Last fall I started to increase my daily steps from an average of 18,000 (ish) a day to above 20,000. By mid spring and early summer I was hitting more like 25,000 steps a DAY walking. Many days l topped 30,00 steps and sometimes that was multiple days in a row.
I sustained that number for nearly 10 months and I am realizing a couple things by walking that many steps per day.
1) it takes on average 2.5 hours a day of deliberate walking to sustain that amount. I love walking probably more than anyone but giving up over two hours a day of my work and family life to reach that goal has been a lot.
2) I feel the same whether I walk 15,000 steps or 23,000. My body literally feels the same. Is more always better?
3) I let several balls drop these last 10 months. Some of them needed to be dropped but others have felt the impact of me not having that extra hour to give. I try to work while I walk—listen to podcasts, plan lessons, write blogs posts but the truth is while I am excellent at multitasking, is multitasking excellent for me?
4) Other areas of my life have been left dry because of my lack of attention to them while I have focused on steps. Meal prep, social connection, down time to name a few. It’s basically really hard to work full time, commute hours at a time and still find 2-4 hours a day to walk two to four hours a day that and strength train multiple times a week.
I was planning to finish this year with the same tenacity but my heart is saying to let it go. My body has trimmed up and toned up. I am leaner than I have ever been in my adult life. But, it’s time to celebrate ten months of incredible dedication and now, stop. Breathe. Let it go. Release the grip. Walk when I want to walk. Unroll a yoga mat instead. Read a book. Sit.
I am so proud of my body. So proud of all she has overcome. I will never take for granted a mile or a even a step again.
Gosh did I ever learn a lot about these five pillars this week.
Did you know that while our life span is greater, our HEALTH span is lower. This means that most Americans live on average the last EIGHT years of the their life struggling with disease.
What!?!
Who cares about living longer if your quality of living is suffering? I learned recently that while our life span is increasing, our HEALTH span is decreasing which means in average Americans are spending the last 8 years suffering with disease. What??
So what if we are living longer if we aren’t living better? I know for me I want better stress response, better sleep, more energy, better recovery after workouts and overall vitality.
I am so excited to start targeting my own health span with proper supplementation and increasing my nutrition profile. (I tend to not eat much and probably am not fueling my body optimally, especially given how much I work out).
I can’t wait to step up my game and watch the results. The science and research that is supporting this pillar of health model is astounding.
My daughter has struggled with her weight and her body’s response to carbs since she was 10 years old. She comes from a family of similar medical history and her dad died at an early age due to health complications.
Lindsey has been able to drop her some of the numbers that doctors look at when managing a healthy metabolic function, but only slightly and has been on medication for MANY years now to help her.
Some of the side effects of her medication have NOT been good. And controlling her diet has been hard, too. She is a lover of all things carbs. Since she also has an intellectual/cognitive disability making good choices food wise takes a lot of support from me.
I am so excited Sri try something new that I read about recently regarding Berberine… one of the amazing ingredients in the new doTEERA MetaPWR Assist.
To say I am excited and hopeful, is an understatement!!!
The new product is a natural option to the medication she has been on for years.
Here a little info:
I want to show some insight and excitement for MetaPWR assist.
•We’ve been discussing a lot about NMN, NAD+ and collagen in MetaPWR advantage, but I’d like to bring your attention to Berberine in MetaPWR assist (not just a carb blocker)
• One of the ingredients in MetaPWR assist is Berberine.
• In terms of longevity, Berberine is a valid alternative to some metabolic supporting medications*
Berberine binds to complex one and reduces energy in the body and make the body more sensitive to insulin and lower blood glucose. The doses in the human clinical studies are 1-2 g per day (1,000mg – 2,000mg per day) Berberine -Activates AMPK -Increases Mitochondrial Energy
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your physician.
improve insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose. Berberine also significantly increased lifespan in mice
Note: MetaPWR Assist more than berberine, it contains the newly formulated MetaPWR EO blend, Mulberry extract (5% DNJ), and Cinnamon.
