funny thing was before I had my third son I never thought of myself as "fat" or even overweight. I just thought I was a curvy Black woman. To be honest I thought I looked good, but the reality was I had no idea what my real  body was supposed to look like.

After Nolan was born I began to embrace a more natural lifestyle. I decided that I was going to try and eliminate all the chemicals from my life. That not only meant improving what I ate to avoid pesticides and genetically engineered food, but I also had to look at what I was putting on my body.

I removed all the shampoos, conditioners, hair relaxers and cosmetics from my home that included cancer linked sulfates and other toxic chemicals.What I didn't know was that changing my shampoo could have a profound effect on my weight.

The Dangers of Parabens

Since changing the products we use in combination with eating well, and extended breast feeding I've lost 30 pounds that I didn't even realize were "extra".

Now you are probably wondering how could my hair care products help me gain weight? One word: Parabens.

Since the 1920's parabens have been used in cosmetics to prevent to growth of mold, extending the products shelf-life and of course making companies more money. The most common are methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, and butylparaben.

Each time we use sunscreens, moisturizers, make-up, body washes, toothpaste, shampoos and conditioners (not to mention artificial birth controls) parabens are being absorbed into the largest organ on our body, our skin.

The problem with parabens is that "laboratory studies indicate that [they] are estrogenic, meaning they can mimic the hormone estrogen, disrupting normal function of the hormone system."

But estrogen is something that occurs naturally in our body, how can it be bad, right? 

The hormone disruptor created by parabens, referred to as xenoestrogens (estrogen mimickers in the form of chemicals) have a totally different effect on the body then what we create. While it is true that naturally occurring estrogen, produced mostly in the ovaries of women, is responsible for the onset of puberty and fertility, xenoestragens have been linked as a cause of cancer, infertility, and you guessed it---weight gain.

One of estrogen's major functions is to promote weight gain by converting calories into fat. Research presented in the American Journal of Physiology indicates that xenoestrogens have the potential to create an enhanced environment for our bodies to store fat and increase or cravings for sugar.

Who knew that when your shampoo label said "may increase volume" it wasn't just talking about your hair!

Since xenoestrogens are not biodegradeable they accumulate in the body over time, are stored in fat cells, and grow larger the more weight you gain. Think about how many times you've just shampooed, conditioned, rinsed and repeated over your life time!

 What to do now?

While we can't avoid everything that contains parabens, we can limit our exposure by choosing skin and hair care products that are made from organic ingredients. Wouldn't you rather use a product that is fresh like your food, rather than one that has been pumped with chemicals to allow it to sit on shelves for years?

There are plenty of products on the market that WON'T make you get estrogen overload. The Environmental Working Group's site can give you the low-down on your favorites to see how safe they really are.

Try making this small change and see if it has any effect on the scale. 

I would LOVE to hear your feedback or experiences about reducing chemicals and weight loss. Please share in the comments section below!

Keeping Clean (without toxins) in Granolaville,

 

Wellness Wednesday: The 3 Secrets to Shaping a Healthy Life

For months we've been talking about all the things you can do to achieve optimal holistic wellness. From creative and inexpensive ways to get a fat burning workout, to eating healthy on a dime, and 7 mantras that can change your life, creating a healthy lifestyle is just a matter of time and dedication.

If you are just starting your journey towards holistic and natural wellness you might not have a clear picture of what it is.

Obviously wellness is going to mean different things for different people, depending on life circumstances. But the key is to find what works best for you.

Now for the question at hand: What is Wellness?

To me wellness means finding a healthy balance of mind, body and soul. Each of those aspects deserve the same amount of attention.

1. Be Mindful

Life can get crazy. Which means it's very easy to get swept up in DOING, instead of just BEING. Our minds are constantly analyzing, remembering, strategizing, computing, and taking is loads of information . It can get exhausting. Learning to clear your mind through meditation can help you get rid of the "noise" and focus what is really important to you.

Having a clear mind also allows you to let go of whatever might be causing you stress, which can impact your physical health if gone unchecked.

