Reclaiming the Health of Our Kids: A Journey Through HTMA, Nutrition, and Holistic Parenting
As parents, our primary focus is always the well-being of our children. But in a world where modern stressors, nutrient-deficient diets, and a fast-paced lifestyle have become the norm, ensuring our kids' health can feel like an uphill battle.
In my latest podcast episode of *A Joy To Be Me*, I dive deep into the topic of reclaiming our children's health through a holistic approach, centered on the principles of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), mindful nutrition, and the power of love in parenting. Listen here: Reclaiming the health of our kids.
The Reality Check That Changed Everything
One of the toughest challenges we face as moms is the realization that our children might be suffering from the same burnout we are experiencing. I had a serious wake-up call when I began using HTMA to assess my family's health. My youngest son, who was emotionally reactive and hyperactive, showed a pattern that society might quickly label as ADHD.
However, through HTMA, I identified it as a...
Why I Had to Put Myself First as a Single Mom: A Path to Family Wellness
Listen to the blog post as a podcast episode as well : on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else
As a single mom, the bar is often set higher for us. We don’t have the luxury of leaning on a partner to share the load, especially when it comes to nurturing and sustaining our families. The weight of making sure everyone is cared for falls squarely on our shoulders, and that’s no small task.
Moms are naturally the nurturers of the family, the glue that holds everything together. But in today’s world, we don’t live in tribes or close-knit communities anymore. We don’t have that built-in support system, whether it’s extended family or a small circle of like-minded local friends. Instead, it’s up to us to create that sense of community within our own homes, often from scratch.
When it comes to our kids, the instinct is to want to help all of them at once, especially when their needs are so apparent. But here’s...
Rewild Your Feet: Lessons from Injury and the Journey to Holistic Health
Your Support Matters: If you find value in my podcast and feel inspired to contribute, I humbly welcome your donations. While they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated and make a significant impact on my work. You can donate through PayPal or Venmo by clicking on the links provided at the top of the show notes in every episode. Thank you for your generosity and for helping me continue creating meaningful content for you
Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else
As Above, So Below: What My Foot Injury Taught Me About Building a Strong Foundation for Optimal Well-Being
The phrase "As above, so below" recently took on new meaning for me. It’s a reminder of the harmony that exists in nature, where what happens on one level of reality is reflected on every other level. This balance is not just external—it’s mirrored within our bodies as well. Alchemists understood this deeply, seeing...
Nurturing Independence: A Mom's Journey with Four Sons and the Power of Magnesium
I'm the proud mom of four sons, aged 25, 21, 19, and 17. With three of them no longer living under my roof, I've had to master the delicate balance of letting go while still being a steady support system. It's been an interesting dance—letting them make their own decisions, learn from their mistakes, and occasionally throwing out my “mom life preserver” when necessary.
Growing up in a household where functional nutrition was the norm, my boys were immersed in a lifestyle focused on health and well-being. This immersion gave them a solid foundation to build upon, yet each one still has to find their own "why" for maintaining those habits. As we all know, everyone learns differently, and many of us have to take the hard road to really understand life’s lessons.
Recently, one of my older sons has been wrestling with his own "why." He’s finally taking the initiative to implement the healthy habits he once fought me on but undoubtedly benefited...
Let's Talk About Leaky Gut
Episode #193: Let's talk about leaky gut (aka: intestinal permeability or metabolic endotoxemia)
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
The Importance of Gut Health: Rethinking Our Approach
Many people, if not most, are experiencing some degree of gut dysbiosis or "leaky gut." This observation stems from both clinical experience and a growing body of research on the human microbiome, as well as insights from ancestral health practices.
Surprisingly, most individuals who come to me have not adequately addressed their gut health. They may believe they’ve tackled it—often claiming to have healed their guts by eliminating problem foods or following various protocols to address pathogens. However, there’s little evidence that they have truly repaired their gut or are consuming enough nutrients for their microbial health, particularly the essential carbohydrates, plants, and fibers.
What Does Gut Repair Mean?
When I refer to "gut repair," I’m primarily...
