Nutrition Nut on the Run

My Word for 2019

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Hi & happy New Year! It’s 2019 — how wild is that?

I set goals and intentions in past years, but the idea of a “word of the year” was calling to me for 2019. It seemed simple and non-binding. Gentle yet encouraging.

It may have taken me 10 days, but I’ve finally settled on my word for 2019: BELIEVE.

I am choosing to let this word guide 2019, and, in doing so, guide me into a more confident, fearless, independent woman.

Dear 2019, allow me to…
— believe that my worth does not lie on my resume nor on my paycheck
— believe that my body will always chose a path towards healing
— believe that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for
— believe I can manifest the lifestyle of my dream
— believe my body is beautiful
— believe I am right where I am suppose to be

2018 was a year of embracing uncertainty. I got dang comfortable being uncomfortable. I know 2019 won’t be a walk in the park, but I believe it’ll be exactly what I need to unleash the wildly confident and capable woman inside of me.

2018 was essentially a year of drastic change and unknowns. And while I don’t have 2019 mapped out (does anyone?), I want to feel more confident in my abilities, my strengths, my story… I want to feel rooted in who I am and therefore come closer to living out my true passions.

Believe you can and you are already half way there.

If choosing a word for the year sounds appealing to you, too, here are couple of resources:
— Why You Need A Word of the Year & How To Choose It
— This 3-step template is beautiful (and free!)

Did you choose a word for the year? I’d love if you shared yours!

The Weekender

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Hi!

It’s been a really nice, low-key weekend around here, and as I am on my computer with a puppy snoozing at my feet, I felt inclined to share in this little space of mine I show up at every so often.

The Weekender

— The highlight of our weekend was, without a doubt, dog-sitting a 4-month-old miniature Australian Shepard, Georgia; Nick and I both fell head over heels. She and Koba have been playing non-stop, and aside from pee puddles in the house and needing to chew on all the things, the house feels even homier with the double dose of puppy love. 

— I am planning to make these grain-free gingerbread chocolate chip muffins via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen in the morning. How could I not be excited about breakfast this week? 

— It was a big week for Beautycounter! Get this: Beautycounter is the top trending beauty brand of 2018! Yes, that means people are Google-ing safer personal care products. We are making strides towards getting safer skincare in the hands of everyone, and it is so exciting! To top it off, Beautycounter also won the Corporate Social Responsibility Award to recognize our work in Washington DC fighting for better beauty laws. It feels pretty darn good to be a part of this movement.

— We are headed to cold Colorado on Sunday, and to say that we are ready to head West is an understatement. The mountains (and family time) are calling! 

— Christmas came early in the way of a beautiful Omega juicer, and Nick and I immediately jumped on the celery juice train. Of course I want to juice more than stalks of celery, but I am very curious to see what the hype is all about. Seeing that I deal with chronic gut/skin issues, I am eager to see if sipping straight celery juice, in fact, has miracle healing powers. I recommend checking out @medicalmedium, the man and NY Times best-selling author behind said celery juice “movement.”

— We had the best quick lunch at Fresh Kitchen Saturday afternoon after a gym date, and now I want to eat all the mashed cauliflower – holy yum!

I’m off to snuggle puppies and get ready for this final week before a much-needed Christmas vacation! 

xx Hill

Have you tried celery juice?

What holiday recipes have you been enjoying?


A Few of My Favorite Things: 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

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Hey hey! Happy (Cyber) Monday! It’s been a while friends, too long!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are easing back into the week. Mondays are now work-from-home days for me, so I’ve been up since 6:00am working away on all things Beautycounter (see below for the incredible Cyber Monday sale!).

Truth be told, I have mixed feelings about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and holiday shopping madness in general. On one hand, I LOVE a good deal, but I am also a minimalist-in-the-making and don’t like to give or receive “stuff” without a purpose. I am more of a practical gifts kinda gal. With that, here are a few of my favorite things (some arguably more practical than others). The best thing is 90% of them are on sale today!

A Few of My Favorite Things | 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

1. Best of Beautycounter

This is my absolute favorite set from the 2018 Holiday Collection. Why? Because it includes four of our best-selling products: a bit smaller in size than our regular products, they are ideal for a Beautycounter newbie to try our signature products, or for someone who adores our safer skincare already and wants the ideal travel size. Plus, they all come in a classy white box that needs nothing more than a simple bow.

