In Pursuit of Wellness // August 2024

Well, my eating habits have not been great. I had originally told myself I would stick to my dietary restrictions, but that went out the window as soon as the cravings hit. And now, when I weigh myself every Monday (or Tuesday if I forget), I feel pretty terrible about myself. On one hand, I should probably stop checking the scale. On the other hand, it’s helpful to track my weight in case there is a huge jump my doctor needs to be made aware of. Double-edge sword anyone? Anyway, I’m trying to be positive, but it’s been difficult. And at the end of the day, I struggle a lot with sugar and sweets.

Current Weight (CW): 196.9 lbs

Favorite Food: Tillamook “Mudslide” Ice cream is SO delicious. And super addictive. We buy a container about once a month and it’s hard for me not to eat a cup of it every night when we have it. I know, I know. It’s terrible for me, and I need to stop.

Movement: Lately, it’s been a combination of running, walking, and weights. I head to the gym once a week. I run 2-3x a week. And I walk once a week depending on how I am feeling and of course the heat. Sometimes this looks like three or four solid days of exercise. In other weeks, there are just two. But the point is to keep moving and doing something. However, I am sometimes so tired that I don’t have much energy left to fit in a walk.

Quick Journal: Seeing the number on the scale go up has affected me - I won’t lie. I worked really hard to lose 40+ lbs and then to see that number go back up, it’s hard. Plus, I’ve always had issues with my weight. That said, I know that pregnancy comes with weight gain. And I know it’s different for everyone. But even though I tell myself this fact (constantly) I still struggle to get past it. I struggle with feeling bad about myself and my body. Especially on weigh-in days.

Overall, I am doing better though. While I have bad days regarding my weight, I still try to eat about 60% healthy/40% not-so-healthy. I still make an effort to work out, even if it’s not always consistent. And I try to keep a positive attitude. I let myself know this is a beautiful time, and I’m growing a little human inside of my body. Which I am grateful for. And in the end, I’ll be able to work hard again to drop the weight. I’ve done it once so I know I can do it again. It may be a little different, and it may take a little bit more time, but I can do it.

In Pursuit of Wellness // June 2024

A lot has changed since the last time I wrote about my wellness journey. I had a little health scare. I had to switch up supplements. I was benched from running for a whole month. And then switched up my diet plan. So, it’s been an interesting few months, to say the least.

Current Weight (CW): 186.6 lbs

Favorite Food: Cold Tomatoes with salt. This has been my go-to snack. I take two tomatoes, slice them up, and then sprinkle them with salt. Things in Texas are hot and humid right now. So, on most days when I want something cold and refreshing, this does the trick.

Movement: Running! I was given the green light to start running again. Though, I have to slowly build up my mileage. Currently, I’m doing 1.5 miles. After this week I can up it to 2.5 miles. I tried doing other exercises while I was benched, but they just did not make me feel the same. I’m sure it’s all mental, but I’m just super happy to be out on the roads/trails again!

Quick Journal: My diet has not been great. And I’ve had some stressors in my life lately that I’m trying to manage. So, not only has my stress gone up but I've also had a touch of depression and anxiety. I've been able to manage this by getting outside and listening to ASMR. I believe this has helped so I feel okay about where I'm at both physically and mentally. My next step will be to cut dairy products out again and then go back to limiting added sugar. I'm hoping this will help me feel much better. 

Overall, things are going well. While I’ve gained weight, there’s a reason for it, and I plan on taking the steps necessary to maintain a healthy weight for where I'm at this season. That said, after just one week of being able to run the scale has shown that I’ve slowed the weight gain. Now, the diet change won’t happen overnight, but I’m feeling positive. Also, I do plan on incorporating some strength training going forward. I’m trying to get a schedule worked out for that, and here’s hoping I can start next week. 

Maintaining Lifestyle Changes // Meals, Snacks, and Workouts

Today, I wanted to give you a glimpse into what I eat in a day. Even on the days when I pick fast food. And also, what kind of movement I incorporated. So, without further ado, let’s get right to it.

Photo by Derick McKinney on Unsplash

Maintaining Lifestyle Changes // Part II

You’re looking at someone who ate fast food 4x a week, didn’t like to be parted from her sweet tea, had chocolate once a day, drank all the sugary coffee drinks, and couldn’t say “no” to food. I also consumed A LOT of processed foods that were heavy on preservatives. I tried different fad diets. And looking back, it’s no wonder I always yo-yo’d and could never keep the weight off. I thought substituting certain things like almond milk for dairy made them “healthy.” And if the labels read, “organic”, “gluten-free”, or “no sugar” I believed that meant that they were also healthy. However, after seven months of these dietary restrictions, I now know that this is not the case. So, today, I’m going to talk about the food we eat and the food habits we’ve had to change. What’s worked for us, and what we’ve had difficulty with. Also, please note a lot of the times when I say “we” when talking about cooking I really mean my husband. Anywho, let’s get started.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Maintaining Lifestyle Changes // Part I

Recently, I had a request to write about how I implemented, and currently maintain my dietary restrictions. And how I implemented certain lifestyle changes and maintained them as well. Now, this all started when I had my labs done. After reviewing everything with Dr. Hogan, we knew that getting better and reversing the damage I had caused myself was going to take a lot of work. My entire lifestyle would have to change - not just my diet. And let me tell you, it was not easy. If I’m being honest, some days are still hard. So, I’m going to post about a few things that have worked for me. What we did, and how we did it. What we’ve given up, what we’ve changed, and what we’ve been able to bring back. And finally, what the plan is going forward. First up will be lifestyle changes and buckle up because this will get long.

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

The Flu & Searching for a New Doctor

Last week, I was taken out by Flu B. My daughter had it the week before and was prescribed Tamiflu so it only lasted about 4 days. For me, the flu lasted 6 days, and then a sinus infection took over for the next 5 days. And while I can finally breathe without the assistance of a NeilMed Sinus Rinse and a warm humidifier, I still have congestion and drainage. It’s been fun. Out of this whole experience, I had two takeaways. 1) I need to start getting the flu shot because I’m too old to be out for 10+ days. 2) I need to find a new primary care physician (PCP) because I haven’t seen mine in the past 4 years and I’ve had plenty of appointments within that time frame.

