I actually wrote a post initially about my routine before I started doing all the 30 Day Challenges to improve my health and well being.

I thought it would be interesting to see the difference. After reading that article I’m kind of blown away.

My days have changed drastically. If I’m being real I have changed drastically and I believe it’s for the better.

The Back Story

I have done Four 30 day Experiments so far. Each changing me little by little. Each helping me in ways you would expect and some in ways you wouldn’t.

AIP Journey

It changed the way I looked at food, it changed how I ate. I thought I ate healthy before but I was wrong.

Before – Gluten Free, Heavy Dairy, Potatoes, Chicken, I ate veggies,legumes, there was too much caffeine, very little protein. I was tired and weak.

Now: At least 75 grams of Protein, Tons of organic vegetables, no caffeine, no nightshades, no gluten, no grains, no dairy.

The difference: I now know how much My body needs nutrient dense foods, I was struggling to process protein at the beginning but now I’m a full carnivore and the difference in how my body feels is night and day. Anxiety gone, I feel more like my younger self.

I can admit that I was not well before the experiment, I felt so weak and fragile. Today my body is stronger. The constant nausea and debilitating GERD has subsided I still have days that are not awesome but I’m in the best place I have been in years.

Healing GERD Naturally

I’d been struggling with GERD for years. It had became debilitating and why my new improved diet helped a ton, it was still there. Better but not gone.

Before: Constant Acid, nausea, no appetite, it was rough. It did improve with the AIP diet but still it was bad.

After: I was finally able to eat a whole meal. This might seem small but a big deal if you are suffering from severe GERD.

If you’ve ever had it, you get it. I can lay on my right side longer then ever. Usually just a minute or two and that would set off instant pain and discomfort.

The difference: I am living my life again. Able to enjoy my meals without worrying about the misery that would be caused by eating.

10,000 Steps a Day

I’ve always been high energy, go go go. I thought I’m a good weight and I run around all day. It. I thought, I’m in decent shape but I was wrong.

Before: No exercise at all, weekends were the worst I would lay in bed all day. My stamina was inconsistent. 4 hours of sleep a night. No muscle tone in my legs. Homebody.

After: No midday exhaustion, consistently active even on weekends, higher energy, 5 hours of sleep a night. I no longer avoid going out. My Legs have definition. I feel better after meals.

The Difference: I feel good about myself, it truly surprised me how much better walking made me feel physically and mentally. I don’t think we realize how much our body needs exercise and the most important part.. it wasn’t hard to walk! Sometimes hitting 10,000 was an annoyance but it never made me feel bad. I just sometimes didn’t want to.

Skin Health

Losing so much weight, my skin just sagged everywhere. Not taking care of myself not only played havoc on my internal health but also on my physical appearance.

Before: My skin had lost its glow, my hair no luster, cysts on my body, dry scaly skin, brittle nails, saggy skin in my abdomen, thighs and arms.

After: The texture of my skin is amazing, my hair has shine again, my cysts are shrinking, my nails strong and healthy, my saggy skin is not gone by any means but has definitely improved. My muscle tone actually exists.

The Difference: This was such a hard experiment because it took weeks to see improvements. While I was thin, I had literally no muscle tone. I feel strong now and the improvement to my physical appearance has made me feel more confident.

This one will take longer than 30 days, but I will keep up the routine like I have the others.

How my Schedule changed.

Mornings

Before: Stumble out of Bed, find Diet Coke lay in my bed and drink until the caffeine hits my system, then play games or read until 15 minutes before time to go to work. Brush my teeth and hair, throw on clothes. I still woke up really early, even after staying up half the night.

After: I get up, oil pull, brush my teeth, do a facial, put a pot of water for tea, gather my supplements and vitamins. Take them, do my toning exercises, rebound for 10 minutes, cook lunch and pick up the house, If I haven’t hit 2500 steps by then I’ll usually walk until I do. I write or read until 10 minutes before work and then I gather up my lunch, my laptop and purse. I talk to my son about his plans for the day. Then we head out to work.

The difference is my productivity. I feel like I’ve accomplished so much each morning and it feels awesome. My house is always company ready, we have delicious and nutrient rich food for lunch and my body feels great and I feel prepared to face the day.

What about Work

Now I have always been productive at work but I have changed here as well.

Before: Go in and attack whatever needs to be done. Order door dash, scarf that down, feel bad. Go back to work and stay until whatever was screaming at me was finished. I spent a lot of late nights here.

Now: I come in make my tea, warm up my bone broth, review sales reports, meet with the managers in my department for five minutes or so each, so we all know what’s expected for the day. Then I get started on whatever project or task that needs attention. I warm up my lunch in the air-fryer which is in our gluten free only zone. Cool right, my team set that up for me. They’re the best.

I eat at a reasonable pace and then go for a 15 minute walk after. Back to work until the end of the evening where I check in with my team, clean up and head home for the night. I will still stay late if we are working a deadline but that happens far less often these days.

The difference is my stress level. It’s a 100x better just having a small routine. Ironically I’m more productive just because I’m calmer and more focused.

In the Evening

My downtime in the evening has always been when I crashed out after a long day but I honestly don’t come home wiped out nearly as often anymore.

Before: Come home, get a Diet Coke, lay in bed most of the night, until I passed out somewhere between midnight and 2am. Exhausted the whole evening.

Now: Come home, put on a pot of tea, change, walk until I hit 10,000 steps, do a light workout, eat a healthy snack, read or write, sit under my red light, wash my face, brush my teeth, take meat out for tomorrow’s meal, layout my clothes, take my nighttime vitamins and supplements and fall asleep between 9-11pm.

The difference is I’m far more rested and still get things done in the evening and I still have time to relax but I’m not mindlessly wasting time.

The Tools I Used

Vitamins & Supplements

D3/K2 Vitamins – Bone health, Immune health, blood health (AIP)

Vitamin B12 – To improve Function of the brain and nervous system (AIP and GERD)

Vitamin B5 – For Hair and Skin Health (Skin)

Vitamin B6 – – To improve Function of the brain and nervous system and immunity. (GERD)

Folic Acid – Nervous system support, assists with anti-aging, natural SPF Booster (Skin)

Marshmallow Root – To soothe digestion (GERD)

Slippery Elm – To soothe digestion (GERD)

Licorice Root – To soothe digestion, aids with heartburn (GERD)

Tumeric Tincture – I add this to my Morning Tea. For Immunity and Joint Pain and as an anti-inflammatory (GERD)

Lemon Balm – I add this my morning tea to stay calm and balanced (AIP)

Black Cohosh – For Women’s health. (AIP)

Collagen – For gut health, anti aging, skin (AIP, GERD, Skin)

Zinc Carnosine – promotes a healthy stomach lining, soothing to GI tract. (GERD)

Mastic Gum – h pylori and bacteria killer, GI Support (GERD)

Melatonin – GI Relaxation, sleep (GERD)

Digestive Enzymes – to help breakdown food so you can digest food more easily. (AIP, GERD)

Lotion and Potions

Castor Oil (Skin) – a godsend for adding glow back into your skin.

Vitamin C Serum (Skin) – For Brigbtness

Magnesium Lotion (GERD) – To relax and calm.

Morning Accessories

Dry Brush (Skin) – to break up fatty acids and activate lymph movement.

Steamer (Skin) – to deep cleanse skin.

Microneedling Tool (Skin) – to heal the skin.

Exercise Equipment

Rebounder (Skin) – to workout, low impact cardio.

Fitbit (10,000 steps) – to track sleep and steps.

Weights (Skin) – to build arm muscles and minimize look of saggy skin.

Lazyfit App (Skin) – focus on sculpting my body to minimize the appearance of sagging skin.

Foods I Eat Every Day

Bone Broth (Skin, AIP) – excellent for gut health and skin

Sweet Potatoes (AIP) – good for your eyes, gentle on your gut.

75 grams of Protein (AIP) – important for muscle repair, immunity, hormone production, energy source.

Today…

When I look at my life now, I see a version of myself I didn’t know was possible—not perfect, but grounded, clear, and healing. These challenges weren’t magic fixes. They were commitments to myself, stacked slowly over time, until they became a foundation.

I still have work to do. But I’m not fragile anymore. I’m not hiding in survival mode. I’ve built rhythms that support me, foods that fuel me, and habits that bring peace instead of panic.

If you’re standing where I was—tired, unsure, maybe a little broken—start small. One shift. One habit. One step forward. You don’t have to change everything overnight. But I promise, 30 days from now… you’ll feel it.

• Surviving the Holidays With Celiac (When You Have to Go to Other People’s Houses)

  The holidays are supposed to feel magical… but if you have celiac disease, they can also feel like a minefield. Between potluck dinners, mystery gravies, and “Oh, I’m pretty sure it’s gluten-free,” it’s easy to end up anxious—or worse, sick—when all you wanted was a cozy night with family and friends.

  Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple rules that make the whole season easier, calmer, and a lot safer. They’re not dramatic or complicated—they’re just the things that actually work.

  1. Bring something you know you can eat.

  Never walk in empty-handed. Whether it’s a dish, a snack plate, or even a little picnic in your bag, make sure you have at least one safe option.

  This is not about being polite—it’s about self-preservation. Holiday kitchens are chaotic, and even well-meaning people can cross-contaminate a dish in seconds.

  2. Eat before you go.

  This one changed everything for me.

  When you arrive already fed, there’s no desperation, no guessing, no settling for “probably fine.” You can relax, talk, enjoy yourself, and eat your own food if you need to—without starving or stressing.

  3. You don’t owe anyone a medical dissertation.

  You can simply say,

  “I have celiac, so I’m eating what I brought. I find a nice transition is always telling them that you’re here for the people and that’s the most important thing for you. Most people appreciate that and don’t feel insulted when you don’t eat their food.

  Most people truly do not want the full backstory, and you don’t need to justify your choices. You know what’s safe for your body. That’s enough.

  4. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

  Holiday parties are not the time to experiment or hope for the best. If something feels questionable, don’t eat it. There is nothing—nothing—worse than being stuck at someone else’s house, sick, nauseous, bloated, or doubled over wishing you could teleport home. I’m sure like me you have lots of well meaning family members who say oh they’re gluten-free but try to remember back when you first started eating gluten-free. Did you make mistakes, I know I did. It takes time to understand all the hidden places gluten can be.

  Your job is not to make other people comfortable. Your job is to stay healthy.

  5. Bring your “just-in-case” medical kit.

  I always keep a few essentials with me:

  Digestive enzymes Ox bile (if you need it) Zinc carnosine or NAG Any calming, soothing teas Whatever helps your body recover when things go wrong

  It’s not a sign of fear—it’s just smart planning.

  6. And finally? Let yourself enjoy the night.

  When you walk in prepared, calm, and not starving, you get to be present. You get to laugh, sip your drink, enjoy the lights, and feel like… a normal human being, not a walking food-allergy hazard.

  Celiac doesn’t get to steal your holiday season.

  Preparation is freedom. 🌲✨

• ⭐ The Calm December Method: How I Protect My Gut During the Busiest Month of the Year

  Natural Living, Celiac Healing, and Everyday Calm

  December used to be the month that wrecked me.

  Between long work days, holiday chaos, decorations, gifts, late nights, and constant food temptations, my stomach was always the first thing to suffer.

  With celiac disease, low stomach acid, a missing gallbladder, and a histamine issue, and hyperthyroidism even one stressful week can send my whole system into a spiral.

  I finally realized something powerful:

  I don’t need a perfect December. I just need a calm one.

  So I created a gentle routine, a natural rhythm I follow each year. It keeps my gut soothed, my home peaceful, and my energy steady even through the holiday storm.

  I call it The Calm December Method.

  Here’s what it looks like.

  🍵 1. Morning Healing Before Anything Else

  My mornings make or break my digestion.

  Before I look at my phone, before I start work, I do my healing ritual:

  I call it GoGo Tea but essentially it’s licorice root, slippery elm, marshmallow root, collagen, 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil and vitamin D drops. I take Protonix for my acid issues. It’s a slow, peaceful start — no rushing A few minutes of movement to wake up the lymphatic system with my vibration plate and stretching. Hydration with electrolytes

  This single ritual keeps my stomach calm all day.

  It’s simple, nurturing, and grounding — exactly what December requires to stay balanced.

  🧘‍♀️ 2. Stress Management = Gut Management

  Nothing activates my symptoms faster than stress — especially the holiday kind.

  So I protect my nervous system the same way I protect my stomach:

  No frantic mornings No bending and lifting heavy things No multitasking myself into panic, More softness, more pacing, more intention, more pauses Magnesium at night for relaxation Red light therapy for inflammation. I know I have a lot to do, so I plan it. I break it into little jobs so nothing overwhelms me.

  I choose structure over chaos, because structure is soothing.

  When my nervous system is calm, my digestion follows.

  🍽️ 3. Simple, Healing Holiday Meals

  December doesn’t have to be full of trigger foods.

  My body feels best with:

  Steak or chicken breast, Rice, Green beans, Sweet potatoes, Bone broth and Herbal teas. This is my base diet. It’s not a lot, but this is what I put my core food around. Do I allow myself some special things here and there but more like a snack instead of the main course meal. I have either vegetables and other meat, but this is what I try to stick to the most.

  And I avoid:

  Gluten like it’s a plague, there is no food that is worth the misery I suffer when I eat, gluten. I avoid Dairy an excess, and I avoid High-histamine foods, leftover chicken, Chocolate, Nuts Spinach, Mint, and Anything fried

  I’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean missing out — it just means choosing foods that love me back.

  ✨ 4. Protecting My Time and Energy

  December is my busiest month as a leader and a mom, between Black Friday, staffing, store resets, events, gift shopping, and coordinating multiple teams across the country. Christmas parties and Christmas morning my plate is full

  So I refuse to run myself into the ground.

  Instead, I:

  Break my tasks into small daily blocks Clean and decorate in sections, not all at once Ask for help instead of injuring myself. I have learned this lesson in the hard way. Reset my home gently each day Wrap a few gifts at a time Keep calm lighting and soft music in the evenings. These little things help me feel like I keep life under control.

  December is easier when you stop expecting yourself to be superhuman.

  🌲 5. A Cozy Home That Helps Me Heal

  My home used to overwhelm me during the holidays.

  Now I decorate slowly, intentionally:

  A peaceful tree Soft lights Clean counters A few meaningful touches A tidy playroom/sitting room A calm bedroom.

  It’s not about perfection — it’s about creating a space that brings down my heart rate the moment I walk in.

  Because for people healing their nervous system, your environment matters.

  💛 6. Rest Is a Treatment, Not a Luxury

  The holidays used to push me into burnout.

  Now I rest on purpose:

  I literally schedule my relaxed time, it makes me feel like it’s on the list instead of slacking. Early bedtime, Magnesium Warm socks, Soft pajamas, A heating pad if needed, Quiet evenings. Allowing myself to pause between tasks

  Rest is not laziness — it’s medicine.

  Especially for a body that’s constantly filtering stress and inflammation.

  ⭐ The Calm December Promise

  This isn’t a diet.

  This isn’t a strict plan.

  This is a nervous-system–friendly, gut-soothing rhythm for the busiest season of the year.

  When I follow The Calm December Method, I feel:

  more grounded less bloated more centered more peaceful more connected to myself and actually able to enjoy the season

  You don’t have to suffer through December.

  

  Your body deserves peace — and you can create it, gently, day by day.

• 💤 When Rest Isn’t Lazy: How Intentional Rest Fuels Real Productivity

  Discover how intentional rest can increase productivity, balance hormones, and support healing—without guilt.

  There was a time when I thought rest meant weakness. I used to measure a “good day” by how much I got done. But over the past year—especially through my healing journey with celiac disease, gallbladder removal, and fatigue—I’ve learned that rest isn’t lazy. It’s strategic. It’s part of the system that allows the rest of your life to work.

  1️⃣ Rest is a Tool, Not a Timeout

  Your body doesn’t stop healing when you stop moving—it accelerates. Intentional rest gives your nervous system a chance to repair, digest, and recalibrate. If you’re someone who loves lists, structure, and movement (like me), you probably struggle most with slowing down. But rest is as important to your plan as your supplements, walks, and routines.

  2️⃣ The Science of “Productive Rest”

  When you take short naps or structured breaks, your cortisol levels lower, digestion improves, and your mind resets. Studies show even 15–20 minutes of rest can restore cognitive focus. That’s why I’ve started treating rest like an appointment, not an accident—it belongs in my Franklin Covey-style schedule right beside meetings and workouts.

