Gut health isn't just another health trend topic that will come and go. Gut health IS THE health topic....and it's probably the missing link you've been longing for.
I'll explain in a bit, but first, my story and personal journey. Watch the video or keep reading to see if this sounds familiar to you.
I have suffered from chronic constipation my whole life. I never knew it was that. I just knew it was embarrassing and uncomfortable, and I had to strategically plan out my day according to my bathroom needs. Not because I needed to be near a bathroom for a quick elimination problem, but because I knew I would need HOURS to get my business done.
Going #2 in between classes at school was not an option (not enough time). I would end up having to hold it until I got home. By that time I would be so bloated with painful cramps I would be buckled over in pain....but I was good at hiding it because I was too embarrassed to say anything. And if you know anything about elimination habits, you know that the longer you hold it in, the harder it is to go when you finally try to.
This misfortune followed me through adulthood into the workforce....more embarrassment.
Another thing I experienced regularly was pain caused by bloat that was so intense I couldn't stand straight. It had me looking 6 months pregnant and curled up in a ball until I found something that helped. Sometimes I could muster myself up to take a hunched over walk (hey, it works for horses). Sometimes I could take some pink stuff, but sometimes the only that worked was to throw in the towel for the day and go to bed. Not too convenient if it was the middle of the day.
This happened to some degree EVERY. DAY.
I wondered if anyone else had this issue. I wondered if there was something wrong with me. I wondered if I'd ever find relief.
Thank GOD I did find a solution!
I personally focus on gut health habits EVERY day. It is at the forefront of my food choices and my activities, but now it is in a positive manner, not in a spirit of dread and embarrassment.
I have learned to love water, which is the first thing people tell you to do right?
(annoying naggy tone) "drink more water"
Like if only it were that simple right?
But yes, water intake makes a difference, so learn to like it. (I've got tips for that)
(same annoying naggy tone) "you need more fiber"
More eye rolling. Like, "yeah....I get it!"
"Just take a laxative"
Ok, now we're getting into some BAD advice. Let's just NOT. (negative long term side effects)
Why does Gut Health even matter?
For me, it was affecting my day-to-day quality of life.
THAT MATTERS.
The digestive system is at the CORE of your body, and so, at the core of your health. If it's sick, you're sick.
Healthy elimination habits have a direct effect on your...
Hormones. Used up hormones, particularly estrogens, need to be eliminated swiftly from your body so they don't build up and cause imbalance. When estrogens hang around too long they feed cancer cells, among other things.
Liver Function. The liver empties out into the intestinal tract each night at about 3 a.m. If the intestinal tract is backed up, the liver has no where to go with the sludge it has filtered out of your blood stream. This sludge includes those used up hormones I just mentioned and any other toxins you have consumed and absorbed from your food, water, and environment, as well as general metabolic waste (think car exhaust). As with any clogged sewage system, the backed up mess goes back to where it came from. For us, it means back into the bloodstream. This creates a domino effect of problems like allergies, inflammation, toxicity, etc.
Skin condition. Most skin issues are actually gut-related issues. If there is inflammation in the gut (or anywhere else in the body), there will be inflammation in the skin at some point. The body needs to flush it out somehow and even though the skin is the last resort, we are typically so backed up with toxins that our skin is the only route left. This creates issues like eczema, psoriasis, and cystic acne.
Sleep. Serotonin effects our sleep. It is used by the brain, but it is made in the gut. If the gut is too filled with decaying fecal matter and trying to manage the problems that that causes, it's not going to be able to give good focus on creating a non-vital hormone like serotonin. It's more worried about getting the rotting garbage out so it doesn't end up in your vital organs to create more damage.
The body also does 80% of it's restorative repair in deep sleep mode. So if you're trying to heal from anything, sleep is imperative.
Stress. Sleep effects our HPA-axis (Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenals) this is our stress response system. When we are not getting good quality of sleep, the body will read this as stress. This will have another cascading domino effect on your overall health, but more specifically it will burn out your adrenals, throw off your menstrual cycles, and mess with your mental clarity.
Mood. Lots of depression conditions are treated with serotonin drugs. See above in sleep.
Brain Function and Mental Alertness. The skull does this amazing thing at night where the plates contract and sort of "wring out" the brain like a sponge to clean the toxins from it. (remember, toxins can also just be metabolic waste from its normal healthy functioning. like car exhaust). The garbage then gets wrung out into the spinal cord and filtered out through the lymphatic system. This cleansing function can only happen in a deep REM sleep. This is one reason we are in mental fog when we don't get good sleep.
Immune Function. The digestive tract is a LARGE part of our immune system. If it's not functioning well, our immune system is weakened. We don't need any of THAT right now, do we?
ALL OF THIS MATTERS!
And all of this is directly affected by the state of your digestive system functioning properly.
What does functioning properly look like?
The perfect bowel movement should be soft, well-formed in one piece, light-to-medium brown in color, and easy to pass. It should take you minutes to poop, not hours.
If you are not properly and efficiently having perfect bowel movements within 2 hours after every meal, you need to do some work in the area of gut health.
And how LIBERATING it is to poop like this! Yes, I just said that and it's TRUTH. (If you know, you know.)
Sitting down and getting my business done in the time it takes me to even just pee is something I thought I would never experience. And did you know....having a "good poop" releases happy endorphins too? That's why we feel so GOOD when it's done! #doublewin :-)
My journey with healthy gut habits is about 10 years strong now. If you want to know how I do it, I'll show you! Just grab my Gut Health Guide HERE and be on your way!
When I think back on how much of my time... my life, was wasted sitting on a toilet, it makes me sad and mad and robbed. I'll never get that time back. If only I had known then what I know now, how much different would things have been for me?
I don't want that for anyone else.
So girl.... I got you! All you have to do is ask!
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The holiday season is officially over, and while it was fun to indulge in all that delicious food, your body is probably begging for some TLC. Enter, sugar detox. A sugar detox can help you kickstart a healthier lifestyle and give your body a break from all of the processed foods and excess sugar consumed during the holidays. Let’s explore why a sugar detox might be just what you need this winter.
1. Sugar is addictive
Sugar is a substance that is highly addictive, and many people find it difficult to cut back on their intake once they have started consuming it regularly. A sugar detox can help to break this cycle of addiction and allow you to reduce your sugar intake and feel in control again.
2. Cut Cravings
One of the primary benefits of a sugar detox is that it helps to cut cravings. When you feed your body good things, it stops asking for the quick energy rush of sugar.
3. Helps to reset your taste buds
Sugar is added to so many foods these days that it can be hard to avoid. A sugar detox can help to reset your taste buds and break your sugar addiction.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Sugar is a pro-inflammatory food, meaning it can contribute to inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. A sugar detox can help to reduce inflammation by eliminating sugary foods from your diet.
5. Improves Gut Health
A sugar detox can also help to improve gut health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, many of which are beneficial for our health. However, eating too much sugar can upset the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and lead to problems such as yeast overgrowth, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. A sugar detox can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome and improve gut health.
6. Boosts Energy Levels
A sugar detox can also help to boost energy levels. Many people find that they have more energy when they cut sugar out of their diet. This is because sugar causes spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy. Cutting out sugar can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve energy levels.
7. Clear Skin
Sugar causes inflammation and can trigger hormonal imbalances, both of which can contribute to the development of acne. Sugar consumption has been linked to acne breakouts, as well as other skin problems such as wrinkles and dullness. A sugar detox can help to improve skin health by eliminating sugary foods from your diet
8. Improves skin health
Too much sugar can cause glycation, a process in which sugars attach to proteins and cause them to become stiff and misshapen. This can lead to wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. Cutting sugar out of your diet can help to improve your skin health.
9. Promotes weight loss
When it comes to weight loss, reducing added sugar intake is one of the most effective strategies there is. Research has shown that cutting down on sugar can help support weight loss efforts by decreasing calorie consumption and reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks and desserts. Doing a sugar detox can help give your metabolism a boost and allow you to get back on track with healthy eating habits quickly and easily.