2. Lucky Brand Basel Flat Bootie

I’ve had these booties for a few years and they are a staple in my wardrobe; they can be dressed up or down and literally go with everything. I have another pair in my cart because mine are pretty worn and well-used. They are so comfortable and such a classic bootie that can be worn for years (I’ve got proof!).

3. Beautycounter New Nudes Lip Gloss Trio

These glosses are stunning! High-impact shine, non-sticky moisture, super flattering, and the best part… a hint of mint! I’m obsessed with the Spice color. This set is perfect to break-up and turn into three separate gifts for girlfriends, hair stylists, etc.

4. Kleen Kanteen – Insulated

I use my Kleen Kanteens every day! I take two to work with me: one with coffee, one with water. They do the best job at keeping hot liquids hot, and cold liquids icy cold. I’m partial to Kleen Kanteen because they are a local (to me) company. Tomorrow, I am purchasing a few of these California canteens as 100% of the profits will go to the Camp Fire relief efforts.

5. #GirlGetAfterIt Muscle Tank

Cassidy, of The Wellness Rookie, has got a good thing going: “MORE THAN JUST A HASHTAG. WE’RE A WELLNESS MOVEMENT BRINGING WOMEN TOGETHER THROUGH MOVEMENT, CONVERSATION, AND COMMUNITY.” I’d totally rock this #girlgetaftertank for an Orangetheory workout. Plus, I love supporting other small business and female wellness entrepreneurs… and she’s based in Bozeman, Montana (another special place to me).

6. Stasher Bags

I’m hoping Santa brings me a set of Stasher Bags, as, well, we haven’t bought plastic bags in forever (and it feels really good!). We currently wash and reuse the handful that we do have, but mostly use glass tupperware. Our beautiful Earth needs more attention than ever before, and reducing waste (especially plastic!) is something we can all work on. Plus, Stasher bags come in a variety of colors and sizes that make packing and storing food all too convenient; they can be used for travel, too!

7. New Balance Thermal Vest

Before moving to Florida, puffy down vests made up 75% of my fall/winter wardrobe. I’m itching for the day when I can say that again! A black down vest is so versatile – not only do I wear mine for outdoor running and hiking, but they’re also a staple with jeans and booties for casual weekend outfits.

8. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

I use Vital Proteins unflavored collagen peptides in my coffee every morning. Curious about collagen? Read this post: Why I Love Collagen Peptides.

 

A Few of My Favorite Things: 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As always, opinions are entirely my own. 

The Skincare Duo That Changed My Skin

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I wasn’t born with flawless skin.

Let’s be real, who is!?

Then enter nearly a decade of battling acne and not wearing enough sunscreen for my fair, freckled skin… here I am at 29 already treating acne scars, sun spots, and fine lines.

Luckily, I have a better understanding now how to take care of my skin (hello SPF and moisturizer!), so – fingers crossed – my thirties will be a better decade for my complexion than my twenties.

My skin has responded well to Beautycounter products, but it wasn’t until I started using the Overnight Resurfacing Peel (a.k.a. the miracle worker!) in tandem with the Rejuvenating Radiance Serum that I started to see a noticeable difference.

For the past 8 weeks, I have been using the peel 3-4x per week, and I have been using the serum 1-2x per day. I can’t wait to see how my skin looks and feels after 12 weeks, and 16…

Both products help to increase radiance and even skin tone, but I imagine the peel is doing a lot of the work with 15 botanically-derived acids that gently yet effectively exfoliate your skin. It also works to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and dark spots without irritation or over-drying. The biggest difference I’ve noticed is the texture of my skin – it’s so smooth!

Overall, my skin tone is more even, fine lines aren’t as prominent, and any dullness has been replaced with a year-round glow – hallelujah!

My Results Using the Overnight Resurfacing Peel & Rejuvenating Radiance Serum

  • The texture of my skin is smooth and soft
  • My skin tone is more even and brighter – it glows!
  • My pores are less prominent

Benefits of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel

  • Promotes cell turnover for a smoother complexion
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Reduces appearance of dark spots and age spots
  • Evens skin tone
  • Boosts radiance

Beautycounter’s Chief Scientist called the Overnight Resurfacing Peel their “most high-performance product to date.” This peel will give you quick results versus some of the other Beautycounter products that take continued use to notice a visible change.

How should I use the peel?

  • Use the peel 3-4x a week at night in place of your serum, before a moisturizer
  • Wait 3-5 minutes after applying the peel before applying your moisturizer and eye cream
  • Leave on overnight and complete your usual morning skin regime – no need to rinse off

How does the peel work?