  3️⃣ How to Rest with Intention

  Set a boundary: No screens, no guilt. Choose a ritual: For me, it’s tea, magnesium, or sitting in silence. Pair it with structure: A planned nap, quiet hour, or light walk is easier to commit to than vague “self-care.”

  When I treat rest like structure, I don’t spiral into burnout. I come back stronger, more grounded, and actually finish what I start.

  4️⃣ Rest Is the Real Discipline

  It takes discipline to pause when your mind says push. But the more I honor those pauses, the more efficient I become. I show up for my team, my home, and my healing with presence instead of pressure.

  ✨ Final Thought:

  True productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about recovering better. Rest isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation that keeps your energy, focus, and body aligned with everything you’re building.

• 
  🌿 Preparing for My 3-Day Fast

  I’ve been thinking about doing a three-day fast for a while now — not as a challenge, but as a way to listen. To see what happens when I give my body absolute quiet.

  I’ve spent the past few years rebuilding my health after losing my gallbladder, learning to navigate celiac disease, and slowly understanding how delicate digestion really is. Everything I’ve done has been about creating structure, not restriction — this fast is just another step in that rhythm.

  Before I start, I want my readers (and future self) to know: this isn’t a “detox.” It’s not about losing weight or punishing myself. It’s about creating space for repair. Our bodies are brilliant when we stop micromanaging them.

  🩵 Step 1: Setting My Intentions

  I want to approach this fast gently — no all-or-nothing thinking. My goal is to support my gut and mind, not shock my system.

  For three days, I’ll focus on peace, hydration, and letting my body handle its own cleanup.

  💧 Step 2: Hydration First

  The day before I begin, I’ll drink extra water, herbal teas, and electrolytes (Trace Minerals — just a few drops in water). I’ll also have my last proper meal: something easy to digest like chicken, rice, and a cooked vegetable.

  That helps the transition — it’s like turning down the volume instead of slamming the power off.

  🍵 Step 3: Building My Support Kit

  Here’s what’s staying with me during the fast:

  Herbal teas: licorice root, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and lemon balm. Collagen powder: one scoop daily in my morning GoGo tea for gut-lining support. Trace Minerals & magnesium: to keep electrolytes steady and prevent fatigue. Journaling and light walks: to redirect energy and keep focus gentle.

  I’m skipping anything that pushes detox too hard — no saunas, no rebounder, no heavy exercise. This is about stillness.

  🌸 Step 4: Emotional Prep

  This part might be harder than the physical one. I’m used to nurturing myself through meals — cooking, sipping tea, tasting new things. Taking that away for three days feels foreign. But I’m curious to see what surfaces when food isn’t the comfort.

  ✨ Step 5: Planning the Re-Entry

  Even before I start, I’m already thinking about the refeed — soft eggs, broth, and gratitude. Fasting only works if refeeding is slow and respectful. I want to treat that first bite like medicine.

  This week is about preparation — not just gathering supplies, but tuning my mindset.

  I’ll share each day of the fast once I begin, but for now, I’m simply getting ready. My hope is that this post reminds anyone reading that healing starts long before the first step.

• 
  🍂 Four States, One Beautiful Fall Story

  Massachusetts • New Hampshire • Vermont • New York

  This trip was everything I wanted fall to be..winding drives, crisp mornings, and postcard-perfect scenery everywhere we turned. We started in Boston, where every street feels like a piece of history, and then made our way through Salem, Manchester, Woodstock, Montpelier,Stowe, Waterbury, and Burlington before crossing into New York. We followed the changing leaves through theAdirondack Mountains, stopped at Lake George, wandered through Saratoga Springs, and ended in Albany.

  Each place had its own personality — Boston was bold and busy, Woodstock was pure small-town magic, and Stowe looked exactly like a snow globe even without the snow. The drives between towns were as beautiful as the destinations. The mountain views, covered bridges, and roadside farm stands made every mile feel intentional.

  I will say, eating gluten-free was challenging. Vermont especially tested my patience — menus leaned heavily on bread, pancakes, and pastries, and even “gluten-friendly”spots didn’t always feel safe. I managed by sticking to the basics: grilled meats, plain rice, fruit, and the occasional salad I trusted. It reminded me how much planning and awareness this lifestyle takes, especially while traveling.

  Still, despite the food stress, it was one of those trips that fills you up in a different way — with beauty, connection, and perspective. We hit four states in total, logged a lot of miles, and made memories I’ll keep with me forever.

  ✨ What This Trip Taught Me

  Travel always finds a way to reveal where you’ve grown. For me, this trip was about resilience and presence — learning to adapt when things weren’t ideal, slowing down when my body needed it, and remembering that beauty doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. There were moments when I felt frustrated by food limitations or tired from long drives, but each stop reminded me how lucky I am to be healing, mobile, and able to explore new corners of the world.

  Sometimes, the biggest joy comes from simply noticing — the way the morning fog sits on the trees, or how the air smells different after crossing into another state.

  🥗 Gluten-Free Travel Lessons

  Pack your non-negotiables. I brought my teas, collagen, and a few safe snacks, and I was grateful for every one of them.

  Don’t assume “gluten-friendly” means safe. Always double-check how food is prepared — Vermont bakeries in particular love shared surfaces.

  Simplify your meals. When in doubt, order plain proteins and safe sides. Some of my best meals were the simplest ones.

  Map grocery stops. Whole Foods, Target, and local co-ops often saved the day.

  Be kind to your body. Travel isn’t the time to test limits — it’s a time to stay steady and grounded so you can

  

• 
  The Truth About Low Stomach Acid: Why It’s Slowing You Down (and What to Do About It)

  You know those days when your stomach feels like a rock, your energy is gone, your skin is flaring, and nothing is “moving”? I’ve had more of those days than I can count. For the longest time, I thought I had too much acid. But the truth was the opposite:

  👉 I have low stomach acid.

  And let me tell you—it can be miserable.

  What started as mild bloating and food sensitivity turned into a full-blown crisis. I couldn’t eat more than a few bites without feeling sick. I lost weight rapidly—not from dieting, but from my body shutting down digestion completely. I went from 180 pounds to 107 in a matter of months. That’s not transformation. That’s survival mode.

  🧠 What Is Low Stomach Acid?

  Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) means your stomach doesn’t produce enough hydrochloric acid to digest food properly. It sounds like a minor issue, but the effects ripple through every system in your body.

  Here’s what happens when your stomach acid is too low:

  Food sits in your stomach too long, slowing digestion You feel full after just a few bites Protein doesn’t break down properly, causing bloating, gas, and pain You don’t absorb nutrients—especially iron, zinc, and B12 Motility slows down, so things get… stuck And ironically, you may still get heartburn, because undigested food ferments and backs up

  This invisible issue had very loud symptoms—and it was ruining my life.

  🌀 How Low Acid Impacts Motility (and Weight)

  Let’s talk about the gut traffic jam nobody prepares you for.

  Low acid doesn’t just make you uncomfortable—it stalls your entire GI system. Your stomach doesn’t send the “all clear” signal to your intestines, and without that, your body holds on to everything. You stop going to the bathroom regularly. You feel heavy and swollen, and food just lingers.

  For me, this meant:

  Constant bloating and gas Two to three days between bowel movements Severe nausea after meals And a body that was too overwhelmed to eat

  That’s how I dropped from 180 to 107 pounds—not by choice, but because my system couldn’t function. It wasn’t sustainable, and it wasn’t okay.

  🔄 My Plan to Fix It (Gently)

  I’m not looking for a quick fix. I want real healing, and that takes consistency, compassion, and strategy. Here’s what I’m doing to support digestion and get my motility back on track:

  💊 Supplements & Support

  Protonix – prescribed to reduce inflammation while I reset Digestive Enzymes + Ox Bile – taken with protein-rich meals Zinc Carnosine + NAG (N-Acetylglucosamine) – to support gut lining repair Oxy-powder (magnesium-based) – occasionally used to support movement without harsh laxatives Electrolytes + Trace Minerals – paused for now due to nausea, but planned for long-term support

  🍵 Healing Teas (3x/day)

  Licorice root Slippery elm Marshmallow root

  These help coat and soothe my gut lining, calm acid flare-ups, and gently stimulate movement.

  🚶 Daily Movement

  500 rebounder jumps 25 ab crunches 20 arm curls Aiming for 10,000 steps per day Gentle walking after meals Light belly massage or stretches in the evening

  📓 Tracking & Adjusting

  I monitor symptoms, energy, food, and bathroom habits daily I test new additions slowly and back off when things don’t feel right I’m honest with myself and patient with the process

  💬 Final Thoughts

  Low stomach acid is one of the most overlooked causes of digestive dysfunction. But it doesn’t stop at the gut. It affects your:

  Skin Energy Hormones Immunity Mental clarity Confidence

  This isn’t about vanity or weight loss. It’s about living in a body that works.

  I’m still rebuilding. Still learning. Still healing. But this time, I’m not winging it. I’ve got a plan, a rhythm, and a belief that my body can come back into balance—with the right support.

  If you’ve been feeling stuck, bloated, exhausted, or ignored: I see you. You’re not crazy. And you’re definitely not alone.

  

• 
  🌿 The Gut Healing Reset: A Real-Life 30-Day Wellness Plan

  By Jennifer | Natural Healing & Honest Living

  Struggling with bloating, food sensitivity, or digestive discomfort?

  You’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

  After years of trial and error (and a lot of “clean eating” that didn’t work), I created a gentle gut healing reset that actually feels good. If you’ve lost your energy, your clarity, or even your confidence, this 30-day plan is a soft but powerful way to come home to your body.

  💬 What Is a Gut Healing Reset?

  A gut healing reset is a structured 30-day routine focused on reducing inflammation, rebuilding the gut lining, supporting digestion, and giving your body a break from foods and habits that create stress.

  This isn’t a juice cleanse.

  This isn’t about perfection.

  This is about rebuilding from the inside out.

  It’s especially helpful for:

  Celiac disease (I have it) No gallbladder (me again) IBS or chronic bloat Brain fog and fatigue Anxiety tied to gut imbalance

  🌱 Core Pillars of My 30-Day Gut Healing Reset

  1. Nourishing, Anti-Inflammatory Foods

  Always gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in added sugar Gentle proteins: chicken, beef, eggs (in moderation) Cooked veggies: carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes Healing carbs: white rice, millet, baked fruit

  2. Targeted Digestive Support

  Digestive enzymes + ox bile (vital without a gallbladder) Magnesium (Oxy-powder) for motility support NAG + zinc carnosine to support the gut lining Soothing herbal teas (licorice root, slippery elm, marshmallow root)

  3. Daily Routines That Support Healing

  GoGo Tea (my morning blend with collagen + vitamin D) Red light therapy + scar care Morning stretching + walks (10,000 steps goal) Sleep by 10:00 PM Emotional boundaries + structured days

  🧘‍♀️ What a Healing Day Looks Like

  Morning:

  Tea + supplements Light stretching or rebounder Clean, protein-forward lunch (like coconut chicken + rice)

  Afternoon:

  Hydration with electrolytes Movement break (walk or gentle exercise) Gut-friendly snack: baked pear + almond butter

  Evening:

  Light dinner (steak strips + cooked veggies) Magnesium, zinc carnosine, NAG Wind-down skincare, tea, and journaling

  🧠 Why This Reset Works

  This works because it’s not based on extremes. It’s rooted in:

  Supporting digestion (instead of forcing it) Creating stability (instead of constant reactivity) Listening to your body (instead of overriding it)

  I’m not trying to be perfect anymore.

  I’m just trying to feel good in my body—and this reset gives me that.

  🫶 Final Thoughts

  If you’re overwhelmed by everything you’re “supposed” to do to heal, this reset brings it back to what matters: stability, nourishment, and care.

  You don’t have to do it perfectly.

  You just have to start.

• 
  🌿 AIP Basics: What You Need to Know to Get Started

  by Jennifer | 30-Day Wellness Experiment

  If you’re tired of guessing which foods are messing with your gut, skin, energy, or mood… welcome. The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is a short-term elimination plan that helps you figure it out—without guessing and Googling yourself into a spiral.

  I’ve done this. It’s not always easy. But it is worth it. Here’s what I wish someone had handed me on Day 1:

  🧹 What You Eliminate on AIP (Phase 1)

  You’ll pause anything that could inflame your gut or over-activate your immune system. Don’t panic. It’s not forever.

  ❌ What to Cut:

  Grains (yes, even rice and oats) Dairy (goodbye cheese board) Legumes (beans, soy, peanuts) Eggs Nuts & seeds (including seed-based spices, coffee, and chocolate) Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant) Refined sugar, seed oils, additives, alcohol

  Think of this as a clean slate. You’re removing confusion and letting your body speak clearly for the first time in a long time.

  🥦 What You Can Eat

  This isn’t about starving—it’s about nourishing deeply with foods your body can easily use to heal.

  ✅ Healing Foods:

  High-quality meats (grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, etc.) Wild-caught fish and shellfish (if tolerated) Cooked vegetables (except nightshades) Leafy greens and non-seed herbs Bone broth (liquid gold for your gut) Fermented foods (sauerkraut, coconut yogurt) AIP-safe fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado) Low-sugar fruits (berries, apples, mango, etc.) AIP-approved teas (rooibos, chamomile, ginger)

  💡 Personal tip: Keep it simple. Cook in batches. Have “go-to” meals you actually like. (For me, it was coconut chicken with roasted carrots and broccoli.)

  🔄 What Happens After?

  After 30–90 days, you’ll begin the reintroduction phase—testing foods one at a time to see how your body responds. This is where the magic happens.

  You get to learn your body’s language—and rebuild your food freedom from a place of knowledge, not fear.

  🧠 Mindset Check

  This isn’t a forever diet. This is a reset.

  You’re not depriving yourself—you’re giving your body peace.

  Take pictures. Make notes. Celebrate tiny wins.

  Some days will feel hard. Some will feel amazing. All of it is information.

  You don’t have to do this perfectly.

  You just have to keep showing up.

  🧡 From One Healing Human to Another…

  You don’t need to explain why you’re doing this.

  You don’t need anyone’s permission to feel better.

  You just need one honest step at a time.

  If you’re starting your AIP journey—or coming back to it—let me know. You’re not alone.

• The Tea Trio That Heals: Licorice Root, Marshmallow, & Slippery Elm

  🌱 Intro

  There’s something grounding about steeping a mug of herbal tea—especially when that tea isn’t just a warm hug, but a healing ritual. For me, licorice root, marshmallow, and slippery elm are more than herbs—they’re part of how I support my digestion, nervous system, and overall healing journey.

  🫖 Meet the Trio

  Licorice Root

  Soothing for the stomach lining Supports adrenal function (especially when under stress) Tastes sweet without added sugar I drink this 2–3 times a day, especially during high-stress or high-travel weeks

  Marshmallow Root

  Not the puffy white kind! Contains mucilage, which coats and protects the gut lining Helps with throat irritation and mild inflammation Gentle, calming, and pairs beautifully with licorice

  Slippery Elm

  Famous for supporting leaky gut and coating the digestive tract Also helpful for mild heartburn or acid discomfort I use it most often at night or when I feel gut fatigue after travel

  🍯 How I Brew It

  I keep it simple:

  1 bag licorice root A pinch or scoop of marshmallow and slippery elm (loose or bagged) Steep for 10–15 minutes, covered Optional: stir in a bit of honey or collagen if I need an extra boost

  ✨ Why I Keep Coming Back to It

  These herbs helped me feel safe with food again. When I’m bloated, exhausted, or just need comfort without consequences, this tea blend feels like medicine without being medicinal. It’s part of how I signal to my body: “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

• Meet NAG: The Gut’s Unsung Hero

  Let’s talk about a supplement that’s not flashy, trendy, or even particularly well-known — but it quietly does a whole lot of good: N-Acetylglucosamine (or NAG).

  If you’ve ever battled leaky gut, autoimmune flares, or mystery inflammation, you might already know the name. But if you don’t — let me introduce you to one of the calmest, most supportive additions to my healing toolkit.

  What is NAG?

  NAG is a form of glucosamine, a naturally occurring amino sugar found in your body. But unlike the type found in joint supplements (glucosamine sulfate), NAG focuses on the gut lining — and that’s where it really shines.

  It supports the mucosal layer of the intestines — think of this as the inner “skin” that protects your gut from irritants, bacteria, and immune overreactions. When that layer is damaged (hello, gluten exposures, stress, medications, and infections), your gut lining becomes leaky and inflamed.