My PCP has taken on way more patients than she can see. And because of that, the majority of us are repeatedly pushed off to the nurse practitioner (NP) - which is fine - only they change every few months. This time, I started experiencing symptoms on a Friday, and my appointment was scheduled for Monday. After my test came back positive for Flu B, which I expected, they said I would have to wait it out. Then when I called two days later, explaining my symptoms were worse, and also pointing towards a sinus infection I was told I would have to have those symptoms for an additional 10 days before they could look at other treatment options. They told me to stick with OTC congestion meds that were not working. And I tried them all. DayQuil/NyQuil. Theraflu. Allegra-D. Afrin. Mucinex. Ibuprofen. Elderberry. Nothing was touching my symptoms or my fevers for those first 6 days.

Then my congestion got so bad that I couldn’t breathe properly. I started having difficulty catching my breath, and we could all clearly hear the wheezing when I tried. At night, I woke up choking frequently, and I was only getting about 4 hours of sleep (2 hours at a time). I finally asked my boss about a device he used, as he was getting sinus infections almost monthly before he had surgery, and he recommended a NeilMed Sinus Rinse. And don’t you know, that thing worked like a charm? There was a lot of disgusting stuff that came out of my nose within the first 3 uses. And then continued for the following 3 days. But it brought me some much-needed relief. And by Saturday, I was at 75% with a few sinus headaches and occasional stuffyness. But I was still able to run the Cowtown 10k, which is what really matters because I had spent a good chunk of money on that race. And I was able to attend the AMA Supercross event with my family. By Sunday night, I was finally able to get 7 hours of sleep. And it was glorious! 

Anyway, all of this is to say that this next fall/winter I'll be getting the flu shot. Your girl can't risk being taken out like that again. And I wish the NP or even my PCP would have given me Tamiflu or a steroid shot. Anything to get some relief and be able to rest. I originally chose my PCP because she didn’t just throw meds at her patients for every little thing. Which I still think is wonderful. However, when you have a patient who has already missed 4 days of work, isn’t getting very much sleep, runs high fevers for more than 6 days, has clear symptoms of a sinus infection, and is having issues breathing - give them a damn shot. Give them something. Telling them that they have to suffer for an additional 10 days and maybe then they can be given something is just ridiculous in my opinion. We’re technically in a “rural” area so options for doctors are pretty limited. But I really wish I could find one with a happy medium. One that doesn’t throw meds at every little thing, but understands that sometimes patients NEED something. For now, she'll still continue to be my PCP but I'll be on the lookout, and seeking recommendations for other doctors. 

In Pursuit of Wellness // February 2024

Last year, I briefly touched base on my health. At the time, things were looking a little not-so-great. The words “diabetes” and “cardiac event” listed in red on my lab paperwork were kind of scary. And so, I had to start working on reversing these issues before they became huge problems that I couldn’t fix anymore. With that, I started on a different kind of journey. One that didn’t focus on the scale, but rather on overall wellness, movement, and being selective about the food I consumed. Thanks to Dr. Hogan, and my wonderful husband’s cooking skills - the tough changes that I had to make became bearable. That said, I wasn’t exactly sure how this would turn out. Before, I used to have this obsession with losing weight and being thin. It was as if I gauged my worth based on what size clothing I fit into and what number was listed on the scale. And if I’m being honest, I still struggle with my relationship with food. The dietary restrictions I have been placed on have allowed me to see just how bad that relationship had gotten too.

After 8 weeks on my plan, Dr. Hogan* extended it another 8 weeks. Then, I got more blood work done in December. The results were positive! I was actually reversing the damage I had caused, and the weight was coming off. My numbers were moving in the right direction, but not quite where my doctor wanted them. So, she extended the plan by another 3 months. But then, Christmas happened. Followed by New Year's. Then I was gifted a large amount of chocolate (which I ate), and when our well pump broke in the middle of January we consumed a good amount of takeout during that time. And just as quickly as I had made the changes, I had slipped up. For the most part, I stuck by my dietary restrictions, I just indulged too much during those 6 weeks. While I did feel terrible, I opted to give myself some grace. I let Dr. Hogan know about the setback. And then my husband and I decided to start the plan over again. So, January 29 was our reset date. We got rid of a lot of things in our pantry that were tempting, and I started working on my workout/run schedule.

Now, I was super hesitant to post anything about weight on here. If you’ve followed along for a while you probably saw my “Weight Loss Weigh-in” series. Looking back, I feel bad about the place I was in, mentally, as I struggled with my self-esteem and weight. I would weigh myself every other day and feel like complete crap if the number didn’t change or if I gained. But I’m in a different headspace now. So, I don’t want to put that kind of “content” out there. I don’t want to slide back into those old habits either. However, I would like to document some of the positives that have come out of these new lifestyle changes. So, I’m going to write about my experience every once in a while. Maybe every other month. Just to track how I’m feeling, what movement I’ve been enjoying, and what snack/meal I can’t seem to get enough of at that time. Or maybe I’ll change my mind. We shall see.

For this post, I will list my starting weight (before any restrictions/my highest weight last summer), current weight (I weigh myself once a month for Dr. Hogan), and goal weight (this is the number Dr. Hogan recommended). I will also list my BMI numbers. Now, I’ve talked to Dr. Hogan about what I would like to see, and what is most important to me, which isn’t necessarily weight-related. So, that goal weight number may never be reached - which I would be perfectly okay with. My focus is on balanced hormones, and having a healthy body (inside and out) that allows me to be around for a long time - God willing. Going forward, any posts I make will only reference my current weight (CW) for that month. So, let’s get to it, shall we?

Starting Weight (SW): 211 lbs
Current Weight (CW): 183 lbs
Goal Weight (GW): 141 lbs
Starting/Current/Goal BMI: 35.6/32.4/25

Favorite Food: Cashews! Oh man, I can’t get enough of these. They have been my go-to snack for the past 6 months. I'm actually snacking on them right now. I get the H-E-B brand labeled “Roasted & Lightly Salted”. And I can go through a 32 oz bag in a week. Oddly, I haven’t gotten tired of them yet. Some days I actually crave them. I’ll grab a handful between meals, and sometimes when I need a snack in the afternoon because I don’t feel full - I grab another handful or two.