2. Love your Body

Fitness products and "health" foods are billion dollar industries, but we can get caught up in the latest trend and forget that sometimes simpler is better. Achieving wellness in your body is a matter of getting out what you put in. When you consciously eat real foods you are giving your body permission to operate in a way that will make you feel alive with energy.

Your body WANTS to be healthy-- it yearns for healthy fats, whole vitamins, proteins, and minerals. And when you give it what it needs it WON'T fail you.

In addition to nourishing your body with healthy food, it also needs a moderate amount of activity. Luckily "working out" doesn't have to mean pricey gym memberships. Use the world around you. If you can break a sweat for just 20 minutes a day doing things like gardening, cleaning your house from top to bottom, or playing out in the yard with your kids, you'll have gotten in your "exercise" without making it feel like a chore.

3. Listen to your Spirit

When I talk about spirit I'm not speaking of your religious affiliation or even the higher power you may or may not believe in. I'm talking about YOUR spirit.

We often like to place blame on external factors for what's going on in our lives. "My boss sucks, my husband doesn't understand, my kids are out of control, my mother did this to me what I was a child." Deflecting our attention to others can  relieve some tension for a time, but those uncomfortable feeling always seem to return.

Instead, we can all benefit from turning inward to see what's stopping us from achieving wellness. Holding on to anger, not acknowledging fear, or ignoring sadness can manifest physically if not examined. Letting go of pain, learning to love yourself unconditionally, and seeing the joy around you can start you on a path to finding wellness in the rest of your life.

We all deserve to have a fulfilling and healthy life. Figuring out what wellness looks like for you is the first step to making it happen.

Which of these 3 areas are most challenging for you?

Finding a Balance in Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: 9 Tips To Getting Better Sleep

My family and I are on this path to living a more natural and holistic life. We eat better, get moderate amounts of exercise, and try not to put anything in or on our bodies that will knock us off balance mentally, physically, or spiritually.

This morning my husband surprised me by coming home early from work. He said he wasn't feeling well and had gotten little sleep the night before. I asked why (secretly knowing I was partly to blame for deterring him with late night "coloring"). He said he just couldn't sleep.

Now I could have pointed to a slew of reasons for his "insomnia", but I decided not to kick him while he was down. Instead I let him take a nap with our 15-month-old, then went into the kitchen and carried out the conversation I would've have had with him... in my head. What, you've never done that?

In my imaginary attempt to set him straight, I told him that his terrible sleeping habits are what led him to not being able to sleep, which in turn made his body more susceptible to getting sick. Thinking that he could go to bed at 1am and get up, ready for the day at 5:45 was unrealistic. On top of that my hubby loves to have a late night bowl of cereal before hitting the sheets. Eating right before bed...definite no-no.

It's not like I have ever worked until well past midnight trying to get some writing done while I was free of the numerous requests of my children. I've never quietly tried to chew a late-night cookie in bed while my husband slept beside me. Or stayed up watching a 4 hour marathon of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills because I just HAD to know what happened next.

Shit.

I guess it's better I didn't bring it up.

It turns out I am partly right. Not getting enough sleep impacts your health just as much as poor eating habits, exposure to toxins, and being sedentary. According to a Harvard Medical School article having chronic insomnia

can contribute to health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and a decrease in the immune system’s power.

Instead of pointing out my flaws my husband's flaws I'll share some tips that will hopefully get you AND me on the road to a good nights sleep.

1. Good Bedding. Make sure the place you go to rest your head at night is comfortable and if at all possible, chic (who doesn't love sleeping in soft beautiful sheets?) Buying a bed can mean big bucks. But skimping on the quality to save money is NOT something you should be doing, especially when the average person spends 2,774 HOURS in bed.

2. Stick to a Schedule. Whether on weekends or weekdays try to go to sleep, and get up at the same time, everyday. I know that seems crazy, especially for those who covet lazy Sunday's and sleeping in. But, having a set schedule will help your reinforce your bodies sleep cycle and keeps your biological clock steady so you rest better.

