Ghee: 8 Healthy Benefits + Easy DIY Recipe
I have a confession to make…I’m obsessed with ghee!
I just want to put it on everything! I’ve been finding dishes to make just so I can use it or spread it on top (I’ve had a lot of toast lately).
If you’ve never had ghee, it’s basically a tastier, healthier version of butter. Who would've thought such a thing could exist?! Not only that, but it’s been labeled a superfood and referred to as “liquid gold.”
You can find it in health food stores, ethnic markets, and many larger supermarkets, but it can get pretty pricey. The other day, I saw a small 8 oz jar of ghee at Whole Foods for nearly $10!
I’m sorry, but I’m not paying that much for fancy butter! Honestly, I don’t even use butter very often. I usually opt for olive oil or coconut oil, so I had no problem going without.
What I didn’t know is how easy and inexpensive it is to make your own ghee at home. Once I learned this, I had no reason not to try it for myself.
If you haven’t had ghee yet, I highly recommend it! Not only is it delicious, but it’s full of unexpected health benefits.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about ghee, including how to make your own.
What is Ghee?
Contrary to popular belief, ghee is not a new health fad. It’s been used for thousands of years for both cooking and medicinal purposes in India and other parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in Ayurvedic practices.
Ghee is a form of clarified butter, which is butter that has been heated to remove water, milk solids (lactose and casein), and impurities. How ghee differs from clarified butter is that it simmers for longer, caramelizing the milk solids. This brings out the distinct nutty flavor of ghee and leaves it with a higher smoke point.
Because the milk solids are removed ghee is shelf-stable (does not need to be refrigerated), and safe for those with lactose intolerances.
Ghee, particularly when made from grass-fed butter, has a host of benefits that make it a great addition to your pantry. In fact, some health practitioners recommend eating ghee daily to benefit from its many healthy properties.
8 Benefits of Ghee
1. High smoke point
Ghee has a high smoke point making it an ideal cooking oil. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to burn. When you heat an oil past its smoke point phytonutrients break down rapidly and harmful free radicals begin to form.
Ghee has a smoke point of 485 degrees Fahrenheit compared to butter’s 350 degrees. It’s safe to use when cooking at high temperatures. And it’s a great alternative to highly processed and genetically modified oils that are usually used for high heat cooking.
2. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
Because ghee is more concentrated than butter, it’s more nutrient dense. Ghee is rich in vitamins A, E, and K, all of which support health and immunity in countless ways, from vision and skin to bone, heart and even gut health. Ghee also contains healthy cholesterol, omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids which aid in brain functioning and mood.
3. Rich, aromatic flavor
Ghee isn’t just good for you, it also tastes amazing! Stronger and more fragrant than butter, many describe it as having a nutty, caramelized, butterscotch-like flavor. It’s even been described as “butter on crack.” To me it tastes like an earthy brown-butter. However you want to describe it...it’s delicious! It enhances the flavor of anything you add it to and because it’s so rich a little goes a long way.
4. Lactose- and casein-free
If you are dairy-sensitive, ghee is a great option because it is both lactose and casein free. These proteins are often the ones responsible for unpleasant allergic reactions to dairy like stomach cramping, inflammation, bloating, and gas. During the clarifying process, the milk solids that contain these dairy proteins are completely removed, leaving you with pure butterfat.
5. Supports gut health
Ghee is an excellent source of butyrate (butyric acid), a short-chain fatty acid that aids in digestive health. Butyric acid helps repair and rebuild the lining of the digestive tract, preventing symptoms of IBS, leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other gut-related conditions. Butyric acid also reduces inflammation and balances the gut microbiome by feeding healthy gut bacteria.
6. Fights cancer
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid found in ghee acts as an antioxidant and has a long list of health benefits. Some of those include reducing inflammation and preventing tumor formation. It’s important to note that higher concentrations of CLA are found in grass-fed dairy, so look for grass-fed ghee or butter to maximize health outcomes. Ghee’s high smoke point also means consuming less free radicals, known to increase the risk of cancer.
7. Aids in weight loss
Ghee has been shown to aid in weight loss, lower body fat, and speed up metabolism. In addition to inhibiting cancer cells formation, CLA reduces fat cells. Taken in small amounts, ghee can help you burn fat and reach your ideal weight.
8. Topical uses
Ghee can also be used topically to promote health and beauty. Apply it to skin and lips as a moisturizer. Use it as a deep conditioner to add moisture and shine to hair. Ghee can also be used to heal and soothe burns and other rashes.
How to Make Ghee
Ghee is easy and inexpensive to make at home. I recently made a batch and it came out perfectly. It just takes a little patience. You want to heat your butter on a low temperature long enough for the milk solids to separate and caramelize, but not too long that it burns. Keep a close eye on it throughout the process.
I also recommend using grass-fed butter. This is will give you the highest concentration of nutrients, so you’ll get the most health benefits and it will taste better.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of (grass-fed) butter
- Fine strainer (cheesecloth, nut milk bag, coffee filter, mesh strainer, etc.)
- Glass Jar
Directions
- Heat butter in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat until melted.
- Once butter is completely melted, reduce heat to medium-low and allow butter to simmer for 20-30 min. You will hear a lot of cracking and popping which is the sound of the water evaporating from the butter. A white foam, which is milk solids will rise to the top. Ultimately the butter will have been separated into 3 layers: foam on top, clarified butter, and browned, toasted milk solids at the bottom. Watch carefully as you do not want your ghee to burn.
- Once the butter is golden in color and you have your three layers, remove your saucepan from the heat.
- Skim off the foam layer with a spoon and discard.
- Slowly pour the remaining liquid through your fine strainer (for best results, use a mesh strainer lined with several layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter) and discard the remaining brown bits.
- Let it cool, seal, and store your ghee at room temperature for up to a month or longer in the refrigerator
- Enjoy! Use it in the same way you would use butter or other cooking oils.
If you’re not a DIY kind of person, you can easily find ghee in stores or online. It will just be a little more costly. Make sure you’re getting your ghee from a reputable source that uses grass-fed butter and without added preservatives or cheaper processed oils. These things compromise the quality and reduces the health benefits.
Two popular, high quality brands are this one and this one.
Ghee is quickly becoming my healthy fat of choice over coconut oil and olive oil due to its unique taste and incredible health benefits.
Have you tried ghee? What do you think of this tasty butter substitute?
10 Tips for Starting a Workout Routine and Sticking to It
Raise your hand if you made a resolution to get fit this year? Raise your hand if you fell off the wagon a bit since January 1st?
Me too! It can be really challenging to start a new workout routine. And once you start it’s even harder to stick with it and make it a long-term habit.
But once you get over the hump and really settle into a consistent workout routine, you’ll feel amazing! Working out is truly a life changing practice that can positively affect every aspect of life--physical, mental, and emotional. Whenever I workout, my mood is instantly lifted and I feel ready to take on the world. That’s a feeling everyone should experience!
