How to be a more happy and healthy Mom

January has began and I know this is when a lot of people start trying to accomplish their New Year resolutions. If you’ve been wanting to become a more happy and healthy Mom, I wanted to share some helpful tips right from my own life.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor, so please use caution when implementing any of the suggestions listed below and consult with your doctor.

So, I’ve been on my self-care journey, taking care of spirit and my mental health but I had been neglecting my physical health for a while.

I’m a hugeeeee foodie so good food just makes me happy but it was starting to be at the detriment of my health. I also have the biggest sweet tooth ever. I would literally bake cupcakes from scratch at 12 pm and then eat like the entire pan. Yes. I’ve really done this and I’m not proud.

December was a tough month for me because I started dealing with hives that would not go away. After much testing, it was confirmed that I had an allergy to shrimp and eggs. Sigh. Mind you shrimp is like my absolute favorite so that was sad news.

I’m thankful that it wasn’t something more serious however, I do know that when the immune system (really the lymphatic system but that’s another convo) starts becoming really sensitive that the gut is not doing so well.

Not to be tmi, but I’ve never had the best digestion and as the years have gone I’ve increasingly developed allergies and sensitivities. After lots of research, I learned that my immune system function wasn’t the best. Basically, to break down the science, the immune system is really housed within the gut.

So, if you’re dealing with digestion issues, allergies, autoimmune diseases, ect. you want to take a serious look at your gut function.

I had to incorporate probiotics, a lot more water, Vitamin D3 capsules, iron herbal teas, and raw foods.

Although I know my gut isn’t at 100%, I know it is slowly getting there.

I’m not an advocate for allopathic use of medicine if its not absolutely desperately necessary. If you don’t agree, that’s cool. Please do what you feel comfortable with BUT I do want you to consider other methods of healing.

The body actually has the incredible ability to heal itself but in order for that to happen you have to give your body a chance to do so. A LOT of energy is used by the body to digest food. Add even more if you eat a SAD (Standard American Diet). Your body doesn’t even recognize half of the “food” you’re eating because it’s so nutritionally void so it’s taking even longer to break it down. It’s spending energy trying to break down all that food that it can’t use that energy to heal and repair.

I really want you to consider fasting (under the care of a naturopathic doctor if need be). This can be a water fast, smoothie fast, raw fruit fast, herbal tea fast, but you need to give your body a break from digesting heavy foods so that your body can truly cleanse and heal itself.

You may also find that as you’re doing a physical fast that you’re beginning to spiritually cleanse as well. Your intuition may become stronger. You may “hear” God clearer. You begin to become much more sensitive to the things that you “consume” through TV, music, and even social media.

I’ll save my spiritual journey for another post but fasting is one of the greatest disciplines I’ve incorporated into my life. Any time I feel like I’m dealing with minor issues, I go on a mini cleanse and they tend to subside.

Please take control of YOUR health.

You literally can have all the wealth in this world, but if you don’t have good health, it won’t mean much. A rich man in the hospital is still just a patient like everyone else there.

I’ve made the commitment to myself to try my best to take care of the temple that the Most High has given me. Not just when the “New Year” starts but every single day.

So right now, I’m on an alkaline cleanse and my husband is on a juice cleanse. I’m so glad I have a spouse that desires to be better in every area including physical health. It makes this journey so much easier. We keep each other accountable which helps a lot #healthycouples.

Here’s a pic of one of the juices I make for my husband 🙂

Here are some ways you can take control of your health

1. EAT REAL FOOD

I know I’m comin for someone but eating a bag of doritoes for lunch isn’t eating food. You need to eat food that is going to nourish your body. Meaning food with real and natural minerals/vitamins.

Example: Fruits, Veggies, whole grains, meat ect.

2. Incorporate fasting

Look up the benefits of fasting. Even intermittent fasting is good because you’re giving your body a break from digesting food.

You may not know but its actually best to start eating food around 12pm because the body cleanses from 8pm-12pm. Yall I could REALLY go into this stuff because I LOVE it but I’ll spare that for maybe another post.

3. Drink your herbs

Look here. If you’re not drinking herbs, you need to start NOW. The food that we’re eating isn’t even as mineral rich as it needs to supply the body with all that it needs. If you’re looking for a book that you can buy to teach you about herbs and what they’re all for you can pick up this one. Alkaline Herbal Medicine.

I’m currently studying that book and hope to become a master herbalist one day even if it’s just to help myself and my family.

4. Add more juices to your diet

Juices are great because the body doesn’t need to break down the fiber of the skins of the fruits and veggies. If you have digestive issues, raw skin on fruits may even give you some indigestion.

Here’s the juicer I use. Hamilton Beach Juicer Machine. It’s cheap and it works. I plan on upgrading soon but for now this one is doing great.

A quick google or Pinterest search can show you different juice combos that taste good. So basically, you have no excuses 🙂

5. Take care of your mental health.

Whether you believe it or not, physical and emotional health are connected.This is backed by science. Taking care of yourself emotionally ( I blogged about self-care here) is extremely important to your health and well-being.

So those are just some way that you can start taking care of your health. This is a journey. Start slow if you need to. I’m a cold turkey kind of person, so I usually just go all in because that’s easier for me.

I created a Self-care Checklist just for you so you can make sure you’re taking care of yourself everyday.

Let me know what’s been your biggest struggle with your physical health.

We’re in this together.

Love,

Anita B. <3