June Newsletter

July 2, 2018 By in Newsletter Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Hi Friends,

So, June is over, but I technically started this letter a few days ago and then life got in the way a bit, and I didn’t send it out, so let’s pretend its still June, haha.

In baby news, I am one week away from being officially in my third trimester!! I can’t believe how fast this year is going. (Also, I feel so huge already and I still have 3 months left!!, which freaks me out, no joke). We have started the process of getting his room ready. Majority of the the stuff that was in there, got relocated /stored (or rather, threw into a box that went into attic). We also bought the paint and supplies. I don’t want anything too “baby” or “blue” just because he’s a boy, so we are keeping a rather neutral theme (walls are going to be light gray), but then add in some fun details along the way. I’ll post pictures on IG, when its all done.

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I am halfway through my health coaching program, so excited!! I have learned so much already and I cannot wait to help people and spread my knowledge! This past month, we focused a lot on digestive issues, like gluten-sensitivity and how the microbiome plays such a fundamental role in our health. Also a lot about autoimmune diseases, allergies, food sensitives and leaky gut, and how nutrition plays such a huge role in helping people with these types of ailments too. Very interesting stuff.

I have thought all month about what to include in this month’s newsletter. I was thinking about getting back to basics.

Since “gut health” has been getting a lot of attention these days. For good reason though. Like many things, I have seen that many people still don’t have a good understanding of how our digestive system works and how it’s literally tied to our health. So,

 

“What’s up with gut health?” 

We have about four major organs involved in our digestion system (there are other helper organs, but let’s keep things simple): Mouth, Stomach, Small Intestine and Large intestine. 
I think we all have a rough idea of how each work, but there are some things that I have found teaching the digestive system in class that many people don’t realize exactly how each work. 

1. Mouth. Yes, you taste and chew food (hopefully!). But in addition to chewing, there are actually enzymes in your saliva that already begin breaking down food further. So, the longer food hangs out in your mouth, the better, because in addition to chewing it, the enzymes (especially ones for carbs) are actually breaking things down on a molecular level as well. 

Quick explanation of an enzyme: Its a protein. It looks like pac-man (yes, like the video game). It has a mouth and everything. You have thousands of enzymes in your body (not just in your digestive system). They are molecules that make your body more efficient by making new molecules and also by breaking apart other molecules.  

Ok, back to to digestion.

2. Stomach. The big takeaway for the stomach is that it contains hydrochloric acid (which is crazy acidic, think pH 1-2, it would burn your skin if you touch it). The acidity of your stomach is so crucial for making sure proteins get broken down, pathogens get destroyed, and smaller food molecules can broken down. If the pH changes at all, these things just won’t happen. What could throw the pH off: Medicines (like an antacid…or others), bad food choices and even age can play a role. 

Side note: The pH scale is not linear, so even minor changes in the actual number, are actually big changes (The difference between pH 1 and pH 2 is 100 fold). So it’s a big deal if something affects that number. 
3. Small Intestine: This is where majority of your digestion happens. There are lots of enzymes here waiting to break things apart as small as possible. One enzyme for each job. Again, these enzymes are dependent on the pH of your small intestine (which is actually basic, pH 6-8). So, if somethings messes with that number, they won’t work.  Their job is to break things down as small as possible to get absorbed in the cells of your small intestine. Nutrients can only enter your body (for their destined purpose) if they are absorbed. No absorption = nutrients are useless. THIS is why they talk about the health of your gut being important. You could eat all the good things in the world, but if your small intestine does not absorb them, it’s pointless because they aren’t actually entering your body. The key thing here is to make sure your small intestine works properly. If the walls of your small intestine are damaged (from meds, bad food choices, allergies, disease, etc), nutrients will have a hard time getting absorbed OR the wrong things will slip by (creating even more havoc..aka “leaky gut”). 

4. Large Intestine. Everything that did not get broken down (and absorbed) by this point, ends up here. The major player here is bacteria! There are no enzymes here, only bacteria. The bacteria in your large intestine has been a big focus lately and there is a lot of research being done on it that is basically telling us, these little guys are doing A LOT. In addition to helping us break down food, they are linked to our mental health, autoimmune diseases and to our overall health in general. They even believe that these little guys are talking to our nervous system about other things. Isn’t that crazy? This is why you have seen an emergence in probiotics, fermented foods, and just gut health in general. What throws them off: meds (like antibiotics), bad food choices, chemicals, etc. 