  Why I Take It:

  I have Celiac disease and a history of gut issues, so protecting and healing my gut lining is non-negotiable. I can’t take L-glutamine (which is often recommended for gut repair), so NAG is my go-to.

  Here’s what I’ve noticed since adding it:

  Less post-meal urgency Calmer digestion overall My system just feels… less reactive

  It doesn’t stimulate my system — it soothes it.

  The Science (Short + Sweet):

  NAG helps rebuild the intestinal lining It has anti-inflammatory effects in the GI tract It may reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to small clinical trials Some evidence shows it may also protect the bladder and joints

  Bonus: It’s generally well tolerated, even for sensitive people like me.

  I’m not a Doctor, but…

  If you’re on a gut healing journey and looking for a gentle, non-aggressive helper — consider NAG. Especially if you can’t take glutamine, this is a beautiful, quiet substitute that supports you without overwhelming your system.

  I take mine first thing in the morning, away from food, with enzymes or trace minerals — depending on the day. And I can honestly say it’s one of the few supplements I take where I feel the difference.

  ** Always consult with the doctor before trying a new supplement. I am not a doctor. These are based on my own personal experiences and research under doctors advice.

• 
  Celiac Disease: A Medieval Legacy?”

  Could our sensitivity to gluten be an echo from the Black Plague?

  It turns out our genes carry stories — and some of them are downright epic. Recent studies suggest that people who live with autoimmune conditions like Celiac disease may be descendants of survivors of the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.

  During the 1300s, the plague wiped out nearly half of Europe’s population. But the people who survived? Their immune systems were fierce. Researchers now believe that certain genetic traits — ones that supercharged the immune response — gave them a fighting chance.

  Here’s the twist:

  Those same genes that helped your ancestors survive the plague might be the ones causing your body to wage war on gluten today.

  It’s a bittersweet tradeoff.

  🛡️ In the 14th century: strong immunity = survival.

  ⚔️ In the 21st century: strong immunity = “gluten is the enemy” our alarms go off after every bite of bread.

  Specifically, studies show that genes like ERAP2, which help recognize dangerous pathogens, also fuel autoimmune diseases when they become hyper-vigilant. Celiac disease, which involves a misfiring immune attack on gluten, is one example.

  🌿 My Take:

  As someone navigating life with Celiac, I find a certain comfort in this story. My body isn’t broken — it’s just on high alert. Maybe a little too high. But it comes from a place of deep ancestral strength.

  Our bodies carry wisdom, even when they struggle. And healing, to me, isn’t just about avoiding gluten — it’s about honoring what my body has survived, and gently guiding it toward balance.

  

  .

• 
  30 Day Challenge..Getting out of the House and being more Active

  Days 1-15

  I confess I am a homebody, I go to work and come straight home and don’t leave the house again. Repeat this five days a week. On the weekends I run my errands but then back home.

  You all know I love my 30 day challenges So this time I’m getting out of my comfort zone and finding things to do, to improve my body, mind and soul or just to have fun. I need to be less boring and I need to embrace life outside my house and get out more.

  I should mention I stumbled across class pass which helped make my adventure possible. I’ll leave a link below in case you’re interested.

  Day 1

  Bikram Yoga…my first big day and I signed up for the Yin class which is a more passive yoga class and more like great stretching. I wanted to start small and I thought “Yeah I got this” so I got my Yoga Mat and headed to class.

  Now…When I read the description it said unheated but apparently that meant not as hot. Guys this was my first experience with hot yoga and it was quite the unwelcome surprise. 

  How to explain it, it’s like working out in a sauna. I got used to the heat but the stretches lasted a long time. And my flexibility was so very sad. 

  Just my luck I was next to Mr. All American Yoga Master shaming me with his incredible flexibility, I tried to reach for my toes and only got as far as my knees while he literally folded himself in half. Now I know this is an excellent opportunity to push myself and I could have faked the poses for a few moments but we held them for five minutes each…impossible.

  Okay aside from the shame, the class was great and I met a very nice lady while I was there, who kindly woke me up after our end of workout meditation session. Yep I fell asleep. It was hot, I just spent and hour stretching and it was dark and they made us close our eyes. What can I say…

  Fortunately my short nap didn’t ruin my bedtime because I slept like a champ all night, which I’m not usually good at. 

  Initially I would’ve said I’ll never do it again but the day after I felt amazing….so maybe.

  Day 2

  Lomi Lomi Massage – Tonight I embarked on a more therapeutic adventure. I went to a new spa that offered Lomi Lomi massage. If you’re not familiar with this one, it originates in Hawaii and the movements are focused on long strokes and moving like the ocean. 

  This is my favorite type of massage, because it’s so relaxing. If it’s done right. I was a little apprehensive to go to new spa because you never know what you’re going to get. 

  I’m happy to report they were great and I was treated so well. The truth is I felt good helping out a new business and left them a great review because they earned it. The massage was relaxing and they even added hot stones at no extra charge and who doesn’t love hot stones.

  I was definitely ready to go home after work but I’m glad I didn’t this was a great way to end my night.

  Day 3

  Pilates Reformer 1 – Much to my Dismay I ended up with a kidney infection, and I was down for two days. Now I’m back up and running and to kick off this weekend Im doing a reformer Pilates. Now I am a Pilates girl so this is not a new activity but I’m getting up and getting out and that is my goal. 

  I had a really great instructor. My favorite so far. I love Pilates because it’s great exercise but also not so high impact it kills me. The best part is it still challenges me and I see a difference in my body because of it.

  Day 4

  B12 Injection – If you have celiac like I do you probably have a hard time absorbing some vitamins. I am no exception, I struggle with absorption from all the fat soluble vitamins and B12. 

  Even though I hate needles I thought this would be a good one to try. The good news… I didn’t pass out. It did hurt a little and my arm felt heavy but by morning I didn’t even notice it. 

  While I was there I met the owner who took me on a tour of the facilities. Which was pretty cool because she offers so many natural healing alternatives. I confess I geeked out a little bit with all the gadgets and gizmos.

  Day 5 

  Barre 60 Minute Signature class – I was disillusioned when I signed up for this class. I imagined my ballet barre doing pirouettes and some light stretching. Man was I wrong, this was an intense class. 

  We did so many lunges and squats I’m stunned I was able to walk to my car. Without question I will be in pain tomorrow. The instructor was so high energy and it did feel like I was dancing instead of working out for the first half of the class.

  There were a lot fun moves and the music was upbeat and exciting and if I had better stamina I probably would have enjoyed the heck out of it, but I don’t …so I was doing quite a bit of modifications by mid-class.

  I was told it’s like Pilates and I would agree they have similar moves but Pilates is more form and barre is more dance. I think it just depends on your body and what it can handle. 

  All I know is I’m thankful there is no workout tomorrow just pure sweet oxygen.

  Day 6

  Oxygen Aromatherapy Treatment

  So tonight is Day 6, I’m almost done with my first week of adventures and I’m enjoying it. 

  Tonight I tried oxygen/aromatherapy. I have to say I really embraced this one. They put me in a big comfy chair and give you a warm neck pillow and a blanket. The room is dark and soothing music plays in the background and on the very big screen they showed beautiful pictures of nature. They called it sanctuary theatre. Which I thought was awesome.

  How did I feel after? I felt great. I chose blackberry and vanilla essential oils for my aroma, which was not too strong just nice and gentle. Before you begin they offer you choices, there were about five different ones. For this particular one they mentioned it is supposed to help with digestive issues and I definitely struggle with this one. And shockingly it did…. 

  Not to mention my energy is great tonight. I feel happy and positive. I wish I had gone this morning when I was not feeling so happy or energetic it would’ve made my day so much better.

  Day 7

  Spin – So tonight’s adventure was spin class. First I want to say the instructor was amazing… high energy and so much fun. 

  We practiced for an hour and a half, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so exhausted. You have to use your core and have serious arm strength. I learned three very basic moves, one of them upside down and there may have been some unladylike screaming when I finally got my self into position just from fear alone. Please don’t think it was really scary. I was 2 feet above a very cushy mat. The exercise is beautiful and I guarantee you will be so strong if you do it.

  I got lost trying to get there and I was a few minutes late and I’m kind of grateful because that class kicked my butt! I was sweating like crazy and half an hour after the class ended I was still trying to get my heart rate down.

  I was little unsure of the special shoes we had to wear but thankfully the staff was so nice, they helped me figure it out. At first I did not like being locked into the bike by my shoes but guys I might have fallen off a couple times if I had not worn them. Overall, the class was fun but man my cardio ability needs improvement. I definitely want to do this one again but maybe later in the month…

  Day 8

  Center and Balance Pilates

  This daily adventure is a stretching class for Reformer Pilates . This is my first time taking this class and I find it more like yoga. Even though the class seemed slow I have to say my muscles were sore for the next two days. Pilates always surprises me when I’m sore after because I can’t feel it like you typically do until the next day.

  Day 9

  Dermaplaning Facial – this morning I head off to the aestheticians for a session of Dermaplaning. Why my aesthetician was young and was just starting her company I give her credit because my face looks amazing. The session took 30 minutes which was a little disappointing but the normal cost is $75 and I probably paid close to $25. So I get why the shortened session.

  Day 10

  Absolute Beginner Ballet – Okay I was super nervous about going to ballet class but at the same time the little girl in me was excited. I always wanted to do ballet but we grew up very poor so there were no classes like that. I enjoyed this class even though my flexibility was not as great as some of my classmates. I feel so much more educated about ballet now and understand some of the basic moves. Surprisingly this is the first class that made my legs hurt after so I felt like I got a great workout. Oh and I had to get a pair of Ballet Shoes

  Day 11

  Aerial Yoga with Silks

  This was a true adventure, so I ended up going to circus school. To do the silks aka aerial yoga. Which are so cool but so hard.

  Day 12

  Boxing – I decided after my last few days I would go completely opposite and try a class called “hit the bags”. First, to many workouts in a row, I was in pain and just couldn’t get into a class that made me use my arms. Which, hello it’s boxing of course we are using our arms. We learned some basic techniques and did some weights. I might have appreciated this class more if my muscles had not been so sore overall good class and excellent energy.

  Day 13

  Eyebrow Threading – So probably most people have tried this before but I haven’t. I typically wax my eyebrows but decided to give this a try, I ended up in the little India district and was concerned they would not understand my incredibly thick Irish eyebrows. I was so wrong, this is the most beautiful my eyebrows have ever looked. They kept the fullness and shaped them beautifully. I’m never going back to waxing.

  Day 14

  Compression Therapy – I initially signed up for a leg compression therapy but they said I could do my arms or hips too. My arms were hurting so I thought the arms would feel great. And it did, but I should mention I’m a control freak and not being able to do anything for 30 minutes was torture. However when the machine stretched my arms it felt great.

  Day 15

  Center and Balance Pilates – I have done this class before so I won’t take you through it. I knew what to expect and it didn’t disappoint.

  How I’m feeling

  Well I’m halfway through my experiment and I feel tired but also more invigorated. My friends are always asking what I’m up too and I’ve really enjoyed sharing my experiences and trying so many new things.

  What have I loved the most so far? I enjoyed being a ballerina, and part of a circus act. I loved the oxygen therapy and I felt so pretty after the Dermaplaning and threading. There’s nothing I have hated and wished I hadn’t done.

  So what’s next, I realize now flexibility is something I really need to work on. I’d love to try an infrared sauna or something along those lines but I think will try to do a couple of just for fun things too.

  As promised here is the link for ClassPass free trial.

  ClassPass free trial

  

• 
  Benefits of Eggplant Salve

  If you’ve read my 30 day challenge for repairing my skin you might remember me talking about a cyst that I struggled with for the last year or so. Why castor oil did help heal some of the damage and deflate some of the ugliness it also did not go away. So to the dermatologist I went beyond frustrated with this stubborn spot.

  This may not be a surprise to you and if I’m honest with myself it was not as shocking as it should have been. That cyst turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma or bcc. Okay that was scary. I immediately reached out to my family because I had not ever heard of this happening with anyone. Well sure enough both sides of my family had only one ever. My father as well as my aunt on my mom’s side. Okay my dad was very much alive and my aunt why she had passed that was not the reason. I felt much calmer.

  The doctor called me and said it would well be over a month before he could get me in for Moh’s surgery. I scheduled the appointment and then thought is there anything I can do to help myself in the interim? I have to say the information was scarce with the exception of not messing with it.

  However I stumbled upon eggplant oil and was stunned to learn how good it was for your skin and treating sun spots and possible precancerous cells and you can bet I would do whatever was possible to help not get one of these again.

  So this is my impromptu 30 day eggplant salve challenge to see how it helps my skin before surgery.

  Why Eggplant Salve?

  Eggplant salve is known to be helpful to the skin. Here are the key points I found.

  • Eggplant contains antioxidants that help protect skin cells from damage.
  • Eggplant salve may help with skin inflammation 
  • Eggplant salve can help protect your skin cells from damage. 
  • Eggplant peel salve creams may have keratolytic properties. Keratolytic agents work to soften the keratin layer of the skin. Decrease redness and swelling, increases moisture, dissolves substances that causes skin cells that stick together. Unclogs pores, shrinks pimples and infections. Loosen dry or scaly skin or thick skin.
  • Eggplant salves may have antineoplastic properties. These properties can typically be found in cancer medications. Their job is to interfere with growth and spread of cancer cells.
  • Eggplant face masks may remove dead skin cells and absorb excess oil 

  I’m not sure that it will do much for my developed basal cell carcinoma but if it helps with future issues. So I have been applying it for a week so far and I can say it has helped my open wound where they did my biopsy and it looks much better and it feels fantastic on my skin. Sometimes I do feel some itching. I apply this twice a day to my wound and then cover it with a bandage. Then I put it on my Sun spots and any bumps on my body. The were some raised spots and some of those are gone and some are shrinking. So far I’m pretty impressed.

  This is what I’m using. Click Here.

  I’ll keep you guys posted.

  

  This post contains affiliate links and if you click on them and purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate you helping me keep the site going on.
• 
  Using Castor Oil for Skin and the Amazing Things it can do!

  During my Skin challenge, I used castor oil and fell in love with this natural oil. Always a huge fan of coconut oil, I didn’t think I could love anything more for a natural moisturizer but I was wrong.

  I was super impressed with just the hydration castor oil provided alone but I wanted to share what else it could do. Some I tried and some I plan to try.

  Uses of Castor Oil

  For Hair Growth

  Castor oil is a natural remedy for hair growth. It nourishes your scalp and even your hair follicles, helping your hair get thicker, and healthier. I did this and I have to say my hair has greatly improved.

  Eyelash Growth and Thickness

  We all love long and full eyelashes, and castor oil became famous for helping so many women’s eyelashes meet that goal. Castor oil encourages eyelash growth, making them look longer and thicker. Applying castor oil to your lashes before bedtime can yield noticeable results. I plan to try this in the very near future.

  It will make your nails become stronger and help you have healthier cuticles

  If you get your nails done often you probably struggle with dry and brittle nails. Your nails and cuticles may become healthier and more resilient if you apply castor oil on a regular basis. Tried it and loved it for my nails. My nails are strong again and growing so quickly.

  Soothes Inflammation

  Castor oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid. This acid has been credited for its ability to decrease inflammation while increasing circulation in the body.

  When you apply castor oil topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain and swelling.

  Apply it to your sore joints, or use it for arthritis and gout, muscle tension and sprains, menstrual cramps, and tendinitis.

  Helps Clear Phlegm

  Castor oil packs are also known for clearing phlegm from your lungs. These are helpful if you’re trying to breathe easier from allergies or you recently quit smoking these can be a great help. I haven’t tried it yet but I am seriously considering it.

  Liver Cleanse

  Castor oil packs can also work as a liver cleanse. They work because of ricinoleic acid, which reduces inflammation and can stimulate the liver and gallbladder.

  Boosts the Immune System & Heals Wounds

  If you apply castor oil packs to the abdomen, it will increase the production of white blood cells that help defend the body.

  Wound Healing

  When applied to a wound, castor oil can also help with healing. Not only does it resist the harmful organisms common to wounds, but it also provides anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving relief.

  I’m sure there’s so many more, and at some point you guys can count on me doing more 30 day challenges that involve castor oil.

  

• 
  Detoxifying my Home 30 Day Challenge Part 1

  Part 1

  Days 1-10

  It’s time..I’ve cleaned up my diet and taken out all toxic foods, now it’s time to focus on my home. Can I find 30 things to change in my home. I like to think I’m pretty careful but I just started scanning all my products into the EWG app and it’s not looking so great. The EWG stands for the environmental working group, these are the same people who help influence the FDA to remove seven harmful cancer causing food additives.