Movement: I started going back to the gym twice a week for anywhere between 30 - 45 minutes. Some days I would lift weights, and other days I just walked on the treadmill or hopped on the elliptical. Since I haven’t been as consistent with running as I would like, though I’m hoping I get back into a grove soon, my goal is to just move for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. That said, we’ve decided to make some cuts due to our budget, and well, the gym membership will be one of those I drop this month. So, I’ll be looking at doing at-home workouts starting in March. Wish me luck!

Quick Journal: While I can make it through my days, my energy levels are not where I would like them. Even when I get 7.5 hours of sleep I don’t feel rested. And I’m also struggling with a lack of focus. It’s affecting both my work and home life. I space out a lot. So, I plan to talk to Dr. Hogan about this the next time we check in. I’ve also noticed some changes in my emotions during my cycle, and while it’s not concerning - it’s different. We’ll see if this is just a shift, or if it’ll be permanent.

Overall, I feel like this is a good start. It wasn’t as hard to get back on track as I originally thought it would be. Having to decline eating out is probably the biggest struggle. Well, no, saying “no” to chocolate is the biggest struggle. And while I plan to stick with my restrictions, after these next 3 months we’ve (Corey and I) decided that I am allowed a “day pass” as a reward at the end of each month. I will get a day of eating whatever I want (in moderation of course). Whether that’s pan dulce, bread, pasta, chocolate, cheeseburgers, soda, sweet tea, pizza, or comfort foods - I can say yes for the day. This gives me something to work towards and look forward to having. I believe it will help me with discipline and self-control as well. For now, that’s the plan. I hope it continues to bring about a lot of positive changes.

*I’m not being compensated for anything written in this post regarding Dr. Olivia Hogan & her services. She's just doing a lot of good for women’s health & I am so proud. Super grateful too! She’s helped me understand a lot about what’s going on with my body. If you’re in Texas & interested in learning more about her services you can do so HERE on her website

I Neglected My Health & Now I Have to Fix It

If you’ve been around here you know that I have “yo-yo’d” in weight. I’ve been told by doctors that I have a thyroid problem, that my cortisol levels are always really high, and that I need to cut out gluten. I was told that I needed to eat less than 1,200 calories a day and work out for an hour, 4-5x a week just to stop the weight gain. But none of that worked. And no one ever really explained what any of my numbers meant or how it was affecting my body. Sometimes, others would look over what the doctors had interpreted and question why I was being “treated” a certain way if it wasn’t going to help or address my issues. The frustration of not knowing, continuing to gain weight, and struggling with conceiving finally came to a breaking point this past summer. 

One of my sisters, Dr. Hogan*, is a Functional Medicine practitioner and part of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. At the end of July, I asked her for some help and she put in an order to have some blood work done. A week after having labs done, my results came in and there was a lot to discuss. I had a few red flags, but also some improvements - both my cortisol levels and thyroid looked fine. We went over every single result, and what it meant. She explained how it was affecting my body, and answered any questions that I had. Nothing was too dumb or off the table. Unfortunately, those red flags were pretty concerning so we went over a treatment plan. It consisted of a specific meal plan for the next 8 weeks (currently on week 5), exercise, supplements tailored to my needs, and learning the proper way to fuel my body. Goodbye, 1,200 calorie restriction. But y’all…it’s been an adjustment.

We’ve had to undergo a lot of changes. Getting rid of plastic food containers, and anything with perfume. I have to be very selective about the food I consume. There’s a lot that’s been taken out, and honestly, if it weren’t for Corey’s cooking skills I might not have made it this far. Also, the amount of supplements I have to take each day is just…UGH. But, if I want to reverse the damage, and prevent any major future health problems it has to be done. So, Corey and I dove right into it. We did a pantry/fridge cleanse. I got rid of all the beauty/hygiene products that I could without being wasteful. And while this was initially a bit pricey, we’ve been able to make slight adjustments to our grocery budget which helps. Sidenote: We CHOSE to make the majority of the changes from the get-go, Dr. Hogan said we could take baby steps.

Right now, the hardest part has been cutting out sugar. Chocolate, cookies, ice cream, coffee creamer, cake, and my beloved sweet tea. And because I can’t have creamer I’ve had to get creative on how I get my daily dose of caffeine. One word: smoothies. Even with a workaround, I’ve cut back dramatically on the amount of caffeine I consume each day and my body is feeling it. By 7 p.m. I’m ready for bed, and it takes a lot of mental strength to keep me going. Other “side effects” have been low energy, mood swings, irritability, and a small bout of depression. I’m hoping after week 5, these will start to subside. And fingers crossed that by week 7 I’ll feel much better. But isn’t that crazy? How my body is reacting to removing all of the crap I was putting into it. It’s been interesting, and somewhat surprising. I knew I would go through “withdrawals,” but I didn’t realize how extreme some of them would be.

All of this to say, prioritize your health. Ask the questions. Get second or third opinions. Listen to your body. Invest in a nutritionist if you can. Consider taking toxic products out of your home. Though trust me when I say that I totally understand sometimes you can’t afford to do that. Do some movement for 30 minutes a day. Get some rest. And know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. My treatment is probably completely different from what yours could be and it may require more/less baby steps. But it’s worth it! From August 15 to today, I have lost just over seven pounds. Will that continue? I don’t know, but I’m hopeful. While I’m not feeling the absolute best during this stage, I can feel my body getting stronger. The brain fog I was in before is slowly lifting too. Now, I’m just praying that it’s helping internally as well. Though you better believe I’m having some dang chocolate cake at the end of these 8 weeks. Talk about a delicious incentive.

*I’m not being compensated for this, I’m just truly proud of Olivia and how much good she’s doing for women’s health. She’s helped me understand a lot about what’s going on with my body. If you’re in Texas & interested in learning more about her services you can do so here on her website.

