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An Inside Look at My Health Using InsideTracker

August 2, 2019 by Hillary Leave a Comment

While needle pricks and blood draws can be highly intimating to many people, because of my hospitalization as a kid, I’m rather immune to getting pricked and prodded; so it doesn’t phase me much when I’m due for lab work. In fact, I find it pretty fascinating how much information we can gather from a simple, nearly pain-free test. I spend much of my energy focused on my wellbeing (albeit sometimes too much energy), so I enjoy being able to see how my efforts are playing out internally.

It’s been a solid year since I’ve had any sort of lab work done, so was I was excited to collaborate with InsideTracker to get a comprehensive blood and analysis as a way to check in on my health.

What is InsideTracker?

InsideTracker is a blood testing service that uses science to analyze your results with personal recommendations for nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle. The InsideTracker team is made up of experts in aging, genetics and biometric data, from Harvard, MIT and Tufts. Whether you are an elite athlete, stressed-out professional, or bust parent, InsideTracker optimizes your health by analyzing your blood, lifestyle and nutrition habits to help you achieve your personal goals — whether that’s increasing energy to chase your kids or going after a gold medal.

Curious to learn more about the biomarkers they measure and how it’s different from visiting your doctor? Get all that info and more here.

How does it work?

You simply schedule an appointment at your local lab, print off the lab slip from InsideTracker, and get your blood drawn at the lab. Your results are automatically sent to InsideTracker and are uploaded to your personal dashboard (mine only took a few days). You also answer a set of questions about your lifestyle, such as sleep, activity level and diet, in order to get the best personalized recommendations.

Once your results are uploaded and analyzed, you get an email with a link to your personal dashboard that’s chockfull of information. Even if you aren’t savvy with blood tests, they do a great job breaking it down and making it super easy to digest and comprehend.

My Results

I did the Ultimate Test, which includes 43 biomarkers. InsideTracker breaks your results down by At Risk (out of range), Needs Improvement (in range, but not optimal) and Optimal.

I had 4 At Risk, 8 Needs Improvement, and 31 Optimal.

My 4 At Risk markers were:

  • LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
  • Eosinophils (white blood cells)
  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
  • TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity)

The 8 that “needs improvement” included: Vitamin D, HDL, TS (transferrin saturation), and magnesium — all on the low end. Again, all of these items are technically in the normal range, but not optimal according to InsideTracker.

When you review your results, you’re given nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations for each biomarker that is not optimal. They also include an explanation of what each biomarker is/why it’s important, and some even include an informational video clip.

The personalized recommendations are based not only on your results, but from the information you provide about your activity, diet, sleep, stress, etc.

TIBC (red) – At Risk

Vitamin D (yellow) – Needs Improvement

Cortisol (green): Optimal

So, am I changing anything?

After going through my personalized recommendations, I am definitely going to be more diligent with my Vitamin D supplementation (already knew my Vitamin D was low – like most Americans), and I plan to increase my fish/wild salmon intake for not only Vitamin D, but protein as well.

Of my 4 At Risk biomarkers, the only recommendation given was for LDL which was to decrease consumption of coconut oil (a.k.a. saturated fat). I found it interesting that InsideTracker didn’t provide personalized recommendations for the other 3 biomarkers that were out of range.

I honestly didn’t know how to interpret my SHBG and TIBC, but after consulting with my naturopath, these aren’t critical values that need priority attention. And while my TIBC was high and my TS was low (confusing, right?), I do have sufficient iron and am not anemic.

My 116 LDL is out of range (>100), but it’s not a huge concern to neither me nor my doctor. High cholesterol is hereditary in my family and is mostly likely not due to lifestyle. Plus, my total cholesterol is normal.

InsideTracker recommended I switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet, but this doesn’t fit into my current health goals (oppositely, I’m trying to add a bit more meat for protein).

As for the high eosinophils, it’s not an alarming value considering I have a history of higher eosinophils.

How much does it cost?

There are different plans ranging from $49 to $589. You can see all of them here. I did the Ultimate test, complimentary of InsideTracker.

