My Story – Page 4 – Healthy and Hopeful

On my mind…

Published on July 14, 2015October 16, 2015 by Christine8 Comments

The words for this post have been floating around my head for weeks… I haven’t been quite sure how to put this all together in something coherent… and it may still not be, but here it goes…

Health a tough subject; it’s one I would try to avoid if I didn’t feel so passionate about it. It is personal, vulnerable, and sometimes emotional and scary. When it becomes the topic of conversation, somehow it usually becomes a subject of debate. Everyone has strong beliefs, whether they admit or not that they actually care. As you can imagine, my views on health aren’t always the most popular, and I get it… a few years ago, if the old me had met the current “alternative” me, I would have thought I was crazy. So, when people roll their eyes or laugh (yes, this happens, often actually), I understand where they are coming from. The reaction that I get when sharing my story is most consistently defensiveness.

It sucks to be wrong, especially about something you have believed all your life. After years of unexplainable health issues and pain, I continued to seek out doctor after doctor and different medication. I was furious when I realized that the doctors and medication I had trusted with my health had not only let me down, but actually caused me a great deal of harm. It’s easy to be angry and hate the system, but instead, I’m now motivated to do my own research to find what’s best for my body. In writing this blog and sharing what I learn, my goal has always been to share what you may not be hearing elsewhere. I do that because my life was so dramatically changed when I was finally forced to question what I believed as undeniable truth. What I have discovered since has been such an answer to prayer that I feel compelled to share it in hopes that it might help someone find healing sooner than I did. I wish someone would have done that for me.

In the spirit of openness…. An update of where I’m at right now….

I had a follow-up appointment recently with my naturopath. We talked through all the symptoms that had improved on my new protocol, ones I was still experiencing and a couple things that have been getting worse lately… one of which being weight gain. Talking through all the different factors – diet, exercise, sleep, stress – nothing was jumping out as a cause. We discussed other options I could try, like exercising less intensely so I’m not stressing my adrenals too much, or intermittent fasting… I know my face showed the discouragement. I was at that hopeless “will I ever get better?/I feel like I’ve tried everything” stage when she said something that’s really stuck with me…

“Christine, in the 10 years I’ve been seeing you, you really are the healthiest you’ve ever been. Would you rather be healthy and enjoying life with a few extra pounds or what is more important?”

It doesn’t make it easy, but she’s totally right. Even though it’s tough to put on shorts and tank tops this summer, much less wear a swimsuit around all the super thin people in my life, I won’t let those thoughts get the best of me. While the unexplained weight gain is a sign of a health issue that we have to figure out and address, I have seen some successes with my health lately and life is good….

I am no longer drowning in stress at my job. I’m so blessed to be at a company that actually cares that I have a life outside of work and cares about my health. Real talk: if your job is ruining your life/health, you’ve got to get out. It is not worth it. If these articles hit home for you (like they did for me), it’s time to make a change…

As my body has been recovering from the effects of years of stress, I’m enjoying relaxing with my husband, cooking at home more, going on walks with my pup and spending more time reading. It’s been months since I was sick. I don’t get ear infections weekly anymore. I don’t come home with back pain every single day. And when I look at it that way, it feels like a miracle to be where I’m at. And a little extra weight seems silly in comparison to all that.

If you are struggling with health issues right now that you can’t figure out and you’re losing hope- I’m sorry. I know what that’s like and I’m still there some days. It’s frustrating and so discouraging. And doctors are sometimes just guessing, randomly prescribing, and giving different diagnoses; and that’s even more disheartening. If that’s you, I’d love to hear about your journey. If that’s someone you know, please share this with them. There are answers out there and healing to be found, I know it.

Product Review: Jawbone UP24

Published on March 18, 2015March 18, 2015 by Christine1 Comment

Remember that New Year’s resolution you made a couple months ago? How’s that going? If you are looking for some motivation to get back on track, I would highly recommend a fitness tracker. With so many options on the market, there really is something for everyone. But, with the abundance of choices, it can be totally overwhelming to decide which one to get. You could spend hours researching the articles online that provide comparisons on every single feature; ultimately, it comes down to what is most important to you. After a lot of research, I decided on the Jawbone UP24 and I have loved it! Here’s what I was looking for in a fitness tracker and how this band matches up…

Looks Good – If I was going to wear something 24/7, it had to be something I would want to wear. I chose the Jawbone UP24 because it was one of the sleekest options, with a thin band and simple design. There are plenty of options that are a bit more fashionable, but I wasn’t really looking for something that would stand out. I wanted neutral and understated, so I chose the black (Onyx) color. I only wish they would offer an even more neutral light gray option.

Feels Good – In terms of comfort, the band fits perfectly and I barely notice it anymore. I used the measurement chart on their website and got a medium (my husband’s large fits him well) – it does stretch slightly over time, so keep that in mind. It’s easy to take on and off when you need to, which I really only do when I shower (it is splash resistant, but I’d rather not risk it). Wearing it at night while I sleep hasn’t bothered me a bit. My only two annoyances are: it can be irritating to type on a laptop -my husband actually takes his off at his desk- and it can get caught up in sweaters or jackets as I’m putting them on. This tracker does not monitor heart rate – while that does improve accuracy, I was never going to wear a band around my chest every day.