So, what did we learn? A lot of things can throw off our body’s ability to digest food properly: too much medicine (especially antibiotics and antacids), wrong food choices and too much exposure to chemicals.  If we don’t absorb our nutrients properly, they won’t actually get into our bloodstream to go to the cells in our body. If we throw off the bacteria, it can lead to a whole cascade of problems that are linked to depression, brain fog, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, hormone imbalances, allergies, and basically so many things. 

Most of people’s “issues” are linked to bad digestion (improper nutrient absorption), but don’t realize it. If you suspect this may be the case for you, let me know and I can help your correct it. 

Arbonne’s nutrition program is also programmed to fix digestion too. Most people see it as a way to lose weight, but really you lose weight because your digestion is being fixed! Win win! I see now how powerful their program is to helping people fix a lot of problems…all stemming from digestive issues!! This program is perfect for people who don’t know where to start, work better with a support system, or just like being told what to do, because you get all the tools you need to be successful at it, like recipes and a support system! 

 

Super easy, quick,”real” pickle

Does anyone else love pickles, like I do? I don’t even think this is necessary a pregnancy thing either. I always loved them. I recently found out that pickles are a good way of adding more fermented foods into your diet to feed the good bacteria. However, those vinegar ones we generally buy in the store, don’t count! You have to make “real” ones. I found this super simple way to make them and I’m already on my 3rd batch this month. 

You just need a clean jar, veggies to pickle (like cucumbers, if staying conventional), salt, dill (dried or fresh) and one garlic clove. 

The amount of water and salt you need depends on the size jar you have. But for a regular sized one: Mix in 1-2 tab salt into 2 cups filtered water (you are making a brine).  Its ok, if salt settles to the bottom. 

Cut up veggies and shove into jar with the garlic and about 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tab fresh). Pour in brine. Place (don’t tighten, keep lose) lid on top of jar. Place jar in a dark place in your kitchen (like in a cabinet). Let sit for at about 3 days. 

That’s it! You should see tiny bubbles and cloudiness, and of course they should taste like pickles. If anything smells or tastes off, throw away and try again. Store in fridge. 

These are for dill flavored ones, but you can totally change up the flavorings to your liking! Let me know if you try them! 

 

Lia’s Favorite Product of the Month

In keeping with today’s theme, I figured it made sense to showcase Arbonne’s Digestion Plus. This is a supplement, so it will not replace a bad diet, no matter what. Its job is to “supplement.” But if you are doing the 30 days clean eating program (which in itself improves your digestion), or already feel your eats are good,  it’s a nice compliment. What I love about it is that it contains the trifecta: probiotics (good bacteria), prebiotics (food for the bacteria) and enzymes! It also contains other natural things to help like chicory, peppermint and chamomile. Its safe to use everyday, and I think it tastes really good, sort of like unsweetened tea.

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It comes in single serving packets (really easy to travel with). I tend to be really lazy about it and eat it like pixie stick, and then chase it with water (haha), but you can do it the real way and mix with water too. Some people also mix it in their smoothies or with a fizz stick. I make little “shots” of it for my husband to drink, because he’s lazy like me and prefers to shoot it, haha.

 

Happenings

I wrote two blog posts this month about what my time in Vegas and also my top 5 personal development books that have really helped me. Both posts are very personal to me and took me a while to write, so check them out! 

My health coaching business is almost ready to go live! Yay!! If you would like a free health consult with me, I would love to talk to you! It can be via phone, video chat, or in person! Or, if you know of anyone, just send them my way too!

Follow me here! Instagram @balancedlifewithlia

Arbonne products can be seen here!    Liaplaner.arbonne.com

And if you are interested in a deeper discount on products, want some extra cash, an extra income stream to “take the load off” or just a fun thing to do! Arbonne is letting people sign up to be consultants this summer for only $49!
That’s insane! Very few places where you can literally have your own business for the cost of a dinner out! Let me know if you have any questions about this or anything!