Spring is upon us and it’s absolutely not too late to get back on the wagon and start working out. If you’ve never really worked out before or have been on a little hiatus, now is the time to get your fitness journey started.
Get back on track to achieving your fitness goals with these 10 tips for starting a workout routine and sticking to it.
1. Find Your Why
Working is as much mental as it is physical. That’s why it’s so important to identify your why. Why do you want to work out in the first place? Is it to feel more confident? To feel stronger? To have more energy? To get healthier? To compete?
Once you’ve found your reason, dig deeper. You want to be healthier...why? You want to lose weight...why? Drill down as far as you can to find that driving force that will sustain you through tough workouts and on days when you don’t want to get up off the couch. Everyone’s why is going to be different, and it may change overtime. Once you find yours write it down, post it where you can see it and use it as a daily motivator.
2. Love Yourself Now
When we start working out we usually have an end in mind. But don’t get so caught up on the end goal that you forget to be kind and gentle to yourself throughout the process. We say things like “I’ll be so much happier when I…” Lose the weight, have a six pack, can fit into my old jeans, fill in the blank.
Change this mindset! Think of working out as an act of self-care, something you do for you. It’s prioritizing yourself, your health and your overall wellbeing. Don’t make your self-love conditional, or based on you achieving that set goal you have in mind. This type of motivation doesn’t last especially when results aren’t coming as fast as you expected. No matter where you’re starting, your size, your shape, or your ability, focus on loving yourself and enjoying the journey.
3. Set Short Term Goals
Sometimes getting to our ideal fitness level can seem like an impossible task. Setting goals is extremely important for almost anything you want to accomplish in life. But focusing on long term fitness goals like running a marathon or losing 50 lbs is overwhelming. Instead, set small, achievable goals that will keep you motivated and show off your progress. They should be measurable (something that you can track), relevant and attainable.
Here are a few examples:
- Work out 3 days a week for 30 minutes.
- Run a mile without stopping.
- Lose one inch from your waist.
Consider where you are currently in your fitness journey and where you want to be. Achieving your smaller goals will encourage you to keeping going and get you closer to your bigger goals in a much more manageable way.
4. Start Slow
If you’re just starting out or getting back into the swing of things, please don’t try to push yourself to the limit on the first day. Not only can this cause an injury, but you’ll burnout quickly. I’m guilty of starting out a little too ambitious, getting injured and having to recover for days or even weeks. It’s much harder to bounce back and you don’t want to get discouraged before you’ve even begun. Slow and steady really does win the race!
This goes hand in hand with setting attainable goals. In the beginning your priority is to make your workouts sustainable so that it becomes a lifelong habit. There’s nothing wrong with challenging yourself, but don’t over do it. Be gentle with yourself. You know what you can manage. Start small and work your way up by gradually increasing intensity and time.
5. Set Your Own Schedule
One of the most important ways to make working out a habit is to create a manageable schedule and stay consistent. Most people are not able to devote 7 days a week to working out. (That’s really not healthy anyway!) Your schedule is going to depend on your lifestyle, how much time you have to devote, and when. It also depends on your goals. If you’re looking to see major results, one day a week isn’t gonna cut it. The more time you spend exercising the faster you’ll start seeing results.
If you can only workout once or twice during the week, plan to go hard on the weekend. Spend extra time on the days you have it to spare. If you can only get a few moments of free time throughout the day, do shorter sessions but more of them. Create a schedule that you can commit to and make it a priority.
6. Choose a Workout You Love
If you want to make fitness a habit you have to find an activity you enjoy! Something that gets you excited and makes you forget that you’re actually exercising. When it comes to working out there’s literally something for everyone:
Running, weight lifting, crossfit, yoga, swimming, kickboxing, pilates, cycling, dance, HIIT, bootcamp classes, sports teams, at- home workouts, hiking, and more.
Nowadays there’s so many options for you to choose from. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sites like Groupon and Living Social are great for exploring different types of workouts at a discount. And many gyms and studios have introductory rates that allow you to get your feet wet without fully committing. And guess what...you don’t have to choose just one! Keep your workouts fresh by rotating different types of workouts. This will keep you going and prevent boredom and burnout. Right now I do a combination of weight lifting, yoga, and Body Combat classes. I love having different options to choose from depending on my mood.
7. Have a Few At-Home Workout Options
It's always nice to get out to the gym or yoga studio, but it’s also nice to have the option to get a quick workout in at home. Let’s be honest, sometimes you just don’t feel like leaving the house. Am I right? Nothing wrong with that, but instead of letting this throw off your schedule, have some at home exercise options ready for these occasions. No more excuses!
Investing in some small workout equipment like dumbbells or resistance bands or even a yoga mat will allow you to get a great workout from your living room. Youtube has a huge selection of free workout videos that you can do from anywhere--at home, on a trip, etc. No matter what kind of workout you’re into, you’ll find it there. You can check out my list of the best free yoga Youtube channels here!
8. Forget the Scale
I used to be obsessed with the scale, nervously weighing myself every morning hoping for a certain number. Now I only step on the scale a few times a year. Why? Because a scale isn’t always the best way to measure your fitness progress.
One thing to keep in mind is that muscle weighs more than fat. So as you start working out your body is both losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time. Because of this your weight may not change drastically, especially over a short period of time. Seeing that may be discouraging. But that doesn’t mean your body isn’t changing for the better. The scale doesn’t tell you things like body fat percentage, muscle mass, strength, stamina, and other important measures of physical fitness.
I know that losing weight is the goal for many. Instead of weighing yourself everyday and seeing small fluctuations, try limiting to once a week or every two weeks. Then you’ll have a better idea of the progress you’ve made. Another way to track your improvements is by taking measurements and monitoring your inches. Or take a full body picture once a months and see how your body is changing overtime.
9. Don’t Go It Alone
Share your goals and progress with the people around you. Or even better, find yourself a workout partner. A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that exercising with a partner improves weight-loss results. Having someone else to workout with is a really effective way to stay motivated and hold yourself accountable.
Attending a group fitness class or going to a fitness-related Meetup is also a fun way to socialize with like-minded people. You can't help but feed off the energy and camaraderie of group classes and they’re great for making new friends.
10. Be Patient
We all love instant gratification. Unfortunately, it takes time to see the transformation. But being healthy and feeling good is so worth the time and effort you put in. Enjoy the journey and celebrate the small wins along the way. Focus more on physical changes than visual changes. Instead of looking for that six-pack in the mirror, acknowledge how much stronger your core is and how many more crunches you can do now compared to when you started. Be patient and don’t give up. If you stay focused, consistent, and put in the work, you’ll see results.
Working out doesn’t have to be scary or hard or even boring. Once you get started it can actually be, dear I say, fun! It’s a great way to relieve stress, get healthier, and feel amazing all at the same time. I hope you found these tips helpful and are ready to get out there and start your workout routine.
What has helped you develop a consistent workout routine?