  • 15 botanically-derived acids resurface your skin without causing irritation – it’s gentle, yet effective!
  • 9 of those are resurfacing acids that work to renew the skin by sloughing off dead skin cells
  • 6 are soothing acids that rehydrate and replenish skin
  • Note: skin does not actually peel or flake off like a peel that you may get from a dermatologist

Benefits of the Rejuvenating Radiance Serum

  • Helps even the look of skin tone
  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
  • Improves hydration
  • Lightweight and easily absorbed

How should I use the serum?

  • Use morning and night after cleansing, before applying moisturizer
  • Massage gently into face and neck with upward strokes, follow with moisturizer

Beautycounter is proof that safer products can be high-performing, too.

Beautycounter is committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what’s required by U.S. law. They prohibit the use of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals, all while ensuring the products perform and that they’re as indulgent as any other luxe personal care product on the market.

Get a bottle of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel here.

Get a bottle of the Rejuvenating Radiance Serum here.

If you don’t have a skincare routine you love, fill out this quick questionnaire – I’d be happy to help you!

Cheers to safer skincare and happy, healthy skin!

xx Hill

Florida Life // Months 7 & 8

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I’ve lived in Florida for a little over eight months – time flies! Before we know it, a year will have flown by. But I’m kinda sorta okay with that. I never want to rush through life, but after eight months, Nick and I have established that Florida Life isn’t for us. We still have a bit more time here in the Southeast, but, fingers crossed, we will be packing up our belongings by the two year mark. We’ll see! #militarylife

So, let’s catch up on the last two months in Florida (a.k.a. August and September)…

Labor Day 2018 at Honeymoon Island State Park before we got rained out!

Florida Life // Months 7 & 8

Doing

I’d say the biggest adjustment the past couple of months has been getting back into the groove of working again. I started a part-time job in Human Resources at the end of July, so now my week days start with early alarms and a dreaded commute.

Outside of working 30 hours a week, much of August and September was spent acclimating to the hellishly humid and wet dog days of summer. I feel like weather in Florida is backwards. Anyone else feel me? Summer was VERY rainy! We could expect an afternoon thunderstorm almost daily. Both Nick and I have never experienced thunder and lightning like that in Tampa Bay.

Most every weekend, between dodging said storms, we explore new gator-free places for Koba to swim. She’s a water dog at heart and unfortunately has spent far too much time indoors due to the heat and humidity.

Speaking of Koba, I think I think the highlight of my summer (and hopefully her’s too!) was that a brand new dog park opened just a few blocks from our during house Labor Day Weekend. I don’t know who enjoys trips to the park more, me or Koba, but I am so appreciative that we now have a place for our puppy to play and socialize, and it’s just a sweaty, 15-minute walk away.

August was also an exciting month for my Beautycounter business, accomplishing goals while getting more in tune with my why behind this business and how it supports my dreams. Heads up: Beautycounter’s holiday line launches this Thursday! Hello, new products and incredible gift sets for everyone on your list (hey, it’s never too early to start your holiday shopping).

My simple Beautycounter makeup routine for early weekday mornings.

Feeling

With a regular work schedule and regularly scheduled workouts, a sense of routine is helping me to feel more settled. I still long for the ease and comfort of Chico more often than not – sometimes it’s for my favorite coffee shop and running trails, other times it’s for happy hours with girlfriends, my healthcare practitioners, and the proximity to the family. I definitely miss the sense of community. On the other hand, I feel proud of my ability to adapt. And honestly, sometimes I surprise myself with how well I’m doing despite not having my support circle anywhere near. A small town girl for 28 years adapting to city living involves a lot of change, and I’m doing my best to embrace it.

Activities & Adventures

We didn’t venture far from the Tampa Bay area this summer due to said new job and, well, our spring was full of travel. We did enjoy a free Brett Young concert with friends on a random Wednesday night at Armature Works, our favorite hangout spot.

Koba and I post Orangetheory sweat sesh, September 2018.

Exercise

Orangetheory, 100%. I jumped on board the OTF train at the end of July (read: My Thoughts on Orangetheory Fitness), and I’m really enjoying it! I think it was just the thing I needed to get through the peak of summer, as exercising outside is nearly impossible due to the weather. I go to four classes per week, on average, and haven’t been doing much else aside from that and walking the dog. I am looking forward to start running outside again as the temperature continues to drop.