My top 5 personal development books

June 28, 2018 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , 2 Comments

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Hi sweet friends,

I hope you are enjoying your summer so far. It seems to already be speeding by. I mean, July is right around the corner! I love July because its warm enough to go to the beach (in NJ, anyway), and my birthday is in July too! (I asked for Harry Potter broadway tickets..but they are soo hard to get!!). July also puts me in my third–aka last trimester! Omg! Home stretch!

We started taking birthing classes, and I am learning a lot about the whole birthing process in general. It’s very interesting, especially from what your body actually does in the process. Actually, I have found being pregnant very fascinating in general, because it basically confirms (to me anyway) that your body is so ridiculously smart and knows what to do and is capable of so much! In learning about what your body goes through, we want as much as a natural birthing experience as possible, so that is what we are preparing for. We are even looking into a birthing center as an option. I know that is a sensitive topic with a lot of people and isn’t for everyone, but if you are interested in hearing more about my reasons and thoughts, just let me know!

I have been very calm throughout majority of this pregnancy. Of course, I have some days, where I am very tired and basically just want to be left alone (but who doesn’t?). I always thought I would be super nervous and worrying about everything all the time. It hasn’t been the case at all, actually. I just take each day as it comes and just have felt very relaxed in general. I think I am also conscious that if I am feeling anxious and stressed, that the baby might feel it too, so I check myself a lot and try to let as much go as possible. Since, I am very aware of nutrition’s role in a lot of this too, I make sure this part is covered as best I as I can (and try not to to eat things that make me feel too “off”), and just trying to just stay as relaxed as possible (breathing and mindfulness has been extremely helpful in this regard). I just keep telling myself that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Everything has also been right on target this whole time. I know that not everyone is this lucky, so I am just very grateful that I am able to have a relatively “easy” pregnancy (so far..*knocks on wood*). Honestly I feel like myself, for the most part..except for sleep. Sleep is the only issue I have. Carrying an extra 20 lb in your stomach, makes sleeping a bit more difficult these days. My back stiffens up completely when I am in one position for too long, so it takes me a long time to get into a comfortable position when sleeping (and then I wake up every 2 hr, and process repeats all night). I also think the cats know, because they have been sleeping on me this entire time, which is very cute, but also not helping the sleep situation either 😛 (Munchkin (he’s the one I post about more on IG) recently discovered just how comfortable my pregnancy pillow is, and basically fights me for it every night). 

These past few years,  I have learned to just take things as they come, and be grateful for everything, as much as I can. Some days are harder than others, but most days I try to keep this mindset to the best I can.  It really helps to keep things in perspective and keeps your mind in check as well. I journal more now, I write and say affirmations, and I literally write down what I am grateful of. I don’t do these things everyday, but every time I feel really stuck or things are just not going the way I’d hoped, I do this. To some people, it seems very “granola” or “corny” and I get that. But for someone, who tends to worry a lot, get a anxious about a lot things, this has helped me. I am not perfect. I still doubt myself a lot and worry if things are going to work out (especially with work-related things), worry if people like me…etc, etc, etc. But, keeping my mind as clear as possible has helped me in a lot of these ways. Because I think back to when things really were crappy, and how I overcame them, made it to the other side and realized that the other side was actually better and where I was supposed to end up anyway. 

I also do this mental thing where I envision things that I want in the future and write down that I am grateful for them, as if they already happened. You would be surprised to how many actually came true!!! This is how I know it works. Always blows my mind. Seriously, try it. The trick is, to not make it a wish list. You have to actually feel it being real. I find doing this first thing in the morning is good for me, because after the day officially starts, you get distracted with life stuff. It also sets you up for the day, because you already feel calm and happy.

These practices have come from years of reading lots of personal development books, following like-minded people, Arbonne, and also health coach training. All these things in my life have changed the way I think about my life, how I approach it and the world in general. I highly recommend reading some of these books, if you never have. It helps the mind so much. You learn to be more confident in your daily choices, you look at relationships better, you help face your fears better..so many things. The right mindset is really everything.

If you need some place to start, here are my top 5 personal development books that seriously helped me so much!!