  So today I spent the afternoon going through all my store bought items and felt good about a few of them but not so great about the rest.

  Well, I guess I should get started because it appears I have a lot to do, let’s begin the journal.

  Day 1 – Shoes off

  I’m going to start simple. First things first. One of the best things you can do that is completely free is take your shoes off before walking in the house.

  Here’s the thing, all the places we go, we are picking up those pollutants and tracking them across our home adding to the chemicals, particles and whatever else is out in the world. Why I don’t have toddlers or pets, I really don’t want those things in my home. I can only imagine how crazy I would have gone if I had known this when my son was a toddler.

  Yes I have a doormat and of course I use it, but the pathogens, bacteria, debris don’t necessarily go away that simply. I watched and read multiple articles and videos and I’ll be honest I’m a little traumatized.

  So it’s easy, healthy and cost me nothing. This is something I will implement. The hardest part… retraining my brain to remember to actually do it.

  Day 2 – Air it Out

  So my detoxification journey had led me to more upsetting news, the pollution in your house can be worse than the pollution outside. I tell myself not my house but the truth is I really don’t know. So much for my safe sanctuary. Okay that was dramatic but still I want my home to be as safe and clean as possible.

  Like me, you might find it A little unnerving that the EPA consistently ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five risks to human health.

  To combat that, they recommend opening your windows for at least 5-20 minutes each day. They say to turn on your fans and get the fresh air moving through your home. Easy right?

  Why I actually love having the windows open when it’s nice outside, it’s winter right now, so I’ll be doing that this afternoon when it’s a little warmer outside. I’ll probably be closer to 5 minutes initially just because brrr 🥶.

  It actually made it to the 60’s today and it was wonderful. It does feel like your airing out the old and I left my windows open for a few hours. Now obviously that will always be determined by weather but it made the house feel so much better.

  Day 3 – Dryer Sheets

  I mentioned this above but in case you missed it I am using the EWG App (Environmental Working Group) to distinguish what is toxic in my home and what is not. One of the worst offenders in my home is dryer sheets. I use free and clear everything no matter what brand because…. sensitive body. But even those come up as a Solid D. Which is better than most of the dryer sheets that received F’s out there. Still that’s pretty bad. So after doing some research I decided I will be switching to Wool Dryer Balls.

  I actually can get behind these for a couple of reasons.

  • They reduce drying time
  • They reduce wrinkles
  • There’s no harsh chemicals or fragrance so it’s better for your family.
  • It’s also good for the planet.
  • It also saves you money, your initial investment is $8.00. You don’t need to replace these for a long time. Think years, unless you really want to or you lose them.

  They are simple to use, you just throw 4 or 5 in there with your load and magic your done.

  If you prefer to stay with store bought here’s a brand that rated an A with the EWG. (Click Here)

  Day 4 – Laundry Detergent

  It’s probably no surprise but up next is laundry detergent another solid D. Again free and clear, I thought I was being so safe.

  I’ve decided to make a homemade laundry soap. One because I control the chemicals and smell, two because it seems fun and super easy, and finally because there’s a cost savings here. It costs me $.30 cents per load to buy my brand and if I make my own it costs $.10 per load. If you do the math that adds up quickly. Plus better for my family and better for the environment.

  So what goes in homemade laundry detergent?

  Liquid Laundry Recipe
  1 cup Washing Soda (Not baking soda)
  1 cup Borax
  1 cup liquid Liquid Castille Soap
  13 cups water

  *Let sit for a few days to gel

  This makes about 1 gallon of laundry detergent, you only need to use 1/4 cup for each wash load.

  For the full recipe click here.

  I’ve read so many testimonials about how this works so much better than store brand. Of course I will be testing this myself after it sets up and gels in a few days.

  Day 5 – Windex

  So I mentioned anything with a C or lower was getting axed in my previous post. That’s where my Windex scored. Such a disappointing grade because I use Windex more than any other cleaner in my house and in my job. Maybe I can’t do anything about my job (or can I)….I’ll start devising an evil plan later. First my own home.

  Okay so Windex, it’s a bummer but there are a ton of recipes out there. I’m making a recipe that had excellent reviews for better than Windex. We will see if it’s actually true.

  

  Recipe

  1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
  1 cup distilled water
  3 tablespoons white vinegar
  10 drops of your favorite essential oil (I used 6 drops lavender and 4 drops lemon)

  Simple right? I used this right away and I have to say it worked just as well as my Windex. You do smell the vinegar but it goes away pretty quickly.

  

  Day 6 – Wood Polish

  I also have wood in my house, so of course I checked my Old English. Another poor score a resounding D. So again I will be making my own. The good news super simple recipe. This recipe cleans your wood and helps you keep it dust free longer.

  

  Recipe

  1/2 cup distilled water

  1/4 cup of white vinegar

  2 tablespoon of olive oil

  5 drops lemon essential oil

  Mix and put in spray bottle. Viola!

  

  Day 7 – Dust More

  So now that we’ve created are dusting supplies and glass cleaner let’s get busy actually cleaning. All the dust that accumulates on your surfaces that’s not just dirt. Guys, I can’t get into it because overwhelming but just look up what makes up furniture dust. Traumatized forever.

  That being said, another way to detoxify your home is to dust often. Now that we’ve created our healthy cleaning products you can bet my dusting from once a week will go up to at least twice a week…possibly more.

  Also, super important to use a microfiber cloth because it traps the dust instead of just transferring from one location to another.

  Day 8 – Mopping Solution

  I use a swiffer power mop and yet another D. Man my cleaning products are failing me. At this point nothing surprises me and I haven’t even made it to my bathrooms yet

  So the good news is the DIY for this one is so simple too. I don’t know if you have this problem but my swiffer does leave a film on my floors and this recipe did not. They actually look better then when I use my power mop.

  Mopping Solution Recipe

  1/4 cup 70% Alcohol

  1/2 cup White Vinegar

  2 cups Warm Water

  3 drops of Sals Suds

  1/2tsp Essential oil (your choice and optional)

  Day 9 – Filter your Water

  So here we are at day 9 and the topic at hand is filtering you water. I only drink water, tea and juice. So 2/3 of my drinks are from the tap and I drink a lot. While everyone’s water is different, we still all have chemicals we don’t want in our body. Now filtration systems are complex and expensive and if I’m being honest I don’t have time for that or the pocketbook. I will be trying a Brita Filter Pitcher. $20.00 for cleaner water.

  I love when it’s easy and inexpensive. For the most part I’m finding everything cost less than expected. The water tastes great. The hardest part is waiting for it to filter through which in reality just takes a minute or two but I acknowledge patience is not my strong suit.

  I will miss the convenience of water bottles but a small price to pay for my health and the environment.

  Day 10 – All Purpose Cleaner

  Mrs. Meyers you let me down, I thought I was doing really well with this one but dang another D. See this is why we have to be careful. Even items we think are safe, not always true.

  The good news is, there is another very easy recipe to replace this. I’m really having fun making these and feel good that I’m doing something positive that is easy and is good for my family.

  All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

  1 cup distilled water

  1 cup white vinegar

  15-30 drops essential oils

  1 teaspoon Sals Suds

  The Recap

  So guys this is just the first 10 days and already I can tell you this is going to be much bigger than I thought. I don’t expect to be 100% perfect but I believe these little changes will make my family safer every day a little at a time.

  This post contains affiliate links and I may make a very small commission if you purchase something and I will greatly appreciate it.

  For More Posts from the Blog see below

• 
  How my 30 Day Experiments Changed my Life- Before, After and the Difference

  I actually wrote a post initially about my routine before I started doing all the 30 Day Challenges to improve my health and well being.

  I thought it would be interesting to see the difference. After reading that article I’m kind of blown away.

  My days have changed drastically. If I’m being real I have changed drastically and I believe it’s for the better.

  The Back Story

  I have done Four 30 day Experiments so far. Each changing me little by little. Each helping me in ways you would expect and some in ways you wouldn’t.

  AIP Journey

  It changed the way I looked at food, it changed how I ate. I thought I ate healthy before but I was wrong.

  Before – Gluten Free, Heavy Dairy, Potatoes, Chicken, I ate veggies,legumes, there was too much caffeine, very little protein. I was tired and weak.

  Now: At least 75 grams of Protein, Tons of organic vegetables, no caffeine, no nightshades, no gluten, no grains, no dairy.

  The difference: I now know how much My body needs nutrient dense foods, I was struggling to process protein at the beginning but now I’m a full carnivore and the difference in how my body feels is night and day. Anxiety gone, I feel more like my younger self.

  I can admit that I was not well before the experiment, I felt so weak and fragile. Today my body is stronger. The constant nausea and debilitating GERD has subsided I still have days that are not awesome but I’m in the best place I have been in years.

  Healing GERD Naturally

  I’d been struggling with GERD for years. It had became debilitating and why my new improved diet helped a ton, it was still there. Better but not gone.

  Before: Constant Acid, nausea, no appetite, it was rough. It did improve with the AIP diet but still it was bad.

  After: I was finally able to eat a whole meal. This might seem small but a big deal if you are suffering from severe GERD.

  If you’ve ever had it, you get it. I can lay on my right side longer then ever. Usually just a minute or two and that would set off instant pain and discomfort.

  The difference: I am living my life again. Able to enjoy my meals without worrying about the misery that would be caused by eating.

  10,000 Steps a Day

  I’ve always been high energy, go go go. I thought I’m a good weight and I run around all day. It. I thought, I’m in decent shape but I was wrong.

  Before: No exercise at all, weekends were the worst I would lay in bed all day. My stamina was inconsistent. 4 hours of sleep a night. No muscle tone in my legs. Homebody.

  After: No midday exhaustion, consistently active even on weekends, higher energy, 5 hours of sleep a night. I no longer avoid going out. My Legs have definition. I feel better after meals.

  The Difference: I feel good about myself, it truly surprised me how much better walking made me feel physically and mentally. I don’t think we realize how much our body needs exercise and the most important part.. it wasn’t hard to walk! Sometimes hitting 10,000 was an annoyance but it never made me feel bad. I just sometimes didn’t want to.

  Skin Health

  Losing so much weight, my skin just sagged everywhere. Not taking care of myself not only played havoc on my internal health but also on my physical appearance.

  Before: My skin had lost its glow, my hair no luster, cysts on my body, dry scaly skin, brittle nails, saggy skin in my abdomen, thighs and arms.

  After: The texture of my skin is amazing, my hair has shine again, my cysts are shrinking, my nails strong and healthy, my saggy skin is not gone by any means but has definitely improved. My muscle tone actually exists.

  The Difference: This was such a hard experiment because it took weeks to see improvements. While I was thin, I had literally no muscle tone. I feel strong now and the improvement to my physical appearance has made me feel more confident.

  This one will take longer than 30 days, but I will keep up the routine like I have the others.

  How my Schedule changed.

  Mornings

  Before: Stumble out of Bed, find Diet Coke lay in my bed and drink until the caffeine hits my system, then play games or read until 15 minutes before time to go to work. Brush my teeth and hair, throw on clothes. I still woke up really early, even after staying up half the night.

  After: I get up, oil pull, brush my teeth, do a facial, put a pot of water for tea, gather my supplements and vitamins. Take them, do my toning exercises, rebound for 10 minutes, cook lunch and pick up the house, If I haven’t hit 2500 steps by then I’ll usually walk until I do. I write or read until 10 minutes before work and then I gather up my lunch, my laptop and purse. I talk to my son about his plans for the day. Then we head out to work.

  The difference is my productivity. I feel like I’ve accomplished so much each morning and it feels awesome. My house is always company ready, we have delicious and nutrient rich food for lunch and my body feels great and I feel prepared to face the day.

  What about Work

  Now I have always been productive at work but I have changed here as well.

  Before: Go in and attack whatever needs to be done. Order door dash, scarf that down, feel bad. Go back to work and stay until whatever was screaming at me was finished. I spent a lot of late nights here.

  Now: I come in make my tea, warm up my bone broth, review sales reports, meet with the managers in my department for five minutes or so each, so we all know what’s expected for the day. Then I get started on whatever project or task that needs attention. I warm up my lunch in the air-fryer which is in our gluten free only zone. Cool right, my team set that up for me. They’re the best.

  I eat at a reasonable pace and then go for a 15 minute walk after. Back to work until the end of the evening where I check in with my team, clean up and head home for the night. I will still stay late if we are working a deadline but that happens far less often these days.

  The difference is my stress level. It’s a 100x better just having a small routine. Ironically I’m more productive just because I’m calmer and more focused.

  In the Evening

  My downtime in the evening has always been when I crashed out after a long day but I honestly don’t come home wiped out nearly as often anymore.

  Before: Come home, get a Diet Coke, lay in bed most of the night, until I passed out somewhere between midnight and 2am. Exhausted the whole evening.

  Now: Come home, put on a pot of tea, change, walk until I hit 10,000 steps, do a light workout, eat a healthy snack, read or write, sit under my red light, wash my face, brush my teeth, take meat out for tomorrow’s meal, layout my clothes, take my nighttime vitamins and supplements and fall asleep between 9-11pm.

  The difference is I’m far more rested and still get things done in the evening and I still have time to relax but I’m not mindlessly wasting time.

  The Tools I Used

  Vitamins & Supplements

  D3/K2 Vitamins – Bone health, Immune health, blood health (AIP)

  Vitamin B12 – To improve Function of the brain and nervous system (AIP and GERD)

  Vitamin B5 – For Hair and Skin Health (Skin)

  Vitamin B6 – – To improve Function of the brain and nervous system and immunity. (GERD)

  Folic Acid – Nervous system support, assists with anti-aging, natural SPF Booster (Skin)

  Marshmallow Root – To soothe digestion (GERD)

  Slippery Elm – To soothe digestion (GERD)

  Licorice Root – To soothe digestion, aids with heartburn (GERD)

  Tumeric Tincture – I add this to my Morning Tea. For Immunity and Joint Pain and as an anti-inflammatory (GERD)

  Lemon Balm – I add this my morning tea to stay calm and balanced (AIP)

  Black Cohosh – For Women’s health. (AIP)

  Collagen – For gut health, anti aging, skin (AIP, GERD, Skin)

  Zinc Carnosine – promotes a healthy stomach lining, soothing to GI tract. (GERD)

  Mastic Gum – h pylori and bacteria killer, GI Support (GERD)

  Melatonin – GI Relaxation, sleep (GERD)

  Digestive Enzymes – to help breakdown food so you can digest food more easily. (AIP, GERD)

  Lotion and Potions

  Castor Oil (Skin) – a godsend for adding glow back into your skin.

  Vitamin C Serum (Skin) – For Brigbtness

  Magnesium Lotion (GERD) – To relax and calm.

  Morning Accessories

  Dry Brush (Skin) – to break up fatty acids and activate lymph movement.

  Steamer (Skin) – to deep cleanse skin.

  Microneedling Tool (Skin) – to heal the skin.

  Exercise Equipment

  Rebounder (Skin) – to workout, low impact cardio.

  Fitbit (10,000 steps) – to track sleep and steps.

  Weights (Skin) – to build arm muscles and minimize look of saggy skin.

  Lazyfit App (Skin) – focus on sculpting my body to minimize the appearance of sagging skin.

  Foods I Eat Every Day

  Bone Broth (Skin, AIP) – excellent for gut health and skin

  Sweet Potatoes (AIP) – good for your eyes, gentle on your gut.

  75 grams of Protein (AIP) – important for muscle repair, immunity, hormone production, energy source.

  Today…

  When I look at my life now, I see a version of myself I didn’t know was possible—not perfect, but grounded, clear, and healing. These challenges weren’t magic fixes. They were commitments to myself, stacked slowly over time, until they became a foundation.

  I still have work to do. But I’m not fragile anymore. I’m not hiding in survival mode. I’ve built rhythms that support me, foods that fuel me, and habits that bring peace instead of panic.

  If you’re standing where I was—tired, unsure, maybe a little broken—start small. One shift. One habit. One step forward. You don’t have to change everything overnight. But I promise, 30 days from now… you’ll feel it.

  

• 
  Repairing my Skin after Weight Loss 30 Day Challenge Part 4

  Day 22-30

  Here I am in the last week of my challenge plus a couple days. Man guys the third week I saw some big improvements. My stomach is looking way better. My cyst is still pretty ugly but still smaller. My skin is looking much better and my hair is getting some luster once again.. my nails are growing at crazy speed.

  I will even have pictures gofor you in the recap this week. Be kind, because I was really nervous about showing them.