10. Boosts energy levels
Sugar may give you a temporary energy boost, but it can also lead to crashes later on. If you're looking for sustained energy, ditching sugar is a good place to start.
11. Reduces risk of heart disease
Eating too much sugar can increase your risk of developing heart disease. A sugar detox can help to reduce your risk by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet.
12. Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. Cutting sugar out of your diet can help to lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
13. Improves cholesterol levels
Eating too much sugar can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. A sugar detox can help to improve your cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet
14. Sugar can damage the liver
Too much sugar can damage the liver, leading to a condition called fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is a serious condition that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death.
15. Sugar can cause diabetes
Eating too much sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body cannot properly metabolize sugar. Type 2 diabetes can cause a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
16. Sugar can cause cavities
Sugar is one of the main culprits behind cavities and tooth decay. When sugar comes into contact with bacteria in the mouth, it creates acid that attacks tooth enamel. Over time, this acid can break down teeth and lead to cavities.
17. Sugar can aggravate anxiety and depression
Sugar has been shown to aggravate anxiety and depression by causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can lead to mood swings, irritability, and feelings of lethargy or fatigue.
18. Get Better Quality Sleep
The quality of your sleep can have a huge impact on how productive you are during the day—and if you’re eating too much sugary food before bedtime, it could be affecting how well you sleep at night! A regular intake of added sugars can cause disruptions in REM sleep patterns which leaves us feeling tired even after getting plenty of hours of rest! By reducing our added-sugars intake we can ensure our bodies are getting into deeper stages of restorative sleep where we feel properly rested when we wake up in the morning!
Taking a post-holiday sugar detox is a great way to reset your body after overindulging during the holidays. Not only will it help reduce bloating and fatigue, but it can also reset cravings, promote better gut health and get you started on the right track for your weight loss goals. So if you're looking for an easy way to start off 2023 right, then consider doing a sugar detox today!
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It’s that time of year again when nearly 8% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.
But, did you know that typical anti-histamine and decongestants used for allergy relief have the potential to alter your cervical mucus sign? (study)
Makes sense when you think of the functionality of things. Mucus cells are mucus cells whether they are in your nose or in your vagina. Allergy meds are designed to sooth the runny nose by drying up the mucus or thinning it for more efficient drainage, why wouldn't it effect "down there" too?
But fear not! Your trusted instructor has some tips to guide you. :)
First I need to point out there has been no documented CURE for allergies, only symptoms support, and of course, that I am not a doctor and you should seek care from one as necessary. This info is for the sole purposes of educating you and is not medical advice.
Now that we got that out of the way and we're best friends, let's talk about why you're reading this.
Natural ways to find relief that won't mess with your chart.
First, a combo of essential oils that is a favorite among essential oil lovers. Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint. It is known as the “LLP Bomb”.
You can diffuse this combo, make a roller of it and apply to chest and sinuses, or put it in a capsule to take internally.
Let’s break down the function of the oils shall we?
Peppermint has been shown to relax smooth muscle tissue, which results in opening of airways and relaxes a heavy chest.
If more inflammatory support is needed adding Copaiba to this combination is a great idea!
Internal Support!
Did you know allergies are not a normal response in a healthy human? While there are a wide array of causes to allergies like vaccinations and environmental exposures, many of the root causes for people are simply lack of enzymes, vitamins, and/or minerals. Since these are things we CAN control…let’s talk about them.
Dr. LeAnne and David Deardeuff observed that 90% of their patients relieved their allergy symptoms by doing their liver cleanse protocol.
Many allergy sufferers report a significant difference in the severity of their symptoms after including Sulfurzyme™ into their daily routine. This is a good idea anyway, you can check out why here. But the relief in allergy symptoms is likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of MSM and Ningxia Wolfberry, which are the main ingredients in Sulfurzyme™. Turbo charge this with this Red Drink Recipe, and you’ve got a great tasting way to support your whole body health AND find relief from those sniffles.
Enzymes. The link to supplementing enzymes for allergy relief comes from gut health and healing leaky gut. Leaky gut is well-known to be the root cause of many allergies. So logically, a focus on gut health would be beneficial to the seasonal allergy sufferer. I have an entire blog or video on what I’ve done to improve gut health. I’ve also got an entire program focused on gut health if you’re really serious about healing the core of your entire health foundation.
But a simple place to start with would just be including Allerzyme™ to your routine. The capsules are really small, and if you are unable to swallow capsules you can break them open and mix it in a smoothie or yogurt or a spoonful of raw honey.
Sulfurzyme™ Capsules and/or Powder
You can grab all of these supplies HERE
Did you know that you can also reduce allergy symptoms over time by reducing toxin exposure from cleaners, personal care products, cosmetics and skincare, anything with fragrance, processed foods, etc?
That's what we are all about over in the Swap It Savvy Community FB group or Swap It Savvy on Instagram, so pop into those if you'd like and good luck navigating this allergy season! I am always here if you need some guidance.
Best Wishes,
Jackie
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Do you struggle with IBS? You are not alone. Millions of people all over the world experience the symptoms that come along with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Though it can be a very challenging condition to manage and treat, there is hope for finding relief and calming IBS naturally. This post will share my own journey with IBS, an effective strategy for managing the symptoms, and how to practice self-care so you can feel your best!
I’ve been really focusing on taking care of myself these past few weeks as we’ve been really busy with calving and the normal day-to-day around here. The last thing I need is to be run down, sick, or in any sort of pain from my IBS. I’ve got a large toolbox for this, but today I’m going to share about a device that we are really loving here at the Ranch for all kinds of things, including my IBS. It's a soundwave frequency watch.
I learned about it from a friend who had a dramatic life-changing experience with the watch and her Belle's Palsy. Another friend found relief from carpal tunnel. These were just some of the examples of why I decided to try the device that looks like an oversized watch for myself. When people ask me about it and I share what it does, everyone wants one. Here is just another reason why....
Last night I ran the Digestive folder. I set it to IBS and let it run through the whole list. My tummy wasn’t really bothering me too bad, just a little discomfort that is normal for me this time of night, especially on a day I eat donuts….which was yesterday.
Within minutes of turning the watch on, my tummy went from quiet and stagnant (the cause of the inflammation causing the mild pain I experience) to active and moving. Like it was just woke up from a nap and realized it had a job to do. It was very soothing to feel things start to gently move along. Not in a way that had me needing to go to the bathroom, but just in a soothing, comfortable way of healthy functioning digestion that wasn’t happening prior to turning the watch on. After a few minutes I could feel pressure going across my transverse colon. This is usually the source of my worst pain when I have flare ups and it was a bit uncomfortable. But then, I felt the pressure shift and was completely relieved. It all happened within about 15 minutes, and it felt so good.
This is definitely a setting I will be running daily. In fact, I have it on now and am experiencing the same feel-good movements happening in my gut. I think I’ll help the process along by making sure I take my enzymes and probiotic today. I’m not always good about that and they too make such a HUGE difference in my gut health journey. (which you can read more on that and why gut health matters HERE).
This watch has been such a blessing in my life; from general achiness to stress relief and immune support, helping my little one fall asleep, I just can’t say enough good things about it. I learned that it works by using frequencies – sounds. The same soundwave technology that is used to blast away kidney stones, only in a much more controlled and calculated method.
You can get a watch for yourself HERE, and you are welcome to use my referral code SAVY100 to get yourself $100 off if you like to save money like me.
If you’d like to see more information, scientific studies, and testimonials on the watch, you can do that HERE or hit the “contact me” button and we can talk about things. I wouldn’t wait long though, these things go out of stock FAST as they are taking the world by STORM.
Don't let IBS slow you down and keep you from enjoying life. Regain control naturally with WavWatch and other tools I share about in my gut health guide. You deserve the Savvy Life.