Hurricanes

Zero! Not holding my breath, as hurricane season isn’t over. Well, Hurricane Michael is sweeping through at this very moment, but – knock on wood – we’ll remain out of his path.

Alligators

Zero!

Thank you to those of you who have stuck around through my lulls of blogging. This November will mark nine years since the birth of Nutrition Nut on the Run, and it’s captured varying seasons of my life for almost a decade. I look forward to continue sharing on this platform from time to time, though posting consistently hasn’t been my strong point of late. I hope you will stick around – it’s a joy to have you here! 

xx Hill

Florida Life

August Favorites

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Tonight, Nick and I were standing outside on our back deck as chicken was grilling on the BBQ and Koba roamed the yard; we looked at each other with the same look — the look of “OMG, we are so grateful to be outside and not be smothered by sweltering hot humidity.” Y’all, September is here, and I couldn’t be more excited. Why? Because it means fall, my favorite season of all, is around the corner. I’ve heard that fall isn’t drastically different from summer here in Florida… but I can dream, right? You can bet come October 1, I’ll be decorating my house with all the autumn things.

Before flipping the page to another new month, I want to share a few favorites from August: wellness things, life moments, inspiring words, and the like!

August Favorites 

⏤ This post from Jessie May: My Vegan (Health) Story. After sharing a personal update/brain dump on my own health (read: E.coli 0157:H7 | How It Changed My Body & My Life), this beautifully written story gave me refreshing insight on how I can view my own wellness journey with more grace.

…health isn’t everything. Its wonderful, helpful, and enjoyable to be in good health – absolutely. But it doesn’t deserve to be an idol it our lives, as so many of us make it to be, and here in America it is incredibly idolized. Being present in your life for what it is today, being grateful for all that you do have, and giving your love and attention to others is really so much more important. Yes you need to take care of yourself in order to love and serve others well, and it should be apart of your life, but (in my opinion) it should not be your life.” – Jessie May

⏤ Birch Benders Paleo Toaster Waffles: While I by no means eat strictly Paleo, or any other label for that matter, I have been enjoying these grain-free/dairy-free (and no added sugar) waffles for an easy, satisfying breakfast. I usually top with nut butter, seasonal fruit (in lieu of sugary jam), and hemp hearts.

⏤ Orangetheory Fitness: I hopped on board the OTF train one month ago, and I’m having a ton a fun with it! My body is constantly being challenged, and the endorphin highs have been a blessing. Read: My Thoughts on Orangethoery Fitness

⏤ Avocado Egg Salad: For some reason, I’ve been craving egg salad (yes, like egg salad sandwiches) ever since Nick made one recently. I simply chop a couple of hard-boiled eggs and mash with ripe avocado, a few chopped Kalmata olives, and Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasoning. Top on rice cakes, a piece of toasted sourdough, or wrap inside a piece of butter lettuce.

⏤ Setting Intentions & Accomplishing Goals: This past month, I set the intention to do more things that make me feel good… and I did just that. How? I set small, manageable daily goals, wrote them down (key!), and then checked in daily with my new accountability partner. It didn’t seem like much day to day, but looking back at the month, I accomplished personal goals by allowing my priorities (the things that make me feel good!) to be my focal point.

Wishing you all the joy, inspiration, peace, clarity, and determination to make September shine!

xx Hill

What were your August favorites? 

Blast from the past!

⏤ August Favorites 2013

⏤ August Favorites 2012

My Thoughts on Orangetheory Fitness

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I am not ashamed to say that I’m a gym rat. The gym is one of the places I feel my absolute best. Before I moved to Florida, I had been going to the same gym for about two and half years. It had nearly everything a workout junkie could need, but I never had a crush on it (as I did for the WREC during my college days). Then I quite my job, moved across the country, and left my gym membership behind. You always appreciate something more once its gone, isn’t that so?

For the first six months in Florida, Nick and I checked out a variety of gyms in the area, meanwhile getting our sweaty on via at-home workouts, runs in our neighbored, and inconsistent workouts at the base gym. The base gym is incredible (all the functional fitness and olympic lifting equipment one could need!!), and I’d go there regularly in a heartbeat, but it is not practical as we don’t live close enough.

Long story short, an Orangetheory Fitness studio opened up just a few miles from our house (conveniently located to the brand new Sprouts). I knew of Orangetheory, but had never tried it. I was apprehensive of having a studio type membership which wouldn’t allow me the freedom to workout at my leisure. I am all for intuitive exercise, listening to your body, and moving in a way that feels good to you.