3. Watch your Food Intake. Stay away from carbs and sugars like grains and um....cookies, since a spike in your blood sugar will prevent you from falling asleep. Instead munch on a handful of almonds which contain tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in sleep. (It's that thing that makes you pass out with your hand in your pants after Thanksgiving dinner)

4. No Stimulating Activity. OK, "coloring" is fine, but watching T.V., exercising, or staring at a computer screen can actually inhibit hormone productivity for a restful sleep. I'm guilty of playing "Words With Friends" before bed.

5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol. Drinking a cup of coffee right before bed seems like an obvious poor choice, but I used to think having a glass of wine would help relax me so that I could sleep better. But, while drinking alcohol might help you get to sleep, it will not help you stay asleep or help you get into the regenerative stage of sleep your body needs.

6. Block out the Light. One the best investments I ever made was in the chocolate brown, insulated curtains that hang in my bedroom. Sure they match the decor, but more importantly they make my room dark enough to develop film in (for those of you born before digital cameras). It's crazy to think that most people sleep with some sort of light on or don't have dark window coverings. Even light from an alarm clock, cell phone, or night light can interfere with sleep hormones like melatonin and serotonin, so make sure you slumber in complete darkness!

7. Keep it Cool. I can't tell you how many times I've woken up in the middle of the night because I'm sweating or my mouth is drier than the Sahara. In order to maintain a peaceful sleep keep your room at 65 degrees or less. For me that's a bit cold, but you can always bundle up with an extra blanket or thermal socks. Your body naturally drops in temperature while sleeping and when the room is at the same temperature it is more conducive to a restful night.

8. Bed Before 10pm. For those of you who want to burn the midnight oil, and "sleep when your dead", do yourself a favor and get to bed at a decent hour. Our body's circadian rhythm is closely tied to the cycle of each day. Going to bed too late or getting up too early will impact the effectiveness of your sleep.

9. Develop a Routine. Though it might seem mundane to create repetition, having a routine is something human beings naturally crave. Setting up a ritual like taking a hot shower, reading a book, or having your favorite tea each night before bed will help let your body know "It's time to sleep".

Also remember all sleep is NOT created equal. There are various stages your body has to go through to be most beneficial. From Wellnessmama.com: 

• N1-This is the stage when you feel half asleep and still have some awareness of your surroundings. This is also the stage where you involuntarily jerk or kick.

•  N2-Slightly deeper stage of sleep. You actually spend about half of your sleeping hours in this stage.

•  N3- Deep slow sleep where your core temperature has dropped and your melatonin production is going strong. N3 cycles you into the most “productive” of the sleep cycles 

• REM- Rapid Eye Movement sleep is when most dreaming occurs. In REM, muscles completely relax and the mind and body regenerate at an amazing rate. Only about a quarter of your daily sleep is in REM but it is vitally important.

For most people these tips can be helpful, but if you truly feel you have exhausted every option (no pun intended) try talking to your doctor about conducting a sleep study to find out if there are any other underlying issues.

What helps you fall asleep at night? Share in the comments section below!

Dozing off in Granolaville,

Resources:

http://www.prevention.com/health/20-ways-sleep-better-every-night/1-set-sleep-schedule-and-stick-it
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep/HQ01387
http://naturalbias.com/how-to-improve-your-sleep-and-fight-insomnia/

Wellness Wednesday: Do You Let Others Define Your Health?

I have a confession to make...although I've shared with you all how my change in diet, removal of chemicals from my life, and extended breastfeeding have gotten me down to the lowest weight of my adult life...I'm still fat.

To illustrate what I mean, let me tell you first what I DON'T mean.

I don't mean that I treat my body badly by overloading it with processed garbage. I don't mean I'm fat because I can't fit into a size 2 or don't have the frame of a 12 year old boy. I certainly don't think I'm fat because I believe the cultural bullshit story that tells us if you don't like your nose, stretchmarks, or cellulite you can and SHOULD have it fixed. Nor do I think I look like a beluga whale in my clothing ( I think I look pretty damn good, most of the time).