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In the journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle for both me and my family, I share how substituting traditional desserts with healthier options can significantly affect one's well-being. Through my own personal struggle with gut issues, I have discovered recipes like these delightful Almond Balls, which not only cater to dietary preferences like gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free but also prove that healthy eating doesn't have to compromise on taste. These Almond Balls are a testament to dessert recipes that are not only nutritious but also delicious, fitting into a variety of diets including Paleo and vegan.
The recipe provided for Almond Balls is simple and made with ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and vanilla extract for the filling, and cocoa nibs or chocolate chips for the chocolate coating. This dessert option showcases that satisfying a sweet tooth can still align with healthy eating habits. The suggestion to add natural sweeteners for those who prefer a sweeter taste, maintaining the dessert's health benefits, reflects a flexible approach to health-conscious desserts.
Furthermore, I highlight the positive impacts of participating in an 11-Day Jumpstart, emphasizing how it has revolutionized my health by reducing inflammation, increasing energy levels, and aiding in weight loss. This experience, along with the success of incorporating healthy desserts into my family's diet, encapsulates the broader message of making health-focused changes that are both achievable and enjoyable. The encouragement to join the Swap It Savvy community extends an invitation to others seeking a supportive environment for making healthier lifestyle choices.
Read more...
So, ever since I started doing 11 Day Jumpstarts , an 11-day protocol that trains the body to flush inflammation, leaving you feeling energized and amazing while weight falls off, I’ve been turned on to sweet potatoes. Pretty sure they are my new favorite food.
And then I discovered why my body craves them so much this week. Wanna know? Read the Blog.
I'll give you a hint.......it has to do with my cycle.
Discover the Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
An insightful exploration of the amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes and why they're essential for busy women seeking sustainable energy and wellness.
Lower Glycemic Response
Sweet potatoes offer a lower glycemic response compared to regular potatoes, making them ideal for maintaining steady blood glucose levels and sustainable energy throughout the day.
Got period problems?
Chronic inflammation could be the main reason for your period problems…or any cycle-related fertility issues you’re experiencing.
Inflammation distorts hormonal communication. If you’ve taken my cycle tracking course you know there is a delicate communication process between the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, and cervix that needs to go smoothly for successful ovulation…..which equals happy periods and regular cycles.
Chronic inflammation blocks hormone receptors; these are the holes in the cell that accept the proper molecules of nutrients like a key in a lock. If the receptor for estrogen or progesterone, or whatever, is blocked, the hormone cannot enter the cell and do its job. It is then left wandering in the blood stream where the hypothalamus will read its presence and not call for more, yet the cell never got it, so it will ask for more and be denied, and now we have a hormonal mess.
Chronic inflammation impairs estrogen metabolism….how estrogen is created, used, and eliminated. We need this process to go smoothly so we have estrogen available when we need it (for ovulation) and the used up estrogen is eliminated properly to keep the hormonal harmony on point. Cancer cells feed on estrogen, so we don’t want that stuff just hanging out willy nilly…ya know what I mean?
Chronic inflammation prevents ovulation which prevents the production of progesterone, which can cause a host of issues such as heavy periods, infertility, miscarriage, depression, low libido, etc. It is our happy hormone. And when we are low in progesterone, we get into a state of estrogen dominance which leads to even more disaster such as acne, weight gain, irritability, mid-cycle bleeding, etc.
Your body sees inflammation as a stressor, and when stress is present, your cycles go wonky.
How do you know if you have chronic inflammation?
Look for signs such as headaches, joint pain and body aches, fatigue, brain fog, chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Chronic inflammation is something that occurs just by the body living….like car exhaust happens just from the motor running. It could also be the result of…
- Stress - cortisol and adrenaline leave behind lots of car exhaust.
- Insulin resistance - which we all have a degree of just by the way most of us eat. If you’re not actively aware of your blood sugar levels and your carb/sugar intake, you’re creating a lot of extra inflammation from the roller coastering blood glucose levels and insulin throughout your day.
- Infection - It is normal and necessary to have an inflammatory response to an acute infection...it’s how the body heals, right? But, if you’ve got chronic infections happening, you’ve got a lot more chronic inflammation happening too. You’ll need more help clearing that out.
- Environmental toxins - not just a factor for those who work in high fumes or hazardous work zones. The air quality in the average home is 7 times worse than the average factory or workplace air. This is due to the obscene amounts of fragrant products we use such as scented candles and sprays, perfumes, laundry products, soaps, lotions, face creams, hair products, cleaners, etc. The list is pretty long. Take inventory of how many products you have in your home that contain fragrance in them and you have a definitive source of inflammation.
- Digestive problems - the gut is the core or hub of the body. If it’s sick, so is the rest of you. Most everyone has leaky gut issues and/or inefficient elimination…aka constipation for those who won’t acknowledge they are indeed constipated….. to some extent. Every single diagnoses involving the gut is leaking toxins into the bloodstream creating a nonstop inflammatory response that will manifest into countless other symptoms such as skin issues, cycle problems, heart issues, arthritis issues, literally EV…ER…Y….THIIIING you go see a doctor for.
Are you surprised by any of these? Tell me if you’re surprised!
So what do we do?
Your strategy is to address the underlying cause of all your problems….chronic inflammation, and teach your body how to flush it out on a regular basis…without pharmaceutical drugs.
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Hydration is a key component of our health and well-being, impacting everything from our physical condition to our mental state. Recognizing that each body has unique needs, it's vital to understand how much water you should be consuming daily, which can vary based on individual factors such as activity level and overall health. Adding dietary supplements approved for hydration, like certain essential oils or antioxidant juices, can enhance the taste of water and contribute positively to our hydration goals, making the experience enjoyable and refreshing.
To ensure that our bodies effectively use the water we consume, adding minerals and electrolytes can be a game-changer, especially for those who feel thirsty even after drinking ample amounts of water. These hydration enhancers play a crucial role in cellular nourishment and preventing the overwhelming of our systems, by guiding water to where it's most needed. Opting for clean, quality products without artificial additives is crucial for achieving deep and lasting hydration, with recommended options like vitality drops and ionized mineral supplements that can be mixed with antioxidant-rich juices.
Moreover, addressing concerns like frequent trips to the bathroom post-hydration, suggests looking into our digestive health as a potential underlying issue. A gentle colon scrub, as opposed to harsh cleanses, can significantly improve our body's water absorption efficiency. This holistic approach to hydration emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies and making adjustments that go beyond just increasing water intake, ensuring that our hydration efforts are truly beneficial and support our overall health and well-being.
Read more...
It’s somewhere around 8:00 at night, we get home from taking our kids trick-or-treating around town. After going through and inspecting all their candy, we let them each pick out one piece to enjoy before getting ready and settle down for bed. They had also had a few pieces earlier in the evening.
Instead of settling in for a quiet family movie night, we had wild and crazy, somewhat delusional children. They were obviously feeling the effects of the sugar rush. We patiently let them run their energy off before attempting to put them to bed, and it ended up being quite a late night before they finally settled down and crashed.
Is this to be the norm for the next several months as we go through the upcoming holiday season of candy, treats, and desserts? Because on top of the hyperness, my son, who is almost 4, turns into an alter ego that is defiant and antagonizing when he gets too much sugar. His usual sweet hearted self goes somewhere else.
So what’s a mom to do besides deprive her children of the fun festivities and sweet treats, or worse, tolerate the crazy and sometimes naughty behavior for the entire winter putting her sanity at risk? Fight back with these savvy tips!
First off, moderation is key. However, even just one piece of candy will yield noticeable personality changes in my son. So, right or wrong, here’s what I do to maintain sanity and support the health in my family.
1. The kids are only allowed to have a treat after eating healthy food first. My hopes are to mix the refined sugar with good fiber and protein to slow down the rate of absorption of the refined sugar entering the bloodstream so there is not a flood of energy hitting the blood and brain all at once. Plus, if I let them have candy between meals, they tend to not want to eat the good food during mealtime. I’m sure you can relate.