That said, I also enjoy a high intensity workout and my body does well with metabolic conditioning. Nick and I tried a complimentary class at the end of June and had a lot of fun. I went back and forth about getting a membership for a few weeks, but ultimately decided to try the unlimited membership when they were having a promotion.

It’s been exactly four weeks since I hopped onboard the OTF train, and I have done 15 classes/workouts in that time. Here are my thoughts so far…

What is Orangetheory Fitness?

“Backed by the science of Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (or EPOC), Orangetheory’s heart rate monitored training is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. We call it the afterburn. Our members burn an estimated 500 to 1,000 calories in 60 minutes. And keep burning calories for up to 36 hours.” – Orangetheory®

What I Like

– The variety: Every class is different! Not only does it keep the workout interesting, but it challenges my body by doing different exercises nearly every workout. There are “power days”, “endurance days”, and “ESP” or “endurance strength power” days, so some workouts are focused more on cardiovascular endurance while others are target at strength and power. Since the classes are group personal training style, I don’t get to choose what exercises I do compared to if I were to design my own workout in the gym, i.e. yesterday’s exercises on the strength floor were 80% core-focused — I would have never programmed that for myself in a hundred years!

– The accountability: You have to sign up for classes in advance to reserve a spot in a class; this is done through a handy app. Since you’re required to plan in advance (and are charged if you miss a scheduled class), you’re held accountable for following through and completing your workout.

– The app: Speaking of the app, it’s not fancy by any means, but not only does it allow you to schedule and cancel classes easily, but it also tracks your workouts. I like being able to look back and see the work I’ve done. Again, while I embrace intuitive exercise and listening to my body versus religiously counting stats from a tracker, I think it’s neat to see a collective of your workout stats. In addition, to the app, you also get an email with your stats after every workout.

– The “afterburn”: I am sore after most every workout, and if I’m not sore, my muscles are fatigued. I will recognize here that this is a sudden increase in interval training for my body, so I’d only expect it to be sore. Because of this, I haven’t really done many other workouts aside from OTF in the past month. Between OTF and taking Koba on walks, my body has been feeling really good. Now all I need is to stretch…

– The mental benefits: As I mentioned, I feel best moving my body, and that’s often in a gym setting (if not out in nature). The endorphin highs are exactly what I’ve been missing. When does a workout not put you in a good mood!?

– The music: This is a small thing, but it really is nice not to have to worry about your own workout music and mess with earbuds or constantly be skipping through a Spotify station. So far I love the music choices – it’s loud and motivational.

My Thoughts on Orangetheory Fitness #orangetheoryfitness #iloveOTF #HIIT

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What I Don’t Like

– Focus on calories: I don’t focus on calories in regards to my diet, and likewise, don’t feel the need to when it comes to exercise either as they don’t relate to or support my goals. I assume the “calories burned” aren’t entirely accurate, so it could potentially throw someone off who does pay attention to calories. OTF also has weight loss challenges which I definitely don’t support (fast weight loss), but obviously I choose just not to participate in such activities/programs.

– Heavy on running: A lot of the workouts are heavy on the running, but understandably so. Using the treadmills is an efficient way to get your heart rate up and into the desired orange zone where, in theory, you’ll see an increase in calories burned during and after the workout (hence the “afterburn”). I simply love lifting weights, so some days I wish the majority of the class was spent on the weight floor.

– Lack of coaches: The studio I go to is very new and only has three coaches, which doesn’t seem like a lot to me. Luckily, the classes I go to most are taught by my favorite coach, but I guess I was surprised there weren’t more.

– Membership cost: The cost of the membership is not cheap. For this reason alone, it prevented me from signing up for several months. Boutique fitness gyms are “in” right now, and they’re all getting away with silly high class prices.

– Late fees: If the base membership cost wasn’t high enough, you are charged extra for canceling a class late (less than 8 hours ahead of time) or missing a class. #accountability I haven’t done this, but I’ve been charged twice by accident, and it’s super annoying.

Picky Things

– I wish the classes were a full 60 minutes (rather than 50-55 minutes) and I wish my studio offered the 90-minute classes, at least on the weekends. I discovered a nearby studio offers one 90-minute class on Saturday mornings, so I may have to check it out.

– As a brand new OTF member, I don’t feel like I was introduced to the gym very well: how studio-specific things work like check-in, “tread cards”, the OTF lingo, etc. I’ve had to ask a lot of questions.