Charlotte’s Web #HempOil - An Honest “Review”

Before we get started with the review I wanted to give you three bits of information I think are important to be upfront about. One: CBD oil comes from the marijuana plant. There’s no getting around that. Hemp oil comes from the hemp plant. Yes, there is a difference. Two: No. It’s NOT legal in all fifty states. Depending on where you live you could find yourself with a nice fine or even risk jail time if you’re caught with it. Do your research. And three: Depending on the mg amount, your water consumption, activity level, AND just your body in general there is a possibility you could pop positive on a drug test. Though the majority of the lower mg products contain less than .3% THC there have been reports of people failing drug tests, and getting in trouble with their employers. So, depending on the state that you live in, and the employment policies your workplace has I’d definitely proceed with caution.

Now, I’m still a little confused as to the whole “CBD Oil” vs. “Hemp Oil” label thing. Their are several companies that originally had their products labeled as CBD Oil, but within the passed year they've switched over to Hemp Extract Oil. If you didn’t know there was a difference between marijuana and hemp here’s a great article that breaks it down for you. When I threw out some questions to the CBD community over on Twitter I was given several different answers. But the majority of them talked about a loophole for companies to be able to sell their products to all fifty states if it was labeled as “hemp”. So, do with that what you will. And little of my background history for you before we dive into the effects: I was officially diagnosed with depression at a young age, and then anxiety a few years ago. I’ve been on medication off and on for a handful of years because for the most part I can manage it on my own. I’m also a huge fan of therapy, and counselling. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed that I’m not fond of the whole “trial & error” process that comes with needing to find my right dosage, and strength when the time comes for me to start my medication again. So, that’s when I started looking into alternatives. A way to possibly not need medication again if I could keep things in check consistently. This is when CBD (Cannabidiol) oil was mentioned to me by a friend who lives in a state where marijuana is legal. I started looking into the benefits, and then I came across an article over on POPSUGAR that talked about how CBD oil basically "demolished" the author's anxiety so I was intrigued to say the least. But with everything going on in my life at the time I wasn’t sure if this was an option for me. I ended up putting the idea off on the back burner for awhile.

Then, one afternoon back in June, I was told that our local health food store had started to sell CBD oil. It turned out to actually be hemp oil. After a particularly rough day I found myself pulling into their parking lot and walked back out with a bottle of bluebird hemp complete. It tasted like crap, y’all. I mean really awful. But I stuck with it. After two weeks of taking 1-2 dropper fulls a day I realized that this was NOT helping at all. I was having a lot of anxiety, and I was still unable to sleep through the night. So, I stopped taking it. As luck would have it though, the following week a friend of mine gave me a bottle of Charlotte’s Web Everyday Plus in Mint Chocolate that they were no longer using. I thanked them for it, and decided to give the oil another go. And that's what brings us to today! This is not my first time hearing about this brand, but it's the first time I had heard that they offered CBD products. Charlotte’s Web by the Stanley Brothers has several different products that they offer which vary from oils, to capsules, to creams. They even have some items for pets too! And as I mentioned before they are one of the many companies that have recently changed the product name as well as their labels. So even though mine says “Everyday Plus” it’s now called “Hemp Extract Oil Plus”, and that’s what I’ll be addressing it as. They state that their products help maintain:

Support for normal, everyday stresses* 

Healthy recovery from exercise* 

Support a sense of calm for focus*

The Extract Oil Plus in Mint Chocolate tastes pretty good to me. They also offer it in Olive Oil if chocolate isn’t your thing. The oil is smooth, and it’s not bitter or grainy feeling. You can take it on it’s own, in coffee, a smoothie, or a protein shake if you’d like. It comes in a 30 ml or 100 ml size bottle. Depending on the size and strength you get these can cost anywhere between $40-$275. The one I have is in a 30 ml bottle, contains 28 mg of hemp extract per serving, and costs $75. So yes, these do cost a pretty penny. Also, the servings per container says 30, but the recommended dosage is two 1 ml (dropper full) per day. This means that it technically only comes with enough for 15 servings. That's not even enough for thirty days which is a red flag for me. Now, all of that aside, does this product actually work? Well, for me the answer was kind of. I took half a dropper (.5ml) twice a day. During the first week, I started to sleep for longer periods throughout the night. Where once I had been waking up 4+ times a night I was now only waking up once or twice. I also noticed that it helped with muscle soreness. After one pretty strenuous work out I woke up feeling really stiff the next morning. I mean, I was walking around like I had shit my pants or something. I know you know what I’m talking about. It hurt just getting up out of my chair, and walking a few feet to the printer at work. So, on that day I took an extra half dose and my muscles felt so much better by the time I had to hit the track later that afternoon. I was honestly really surprised by that. By week two I could tell that I wasn't feeling so stressed out when it came to little stuff. However, the downside is that by the end of week three my dosage had to be increased. Sometimes my anxiety felt worse if I missed a day too. And if I took my second dose of the day too early I would still have sleep issues. So, I had to start taking it around 9 or 10 pm. The only thing it was still helping me with consistently, regardless of the dosage, was recovery after workouts. And by the fourth week, that was the only benefit I was getting anymore. I continued taking it until I finished the bottle, but I felt like I would have to buy the next level up to get anymore benefits. And with such a high price tag, it just didn’t seem worth it to me at all.

So, overall I would say that this particular product would be great for people who suffer from stress only. And it’s absolutely wonderful for muscle recovery as well so I think athletes would definitely benefit from it. But for those of us who suffer from depression, anxiety, or both I believe this is entirely too weak to do much of anything. Not to mention that it’s really really expensive. After talking to a few people I was told that the Stanley Brothers do produce some great products, but the price tag could have a lot more to do with the name than anything else. Since then, I've sampled a few other products and have found some that I'd like to try in the future. Thankfully, I have a boss who understands why I'm trying to find an alternative so it's not an issue for me work wise. I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to find a healthy balance between exercise, food consumption, and an oil/capsule supplement that will help me stay off of prescription medication for good. And it's not just about disliking medication because I'm totally grateful to have them. They helped me out tremendously during some of my lowest points. It's more about being aware of what I'm putting into my body, how it's affects me long term, and wanting something that will help me get to a place where I can manage my issues on my own full time. Because I want to be in control of my own mind, and I don't want to let my emotions take the lead. That is what I'm ultimately after. 