2. Ningxia Red™ juice is a staple in our home anyway, but when there is candy or other sweet treats in the house, I make sure the kids (and myself) get EXTRA Ningxia Red™ to help support normal blood sugar levels and give us the cell protection and immune support of the high antioxidant contents of the drink. Plus, I notice when they drink the Ningxia Red™, they aren’t as crazy and demanding for the candy. It seems to curb the cravings.
Now, if you are familiar with Ningxia Red™, you may be confused as to why I would give it to my kids to control their energy, as Ningxia Red™ itself is energizing. But there’s a difference between nutritional energy and sugar or caffeine stimulant energy. The nutritional energy that comes from Ningxia Red™ doesn’t create the spike-and-crash effect. It doesn’t create hyperactivity and craziness that can cause emotional overwhelms, meltdowns, and naughtiness in kids that sugar does. It is a healthy, feel-good energy that seems to be better understood and tolerated by my kids. My daughter who is almost 2 can drink an 8oz bottle of water with 1 oz of Ningxia Red™ in it to fall asleep for her nap or bedtime and have no troubles sleeping. It’s balanced nutrition. Not a stimulant. Since I mix it with water, it also contributes to their water intake for the day, whereas if I were to give them sugary juice from the store, it would take away from their water intake, causing dehydration and add to the sugar rush. Plus, sugar is inflammatory. Ningxia Red's powerful antioxidants help flush inflammation from the body. Low-level inflammation is what leaves us feeling old before our time.
3. MightyVites™ Chewables are another part of our daily routine, but when there is candy in the house, it can save me a lot of hassle in arguing. As I mentioned in #1, I limit their candy intake to being a dessert after good food. But when they see their buckets on the counter, they want something out of it. So instead of always having to tell them “no”, I can sometimes give them a MightyVite™ instead. They’re happy because MightyVites™ taste so good the kids think they’re candy. I’m happy because they are getting a super healthy multivitamin that contains no dyes, refined sugar, or artificial sweeteners, and gives them the nutritional equivalent of eating WAY more fruits and vegetables than I’ll ever get them to eat in a month let alone a day. MightyVites™ also contains NO synthetic vitamins, no fillers, and no aspartame like the store brands do. They are made with real, whole-food ingredients that come with the same Seed-to-Seal® promise of quality and purity that Young Living’s essential oils do. What this means for me as a mom is peace of mind in knowing my kids are actually absorbing and utilizing the nutrition that is in their multivitamin and I’m not just wasting my money on the commercial multivitamin concept that get flushed down the toilet.
4. Life 9™ and The Red Drink: The extra sugar consumption can leave the immune system compromised and also cause upset tummies and yeast overgrowth. A good probiotic can promote healthy gut flora, which will support these issues. Life 9™ comes in a capsule. It is easy enough for me to take a capsule before bed, but my kids are too small to swallow capsules. So here’s what I do for them; I have a cocktail in my fridge we call “red drink”. We drink this instead of sugar laden juices and soft drinks. I take 1 capsule of Life9™ and break it open, then sprinkle it into 2 cups of red drink, splitting it equally between the 2 kids. I keep the juice amount small to ensure the kids drink it all right away. Now, this isn’t the most effective way to take Life9™, as you will have more die-off rate, but it will work well enough for those who cannot swallow capsules. With the 17 billion live active cultures and 9 Super strains Young Living uses, there will be less die-off than store brands which are mostly dead-on-arrival anyway.
What is this red drink?
I take an empty Ningxia Red™ bottle (25 oz). I add 2-4 oz of Ningxia Red™ juice, 3-4 drops of Lime Vitality™ essential oil, 2 tsp of Sulfurzyme™ POWDER, then top the bottle off with water. We drink this all throughout our day. It has the Ningxia Red™ juice we need for the reasons explained above and the added benefits and flavor of the Lime Vitality™ essential oil, but the real secret is in the Sulfurzyme™ Powder. The Sulfurzyme™ powder contains nutritional sulfur in the form of MSM, which supports a whole boat load of necessary bodily functions that are crucial to our health, but I explain all that HERE because there’s a lot to it. Sulfurzyme™ Powder also contains Ningxia Wolfberry powder for the same antioxidant support that the Ningxia Red™ juice offers, so even more immune support, blood sugar balance, and antioxidant protection. The Sulfurzyme™ in powder form also has PREbiotics which are natural essential sugars that feed the probiotic or healthy gut flora. So refined sugar found in candy and sweets feeds BAD bacteria and yeast. Unrefined sugars found in nature feed the GOOD bacteria, promoting healthy energy levels, strong immune systems, and happy tummies. That sounds like a win to this mom!
5. KidScents™ Toothpaste is an all-natural toothpaste to promote healthy oral hygiene. Don’t let all the candy rot your kids’ teeth! We try to brush our teeth after we eat candy, but it is a non-negotiable before bedtime and in the mornings. Why KidScents toothpaste from Young Living? Why not a toothpaste that comes recommended by most dentists? Well, read your labels to answer that question. As a mom, I’m not impressed with seeing warning labels that say, “call poison control if more than a pea-sized amount is ingested” on a product my 2 and 4 year old children are essentially eating off their tooth brushes. It is just astonishing to me that this is even considered okay. I prefer for my toothpaste to be effective at keeping our mouths healthy and clean, but not at the expense of other areas of our health. Young Living offers effective products without the compromise. I don’t have to keep my toothpastes locked away out of my kids’ reach for fear of them eating the whole tube. I don’t have to worry about them swallowing it. The reality of it is, even if the toothpaste doesn’t get swallowed, anything that goes in the mouth gets directly absorbed into the bloodstream, so they don’t have to even eat it to get the dangerous effects of the poisons that are in store brand toothpastes. It’s just not worth it when there is such a simple solution right at our fingertips. And my kids love the flavor, so I don’t have to fight with them to get them to brush. Another win.
6. If tummy troubles do occur despite my best efforts, Young Living offers several natural, risk-free options. My first go-to is always an essential oil blend called, DiGize™. It doesn’t smell the best unless you like black licorice, but it works on my family every time. I have it diluted in a roller for easy application. I just rub it on the tummy starting on the lower right side, massage in clockwise circles moving up, across, and down, ending in the lower left quadrant. You are actually following the ascending colon, transverse colon, then descending colon. Or, I hand the roller of oil to my kiddo and say have at it, allowing them to smear the oil everywhere and be empowered and in control of their own health with no worries. Other oily options to sooth a sugar tummy can be used in the same fashion include: Aroma Ease, which smells more spearminty and the KidScents® TummyGize™ which comes prediluted and ready to use for children. There are other options, but these are my favorites.
7. And the last tool in my box is outside time. Yes, SEND THEM OUTSIDE! Let them be kids and burn off that energy the way they were meant to. Kids’ physical and mental development depends on their ability to move. We have the luxury of living on a farm where they have lots of room to run and play carefree. But you can always take them to a park or go for a walk or bike ride, or just play catch with them. Kids are designed to move, and nothing beats fresh air for tuckering out an overactive kiddo.
I hope this gives you some ways to regain control of your kiddos and keep them healthy during these upcoming holiday months. But please keep in mind, moderation is really the key. Our body takes a huge hit from the sugars and dyes that are in candy. So be kind to it by giving it the tools it needs to fight back.
Be Well,
Jackie
BTW - For more tips to keep your family healthy by nature, join my community of other families living the savvy life HERE.
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Could a congested lymphatic system be contributing to your health problems?
Probably. But, read on to see for yourself.
Your lymphatic system is like the underground sewage system that collects everything that the skin absorbs and sends it into the bloodstream where it eventually ends up in the liver. The lymphatic system also sweeps up any metabolic waste, dead cells, and excess fluid from your organs.