General Thoughts

Overall, I’m impressed with the service. It was super user friendly! Not only is the website with your personal dashboard easy to navigate, but they make the information understandable, even for someone who doesn’t have a background in nutrition.

Downsides?

While you don’t need a doctor to order the blood test/use the service (a huge perk!), I personally think it’s advisable to consult your health care provider before making any major changes — especially in terms of supplementation. You are able to print and/or email your results to your doctor. I chose to send them to my naturopth for a follow up appointment.

Would I do it again and/or recommend it?

Absolutely! You can even schedule to have a follow-up date in your profile so you’ll get a reminder to get your labs re-tested. If getting lab work done ever feels like a chore to you, this service makes the process headache-free. I think the information is highly valuable; however, I wouldn’t suggest replacing it for seeing your doctor.

With my holistic view, this comprehensive test of 43 biomarkers was largely helpful in adding beneficial information to the larger picture of my health, but it wasn’t the full picture. I have an extensive health history, and current chronic GI issues, so the few markers that are out of range are only small pieces of the puzzle. Again, I think this is why it’s important you use this service in conjunction with your health care providers (InsideTracker does encourage follow-ups with your doctor and to use your results as part of your overall medical/health plan).

Thanks, InsideTracker, for the inside look. While I’m happy it was a rather clean bill of health, my gut health is another story for another time…

Use this link to get 15% off any InsideTracker plan!

 

Lab work: fascinating or terrifying?

Do you get routine lab work?

 

 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary test from InsideTracker in exchange for this post. The information provided is my personal health information, and the review and opinions of the service are my own. 

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: InsideTracker

Friday Favorites // May 2019

May 24, 2019 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hi & happy Memorial Day Weekend!

It’s been a while since I just sat down and wrote, on my own blog. With my new Virtual Assistant work, I’ve been spending a lot of time writing and doing work behind the scenes for other blogs (which I love!), but I haven’t given my own space on the Internet much attention at all.

It happened to be be a bit of a slow, relaxing Friday morning over here, so I used that time to make an appearance here. Well, we did wake up early to take Koba to the vet (that precious pup is more high maintenance than her mom!), but otherwise, we don’t have much planned for the long holiday weekend ahead.

Friday Favorites // May 2019

Speaking of weekending, last weekend we made the trek up to East Tennessee (Knoxville area) for my friend’s wedding weekend. We camped at the venue (her in-law’s beautiful 27-acre piece of property) and had an absolutely amazing time. The long and straight 10+ hour drive up Interstate 75 each way was well worth it.

We spent the weekend disconnected from all schedules and screens, enjoying much-needed time in nature. Mosquito bites aside, our first taste of the lush Tennessee countryside was a really good one!

bonfires & beersbee / camping & canoeing / full moons & fireflies / fresh margaritas & fire pit roasted chickens / turtles, toads, tents & (handmade) teepees / muddy dogs & marriage vows

Fitness

I feel like I’m in a bit of a fitness rut or plateau. Since ending my Orangetheory Fitness membership, I’ve resorted to home workouts, which can be totally effective and fun no doubt, but don’t get me as excited about exercise as say going to the gym. Honestly, what I’m enjoying most right now is walking with Koba; but, they have to be timed just so with the weather or else she’ll turn around after a few blocks. Running is rarely appealing these days, which I think, again, is mostly due to the summer climate in the Southeast. Funny, seeing as though my blog is Nutrition Nut on the Run and much of the content on here since 2009 has been about running and training. Things change!

For now, it’s home workouts and walks and a short run (or occasional workout at the base gym) here and there.

Lately, I’ve been getting lot of my workout inspiration from @madeline_moves – check her out!

Food

Now that it is officially hot and humid every.damn.day in Florida, I’ve been craving all the light, fresh foods. It’s also my goal to get back into the kitchen and get out of my cooking rut now that I’m working from home. I have a feeling these falafels and my mom’s tabouli recipe will make an appearance again this summer.

Other favorites: these gluten-free crackers, this green juice, this vegan pesto (ALWAYS in our freezer!).