I am SO excited for her. I can’t wait to also jump into this program because although I am thin and my sugars are fine, I struggle with sleep, energy and eating to fuel my body—which this will also help!
When we focus on these five pillars of health our HEALTH span increases. Who is ready to find the proper supplementation to manage their metabolic health? This system is the is truly three simple steps plus healthy habits.
Regardless if you’re on the heavy side or thin like me, everyone can benefits from this! I have a special education and mentoring group I can plug you into if you’re interested! Just contact me! You’ll want to stay connected as more info will soon be coming!
This is everything that is fall! Warmth, coziness, spices and everything apple.
This super simple recipe can be done in an air fryer or a traditional oven — the oven is my personal favorite because the entire house smells like all the amazing fall smells we all love.
Evenly divided the filling between the four apple halves
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or air then at 350 for 13-15 minutes
Top with extra cinnamon and drizzled honey for an added punch
Remember to only use essential oils that are certified pure. One way to tell if they are pure is your bottle will have a supplement facts on the side. If it doesn’t, I wouldn’t recommend taking internally because it is likely not pure and therefore not safe.
Curious the brand I love and trust along with hospitals across the country? Plus they are making a global impact on reducing poverty and building lives for villages and farmers.
This little lady gave me quite a smile this morning when I sat out on my back porch for coffee. The color! This beautiful honeysuckle was a last minute purchase about a month ago since the gardening season is just about over here in Colorado. When I walk between classes near one of the group homes I teach at there is a house with a few growing along the fence and I decided I needed one. ?
I didn’t realize that honeysuckles can be so pink in color—I have only seen yellow or orange ones, and I didn’t know they would keep blooming past springtime.
I did some digging and this is what I found out about them—
The honeysuckle is a symbol of pure happiness. In addition, it conveys messages of sweetness and affection, thanks to the sweet smelling aroma it gives off. At its heaviest interpretation, the honeysuckle represents the flames of love, and the tenderness for love that has been lost. The honeysuckle will literally cling to whatever it is growing next to, resembling a lover’s embrace, and therefore giving the appropriate symbolism.
Honeysuckle can be used for abundance, learning, concentration, affection, protection, devoted love, wishes, wealth, intuition, clarity, clairvoyance, fidelity, attraction, divination, physical ability, prosperity, secrets, calm, change, confidence, creativity, the mind, peace, generosity, destiny, breaking hexes, honesty, inspiration, and balance.
“Hello, I’m a dandelion. A lot of people call me a weed but I’m a friend and come to help you!
When you see me, remember that I’m the ONLY one who wants and can grow in that particular spot. Because:
Either the soil is too compact / hard / stomped and I want to loosen it for you with my roots.
Or there is too little calcium in the soil – don’t worry, I will replenish that for you with the dying of my leaves.
Or the soil is too acidic. But I will also improve that for you if you give me the chance. Or a mixture of the above reasons, of course. ?
I’m here because your soil needs my help so best you let me grow without disturbing me! When everything is fixed, I will disappear again, I promise!
Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? However meticulous you are, I will return 2x as strong! Just until your soil is improved.
You can even tell by my growth at which stage my help is at. If my leaves are flat on the ground then I’m far from ready but if they all reach up then I’m already a long way on my way.
Something completely different is that I am 1 of the first bloomers in spring so I will announce spring / summer for you.
During the day when it’s hot, I open my flowers but in the evening when it cools off I close them again quickly. In fact, if it’s not hot enough during the day I won’t open them at all!
My flowers are the first food for insects after hibernation and unlike most other plants, I have pollen AND nectar, not merely one OR the other! And I am generous with them! ?
My flowers are even delicious for you people by the way, did you know? I used to be called ??honey (or gold) of the poor?? because my flowers are so sweet in e.g. jam, sauce or salad! The internet is full of recipes – check them out.
But wait until the end of May or later before you start picking and even then, don’t pick everything yet! The biodiversity and bees will be very grateful!”