  1. The Secret. By Rhonda Byrne. This book changed everything for me after I read it. Some people take it too much at “face value” and don’t get it. But it really just teaches you to keep you head and your mind in check. You can control your future, if you keep your mind straight. Things changed dramatically for me after I read this and I also realized that all the successes in my life were because of me and what I created on my own. If you feel stuck at all in life, definitely read this. Or just read it in general, because it really is a good book.
  2. Training Camp by Jon Gordon. I read this a few years ago and remember it being a quick read, but the feeling I had after I read it stuck with me. It’s a motivational story to being successful by just working hard at something you really want. I finished it being very motivated to work harder. Very very good. Again, if you feel like you won’t succeed or are just scared to try something new, this book is very helpful.
  3. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins. I actually listened to this on Audible, which was an excellent listen. This book was the kick in the pants I needed. Mel Robbins really is a genius (and hilarious too!). Read this if you are like me and tend to overthink everything, afraid of the unknown or what people think of you, or just procrastinate, over analyze, etc.(which I am all of the above). Honestly, I wish I read this years ago!!
  4. Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone. I first listened to this on Audible too and then had to buy the physical book, because I needed a written copy of this. This book really helps you realize that in order to be successful in life, you have to go for it and really do what others aren’t willing to do.  You can’t just dream of the successful life (that’s being average), you have to really work for it (because most people give up, unfortunately). It’s good for entrepreneurs and also for everyone who wants to be successful in life, especially their work life. Who doesn’t want that?
  5. The 4-hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. This is my current read, but I am already learning so much from it. I keep highlighting everything and taking notes (because I am a nerd like that, haha). There is a difference between being “busy” and being “productive.” I feel like most things he is saying, are like “yes, that makes sense,” but most people don’t actually implement ways to actually being productive in their lives, especially, their work lives. Not just for entrepreneurs either, he talks about how to be better at any job, impress your boss and how to just get your life back.

Have you read any of these? What are some of your favorites? I am always looking for new books to read 🙂

Be Surrounded by Positive Energy

May 28, 2018 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , 1 Comment

I wanted to write this post a few weeks ago, but then life got busy and next thing I know, it’s Memorial day weekend. I feel like I say this all the time, but how is time going by so fast! I seriously can’t keep up. I am so glad summer is here. I just want to wear dresses and not sweaters! Especially because I am getting bigger, so it’s just more comfortable anyway.

Last month, I went to Vegas for 3 days for Arbonne’s global training conference (GTC). I honestly look forward to this every single year. It’s funny, because when I first I tell people that I am going to Vegas, the reaction is usually something like, “How fun?! Do you gamble?” So, then I am like, “no, its for a conference” (I don’t actually like to gamble anyway..I like to see where my money goes..aka alcohol (normally) and food). And then they get bummed for me. Haha. I am sure under “normal” circumstances, a conference is super boring and one of those things you do for your work to either a. Get out of the office or b. Network. It’s never something anyone actually wants to do.

Actually, I really think Arbonne should change the name. Sure, I guess it’s technically a conference. But it’s basically just a huge event. Unless you are an Arbonne consultant, it’s hard to explain just how powerful and wonderful these 3 days are. First, you are in Vegas (which I love going, even being pregnant was totally fun) and second, it’s just a crazy fun and motivating experience. I learn a ton, every single year. And it’s never about products, fyi. It’s about me. Of course. during opening night new products are released which is always fun to watch. But the rest is personal development training and just being with other consultants.

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Be healthy and “well”thy and wise! (This is when my belly was just starting, and I could still get on/off floor with ease).

 

Usually when I go, I give myself an extra day or two to have some Vegas fun. But this year, I basically planned it so I will only be there for those 3 days. I flew in the night before and flew out right as it was over. But it was still my best time there, yet. I stayed in the Signature Suites at MGM (highly recommend, super nice), with my up-line. These women are the most generous and fun people I have ever met. I just wanted to absorb all of their success and influence. I have yet to meet another consultant, who doesn’t put fun first. It really is what keeps me a part of this company (because I am a crappy salesman, haha). Everyone is always smiling and having so much fun.