Fashion & Beauty

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

I got this inexpensive pair of blue light blocking glasses (“influenced” by @katie_levans) from Amazon. Now that I’m working from home and am in front of screens (too) many hours of the day, I figured a cheap pair of kinda fun (kinda dorky) glasses wouldn’t hurt to help prevent digital eye strain.

NOBULL Runners

I have been wearing these sneakers non-stop since I got them for Christmas. Nick told me just recently that I need new shoes because I wear them so much. They are very comfy (perhaps a bit loose around my ankles), and they’ve been my go-to for walks, (infrequent) runs and workouts.

High Neck Sports Bras

I am so glad high-waisted pants and high-neck tops are in because they’re my jam. It’s honestly what I feel best in currently. I recently found a few high-neck sports bras that I love to pair with my high-waisted leggings: the Lululemon Energy Bra Neck Neck and this striped Athleta bra.

Ursa Major Go Easy Daily Shampoo

I’ve been using this shampoo for a few months now and I’ve been really happy with it. In recent years, I’ve struggled with having a happy, healthy scalp; but, this shampoo and doing my best to wash my hair less frequently has been helpful. Ursa Major is a clean brand that Beautycounter supports. Double win!

Beautycounter Glow Shimmer Oil

I didn’t think I would be into this product, as I’m not a glittery person, but my winter white legs adore it! I mix a few drops in my moisturizer and it gives my skin a subtle bronze boost (and hint of shimmer) it so desperately needs. You can use on your face and in your hair, too. No toxic self-tanners needed here!

>> Beautycounter Memorial Day Sale – To celebrate Memorial Day, Beautycounter is offering 2 FREE Countersun products (our reef-friendly 3oz. mineral sunscreen mist + 1 oz. mineral sunscreen lotion, $35 value) with any purchase of $125! The offer is good through Tuesday, May 28.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend/unofficial start to summer!

xx Hill

Any fun Memorial Day Weekend plans?

Do you have any favorite high-neck sports bras? 

Filed Under: Life, Lifestyle, Travel

August Favorites

September 1, 2018 by Hillary 3 Comments

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle

What I’m Loving Lately | June 2018

June 1, 2018 by Hillary 2 Comments

Hey hey, happy Friday & happy JUNE! I’m definitely excited about this month as it includes another trip to Cali, the official start to summer, and my birthday! ☀

Before we get the weekend started, I want to share a few things that I’m lovin’ lately.

First things first, breakfast. I stumbled upon these paleo toaster waffles at Sprouts, and I’m obsessed. I’ve been trying to reduce my grain and sugar consumption (yet again) in order to heal my gut, and these are surprisingly good. I don’t typically crave savory breakfasts, so a couple of these topped with nut butter, sliced strawberries, and hemp seeds is my new favorite way to start the day… with collagen coffee of course.

Another recent food find is this Deep Dark Blackout Organic Chocolate by Alter Eco®. While I’m trying to reduce (key word) my sugar consumption, I still enjoy breaking off a piece of a quality dark chocolate bar on the daily. This bar is ridiculously smooth, buttery, and flavorful! It’s definitely a new favorite, and I hve tried a lot of 80+ percent cocoa dark chocolate bars.

This isn’t anything revolutionary, but I’ve been all about roasted potatoes. It helps that I finally figured how to cook them to perfection: cut up into fairly small pieces, toss in avocado oil + Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasonsing, and roast at 425F for 45 minutes. A hot oven makes all the difference.

What I’m Loving Lately | June 2018 ☀

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I can’t help but laugh at this one as I reminisce of my 16-year-old self and distressed Abercrombie & Fitch jean jacket that was a staple in my high school wardrobe… but, I recently found some cute finds at both A&F and Aerie (American Eagle). Thanks to killer Memorial Day Weekend sales, I scored a few new pieces for summer that were affordable and will probably last me another 12+ years. ?

Lastly, I announced earlier this week that I am now offering customized skincare consultations as a Beautycounter Consultant. This is an individualized skincare consultation that allows me the opportunity to tailor specific Beautycounter product recommendations to fit your unique skin care needs. This complimentary service is for anyone who is interested in Beautycounter – whether you are a past, current, or prospective client. I would love to help you make the switch to safer skincare enjoyable and rewarding! Click here to complete the skincare questionnaire; I will follow-up with you personally with customized recommendations based on your answers.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Chat soon,

Hill

What are you loving lately?