Easy to Use – From the time I opened the package to get this set up, this tracker has been effortless. I simply downloaded the free app, my band synced via Bluetooth and it was ready to go. The app is easy to navigate and intuitive. All of the information I want to know is in one place and the goals & reminders are easy to set up. Plus, the homepage acts kind of like a newsfeed, showing you what your friends are up to and how you & they are meeting set goals. The band itself has a button on it that you press to go into sleep mode or to turn off the alarm – it’s super simple and you don’t need to open the app to perform those commands.

Syncs Automatically – This tracker connects via Bluetooth to the app on your phone. No need to remember to plug it in at the end of each day or connect to your computer. I know where I am at throughout the day just by opening the app on my phone or through the notifications I’ve chosen for it to send. The app also ties in with MyFitnessPal to track your calories and MapMyFitness to track your exercise. I’m not really a calorie-counter (read why here), but I do like to keep a food diary for personal accountability, so it’s been helpful to see how I am balancing food intake & movement.

Battery Life – One of the reasons I chose the Jawbone UP24 is its battery life. It lasts a solid 7 days and notifies you when you have a day left to charge. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to fully charge again. It comes with a connector that I plug in directly to my iPhone USB charger adaptor, so I didn’t have to purchase anything additional. One TV-show or morning commute worth of charging and you’re good to go for the week – I love it!

Sleep Monitor/Alarm – Does anyone else hate their alarm clock? Okay, I knew I wasn’t the only one. This tracks your sleep and will wake you up at the most ideal time in the morning. I simply set the alarm for the time I must wake up by and within 30 minutes of that time, if I transition into light sleep, it will begin vibrating to wake me up gently. This has been magical for me as I no longer have that panicked alarm wake up anymore. It feels natural to wake up. I was also curious to see how many hours and the quality of sleep I was really getting each night. This tracker has been great for keeping me on a consistent bedtime schedule and making sure I meet my 8 hours per night goal – it reminds you when you should get ready for bed each night. Then, each morning, I can see how long it took me to fall asleep, how much deep sleep I got, how many times I woke up, etc. – it’s been enlightening.

Cost – There can be quite a range of price for fitness trackers. Honestly, I really wasn’t looking to spend over $100 on one of these. On Amazon, this one cost $99 and if you find it on sale at Best Buy, you can get it even cheaper. I think it’s been a great value and have no regrets.

Motivating – Ultimately, the whole reason I wanted one of these was to keep myself motivated and accountable to move more, sleep consistently and eat healthier. And, honestly, it really has helped with each of those. The buzz every 30 minutes of non-movement reminds me to get up from my desk and keep moving throughout the day. My competitive nature makes me want to take the stairs, park further away, and go on more walks to get more steps in. Not only can I see how I compare with the friends I am connected to, but I can see how I am meeting my goals each day – that keeps me far more accountable than some overarching resolution. Whether or not the step count is exactly right, I really am moving more each day and that’s a win for improving my health.

Have you been considering a fitness tracker? What features are most important to you?

Unwinding

Published on February 3, 2015February 3, 2015 by Christine2 Comments

I am currently sitting in a coffee shop on this cold, rainy day, drinking an almond milk latte and writing in the middle of the afternoon. I am thankful for days like this… for days to relax, to do what I love and for being myself again. I finally obeyed doctor’s orders and left my job; I have a few more days off before I start a new adventure on Monday! These two weeks have been wonderful; I have been tackling house projects, reading, traveling & finally getting a chance to completely unwind.

I’m hopeful for 2015. Even though it’s only one month into the year, I’m keeping up with my goals and excited for what is to come. I am loving how my new Jawbone Up24 is holding me accountable… I have kept a daily food diary since Jan 2 and I am taking my pup for a walk or run nearly every day. In just the past week, I’ve lost 5 pounds – I’m sure the drop in stress levels helped quite a bit. I’m also feeling the improvement in my health. I’ve been on my new health protocol to bring balance to my hormones, vitamin D, iron & electrolyte levels for 4 months and really noticing how my body is healing itself.

During my free time, I’m hoping to write a few more blogs to share over the next couple of months. While I have some topics in mind, I want to know what you want to hear about. Help me out…

7 Ways to Control Your Allergies Naturally

Published on January 19, 2015October 10, 2015 by Christine10 Comments

There’s nothing better than waking up, checking the forecast & seeing this:

But then, I check the other forecast. The one that tells me if I can actually go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather…

This time of year is awful for my allergies. The cedar gets me the worst… can anyone else relate?

I used to reach for allergy medicine or anti-histamines to get me through, but after many years rotating through, they eventually stopped working. And I don’t know about you, but anti-histamines make me feel sleepy and sluggish so it’s hard to get up and go to work. Plus, the purpose of those is to dry you up, so they are dehydrating. In search for something that would help provide some relief, I’ve discovered a few ways that have really helped me control my allergies:

1. Use a nasal rinse. This will clear your sinuses of allergens & bacteria. Plus, it moisturizes your system, thinning the mucous to keep it moving through the system and reducing post-nasal drip. The saline mixture added to warm, distilled water works wonders for clearing my nasal passages and keeping me from getting too stuffy. I use this kind – you can find it at nearly any drugstore.