What about you? Do you suffer from anxiety or any other mental health issues? Have you found something that works for you? Any other thoughts, or research for me to look at in regards to CBD oil? Ever thought about giving CBD oil a try? I'm all ears, and totally open to recommendations. You know how to reach me.

#LOVEBUG - An Honest Probiotic "Review"

Okay, so at the end of August last year I was *sent a box of probiotics by this company called lovebug to try out. Now, when it comes to MY health I'm hardly ever up to speed on supplements. I know, I know. I always forget to take my vitamins, and I usually put off doctor visits to the very last minute. My idea of research is usually to send a text to my sister-in-law asking "Hey, will this kill me?" or "So, do the ingredients in this look sketchy?" If she says "You're good to go." I proceed. If she says "Yea...maybe you shouldn't...some of those ingredients I've never even heard of." Well, I still give it a go if it's a fitness supplement (because fatburners aren't technically good for you anyway), but if it's anything else I put it back. This box was no different. And guess what, y'all? I was given the green light.

First let me just give you a brief overview of what probiotics do for you. There are a lot of people out there that suffer from digestive issues. You know, that cramping pain, or frequent constipation? And other times it seems like you get sick basically every month, or maybe start to have persistent headaches that feel like they came out of nowhere. Sometimes the problem is as simple as you having had one too many tacos. Or maybe you just aren't eating that well overall and it's catching up to you? However, it can also be the cause of a bacteria imbalance in your gut. Weird right? We have over 100 trillion bacteria in our bodies. Both the good kind, and the bad ones. And having too much of the bad bacteria can send your immunity system down the drain, and cause you lot of discomfort. So, a probiotic is taken to introduce good bacteria back into your gut which then makes you feel a hell of a lot better. If you want to get more information on the scientific side there are a lot of articles that lovebug publishes, and even doing a simple Google search will bring up a lot of information for you to peruse through at your convenience. 

Now, I know you're probably thinking "What's the difference between this probiotic compared to lets say any other probiotic that you'd find at your local Wal-Mart or Target?" Right? Well, the three major differences that lovebug claim to offer are that they're pills are 15x more effective, consist of a blend of bacteria strains rather than just a single strain, and they don't include any unnecessary ingredients. So basically, what they're saying is that their pills will make it all the way down into your gut despite all of the stomach acids it will have to travel through. They call this "BIO-tract technology".  And they're going to be delivering several strains that total to 3 billion good bacteria in a single dose (one pill). AND they aren't going to throw anything else into the mix. They are gluten-free, non-gmo, and they don't add unnecessary additives. They offer four adult probiotic supplements, two of those specifically for women, and then four others that are for children (by age group). When you order through their website you get to choose the number of bottles you would like to have delivered each month, and shipping is on them. Prices vary depending on which product you choose. However, if a subscription isn't your thing (or maybe you just aren't into long term commitments) then they also offer their products over on Amazon that gives you a "one time purchase" option. They don't hike up the prices either. All of these probiotics range between $26-$32 bucks in both buying options for a one month supply.  

Finally lets talk about what I actually thought about them. I tried all of these supplements over the course of five months. I'm bad at this remember? I'll start by saying that I really loved the packaging. As you can see they came in bright blue, glass, bottles. All of the ingredients, and directions were listed on the back. The size of these pills weren't what I would normally call "horse pills", BUT I did have a little trouble there at first. Once I got that down, everything was smooth sailing. After the first two weeks I was able to notice some subtle differences. I started with  "Here's The Skinny", followed it up with "Yeast is a Beast", and finished up with "Colds Suck". Now, all of these helped keep my digestive system, ahem, on track. Every morning. However, after the first week of being on "Yeast is a Beast" there was something a little unusual (for me) happening. If you're a guy reading this, skip ahead, or don't. Your choice. Now, vaginal discharge is just a part of a woman's body. Unless it's a pretty weird color, accompanied by itching/burning, and has a nasty odor there isn't much to worry about. I noticed after taking "Yeast is a Beast" that mine became really stringy. This kind of discharge can be normal during your menstrual cycle, ovulation, or during pregnancy. And I had actually experienced this before, however, while taking this probiotic mine was extra stringy the entire time. Once I stopped it went back to normal. Again, it wasn't a huge deal, but it was a difference that I noticed. "Colds Suck" was taken all through the month of December. With the flu going around, and being worse than ever, I didn't want to chance it. Whether it worked or not, all I can say is that I didn't get sick. Even when people in my workplace were dropping like flies. That alone made me feel like taking this probably helped. 

So, overall I found these to be pretty great. You guys know that I wouldn't recommend anything that I didn't feel was worth trying. I'm also going to be completely honest about anything that I get, or try out. Whether I paid for it myself, or it was sent to me for a review. That said, as all of you know, financially things have been pretty tight for me. So, I budget everything, and these didn't make the cut. They are definitely on the pricier side. Instead I opted for daily vitamins, and I take them when I remember to. But in all honesty, if I could afford to buy these again, I totally would. I really want to look into getting some for my daughter sometime in the future too. Now, if you can afford to get them, or if you just want to try out probiotics for the first time then I definitely recommend lovebug. I feel like they'd be a great introduction to probiotics for the family. Do any of you take health supplements that you feel helped out a lot? Do you know of any other companies out there that offer some of the same benefits at a lower cost? Has anyone come across any research concerning "cons" in regards to taking a probiotic? I really don't think there would be any, but you never know, right? If you have any questions, because I'm sure I probably left something out, let me know below.

*I was sent three bottles in exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to make future purchases, or endorse them. All opinions in this post are my own. 

#LOLA - An Honest Product "Review"

I'm not exactly sure if you could call this a review, and this is my first attempt at something like this. I think. So please just bare with me. Okay, so I'm going to be talking about a product that we use when on our periods. You've been warned. This means if you don't want to hear about stuff pertaining to menstruation then I suggest you skip this post. For the rest of us, lets get to it. About two months ago, I got this email saying "Thank you for your subscription! You'll be getting your first LOLA box in the mail soon." And the censored version of my initial reaction goes something like this: "Ummm...What's LOLA? I didn't sign up for this...what the hell...??" Then as soon as I closed out of my inbox to check my bank account, because I was sure that someone had stolen my card number AGAIN, I got a text from my mom that went something like this: "Hey mija! I signed you up for a LOLA subscription. Don't worry, I paid for it. It's organic so it's supposed to be better for your health, and your vagina." Just a little background info for you guys: I gave up on boundaries with my mother a long time ago because she's Hispanic and does what she wants. So, ladies and gents, you can thank my mom for this post.