Why I Refuse to See a Dermatologist for Acne
Acne is the worst! Believe me I know...I’ve suffered from acne for years and it’s one of my biggest insecurities. If you’ve ever had acne, I’m sure you can relate.
Not only is it mentally taxing, but depending on what type of acne you have, it can be physically painful as well.
Often the first place we turn for relief is the dermatologist’s office. There you’ll likely be prescribed a combination of harsh topical creams and/or oral antibiotics. And more often than not, these treatments do work.
For a long time creams and pills kept my acne, for the most part, in check.
In the past I was a strong advocate of seeing a dermatologist ASAP to manage acne and avoid scarring.
However, the problem came when I decided to go off the medication.
Despite having been treated by a doctor for years, my condition was far from treated. After slowly weaning off the meds, my acne was back like it had never left.
And guess what...it hadn’t.
What I’ve learned is that dermatologists do not cure acne. In fact, they barely scratch the surface when it comes to addressing acne’s root cause.
My Acne Battle
For over a decade I have been in and out of dermatologists’ offices. My first visit was around the age of 13. Back then it was just your average teenage breakouts--very minor. Maybe some blackheads and the occasional pimple, but nothing chronic at this time.
I started using prescribed creams and cleansers, which worked quite well for a bit. But my skin eventually rebelled. In high school I transitioned to oral antibiotics--doxycycline/minocycline. They worked wonderfully on my skin...until I went to college.
Freshman year, out of the blue, my face started breaking out like never before! For the first time I started getting severe, cystic acne. It was horrifying and horrible timing.
I stopped taking the pills and seeing my dermatologist. I blamed the medication. After all the years of treatment, my skin was significantly worse than when I started. In hindsight it was most likely the result of stress from senior year, graduating, and preparing to leave for college.
After trying every over the counter remedy I could get my hands on, including Proactiv, my primary doctor put me on birth control.
I saw some improvements but I was tired of having my life controlled by acne. Feeling helpless, I went back to the dermatologist a year later. I started taking spironolactone--a blood pressure medication and diuretic that balances hormones and reduces oil production.
It worked like magic! My skin and self-confidence saw rapid improvements--my face looked 90% better and that painful, cystic acne became a thing of the past. I did get breakouts now and then, it wasn’t perfect, but nothing like what I dealt with before. Spironolactone, along with the Pill kept my acne under control for a little over five years
There was one occasion when I wasn’t able to get my prescription for a week and my skin started to get inflamed all over again. It was scary! According to my dermatologist, it is completely normal for your skin to revert if you stop the medication. And she assured me that I could safely stay on it for as long as needed.
Mind you, while taking spironolactone, yearly blood work is required to monitor your blood pressure and potassium levels, as well as a pregnancy test. It can cause birth defects if taken while pregnant. How safe is it really?
I experienced quite a few side effects that eventually caused me to stop taking it:
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps from increased blood potassium levels
- Dry eyes
When my optometrist recommended that I stop taking both spironolactone and the pill to help relieve symptoms of dry eyes, I was terrified. I couldn’t imagine having a repeat of freshman year, when my acne was at its worst.
After doing a ton of research and weighing the pros and cons, I worked up the courage to get off the meds.
I wish I could tell you that everything was fine and my acne never came back…but it did.
Thankfully, it’s not as bad as it was in college. But it’s still a daily struggle. Despite the frustration and the stress of dealing with acne, I have no plans of seeing a dermatologist or using prescription antibiotics.
Why I Won’t See a Dermatologist
I recently discussed my acne concerns with my current primary care doctor and he asked if I considered seeing a dermatologist or if I wanted him to write me a prescription for an oral antibiotic. My answer was No. Here are the reasons why I refuse to go back to the dermatologist to treat acne.
Doesn’t address the root cause of acne
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the three causes of acne are
- Overproduction of oil (sebum) by enlarged oil glands in the skin.
- Blockage of hair follicles by oil or dead skin cells.
- Overgrowth of bacteria, P. acnes, inside clogged pores.
But what’s actually causing these things?
Why do I have more oil? How are my pores getting blocked? Why is bacteria overgrowing?
Dermatologists treat acne as if it’s the cause when it’s really the effect. It’s a sign that there’s an internal problem that you need to address.
So often dermatologists simply attribute it to genetics, write you a prescription and send you on your way.
Or they’ll say it’s hormones, write you a prescription and send you on your way.
There’s little to no talk of why hormones are out of balance. Things like stress, diet, gut health, inflammation, toxicity, poor liver functioning and medications all impact our hormones yet are ignored when it comes to treating acne.
I’ve been suffering from poor gut health for years and had no idea (you can read all about that here)! My acne was a symptom of this, but instead of addressing the root cause I let it go for years thinking I had solved the problem when my acne had subsided.
It’s no surprise that my acne came back because the same issues were still present underneath my clear complexion.
You can become dependent
When you have acne it can take a toll on your mental health. I got so consumed in trying to fix it. It became an obsession that left me feeling really depressed. When you finally find what seems to be the solution, especially after trying so many things, it’s very hard to let it go.
I took pills for acne every single day for over five years with no plans of stopping because I felt like that was the only way to keep my skin clear. I was dependent on the medication not only to manage my skin, but to manage my self-esteem and my self-worth. And that’s not healthy.
Even when I found out that the medication was having a negative effect on my health, it was hard for me to let it go.
I don’t want to feel like I need a medication for acne, a condition that is not life threatening, at the expense of my overall health and wellbeing.
Side effects
I discussed some of the side effects that I experienced on spironolactone, but there are side effects for every drug even the topical creams. Chemicals like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide strip your skin causing it to produce more oil and can cause premature aging of the skin.
Oral antibiotics for acne have a long list of side effects, including upset stomach, nausea, sun sensitivity, yeast infection and more. The other problem with oral antibiotics is that your body will likely become resistant to them over time, leaving you back where you started.
We now know that the use of antibiotics of all kinds disrupt the gut microbiome. Poor gut health has been linked to inflammation, digestive conditions like IBS, leaky gut, and crohn’s disease, autoimmune disease, mood disorders, skin conditions (like acne), and more. Long term use of antibiotics like those prescribed for acne are directly affecting the gut.
A short term solution
Acne isn’t just a random occurrence, it’s your body’s cry for help. Whatever’s going on inside, good or bad, will show up on your skin. So when you don’t address that root issue, acne is never going to go away, no matter how many creams or pills you use.
Prescribed treatments are attractive because they are easy (just pop a pill or put on some cream) and often faster. But they are a short term fix and may be doing more harm than good. I want to get off the roller coaster ride and take the time and effort to heal permanently.
I believe that my body can heal without prescription chemicals. I’m willing to be gentle and patient with myself, do my own research, listen to my body, and find a more holistic remedy that addresses the deeper issue that acne is just a symptom of.
I don’t expect everyone to take the same approach as me. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with seeing a dermatologist. It worked for me in the past and I’m thankful that I was able to find an effective solution when I needed it the most.