  If you want to see what tools I’m using for the challenge see below.

  The Tools

  • Castor Oil – touted as an excellent moisturizer to help skin retain moisture, improves saggy skin and reduces cysts.
  • Microneedling at home , improves wrinkles, increases collagen, improves scarring and stretch marks.
  • Red Light Therapy – builds collagen and minimizes inflammation, reduces fine lines, improves texture and tone and reduces pain.
  • Bone Broth – increase collagen, promotes wound healing, improves gut health and improves joint pain.
  • Vitamn C– brightens skin tone, boosts collagen, improves texture of skin, soothe redness and irritation, supports wound healing.
  • Collagen– improves elasticity, skin firmness, gut health.
  • Dry Brushing – exfoliates, can reduce cellulite by breaking up fat deposits,, gets the lymphatic system moving, unclogs pores.
  • Rooibos Tea – prevents toxins from damaging your skin, anti-aging, brightens complexion.
  • Exercise – strength training, lunges, squats, planks, weights…it helps with a lot of things but for now we will focus on building muscle in my abs, glutes, and arms where my problem areas are.

  Okay..let’s gets started.

  Day 22

  It’s Saturday and today I’ve got a lot going on gas, groceries, laundry, housework haircuts, etc….but probably you’re more interested in what I will be doing for my skin.

  I do a lot of stuff everyday but specifically for this challenge I’ll lay it out since we are coming to the end and I have a pretty good routine going for Saturdays. (Keep in mind I don’t do Microneedling, the steamer or massage castor oil into my scalp every day).

  • Supplements B5 and Folic Acid
  • Face Steamer
  • Facial
  • Castor Oil Pack to Cyst
  • Dry brushing then apply castor oil
  • Massage castor oil into scalp, let sit until shower
  • Bone broth for breakfast
  • Collagen in my morning tea
  • 5 reps of 10 bicep curls with 3lb weights
  • 5 reps of 10 overhead tricep extensions 3lb weights
  • 10 minutes on rebounder morning
  • 10,000 steps
  • Morning workout video on lazyfit , I’m a beginner…don’t judge me. 6 min routine.
  • Morning facial
  • Microneedling
  • Vitamin C serum
  • 20 minutes under the red light.
  • Night time workout video. 6 min
  • 10 min of rebounding evening

  Saturday is my do it all day. Even though I just finished my 10000 steps a day challenge, I feel like I really can’t stop walking yet. It just makes me feel better. This time there is no pressure so that part is nice.

  Day 23

  My skin feels great today. I really put extra time and effort into it Saturday and I always feel amazing on Sunday.

  Im looking so toned you guys. On Friday one of the girls grabbed my side and was like whoa Jen your body is in shape. Okay you and I know why we are really doing it but yeah it felt good. Today I’m back to regular schedule. I definitely will have pictures for you this week.

  Day 24

  Monday morning, and I’m feeling motivated. I was kind of lazy yesterday so today I’m making up for it but I was ready for a day of lounging around so I’m not beating myself up too much.

  Still this I rebounded for 10 minutes, did some strength training on my arms, and did my morning workout.

  It’s not even 7am and I’ve taken my supplements and dry brushed and applied castor oil to my body and cyst. Which continues to so incredibly slowly shrink. I did remember reading something the other day that the longer you’ve had it the longer it will take to go away. I’ve had mine for about two years, so approximate time to go away is two months according to the article. other factors can delay that but my point is it made me feel better about it taking so long.

  Anyway, I’ve been very productive and it feels great. Hopefully the start of a great week.

  Day 25

  Well it’s day 25 and I had to get dressed up for the first time since doing this challenge and guys I felt so pretty. My make up went on beautifully, my dress fit perfectly. I was even able to cover my cyst which has shrunk to a manageable size.

  Day 26

  Oh Microneedling day, I know I complain but it is really helping. I’m seeing less lines and my skin is looking better and better. To be honest it’s not so bad it’s just not as luxurious feeling as the rest of my regimen.

  Day 27

  Today I tried Pilates because I finished my first series of workouts. Can I say Pilates is deceptively tougher than it looks. I did my workout day 1 super easy as always but then 2 hours later I was sore. Slid not expect that. It felt like stretching. Tricky. Why I kind of hate the working out I also kind of love it. Yeah, my body is changing and for the better. It’s not supermodel or anything crazy but I see definition where I didn’t use too.

  Day 28

  I’m getting close to the end of the experiment, I already know I will be keeping this one up. The benefits are just too good. My only regret I wish I had taken more before pictures. I do have stomach pictures but not my arms and legs. Oh well I see the difference.

  Day 29

  Pilates Day 3 and I wonder what fresh pain it will bring.. let’s hope I see some improvement after week 1. I think I’m just super inflexible.

  Someone told me yesterday you should get proficient at yoga first before doing Pilates. I kind of get it now.

  In other news I added a little frankincense to my castor oil this morning and I have to say I think it’s doing something for my skin. I don’t know there’s a little more glow or something. I’m not sure exactly but it looks better or maybe healthier.

  Day 30

  We made it! It’s day 30! So what am I taking away from this…let’s go through each item that was part of my regimen.

  • Castor Oil – it is a godsend, so incredibly moisturizing, gets rid of bumps, it grows hair. Honestly, I don’t know how I lived my life before without it.
  • Microneedling – i’ll be very honest, not my favorite thing to do, but the benefits are there. No question my skin looks better since I’ve been using it.
  • Red Light Therapy – I already knew this worked great for muscle pain. But I love it for my skin too. Plus, it is so relaxing.
  • Bone broth – well I know this is so good for you, but I just don’t like it. I’ve seasoned it, and I can make it taste good but it just does not make me feel great to be fair. I have an issue with glutamine and bone broth is full of it. I Definitely will not be continuing this. I’ll use it in my soup still with my meals, but I won’t be drinking on an empty stomach anymore.
  • Vitamin C Serum – I did love vitamin C from the face brightening awesome.
  • Collagen – i’ve used this and every experiment and I love it and I’ll continue to use it even if I stop doing 30 day experiments. Good for your skin, good for your health, good for your cut. Not to mention a nice little boost of protein.
  • Dry Brushing – I actually really loved her brushing, it’s invigorating and kind of get my blood flowing. My skin is so soft and adding castor oil after and My skin looks incredible.
  • Rooibos Tea – I love this earthy tea and I can’t tell you that it made a big difference but I can tell you it’s delicious. And my skin does look great but I’m pretty sure it’s a combo of all the things I’ve been doing to try to improve it.
  • Exercise – well I’m sure nobody wants to hear this, but exercise has made a huge difference. My skin looks better, my body looks better. There’s something so attractive about just a little bit of muscle tone. I am skinny, but I’m skinny fat and if you’re like me, you know what I’m talking about. Just a little bit of muscle makes me look so much healthier. It has Minimized the look of my saggy skin. Significantly. And I haven’t been doing anything too hard to do. I’ve just been doing it and it’s made all the difference.

  Before and after..the results

  

  

  

  

  So hopefully you can see there has been some progress, but it is slow going. My stomach has become more toned. I will be keeping it up for a bit longer, because I believe I will get there if I keep it up.

  If you missed my previous posts

  Repairing my Skin week 3

  Repairing my Skin week 2

  Repairing my Skin week 1

  This post contains affiliate links, I may be paid a small commission if you purchase an item and I’m grateful for it.

  Check out these other Posts

  

• 
  Preparing for the Next 30 day Challenge – Making my home Non-Toxic

  Where do I even begin…why I’m happy to report that I don’t eat any highly processed food. That I live a clean and non-toxic lifestyle when it comes to my diet. I can’t say that about my home or living environment.

  My plan of attack, I’ll start wih the most toxic items in my home and then start replacing toxic items with homemade natural ones. I like to cook so maybe I’ll like to make household recipes too. It’s actually a perfect time because I’m running low on a lot of my cleaning products. I’ll focus on ways to naturally clean the toxic items out without breaking the bank. Then the really hard one I’ll start replacing my skin care with natural homemade products as well. This should be interesting and I’m hoping I’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results. in the long run it will probably save me a ton of money.

  Why I’m doing this

  Here’s the thing, all these cleaners and cosmetic products have chemicals that can lead to hormone disruption, cancer, etc. I can’t control everything in my environment but I can make a real effort in my home and make it as safe as possible. plus I’m focused on living a healthier and cleaner life and that’s not just about diet.

  As you know my body tends to be sensitive to so many things m, that this feels like something I should take seriously. Who knows what is making us sick and what doesn’t. Sure some things you find out immediately that your body can’t handle but sometimes it’s a slow change and you really don’t know what specifically is making you feel sick.

  For example I know I struggle with the glue they use in carpet. If someone just had carpet laid in their house. I will not be coming over for a while because my eyes will start stinging immediately until I cannot see. I’m not going to lie that scared me enough to make me think about what other dangers can be lurking in my home that I don’t even think about. I know there are probably lots of things that are bad, but I wonder/worry how many things I will have to say goodbye too.

  The Tools

  So I’ve downloaded my EWG app so I can see which products have to go and be replaced first and which ones I can live with a little bit longer.

  EWG grades on A-F scale for cleaning products just like being in school so my rule for now is anything with a C or below has to go.

  EWG has a different grading scale for cosmetics. EWG’s seal being the best and 10 being the worst.. My rule for skin is only keeping items under Five this round.

  I also try to find ways to help purify and clean my air in my home and share those with you as well.

  Why I might not see changes from this experiment, I know I’ll be protecting myself down the road.

  I’ll see you soon hopefully with some serious improvements to my current lifestyle and hopefully save myself some future dollars.

  The 30 Challenge Begins Now. See you in 7 days!

  To Check out my other posts see below

• 
  Walking 10,000 Steps for 30 Days Challenge Part 4

  Here we are approaching the finish line of 10,000 steps a day. I’m on the fence about continuing for another month. On one hand it helps me feel better and gives me some much needed muscle tone in my legs.

  On the other hand, sometimes I just don’t want to or if it’s a super busy day I’m running around the house like a mad woman when I just want to rest.

  I guess that’s the thing, it’s about discipline, doing what you’re supposed to vs doing what you want to. I have time to decide but I can tell you this, I will forever continue to walk after meals. That alone has made such a huge difference for my digestion. 80% of the time a 15 minute walk can take away my nausea and indigestion. It’s an unexpected blessing that I’m grateful to have discovered.

  Day 22

  It’s Thursday and I cannot wait until this week is over. It’s been a long week, not bad but long. i’m contributing this to Christmas, then New Year’s, then snowstorm and this week is just regular so it feels like forever.

  So far 20 out of 20 days with 10000+ steps. In case this is the first post you’ve read. I am on a pretty good routine now to hit my daily goal. I definitely struggled my first week or two but now I’m a pro. OK probably not but you get the idea.

  It’s a heavy sit at my desk day, so I will have to remember to get up and walk every hour or two.

  I finish getting my steps by 9:15 mostly because I came home and vegged out for a few hours. We’ve been training this week which takes a lot out of my team and myself but the numbers are where they are supposed to be.

  

  Day 23

  Well I hit my steps before 9pm. Now that I’m getting so close to the goal, I’m worried I’ll fall asleep before I hit 10000 so I usually try to finish before it gets too close to bedtime. I had company tonight so I had to push back my walk time but at least the goal is met.

  

  Day 24

  Well Its Saturday and I lazed the day away and suddenly at 5pm, I looked at my steps for the day and I was at a shocking 3000. That is not good. I guess I feel like it’s no big deal so I didn’t monitor it. Plus we were planning a trip for my son and his 8 friends that is happening in just a few weeks so I was deep in the zone.

  I’m not gonna lie planning is my passion. My husband used to joke that I like to plan more than I like to go on trips and I don’t really know that he was wrong. This is why I spent the whole day with my head buried in a computer so now I am making up for it by walking in the living room because it’s 20° outside and crazy windy and I have no desire to face the elements.

  At last Success! You can see I was walking like crazy tonight!.

  

  Day 25

  Well another day of slacking so as usual tonight I’m pacing the Livingroom floor trying to get my steps in.

  No one to blame but myself, still wish I had spread my steps out a little more. I’m so good on the weekdays but soooo bad on the weekends. Still I hit my goal even if it’s later then I wanted it to be.

  

  Day 26

  Today I headed to the big store to move stuff around. The great news is by noon I had 7000 steps. By time I got home 9500. I love days like this. It just makes my night so much easier.

  I wish I could tell you that I kept the energy up through the night but I crashed into my bed as soon as I hit the magic number. I worked so hard today I was just worn out by the time I got home.

  

  Day 27

  So the bad news is my walking buddy hurt his back and can hardly move much less walk. So I have not been walking after lunch which makes such a difference in how I feel and how few less steps I have to do when I come home at night. Yes, I know I could walk by myself and if it was warmer then I definitely would but right now it’s frigid outside so I have to walk around the warehouse and I feel a little silly by myself.

  So today I ended up with about 5500 steps when I came home and that means lots of Livingroom pacing.

  I hit my steps by 7:45pm. The finish line is around the corner!

  

  Day 28

  Yay! Week 4, just two more days to go after this!!! The good news is I was busy running around all day so I came home with 8400 steps. Much better than yesterday.

  

  Day 29

  Well today was awesome I had 10000 steps before I even got home which is amazing. Oh man I am going to make it, just one more day to go. Guys I have been so nervous I’m going to fall asleep each night before I hit all my steps. I dream about it.

  Obviously nothing bad would happen if that was the case but still. I go there.

  

  Day 30!!!

  I did it! Okay guys it’s the final day. It seemed like it took forever to get my steps but I finally did it.

  ✅ Completed 30 days of walking 10,000 steps per day. 306,472 grand total! WOW no wonder I slept more!

  

  Recap

  When I first started it was not easy, sure the few days were okay but 30 consistent days were rough.

  Here’s what this challenge taught me. Finishing a hard goal feels awesome. Discipline and perseverance are wonderful things. I know I would have given up if I didn’t feel accountable to you.

  Your body needs exercise, I feel so much better just from walking an unexpected nice surprise. My period which usually shuts me down was manageable. My body is more toned specifically my legs an abdomen.

  When I started this experiment I slept roughly 4 hours a night, I’m averaging 5 to 6 hours a night now. My positivity is great and I’m happier overall.

  What’s next..

  While I love all the results of 10000 steps a day, can I sustain it. I think for the most part I can. I’ve decided Monday- Friday I will shoot for 10000 steps a day but I’m giving myself a break on weekends at least until winter is over. Pacing the living-room is no fun.

  Ok guys until my next challenge.

  To check out my other posts and challenges check out my latest posts

• 
  Repairing my Skin after Weight Loss 30 Day Challenge Part 3

  Days 15-21

  Here’s a quick update in case you missed my last few posts on this experiment. Week 1, I fell in love with castor oil. It’s a Great moisturizer and it makes your skin feel amazing. Week 2, I finally start to see improvements in muscle tone. My crepey skin might be getting a little bit better. It’s a small change but it’s encouraging.

  In case you don’t know what natural supplements or devices I’ve been using, see the list below.

  The Tools

  • Castor Oil – touted as an excellent moisturizer to help skin retain moisture, improves saggy skin and reduces cysts.
  • Microneedling at home , improves wrinkles, increases collagen, improves scarring and stretch marks.
  • Red Light Therapy – builds collagen and minimizes inflammation, reduces fine lines, improves texture and tone and reduces pain.
  • Bone Broth – increase collagen, promotes wound healing, improves gut health and improves joint pain
  • Vitamn C– brightens skin tone, boosts collagen, improves texture of skin, soothe redness and irritation, supports wound healing.
  • Collagen– improves elasticity, skin firmness, gut health.
  • Dry Brushing – exfoliates, can reduce cellulite by breaking up fat deposits,, gets the lymphatic system moving, unclogs pores.
  • Rooibos Tea – prevents toxins from damaging your skin, anti-aging, brightens complexion.
  • Exercise – strength training, lunges, squats, planks, weights…it helps with a lot of things but for now we will focus on building muscle in my abs, glutes, and arms where my problem areas are.

  So those are the basics but you’ll get the idea of how I use them as I go through the journal. Let’s get started.

  Day 15

  Oh the halfway mark, I always feel so great when I hit this spot. For some reason when people start to hit week 3 they start to get less focused on their goal, diet, etc. I can attest this is a real thing since I experience it almost every-time I hit this week. Now that I know it happens, it helps me push through and I think “okay you know it’s a hard week but you’ve got it under control. Keep going.

