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Bridge the Gap with Fortify Your Life

In December I traveled to New Orleans for Shiftcon, an eco-wellness influencer conference. Not only did I meet other wonderful bloggers and influencers, came home with lots of swag, I also learned a TON!

One person that left a lasting impression on me was Dr. Tieraona Low Dog M.D. I had the pleasure to listen to her talk about how our society is dangerously lacking in certain vitamins and nutrients. It was interesting and eye-opening to say the least. I never realized how many factors can affect what vitamins and nutrients our bodies are obtaining.

Some examples:

  • non-GMO and/or organic cereals are not fortified. If your diet consists of these items, you are not receiving the correct amounts of Vitamins B1, B2, B3. B5, B9, B12, C, iron and calcium!
  • Iron is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world.
  • If you are taking prescription medications, these medications can deplete certain vitamins and nutrients you eat daily. If you eat extremely healthy, you still may not getting the correct amounts of vitamins and nutrients due to the medications.
  • You may be eating healthy, but eating foods such as fruits and vegetables that have traveled long distances to get to your plate causes them to lose some of their most important benefits.

These were just a few examples of the many that can determine what your body is getting on a daily basis.

A common misconception, by a lot of Americans, is to take a bunch of vitamins and supplements, eat what they want and they will be okay. It is important to remember that vitamins and supplements are there to bridge the gap of the healthy lifestyle you should already be living. This means eating the correct amounts of fruits, vegetables, proteins, etc. every day. If you live a healthy lifestyle and fill in the gaps with the correct and trusted vitamins and supplements, you will feel amazing.

When I left Shiftcon I knew that I wanted to do my research and figure out what I needed to feel my best and to allow my body to function at its best. I started by reading Dr. Low Dog’s book, Fortify Your Life. I cannot recommend this book enough! You will learn  about why you need each vitamin and mineral, what it does, what population may be more depleted in it, and how much you should be getting each day.

This book is not going to tell you exactly what you need to take and when. Each person is different. Fortify Your Life is a book that guides you in becoming more educated and creating a plan that works for you. Dr. Low Dog will break down each vitamin, mineral, and common nutraceuticals. Within each breakdown she will share:

  • What it does
  • Food sources
  • Signs of deficiency
  • Risks of deficiency
  • Supplement considerations
  • Partner nutrients
  • Special populations

In the back of the book she also breaks down:

  • Supplements for common ailments such as ADHD, Celiac Disease, anxiety, depression, and more.
  • Common laboratory tests you should ask your doctor to run.
  • Popular prescription drug-nutrient depletion’s and interactions.

Fortify Your Life is a resource and tool for you to take responsibility of your health. It is a great way to start a conversation with your doctor!

After I read the book, I went ahead and kept a daily food journal for about a week. This helped me keep track of how much protein, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, iron, and so on that I was receiving from my diet. I could then conclude what I needed to improve on eating wise and what I needed to bridge the gap.

I then created a chart that listed all of the common vitamins and minerals Dr. Low Dog discussed in her book. I went through what her daily recommendations were for me personally. My dosages are completely different then a teenage boy, or a woman who has been through menopause, or a pregnant woman. It’s also important to remember, that whatever your dosages may be now, they may change as you grow older, begin taking a medication, become pregnant, etc. You will need to make adjustments as you grow, your habits change, and your life changes.

After I created my chart with what my personal dosages were, I found a trustworthy multi-vitamin that hit the majority of the recommended dosages for myself. I highly recommend, Megafood. Dr. Low Dog has partnered with Megafood to create a line of gender specific multivitamins, so you know you are receiving the best. I compared the label on the vitamins to my chart and discovered that the Multi for Women was the perfect fit for me. I then knew there was a shortage in my Vitamin B’s and Vitamin D, so decided to also supplement with Balanced B Complex and Vitamin D3. I am also taking a daily probiotic and a few days a week add Daily Maca Plus for Women to my coffee.

Since I have added these vitamins and supplements to bridge the gap in my already healthy lifestyle, I have felt great! I have also learned about what each vitamin and mineral does. If I am feeling sluggish in the afternoon I know I may need to boost my Vitamin B a little bit, instead of turning to some sort of unhealthy energy drink.

This is a great process to get to know YOUR body.

  1. Buy the book Fortify Your Life 
  2. Create your chart. Lucky you, I am offering an already created chart for you to fill in below!
  3. Research which vitamins and supplements will best fit you. I recommend starting with Megafood!
  4. Feel better and take control of your health!

Download your FREE chart here!

 

The Body Book Review

I finally finished The Body Book. It was such a great book and I am so happy I picked it up! Now, I know what you are thinking … “another diet book, another exercise regimen, etc., etc.” Nope! Not the case. It is none of that. It is basically a users manual to your body. It is a book that breaks down how your body works and why your body works the way it does. Yes, there are some suggestions of foods to eat, exercises to do, but it’s not all about that.