First, let me give you a little information: LOLA is a brand that offers a monthly subscription of 100% organic tampons (with and without applicators), pads, and liners. This means no dyes, no chemicals, and no toxins. If you want even more technical info than that you should check out their ABOUT page which breaks it down further. They also have a "First Period Kit" for younger girls that explains what their bodies are going through as well as an assortment of products for them to use, and how to use them. I felt like this was actually really cool, and seeing as how I'm raising a girl I could see how this product could be used as a tool for when the time came. Now, when I opened the box I immediately thought that the packaging was very simple, and clean which I really liked. What I also thought was interesting about this brand is that they allow you to mix and match. You basically have the ability to customize what comes in your box. For instance, if you get tampons and you know your flow is on the lighter side you can get a mix of lights, and regulars. If you're like me, laughing at the thought of light tampons because you've given birth before so those will just disappear up in there, then you can mix it up with the regular, super, and super plus options. You also get to choose the quantity for each of them. To me, that's pretty awesome. I mean, when I buy a box of tampons at the store I'm basically paying for tampons that I'll never use because they have a set quantity in each box. I think that's a waste of my money since they normally end up in the trash. I'm cheap, don't judge. Now, this service is a bit on the pricier side. If you get tampons only then you have the option of getting one box for $10, two boxes for $18, or three boxes for $30. If you want to add pads (also customized), that's another $9 a month. And so on, and so forth. You get the gist. For those two products you're looking at a $27 monthly charge. And you're only allowed 3 boxes a month. Sometimes they have promotions, or deals so you can always look into that as a way to save some cash. I know when my mom signed up they were having a deal that gave you an extra box for free on your first order, as well as a discount, and then they always have free shipping. Does that justify the cost in the end? Ehhhhh...maybe? That's really up to you, and your budget though.

Now, on to what I didn't like about them. This is where it gets a little TMI, but what can I say, I like to share. Ever since Jr. High I've been a heavy bleeder. One time I had to take a picture in order to show my gyno what exactly I was dealing with, and the look on her face said it all. If you've ever seen the movie "No Strings Attached" with Natalie Portman there's a scene in this movie when she's on her period, and a costar says, "It's like a crime scene in my pants." That's basically me x10. Only for the second and third day though. I've searched for some answers, and I've been told that regular brands put too many chemicals into our feminine products which can cause us to have heavier, and longer periods. Obviously there are other factors, but apparently shoving a bundle of cotton soaked in chemicals up your vagina doesn't help. So I've tried different brands, different diets/foods, and I even attempted wearing the cups to see if my flow would lighten over time. I've had zero luck. Which means that at night I have to have those extra long pads that feel like diapers. And I run through 4-5 super plus tampons a day, for those two heavy days. So, when these were offered to me I figured "What the hell?" My mom had already paid for them so I might as well give them a shot. Well, it's been two months now of trying these babies out, and I'll just flat out say that the super and super plus tampons sucked. They didn't hold a damn thing for me, and I actually had a leak through my underwear onto the back of one of my skirts that was bad enough to send me home. Now, I've always felt that with any brand out there I could at least rely on their "super plus" size to have my back. But these lasted about an hour before having to be changed. And they felt super uncomfortable coming out. Now the regulars held up like champs. They were comfortable, and lasted about 4 - 6 hours before having to be changed. The pads were pretty good too. I never felt wet, there was never an odor, and I had no leaks. They get an A+ from me on those because I'll definitely use whats left of them, and what I get in my last box next month. Unfortunately, their pros didn't outweigh the cons for me.

So, my overall feeling towards this products is "Eh." I just don't feel like these are a good fit for me. I'd give them an overall B rating because I like the idea that they have, what they're trying to do, and they're fairly new so I think there's room for improvement on their product line down the road. However, I'm not a big fan of the price tag, and in all honesty when my subscription is over with I won't be continuing it. Not only is it not in my budget, but as explained above I didn't get much out of them. I normally use the Tampax brand and I can get a box of tampons, two packages of pads, and a pack of liners for about $18. And these will last me about two months. Now if money isn't a problem, your flow is more along a normal/medium side, and you're wanting to try something that's organic then definitely give these guys a shot. Or if you're daughter is getting close to starting her first cycle the "First Period Kit" might be a great way to start her off with information, and products that aren't considered harmful. It could possibly be a great option for you and your family. Just keep in mind that every female is different, and so is every period. What doesn't work for me may totally work out for you. So that about wraps things up for me today. If you have any other questions, or want to get into specifics feel free to comment below or send me an email.

Recent Skin Care Routine

When I was a teenager I hardly ever had acne issues. Usually only small breakouts around that time of the month. I didn't spend much time outside during the day, but if I absolutely had to be outdoors I wore sunscreen. My beauty routine consisted of powder foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and tinted lip gloss. Easy peasy. I believe that contributed a lot to my healthy skin, and minimal break outs. In recent years all of that has changed. I really started to notice my breakouts in pictures, and I was getting some serious blemishes underneath the skin that hurt to touch. Once they were gone I could still see spots that they left behind. I know that I definitely wear more make up now, and my stress level has tripled since those younger years. Pair that with some not so great eating habits, and it's definitely not the greatest combination for healthy skin. 

This is why I started to look into products that might help improve my skin's overall appearance. Now, I'm not big on things that are time consuming. I need something that's fast with very little mess. I'm a working mom that's usually not prepared for the next day's morning if that makes sense? So, I don't have time to put on seven layers of cream, or to let products absorb into my skin over a long period of time. And I have even less patience for masks that are required to stay on my face for ten or more minutes. Then there's the fact that I'm also on a budget. I can't afford to splurge on anything fancy. Would I love to get my hands on some GLAMGLOW? Hell yes! Am I going to fork over $70+ tax on a 1.4 oz jar? NOPE. So, today I thought I'd share my skin care routine which is budget friendly. I've been on this particular regiment/schedule for three full weeks now, and I've been able to see a difference. Before I continue let me just say that water helps your skin out a lot. Cutting out sugar also helps tremendously. I know it can be hard, but it really does help. So those are two of the most important things you can change up to see result. Now, let's start shall we?