When you are constantly surrounded by people who are legitimately happy all the time, it makes you want what they have. So for 3 days, you are with these people and you are just absorbing their energy. I love being around just positive energy. “Most” people (outside of Arbonne or anything related) spend their days, just bitching all the time. Does anyone else notice this? Most people seem to be not happy with work, not happy with their current situation or just miserable. And because misery loves company, they always try to suck you into this (whether on purpose or just unconsciously). I understand the need to vent frustrations from time to time, but when its constant negative energy, its very draining on you. It might not even be something that you realize is going on. (I also spent a good chunk of my career in corporate life, where life is basically sucked out of you on a daily). But I see it in other industries too and just talking to everyday people. People generally love to complain about life stuff. No one talks about their accomplishments or how they plan on actually changing their situation, so they can actually be happy <<THIS.

This year, I reconnected with a childhood friend, who I haven’t seen in like 20 years at the airport. This totally blew my mind. I met new friends, just by hanging by the pool and chatting with other consultants about our life goals and how grateful we are to be part of such a supportive community. I connected with a new friend (Hey Karen!) from my health coaching classes, who I have only have met virtually.  I met up with friends from the other side of the country, who I only see once a year. All this in just a span of only 3 days. I connected with so many lovely people who share the same goal: to be happy and successful and who sincerely want to help others. I just left Vegas, feeling very loved and grateful.

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My beautiful friend, Karen. We have been video chatting for months and this is first time we met in person!

 

It wasn’t until I joined Arbonne, that I really put this into perspective. It wasn’t until I was with people, who actually enjoyed life and were happy, that I saw that there is this whole other world out there. People who choose what they do with their days, choose to live their lives how they want. People who actually choose happiness over everything else. I have had an Arbonne ID now for quite some time and I haven’t always been good about the selling and business part of it, but I have never ever thought of quitting. Why would I quit a culture that their sole mission is to want you to be happy.. with whatever that might entail? It like, I have this secret life outside of my day to day life. Which is silly, now that I think about it.

Having been a part of this community, has awakened something in me I didn’t know I had. It led me down the path I am in now. It led me to wanting to help people have this awakening too. I see the world differently now. I can see when people are just giving up on life and that makes me sad. I wish I could just shake them, and be like “there is more! Just need to get out of your comfort zone.” And that’s really what it is. Most people are afraid to try something new. Afraid to get out of their own way. Which, I totally get. I still force myself, every single day, to face my fears and go this unbeaten path of entrepreneurship. Its freaking scary and hard. But I know it’s ultimately worth it at the end. I need to do this for my family now. I have a son on the way. I want to be there for him, and watch him grow up. I want to actually be present in his life. I want him to watch his mommy succeed in forging her own path by helping others. I can’t spend my days, working long hours, and commuting 2 hours of my day. That, to me, is not being present for him. I know, that that life will make me miserable, which ultimately won’t make me a good mom. He deserves better than that. He deserves a mom, who is happy and creates a loving home, where there is an abundance of positive energy.

Success is not easy. For anyone. Read anyone’s success story. All they did was face their fears and kept plugging along with what felt right to them.

I am just glad that I figured this out, especially now that I am about to grow my family. I look forward to teaching my son (and future children) this lesson. Success is possible, but you have to actually work on it. But it will be worth it on the other end. Being able to truly live life, makes it worth it.

May Newsletter

May 23, 2018 By in Newsletter Tags: , , , 1 Comment

Hi Friends,

How is your month of May so far! Look at me, I am on the ball so early this month (sort of, haha)! I think that is because my semester is over and I have some time back to think about other things. (Is it weird that I already miss it! I think its partly because I know I won’t be back til January. The students were so fun this semester).