  It’s Saturday and I know I struggle to maintain on weekends. So I force myself out of bed and tell myself to finish five things on my list. This might sound like a lot but it’s really not because I break everything down into small tasks. My lists has about 60 things on it, let me tell you why that’s not scary. You might put vitamins, supplements, medication as one item but I break it down. For me that might be 10 things. I have to take some vitamins and supplements at different times of the day. It’s more helpful for me to see them individually and cross them off as I go. This way I know exactly what I’ve done and what still needs to be done. Same thing with exercise. You might put workout but I put 50 biceps, 50 triceps, morning rebounding, etc.

  Wow I got off track.. Okay back to my morning so I tell myself get up and do at least 5 things. I put my castor oil on my cotton pad and I rub it into my cyst, it’s starting to shrink but it very ugly now so I hope this week it calms down. Next I make my morning tea of licorice root, marshmallow root and slippery elm. Put some collagen in there as well as a little tumeric, black cohosh, b6, and lemon balm. It’s my morning stomach soother. It probably sounds weird but it helps me.

  I take my Rx and vitamin D3, K2, B12, as well as my mastic gum and Zinc Carnosine. A little later I’ll take my B5 and folic acid.

  B5 and Folic Acid are new to my regimen. So far it appears they are helping my nails strengthen and my hair to stop falling out..

  It’s a heavy self care day but I’m not ready to do all that yet so I sip my tea and give myself some well deserved quiet time.

  Well my quiet time lasted a little too long so I spent the rest of the day hustling to get it done.

  It’s a micro-needling and steamer day. One I love, the other not so much. Still I finish them both and hope I will see improvement.

  Day 16

  Sunday morning, man I have been so sleepy. I slept almost nine hours, which I never do. Usually I struggle to get 5.

  However this morning when I took my shower I noticed my skin is starting to look a little better in my stomach. Thank goodness because the workouts are kicking my you know what.

  Even the weather which usually dries out my skin has not affected me much and I know that’s the castor oil. Now my lips that’s another story. They are definitely feeling the effects of the weather. But chapstick bothers me a little bit so I don’t typically use it. I know I could use coconut oil too but I just don’t like things on my lips.

  I check this morning to see if my miniature torture device made me 20 again. The answer is still no. Just a tip for those of you thinking about Microneedling. Don’t get discouraged, it takes a few days to see your skin improve. No question my face is seeing improvement slowly. It was actually so much better than it used to be with the change in my diet that I was shocked it looks even better now.

  I rubbed castor oil in my scalp last night and then washed it out this morning and I’m impressed. It’s not oily, but it has gloss. Plus smooth as silk when I combed it.

  Day 17

  Well I’ve done all my exercises, facials, castor oil, vitamins, drank my tea and bone broth.

  Can I say I’m not in love with bone broth, I want to be if it counts. I love my collagen but bone broth is just something I struggle with. After this experiment I most likely will just use it for my soup and try to have it a couple times a week.

  Everything else is great and doesn’t bother me at all. I mean I don’t love working out but that and the castor oil may be helping me most.

  Day 18

  This morning lunch took me a little longer to make than I thought so I missed some of my morning routine. Mostly my morning facial and morning workout. Note to self: wake up earlier if you’re going to make a new recipe.

  So tonight instead of my peaceful wind down routine. I’ll be doing part of my invigorating morning routine on top of my night routine. I’ll let you know how that goes.

  Well double workouts tonight. Yeah I will be making sure I split these guys in the future, because it was a bit much for me. They’re not hard workouts separately but together…no thank you.

  I did my facial this evening and finished my supplements. Okay mission accomplished. It’s 8:40pm and I’m just now getting to relax. I have to be consistent in my experiments otherwise I won’t know if they really work.

  Day 19

  It’s freezing today and I spent half the day in the warehouse and I’m to the bone chilled. All I want to do is wrap up in blankets and sleep. But no, I have stuff to do. Like Microneedling which is not my favorite. I do this on Wednesdays and Saturdays but man I don’t want too.

  When I got home, we had no power which was not great so my house is cold too. Not how I wanted to start my evening. Hopefully they’ll get it back on soon. Maybe I should do my workout so I can warm up.

  Fortunately the power was out only for a short time. So I had no excuse to lay under the covers and do nothing.

  I did my Microneedling and applied vitamin C afterwards. It wasn’t bad tonight but I learned my lesson after less week.

  Day 20

  My skin is looking pretty amazing this morning I have to say. Even my stomach is showing signs of improvement. My cyst well I’m definitely not a two week success story, but it’s getting smaller little by little.

  Day 21

  It the end of week 3, guys this experiment is definitely going to have to continue after my 30 days. No question everything is looking better each week but there is still some room for improvement that might take longer. I imagine if I keep going I will get where I want to be.

  Weekly Recap

  Castor Oil -I love this stuff. I am using it for a moisturizer on my body, to shrink my cyst and as a weekly hair mask. It’s improving every area but mostly I just love how it makes my skin feel. Definitely a winner.

  Microneedling – I do this at home, two times a week and while it’s not relaxing, it’s not bad. Do I see a difference? I really do, especially a day or so after.

  Bone Broth – I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan. I think it’s the glutamine that is messing with me. I will not continue this after the experiment. If your body is tougher than mine, I highly recommend it because it’s so good for you.

  Vitamn C – I love the serum, it adds brightness to my skin and it soothes after Microneedling. I’m going to be adding this to my routine as well.

  Collagen– I have been taking this through all of my experiments and I have to say I love it. I love it for my skin and I love it for my gut. I don’t even feel human until I have it in my morning tea.

  Dry Brushing – my skin looks great after dry brushing and it’s so soft. You have to apply a little pressure when you’re doing it but not to the point it hurts but firm. I feel little tingles when I do it and it feels great. I shower and then apply my castor oil and it looks awesome. I do this every other day.

  Red Light Therapy – I have used red light therapy for pain in my back before and it really works. This time I’m using it for my stomach and back of my legs and I have to say they are looking better. The only thing I would warn against is falling asleep because it’s so relaxing.

  Rooibos Tea – This tea is delicious and it’s so very good for you but as far as skin health it does add a nice glow to your skin. I might not know with all the things I’m doing this time but a few years ago when I tried to give up Diet Coke (unsuccessfully) I drank Rooibos tea and man my skin looked great.

  Exercise- let’s be honest we all know exercise is good for you but I can honestly say it has made a big difference in how my body looks I probably will have to continue for a while to really see a major difference but yeah it’s helping. Not only my soft areas but in building my strength and endurance. I’m 5’1’ and 110 pounds. I never feel strong but I am feeling more capable at moving and lifting than I ever have.

  Read my next post if you want to see how I do on my final week!

  To read my latest posts

  

• 
  AIP 90 Day Update – Reintroduction

  I have continued my AIP Journey, and have been slowly been bringing in reintroductions. I wish I could say it has been a great experience but I’m sadly finding that my food intolerance is much worse then I realized.

  I’ve added nuts and seeds. So far with the exceptions of cashews and peanuts I did well with this group.

  As for nightshades, it’s a no go. I’m not surprised but I do miss potatoes and hoped that would be the exception but not yet. I accept it and will try again much later.

  Now for the saddest news. I tried rice this week, it was probably too soon but I had been craving it. I had just a very small amount and it went well but when I had a full serving it did not go great. In fact my stomach is still rumbling three days later.

  Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the AIP diet for the most part but I do miss some of my comfort foods.

  Even though reintroduction is a little scary, it’s something I know is necessary. Knowledge is power. You don’t want to intentionally feel bad after you’ve been feeling so much better but it helps to know what you can handle in a controlled setting.

  Why I was sad, I consoled myself and I bought a grain free pasta made from cassava (This One). I also got this bread mix (Click Here) which is AIP friendly. I also keep exploring new recipes and even venturing out and creating my own recipes. I even found a “mozzarella” recipe that makes it feel like the real real thing

  I still plan to continue introducing food but I will be giving myself a break for a week or so until my body recovers.

  Next up corn and legumes. I don’t have high expectations but still I will try. I will never eat gluten again because obviously my body rejects it. As for dairy. I just don’t know yet.

  If you’re doing reintroductions too, I would love to know how it’s going so please comment below.

  This post may contain affiliate links, if you click one I may receive a small commission and I will appreciate it!

  For more Articles:

• 
  Repairing my Skin after Weight Loss 30 Day Challenge Part 2

  Days 8-14

  In case you missed my last post, here’s a quick update. I’m in love with Castor Oil. It’s shrinking my cyst and makes my skin feel wonderful. All the other things I’m doing really haven’t had time to show their benefits yet. Still I continue to follow the original plan to give them some time to work.

  The Tools

  Castor Oil – touted as an excellent moisturizer to help skin retain moisture, improves saggy skin and reduces cysts.

  Microneedling at home , improves wrinkles, increases collagen, improves scarring and stretch marks.

  Red Light Therapy – builds collagen and minimizes inflammation, reduces fine lines, improves texture and tone and reduces pain.

  Bone Broth – increase collagen, promotes wound healing, improves gut health and improves joint pain

  Vitamn C– brightens skin tone, boosts collagen, improves texture of skin, soothe redness and irritation, supports wound healing.

  Collagen– improves elasticity, skin firmness, gut health

  Dry Brushing – exfoliates, can reduce cellulite by breaking up fat deposits,, gets the lymphatic system moving, unclogs pores.

  Rooibos Tea – prevents toxins from damaging your skin, anti-aging, brightens complexion.

  Vitamin B5– Anti-aging, skin healing, scalp health, improved digestion, promotes hair and nails growth.

  Exercise – strength training, lunges, squats, planks, weights…it helps with a lot of things but for now we will focus on building muscle in my abs, glutes, and arms where my problem areas are.

  The Journal

  Day 8

  The beginning of a new week, so far my skin is feeling very moisturized which feels so much better then I thought it would. Castor oil, is my new favorite lotion. It doesn’t smell amazing but the benefits are worth it.

  Today I’ve booked an appointment in my home spa for the Steamer and Microneedling session. It’s Saturday and it’s my self care, housecleaning, and errands day. I like to get it all done on Saturday so I can rest Sunday.

  I took a before picture of my stomach so I could have a reference but the results are minimal and not worth posting this week but hopefully by the end of the month I’ll have something to show you.

  Well at my home spa, the steamer was delightful. I put a drop of jasmine essential oil in the water and the smell was sweet and relaxing. The Microneedling was less uncomfortable today. So bonus. The vitamin c felt great after.

  Day 9

  Today I put on my workout gear and guys it’s a happy day. My skin is still crap but my muscle tone is starting to show. That makes me feel like if it doesn’t help benefit my saggy skin at least some good has come from it.

  I’m thinking about trying a castor oil pack and doing a cleanse soon. I’ll need to do my research but I am considering it. I now so believe in Castor oil after seeing how it moisturized my skin so I want to check out some of the other benefits. The bags under my eyes look great, my skin looks great. The cyst is a little disappointing because it shrunk but today it seems regular size.

  My hair does seem shinier and my nails feel stronger.

  Day 10

  It’s Day 10 and parts of my skin are looking amazing, just not the skin that is saggy. Which was my main goal.

  Still It’s well moisturized and has a glow so that is something. I go through my normal routine and it seems my cyst is wearing down again. This thing kills me and I swear if this doesn’t help I will just let the dermatologist cut it out.

  Day 11

  I’m sore today, the working out while making me look more defined is also making me a little tender. I guess that’s part of the deal.

  I also am starting to see some small changes on my stomach. They are very small differences but they are there. Tomorrow I am Micro-needling again. I try to do it twice a week so my skin can heal during the off days.

  Day 12

  My skin is really starting to show all the benefits of the love I have been showing it. Lots of people are asking me what I’ve been doing.

  There is also a slight improvement in my saggy skin and my cyst is sooooo slowly making progress.

  Tonight was another micro-needling session. Dang it hurt tonight, to be fair I was not being very gentle. Hopefully tomorrow the pain will be worth it.

  Day 13

  Guys my cyst is starting to look really ugly. The skin is starting to peel off and I hope this means it’s working.

  As for my Microneedling no difference this morning but I always notice the change a few days down the road.

  Day 14

  Alright it’s the end of week 2! I feel proud of myself for making it this far!

  Why am I proud, not because I have to massage the castor oil all over my body, or even because I put a castor oil pack on my cyst twice a day. Not because of the supplements I have religiously been taking daily, or the food I have added to my very strict diet. It’s not even withstanding the miniature torture device I use for micro-needling.

  What makes me feel like patting myself on the back is all the exercise I’ve been doing. This may be the longest I’ve ever consistently worked out.

  My day consists of a toning workout twice a day. I also spend 10 min on the rebounder twice a day. I get a minimum of 10,000 steps a day and do a series of arm weights working my biceps and triceps. This may not be much for someone who is dedicated to exercising but for me….it’s more than I’ve ever done in years and definitely the most consistent I’ve ever been.

  I’m tired at the end of the night but I feel good. Sometimes I’m sore but that feels good too – in I hurt because I pushed through even when it was hard.

  The Recap

  At the end of week 1, I hadn’t noticed much difference but now as I finish week 2 the changes are starting to show a little more. It’s still not crazy improvements but subtle changes are starting to happen.

  My face, and my skin is soft and supple. The texture is incredible and if it wasn’t for this cyst on my face I would almost say I look glowing and healthy.

  Speaking of my cyst, it actually looks worse then ever, but it shrinking and slowly peeling off. I wasn’t prepared to see it look so ugly but as long as it’s going down I’ll keep going.

  My saggy skin on my stomach is starting to improve but oh so very slowly. My arm skin not much better to be honest but my arms are toning up and there is some muscle starting to form which makes them look better regardless. In my legs it’s a similar story.

  My hair and nails are getting stronger and the hair that falls out when I shower or brush my hair is less than when I started.

  So overall I am seeing some progress and that encourages me to keep going.

  If you’re interested to see how next week goes keep up with my blog.

  Other Posts you might enjoy.

  This post contains affiliate links and If you click on them and purchase then I might make a small commission and I am grateful for your support.

  

• 
  The GERD 30 Day Challenge – 60 Day Update

  If you missed my previous posts I’ll give you a quick summary of what I was like pre-experiment. To sum it up..MISERABLE. The indigestion was intense when I did my AIP diet it definitely made a difference but still the damage was bad. I researched every natural cure I could find to treat GERD naturally and came up with a plan.

  For 30 days I would try these natural cures and see what made me feel better what didn’t.

  There were good and bad surprises along the way but I kept what worked and got rid of what didn’t. I’m happy to report that I’m feeling much better than I did even at day 30.

  Do I still have indigestion and discomfort yes but it’s not the majority of my day anymore. Do I still have a hard time with food sitting in my stomach for what feels like forever…occasionally. When I go all T-Rex and can’t get enough meat.

  The Star

  I think I tried over 10 supplements and the one that made the biggest difference was Zinc Carnosine . I really started feeling a change happen when I started taking this supplement. It’s something they’ve been using in Japan for over 30 years. Its purpose is to heal ulcers and I feel like I must have had a million of them.

  The Supporting Players

  Why I didn’t continue taking all the supplements there were some I kept because they seemed to help. Mastic Gum was one of them, you hear about people chewing the gum to sculpt their face. But I was more interested in that digestive help. So I took the pill form, mastic gum is great for killing bacteria in your stomach. Including H. pylori. I also kept taking melatonin, not because it helped with the heartburn and acid, but because I slept better and did not wake up through the night. I continue drinking my throat coat tea, with licorice root, marshmallow root, and slippery elm, which provide a protective coating to your stomach.

  I’m still taking those supplements above today and I can tell you that I continue to improve. While I’m still on my Rx, I’m at about half the dosage and getting ready to start taking it every other day. In case you didn’t know, you can’t quit it cold turkey because it will make you suffer. So in this case, slow and steady wins the race.

  Anyway, I hope to give you a 90 day update that I’ve cut back to every three days on the Rx but baby steps we will see how it goes.

  Also an important note, I was taking Zofran at least once daily to help with the nausea and now I’m taking that about once or twice a week which I’m pretty excited about.

  Just a reminder that I am not a doctor so please talk to your doctor or healthcare expert before you take any supplements. This is just my personal experience and how it impacted me.

  Also, there may be some affiliate links in this post. If you click on them, I will probably earn a few cents for your purchase and I thank you for that.

  If you’d like to read my 30 day experience, you can start here.

  https://livingwellwithceliac.com/2024/12/20/healing-gerd-naturally-part-1/

• 
  Walking 10000 Steps a Day – 30 Day Challenge- Part 3

  Week 3 -Days 15-21

  It’s week 3 and I’m at the halfway point. Guys this challenge is hard, not every day but there are days that I just want to stop and crash but unless I magically manage to get my steps in before I get home it’s not happening.