Any new food or fashion finds?

Filed Under: Beauty, Life, Lifestyle Tagged With: Alter Eco Deep Dark Blackout Organic Chocolate, Beautycounter Personalized Skincare Consultation, Birch Benders Paleo Toaster Waffles

5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Life

April 6, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Truth be told, Spring is not my favorite season (Fall is by far my favorite). Yes of course there are many wonderful things about this time of year, including budding blossoms and bluer skies, but for the past few years I’ve battled with seasonal allergies (I am currently broken out in hives), and they are a drag. I also tend to feel my thickest or heaviest during the spring/early summer – which makes little sense to me – but it’s an unfavorable pattern I’ve noticed. Petties aside, spring is undoubtedly a time to rejuvenate our lives with positive energy after a long winter that my have bogged us down.

One spring “trend” I can get behind is spring cleaning. If you didn’t know, I am a clean freak, minimalist, organizer, and persistent purger. I don’t leave spring cleaning to the second quarter of the year, rather you’ll find me cleaning out my closet and whatever other cupboards I can get my hands on all throughout the year. I don’t think spring cleaning needs to be left to your closet clutter, however.

This season is a time to weed out anything that is not serving you – thoughts, habits, relationships, emails, schedules – anything that is cramping your style. I encourage to do a little cleaning to make space for positive and fresh inspiration to grow — whether that’s a little more room in your closet, a few less emails in your inbox, or toxic relationships that steal too much of your energy. Here are a few tips to clean up and make room for peace of mind and serenity this spring.

5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Life

1 // Clear Up Your Calendar

I live by my color-coded Google calendar. If your calendar, whether it’s electronic or on paper, is stressing you out from being over-scheduled (and you, under-rested!), say no to social engagements and extracurriculars that don’t “fill up your cup.” If that’s easier said than done, at least schedule “me time” on your calendar – whatever that looks like to you. Writing it down will make it much more likely to happen. When you fill up your own cup, you will have more energy to give to your work and others.

2 // Swap Your Skin Care

If you’re wanting to clean up your health, don’t forget about your skin care and beauty products — questionable and harmful ingredients aren’t just found on food labels, but in your personal care products, too. Did you know that the European Union bans over 1,400 harmful chemicals from cosmetic products? How many do you think the United States bans? A mere 30! But Beautycounter is doing something about that by providing high-performing products that exclude over 1,500 questionable or harmful ingredients. Hello, safer skin care!

I encourage you to skim The Never List™ and then spend 10 minutes looking at the ingredient lists on your personal care products. You can even download the EWG’s Healthy Living App to assist you. Then, chose at least one product to swap out for a safer alternative.

After reading my ingredient list on my shampoo, I swapped it out for Beautycounter’s Daily Shampoo & Conditioner — my hair feel soft and clean, and it has a delicate citrus scent.

3 // Get Outside

If you’re like me, you might be a bit apprehensive about spending time outdoors during allergy season. But after a dark and cold winter, sunshine on your shoulders will inevitably boost your mood. Whether it is a hike, walking the dog around the neighborhood, a 15-minute backyard workout, or eating a meal al fresco, a dose of Vitamin D is good for anybody (just make sure to wear your SPF).

4 // Purge Pictures & Apps… and emails, too!

Clutter doesn’t have to be physical. It’s hiding on your phone, your computer(s), and all of your other devices, too. Whether it’s 10 minutes or one hour, block off time on your calendar to delete unnecessary files — all that data is takin’ up space somewhere. Delete apps, empty your trash, clear your browser caches. If your email inboxes are an eye sore, try using an unsubscribe service to manage the mess by mass elimination.

5 // Mellow Out Your Mornings

Chronic stress is good for nothing. Getting a handle on it can be as simple as managing how you start your mornings. This will look different for everyone, but maybe it’s sitting in a comfy chair as soon as you wake and spending five minutes meditating or focusing on your breath. Maybe it looks like keeping your phone out of reach until after you have sipped half of cup of collagen coffee technology-free, or maybe it is taking a few minutes to write down your intentions for the day. I’ve been enjoying The Five-Minute Journal for such.