Overall

I’m rolling into my fifth week of classes, and the most important thing is that these workouts are making me feel good. In just a few short weeks, I feel like I am already noticing changes in how I feel physically and mentally. While the cost of membership surely isn’t cheap, right now the cost is worth it for my overall happiness. I know that OTF will not be my sole mode of fitness forever, but it’s fitting the bill right now, I look forward to the workouts, and am enjoying the change of pace (hah, literally!). Yay for trying something new and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

“You didn’t come here to be comfortable.” — favorite quote from Coach Lindsay

Let’s chat!

Have you tried Orangetheory Fitness?

Do you enjoy heart rate-based training? What’s your favorite style of interval training?

E.coli 0157:H7 | How It Changed My Body & My Life

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I mentioned in this post that I am working with my naturopath again, and it feels really good. I’ve been working with Antonella (in conjunction with allopathic practitioners) for about two years; it has been entirely enlightening for how I view my personal health and wellbeing.

Why did I start to work with her again? Frankly, I haven’t been feeling my best, physically or mentally, the past few months: reoccurring GI issues, low mood, fatigue. I have also been curious to retest for SIBO, as I tested positive in March 2017 and I have a gut feeling that I may still have it.

Antonella and I began by running a bunch of tests to get a baseline of where I’m at today. I did the GI-MAP™, a variety of blood work, and the dreaded 3-hour hydrogen/methane breath test for SIBO. I texted my best friend the other night about my results (she’s a Registered Dietitian and loves to talk about poop and GI stuff just as much as I do), and her exact response was: “OMG! How is that possible?”

We are still waiting on the SIBO results, but the results from the GI-MAP™ test were intensely revealing in understanding why I don’t feel stellar. Essentially, the tests concluded that my gut has HIGH levels of bad bacteria, LOW levels of good bacteria, a parasite, Candida, a trace of Salmonella, and very low IgA levels (marker of over-stressed immunity and related to autoimmunity), among others.

Plus, there were a handful of items on my blood work that weren’t in ideal range either, including markers related to my liver, and kidneys.

…and did I mention that there is still a high possibility I have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)?

At this point, you’re probably thinking, what the heck? Just like my BFF. I mean, health and wellness is engraved into my lifestyle. I have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, I am a certified health coach, I exercise rigorously by habit, and I fill my reusable farmer’s market bags with kale and fermented sauerkraut.

I’ll be honest and say yes, it can undoubtedly be overwhelming. I could look at these new findings and tell myself that I am not well, that I am sick. Or, aligning with Antonella’s perspective, I can look at it as though I am refining my health… as I have been so diligently doing for oh so many years.

If you’re new here, or don’t know this part of my story, I had E.coli 0157:H7 at age 7 and was hospitalized for three weeks with acute renal failure (both of my kidneys completely shut down, my body was toxic). It nearly cost me my young, precious life. But, with the perseverance and resilience of my strong 45-pound body and team of incredible doctors at Children’s Hospital Oakland, I am here today – 22 years later – to embrace that this incident and life-altering event is a piece of my story, not the end of my story.

My mom always says that I was a different little girl when I came home from the hospital than when I was admitted. I was cautious, reserved, and much more apprehensive of the world… a 180 degree difference from the goofy, vivacious girl I’d been. I was scared and I was scarred, not only physically from being on dialysis for two weeks, but emotionally.

It has taken me years of therapy to begin to understand the trauma that’s resided in my body for the following 22 years. It is only just beginning to make sense — the puzzle pieces are kinda sorta fitting together.

You see, I have seen more doctors for nearly every part of my body in my 29 years than most people will visit in their lifetime. I’ve become immune to doctor’s offices, filling out extensive medical history forms, getting pricked for at the lab, sending results to specialists for a second opinion, paying insurance bills… and waiting impatiently for anticipated diagnostic results.

You could call me a hypochondriac or hyper-focused on my health, and while that may be true too, I wouldn’t have spent significant time of the past two decades sitting anxiously in the waiting room of another doctor’s office if there was nothing to write a chart note about.

I have cried many tears wondering why I don’t feel my best, why I have elevated liver enzymes, why I had a suspicious mass in my breast that was biopsied and is being monitored, why my whole body has broken out in mysterious rashes, why?

Everything is coming into focus now. I am wholeheartedly grateful to be treated by incredible physicians who have taken the time and energy to understand my full medical history, my story, and not exclude my significant past from the current symptom or ailment of precedence.