  So far I am sleeping about an extra hour a night. My stamina is getting better. My legs are getting firmer. Overall it’s been a rewarding experiment even if sometimes it’s hard to get those last few thousand steps when you’re tired.

  Let’s begin the journal

  Day 15

  There’s a winter storm today and it’s making me want to snuggle up in bed and not move. Still I have to go to work and get ready for the day. It’s probably for the best so I actually move around.

  The day is quiet and I manage to get my steps in at a decent time. I’m tired tonight and I barely can keep my eyes open and I blame the weather. I pass out before I even before I finish my nightly list.

  

  To Day 16

  It’s Friday and the storm is still in effect. I feel confident I will lose half my team again today. We are southerners and don’t deal with this kind of weather very often.

  The great news is I was moving all day so I was about 7000 when I get home from work. I paced my living room as soon as I got home until I hit the goal.

  Im happy to report that It’s getting easier to reach each day. My legs are starting to look so much better. Some definition in my legs is finally starting to show. I’m thin but not fit but I feel like I am finally starting to get there.

  

  Day 17

  Oh Saturday, how I love you and hate you. I have a full schedule of stuff planned for the day.

  It’s mop, dust and deep clean day. Plus we are organizing the Christmas decorations and that is going to be a task in itself. I’m going to attempt to make an AIP mozzarella as well as a trip to Whole Foods for my vegetables. Let’s hope that gives me a good chunk of my steps. It’s so much easier when it happens naturally.

  Even though I was so busy today, the steps were not enough. This is why weekends are so hard for me. As always I pace the living-room tonight until I get my steps in.

  

  Day 18

  Today I ran errands, and just lazed around. I got 4000 steps before noon and that was awesome. I’m feeling pretty good guys, I know the time is coming when I start to feel bad but because I’m feeling so great, I’m going to believe it’s going to last.

  

  Day 19

  I’m almost 2/3 of the way done. I have to say I’m feeling stronger and my body is looking better. So far the extra work IS worth it.

  What has really helped is through the week I have kind of a routine laid out. 2500 steps before I leave the house, 5000 after lunch, 7500 when I come home to my door and the last 2500 in the evening. It only works on the weekdays but hey 5/7 is not bad.

  I knocked it out early tonight before 7pm which is awesome. I feel good and like I have it under control now.

  

  Day 20

  I’m here pacing my Livingroom as I try to get my last few steps in for the day. It’s been great the last few days because I’ve come home with only a couple thousand steps left by 6pm. I just knock those out as fast as I can. So I can relax the rest of my day. I am starting to see how people do this every day. I can also understand how people get 20000 a day. Don’t get me wrong….I’m not ready for that challenge yet but I get it.

  

  Day 21

  I’m here at the end of the third week. You might wonder Is it getting easier?

  Absolutely. I feel like I can always handle the 10000 steps now. Even when I’m having a flair up of autoimmune symptoms it feels manageable and the walking seems to actually help. I have been been needing less nausea medicine since I started this experiment. Sometimes I think I need it desperately but after 5-10 minutes of walking I’m feeling much better.

  

  The Recap

  So what improvements have I seen so far?

  • My legs are getting more shapely, there’s a small indentation in my calves now where the muscles are starting to show
  • My stamina has improved dramatically compared to when I started . It’s weird to say it but I wanted to run the other day when I was on my walk. I hate running, and it totally threw me, but I did run for a minute or two just to get it out out of my system.
  • Surprisingly it has been such a huge help with nausea and indigestion after eating. I will forever walk after meals now.
  • I’m sleeping an extra hour a night.
  • When I’m stressed, walking for an extended amount of time relaxes me.

  One more week and a few days to go guys and then another challenge wrapped up. So far I’ve continued all my other challenges because they’ve been so successful. Read my next post if you interested to see how I do as I approach the finish line and if I decide to keep it up after I hit the 30 day mark.

  Check out the blog for other experiments and reviews of supplements and life lessons.

  

• 
  Repairing my Skin after Weight Loss 30 day Challenge

  If you’ve read my blog, you know as my health declined after the death of my husband that my autoimmune symptoms, nausea and GERD got debilitating. I could hardly eat, that I dropped 70lbs without really trying. It wasn’t fast but it wasn’t slow and it definitely wasn’t healthy.

  The after results were a sick body that showed on the outside and was felt deeply on the inside. I have been working diligently healing on the inside and now I’m going to show a little self love to my physical appearance. Starting with my skin.

  The Damage

  To anyone who has lost weight quickly instead of carefully you know what happens to those areas where you carried your weight. Yes saggy or crepey skin. In my mind I wasn’t trying to do anything but get through the days so I wasn’t thinking hey dummy moisturize your skin or take care of your skin. I was proud of myself at some of my lowest points just for brushing my teeth and getting through the work day.

  When you are stressed or depressed, even when you try to hide or deny it your body finds ways to show it both internally and externally. For me the damage from not eating made me thin but it also made my skin saggy. I also started getting cyst under my arms and back but the worst one I have is on my face. The stress aged me quickly. I started getting dark spots as well and my skin was dull and had no glow.. My hair had lost its luster and won’t grow any longer.

  Cleaning up my diet has helped so much but some of the worst affected areas still need a little extra help.

  The Tools for the Experiment

  • Castor Oil – touted as an excellent moisturizer to help skin retain moisture, improves saggy skin and reduces cysts.
  • Microneedling at home , improves wrinkles, increases collagen, improves scarring and stretch marks.
  • Red Light Therapy – builds collagen and minimizes inflammation, reduces fine lines, improves texture and tone and reduces pain.
  • Bone Broth – increase collagen, promotes wound healing, improves gut health and improves joint pain
  • Vitamn C– brightens skin tone, boosts collagen, improves texture of skin, soothe redness and irritation, supports wound healing.
  • Collagen– improves elasticity, skin firmness, gut health
  • Dry Brushing – exfoliates, can reduce cellulite by breaking up fat deposits,, gets the lymphatic system moving, unclogs pores.
  • Rooibos Tea – prevents toxins from damaging your skin, anti-aging, brightens complexion.
  • Vitamin B5– Anti-aging, skin healing, scalp health, improved digestion, promotes hair and nails growth.
  • Exercise – strength training, lunges, squats, planks, weights…it helps with a lot of things but for now we will focus on building muscle in my abs, glutes, and arms where the skin is not tight.

  The Plan

  I’ll start each morning with a cup of Bone broth, I like that I’m adding a little more protein to my day and that it protects your gut. Up next and already a part of my routine will be my morning tea with collagen. I know technically that I’m getting this from my bone broth too but still my tea makes me feel so good that I’m not ready to give it up.

  Currently my morning workout consists of almost all cardio. I walk and rebound. Now I will begin adding strength training. Before my shower, I’ll dry brush and then after I will apply castor oil to my skin, and do a massage on my not so pretty problem areas, I’ll cleanse my skin and then add vitamin C.

  Throughout the day I will drink rooibos tea and continue eating nutritious food getting at least 75 grams of protein. Making sure I’m not sedentary for long periods of time.

  In the evenings, I’ll apply my red light to problem areas and apply castor oil on my cyst.

  Twice a week I will do a Microneedling session and hope it’s not too painful..

  So let’s begin.

  

  Day 1

  It’s Sunday and I start my morning with a cup of bone broth. I add some spices and a spoon because I just can’t drink it straight yet. It wasn’t terrible but definitely not used to having soup in the morning. I notice that it soothes my stomach right away and it feels nourishing as soups tend to do but then I feel not so great about a half hour later. I sleep for another 2 hours and still don’t feel great. I struggle with glutamine and I’ve read that bone broth can have excess glutamine depending on how it’s prepared. And shocker I don’t handle it well. I have not had this problem before but I tried a new brand when I probably should have stayed with the one I use for soups.

  My new workout consists of lunges, squats and weights and all sorts of toning exercises that my body is not used to. Already I’m doing my walking and rebounding but dang this going to make me sore.

  I dry brush, jump in the shower, oil up, wash my face and apply vitamin C. this actually all feels great. Minus the time it takes for the oil to dry, I love this part but I may have to rearrange my schedule.

  I also love rooibos tea so drinking it is no burden, I drink 3 cups throughout the day and enjoy each sip.

  In the early evening I put my red light on my stomach, thighs and face. It’s so relaxing and I don’t mind it all.

  I’ve put off Microneedling until the end of the night because sticking needles in my body does not excite me. Surprisingly it didn’t hurt very much at all during…but after yeah I felt it. Manageable but I was not ready for the weird little pains that shot through my body. It wasn’t drastic but uncomfortable.

  Day 2

  One day down. My body feels beautifully moisturized. Castor oil is cool and maybe the most moisturizing oil I’ve ever used.

  The soreness is gone from Microneedling and only lasted a few minutes after. Today I’m back to work and happy to say back on schedule.

  Adding these new things have added about 20 minutes to my routine. Now why I’m waiting for lunch to cook I’m doing my arm weights. Why I’m rebounding I have castor oil packs on my cyst. I’m oil pulling why I clean the house and although I’ve lost a few minutes of relax and read time, it’s not to bad. I’m a multitasking maniac but it’s effective.

  My cyst doesn’t necessarily look better but it feels better because the tightness is less. That is a relief in itself because it was painful.

  Day 3

  I pretty much have the same schedule and slowly make my way through my list. Today I sip my bone broth a little at a time and I handle it much better.

  Surprisingly not sore from the weights but today’s workout was harder to get through. I made a hamburger, sweet potato and apple hash and Brussel sprouts that I really enjoyed for lunch and it was perfect for this cold blustery day. Tomorrow I do my Microneedling and I hope I see improvement. I didn’t notice much the first time but it may be user error. We will see how it goes tomorrow.

  Day 4

  It’s a new day and I expect to look in the mirror and see my 20 year old body. The dream does not come true… seriously though… why I’m not seeing my younger self I am noticing a brightness to my skin and my skin feels incredibly hydrated. 1000% the castor oil. I will tell you I already know I will keep this on hand forever.

  So tonight it’s Micro needling. I mentally had to prepare myself for this. Again no pain while doing it, but after it’s stings a little. I put a vitamin C serum on and that did help.

  I’ve done the workouts, massaged the oil in. It’s a waiting game and I’m terrible at being patient.

  Day 5

  I wake up this morning and see a very subtle difference in my skin. It’s minimal and if I wasn’t looking hard I might not notice. More glow today and a little smoother appearance.

  My workout routine is still kicking my you know what, but I get through it without taking breaks. I’m making progress even if it’s slow.

  Day 6

  I’m closing in on the end of the week. I read up on massage techniques for saggy skin on the stomach last night and then tried it. Okay circular motions from the pelvic area up to the rib cage working left to right. Work hard spots a little longer. Bummer is I have no hard spots.

  Still I continued my normal routine and at this point I’ve seen only barely noticeable changes. Note to self, saggy skin takes time to heal. On a positive note my cyst does seem to be improving. It’s very slowly deflating.

  We have a winter storm coming in and we are going in to work later. So a little more time to focus on my daily tasks. Yesterday I did not feel well so I promptly came home and passed out and didn’t finish my list of things to do. Which bummed me out.

  Day 7

  Finally, the end of week 1.

  Let’s talk about what I’ve been doing and the impact it’s made so far.

  I’m going to start with Castor Oil, what a huge difference this has already made. The intense hydration makes my skin feel wonderful and I already know I’m keeping this habit forever. My cyst is slowly deflating and the bags under my eyes are improving. It hasn’t helped with saggy skin yet but let’s be realistic that part is going to take more than a week.

  Microneedling, yes I did see some improvement in my skin. So far nothing drastic but subtle changes. I’m excited to see with more time how it goes.

  Red light therapy, why I can attest this helps my back when it hurts I’ve noticed nothing when it comes to my skin but again maybe more time.

  Bone broth, this does feel great on my stomach in the morning but I notice more gut health than skin health.

  Vitamin C added to my skin care routine is definitely giving me a glow.

  Collagen, similar to my bone broth it’s great on my gut but no noticeable changes to my skin.

  Dry brushing, I will say this has made my skin incredibly soft specifically on my legs and the usual flaky skin I get in the winter is non existent.

  Rooibos Tea, aside from being delicious I really haven’t seen much but I used to drink Rooibos tea as my main tea and it seemed to keep blemishes at bay and my skin soft and supple.

  B5 no noticeable changes yet, with the exception of my nails being a little stronger.

  Strength training, it has not been long enough for me to develop any muscle tone yet but I am starting to feel a small difference in the way my clothes are fitting but my skin looks the same.

  I know a week is not long enough to really see results, so read my next post to see if noticeable changes happen. Part 2

  This post contains affiliate links.

  Read the latest Posts from the Blog

• 
  Walking 10000 Steps a Day – 30 Day Challenge Part 2

  It’s a new week, and as my body is still adjusting to this new routine and I find I’m tired. That’s okay because nothing hurts and I do find my stress levels are down and I feel pretty decent overall.

  Surprisingly there is no leg pain from walking or stiffness. I’m not power walking just a comfortable pace. When I have to do long walks I put on my headphones and listen to a book. It forces me to relax and just move.

  What I will say I’ve learned is I do enjoy walking outside so much more than on the treadmill, but it’s winter and sometimes it’s just too cold for me. I forget I’m trying to get steps when I’m outside and just enjoy being in nature. Which does relax me.

  Okay enough pondering. Let’s get this week started.

  Day 8

  Wow, I slept almost 8 hours last night. That’s amazing, I sometimes can get eight hours of sleep, but that usually only when I feel terrible and I take a nap. To be fair I only slept 3 1/2 hours for the previous two nights so my body may be just trying to catch up.

  It’s back to work today and I’m grateful because that means I will not have to work so hard to get my steps. Plus I love my job and I miss my people.

  I feel pretty good this morning and I know today will be physically active because we tore our office apart Monday doing end of year audit and today I’ve scheduled as a reorganization day.

  Well I made it through the day, unfortunately only 5000 steps. So again I spent a good amount of time pacing the livingroom. Still success my friends!

  

  Day 9

  It’s Friday and we will back to the weekend soon. I can tell my schedule is back on track because Im hitting my normal 2000 steps this morning. Big steps in the morning mean an easier night. Today I am meeting with the team to talk about 2025 goals and initiatives. It makes me think about this challenge and what I really want to get out of it.

  • More stamina
  • More happy
  • Less stress
  • Defined muscle
  • Better sleep

  So far I’m noticing better sleep and surprisingly some of my nausea and indigestion have improved, and I’m more regular then I used to be.

  Today around 4pm my back started throbbing and I promptly fell asleep the moment I got home. I was at about 8000 steps. I woke up at 11:00 and paced the living room for 30 minutes half asleep just to hit the last 2000steps! Phew I barely made it today.

  

  Day 10

  Here we are Saturday again and another day off. I’m happy to have the day off but dread knowing I’ll probably have to go to the gym tonight.

  As I mentioned I’m pretty thin but it seems I have lost 2lbs just from walking. My BFF says my legs are looking more defined than they used to be. Tighter is the exact word they used. I can admit that makes me happy. I don’t care about pounds but definition that’s a pleasant surprise.

  So what’s the plan? Aside from laundry, groceries and some cooking.I don’t have much planned. The grocery store is always so many less steps than I think it’s going to be but at least I’ll be moving.

  Well back from the store and I got a whopping 1000 steps. So disappointing. I’m sitting at 3200 steps for the day. Dang. I will be working hard tonight.

  Well even house cleaning and cooking only got me to 4600, so down to the gym I go. Today my legs feel a little sore or frail. Still I hit 10000 steps.

  

  Day 11

  It’s Sunday and I started drinking bone broth today as part of my next upcoming experiment but once I drank it..I promptly fell right back to sleep. Not a huge deal but it threw me off my schedule. Worse, It’s 11:00am and I have under 100 steps.

  I finally am up and moving but it’s now 2:15pm and I just barely hit a 1000 steps. It’s freezing today and there is no way I’m going to be able to handle outside. I don’t even want to walk to the gym but I’m pretty sure there’s no getting around it.

  I curse you winter. My house is clean the laundry is done. I do need to cook but I’d prefer to wait until later. I have a project to do but it will make me sad. I need to put away all the pretty Christmas decorations. I was lazy today and now I have to pay the price. It’s that or brave the outdoors.

