As a holistic, natural mom, I am always looking for the best ways to stay healthy.  One of those ways is to do allergy and food sensitivity tests to determine what foods my body can handle. Recently, I found the Check My Body Health Food Sensitivities Test and was pleasantly surprised with the results. This review will break down why I found this test to be incredibly helpful in determining my food sensitivities. 

The Check My Body Health Food Sensitivities Test analyzes you for up to 970 different food sensitivities. It’s simple and easy - all you have to do is take a small sample of your hair and send it in for analysis.  No bloodwork necessary! One thing to note is that nothing is sent to you in the mail.  Your emailed receipt contains instructions on how to collect your sample and package it, a code that is specific to you, and a submission form that needs to be filled out.  I missed that the first time I ordered and didn't discover it until weeks later.  

Once you send in your sample, the test results come back within 2 weeks by email. After receiving my results, I was able to determine which foods my body could tolerate and which ones I should avoid due to possible sensitivity reactions such as bloating, fatigue, digestive discomfort, headache, or joint pain. And it was accurate!  I have several foods that I know I react to, but which never came up when testing for allergies.  These foods were all marked as highly sensitive for me!

This test worked well to give me an accurate assessment of how my body responds to certain types of food. It also provided me with personalized information about which foods are best for my individual needs based on my specific results. This was incredibly helpful in creating a diet that works for me without having to take any unnecessary risks when it comes to eating certain foods.  While I had already eliminated most of the foods I knew I reacted to, there were a few that were a surprise to me.  So I am removing those as well.

I was also happy with the customer service aspect of the company. They were very responsive and answered all of my questions quickly and effectively, which made the process even easier and more enjoyable than expected!                                   

Overall, I would highly recommend the Check My Body Health Food Sensitivities Test if you are looking for an easy way to determine what foods your body can tolerate while avoiding any potential risks associated with eating certain foods that may cause adverse reactions in your body. With its simple process and personalized results, you can create a diet plan tailored specifically towards your individual needs! Plus, their customer service team is top-notch!

Stay tuned for my kid's results!  I just ordered more tests for them! 

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to stay positive when faced with a difficult situation. Many moms feel like they are thrown from one dumpster fire to another as they try to juggle all their responsibilities. Though it may seem like an impossible task, there are ways that moms can take a holistic approach to dealing with difficult situations. Let’s explore how you can approach these moments in a way that helps you get through them successfully. 

Having the right attitude is key in any difficult situation. It’s easy to allow your emotions to take over and feel overwhelmed by a certain problem or issue. But if you can focus on staying calm, then you will be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. There are several ways that natural moms can develop the right attitude when faced with something challenging. First, remember to be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Instead of letting emotions control your decisions and reactions, choose to think logically and objectively about what is happening in front of you. Additionally, try to keep an open mind and practice patience—these two elements will help immensely when facing tough times. And using tools like prayer, deep breathing, and essential oils like Lavender, Stress Away, or Peace & Calming when things are crazy really helps diffuse stressful situations. 

Problem solving is also essential for getting through difficult situations. Having a plan or strategy (ahead of time) for tackling the problem head-on is crucial for finding a resolution quickly and efficiently. When problem-solving as a natural mom, it’s important to consider both short-term solutions that provide immediate relief as well as long-term strategies that enable you to prevent similar issues from occurring down the line. And consider the effects of each item you try.  Read* and research to find answers, and seek help when needed—there are so many resources available online or in person that can offer valuable insight into how best to handle challenging moments in life. Holistic Super Moms Face Book Group is an excellent place to problem solve with other moms.  

Finally, instead of viewing difficult situations as only negative experiences, try looking at them as learning opportunities as well! Ask yourself "What can I learn from this?  What can I do differently in the future?  What can I express gratitude for in this situation?" Journaling is a great way to get these thoughts out on paper.  Every challenging moment has something valuable hidden within it—all you have to do is look deeply enough and seek out what it has taught you about yourself or how you operate in certain scenarios. By taking this perspective, natural moms can gain invaluable knowledge while simultaneously developing their own personal power along the journey!  

 All in all, taking a holistic approach when dealing with difficult situations makes all the difference for natural moms who want to remain calm yet powerful during challenging times! Developing the right attitude paired with active problem solving and seeing each challenge as an opportunity for growth are essential components of success in any situation—whether big or small! So don't forget these three tips next time difficulty arises--you'll be glad you did!

*If you are looking for a good read, or have moved recently, check out Homesick:  Finding Home Wherever You Are.  I contributed a chapter to the book and many of the stories in it share tips on dealing with the difficulties of moving and all the nuances that come with it.  

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones. But for some, the holidays can be a time of sadness and grief. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with infertility, the holiday season can be a difficult time. I know the pain of loss during this season, and it can be extremely difficult, especially when it seems everyone around you is happy. Here are the five stages of grief during the holidays and how to cope with them.

1. Denial: This is the stage where you try to pretend that everything is normal. You may put on a brave face and act like everything is fine, even though inside you are dying.   Many times, you fill your life with busy activities so you don't have to think about your loss. This is not sustainable and will only make you feel worse in the long run. It is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and grieve in your own way.  Find a safe person and place and express your feelings.  

2. Anger: This is the stage where you may lash out at those around you. You may be angry at God, the world, or yourself. It is important to express your anger in a healthy way, such as through journaling, talking to a therapist or another safe person, or prayer. Don't bottle up your emotions; they will only come out in negative ways.  Make sure your family knows you love them and talk about the anger you feel.  Purification is an oil that helps me let go of anger.  I apply it on my liver.

3. Bargaining: This is the stage where you try to make deals with God or the universe. You may find yourself praying or making promises in an attempt to change the situation. Unfortunately, this stage will not change anything; it is only an attempt to delay the inevitable.  Realize there are some things you can change, and there are some things you cannot change no matter what you do.  