However, I’m no longer focused on just treating acne. I'm working on healing fully from the inside out.
What's your opinion about acne and the best ways to treat it?
Is Organic Food Really Better?
We’ve all been in this scenario: you’re at the supermarket with your shopping list in tow. What you think will be a simple trip turns much more complicated when you’re faced with all the various labels to interpret. In the produce section you’re forced into another decision: to buy conventional or organic.
Which one will you choose? We know that organic is supposed to be better -- less chemicals, more nutritious, tastier and environmentally friendly. But is it really? And don’t get me started on the cost! Often times organic can be nearly double the price of conventional alternatives. Is there really a difference or is it just a marketing ploy?
Today organic food is a $50 billion industry and one of the fastest growing food sectors in the US. People are seeking out organic options more than ever before.
Personally, I never thought much about organic food until recently. I assumed that it was at least somewhat healthier. But I didn’t see a compelling reason to splurge for organic, especially on a tight budget.
Then I started drinking celery juice. If you haven’t heard about this health phenomenon check out my post here. But for the last few weeks I’ve been drinking two cups of celery juice every morning. I tried both organic and conventional celery (from various grocery stores and even local farmers markets) and there was a noticeable taste difference between the two.
Across the board organic celery juice tasted substantially better than conventional, no matter where it was purchased. Juice from conventional celery was much more bitter juice, with a thinner consistency.
I was shocked and started to wonder if there really is something to this organic food movement. After tasting the difference firsthand, I decided to learn more about organic food and whether or not it’s really the better option.
What Does Organic Mean?
We’re bombarded with labels at the grocery store and it can be hard to make sense of it all. Let’s break down what organic actually means.
Organic food is grown and processed according to national standards set by the US Department of Agriculture. These standards relate to things such as soil quality, animal-raising practices, pest and weed control, and the use of additives. This promotes healthier farming practices both for the environment as well as for consumption.
To be more specific, organic crops must be produced without
- Synthetic pesticides
- Synthetic fertilizer
- Sewage sludge
- Irradiation
- GMOs
- Growth hormones or antibiotics for animals
In addition to being free of hormones and antibiotics, organically raised animals eat an organic diet (free of GMOs, additives, and animal byproducts) and have access to outdoor spaces, including pastureland for grazing.
Food with the “USDA Organic” label contain at least 95% organic ingredients and comes from a farm that has been inspected and found to meet the USDA requirements.
You might also see similar labels like “100% Organic” which is even better and will also have the USDA seal. In contrast, “Made with Organic” means that at least 70% of ingredients are organic, but you won’t see the USDA label on these items as they are not as strictly regulated.
Why Does It Matter?
Not only do all those things sound pretty unpleasant (sewage sludge?!), they have been linked to poor health outcomes. These toxins have the potential to cause hormone disruption, neuro-developmental issues, neurological diseases, chronic illnesses, inflammation, and cancer, among other things.
Ready to throw out all your non-organic food?
Before you do, keep in mind that organic food may not have synthetic pesticides, but does have organic pesticides. These are not necessarily safer. Organic doesn’t mean 100% free of all the bad stuff, but it is substantially less.
There’s still A LOT of debate over whether organic food is definitively more healthy and if so, by how much.
The Benefits of Organic Food
Although there’s a lot scientists don’t know or haven’t yet proven about the differences between conventional and organic foods, there are quite a few known benefits.
Less pesticides
Your chance of being exposed to pesticide residue are much less with organic food. One study found that organically grown crops had one-third the amount of pesticide residue compared to conventionally grown crops. They were also less likely to contain residue from more than one type of pesticide.
Fresher and better tasting
Because there are no preservatives to make them last longer, organic foods tend to be fresher when purchased. The better soil quality used with organic crops (due to the natural methods of fertilization used like manure and composting) helps to produce healthy, stronger plants. This improves the quality and the taste.
No hormones or antibiotics in animal products
Whatever toxins an animal is exposed to, be it gmo feed, growth hormones or antibiotics, gets stored in fat tissue of the animal through bioaccumulation. When we consume meat, dairy products, eggs, etc. those toxins are then transferred to us, causing problems like hormone imbalances, faster rates of maturation in children, inflammation, cancer and more.
More nutrients
This is widely debated and there is still disagreement within the scientific community as to whether the difference in nutrients is significant. However, many studies have shown the nutritional value of organic foods to be superior. A 2016 European study found 50% more of certain nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids in organic meat and milk. On average, organic produce was found to contain 21% more iron, 27% more vitamin C, 29% more magnesium and 13% more phosphorus than their conventional counterparts.
GMO-free
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants whose DNA has been altered in ways that cannot occur in nature. They are most commonly designed to be resistant to pesticides or produce their own insecticide. The FDA and biotech companies claim that GMOs are safe, but no long term studies have been conducted to confirm this. In fact, GMOs have been linked to increased food allergies and gastro-intestinal (gut) issues in humans. Many believe that they also increase the risk of cancer (though this has not yet been scientifically proven).
Should You Buy Organic?
There’s still a great deal of controversy over organic food and whether there is enough evidence to prove its worth. Personally, I can’t help but feel a little concerned about what I’m putting in my body when I eat non organic foods--pesticides, GMOs, hormones, antibiotics.
Unfortunately, it may take many years to fully understand the long term effects these things could have on our health. There’s still so much that is being uncovered about organic foods--good and bad.
With that being said, my recommendation is to, first and foremost, focus on eating as many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as you can, organic or not. Reducing the amount of processed food in your diet is going to make a huge difference for your health.
If you are interested in transitioning to a more organic diet, but like many of us, are concerned about the price tag there’s good news! Not everything you buy actually needs to be organic. By making a few swaps you can avoid many of the dangers of conventional foods and still stay within your budget (or close to it).
Fruits and Vegetables
Some types of conventionally-grown produce are much higher in pesticides, while others are low enough that buying non-organic is relatively safe. Some crops don’t require as many pesticides or are protected by a thicker skin. Take onions for example. Their pungent flavor is a natural insect repellent. Use the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen” as your guide.
The Dirty Dozen - the top 12 fruits and vegetables with the most amount of pesticide residue that you should prioritize buying organic:
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Celery
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Sweet bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
Bonus: Kale, collard greens and hot peppers are three recent additions to the Dirty Dozen, discovered to contain harmful pesticides.
The Clean Fifteen- produce with the least amount of pesticide residue that you don’t need to buy organic:
- Avocados
- Sweetcorn
- Pineapples
- Cabbages
- Frozen sweet peas
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Kiwis
- Eggplant
- Grapefruit
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potatoes
Animal Products
Unfortunately, when it comes to meat, dairy and eggs there’s a little less leeway. As much as possible you should buy these items organic. Remember, you are what you eat. Consuming animals that have been fed a GMO diet, and have been loaded with hormones and antibiotics is going to have a direct impact on you and your health. You want to avoid those as much as possible and choosing organic animal products, will allow you to control the substances that you allow into your body.