If the lymphatic system is clogged, then the organs and parts of the body that normally dump their waste into it become backed up too. I.e. Your gut and liver.
When working correctly, the lymphatic system directs white blood cells to germs and other invaders to help you fight off infection. When it is congested it has the opposite effect, sending the viruses and bacteria into the blood stream and putting you at greater risk for infection.
There are several tell tale signs that lymphatic fluid is not moving effectively and that toxins are building up in your body:
Bloating
Cycle-related complaints• Swelling in your fingers/rings fitting more tightly
Brain fog
Digestive issues
Parasites
Depression
Sinus infections
Skin problems/dry and or itchy skin
Enlarged lymph nodes
Chronic fatigue
Feeling sore or stiff when you wake up in the morning
Unexplained injuries
Excess weight
Cold hands and feet
Constipation
Worsened allergies
Food sensitivities
Increased colds and flu
How many of these signs can you relate to? See why it is important to cleanse?!
I’m doing this challenge starting May 15th for myself to see if I can remedy my underarm odor and improve gut health, among other things listed above. Wanna join me?
We have an incredible group for all the details led by a friend that’s an RN and literally an expert on all things lymphatic system. There will be videos and posts with exactly what to do. We will hold your hand through the whole process.
The results from this challenge never cease to amaze me!
Get in on the greatness HERE.
For more health tips check out my Swap It Savvy community where we take a “use-this-not-that” approach to making healthier choices for our family so we can feel good and live life to the fullest and help others do the same.
Some links may be affiliate links. See full disclosure here.
Did you know there is a health crisis in our world caused by these microscopic organisms that are often overlooked by doctors, yet they can lead to auto-immune diseases, cancer, mental health problems, and more. Research suggests that one in three people may be infected. They cause inflammation and steal nutrients from your body. From weight gain to irregular sleeping patterns to mood changes, these little nasties can wreak havoc on your health. If you want to safely eliminate parasites from your body, there is a free program available to guide you through the process. Just join the Swap It Savvy group and say, "I want parasites GONE!" Let's get rid of these creepy crawlies and restore our health!
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High testosterone levels in women can cause problematic symptoms. Learn how you can lower your testosterone naturally and help restore balance to your hormones.
High testosterone levels in women can wreak havoc on both physical and emotional well-being. While it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, there are simple natural lifestyle adjustments that can support hormonal balance. In this blog, we will explore ways to lower and support healthy testosterone levels for women, naturally.
Symptoms of high testosterone in women can include any of the following:
- Darker, thicker facial hair
- acne
- irregular menstrual cycles
- hair loss
Some of the causes of higher-than-normal testosterone levels in women could include ovarian cysts, PCOS, hormonal contraception, or hormonal replacement therapy drugs.
Natural ways to lower testosterone and keep hormones balanced.
Hormonal balance relies heavily on a few common health practices.
1. Keeping the 3 main pathways of elimination open with a focus on gut health, liver cleansing, and lymphatic care. Part of this process is reducing your exposure to everyday toxins such as fragrance, household cleaners, pthalates, parabens, etc. to stop gumming up those pathways with junk we can avoid, so they can freely clear out the junk we can’t avoid. Check out some of my natural cleaning tips HERE.
2. Supporting the body with good whole food nutrition so it has the tools it needs to make the repairs and run the body as it was designed to run. Your car can’t run with dirty oil and watered-down gas, and your body won’t run smoothly with processed garbage, caffeine, and soft drinks. Keep reading for some testosterone-lowering go-to's.
3. Healthy physical activity to keep things flowing. Our blood flow has a pump (the heart) to move it along, but lymph does not. Lymph is like the underground sewage system that filters everything our skin comes into contact with, and it needs motion to move it on out. Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle allows opportunity for fat cells to form. Fat cells get in the way of a happy hormonal balance in many ways, and it's a real drag to carry around. Go for a walk!
The below protocol addresses all of this.
FemiGen™ is a women’s balancing supplement that is my go-to for every female problem because I see the most results with it for cycle-related problems in my clients and family. I use this one myself daily, and regret it when I don’t. One of the main active ingredients is Licorice root which has shown in studies to reduce testosterone levels in women by 32% after one menstrual cycle, and men showed a decrease of 26% in just one week.
Omega Greens™ is another hormonal balancing staple. We need omegas to use the hormones properly. I find using Omega Greens™ further enhances my results with FemiGen™ when taken together. Studies have linked omega-3 fatty acids to decreasing testosterone.
Spearmint Essential oil when given to rats for 20 days resulted in reduced testosterone levels. I would add a drop of spearmint essential oil that is approved for internal use such as THIS ONE, to a 2-oz shot of this antioxidant-rich health juice called, Ningxia Red™. Ningxia Red™ is a superfood drink that flushes inflammation from the body, supports liver and kidney cleansing, and has the nutritional profile like none other for a whole-body health infusion. It is a daily staple to our health routine.
ICP™ to support colon clearing. It also has plant compounds that bind to testosterone to carry it out of the body and omega-3 fatty acids for the benefits listed above. If you want to supercharge the benefits of a clean colon, check out this article HERE
Walnuts and Almonds increase a protein that binds to testosterone, leading to a decrease in levels of free testosterone in the body.
Flax seed can be added to almost anything including salads, smoothies, and oatmeal.
The WAVwatch, a sound wave therapy device that is a cutting-edge frequency healing technique that offers personalized healing sessions, targeting specific areas of the body and mind for optimal results, wherever and whenever you need. It uses specific sounds to assist the body in the re-tuning and re-alignment of bodily energy. It is the same technique doctors use in blasting kidney stones and some resonance imaging, only the WAVwatch uses specific frequencies to address specific issues. This personalized approach allows users to address their unique needs and experience the full benefits of sound healing in the convenience of a watch. Set the watch to the hormone balancing soundtracks, sit back and relax. It comes with a 14-day money back guarantee to allow users to try it out risk free, but I assure you, you won’t want to give it up once you experience it. I have seen this watch work wonders in my own family and the many friends and clients I have shared it with. Use promo code SAVY100 to get $100 off. Check out more info, science and testimonies HERE.
Remember, while high testosterone levels can be problematic, it's entirely possible to restore balance naturally. With a holistic approach and incorporating natural remedies with a few lifestyle adjustments, you can easily support your journey towards hormonal balance. Embrace the power of an integrative approach and unlock the path to wellness by grabbing all the nutritional tools HERE, so you can make this your healthiest year yet. Oh and use promo code SHAREYL for 10% off your purchase.
Be well friend!
Sources:
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Summer is here, and with it comes the challenge of dealing with mosquitoes. However, there's no need to use toxic bug sprays that leave behind unpleasant residue. Instead, these solutions provide an effective, natural way to repel mosquitoes without harming your health and leaving you feel sticky and stinky with pesticide.
Incorporating these natural solutions into your lifestyle ensures that you can enjoy your time outdoors without worries or compromising your health. Read about these tips and then join the Swap It Savvy Facebook community to learn more about incorporating natural solutions into your everyday life.
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Discover the Secret to Better Sleep and Transform Your Health in Just 11 Days
Are you ready to take control of your brain function and supercharge your overall well-being? It's as easy as a good night's sleep. Did I say easy? I meant simple. We all know sleep doesn't always come so easy. Read on for help with that too.
Did you know that when you're in REM and deep sleep patterns, your body undergoes a remarkable process of repair and rejuvenation? Yes! Rest and repair right? Around 80% of the healing process happens in the deepest of sleeps. Your tissues are repaired and regrown, your bones and muscles are strengthened, and your immune system receives a much-needed boost. But sleep is also a game-changer for your brain.
During those blissful hours of deepest shut-eye, your brain wrings itself out like a sponge, expelling all the toxins accumulated during the day into the cerebrospinal fluid. Those toxins are then whisked away by your arteries, ensuring that your brain remains fresh and primed for peak performance. By allowing your brain to rid itself of these toxins, you can combat memory loss, lack of focus, and even reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. Simply put, sleep is a big deal.