Teaching and seeing how much they grew over the past semester (and year for some!) is always so cool to see. If I was never given the opportunity to teach, I would have never went down the path of health coaching. I really believe that certain things are put into your path for a reason. People are always so amazed when I tell them I am a professor. Because for my entire life, I was always so shy and very much of an introvert. Don’t be mistaken, that first year was the scariest and hardest thing ever. I still feel bad for those students during that first year. I had no idea what I was doing (honestly, there are days, where I still don’t, haha). Teaching (and really just the act of standing up in front of 30 people) completely took me out of my comfort zone. I was beet red every single time I got up front. It started with freshman chemistry labs…and then I was gifted the opportunity to teach nutrition…nutrition! The only thing I was told was to make sure there is some chemistry involved. :O This was a topic, I always secretly researched for my own health and curiosity. I read every healthy living blog and wanted to know about every diet. So when they told me that this was a course they wanted in the department, I jumped on it! It felt like, that was something I was meant to do. Have you ever had moments, where things are put in front of you and you just know “this is it!!” “This is what I have been waiting for?” But just didn’t know that was the thing you were waiting for? (hope that makes sense). That was it, and here we are. Sometimes dreams are fulfilled when you aren’t even sure what they are yet. You just have to know that everything is put in your path for a reason, even if you don’t know what it is at that moment. Things always have a strange way of working themselves out. Just be open to it and keep trying new and scary things. Now, I want everyone to have that feeling and to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

And with that..I have a fun post about my favorite nutrition topic. Thanks as always for reading and your continued support of me in this journey. ooxoxox – Lia

“Let’s talk about fat”

Now, that my eating has basically normalized back to what it was pre-pregnancy (thank gooood), I wanted to share a post of fats because A. Its my favorite nutrition topic B. Love the science behind it..it all clicks! C. Fat things just taste better, right?!

Once, I started to learn the biochemistry about fats and what your body actually does after you eat them, I never understood why they got such a bad rap for so long. The science never backed up the “low fat” craze (which really started from the sugar industry and shady scientists).

Once I shifted my thinking, and stopping fearing fat (like we all did), my health actually improved. I lost weight, gained more muscle, got a ton of energy, my face finally cleared up and I regulated my hormones (which led to us finally getting pregnant!). Food just started to taste better! Also, I really missed butter. (Annnd, my husband lost about 60 lb this past year and I only buy him whole milk now, which he drinks about 2 gal/week of…just saying).

In my course, I teach a lot about fatty acids and cholesterol. Where they come from, what you body does with them, etc. I am not going to get into too much detail about here (I actually spend two weeks teaching about it), but yes, you need them to live.

Actually, you need more fat than you probably think you do.

A few of the main reasons you need fat in your life:

1. Every single cell in your body needs fat to hold themselves together. The membrane of each cell in your body is made up of fatty acids and cholesterol to hold all the gooey stuff inside the cell together and also to prevent unwanted things from entering the cell.

2.Cholesterol is needed to make a ton of hormones in your body, including estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, and even Vitamin D! Hormones are molecules that turn on/off important mechanisms in your body. Without them, you body just won’t work efficiently and a lot of health problems are actually due to hormone imbalances (and not enough people are talking about this!).

3. Another major reason you need fat is because its a very efficient energy source…so much so, that you body chooses fat to store because your body is very smart and stores something that is very efficient. It takes longer to digest and turn into energy, so if you eat fat, you actually feel full and stay full longer. No more needing to snack all time or overeat. You just feel more satisfied with your food.

4.Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These are both essential nutrients that your body needs to survive, but you can’t make them. So, you have to eat them. Needed for your brain and inflammation protection.

5. Some vitamins won’t get absorbed and into your body if you don’t have fat accompanying them, like the vitamins A, D, E and K. These are quite important for their own reasons.

Now, let’s break some myths:

Myth 1. Fat makes you fat. This is true only if you eat too much carbs/sugar then what your body can handle, along with the fat. The driver for producing fat in your body is insulin (which is one of those important hormones!). One of insulin’s jobs is to literally tell your body to store fat, HOWEVER insulin is only triggered when it sees sugar in your blood. So, if you don’t eat sugar..insulin isn’t released..and the mechanism to store fat just isn’t there. This is simple biochemistry.

Myth 2. Dietary cholesterol increases your “cholesterol” levels in your blood, which could lead to heart problems. There has been no conclusive evidence of either cholesterol or saturated fat leading to heart disease. Lots of studies have been done, but it hasn’t been proven. For every small study that seems to “prove it,” there is more to say the opposite. Again, you actually need cholesterol to make a lot of important things in your body and also saturated fat is used for lots of important things (see reasons above). The “bad cholesterol” and “good cholesterol” your doctor checks for, are actually different things. (I can explain this too in a separate post, if interested). Actually, there are a lot of good studies that see an increase in “good cholesterol” if you eat more fat. “Bad cholesterol” is actually linked to excess sugar intake, not fat.