Nourishing Ways to Repair & Rebuild during the 'holiday season'
Episode #191: Nourishing Ways to Repair & Rebuild during the 'holiday season'
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
*Note: this blog is simply a summary of the podcast episode
The transition into late fall and winter can feel abrupt, especially with the diminishing light. For many, this time of year brings a rush of activities, fueled by marketing pressures that start earlier each season. Personally, I’ve stepped back from this hectic cycle, and I often marvel at how I once navigated it without losing my sense of self. Can anyone relate?
If you have kids, school is in full swing, and the holidays are just around the corner. Work often feels like a crunch to get everything done before the year ends. I’ve noticed a similar busy vibe with many of my clients lately.
This cycle of busyness is familiar, but this year feels particularly stressful with everything happening in the world—illness, global challenges, and an overarching sense of...
Wild Mushroom Hunting: Turkey Tail & Mineralized Broth
Episode #190: Wild Mushroom Hunting: Turkey Tail & Mineralized Broth
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
In this episode, I explore a nourishing journey into the world of wild mushroom hunting, specifically focusing on the wonderful turkey tail mushroom and its role in creating a mineral-rich broth. This approach not only supports our physical health but also encourages a deeper connection with nature.
The Need for Sustainable Energy
In our fast-paced lives, many of us find ourselves running on fumes. The constant demands can leave us feeling depleted, over-relying on our sympathetic nervous system and exhausting our mineral reserves. The solution? A slow and steady boost of energy that nourishes us deeply rather than a quick fix.
To combat this, I’ve prioritized creating “white space” in my schedule, allowing myself the freedom to forage and enjoy the serenity of nature. This past summer brought abundant rain, leading to a delightful...
Optimizing Wellness: Spleen support for building healthy blood
Your Support Matters: If you find value in my podcast and feel inspired to contribute, I humbly welcome your donations. While they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated and make a significant impact on my work. You can donate through PayPal or Venmo by clicking on the links provided at the top of the show notes in every episode. Thank you for your generosity and for helping me continue creating meaningful content for you
Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else
Nourishing Your Spleen for Digestive Wellness and Vitality
Welcome to an eye-opening journey into the realm of the Spleen, an organ often overlooked but with a profound influence on our well-being. In this blog post summary of the podcast episode, I'll explore the often underestimated Spleen and its powerful role in our health, drawing from insights in Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern holistic health practices.
The Spleen and Modern...
Rewilding Our Plates: Embracing Seasonal Eating at the Fall Equinox
Episode #188: Rewilding Our Plates – Embracing Seasonal Eating at the Fall Equinox -
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
Welcome, fellow rewilders, to another episode where we journey back to nature. Today, we dive into the world of seasonal eating as we celebrate the Fall Equinox.
I’ve been on a quest to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and realign my nourishment with the rhythms of nature. After a brief hiatus, spent focusing on family, clients, and much-needed rest, I’m excited to return with a new season of episodes. While past episodes have covered spring and summer, today’s all about the magic of fall.
Embracing the Fall Equinox
The Fall Equinox is a time of transition – warm days give way to chilly nights. This change calls for a shift in our diet. On those lingering sunny days, cooling foods like salads, steamed veggies, and fruits reign supreme. Hydration is key, with mineral-rich water, herbal infusions, and the...
How To Create A Healthy Diet That You Enjoy
Your Support Matters: If you find value in my podcast and feel inspired to contribute, I humbly welcome your donations. While they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated and make a significant impact on my work. You can donate through PayPal or Venmo by clicking on the links provided at the top of the show notes in every episode. Thank you for your generosity and for helping me continue creating meaningful content for you
Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else you tune in.
Unraveling the Wisdom of Real Food: A Journey to Optimal Health
Are you tired of the confusing and contradictory information about what constitutes a healthy diet? Do you want to discover the power of whole, unprocessed foods to transform your health and well-being? If so, join me on this enlightening journey to embrace the wisdom of real food.
The Meme that Sparked a Revelation
Last week, I posted a meme on Instagram that...