These doctors have helped me to see that while I left that hospital in October of 1996 walking on my two feet with both of my kidneys functioning, my battle with E.coli wrecked havoc on my gastrointestinal and immune systems, leaving my body more susceptible and sensitive than perhaps the person next to me. That is why this is possible.

I won’t and I can not tell myself that I am sick. For I am not. I am healthy, strong, and resilient AF. I get to hike mountains, sweat through high-intensity Orangetheory workouts, travel the world, run with my dog, have nights out with girlfriends (oh, how I miss these so!). What I can do is continue working on accepting, as my dear mom explains, that I just may have to manage my wellbeing more meticulously than the next person. My bout with E.coli 0157:H7 was traumatizing in every sense: it scared the shit out of me and my family, and understandably forever left a mark on my delicate inner machinery… but it also gifted me immeasurable strength to endure challenges of the next 22 years (and the many many years ahead).

The mental battle of all this is the toughest, as I do everything to attend to my wellbeing day and night. The mental battle of wanting to be a helpful health coach to other women when I have imbalances myself. The mental battle of spending years in higher education studying nutrition, holistic health, and the human body… and not being able to heal myself without extra professional support. Because of this, I have spent far too much time getting in my own damn way.

Not today.

Hi, I’m Hillary. I am refining my health, but I am not defined by my health.

My Favorite Safer Skincare is on SALE!

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You’ve probably caught on by now that I have a major crush on Beautycounter products. They are significantly safer than any other skincare and makeup products on the market and the results are amazing without using 1,500 questionable or potentially harmful ingredients. If you want to learn a little bit more about my why behind Beautycounter, check out this post: My Skin Story + Why Beautycounter.

Essentially, for me (and probably you too), I emphasize my focus on eating wholesome, nutritious foods, exercising consistently, and minimizing stress… so why would I slather potentially harmful ingredients on my skin to be absorbed into our bloodstream? Considering the safety of my personal care products just makes sense. It fits in line with my lifestyle, and once I began to learn about the unregulated beauty industry, I wanted to be part of the mission of getting safer products into the hands of everyone.

I am glad I discovered Beautycounter when I did because as I close out my twenties, I find myself more focused on preserving the youthfulness of my skin while simultaneously using products that are not only better for my body, but the environment too.

I’m so happy that Beautycounter is finally doing a % off sale (rather than the usual free gift with purchase) so that those who have been curious about it, can give a try. If you’re like me, switching to safer personal care products doesn’t have to happen overnight. Even if you start with one item (your body lotion, shampoo, or face wash) and make a slow transition, it’s better than nothing. #switchtosafer

Shop the Sale: beautycounter.com/hillaryparker

At check-out, enter promo code: LOVE

Beautycounter has never done a sale like this (and probably won’t for a while), so if you’ve been curious to try the products or want to stock up on your staples, you won’t want to miss this. Offer available until 8/13 while supplies last.

My Skincare Must-Haves:

No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil – 7 plant based oils that will not make you break out! They are full of antioxidants and fatty acids to fight aging. The brightening oil has added vitamin C for an additional radiance boost. I also like to add a drop or two to my hand cream or rub in to my cuticles — it’s multipurpose!

Rejuvenating Radiance Serum – The Rejuvenating Collection is great for anyone wanting to combat signs of aging (sign me up!). I use this serum both morning and night under my moisturizer to reduce fine lines and pore size, and improve skin tone.

No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask – I love this charcoal mask that balances the skin by absorbing excess oil, draws out impurities and reducing the size of pores. I use it about once a week, and sometimes more during that time of the month.

Overnight Resurfacing Peel* – a.k.a. the miracle worker! The texture of my skin has improved so much since using this peel 3-4x a week. It’s gentle, but high-performing with 15 botanically-derived acids that both exfoliate and sooth the skin.

My Makeup Must-Haves:

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – I am obsessed with the sheer, dewy, lightweight coverage of this tinted moisturizer with SPF 20. This is my daily face sunscreen/makeup that also provides moisture and a bit of color.

Lip Gloss – Peony is my daily go-to that I always have on hand. It’s shiny without being sticky and is great to layer over a Sheer Lipstick.

Volumizing Mascara – I fell in love with the Volumizing Mascara first, as I love bold lashes, but the Lengthening Mascara is a close runner-up. I switch between the two depending on the mood I’m in.