But how do you unlock the full potential of sleep and experience its transformative effects? How do you achieve that good healing deep sleep?
Look no further than right HERE
This incredible system was designed to help you transform your health and harness the power of magical sleep in just 11 days.
Imagine waking up each morning with a clear mind, razor-sharp focus, and a renewed sense of vitality. With THESE proven techniques and expert guidance, you'll establish the best sleep that will revolutionize your life. Say goodbye to tossing and turning, and hello to restful nights filled with deep, rejuvenating sleep.
Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your brain function, boost your memory and focus, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. THIS is the key to unlocking the life-changing benefits of quality sleep, sustainable energy, and rock solid health. Oh! I forgot to mention it's free! You'll just need to grab a few supplies to do the protocol.
But don't take my word for it...... the proof is in the pudding....or whatever..... here is a screenshot of my sleep report just 4 days in. 
So are you ready to embark on this incredible journey with me? CLICK HERE now to learn more about this incredible protocol and secure your spot today so you too can enjoy the best sleep of your life.....naturally!
For a community filled with Savvy tips to help you do life better, join us HERE. We'd love to have you!
Oh and I know you're going to ask me about the supplies needed so HERE'S that too.
Peace!
Jackie
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Many women think they can use the LH tests for avoiding pregnancy, and that is some thin ice to be walking on. Despite the tests clearly stating they should not be used to prevent pregnancy, I still get asked ALL. THE. TIME. “why can’t I just use this machine/test to tell me when I’m ovulating and then we won’t have sex?” Or worse ...”he won’t finish in me.” (another myth that needs some serious straightening out in our world).
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is the hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes the outer shell of the follicle to start breaking down so the ovum can break free. LH spikes just before ovulation happens. Ovulation prediction tests that measure the level of LH in your urine and saliva with the idea of helping you predict ovulation so you can increase your chances of becoming pregnant are readily available at any store with a pharmacy section.
But there are many weaknesses to this plan of using LH testing to avoid pregnancy. The first one being, the tests were never intended for this purpose, and that alone is an indication of their effectiveness for this.
The next really bad idea is that withdrawal has a high rate of failure. Depending on your source and timing in the cycle it can be anywhere from 5-25%. But if you’re not willing to bring life into this world, even 1% is too high to chance. There is this thing some women have coined “perfect withdrawal” but that is just a more socially acceptable name for masturbation. Associating that with the actual withdrawal or “pulling out” technique has resulted in many, many unplanned pregnancies. Any fluid that leaves the penis has the potential to have sperm cells in it. Furthermore, even if sperm come in contact with the right cervical fluid OUTSIDE the vagina those sperm can meet egg and make baby, says WOOMB International, the largest worldwide organization for researching this kind of stuff.
OK putting soapbox away.
Back to LH testing.... another reason you can’t use a LH test alone to avoid pregnancy is LH surges just before potential ovulation. The cervix will have been secreting fluid that nourishes sperm and aides their swimming efforts in preparation for ovulation. Sperm can live up to 5 days in this ideal cervical environment, so it would be possible that you have viable sperm in your cervix before, during, or after the LH test showing positive. Those sperm could still meet egg and make baby.
And finally, just because there is a spike in LH does not mean ovulation actually happened. It just means the body attempted ovulation. LH can surge without an egg being released at all, or ovulation may just be delayed for a few days or even weeks for one reason or another. So, you may see a positive LH spike on your test and falsely believe you ovulated and are in the infertile luteal phase of your cycle having carefree sex every day until you realize your period never showed up. (oops!)
Understanding the significance of tracking other biomarkers such as the cervical fluid and how to properly identify ovulation using a specific researched method offers a greater likelihood of avoiding or achieving pregnancy. Understanding a sound method of fertility tracking, like Billings Ovulation Method®, is a sure shot way to get to know your body so that you can PROPERLY and most accurately identify the times when pregnancy is impossible or when it is most likely. It is also a great tool for monitoring your reproductive health in general.
I hope this was helpful to you!
If you would like to learn more about how to successfully implement a means of avoiding pregnancy that is natural hormone-free, and still 99% effective, check out my info page on the Billings Ovulation Method HERE.
I would also like to extend an invitation to join a community of women who are working towards health freedom, body literacy, and empowering each other to take better care of ourselves. In here we talk about all things womanhood throws at us and work on natural solutions to overcome them. We focus specifically on natural fertility management and general hormone balance. If this sounds like a fit for you, you can check us out HERE.
And don't forget to grab my free guides:
and
Be Well!
Some links may be affiliate links. See full disclosure here.
Selling digital products is a fast and simple way to generate passive income and the possibilities are endless! With online delivery, budget-friendly options, and higher profits than physical goods - what's not to love? Tap into this lucrative market today for maximum growth potential. Here are some ideas to get you started......
1. Recipes: Recipes are great ways to build your list. (check out my next blog to learn why building your email list is important) Simply create a download of the step-by-step instructions. Link it to a landing page for them to submit their email address into, and the recipe gets sent to their inbox. Make sure it is printer-friendly for their ease of use.
2. Guides: travel guides, health guides, disney vacation, Self-care, how-to…..sky’s the limit on what type of guide you can create. Look at your audience’s needs and requests and create a simple how-to guide around it that they can download.
3. Tutorial Videos: do a demonstration of something. Make-up how-to’s are pretty popular but it could be anything from properly saddling a horse, to how to paint a cool looking tree. Whatever your community is into. Teach them how to do it better with a video.
4. Workbooks: Looking for a way to help your audience make those big life decisions? Consider creating and selling downloadable workbooks! Workbooks are great because they offer the user step-by-step guidance on how to reach their desired goals - whether it's business planning, debt payoff plans or budgeting. Plus, these helpful tools don't have you filling up pages with words like eBooks do – just providing prompts that will assist them in doing what needs to be done. Sound handy? Check out one of my favorite workbooks for some inspiration.
5. Manuals: Do you know how many times my husband goes searching for repair manuals for things? If you’re a fixer upper type and know how to fix things…a simple how-to manual might just save someone’s day.
6. E-Books: Do you have a passion for something or an interesting story/life experience to share? Put it into an eBook! According to Statista and Google Trends, eBooks are one of the top information products that people spend their money on. You don’t need to be an experienced writer or an expert in the topic to write a book—all you need is enthusiasm and some strong research skills. Plus, eBooks are easy to market and distribute online. Whether you’re wanting to provide parenting advice or share your knowledge on baking bread, there is always an audience eager to learn from your experiences. eBooks are easily consumable, and a great way to bring in leads. For instance, you can distribute the eBook for free in exchange for emails. Plus, eBooks are great for building credibility! Sounds like a daunting task, but ebooks are easier to consume when they are short and sweet.
7. Planners: Whether its a yearly planner, a budget planner, a grocery planner or a workout planner, there’s a wealth of opportunity in this niche. Software like CANVA makes the design process easy though.
8. Journals: So simple. Design a great cover to a notebook in CANVA and you can totally call it a journal and be done. Take it a step further and make each page unique with inspiration quotes or whatever makes sense to your user’s experience.
9. Check Lists: There's a whole demographic of people who have checklists for everything! Make their world easier with one ready to go for their specific needs. (hint: You'll know this because "your people" are you. Create for them the checklists you use for yourself.
10. Cheat Sheets: I love cheat sheets! Same concept as check lists, create for them what you would use for yourself. As a FAM/NFP instructor I have created cheat sheets for the rules of my methods, and for my entrepreneur audience I have a cheat sheet for the steps needed to create the landing pages, sales pages, and email campaigns for all these digital things we create to make the flow go smoothly which saves time. This one is a freebie that goes with the course I have that teaches you how to do all that.
11. Worksheets: I like to pair worksheets with a video training. So if you have a YouTube video or a podcast, you could offer a worksheet to go along with your talk as a downloadable for them to follow along. Some people learn better when they can write things or read it.