Over the last few months I've heard from friends, family members and even perfect strangers, "OMG you are SO skinny." The weird thing is when they say that I think they expect me to blush with confidence, smile and say, "Oh THANK you." As if being skinny is the best compliment you can pay someone.

Here's my issue....my body is lying to the world. On the outside I may fit into what society views as in shape, but the truth is I have the stamina of someone who IS overweight.

Like I said, I try my best to put good things into my body and removed 99% of the chemicals from foods, hair care and skin care products. I do run around after a 2 year old and clean up the never-ending messes of four male humanoids. But ask me to run for more than two minutes or hold myself up in plank position for more than 15 seconds and you'll see how weak I really am.

The point of me sharing this is not to come off as a fraud---creating physical, mental, and spiritual wellness is a top priority for me. But I also recognize that I have to live my life according to MY standards, not by those who don't know me, or even those who love me very much.

As the Daily Love founder Mastin Kipp says, "We are here to live a self-approved life." Only THAT can create true happiness and health.

The trouble is society doesn't support this idea. Instead they pit us against each other (hello tabloid magazines I'm talking to YOU!). They shoot down our confidence with phrases like "She has such a pretty face" or "She would be SO hot if she lost 50lbs".

We've been fed this garbage for so long about how the world views "beauty" that we not only believe it, but we pass it down to the next generation of women, and even men.

Check out this disturbing infographic.

Ladies we need to stop letting other people dictate how we feel about ourselves. If YOU feel like you want to incorporate more exercise into your life to create strong and healthy body, then do it. If YOU feel like you need to change they way you eat food to live your HIGHEST potential, then do it. If you want cosmetic surgery to change the outside, still understanding that what is within is the most beautiful part of yourself, then do it.

You know your body better than anyone else. You know what makes it feel alive and vibrant on the inside, no matter what it looks like on the outside. Don't base your wellness around how others define it. The only approval you need is your own.

Do you let outside pressures dictate how you feel about yourself? Share your thoughts below, I know we all can relate.

Living MY Best life in Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: Overcoming a Natural Living Challenge with...Porn?

Get your mind outta the gutter crunchy peeps! I meant HAIR PORN! LOL!!!

What's the biggest Natural Living Challenge YOU face? Share your crunchy love below!

Feeling Frisky in Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: Have You Been Duped by Organic Food?

A new study coming out of Stanford University is about to confuse a lot of people who might have been on the fence about the benefits of buying organic foods.

Reported by Food Safety News the research suggests that, "Despite the widespread perception that organically produced foods are more nutritious than conventional alternatives, we did not find robust evidence to support this perception."

Considering the sales of organic food as jumped from 3.7 billion in 1997 to 26.7 billion in 2010, it seems that many people disagree.

I think most people believe that buying organic food is "healthier" than conventionally grown food, and they would be correct in that assumption. However, this study makes you reevaluate what the word healthy means.

In eyes of the scientists involved,HY health is ONLY tied to the nutritional value of the foods we eat. They argued that organically grown food does not have any more nutritional value (ie: vitamins & minerals) than non-organic. While this maybe true, nutrients aren't the only factors to consider when buying your fruits, vegetables and meats. If you are really concerned about the foods you feed your family, you would want to buy products that will contribute positively to their overall health.

The USDA categorizes a product as "organic" when at least 95% of the product was made using an organic process which they define as:

A production system that is managed in accordance with the Act and regulations in this part to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

No where in that statement allows for the use of a treasure trove of chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, herbicides, fungicides, or genetically modified organisms that are found in non-organic foods. While the USDA would never publicly admit that putting any of these, much less a combination of them, can have detrimental effects on the health of everyone who grows or eats them...most of us in Granolaville know better.

The Stanford scientists even admitted they've never done a long-term study concerning the health benefits of "people who eat primarily organic food versus those who eat primarily conventional."

So how can they really make the claim that organic food is not better for your health?

For me, it's a no-brainer to see why I would rather up my grocery budget than buy foods that have been manipulated or poisoned. And while the Internet is all a buzz about the news of this study I urge you to remember at the end of the day only WE are responsible for our health.