Night Time

Step 1: Makeup removal. This is probably the most important step for us heavy makeup users. On the daily we're putting so much into our pores when we layer products, and mists. Add dirt and oil as the day goes by, and you have your self a nice recipe for breakouts. I use the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water in the blue bottle. It's for all skin types, and removes waterproof make up as well. This stuff is very refreshing, and leaves my skin feeling clean. Dries really fast too. I've had mine for the three weeks, and I'm no where near the half-way mark. Cost is $6.96. 

Step 2: Cleansing the skin, or exfoliating. I put both of these down because I alternate days. On cleansing days I use Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser. This stuff gets anything that the remover left behind. It feels really nice on the skin, and my face has a nice glow to it afterwards. It's very light weight in feel, and the scent is also very subtle. Cost is $6.94. A little of this goes a long way. I've had this bottle for about four months though I've only recently started to use it regularly. To exfoliate I use Equate Beauty Blemish Control Apricot Scrub. I've tried the St. Ives brand as well, and honestly I didn't see or feel a difference. Maybe the ingredients don't match up 100%, but they're close. This stuff smells amazing, and I like how the scrub makes my face feel really soft afterwards. This step is normally done in the shower on most days. Cost is $1.97. 

Step 3: Moisturizing the skin. I'm about to be thirty this year so keeping my skin feeling fresh, and hydrated is really important. I use Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream before bed. This is a small jar, and when I saw the price at first I laughed. But believe me when I say that a small amount of this goes a really long way. I dab two fingertips and place a dot on both cheeks, my forehead, and neck. Then I smooth it over my neck, and face. It dries fairly quickly, and like the cleanser it has a really light scent. Cost is $12.34. 

Morning Time

Step 1: Overall acne treatment. After having the night cream on there are days when I wake up feeling like my skin is just a bit more on the oily side than usual. So, I started using Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent first thing after waking up. The smell is on the stronger side which helps to wake me up. Bonus point. And after looking at the cotton ball I can tell that its removing any extra dirt or oil that I had left in my pores. It leaves my face feeling dryer, stripped of the excess oil, and soft. If I notice a cluster of blemishes starting to pop up I normally leave the cotton ball over them for a few seconds longer to really let it soak in. Cost is $3.86.

Step 2: Moisturizing again. Now, I consider this the first step before putting on anything makeup related. I like to use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture With SPF 15. I like this because it has sunscreen in it which I feel is really important. But I think my favorite thing about it is how light weight it feels on the skin, and how it doesn't leave your face feeling/looking greasy. I tried the Naturals moisturizer, and it left my face feeling really slick and gross. This one on the other hand dries really fast. I can put it on while in the bathroom, and by the time I get to my room (about five steps away) it's dry. This one is also a bit more on the pricey side, but again a little goes a long way. I use about a half pump for my entire face. Cost is $9.97.

Now, if you care to splurge I have another product as well as an optional acne treatment to recommend. Clinique's Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream has quickly become a favorite of mine. I actually got a sample jar for free, and it has lasted me four months. It comes in two full sizes, and ranges between $45-$65 a pop. Pricey, I know. It's not something I could ever see myself forking over money for so it'll be a sad day when I run out. But I will say that this stuff has helped a lot around my eyes in regards to wrinkles, discoloration, and dark circles. The second product is Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment for the days that I do breakout. I'll dab some of this over a blemish or pimple before bed. It helped to reduce the redness, and cut the healing time by about two days. This little tube costs $5.98. 

So far my skin has reacted really well. Obviously these don't have the miracle power that some higher end brands do, but they're within my price range. And most importantly they do what they claim to do. At least for me. Obviously a lot of this is dependent on one's skin type, and sensitivity. I've noticed that my skin has brightened up, and no longer has an ashy dull tone. My breakouts are starting to become less frequent, and I've noticed that my dark spots have faded a bit. Not counting the two optional products I mentioned these all cost about $45. Which is less than the one jar of GLAMGLOW. And I spaced out my purchases so it wasn't hitting me all at once. You might be able to find some of these products cheaper elsewhere though. Anyway, that about wraps it up. If anyone has any suggestion for products I'm all ears too. I definitely enjoy trying new things. I hope everyone has a lovely Monday! 💜

*I linked all of the products to Walmart because it's the only place close to me that offers all of these at an affordable price. But I know a majority of these can be found on Amazon. ALSO, I was not paid or compensated for this post.

You've Got This

This past weekend/majority of the week I spent it sick. After spending a good six hours hugging our porcelain throne you'd think I'd want nothing to do with food, right? Welp, you'd be wrong. I was sick; not dead. I wanted all of the comfort food. The homemade chili with crackers, and all of the fixings. The warm brownies and cookies. Limón flavored potato chips, and Ramen noodles. Hot chocolate, and mashed potatoes. If it was fattening, and I could go over my allotted calorie intake for the day in two bites you can bet your sweet cheeks I wanted it. So I wasn't in the least bit surprised to see the number on my scale go up. I won't lie to you I felt guilty for a few moments. I felt bad, and kind of like all of the progress I had made was for nothing. But then I just shrugged it off. Though I'll admit I wasn't always quick to react that way before.

Weight gain. Scales. Gym time. Falling off the wagon; getting back on. For some of us out here the weight loss journey can be a real struggle. I'm no stranger to it as you just read, and sometimes I feel like I'm letting myself down. Sometimes, I make some bad food choices even when I know that it's not the best decision. I regularly have 10 minute arguments with myself over why I should, or shouldn't buy the kings size Hershey Bar when I go grocery shopping. Spoiler alert: I usually toss it on the checkout counter right before the cashier totals me out. There are also times when I want to drink Pepsi with my breakfast, lunch, and dinner just because I'm tired of everything else. And then there are the really bad days when I'd rather eat a whole container of Little Debbie's while binge watching a TV series than going to the gym, or cooking. It happens y'all. And I'm not going to try feeding you that "once you make the life style change it gets easier" line because that's bullshit. Food was made to taste good. Preservatives and chemicals be damned. What I am going to tell you though is: Bro, it's okay. You've got this. Even with the mix of good, and bad days. You've got this.