  I worked diligently in the house and started prepping dinner. The bad news is still only at 3000. Is it wrong I wish I had a bigger place so I can get more steps.

  I bit the bullet and just dedicated an hour and a half to walking. I did it. I’ll be glad to be going back to a regular schedule next week.

  

  Day 12

  It felt easier to get my steps today. I still had to earn them but it didn’t feel like a big deal. For me it takes about 12 minutes to get a 1000 steps. Thats not rushing so I know I can get it done if I just dedicate the time. It’s ridiculously cold today so my last 3000 steps will be done pacing the living room. Which I am doing as I write this post.

  Success!

  

  Day 13

  It’s getting easier. I’m learning to work my walking into my day much better. My energy levels have improved and even more exciting I’m not worn out once I hit 10000 steps. It started clicking yesterday. Another thing that is cool, I started taking a walk at lunch and I no longer have a midday slump. I’ve been working on a project with two gentlemen and they both were yawning like crazy around 3pm but I was still in go mode. I’m sure annoying for them, but great for me. It’s a tedious but necessary project and I was focused and ready.

  I got home and i was at 8000 steps. I knock it out pretty quickly and hit my target.

  

  Day 14

  Here we are finally at the end of week 2. I do my 2500 steps in the morning. If I get 5000 at work then I’ll be on track. Anything over that is a bonus and makes my night easier. Well I barely got any steps at work. There’s a winter storm so I pace my livingroom until I hit my 10000 steps.

  

  The Recap

  So here’s how it went. It got easier this week but I’ll be honest this is a much harder challenge than I thought. Some days no problem, but sometimes you just don’t want to.

  Saying that, I will tell you I really do feel better. I went days without needing a zofran. Which is amazing. Two days is usually the longest I’ve ever gone until now.

  My legs are actually starting to look defined. I don’t look bad ass yet but I feel great about the progress so far.

  The sleeping is so much better, at minimum I’m getting an hour more a night which is great.

  I feel less stressed without a doubt. I feel more positive, so far I find the claims are true.

• 
  Benefits of Mastic Gum for your Gut

  We’ve all heard of Mastic Gum to make your jawline sculpted but here’s the thing it’s also pretty great for healing your gut.

  For part of my 30 day experiment to fix GERD I tried Mastic Gum. First I tried that actual gum and it was much harder than i expected. It’s a workout for your mouth without a doubt, and I can definitely see where it can sculpt your jawline. Still, I was looking to heal my GERD, Low Acid and possibly H pylori. So I started taking the capsules.

  Mastic Gum is bacteria killer and I love it for that and even better it’s a resin from the mastic tree, so it’s natural. There is a slight piney smell that lets you know it’s the real deal. Let’s get into why it’s awesome.

  The Benefits of Mastic Gum

  • Reduce h pylori bacteria
  • Protects your gut
  • Balances cholesterol levels
  • Eases the symptoms of IBD and Crohns disease
  • Reduces heartburn and indigestion
  • Treats peptic ulcers
  • May help prevent colon and prostate cancer
  • May protect the heart
  • Relieves digestive distress
  • Protects the intestinal barrier

  Pretty great right? It took about week for me to notice a difference but definite improvement now and it continues to get better and better. Some people might tell you it was instant for them but I am not usually that person so for me it took a little time.

  Just a reminder that I’m not a doctor and you should always talk to your physician first before taking any supplements or make major changes to your diet. if you get the okay then my suggestion is to start slow and see how it goes, I started with one capsule a day, on a weekend to make sure my body could handle it.

  I wish you the best of luck in your healing!

  

• 
  Walking 10,000 Steps a Day – 30 Day Challenge Part 1

  Days 1-7

  I love to try new things to improve my overall health. Personally I find 30 days gives me an indication if something is helping or not making much difference at all.

  In November my experiment was to follow a strict AIP Diet, which I managed and was happy to see so many improvements in my autoimmune symptoms. I actually just hit the 60 day mark on this plan and have finally started reintroducing food. So far walnuts and macadamia nuts are okay but eggs aren’t… yet.

  In December I focused on fixing GERD, and have finally managed to get that monster somewhat under control. It’s still not perfect but much better then when I started. I continue taking Zinc l Carnosine and Mastic Gum which seemed to help the most. I was also able to move to a half dosage of my Rx so instead of 40mg I am now on 20mg. I’m still working to get off all the way but I can tell I’m not ready yet.

  In late November I got a Fitbit and I knew that I would be doing this experiment in January.

  The Back Story

  Like so many people I work in an office 9-5. My job allows me to have more freedom than some when it comes to movement but still there are deadlines to meet that require a lot of sitting at the computer.

  Since I’ve had my Fitbit a few months, it given me a chance to see what my steps are like when I’m not focused on taking steps. On weekends I’m definitely less active and the count is pretty low, about 2000-3000 steps a day. On an average work day it’s around 5000-7000. When we are building a new store or redoing a store I hit the 10000 no problem but I’m also beyond exhausted and I want that to improve.

  The Power of Walking

  So why am I choosing walking? Walking can do so many wonderful things for you both mentally and physically.

  Let’s tackle mentally first

  • It reduces anxiety by releasing endorphins and which elevates your overall wellbeing. Yes please! Bring on the happiness.
  • It can help improve your memory and cognitive functions.
  • It can improve your sleep patterns. You guys know I struggle with sleep so this is a great benefit for me.
  • It can reduce cortisol levels which are your stress hormones. That wreak absolute havoc on your body.

  Next up Physical Benefits

  • It improves heart health.
  • It increases bone density.
  • It can reduce your body weight.
  • It will increase the strength in your legs and help your overall Stamina. Yes I need this in my life.
  • It boosts your immune system. It’s cold and flu season and if you’re like me with a weaker body you will do anything you can to not get sick because those of us with autoimmune diseases tend to be sick for weeks instead of days.
  • It improves your posture naturally

  What really makes me love it? It’s low impact and great no matter what fitness level you are at and it’s free. Why I’m at a healthy weight, my fitness level is not great. The coolest part is my Fitbitlets me track everything which I thoroughly enjoy.

  I’m excited to get started so let’s begin

  Day 1

  It’s the first day and as usual I’m all revved up.

  I get up and go through my morning routine. I’ve set little goals for myself throughout the day so I don’t get stuck at the end of the night trying to cram in 5000 extra steps. My apartment is small and it’s cold outside so if I can avoid running around in circles or freezing to death thats awesome.

  Goal One, 2500 steps before I leave the house. On your mark, get set, go! I start cleaning my house as I do every morning, But this time instead of gathering multiple things and putting them away. I pick up one thing at a time and take it to the proper area so I can get those extra steps in. I’m almost at a thousand steps by the time I’m done.

  Next up the work out, now I’m at 1800 steps. I want to be productive and I have about an hour left until I head to work, I make lunches, work on organizing my closet. By the time I walk out the door I’ve hit 2500… but just barely. Now let’s hope I get up to at least to 8000 steps at work.

  It’s been a long day but the good news is I was up to almost 9000 steps by the time I got home.

  When I’m done with dinner, I change into my pjs and do my nightly routine and by some magic I hit 10,000 steps just as I’m ready to go to bed. That went way better than I thought.

  

  Day 2

  One day down, and 29 to go. My back is hurting today so it may be a challenge to meet my goal but I’m hopeful it will get better soon. I walk out the door just under 500 steps. Not good.

  I’m finally home after work and I’m only at 5000. It’s 6:30pm so I take a walk outside. .it took less time than I thought to get my steps in and it wasn’t too cold outside so not too horrible. Still tomorrow I need to spread out my steps better so I’m not walking so much when I’m exhausted.

  

  Day 3

  It’s the weekend and I know from experience that this is when I struggle the most to get my steps in. Even though I run errands on Saturday I’m always surprised at how few steps that adds up too. I’ll need to stay on top of it today.

  I’ve been making sure I get up and move and I’ve done a good job making sure I hit a thousand or more steps every hour or two That is until I ran my errands. I have not been feeling great and I was suddenly exhausted and fell asleep for a few hours after we got home. I’d made it to 7500 steps before I fell asleep. Thank goodness I got most of them done earlier in the day.

  The last 2500 were not easy because I did not feel like moving at all, but no way I was not hitting my goal on day 3. I finally finished my steps around 10:15 pm and then promptly fell asleep. This 30 day journey is not going to always be easy..

  

  Day 4

  At some point you are supposed to feel excited to go for your walk and get your steps in, so far I’m not there. I just want to be a bum.

  What I have noticed since I’ve been walking 10000 steps a day I am sleeping an hour longer at night. That’s a nice benefit.

  I went for a walk today with my friend which was such an enjoyable way to get the first 2500 steps completed. Then I indulged myself and just lazed around and did house stuff. About 5:30 I realized I better get it in gear because I was only at 5000 steps so down to the apartment gym for the first time and jump on one of the treadmills. I prefer to walk outside but since it’s dark I opted for inside. 45 minutes at 3.0mph and I get my last 5000 steps. Now I just need to prep my lunch for tomorrow and I’ve accomplished all my goals for today.

  

  Day 5

  Today is end of year audit which means I will be sitting at my desk for hours. I’m hoping we get done early so I can get some movement in before I get home but I know I need to try to get some steps done in the morning so I’m not doing a mad dash tonight. I leave the house close to 2000.

  Surprisingly I ended up running around all day today and hit 10000 steps before I even got home from work. How nice not to have to worry about that tonight after such a long day.

  Of course as usual I’m also beyond exhausted and promptly take a nap from 7:45 to 11:00pn.

  

  Day 6

  So interesting tidbit of information…I just read an article that said walking with your palms facing up will improve your posture. Do you look silly? Absolutely! Still I’m totally trying it.

  It’s new year eve and by some miracle we have the next two days off. It’s almost like being on vacation. I recently organized my house so it’s beyond clean, That’s a good thing but now I will have to figure out a way to get my steps in besides doing stuff around the house. I find I am wanting to go out more, which is an improvement because I’m typically a go to work and then come straight home girl.

  Well I set out on a small adventure and went to the nursery, the farmers market and the local tea shop and even though I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was so disappointed that all my walking was only 3000 steps.

  So I ended up doing exactly what I wanted to avoid, I spent the evening pacing my apartment. With the support of my BFF pep talking me through each thousand steps until I hit my goal.

  

  Day 7

  Happy New Year! It’s January 1st and the end of my first week walking 10,000 steps every day.

  So how am I feeling, overall okay but I haven’t felt that amazing feeling yet. What I do feel is proud of myself for hitting 10k steps everyday. Mostly because I didn’t always want to move that much but I’ve managed to push through every day until I hit that magic number.

  Another perk, I have been falling asleep more easily. In fact I have fallen asleep several nights of this week without taking my melatonin. Last night being one of them. Mostly because I was trying so hard to stay awake to watch the fireworks. I didn’t make it, I fell fast asleep at 11:00.

  It seems like in the beginning of each of my experiments I’m so tired. That adjustment period of a new diet/exercise takes a lot out of my body but so far it’s been worth it every time.

  I also noticed taking a walk has helped some of my autoimmune symptoms. If the nausea/indigestion is bad a 20 minute walk takes the edge off. My nerve pain is better and going to the bathroom has become a daily occurrence. The AIP diet improved it to around three times a week but now it’s everyday. It used to be once a week.

  Why I am enjoying the extra time off through the holidays, it’s been so much harder to hit that 10,000 mark. I’m just more active naturally when I work and quite frankly I’m tired by the end of the week and just want to rest.

  For some reason it seemed like my steps weren’t counting correctly today. Even though I walked for 45 minutes this morning my Fitbit barely calculated any steps. I put it back on the charger, shut my phone off. Rebooted tightened my watch and everything seemed to be back on track. Still I hated losing those steps.

  Because my morning was so unproductive, I headed back down to the apartment gym and got on the dreaded treadmill and got up to 8000 steps. It’s only 5 and I have to get everything ready for work tomorrow so I should hit that easily. If not I’ll be pacing the halls tonight.

  Success.

  

  Read my next post to see how I fare next week.

  This post may contain afffiliate links.

  

• 
  AIP 60 Day Update

  Days 30-60

  Well it has officially been 60 days and I continue to improve albeit slowly. I recently saw a video that showed a full cup of wine being filled with water. It took forever for the wine color to go away and turn clear. That analogy was to show how long it took to heal. But the wine slowly got lighter and lighter. That’s how I feel like it’s taking forever to heal and not that I will ever be my 20 year old self again but my energy, anxiety, focus and symptoms get better each week. Do I still have really bad days, the short answer yes. Still I don’t feel hopeless anymore. I also have really great days and that is priceless to me.

  Mentally I am more stable, no more bouts of crying because I’m so miserable. No more such high anxiety that I can’t talk. It was really bad at the end. I still functioned but definitely not at my normal level.

  Physically I’ve stopped losing weight and now maintain at about 110. 6lbs less than pre-diet but I had never intended to lose weight. My son, however has dropped 35 lbs and feels amazing.

  My loose skin has tightened, again not 20 year old skin but so much better than it was. When my symptoms were bad I lost a lot of weight and even though it wasn’t overnight, it was probably faster than it should be. The result was saggy skin in my stomach, arms and legs. It has not been a focus but now that I am feeling a little better I may start exploring this.

  Speaking of my skin, the texture and breakouts have had a Huge improvement, my skin is better than it’s ever been.

  Some crazy things along the way.

  One thing I have noticed is my craving for red meat has drastically increased. If you served me steak everyday I would be the happiest girl in the world. Ironic because just a year or so ago. I was exclusively vegetarian. Not for noble reasons but because I just couldn’t process it. I still have to take digestive enzymes but I handle it well as long as I take them. My body just feels strong when I eat it.

  I wake up ready to go, no more hours of laying in bed groggy and lazy. Waiting until the very last minute to get out of bed and get going. Even when I try to laze around, I find I’m up doing some little thing.

  I’m also tired at a reasonable time, up half the night doesn’t happen very often anymore. I’m usually asleep between 10-11pm, most of the time earlier.

  I have new interest, I have embraced the lifestyle and have started a small raised pot garden. I’m pretty sure if I didn’t I live in an apartment I would have made my whole backyard a tribute to natural living. The way I go through sweet potatoes, I feel confident I would have had to dedicate half my yard to that.

  Things that made my journey possible

  1. Meal prep- this is probably the best advice I can give you especially week 1 and 2. Meal prep. Your body will be exhausted as it detoxes from the dairy, gluten and other inflammatory foods. On your day off cook like your life depends on it. Everyone who has done this diet says meal prep for a reason.
  2. Snacks make sure you have them ready. Whether it’s jerky, chips, fruit…whatever just keep it handy. Below I’ll leave links for some of my favorites that you can buy that require no prep.
  3. Vitamins, you may not get all the vitamins you were getting. For example if you are a big dairy eater like I was you’re probably not getting as much vitamin D. Especially if you’re not getting outside. Look at your vitamins, are you getting what you need? I swear by vitamin D because it was the first thing the doctor gave me that actually made me feel better.
  4. Support, if possible find someone to be your cheerleader or better yet find someone to do it with you, even if it’s just for a few weeks. If you don’t have anyone. Read success stories or find groups online. The key is to stay motivated. In the beginning you will not feel great and will need encouragement.
  5. Reminding myself when the cravings would come that one piece of cheese was not worth it. That the Diet Coke was hurting me. That I was smart and strong enough to stop damaging my body for instant gratification and a minimal reward. It wasn’t easy in the beginning but today I’m grateful that I didn’t slide back into old habits.

  So What’s next

  I’ll start reintroducing foods, very slowly.

  Week 1 – walnuts

  Week 2 – macadamia nuts

  Week 3 – ghee

  Week 4 – eggs (yellow part only)

  During this phase, at the beginning of each week I’ll have a quarter of the serving size, waiting 72 hours to see if there is a reaction. If none, then I’ll try a normal portion and wait 72 hours. If there are no reactions the second time, I will add that food back to my normal diet. If I have a reaction then that food will go to the back of the list to try again at a later time.

  What’s considered a bad reaction?

  Well to be honest, I didn’t really know either. I mean I figured you would feel bad but it can actually be several things.

  • Digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
  • Headache
  • Rashes or skin irritation
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Previous symptoms returning

  I’ll keep you posted as I continue my journey and let you know how it goes. I’m excited and scared to reintroduce foods because I miss the variety but also I don’t want to go back to feeling like I used to ever again.

  AIP Snacks

  Sweet Potato Chips made with Avocado oil

  Chomps beef jerky

  Plantain Chips

  Apple, Banana and Coconut Chips

  This post contains affiliate links