Check out this great infographic highlighting all the reasons why the production, cultivation, and consumption of organic foods are better for the health of everyone involved (except maybe those who make money off of mass-producing "Frankenfood").

A leader in the "real food movement and author of The Omivore's Dilemma,  Michael Pollen, urges:

"I would just encourage people to educate themselves and not take headlines at face value. It's a complicated question, and we need to a do a lot more science," he said. "The absence of proof means that we either haven't studied it or we haven't found it yet, it doesn't mean we won't. In the meantime, there's a precautionary principle: even though the case isn't closed on low levels of pesticides in our diet, there are very good reasons to minimize them."

 Does this study change your mind about the benefits of organic food?

Not Buying the Hype in Granolaville, 

 

Wellness Wednesday: Your Favorite 'Natural' Food Company May Be Lying to You

If you are like me, finding the best "health" food in a sea of seemingly natural products can be tricky. As we saw from the Kashi debacle a few months ago, even trusted names in the health food industry have products tainted with genetically modified chemicals (GMOs).

If you aren't familiar with why GMO's are unsafe here's a quick quote from the Institute for Responsible Technology:

The American Academy of Environmental Medicine reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM foods.

Before the FDA decided to allow GMOs into food without labeling, FDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.

Yet, even with evidence showing the dangers of genetically modified foods, 70% of all corn and 93% of all soy in the US is GM. Don't eat much corn or soy? No worries the animals that you consume do. There's basically no escaping it.

What's more disturbing is that in the wake of Prop 37 in California, which forces all GMO foods to be properly labeled, we are discovering which companies are actually looking out for our health, and which are just looking at the bottom line.

Companies like Kashi,  Morningstar Farms, Naked Juice, Santa Cruz Organics, and Silk are actually owned by major contributors who are against the labeling of GMO food---spear-headed by the top culprit of GM crops, Monsanto.

Unfortunately now that the organic/natural food movement is booming, corporations like Pepsico, Kellogg and Dean Foods own a big chunk of market and are spending millions of dollars to prevent YOU from knowing what's in YOUR food.

Thankfully there ARE still some companies out there who are fighting the good fight and trying to create transparency with the products they sell. Natural health guru, Dr. Mercola, has personally donated nearly a million dollars.

Check out this great infographic published by the Cornicopia Institute for the companies who are "the real deal" and those who are closeted GMO pushers.

Next time you're in the grocery store use your buying power to only support companies who are truly committed to selling healthy, natural foods.

Buy Organic: The “USDA certified organic” label is a guarantee the food you buy was grown or made without any genetic modification to its ingredients.

Look for the Non-GMO Label: This relatively new label is gaining in popularity (it’s now on more than 900 products, including much of Whole Foods’s 365 Everyday Value brand) and comes with a certification that the product is GMO-free, but not necessarily organic.

Choose rBST- or rBGH-Free Milk:  Though cows are not (yet) genetically engineered, many are being injected with a genetically engineered recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) or recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) to boost milk production.

Are you surprised by the companies who don't support GMO labeling?

 Reading Labels in Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: 5 Apps to Improve Your Health

I'll be the first to admit...I could not live without my smart phone. I barely remember a time when I wasn't able to check my email, update my Facebook status, plan my shopping list or "help" my son play a level on Where's My Water. It has become a permanent fixture in my life that in some ways has added productivity, while in other ways has kept me up until the wee hours of the morning "pinning".

Please tell me I'm not the only one?

Any new technological device has its pros and cons---your cell phone is no different. BUT we can choose how to wield this powerful tool; as a vessel for good or weapon of evil (screw you Words with Friends!)

My husband thinks what I just wrote is a load of bullshit. He will be the last person on the planet to get sucked into purchasing a smart phone. He thinks they are overrated, too expensive, and even harmful. Something about the microwaves in your phone seeping into your head...blah...blah...blah--- he loses me "brain cancer".