5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Life

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Leave a comment!

How are you “spring cleaning” your life?

Did you swap out a skin care product for a safer alternative?

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Filed Under: Beauty, Lifestyle Tagged With: Beautycounter Daily Conditioner, Beautycounter Daily Shampoo, Spring Clean Your Life, the five minute journal

Friday Favorites

March 30, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hey there, happy good Friday!

I want to share a few favorites… unlike last week’s post, Loving Myself Through A New Season of Life, we are going to keep things light and upbeat today!

Without further adieu… a few Friday Favorites!

Kombucha & ‘kraut // I am loving the limited edition Pure Love flavor of kombucha — the rose flavor is on point. And Nick and I are both devouring the sauerkraut from Trader Joe’s. Two delicious sources of probiotics.

Beautycounter Body Butter // This moisturizer is not greasy or heavy, yet it’s rich and hydrating (and you don’t need to use a whole lot). I love it on my hands, feet, legs… just about everywhere! It has a dreamy citrus scent, like an orange grove, that is light and energizing.

Beautycounter Rejuvenating Toner Pads // I crave this step in my skin care routine. I seriously can’t use one of the pads soon enough after cleansing my face. My face feels so refreshed after every use, and I think I owe my skin’s softness in part to these guys.

Army Green Manicure // I’ve been wanting an army/olive green mani for-ever and I finally found the perfect polish: Suzi – The First Lady of Nails by OPI. I am definitely going to get a pedicure with this color soon, too!

Paula the Palm (a.k.a our first house plant) // I hope I can keep it alive, as I have not been known to have a green thumb.

This article // The Last Conversation You’ll Ever Need to Have About Eating Right — Mark Bittman & David L. Katz

“Beans are really, really, really good for us. Identifying compounds in beans that are potentially “toxic” is like noting that air contains oxygen, which can be toxic.”

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Did you know there will be a Blue Moon Saturday? It’s the second full moon in March.

Ciao for now!

Hill

 

I’d love to hear about your favorite, too, if you’d like to share in the comments below.

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Filed Under: Beauty, Lifestyle, Uncategorized Tagged With: Beautycounter Body Butter, Beautycounter Rejuvenating Toner Pads, OPI- The First Lady of Nails, Pure Love Kombucha

Favorites Lately

March 11, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Sunday, you’re my favorite. I just finished off a pan of the ultimate grain-free brownies, and I have the urge to write — right here in this sacred little space.

Getting into this ol’ blogging thing after a bit of a hiatus, I’ve been told that you should focus on evergreen content – that stuff that is timeless and your audience will want to come back to over and over again (i.e. this muffin recipe) – but, sometimes I simply want to write about my weekend or what I’m loving lately, and that is okay. Because while surely there is a method to the madness that is blogging and “online influencing”, authentic, casual, conversational writing has its time and place, too.

Favorites Lately

The Five Minute Journal // While adjusting to life in Florida is going better than I honestly expected, it is not all rainbows and butterflies. I hate to break it to you, but Instagram is just a highlight reel. This little journal has been my daily morning and evening “meditation”, prompting me to set intentions and reflections for each day.

Beautycounter Plumping Facial Oil // This face oil smells absolutely uh-mazing. The scent of jasmine is luxuriously calming. I have been adding a few drops to my morning moisturizer, as well as using it at night on top of a retinol serum.

Beautycounter Volumizing Mascara // Hello, big bold lashes! I usually opt for a lengthening mascara, but this has been a fun change. I don’t wear much makeup at all, but I literally get excited to put on this mascara.

Homemade Waffles // Well, waffles aren’t exactly a new favorite, but I’ve been enjoying making a double batch of waffles on the weekend (using this gluten-free baking & pancake mix) and freezing the leftovers to have on-hand for breakfasts. Today, I added cinnamon and almond extract to the batter, mmm!