4. Depression: This is the stage where you may feel hopeless and helpless. You may withdraw from friends and family and isolate yourself. You will not feel like doing anything at all, so support is crucial.   It is crucial to reach out for help during this stage; talking to a therapist or clergy member,  or joining a support group can be very beneficial.    Yoga is also restorative.  (I love Yoga with Adriene!).  And essential oils are known for their uplifting qualities.  Some of my favorites are Joy, Orange, and Peace & Calming.  If you are really low and need to talk with the suicide hotline, that number is 988.  They will listen, provide support, and connect you with resources in your local area if needed.

5. Acceptance: This is the final stage of grief where you accept the situation for what it is. You may still feel sad and have days where you struggle, but overall you have made peace with what has happened. This is when healing can begin.   Acceptance doesn't mean you still don't have emotional pain, but you are better able to deal with it.  Acceptance is an essential oil that helps me reset negative emotional thought patterns.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who are grieving loss or struggling with infertility. If you find yourself in one of these situations, know that you are not alone and that there are others who understand what you are going through. Allow yourself to grieve in whatever way feels right for you, and reach out for help if you need it.

As holistic health advocates, we know how important it is to cleanse the body systems – not just the intestines and liver but all cells in the body. As moms, we understand that our bodies are constantly under attack from environmental pollutants, chemicals, processed foods and much more. But what exactly does cleansing involve? And why do we need to do it? Let's explore the answers to these questions and look at the importance of detoxification. 

The What: Cleaning your body systems means removing toxins from your body and giving your vital organs a break from their daily workload. This includes focusing on cleansing your gut by removing unhealthy bacteria or parasites that cause digestive issues, as well as providing support for your liver so it can process toxins efficiently. It may also involve nourishing your cells with essential nutrients like antioxidants or omega-3 fatty acids to help them function properly. 

 

The Why: Detoxifying is necessary because our bodies can become overwhelmed with toxins due to our environment and lifestyle choices. Toxins can come from many sources such as pollution, pesticides, drugs (both prescription and recreational), processed foods, alcohol consumption and more. These toxins build up in our organs over time and can have an impact on our overall health and wellbeing if left unchecked. Regular detoxification helps reduce this accumulation of toxins so you can feel better both physically and mentally. 

  

The How: Different methods are available for helping cleanse your body systems depending on which system you want to focus on (intestines, liver etc). For example, some people may choose supplements like NingXia Red which contains powerful antioxidants that help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, Comfortone which supports digestive health and wellness, Detoxyme which contains powerful enzymes that help complete digestion, detoxify the body, and promote cleansing, DiGize which  contains antioxidants and supports the digestive system, ICP Daily maintains a healthy gut microbiome,  aids the body's natural detoxification process, promotes healthy probiotics in the gut, and helps you feel full longer, and Parafree which has powerful cleansing abilities that support the digestion and gut health.  Additional methods enhance the process, like intermittent fasting or juice cleanses which involve abstaining from certain foods while consuming only juices or smoothies for a period of time, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy which promote relaxation while also helping remove toxins through perspiration. Ultimately, the best way to cleanse will depend on individual needs and preferences so it’s important to find what works best for you!   Find a bundle of these supplements here.

    

Holistic moms understand how important cleansing is for maintaining good health in today’s toxic world. By understanding both the ‘what’ (what is involved in cleaning) , ‘why’ (why detox is necessary) ,and ‘how’ (how to go about it) of cleansing our body systems we are able make informed decisions about how best to keep ourselves healthy - naturally! Whether it be supplements like NingXia Red or alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage therapy - having an arsenal of tools at hand makes us better equipped with knowledge when deciding how best to take care of ourselves holistically!

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. If you're looking for some fun family activities to do during the holidays, look no further. Here are some of the best activities to get everyone in on the holiday spirit.

1. Baking treats!   Baking cookies together is a great way to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Not to mention, you'll have a delicious treat to enjoy and share afterwards!  Baking and decorating gingerbread houses together is not only fun, but it also results in a beautiful decoration that you can display proudly.

2.  Another great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit is by caroling.  Whether you go just with your family, or with a group of friends, this is sure to bring a smile to your face, and brighten the lives of those you bless with your songs!  We love caroling to our neighbors and local nursing homes.  

3. What would the holidays be without watching some festive movies together? Pop some popcorn, snuggle up under a blanket, and enjoy quality time with your family while watching classics like "Miracle on 34th Street" or "It's A Wonderful Life." For my family, "A Christmas Carol" is our favorite and we watch multiple renditions every year!

4. One of my personal favorite holiday activities is going for a walk or a drive to look at Christmas lights together. Walking is a great way to get some fresh air and appreciate all of the hard work that people put into making their houses look beautiful during the holidays.  Driving is a wonderful time to blast the Christmas music and enjoy the lights outside your neighborhood.  It's super fun to see the homes that have their lights set to music!

5. Last but not least, another great way to spend time with your loved ones during the holidays is by attending holiday concerts, ballets, or plays together. This is a great way to get into the festive spirit and enjoy some amazing holiday-themed entertainment.  "The Nutcracker" is one we see often, "Messiah" sing-a-longs will exercise your vocal cords, and local churches and schools have concerts that are quite enjoyable.  It's a fabulous experience to be a part of these events, too!

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to spend with family and friends. If you're looking for some fun family activities to do during the holidays, consider baking cookies or decorating gingerbread houses together, caroling, watching festive movies, going for walks to look at Christmas lights, or attending holiday concerts or plays. Whatever you end up doing, quality time with your loved ones is what will truly make your holiday season special.