Now, while I'm not THAT flippant about the potential dangers cell phone can invite into our lives, like texting while driving, teenagers using it at as the new "bathroom wall", or the real disconnect it has created (heaven forbid you actually use your phone to speak to someone). I also recognize the value a smart phone can bring.

With the plethora of apps now available for Android and iPhone you can basically have a wellness army right at your finger tips. From making better food choices, calculating how many calories you burn, to helping you be more mindful, cell phones have really come a long way.

Who remembers this bad boy?

10 Phone Apps 2 Improve Your Health

1. Run Keeper 

What it does: Using your phone's GPS it keeps track of your pace, distance and calories. It allows you to listen to music while running, can give you preloaded cues to pick up speed, and allows you to customize your routine.

Cost: Free

Available HERE for Android & iPhone

2. Fooducate

What it does: Scans the bar code of any food item and breaks down the nutritional value in non-scientificy terms. Each item is given a letter grade from A to D and lets you compare foods side by side with healthier options.

Cost: Free

Available HERE for Android & iPhone

3. Lose it!

What it does: This handheld personal trainer allows you to calculate your caloric intake, set reminders for when to eat and exercise, track food with a bar code scanner, and share all your weight-loss success on Facebook and Twitter.

Cost: Free

Available HERE for Android & iPhone

4. Relax Melodies

What it Does: Say "Good-bye" to insomnia. Choose from 46 high-quality ambient sounds to soothe you to sleep, help with mediation, or just relax. You can even make a personal master mix of perfect sounds.

Cost: Free

Available for Android & iPhone

5. iBirth

What it Does: This is one of my personal favorites, which I use all the time in my work as a birth Doula. It has a contraction timer, videos for positions to use to ease labor pain, a list of things to ask your doctor or midwife, and prenatal nutrition tips.

Cost: $3.99 (worth every penny)

Available for Android & iPhone

What are your favorite wellness apps?

Technologically Healthy in Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: Finding the JOY in Wellness

When I was a little girl there was nothing I looked forward to more than my weekly classes at Ms.Wendy Cutting's Dance studio. I was about 4 when my love for being on stage and shaking my hips converged as I performed in front of my community.

It was one of the best feelings in the world. As I made my way into middle school, my level of technique got kicked up a notch when I joined the preprofessional program at the world renowned Dance Theater of Harlem, in NYC.

They look like super heroes.

I was among the sickest, most gorgeously toned men and women, who had worked for years to hone their craft. I always looked at them in awe. Not only did they have the physiques of Greek Gods and Goddess', but their blistered toes and bruised...everything...never seemed to matter. Through their movement you could see the joy that shined from within.

I felt the same way about dance. I didn't mind doing the same steps over, and over, because I knew when it was performance time the synergy that my class created would bring people to their feet.

In college my best friend and I were pretty much known as "those girls" at our local hangout, the Metro. Not cuz we were slutty (only a little) but because the party didn't start until we got there. Every Wednesday night, as soon as our feet touched the floor our hips were shaking. It was like a school dance, once one person started having fun it gave everyone else permission to do the same.

We would request our favorite songs (Jill, remember how I'm a Slave for You would make us loose our shit?), grab our drink and dance until they closed up shop. It was one of the most fun and freeing times in my life and ALWAYS the highlight of my week.

Now, as an adult, dance for me has become a way to release energy and de-stress. I'm the first one to get excited about going to a wedding because I know I'll get to get on that dance floor. I no longer have the lean toned body of a ballerina, but there's something about rhythmic moving to music that helps me to let go of my worries, smile, and burn a crapload of calories.

Here are some of the AH-Mazing health benefits of dance:

• It can boost your memory
• Improve flexibility
• Reduce Stress
• Diminish Depression
• Help Your Heart
• Lose Weight
• Better Balance
• Increase Energy
• Make Friends

So maybe a traditional gym isn't the best way for me to get the body I desire. Maybe pointing my toes, doing grand plies, or shaking my goove thang is more my speed.

Taking care of your body and mind shouldn't be a painful experience. If you love nature then take hike up the steepest mountain you can climb. If you loves animals, run with your dog. If sports are your fancy then find a local pick-up league. If you love sitting on your couch eating Rice Krispy Treats while watching the Bachelorette, well....you've got some stuff to figure out. ;-)

Why not create wellness in your life WHILE doing something you love? 