12. Stock Photos: If you’re a photographer, or just like taking pictures, Check out sites like Pixabay where you can sell your images. Reach out to bloggers and see if you can commission any work from them, restaurants and other business would be another opportunity for free-lance photography.
13. Spreadsheets: You can sell spreadsheets with industry-specific information ex. A client of mine created a spreadsheet for her Barrel Racing competitions that left other facilities wanting to know her secret system for keeping scores.
I have one for keeping track of all my links… or you can create fill-in-the blank spreadsheets that are best for planning and financial niches.
14. Templates: Templates make everyone’s lives easier. They are attractive because we all want easy-buttons. Templates offer a “plug-n-play” short-cut for almost anything. The most common template sales I see are social media templates for posts, Reels, etc. You could create a meal-planning template, a chore chart, feed schedule, business card design template, etc.
15. A Mini Course: A small course that is a piece of content either delivered live (like a workshop) or delivered via email or hosted online on a platform such as AttractWell. Mini-courses are a great way to dip your feet in the course creator world without the time or the commitment it requires to build and sell a full-blown signature course.
If you like teaching and are comfortable presenting on audio or video then this can be an excellent digital product for you.
If you don’t want to host your course somewhere expensive, you can simply create a FB group that is private where you share your videos and resources, or deliver it through emails if you have an email marketing system (I use AttractWell for this too).
16. Crafty Printables: For crafty mamas out there, consider selling printables or crafts that you make yourself! People love buying handmade items (especially from other moms), so this could be a great way for you to monetize something you already love doing. You can start small by offering free printables on Pinterest or Etsy before moving onto bigger projects like making jewelry or clothing items for kids.
17. Entertaining Videos: If you have a talent for creating videos, why not turn it into a home-business? I'm not talking YouTube sensation...although there is that too. I'm talking simple. Like maybe your audience is moms of littles. You can create videos of stories being read, or, if you have the skills, animations you create.
18. Memberships: Memberships work especially well for coaches and instructors. Ex. A Yoga instructor could have a membership where she does daily meditations, workouts, etc. A music or art instructor could host daily lessons. A health coach could run through daily meal plans and exercise routines….you get the idea. Other ideas could be:
19. Digital newsletter subscriptions: Maybe you create newsletters for other entrepreneurs?
20. Monthly fitness challenges
21. Weekly meal plans
22. Weekly motivational quotes
23. Meditation subscriptions
24. Yoga subscriptions
25. Online Courses: Creating online courses is one of the best ways to make money as a mompreneur. You can create courses that cater to other mothers or share your knowledge of topics like nutrition, parenting, budgeting, etc. Online courses give you the flexibility to work around your family’s schedule since you can create content on your own time and upload it when it is ready. Plus, if you price your course correctly, it can be very lucrative!
As you can see there are plenty of digital product ideas out there that don’t require too much time or effort on your part!
Generating income from home doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose eBooks or printables (or both!), selling digital products gives busy moms like us the freedom and flexibility we need while still allowing us to generate income from home. So what are you waiting for? Get started today on a business venture that will benefit both yourself and your family! But don't go it alone! Join a community of other moms who are already making money from home HERE so we can help you out!
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With so much to manage on a farm, keeping your animal records often becomes unorganized and lackluster. Keeping records on each animal's health, breeding, and medications is crucial to maintaining a healthy and happy flock and mastering your breeding program. However, traditional pen and paper methods can be difficult to keep organized and easily accessible…even lost. This is where these digital spreadsheets come in – offering a streamlined and efficient way to keep track of your sheep records from wherever you’re at.
Benefits of keeping digital records….
1. Simplify Record Keeping
Digital spreadsheets are multi-functional and can be customized to fit your individual sheep record keeping needs. You can easily modify fields to track whatever information is necessary to meet your farm's needs. From lambing dates, weights, and health history, to vaccination and medication schedules, everything is all in one place. The beauty of these digital spreadsheets is that they're easy to update and share with farmhands or veterinarians. This way, you can record data in real-time, keeping everyone you choose to give access in the loop.
2. Analyze Data
Digital spreadsheets can also offer useful insights into your flock's performance. By aggregating data on wool production, lambing dates, and breeding success rates, you can make informed decisions on breeding and culling practices. With the power of data analysis at your fingertips, you can ensure your flock is as productive as possible and your breeding seasons run smoothly with less complications.
3. Time-Saving
Pen and paper record keeping is a tedious process when you’re looking for a specific animal or detail. Transferring paper records onto a computer spreadsheet where you can do a search for these things takes extra time. These Spreadsheets will save you time, reduce frustration, and free up more of your valuable resources.
4. Cost-Effective
Unlike custom-made software that can be expensive, these digital spreadsheets offer a low-cost alternative for tracking and managing sheep records. They're also less complicated than some other farm management software on the market. If you can run Microsoft Excel or Google sheets at their simplest functions, you can manage these spreadsheets, and these digital spreadsheets come with a complete lesson on how to use them.
5. Secure and Accessible
One of the best aspects of these digital spreadsheets is the access you have to them along with the security they offer. With saved files in the cloud, you can access them from anywhere or any device with an internet connection, making it easy to share files with other farmworkers who have the link as well. They're also more secure than handwritten notes as they can be password-protected and can only be accessed by those authorized to do so.
Keeping track of sheep records can be a daunting task for farm operators. However, these digital spreadsheets could be the solution you need to streamline the record keeping process. With its convenience, time-saving, cost-effective nature, and overall effectiveness, you can ensure that sheep record keeping on your farm is smooth and efficient. Customize each field to track only what you want and make record keeping a breeze. These spreadsheets come with complete instructions on how to access them from any device, do simple data entry, customize fields, expand existing pages, and add new pages, so anyone can easily use this system regardless how “tech-savvy” they are.
Grab your spreadsheets HERE so you too can have an easy and convenient system for keeping track of your sheep program records.
If you'd like to connect with us on FB, follow our page, Schmaltz Ranch or join my group for farm wives here.
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Ladies, let's face it - we all struggle with the dreaded underarm odor. No matter how much we shower, how much or what kind of deodorant we use, it seems like we're always battling against stinky underarms. Well, fear not my friends because I have found the solution to all of our stinky problems…and it’s all-natural too.
When my favorite brand of natural deodorant went out of stock for forever, I was stuck searching for alternatives. I tried all the things and kept striking out. I even went back to my old toxic store brand. All that did was give me perfume-scented BO and a headache. *sad face*
FINALLY my favorite brand was back. I LOVED that deodorant, but I still noticed I had to apply it several times a day to control my stinky pits. I don’t have time for that! So my search continued.
A friend of mine suggested I try this unscented crystal deodorant she was using, so I did. WOW! Was I impressed! In one application to unshowered, already stinky pits, it neutralized my odor. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, through some record high summer temps, on a farm, or at the pool, and not once have I smelled anything from my pits! I apply once in the morning. Showered or not. It’s impressive. I use clean, unadulterated essential oils for fragrance when I want a scent; a dab under my arms, on my wrists, and behind my ears. Creating an essential oil body spray like this one works great too.
So, what exactly is natural crystal deodorant? It's a deodorant made from mineral salts. Unlike conventional deodorants, the crystal deodorant does not mask odor, it eliminates it by forming an alkaline barrier that prevents odor-causing bacteria from forming. You can say goodbye to the headache-inducing smells of powdery perfumes and fake scents and welcome clean, natural aromas.
Unscented crystal deodorants do NOT contain any harsh chemicals like traditional deodorants do that can irritate our skin and lead to health concerns such as breast cancer, Alzheimer's and kidney problems.
Crystal deodorant is super easy to apply. All you do is wet the salt crystal and glide it across your underarms. The salt will immediately begin to form a protective barrier that will last all day long. Unlike the gunky, white residue that sticks to your clothes, natural crystal deodorant dries clear, leaving no marks or stains.