Seafood and Fish
There are no official standards for organic seafood in the US and most seafood won’t have an organic label unless it’s from overseas. It’s more important to look for fish that is wild-caught. These fish are free of the chemicals, dyes, and antibiotics that are fed to their farm-raised counterparts. Avoid the harmful toxins and compromised nutritional value by sticking to wild-caught seafood as much as possible.
Processed/Packaged Foods
This is really up to you. I don’t think it’s worth it to buy organic processed foods. For the majority of these types of items, you’ll have bigger things to worry about than whether they have an Organic label. Things like sugar, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, salt, and the many other unpronounceable things on the labels are more of a concern, in my opinion. If I want something processed, I’m usually not thinking about the nutritional value. I don’t think organic is going to make a huge difference when it comes to cookies, chips and other processed goodies.
Where does that leave us?
Organic food is a complex subject with many contrasting opinions. But I think it’s hard to ignore the harmful substances and practices that are used with conventional food sources. However, there’s one major drawback of organic food: the price. And this keeps a lot of people from buying organic even though it seems to be the safer, healthier option.
Cost is definitely a concern for me, but as someone who suffers from inflammation, hormonal imbalance and gut health issues, I see a lot of reason to adopt a more organic diet. I’m not going to switch completely, but I do plan to slowly transition to organic options, starting with animal products and the “Dirty Dozen” list of produce.
Ultimately, you have to do what’s best for you. Even if you don’t plan to buy organic, make eating a healthy, balanced diet your top priority.
Hopefully I’ve given you some facts to help you make your own decision or encouraged you to do some more research on the subject.
What is your opinion on organic food?
Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pesticides-and-health#section8
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20453119/top-reasons-to-choose-organic-foods/
- https://foodrevolution.org/blog/the-dirty-dozen-plus-clean-fifteen-infographic/
- https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/organic-food-better#1
5 Awesome Yoga Youtube Channels for Free Yoga Workouts
Yoga is finally getting its time to shine. I remember years ago thinking of yoga as merely a post-workout stretch. Boy was I wrong! Not only is yoga a legit WORKOUT, it does wonders for your mood and mental state.
I was first introduced to yoga back in my freshman year of college by my roommate. We used to squeeze our yoga mats into the tiny floor space in our dorm room and she would lead us in some intense power yoga sessions. It was cardio, it was strength training, it was balance, it was focus. I really fell in love with the practice and it’s something I always come back to.
Now a days, there’s so many different types of yoga that you can explore, each with its own techniques and benefits. I personally love vinyasa and hot yoga. But I’m interested in trying kundalini yoga soon!
Luckily, I don't have to search for a studio to do this! Did you know you can find almost any type of yoga class online for free and enjoy the physical and mental benefits from comfort of your home?
Don't get me wrong, yoga studios are great when you want that class vibe and specialized attention. But they can get pretty pricey, and, especially in the winter months, it’s so hard to brave the cold and make it to class (at least for me!).
Gone are the days of relying on in-person classes to start practicing yoga. There are tons of options for free yoga videos all over Youtube, varying in style, discipline and focus.
Below are 5 of the best Youtube yoga channels to get you going with your yoga practice this year.
1. Yoga with Adriene
If you’ve ever searched for yoga on Youtube you’ve probably come across a Yoga with Adriene video. This channel is super popular with over 4 million subscribers and if you’re looking for a one stop shop for all your yoga needs, this is it!
Adriene is one of my favorite Youtube yogis. You’ll love her calming, grounded personality and the sheer number of videos and playlists she has on her channel. There are hundreds to choose from, with new ones being posted weekly. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, have a few minutes or hours to spare, are looking to sweat or relax--Adriene’s got your back! She also shares tips and tricks, meditations, and recipes on her channel. Each month Adriene creates a calendar and themed playlist of daily yoga workouts to keep you on track.
Check out:
2. Brett Larkin Yoga
On her channel Brett teaches Vinyasa flow yoga and meditation and has lots of yoga-related advice to share. You'll love how accessible and non-intimidating her videos are. And her bubbly personality will leave you smiling, even after challenging workout. This is a great channel for beginners, with a lot of How-To videos for everything from poses to breathing techniques. So even though you’re not in a studio you can get that focused instruction you might need when your just starting out. But don’t let that fool you, she has tons of full length, higher intensity videos for when your ready to work up a sweat. Brett will not only help you get your body right, but your mind and soul as well.
Check out:
- Total Body Yoga: Full Body Workout for Beginners (45-min) Amazing Vinyasa Flow Weightloss Yoga
- Gentle Yoga | Beginner Yoga for Stress Relief | Less than 10 Minutes
3. Boho Beautiful
Ever imagined yourself practicing yoga on a beautiful beach or mountain top? Then the Boho Beautiful yoga videos are definitely for you. Juliana films her yoga and body toning videos in some of the most breathtaking destinations. You’ll completely forget that your in your living room! Juliana’s videos are fun and upbeat with motivating music. They’re on the shorter side (around 20 min), but you will feel every minute. Perfect for those who want a quick, yet effective yoga workout.
Check out:
- Perfect Morning Yoga ♥ A Cup Of Coffee For Your Soul | North Caicos
- Blissful Yoga Flow ♥ One Yoga Class To Rule Them All
4. Bad Yogi
Erin Motz of the Bad Yogi channel is far from your traditional yoga teacher. She's on a mission to make the yoga community more inclusive and remove the "snobbery, pretense, and endless prerequisites." On her channel you'll find a variety of videos and playlists for all levels, but it's geared toward those just starting out. Topics include everything from upper and lower body focus, to yoga for your zodiac sign and much more. She even has a 10 day ab challenge to get you feeling the burn. You'll enjoy her lighthearted, down-to-earth approach that removes all judgement and makes yoga accessible to everyone.
Check out:
5. Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga is a studio franchise in California, but they make full length class videos available on their Youtube channel, allowing people to enjoy their videos all over the world! My favorite part about this channel is the variety of teachers they showcase. Just like at a real studio you can pick and choose your favorite teachers and classes, although they're all top notch. They specialize in vinyasa flows for all levels and meditation. You will sweat! This channel is for when you want that studio feel, but don't want to leave your living room.
Check out:
It's so nice to have the option to workout at home for free with Youtube. Anyone can begin practicing yoga on their own terms and on their own schedule.
These are 5 of my favorite yoga Youtube channels, but there are many more out there. If you're looking for a place to start or are continuing on your yoga journey I encourage you to check out some of the channels mentioned here.
What are your favorite Youtube channels for yoga?
Why I Quit the Pill + 7 Scary Side Effects You Should know
I recently listened to an amazing podcast interview with women’s health expert, Dr. Jolene Brighten where she discussed the dark side of the pill. Did you know that an estimated 100 million women take birth control pills worldwide? Yet, there are many alarming side effects that doctors fail to inform us of before writing a prescription.