I went from being 185 lbs, to 150 lbs in a few months. Then at the end of last year that number went back up to 168 lbs. Today, I weighed in at 164 lbs. It's like a damn hospital heart monitor going up, and down. Now I know maintaining a healthy weight is important. I know it's achievable. I know that I can drop back down to 150 lbs, and I know that it's best for me to make my way even further down from that. But guys, I like carne asada tacos. And sometimes I'm lazy. For the record it's worth repeating that I really really love food. So it's not always easy staying on track, and on occasion it may take me awhile to get back on. I'm not going to beat myself up over it though. And if you're dealing with weight issues, you shouldn't either. Progress varies for everyone. The changes can be easier to achieve for some, and harder for others. They're not always on the outside either. That's definitely something that took me awhile to learn too. I may not be at my goal weight right now, but I have more energy during workouts. I can squat 120 lbs, and I easily run 3.1 miles without keeling over in pain. I'm down from eight cups of coffee a day to two. I drink more water, and eat more salads now than I ever have in my life. For me, these are all good things. Positive changes. So even though the scale says one thing I usually (more often than not) feel differently. 

This filter is called "Taco"; see what I'm working with? 

Since the new year I've been switching things up in order to keep myself motivated, and I'd thought I'd pass some of these ideas along just in case: As soon as I get home from work I immediately change into my workout clothes so that I can't make an excuse not to go. I've committed myself to working out a minimum of five times a week for at least thirty minutes. Some days I go balls to the wall, and others I walk on the treadmill the entire time. Some activity is better than no activity. I always carry a 32 oz water bottle, and I make sure to fill that sucker up at least twice throughout the day. If I get tired of the taste I slice up a lemon, lime, cucumber, or mint leaves and toss them in. This can also help with bloating so that's pretty cool too. If you're the kind of person that can easily talk yourself into NOT doing something I definitely recommend finding yourself a workout buddy. I know it may not be for everyone, but I've found that it helps me. My dad is my gym partner, and on the days when I'm feeling like keeping my ass firmly planted on my couch he usually calls to tell me he's waiting for me at the gym. Now sometimes our work schedules get in the way, but for the most part he's there to hold me accountable. Weight lifting has also taken up a big part of my workout time. It's true when they say that strength training helps you out in other areas, so don't be afraid to incorporate it more often. And last, if I'm feeling bored, I'll take a class. My favorite is kickboxing, and it brings me a lot of joy. If you know me it makes a lot of sense, doesn't it? I've read that switching up your workout routine can also get you out of a slump. It throws your body off in a good way which helps if you've hit a "weight loss plateau". From personal experience I can attest to this being true. 

Now, I'm sure some of these you've probably heard of, or even practice yourselves. Still, I think it's worth mentioning how these little changes have been helping me stay on track. Even on the days when I fail miserably with my poor eating habits. Sticking to these choice every day have helped me to feel stronger. If I'm having a low day I make sure to carve out the time for myself because that's how I know that I'm really in need of it. If you have anxiety or depression then you know what I'm talking about. I definitely treat being active as a form of "self care", and it's working out pretty well for me. So here's to consistency! May it bring us health, happiness, and the ability to consume tacos to our hearts content. 

Answers!

A few months back I started feeling really tired. I’m talking, sleeping through alarms and not being able to run farther than a mile with out feeling really fatigued. No matter how much I exercised, I wasn't getting that “happy, wide awake” feeling as before. Instead I just felt weaker and weaker. My heart rate would be really high after just running a mile. It felt like what I imagine an oncoming heart attack might feel like. My migraines were getting more frequent. My over all mood was usually tired and cranky. I also started noticing that when my cycle came around there was A LOT of it, and it was lasting anywhere from 7-8 days. So, I asked my mom her opinion because she’s had several problems like this before and she told me to ask about it at my next check up.

Fast forward to last month, and I was scheduled to have a check-up so I could be put back on birth control. I let them know how I was feeling, what was going on with my body, and they scheduled me to have tests done. Then the flu hit me. Hard. And all I could do was sleep. If I got up too fast, I would get dizzy and one morning I fainted. I called the doctor and they rescheduled my tests for the next morning.

They confirmed that I had the flu, and a sore throat. I had to give a urine sample, they “checked” my thyroid, and drew blood (I fainted for a few second during that too). Then last week I finally received a call from the nurse about my tests results and she said it was confirmed that I was “highly anemic”. Which translates to my body loosing a lot of blood during my cycle which is causing me to have an iron deficiency. This is why I’m always tired, why anytime I got sick it would be really bad, and why I was getting dizzy all of the time. It’s also the cause of the high heart rate, and “heart attack” feelings when I exercise.

Thankfully, there weren't any cysts in my uterus which was something they considered since my family has a history of them. The doctor told me that being put on birth control should help with my cycle, and I needed to get on a multivitamin ASAP. I need to be careful for awhile, at least a month, when it comes to exercising and sudden movements. I was told that when I feel dizzy I need to slow down. Once I've been on birth control and vitamins for at least a month I should start feeling better. After two months I have to go get tests done again to make sure it’s all helping. If not then they said their could be other things we’d have to look into.

For now, I’m just happy to have a reason as to why I was feeling so tired and irritable. At first I thought I was just burnt out, or maybe even pregnant. I thought maybe I was just making excuse for myself when I felt like I couldn't push myself any farther. But now I know it’s not in my head, it’s my body. The best part is that I can fix it and go back to feeling normal. I've grown so tired of the headaches. I’m tired of feeling TIRED. And I've been dying to go for a long run for over a month now. I finally went for one on Sunday, but again I wasn't able to make it that far. Still, I'm grateful that I now have answers. And now I know what I need to do to get back to feeling better. :)