Traditional antiperspirants plug sweat glands and prevents sweat from escaping. These antiperspirants can block pores and even make you sweat more when it wears off. A natural crystal deodorant can be used every day without risk of staining, irritation or the health risks of a congested lymphatic system leading to clogged lymph nodes and cancers.
It's simple. Natural crystal deodorants can stop odor in two ways: kill the bacteria that cause the smell and create a barrier to make it harder for bacteria to grow. The minerals in a crystal deodorant are alkaline, which helps to balance the pH level of your skin, making it more difficult for odor-causing bacteria to grow. To use it, just wet the crystal, apply to your underarms and let it dry. That's it.
How Long Does It Last?
The truth is it can last all day and keep you fresh. That’s why I made the switch to using it over my other brand that I love, but had to reapply often. Natural crystal deodorants can last longer than sticks and sprays, so you will find that you don’t spend as much money in the long-run or end up throwing half-used chemically-laden products into the trash.
Natural crystal deodorant is a better, safer and extremely effective alternative to chemical-laden deodorants and antiperspirants. They are long-lasting, eliminating the need for multiple applications throughout the day. I HIGHLY recommend you give it a try. You might just find yourself saying goodbye to underarm odor for good…like I have.
Be well my friend!
Jackie
By the way….if you like healthy alternatives like this, check out our community of savvy women sharing healthy alternatives to our favorite everyday life essentials on Facebook: Swap It Savvy.
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This is part 3 to a 3-part series of practical tools to help you or your child cope with anxiety and panic disorder. Anxiety disorders take many forms and are prevalent in Americans, impacting 19% of adults and 7% of children. As a mom who understands the challenges firsthand, I want to share the most effective strategies we've discovered so you can find the support you need to navigate anxiety with confidence.
Anxiety is defined as the persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. Symptoms take many forms and can include subtle symptoms like jitters, upset stomach, feeling tense, nervous, jumpy, agitated, anticipating danger, headache, inability to sleep and much more. Or it can be an obvious symptom like panic, pounding heart, nervous sweat diarrhea or nausea.
I’ve already shared 2 of our favorite ways to cope with my daughter’s panic attacks, but what do we do when she’s not at home and her irrational fears start creeping in at school? I can’t send her to school with my $500 sound frequency device and she’d probably get in trouble if she started chanting prayers or affirmations in the middle of class, right?
Our next most useful tool or tools, are top grade essential oils. There have been many studies showing that essential oils are effective as a natural remedy for anxiety or panic. They work in different ways,
1. Aromatherapy; the scent-memory-emotion connection. Simply put, you smell something, it reminds you of something, you then have an emotion to it. Find calming scents you love like lavender or vanilla.
2. They increase serotonin, a happy, feel-good hormone. Essential oils have been scientifically proven to significantly increase serotonin levels in the brain, and some decrease cortisol, the stress hormone.
3. At a deeper level, a top quality essential oil that still has its therapeutic properties intact because it was farmed organically, created in nature not in a lab, distilled properly, and has no added fillers to destroy its thousands of medicinal constituents work at a cellular level, restoring faulty DNA programming caused by unprocessed emotions during a past experience we had, with restored perfect programming. Obviously this is an extensive topic too deep for a blog, but I have spent several years studying in this area of emotional effects and clearing. It’s legit. Medicinal properties at a cellular level will only happen with the best of the best essential oils though. This is why knowing the source of your oil matters and a $5 bottle at Walmart will not do. Visit the only brand I will use HERE. Use promo code SHAREYL to get an extra 10% off.
What and how do we use them?
The “how” is extremely easy. You can….
1. Diffuse them into the air with a diffuser or 4 oz spray bottle, using 5-10 drops of the oil.
2. Create a diluted roller to apply to your wrists, neck, shoulders, inhale. I like the 10mL size with 15-20 drops and a carrier oil such as V6® or sweet almond oil.
3. Let a few drops fall from the bottle into your palms, rub your palms together, then place your hands close to your nose, take 3 deep breathes inhaling the aroma. Be mindful of what you are feeling during this process. Does something in the body stir or shift? These are clues to be addressed of health and/or emotional matters. I then hit up my resource books to find the source of these issues so they can be cleared completely and forever. (off topic, I’d love to teach you how to do this, so reach out to me if you’d like to learn).
Now the what.
What oils to use is a little more complicated only because there are so many choices and every person’s body, source of trouble, and reactions are different. Just know, you can't use the "wrong" oil, just maybe not the specific oil your body will react to best. Here are the most popular choices to get you started.
1. Lavender. Lavender is probably the most well-known essential oil for calming and sleep. A quick Google search will show you it has been involved in several studies that have all concluded it to be beneficial. It is also widely available. Which means it is often a synthetic copycat version, so be careful about your source of this oil. Adulterated or perfume grade oil will have no physical effect, and only a slight emotional effect if you have a pleasant memory attached to the scent (aromatherapy) and are not sensitive to synthetic fragrance. If you want results, you need a true lavandula augustifolia that is unadulterated and properly distilled like THIS ONE.
2. Roman Chamomile is another widely known herb for its calming properties. The essential oil is even better. I actually like to pair this with my lavender for a less earthy scent. In fact, any of these oils I’m listing can be blended together in your own personal roller or diffuser blend.
3. Clary Sage has been scientifically proven to significantly increase serotonin levels and decrease cortisol levels *. People who are anxious often have low levels of serotonin and high cortisol levels. When serotonin is released, it makes you feel good. Cortisol is a hormone that’s secreted during stressful situations, so decreasing cortisol might help with your anxiety.
4. Another cortisol stopping essential oil favorite is a trademarked blend from Young Living called Stress Away®. It literally melts the stress away, and smell soooo goooood.
5. There are sedative oils like vetiver and valerian that can calm those anxious feelings and put you in a type of zen-chill mind. My favorite is a blend of these called RutaVala®.
This is just a short list of MANY essential oils that have calming effects. Sometimes the endless options can lead us to indecisive inaction. Meaning, we can’t decide what to use so we don’t use anything at all. That my friends is not helping you. At the very least, close your eyes and pick something.
As someone who has a HUGE collection of essential oils, I often struggle with the overwhelm of what to use. I have another tool that is a health assessment bio scanner to help me out with this. It literally asks my body what it needs in the moment, and I get a report of body systems and emotions that are experiencing stress and a list of favorable products to support these problem areas. This valuable tool is super inexpensive (only $10/month) and has been a life savor for me as a mom dealing with babies who can’t always tell me what’s wrong. I have been using it for 11 years and I can vouch for its accuracy. It’s a little handheld device that runs from your smart phone. Super easy to use. You can learn more about it HERE. And later I’ll be sharing an incredible video of how oils and the iTovi squashed a panic attack instantly. Be sure to subscribe below so you don’t miss it.
There you have it. My top 3 best tools for anxiety and panic,
3. Essential oils
I hope this empowers you to take control of your emotions and stay on the path to living the savvy life!
If you’d like more tips on living better, join our community of savvy people HERE. We’d love to have you!
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Discover how easy and cost-effective it is to make your own almond milk in this blog post. With the skyrocketing prices of store-bought almond milks, making your own is a smart alternative. Not only does it save you money, but it also allows you to control the ingredients. Unlike commercial almond milks loaded with additives and sugars, homemade almond milk is a healthy and clean option. It is lower in calories and carbs, higher in calcium, and has less inflammatory effects than dairy milk. Plus, it's super easy to make! Simply soak raw almonds, blend them with filtered water, strain, and enjoy. Consider adding vanilla extract or natural sweeteners like dates or honey for added flavor. Use your homemade almond milk in cereal, baking recipes, coffee, smoothies, and more. Don't forget to save the solids for recipes. Join the online community for more savvy swaps like this one. Start making your own almond milk today and experience the benefits.
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