The data is shocking! There are so many adverse effects caused by the pill that you probably are not aware of. It goes way beyond weight gain, moodiness, and bigger boobs. Some of the side effects can be life threatening and many take years to recover from.
Keep in mind, this is not an anti-birth control post. We all have to do what’s best for ourselves and our bodies. I was on birth control for almost a decade, myself. But awareness is key. If back in college I knew what I know now, I would have seriously thought twice about taking the pill.
Beyond Birth Control
The pill is an oral contraceptive--its purpose is to prevent pregnancy. But would you believe that in the US over 60% of women using the pill state their primary reason for taking it to be symptoms, not pregnancy prevention?
These could be irregular periods, painful PMS symptoms, mood swings, acne or even more serious conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.
The pill has become a catch-all for almost every hormone-related issue. You see your doctor for relief from cramps and walk out with a script for birth control. Before you know it years have gone by and you’re still taking birth control to prevent symptoms, never having addressed the root cause.
This story is true for so many women, myself included.
My Pill Experience
When I started taking birth control in college I knew nothing about it other than my friends were taking it and it could help with acne. At the time I was breaking out with painful, cystic acne that made leaving my dorm room a daily struggle.
My doctor happily wrote me a prescription and I was on my way to clearer skin.
Yes, it helped my skin. Yes, I loved the convenience of shorter, lighter, more predictable periods. Honestly, I thought it was the best thing ever! I thought I would be on it forever.
Fast forward about seven years…
I started having vision issues and was diagnosed with severe dry eyes.
Random, I know! And you might be thinking, dry eyes...what’s the big deal?
Listen! Anyone who has had dry eyes knows how frustrating, uncomfortable, inconvenient and costly it can be. Imagine feeling like there’s sand in your eyes and wanting to keep them closed whenever possible. I couldn’t wear contacts and had to use eye drops every hour just to get through the day. I had to buy humidifiers and prescription eye drops. Take my word, it’s not fun.
My optometrist recommended I talk to my doctor about changing birth control methods because dry eyes is actually a symptom of hormonal birth control...Yup!
That diagnosis sent me down a rabbit hole of research on the side effects of birth control and guess what...in addition to dry eyes, I had experienced quite a few over the years:
- headaches (was seeing a neurologist)
- yeast infections
- fatigue
- depression (was prescribed anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medication for 2 years)
- gut issues and more
With all I was learning I realized that it was time for me to consider quitting the pill.
How Do Birth Control Pills Actually Work?
All the years I was taking the pill I never understood exactly how it worked. As long as I knew it was safe (at least I thought it was) and effective, I really didn’t care.
This was a mistake. If I had better understood how it operated in my body, I could have made more informed choices. When it comes to health you have to empower yourself with as much information as possible so you can work in partnership with your doctor.
When you take hormonal birth control, your reproductive system basically shuts down. You take a high dose of synthetic hormones, which stops communication between the brain and ovaries. A signal is sent to the brain saying that there's enough hormones and your body doesn’t need anymore. As a result the ovaries never receive the message to ovulate. No eggs are released.
Another way to think of this is hormone levels are kept at such unnaturally high levels that your body is tricked into thinking it’s pregnant. Hence, stopping ovulation.
Let’s think about this...not only is this completely unnatural, but do we really think it’s possible to shut down a whole system of the body without impacting any of the others? Doubtful.
Does the pill balance hormones?
When I started taking the pill, I was told that it would help balance my hormones and as result improve hormonal acne.
That makes sense...but it’s not quite accurate.
Remember, hormonal birth control suppresses your hormones by shutting down the line of communication between your brain and ovaries. Once you stop taking the pill, whatever hormonal imbalances you had before will come right back. You’ll experience the same symptoms and likely worse than before.
It’s not fixing the problem. It’s just a bandaid. Whatever symptoms you have are not being cured by the pill. They’re being masked.
Not only this, but it’s creating more damage that you will have to recover from once you stop taking the pill. This is known as Post Birth Control Syndrome (PBCS), and it is real.
I can speak from experience. My acne did improved while I was taking the pill. But it came back with a vengeance once I got off the pill. And I am currently in the midst of healing by finally addressing the root cause of my acne. I’m done with the quick, temporary fixes.
7 Surprising Side Effects of the Pill
Let’s talk about the side effects of the pill. Some of the milder ones that you are probably familiar with if you are or have ever been on birth control include:
- Larger breasts
- Weight gain or loss
- Reduced or increased acne
- Slight nausea
- Emotional sensitivity right before your period
- Mood swings throughout your cycle
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Breast tenderness
- Decreased libido
For some women, these side effects alone are enough to dissuade them from taking the pill. For me, it wasn’t until I learned about the more serious risks that things started to click. That 1) many of the mysterious health issues I was experiencing were likely connected to birth control use and 2) there were more scary side effects that I did not want to put myself at risk for.
1. Increased Risk of Cancer
On the bright side, according to the National Cancer Institute, the pill lowers the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. However, studies also show that hormonal birth control increases the risk of breast cancer by 20%. There is also evidence showing links between hormonal birth control and cervical cancer and liver cancer.
2. Compromised Gut Health
Similar to antibiotics, hormonal birth control disrupts the gut microbiome, throwing off the balance of good and bad bacteria that affects everything from digestion to mental health. This ultimately results is a state of leaky gut (or intestinal permeability), which sets the stage for autoimmune disease. It lowers your immunity, leaving you more susceptible to infections, as well as other conditions like candida overgrowth, yeast infections, SIBO, IBS, and Crohn’s disease.
3. Blood Clots, Stroke, and Heart Attack
Birth control can trigger blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks, especially in women over 35. Because many women are prescribed birth control in their teens and early twenties, doctors neglect to discuss these side effects. But more women are staying on the pill for years on end, often well into into their thirties when the risk becomes more serious, without being properly informed.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
The pill depletes your supply of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body needs to function. To effectively metabolize the synthetic hormones in birth control, the liver needs an extra supply of vitamins including zinc, magnesium, selenium, B vitamins and antioxidants. So unless you’re properly supplementing this vitamins while on the pill, your body will pay the price. This nutrient deficiency sets off a domino effect of symptoms including digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction including hypothyroidism, mood disorders, cardiovascular disease, infertility, weight gain, and the list goes on.
5. Inflammation
The additional estrogen that is introduced when you start taking the pill triggers an inflammatory response in the body. If you don’t already know, inflammation is extremely damaging to the body and is involved in the development of conditions like depression, autoimmune disease, cancer, and chronic pain.
6. Mood Disorders
Many women go on the pill in hopes of stabilizing their mood swings. However, things like inflammation, blocked ovulation, and nutrient depletion can actually trigger or exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mood issues. One study found that women who use hormonal birth control were at a greater risk of suicide (3 times) compared to women who had never been on birth control.