Makeup Remover Wipes – I can be a bit lazy sometimes about washing my face at night, and these are perfect for just that. They are larger in size than many other wipes I’ve tried and truly leave your skin feeling clean. Plus, you can compost them — woohoo! These are a must for camping, the gym, and for lazy nights!

20% OFF ALL @beautycounter PRODUCTS! #switchtosafer #betterbeauty

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Questions?

If you’re not sure what products would be best for your skin type, fill out this quick questionnaire and I’ll send you an email with personalized recommendations.

Email me if you have any questions at all: hillaryannparker (at) gmail (dot) com …or leave a comment below!

Keep in mind that Beautycounter has a 60 day return policy. I have full confidence you will LOVE what you get, but if you don’t for any reason, you can return products for a full refund.

Cheers to safer skincare!

xx Hill

*A few exclusions apply: all sets and collections are excluded from this promotion. Countersun, Flawless in Five, Get the Look, and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel are also excluded from this promotion.

 

Hillary’s Beautycounter Newsletter: sign-up to learn more about safer skincare & to stay posted on specials and giveaways!

Florida Life // 6 Months In

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It’s a stormy, summer Sunday afternoon and we’re doing the epitome of chillaxin’ after a fun weekend with friends. It seems like just the right setting to write about my sixth month living in Florida. On one hand, it’s hard to believe that I’ve lived here half of a year. On the other hand, sometimes it feels like we moved ages ago… but that may be the homesickness of having friends and family miles and miles away.

Since it’s been a lazy day fueled by strong coffee, I figured I’d switch up the format of my monthly recap and do a virtual coffee date of sorts.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I got a non-wellness related job in Human Resources. In the last recap I said that I was itching to work; well, something finally fell into place (many job applications later). I’m glad that it is only part-time for now in order to adjust to a structured work schedule again. I am hoping to spend the hours that aren’t in my new office working on the blog, getting my health coaching services up and running again, and sharing safer skincare via Beautycounter.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I joined a gym — yahoo! This was a fairly hefty piece that’s been missing since moving cross-country. I’ve kept my body in motion the past sixth months with a mixture of running/walking, home workouts, and the occasional gym session, but I’m totally pumped to have a “gym” just a couple of miles from home that will push me out of my workout comfort zone. I say “gym” because Orangetheory Fitness is a boutique fitness studio. Essentially you show up and get coached through a 60-minute interval workout in a group setting. While I’m no rookie to HIIT or interval training, I’ve never paid for this type of membership. I’m going to give it a shot for a month or two, and see how I like it. My mind is so much clearer when I have consistent exercise in my routine, and I think the endorphin highs will be a beneficial mood booster.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I’m working with my naturopath again. I am hoping to get some answers on what’s going on with my gut (do I still have SIBO?) and possible hormonal imbalances. The brain-gut connection is so real, and so I’ve asked for help to continue healing my gut which, in turn, should help ease other various symptoms (i.e. skin and mood).

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that last weekend Nick and I ran the Tampa Bay 8K hosted by Lululemon. It was just a “fun run”, but the first organized run I’ve done a while. Running in the humidity is not for sissies. I started out way too fast and lost all steam by the end. We both finished at the top of the pack surprisingly, and enjoyed participating in a free community event with other local runners. All around it was a win-win.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I wasn’t aware of how wet Florida summers are until living in it. Being a California-native where the weather is often ideal, I’m not used to stormy weather in the middle of summer when I imagine spending my days outdoors in nature. Needless to say, I am eager for fall/winter when we don’t have to worry about lightning, flooding, intense humidity, and the grass won’t grow inches overnight.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I miss the ease of familiarity. As expected I suppose, almost everything in the past six months has been NEW: new house, new city, new roads, new friends, new job, new gym, new dentist, new grocery store, new coworkers, new climate, new culture. It requires a lot of mental energy that can be exhausting at times. But the best things don’t come from staying in your comfort zone. Isn’t that how the saying goes?

I am hoping that I’ll start to feel a little more like myself again (oh how I thrive off consistency and routine!) with a set work schedule, scheduled workouts, and the consistent support from my naturopath.

I survived the first six months of #floridalife… now I’m ready to thrive!

Thanks for reading,

xx Hill

Florida Life

Month 1: settling in.

Month 2: exploring our surroundings.

Month 3: fun with friends & family.

Months 4 & 5: figuring out my purpose here + California travels.

 

Have you done an Orangetheory Fitness workout?

What do you have planned for the remainder of your summer?

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