2. Essential oils have worked miracles for me with my allergies. In particular, I use a combination of Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint (aka the LLP bomb). I put them in my diffuser, put 3 drops of each in a capsule to swallow or put them in a spoonful of local, raw honey. There are also a few other oils that can be super helpful with symptoms of congestion – RC & Breathe Again – or sinus headache – Copaiba. Read more about how essential oils can improve your health here.

3. Nothing relieves my itchy eyes better than Can-C Carnosine Eye Drops. It is the best eye drop out there; even though it’s not specifically for allergies, it is a great moisturizer and completely safe. On a side note, I’ve read stories that it has even helped people improve their vision or cataracts.

4. I recently discovered a homeopathic tincture called Allergena. They have blends for specific regions (Texas is Zone 5), or for allergies to pets, mold, dust, and several others. You put a few drops under your tongue every 10 minutes as long as you feel symptomatic until you don’t. It works super fast to provide relief for sneezing, runny nose & itchy eyes.

5. A couple of times a day, I take Natural D-Hist. My doctor recommended it originally for my stress hives last year, but it also helps with seasonal allergies. The blend of healthy ingredients helps relieve irritation from increased histamine response. Although it doesn’t provide fast relief, I have seen a lot of benefit by taking it consistently every day.

6. While it’s not realistic to always stay inside, it helps to keep your indoors an allergy-free environment to give your system some reprieve. Take a shower each night and wash your hair to get the pollen out. Put your clothes in a hamper when you get home for the day. Leave your shoes at the door. Wash your sheets and vacuum often. Close your doors and windows. Run an air purifier to remove those particles from the air – this is the one I use.

7. Eating a healthy diet is a crucial way to reduce inflammation & mucous production. Organic fruits and vegetables will help provide vitamins and antioxidants. Avoiding dairy and sugar will help lower your body’s inflammatory response and keep your immune system functioning properly. Staying hydrated is also important; water helps control levels of histamines in the body.

Do you have any other ways that help you control your allergies naturally? Thinking about trying any of these out? I would love to hear feedback on how these work for you!

A Year in Review & Looking Forward

Published on December 31, 2014January 19, 2015 by Christine2 Comments

2015 is upon us… does anyone else find that as insane as I do? I really feel like 2014 just flew by. It was a a pretty crazy year for me, with an amazing trip to Europe and fun moments with friends & family, but also lots of work (aka stress) the rest of the year that took over my life and effected my health. As I look back, I am so thankful for all that I’ve learned and I’m ready to tackle 2015 with some big resolutions. They aren’t much different than what I was inspired by in Europe, I am only more determined by not accomplishing them in 2014:

Nourish my body – I’ve really taken a step back in what I eat due to convenience and it’s certainly not making me feel great. My goals for this year are to meal-plan weekly to ensure I am getting adequate protein and veggies, to shop local & organic at the Farmer’s Market at least twice per month, and to cook from scratch at a minimum of 5 times per week. This used to be routine for me, so I know it’s realistic to achieve. I am not really a calorie counter or weight watcher, but I am committed to consistently tracking what I eat on an app and making goals to lose weight & inches where needed in order to keep myself accountable.
Get moving – I need to exercise more, plain and simple. I got a Jawbone UP 24 for Christmas (loving it so far, by the way!) and it is astounding how little I move throughout the day. I’ll never reach my step goal if I don’t do some intentional fitness daily. I want to explore more resistance training to build muscle and get back on my spin bike that’s just sitting upstairs. And, again, I want to take more walks with my sweet puppy who so loves them.
Learn to relax – I am still trying to figure out what this means and how to accomplish it. I am hoping the two above goals aid in reducing stress, but I truly want to learn how to leave work at the office. I want to come home and be able to focus on my family and my health. Reading & writing are both so relaxing for me, and I want to read more health books, do a bit more research and share about it here on this blog. One main area I want to explore more this year is essential oils. I have been using them for a couple of years now and seeing great results, so I recently became a distributor with Young Living in hopes to share my experience with more people. There is so much to learn about these natural oils from plants that God provided to heal us. Plus, I have recently discovered how effective they are at helping me relax – I have the “Joy” and “Stress Away” blends in my diffuser right now bringing loveliness to my home.

I’ve said it before, but I am always astounded by how many people this blog has reached. I started it on New Year’s Day only 2 years ago thinking it would just be a way to keep myself accountable and share with friends and family. This year, I reached over 10,000 views! To close out 2014, I wanted to do a recap of the most popular posts of this year:

2nd Year Running Most Read Overall – Kombucha Home-Brew

Most Pinned on Pinterest – Health Foodie Series

Most Reader-Shared – Healthy Hygiene Routine & Part 2: Deodorant

Spread the word:

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