What's ONE thing that makes you happy AND keeps you healthy? Share it below!

Getting my Groove on in Granolaville,

Wellness Wednesday: Know Your Limits

Part of achieving wellness is knowing what ARE capable of and what is an UNREALISTIC expectation. Push yourself to do your best, but don't set goals so high you feel defeated when you come up short.

Part of being who we are, as people, means accepting we can't DO or HAVE it ALL, all of the time. We can achieve greatness, we can overcome obstacles, and we can live a life of health that is a shining example to others.

But sometimes we will fall flat on our face. Sometimes we will put so much on our plate we make it difficult to get anything done well.

A 10 day fast was out of the question for me, but the 3 Day Reboot was just enough for my system to do just that, reboot.

Working out 5 days a week is not something I desire to do considering my family, writing obligations, and general disdain for gyms. BUT going for a walk with my hubby, running around the yard with my kids, or going for a swim gives me the benefits of exercise while having fun and not becoming dependent on a class.

Eating fresh, real, and healthy food is doable MOST of the time. But sometimes you need to enjoy life, go to a Mumford and Son concert with your husband, eat a pulled pork BBQ sandwich, and not beat yourself up the next day when you admit to the world (or just my lovely crunchy friends) you have reached your limit. Just get back up and try again.

Thanks for not judging folks. I'm gonna go hit up my juicer.

Do you set limits for yourself? What are they? Share in the comments below!

Just a Human Being in Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: 10 Ways Getting Up Early is Good For You. I'm a Convert!

 
They say the early bird gets the worm. Well I guess in my case it's blueberries.

I've never been one to be up with the sun. Being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed never seemed like a logical option to me. I mean why wake up early, when I can sleep in and pull an all-nighter? Yes, even though I'm 30 years old and have 3 children I STILL want to live like a college student.

So what if studies have "correlated early-rising...with character traits like optimism, stability and conscientiousness."

I've read tales of moms who are able to rise, just as the sun is peaking over the clouds. I thought it was overrated. That was until I got a scheduled service appointment from my cable provider.

They gave us that wretched  hour window that keeps you shackled to your home for an unspecified amount of time. All the while you're avoiding doing anything or going anywhere so that you don't miss you scheduled "window".

Lucky me, our scheduled time was between 8am and 12 pm. Which meant either I was going to be waiting around until the early afternoon, or be summoned to my front door at the ass-crack of dawn. (side note: I realize that 8am is NOT early for most people, but I have night owls, instead of children. SO waking up before 10 is not usually on my agenda.)

Mr. DirectTV guy rang my bell at 7:45. Punctual M***er-fer.

So now I'm up. Doing stuff around my house I usually put off until the kids are in bed, which in the summertime is late, since apparently I'm raising future rock stars. I showered, did a load of laundry, cleaned up a n bevy of toys and clothing thrown all over the house, had a cup of coffee, and wrote this lovely post...ALL before 9am!!

What kind of a crazy world is this! I feel alert and ready to go for the day, and its barely even started. I think I've unlocked some secret formula to productivity. Go to bed early. Get up early. Shit...who knew it was THAT easy.

My kids better watch out. They're about to be pulled out of their beds to go berry picking!

Just in case you were as skeptical as I was about waking early being linked to good health and whatnot, here are some ways it can benefit you.

People who get up early:

1. Get better grades in school and are more productive at work.
2. Are more proactive. (That laundry isn't going to do itself)
3. Can anticipate problems. My spidy senses are tingling
4. Are better planners.
5. Have more time for exercise.
6. Get better sleep because your body gets in tune with the earth's circadian rhythm.
7. Are more optimistic and display less depression.
8. Encounter less traffic and have an easier commute into work.
9. Experience more quiet, uninterrupted time to focus.
10. Have more family time.

Are you an early riser? Do you think it makes a difference? Share below!

Ready to go in Granolaville,