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I will be honest, this book is pretty much anatomy class all over again, BUT it’s so much more interesting this time around. I promise 🙂 Maybe it was more interesting and the information stuck with me more, because I am actually interested. Or maybe because I’m not thinking about passing notes in class and what I am doing on Friday night 🙂 Also, it helps that the book was written by Cameron Diaz, not another textbook author. It’s real life explanation. A lot of the information you read, you already know, but it’s explained to you, so you UNDERSTAND.

I love how this book was broken down. The first section was all about nutrition …

  1. Water intake! I just started keeping a 16 oz mason jar of room temperature water in my bathroom and chug it every morning when I wake up, BEFORE I do anything else. It’s amazing how much this makes a difference.
  2. Sugar … it’s bad duh! But, why is it so bad?
  3. Carbs are NOT bad! As long as you are eating good carbs.
  4. Microbiome. Sounds boring? But, so interesting!

The second section is about fitness! You are thinking … “yes, I know, I need to workout more. OKAY!” Nope. There is more to it 🙂

  1. The history of why going to the gym and planning for your workout has become a much needed priority today.
  2. The evolution of technology … CRAZY to see how technology has affected our movement!
  3. What happens when you do NOT move.
  4. “Energy In, Energy Out” very interesting topic! Energy = LIFE!
  5. Break down of bones, muscles, and system functions.
  6. Sleep is so important. All technology off! I sleep with a mask now!

The third and final section is about mind! Okay, so you can read this entire book, understand, and agree with everything that is written in it. BUT nothing will change if you don’t DO something. Put your MIND to it!

  1. Connect body and mind
  2. Realize your body is NOT the same as the person next to you. LISTEN to your body!
  3. Break the habits … practice, practice!
  4. “Nothing’s For Free” … discipline!
  5. Plan!

Cameron Diaz says this in the book … we are a machine. You would not let your car go months and months without an oil change would you? Or if you do, is it still functioning correctly? We function at our bests when we eat the right foods to give us energy, drink enough water, and keep moving. If we lay on the couch for days and eat cake and potato chips for days, our machine slowly breaks down over time.

The year is coming to an end and I know the most popular New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight, be healthy, etc. THIS book will help you keep your resolution. Of course, I cannot promise it will help you keep it, because ONLY YOU can make that change. This book will help you in the right direction.

 

Friday Randoms

It’s Friday and I just have to share with you some random things, I’ve discovered this week, and have fallen in love with!

1. Crane Humidifiers

Sunday night into Monday was a tough night for Monte. He was very congested and he slept like crap. I heard about these Crane humidifiers last year, but never brought myself to purchase one. We had a basic Vicks one, that I thought, did the job just fine. Boy was I wrong! Monday I went out and purchased this adorable owl humidifier and Monte slept so much better that night. It uses cool mist and increases moisture in the air for easier breathing. Monte also enjoyed that it was an owl 🙂 I bought mine at Babies R Us and it was 20% off. Great buy!

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2. Green Grounds Cafe

I finally checked out this little gem in Valley Junction. I have heard lots of people talk about this small coffee shop, but never made a stop. I am so happy I finally did! They have awesome lattes (I tried the White Chocolate Raspberry) and delicious, not so good for you scones (I tried the apple cinnamon). They also offer wraps, sandwiches, salads, muffins, and breakfast. They have unique gifts from local artists and also carry Young Living products and I love Young Living Essential Oils. It’s a very large cafe where you could meet others for a meeting or just to hang out. Definitely check it out and support a local business!

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3. “Disconnect to Connect”

I updated my vision board this week and came across this quote. I will admit, I have an addiction to Facebook, Instagram, checking my e-mail, etc. I have an iPhone and all of these things are easily at my finger tips and so easy to look at. I’ve decided I need to limit my time on the phone. Each day will be a bit different, depending on what is going on. Monday night was my first night. I put my phone down, left it in another room from 5 pm – 9:45 pm (I checked it right before bed). Since I did this I enjoyed some quality time with my family and actually focused on them. I also read almost half a book! And I’ve been complaining I don’t have time to read? REALLY?!? 

I challenge you all to do the same. You don’t even realize how much time you spend on your phone. I always said to my self “I will just check my e-mail quick” “Did someone post something on Facebook? I will check real quick”, etc. Those “quick” checks add up to many minutes you are missing out on your family and/or reading a great book!

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4. The Body Book

Above I mentioned I read half a book in one night … it was The Body Book by Cameron Diaz. I’ve heard good things about this book and decided to pick it up. I absolutely love it! This is a not a diet book and not a workout regimen. It doesn’t tell you, you need to do this and this; to look amazing. It basically explains how YOUR own body works and how to LOVE the body you have been given. Right now, I am in the section on nutrition. It’s amazing how much I have learned, about the food I put in my body and what my body NEEDS to survive and work at its best. Of course, I know too much sugar is bad for you and you need to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but this book explains WHY. I think it’s easier if you understand WHY and how things work, it’s easier to follow through. When I finish this book I will definitely share my thoughts and favorite things I gained from reading The Body Book.

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What are some new or different things you have come across this week?