Costco Finds // I’ll admit this doesn’t scream enticing, but Costco has delivered lately for this health nut, including: 48oz. bags of almond flour for $12.99 (which I use regularly for baking), fresh organic blueberries, organic dark roast coffee beans, and avocado oil.

Favorite Reads //

How to Seed Cycle + Why You Should For Glowing Hormone Health — The Chalkboard

A Letter to Myself & Anyone Who Needs It — Ambitious Kitchen 

 

I hope you’ve had a restful weekend albeit the time change. I’ll be honest, I didn’t realize it was Daylight Savings until Saturday evening. Ready or not, I always appreciate the extra hour of daylight.

Have a great week… hopefully I’ll catch you over on Instagram! xo

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Filed Under: Beauty, Lifestyle Tagged With: beautycounter plumping facial oil, beautycounter volumizing mascara, the five minute journal

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“Anxiety is a symptom, not a diagnosis.” - Dr. “Anxiety is a symptom, not a diagnosis.” - Dr. George Papanicolaou

It’s no secret that I suffer from chronic anxiety and panic attacks. Or at least I don’t intend it to be. Because while there can be a lot of shame and embarrassment around both of these, I know I’m not alone in my experiences. While I’ve leaned toward the more anxious side most of life, my bothersome anxiety has steadily increased since my mid-twenties - some periods being worse than others. 

It’s not a complete surprise that my mental health has taken a dip during my first full gloomy Seattle winter — in the height of a pandemic. 

Here are some ways I have been nurturing my body & mind as I work with a team of practitioners to work on understanding the **root causes** of my panic, and to live with more ease. 

» no coffee (not even decaf)

» meditating regularly - I’m using @insighttimer 

» gentle movement

» weekly therapy sessions

» attempting cold showers (this is hard for me!): if you’re interested, you can research how this impacts the nervous system

» working with a naturopathic doctor to focus on gut + hormone health

» trying a new Rx - a decision that took years of consideration

» lastly, opening myself up to vulnerable conversations/sharing my story and my experiences in efforts to reduce any shame and connect with others 

I am not my anxiety. 

[image: a photo I snapped to send to my mom of my naturally red palm holding my Rx on the first day I took it]
This rare blue sky day in February is having me da This rare blue sky day in February is having me day dreaming about long, light-filled summer days... they’ll be here soon. 

#pikeplacemarket #seattlewashington
Leavenworth, WA • Where To Eat🍴 I was expect Leavenworth, WA • Where To Eat🍴

I was expecting all things beer, brats and pretzels in Leavenworth (not really my jam) 🍺🥨🧀, and while there’s plenty of it, I was delighted to find plenty of delicious eats for my “foodie” taste. 

We went to all of these 3 places more than once during our quick stay - highly recommend! 

☕️ @argonautespressobar: Located at one end of Front Street, this adorable coffee bar has delicious espresso drinks, breakfast items, and the best view! 

🥐 @tumwaterbakery: Incredible pastries, avocado toast on artisanal bread that’s a feast for your eyes... and I’m eager to go back and try their wood-fired pizza! 

🍜 @yodelinbroth: Literally some of the best food I’ve had (ever!), and that’s saying a lot. I had the Yodelin soup with housemade wild PNW halibut bone coconut curry broth, udon noodles, heaps of veggies and wild salmon - it was nourishing to my core as we ate it outside in 30 degree weather. I even bought some of the broth to recreate this meal at home, yum! 

#nutritionnuteats #leavenworthwa
winter wonderland getaway ✔️ We had snow much winter wonderland getaway ✔️

We had snow much fun exploring the picturesque Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA for a much-needed mid-week getaway to the mountains. 🏔

We stayed in a cozy little cabin @logecamps right on the Wenatchee River (one day I’ll be back to stay at the stunning @phleavenworth), played in Enchantment Park, took a drive to Lake Wenatchee, and discovered some of the best food downtown (I’m saving my food recs for another post).

Nestled between the snow-capped Cascade Mountains with the river running through town, it’s quite magical in the middle of winter. ❄️ I’m already dreaming of heading back for some summer adventures!
I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in Florida for two years.

#takemetothemountains #snowday
dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, f dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, forgiving, loving, energetic, protective, best friend.
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