7. Fertility Issues
The impression most of women are given is that when you’re ready to go off the pill things will immediately go back to normal. But this isn’t usually the case. After going off of the pill, it’s common for women to experience irregular periods or temporary amenorrhea (loss of menstruation). In fact, 3-6% of women may never see the return of their period after quitting birth control. And studies suggest that women with a history of irregular periods are at higher risk. This is very disconcerting, especially for women who intend to have children later on.
Final Words
Birth control is a very personal topic and of course you have to do what’s right for you.
What’s right for me is to stay away from hormonal birth control. I want take a natural approach and let my body do what it was designed to do. I also want to address the root cause of my health concerns instead of just covering them up with a bandaid. And I don’t want to put myself at risk for harmful or life threatening conditions.
But that’s just me!
My goal isn’t to persuade you to throw your birth control down the toilet as soon as you finish this post. In fact, don’t do that! It could have damaging effects on your body and hormones.
I do encourage you to continue to research the topic. If you’re interested in learning about how to safely and smoothly transition off the pill check out this article. If you want to learn how to best support your body while you’re on birth control try this article.
So tell me, what are your thoughts on the pill?
Sources
- https://bodyecology.com/articles/dangers_birth_control_pill.php
- https://drbrighten.com/
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/oral-contraceptives-fact-sheet
- http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1700732
- https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.nunm.idm.oclc.org/pubmed/29145752
Celery Juice: Why and How to Drink It
All over social media people have been raving about celery juice. Is it really a magical healing potion or is it just another health fad that will come and go?
Since first hearing about this miracle drink a few weeks ago, I decided to do a little research of my own. With all the testimonials, articles and even celebrities swearing by it, I was definitely interested to learn more.
To be completely honest, it was going to take a lot for me to drink liquid celery. I don’t mind having a celery stick here or there dipped in hummus or blue cheese dressing. But plain, raw celery is not on my list of favorite foods.
On top of that, I’ve never been able to drink green juices. I love eating vegetables, but the thought of drinking kale or spinach has always grossed me out. I know I’ve probably been missing out on tons of nutrients and health benefits, but I just haven’t been able to get past the visual.
However, with all that I was learning, I decided I had to give celery juice a chance!
What really caught my attention was the incredible impact it was having on chronic skin conditions like eczema and acne.
I’ve struggled with both of these for some time and I’ve found that common medical approaches DON’T WORK. Topical creams and antibiotics are just band aids that covers up the root cause, but don’t actually address the issue. It’s a temporary fix, but not a way to heal. Skin issues like eczema, acne, and psoriasis are a sign of a deeper problem going on within.
Based on what I was reading, celery juice was healing acne and eczema sufferers from the inside out. That, along with the many other reported health benefits prompted me to join #teamceleryjuice and try it for myself.
Why Drink Celery Juice?
The source of this celery juice craze is Anthony William, author of New York Times-bestselling Medical Medium series. He writes about the natural healing power of fruits and vegetables and their ability to cure almost any illness. I’m in the middle of reading his newest book, The Liver Rescue and it’s been extremely eye opening. It’s a fascinating approach to health and natural healing. I highly recommend it!
According to William, incorporating celery juice into your diet can have life changing effects on your health. We all know that celery is good for us, but I wasn’t aware of just how many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients celery contains.
It’s very high in antioxidants and has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. A great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, folate, manganese, calcium, riboflavin, magnesium, and vitamin B6. It also has a high percentage of water and electrolytes that keep you hydrated and flushes the system.
Surprisingly, celery is high in sodium due to its mineral salts. These special salts have been shown to starve out bacteria, potentially killing viruses in the body.
Benefits of Celery Juice
There seems to be some controversy over the true benefits of celery juice and whether or not claims are scientifically supported. But studies have shown that celery has the potential to improve a wide range of health concerns and conditions. Here are just a few of the reported benefits of drinking celery juice.
- Cancer Prevention
- Lowers Inflammation
- Supports weight loss
- Improves Digestion and IBS
- Helps heal eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Builds the immune system and fights against infection
- Stabilizes blood pressure
- Reduces cholesterol
- Balances PH levels
- Restores gut health
- Protects Liver Health
- Helps with Infertility
- Fights Autoimmune Disease
- Improves Mental Health
- Prevents UTIs and Yeast Infections
How to Make It
There are two ways that you can make celery juice: using a juicer or a high speed blender. Luckily, I was able to borrow an old juicer from my mom, so that is the method I’ve been using. It’s pretty quick and easy. But both will get the job done.
The recommended amount to drink is 16 oz and, depending on the size of your celery, you will need about 1-2 bunches. To allow the celery juice to fully cleanse your digestive system, it is recommended that you drink celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. It’s also best to make it fresh and drink as soon as possible to get the most nutrients. But it can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container (like a mason jar) for up to 24 hours.
If you’re using a juicer, just wash and cut up your celery (into thirds) and put it through your juicer. I also like to strain it at the end so it’s perfectly smooth and not pulpy, but that’s completely optional. And if you’re using a newer juicer you may not have to worry about this at all.
Prepare your celery the same way if you’re using a blender. Blend the celery with a little water (about ¼ cup). Strain out the juice with a nut milk bag or cheesecloth and enjoy!
Organic vs. Conventional Celery
Organic celery is preferred but either can be used. If you’re using non-organic celery, then you may want to take extra care when washing to get rid of any pesticides or other chemicals that might be on it. One trick I learned is to soak your celery (or any produce) in baking soda and water to help dissolve any hard-to-wash substances from the surface.
I’ve tried both organic and regular celery, as some stores don’t have a wide selection. And organic celery can be pretty expensive and usually smaller in size than conventional. But I will say, I can taste the difference between the two.
I’ve tried celery from a few different stores--Trader Joe’s, Giant, Food Lion, Costco, and a local farmer’s market. No matter the source, I’ve found that juice made from organic celery tastes a lot better! Non organic celery juice is a little more bitter and has a thinner, more watery consistency.
If organic celery isn’t easily accessible, then regular celery is perfectly fine and still has the all vitamins and nutrients you want. I’ve used both with good results. I got lucky and found organic celery for a great price at Costco. Otherwise, I would be primarily using non-organic. But it’s completely up to you!
The Taste
Everyone has a different reaction to the taste of celery juice. Honestly, I thought it was pretty disgusting the first time I drank it. But now I actually enjoy it. It really is an acquired taste!
If you find that it’s a struggle to get all 16 oz of pure celery juice down, here are a few tips:
- Start small - I started drinking about 6 oz and slowly increased the amount overtime. Now I can drink 16 oz with no issue and I’m considering upping it to 24 oz.
- Add an apple - To get the full benefits you want to drink pure celery juice. But, juicing an apple in with the celery really helped me adjust to the taste. After about a week I was able to wean myself off and have the celery juice straight.
- Use a straw - something about sipping the juice through a straw rather than taking gulps makes it easier to drink.