Text By Paula Kok – De Boer Illustration By Juliste Cavallini
Inside my Little Black Book of Essentials, I keep a variety of blends spanning from blends from littles, to the classic blends you will use every day, and these next few days we’ll be talking about The Athlete (aka blends and products to support your muscles, tendons, and bones).
Whether you have an affliction for a backyard game of football or you roll your ankle at the slightest uneven sidewalk, when your tendons s t r e t c h just a bit too far, this blend offers the most relief.
I apply this one to my shoulders, neck, hips and low back as soon as I feel the tension coming.
Mix together in a 10 mL roller and top with your favorite carrier oil. Roll this on as needed.
If you have someone who loves playing sports (or is just accident prone), make sure they have this blend and a Deep Blue Stick for the support!
Oh, and not only are these oils amazing for muscle strain they have tons of they benefits and uses like supporting the skin, enhancing your mood, add lemongrass or marjoram to your favorite dishes and much more! This ebook explains all the ways to use pure essential oils. When you take that step towards wellness I will personally reach out and offer you a free wellness consult and plug you into my ongoing education and community!
Another day, another Classic. This is one I can’t live without. Supported airways. All the back to school stuff that goes around and seasonal changes can make breathing a little difficult. I am in and out of assisted living homes all day and keep a stash of Breathe essential oil in my bag just in case I encounter some stuffiness or smells that do not sit well with my nose. It’s amazing how well it works!
You can use a few different options:
? The Classic: Breathe– a beautiful blend of Laurel, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara–maintains clear airways, supports restful sleep, and supports you through seasonal threats
? The NEW Classic: Diffuse equal parts Frankincense + Lime + Douglas Fir in the diffuser at bedtime to beat the stuffy and full head feeling.
? PRO TIP? Add DigestZen, Breathe, Frankincense and Lime to a roller for ultra support–roll over your sinuses and your chest for clearer airways from the first inhale.
What’s your go-to sinus and respiratory support blend? Have you tried a sinus steam or neti pot before?
Life happens. Stress happens. Menopause happens! Lol!
There’s nothing worse than struggling to get a good night’s sleep! ?
These are my GO TO favorites for Sleep supporting sleep!
Diffuse them. Slather them on. Take a Serenity and a Copaiba softgel and call me in the morning. Lol!
I have fallen in love with these oils all over again because of the incredible sleep support they deliver–like the heavens reached down and said “We got you!”
Nightly, I take 1 Copaiba Softgel and 1 Serenity Softgel 30 minutes before bed. I start my diffuser and put in Serenity or Balance and Cedarwood. I roll a drop of Vetiver on my feet.
Fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed!??
Ready to get started sleeping?
Pick and choose any or all of these. They work great together and have many additional uses like mood management and emotional support during the daytime AND Copaiba helps with everyday aches and pains.
Even Starbucks has released their pumpkin lattes already! ?
If you want a healthier version of pumpkin spice creamer… that actually ??BOOSTS?? your immune system instead of destroying it…
Try this yummy DIY Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
Ingredients 1/4 cup Organic Pumpkin Puree 1 Quart Organic Coconut Milk 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract 2 drops Cassia Essential Oil 2 drops Cinnamon Bark EO 2 drops Ginger EO 2 drops Clove EO
Directions •Heat Pumpkin Puree, Coconut Milk, and vanilla on the stove over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. •Remove from heat and pour into a mason jar or other storage container. •Once partially cooled, add the essential oils. •Shake well before each use!
*hint: Add a few drops of liquid vanilla stevia as sweetener…. for extra yumminess!
Remember the only safe way to ingest essential oils is by making sure they have supplements fact on the bottle. (Store bought essential oils are NOT safe). I choose the proven and tested pure essential oils found here. It is the brand hospital use. Just sayin’.