If you feel like “something is off” or you are tired all the time, trouble sleeping, constantly hungry, face is messed up or just can’t drop the weight, even though you are doing everything right? Check you fat intake. Are you still fearing it? Stop it. Full fat is good for you. Your body is probably asking for it, and you aren’t listening! If you are worried about the “extra calories”..DON’T. You will naturally eat less, if you are feeding your body with whole foods, including fat from real whole foods, like nature intended. Again, give your body what it actually needs and its smart enough to do the right things with it.

So, eat all the cheese, butter, avocados, coconut milk, nuts, full fat yogurt or dairy, ghee, bacon (uncured), olive oil, olives, eggs (with the yolk), hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, unsweetened mayo (or make your own!), grass-fed meats…I’m even seeing duck fat and lard coming back.

However, you still need to think quality over quantity, especially with animal-based foods. If you can swing it, go the grass-fed, organic route. It’s not just ethically better, but they really are more nutritionally dense than conventional. Also, real food first. Remember real fat, from real whole food sources is what your body wants and can use. You will naturally feel full and satisfied because you are eating real food. No processed or vegetable oils here.

Experiment to see what works for you. Everyone is so different. But if you need help navigating the food aisles, or what to eat, I am always here as your personal coach and friend.

Lia’s Favorite Product of the Month

The product I want to feature this month is a new one!! When I was in Vegas during the product launch and this came up on the big screen, I immediately got super excited!

The product is Mind Health, from the essentials line. For starters, its tastes really good, like really good (cherry lime flavor). Also, I think it really does work and it forces you to drink more water too. (I am totally drinking one right now, as I type this).

Its for when you have brain fog, can’t focus and just need to get your brain to work, so you can get stuff done. Love it! I seriously think this is me! I usually have this in my water (or a fizzy) and I do think I actually get more done because of it. Also, i swear it really does taste good.

Mind Health_social_image

Happenings

Follow me here! Instagram @balancedlifewithlia

Arbonne products can be seen here! Liaplaner.arbonne.com

ALSO: I need some help from you guys! As part 

of my health coach training, I need to start practicing on real people. If you are interested in a free initial health consult with me (so I can practice), please let me know. I will be forever grateful! It can be over phone, in person (if local), or via video chat!

Want to be part of our terrific healthy living group to help you get (or stay) on track this summer? We have coaching, accountability partners, recipes and everything you need to help! Let me know. I will get you started right away!
(Bikini season will be here sooner then you realize!)

April Catch Up

May 23, 2018 By in Newsletter Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

(reprinted from April)
Hi Friends,

Sorry for losing touch this past month. I really feel like March came and went and I didn’t even have a chance to process it. And now, April is basically doing the same thing.

Things are super busy with me. I am flying through my nutrition program at IIN (which is fantastic, I am learning so much), teaching at night, trying to get through my day job..and trying not to forget my amazing Arbonne clients in the process (thanks for the patience guys!).

Oh and one more thing! I am 4.5 months pregnant. 🙂

Yep, many years and months of trying..it finally happened in January. We are very happy, but at the same time taking things day by day, as to not get overwhelmed. It probably helps that I barely have any extra mental energy most of the time. But, I know some of you were probably sensing something was up with me, haha.

I am due Oct 2, and I will write out a separate post talking about this!

 

“Good Carbs” 

Anyway..back to the nutrition stuff. It’s been hard coming up with an interesting topic this month,
mostly because my eating is totally out of whack right now. But one thing that has caught my attention these past few weeks were whole grains (I know..doesn’t sound that exciting, but hear me out)

This is coming from a sort of carb-fearing person because pre-pregnancy, I always felt like just by looking at carbs, they made me bloat, lost my focus..and gain weight. I never paid much attention to whole grains. Sure, I kept hearing from “nutrition experts” that they were good for you (but I still kinda ignored it).

Enter pregnancy and all new cravings…

I very much believe that cravings are your body’s way of telling you something, like if you are missing a nutrient or in need of a nutrient, your body is trying to tell you that..hence cravings. So..I get pregnant and then I instantly started craved carbs like crazy! Like, I was literally daydreaming of stealing someone’s bread out of their hand one day because I had to have it..right that second.
(I didn’t….so you know, I’m not that crazy).