- Drink it cold - I can’t imagine drinking warm celery juice. I store my celery in the fridge before using. After juicing, I put my cup of celery juice back in the fridge for a bit while I wash out my juicer. It’s much more refreshing when cold. I’ve read that the process of blending warms the juice, so if you’re using a blender you may want to refrigerate for longer before drinking.
My Experience
I’ve been drinking celery juice every morning for about 2 weeks, so not that long. But I’ve really been enjoying celery juice as a new addition to my morning routine. It feels good knowing that I’m doing something wonderful for my health first thing everyday. Of course there’s no quick fix to improving your health, but I have seen some positive results from drinking celery juice in this short amount of time.
I've already been working on building up my gut health and celery juice has had a major impact on my digestion. I don’t want to get into too much detail, but celery juice has definitely helped things move along and made me more...well...regular. Additionally, I don’t have as many cravings and feel more satisfied after meals. I also have more energy and haven’t felt the need for coffee or tea in the mornings.
I haven’t seen a major change in my acne or eczema yet. It does seem like breakouts are healing a little faster, but I’ll need more time to see if the celery juice is having a real impact on my skin.
One weird thing I’ve noticed is that I started experiences more headaches after I began drinking celery juice daily. This could be a coincidence and have nothing to do with the celery juice. But if anyone else has experienced this let me know! Could it be a possible side effect?
Overall, my results have been good and I’ve enjoyed the challenge of getting outside my dietary comfort zone. I’m going to continue drinking my daily celery juice and will keep you posted on my results.
If you haven’t tried celery juice yet, I highly recommend it! Even if you’re not into green juices or are worried about the taste, believe me it’s doable and it’s worth it. If I can drink it, anyone can!
Have you tried celery juice? What were your results?
6 Wellness Podcasts for a Happier, Healthier Life
I'm a big podcast fan and I listen to them A LOT! Whether I'm doing my hair, driving to work, cooking, working out...whatever the activity, you'll probably hear a podcast playing in the background. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite wellness-related podcasts that will motivate you as you start or continuing on your wellness journey.
I'm a big podcastfan and I listen to them A LOT! Whether I'm doing my hair, driving to work,cooking, working out...whatever the activity, you'll probably hear a podcastplaying in the background.
If you haven'tentered the podcast world yet, it's time you take the plunge! Podcasts are entertaining and informative,and the best part is you can listen on the go. It's a fun and easy way to learn about almost any topic you can thinkof.
Now that werejumping into the new year, my podcast focus has shifted to the health andwellness arena. If you're anything like me you've been thinking about how to bethe best version of yourself and strive for health and happiness this year.
Well look nofurther! Today I'm sharing some of my favorite wellness-related podcasts thatwill motivate you as you start or continuing on your wellness journey.
I love that these podcasts approach wellness from many different perspectives--focusing on mind, body and spirit. I think each of these aspects of health are super important. For long term well-being we really need a balance of all three. Each of these podcasts has something unique to offer to the wellness space and I really enjoy listening. I know you will too!
1. Oprah's Super Soul Conversations
Inmy mind Oprah can do no wrong (does that make me biased?!). And her podcast is outstanding for thoselooking to grow and develop inside and out. This is my go-to podcast when I want a mindset shift. Oprah's deeply personal and meaningfulconversations always leave me feeling uplifted and inspired. Her guests are fascinating and includebest-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, health and wellness experts andeven celebrities. They so eloquentlyshare their stories, recapping their biggest life lessons. The show aims to provide answers to life'sbiggest questions and bring you closer to your best self. You'll learn about self-discovery,spirituality, finding your purpose and so much more.
2. Mind Body Green Podcast
I randomly came across this podcast when I was going through a really bad bout of eczema and was looking for natural, non-conventional methods of healing. This podcast speaks on that very subject. Host, Jason Wachob, is changing the conversation about health and advocates for a more holistic approach to wellness. One that goes beyond just the physical body. Jason's journey began when, with the help of functional medicine and yoga, he was able to naturally heal from a serious back injury. One that, under normal circumstances, would require surgery. Ever since then he's been on a quest to show transformative power of wellness. The show is casual and informative and the guests are some of biggest names in the wellness industry. Jason is real and honest and not afraid to look at the wellness industry through a critical lens. I've learned so many unexpected things from this podcast like how kale might actually be bad for your health and the life-changing power of mushrooms. This show is packed with information and Jason does a great job of keeping things interesting week after week.
3. The Wellness Mama Podcast
Don'tlet the name fool you, this podcast is not just for mamas! It's for anyone looking to craft a healthierlifestyle. I've been following theWellness Mama blog for some time now, since I've been on my own wellnessjourney and looking toward natural methods of healing. Her posts are always extremely thorough andwell-researched, yet easy to digest and apply. She's someone that I've reallycome to trust when it comes to health and wellness. I've recently startedlistening to her podcast and it's become a new favorite. On the podcast, Katiediscusses topics like holistic health, real food, fitness, and natural livingwith a little bit of motherhood and family life sprinkled in. Katie is extremely knowledgeable and I loveher personality. Definitely give this podcast a try for actionable tips forliving your healthiest life.
4. Food Heaven Podcast
Hostedby Registered Dietitians and BFFs Wendy and Jess, who vow to make the world ahealthier place one meal at a time. Ifyou're looking for a one stop shop for all things food, health and nutritionthis is it! Wendy and Jess, really knowtheir stuff. I love hearing their takeon popular wellness topics and their conversations with different leaders inthe wellness community. They give realtips for making sustainable changes to improve health. Things that you'll actually be able to applyand maintain. Their episodes aren'tsuper long. They range from about 20 to 45 minutes, giving you quality contentwithout all the fluff.
5. Good Life Project
GoodLife Project is way more than just a podcast, it's a movement. Founded byJonathan Fields, he and his team are on a mission to help us live a moremeaningful, connected and vital life. Onthe podcast, Johnathon gives us a peak into the lives of some of the mostaccomplished teachers, creators and leaders. He walks us through their journey and how they've achieved meaning,connection, and purpose in their lives. It really makes you rethink your own definition of "the goodlife." There's something so calmingand gentle about Jonathan's voice, and you can feel his authenticity andpassion in every episode. This is anamazingly inspirational podcast that I highly recommend. Shout out to my mom,who introduced me to this show!
6. Mind Body Musings
Irecently started listening to Mind Body Musings and I'm obsessed! It's rare that you listen to a podcast andfeel completely understood. If you'reinterested in topics like self-love, mindset, personal growth, spirituality,and how these all relate to health and wellness, then this is the podcast foryou! Author, life coach and formerfitness model, Maddy Moon shares her insight on aligning mind, body andspirit. Maddy's kind of like a wise,older sister, encouraging and pushing you to reach your full potential andletting you know that everything is gonna be just fine. She does a combination of interview style andsolo session episodes, that are always full of real-talk, humor, andmotivation.
What are your favorite wellness podcasts?