These oils will make an amazing creamer but they are also powerhouse oils for immunity, oral health, tummy troubles and much more. Plus diffusing this combo is instant fall love. Enjoy this ebook that shows you how versatile essential oils are in your home. Add a wild orange to your cart and you have heaven!
Especially from fall through Christmas! All those cozy smells filling my space. Agree?
As much as I love the warmth and coziness, had no idea that I was disrupting my own hormones and my family’s! (Yep! Hormones aren’t just a woman thing!)
I have a friend whose son was suffering from asthma. Lots it discomfort and costly doctor appointments. But wouldn’t ya know when she ditched the synthetic fragrances in candles, air fresheners, car fresheners, laundry soaps and personal care items… his asthma pretty much disappeared!
Maya Angelou says, “ When you know better, you do better.”
Diffusing essential oils can’t not only make your house smell amazing but it will bring great benefits to everyone in the home! Think immune and respiratory support!
My favorite fall smells? Clove, cassia, ginger, wild orange, or Siberian Fir.
It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time. ~ David Allen Coe
This time of year is ideal for getting back into ourselves after a summer season of play, vacations, kids home, and way less structure. This is the time where we reclaim our sense of self and rediscover the aspects of ourselves that support us in our everyday life.
You may know if you stop here often that I believe in the power of aroma to shift our chemical response in our brain. We can influence our state of arousal and our emotional state simply by smelling something. How cool is that?
As you experience a more predictable schedule and life begins to resume some sort of normalcy, take a few minutes to consider the four walls, or four main roots of a tree, that represent your foundation. This is the scaffolding which supports all the other parts of our home, or tree, during times of turbulence.
Here are some ideas; faith, service, accountability, kindness, diligence, love, fulfillment, action, compassion, etc.
Not sure where to start? Grab one of these blends, take 4-5 deep breaths, apply it to your spine and under your nose and then listen. You already know…you just need to listen.
By the way, check out the emotional benefits of these oils:
Douglas Fir.This one invites you to invoke your high wisdom and learn from the past experiences and people who may have crossed your path. This essential oil is perfect for turning inward in the season of more introspection.
Frankincense.Frankincense asks you to welcome in feelings of protection, wisdom, discernment, and a spiritual awakening. This sacred essential oil invites individuals to shed the lower vibration feelings that are often negative and draining. This truly brings our your own magnificence.
Ho Wood. This peaceful oil brings out a sense of calm and helps to quiet the mind. By clearing the mind of anxious thoughts or simply clutter, we can fine tune into the deepest parts of who we are. This helps us to live in alignment with our principles and aspects of our foundation.
Blue Tansy. This one is a powerful aroma that helps to bring out inspiration and the committed response of tacking action. This helps to be more purposeful and responsible, which is such a beautiful aspect to a solid constitution. Blue tansy welcomes in a sense of freedom and sense of walking towards your deepest dreams and desires.
Blue Chamomile.This sweet and delicate flower is commonly known as German chamomile and offers a beautiful blue hue to the oil. Like its counter part Roman Chamomile, this flower oil is the perfect choice for bringing out a peaceful and serene mental state. This brings out emotional harmony and illuminates the wisdom with your soul.
Spruce.This stable, grounded aroma brings out an enduring balanced outlook to life while also giving strength through your wisdom. When we soak in this aroma we are reminded of the rhythms and ancient wisdom the earth offers.
Cassia.This bold oil which a friend of cinnamon is warm and earthy as it invites you to feel courageous, strong, self-assured and confident in your authentic self. This brings an embracing warmth to the confident and meaningful connections in our life.
Petrified Wood Chips. It helps to create balance and offers a foundation from which to launch new goals or undertake a different path. This grounding stone helps to calm scattered energies and look closely at the essence of what guides our decisions.
These beautiful oils and solid gemstones will be a constant as your dive into the fall season of a slower pace, a calmer mind, and as you seek out the principles in which your life is sustained by. To learn more about the principles I have chosen for myself, check out this blog post.
You can purchase this blend here and it will soon arrive in your mailbox with lots of grounding love.