I realized that it’s really my body’s way of telling me, it needs more energy (to prepare and make baby). Then, I watched an amazing lecture about whole grains, and how much more nutrition they contain..in addition to carbs. Now, at this point I am intrigued, because my body is literally yelling for carbs and I am also trying to supplement with as much nutrient dense food I can, because I figured in growing a human, you need to make sure you are loaded up.

What struck me specifically about whole grains, was how much more was in it besides the usual suspects of carbs/fiber. They are basically a solid source of minerals…like ones you don’t hear about much..like manganese. Then they started talking about different whole grains.
(side note: before this, whenever I heard “whole grains,” I just envisioned whole grain bread. Just me?)
Buckwheat, quinoa, brown rice, millet, etc..are actually really nutrient dense foods.

I’ve been obsessed with breakfast porridge lately. I was making just regular oatmeal, but then I
discovered you can make a “porridge” out of a lot of things. Buckwheat has been my new favorite (its also more filling than oatmeal). Took some practice getting it right, but it really is delicious (the one I got is from Thrive market). I top it with berries (organic because berries are loaded with chemicals, like 100’s of them!), drizzle with coconut nectar (I like the taste, maple syrup or raw honey would work too), and maybe some almonds and/or coconut flakes.

Fiber is your friend. You need to eat more of it, especially when eating carbs. It slows everything down in your intestines, so you don’t absorb sugar fast (which is what you want).
Fast sugar absorption = high blood sugar = bad.
Fiber is usually the piece people forget about or don’t understand why “sugar” from fruit is considered better. (Hint: It’s really the fiber component). Sugar is always sugar..no matter the source But if we could get it into our body slower, the better.

Minerals are also your friend. Minerals literally control every chemical reaction in your body, but they aren’t talked about enough. Sure, most people hear about the importance of electrolytes and hydrating..but that’s just one reason. Minerals keep your blood the right pH, your muscles working properly, your heart working properly, your digestion working properly, your metabolism working, etc..etc..etc…Eat lots of minerals and all of them!

Also, these bonus minerals are only found in real food. Nothing processed, at all. Hence, I tell my students and clients..real food first always. There is more to food then just the protein/carb/fat content. Lots more. If you are going to eat carbs…make them good ones.

 Lia’s Favorite Product of the Month

So, the products I want to tell you about this month are more like “aha!”
products for me. If you wear makeup…like at all, and you haven’t found
primers yet..you need to, like right now.

Disclaimer: I have always been skeptical of makeup primers in the past
because “I did not want one more thing on my face, ” you know what I
mean?

Then, I started to work long days. So first, I started with just the face
primer, and I realized that in addition to increased longevity of my face
makeup..it makes the makeup go on BETTER. Like, I cannot put
foundation on without it now because it doesn’t blend or melt on my
skin the same way! LIFE CHANGING. Also, the one from Arbonne,
literally feels like silk..no joke. This is amazing stuff here.

Then, I was very hesitate about the eye primer and it took me awhile to
even try it. But again..I was proven wrong. Longevity..yes, but it also
made my eye shadow go on BETTER and it even increased the color
pigment of the shadow, so it looked more professional and just better
overall. So now, I am a makeup primer convert and regardless of how
long my day is, I put them on.

Seriously, if you wear makeup at all, you need primer in your life. Your
makeup wearing life will be forever changed.

                      What’s new this month: 

Daily life musings can be found on Instagram @balancedlifewithlia

Arbonne products can be seen here! Liaplaner.arbonne.com

ALSO: I need some help from you guys! As part of my health coach training, I need to
start practicing on real people. If you are interested in a free initial health consult
with me (so I can practice), please let me know. I will be forever grateful! It can be
over phone, in person, or via video chat!



Want to be part of May’s healthy living group to help
you get (or stay) on track this spring? We have
coaching, accountability partners, recipes and
everything you need to help! Let me know. I will get
you started right away! (Bikini season will be here sooner then you realize!) 
Thanks for reading and your continued support of me
and my new journey!

xoxooxox   Lia