Happy New Year

     🎆 HAPPY NEW YEAR!🎆

And welcome to 2017!  Don't you just love the New Year; a clean slate with limitless possibilities, brimming with hope and the expectation of good things to come! A chance for a "do over"- to better your life.   But, in order to move forward with goals, one of the first things I've learned is that we need to "let go" of the past.  Because it's pretty hard to focus on the present with a vision for the future while still looking behind at what didn't happen last year. 

 Philippians 3:13: Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting the things behind, and reaching forward 🙋 to the things ahead."  

#inittowinit 

   

Anxious or depressed? Two lab tests you may want to take before getting on anti depressants and anti anxiety meds

I've decided it's time to open up and discuss a subject near and dear to my heart that I've gained victory over and hope that by my sharing, it may help someone else. 

So, I'm going to start with a personal question. How are you doing? Most people, when asked that question, will answer "fine." And think they mean it. But, since it's the socially correct thing to say, it might not always be the truth. So, let me ask you another question and I hope you will be honest with yourself. Do you struggle with depression or anxiety? Are you presently on an anti depressant or anti anxiety med  (or considering getting on them? ) If so, I understand your pain first hand! 

For years, I was on everything from A to Z (Anafranil to Zoloft), experiencing all of the common side effects known to these classes of meds like weight gain, bloating, dry mouth, mood swings, agitation, anxiety, fatigue, lethargy, hair loss, acne, memory problems and fuzzy thinking. 

Then one day I attended a lecture by Dr. William Walsh PhD and it literally changed my life! 

In that lecture, I learned about two physiological disorders that turned out later after testing, to be the root cause of my depression and anxiety, (and may be the root cause of yours too.)

The disorders are 1) High Copper, ( a heavy metal) and 2) Pyroluria. The two lab tests that you need to determine if these disorders are a problem for you are 1) a copper blood serum panel test and 2) a kryptopyroles test (urine).

High copper can cause depression, anxiety and even post partum depression for women during their child bearing years. It can affect learning as well. And it can cause anger and rage. 

And Pyroluria, or Pyrrole Disorder, is

an abnormality in biochemistry where

the body creates and excretes too many pyrrole  molecules, depleting zinc and b6, ( the nutrients necessary for creating serotonin )

Symptoms of Pyrrole Disorder include:

.inner tension

.extreme anxiety 

.extreme mood swings

.irritability

.poor memory, especially short term

.joint pain

.frequent infections

.sensitivities to light,sound or odors

.poor stress control

.white spots on fingernails

.morning nausea

.trouble remembering dreams

.severe depression

.stretch marks

. delayed puberty

. learning disabilities like ADHD 

The good news is, these disorders  are treatable using nutrients instead of medicines with all of their unpleasant side effects! ( Of course, you'll want to check with your doctor first, before discontinuing any prescribed meds.)

I'm living proof that you can be happy again, without meds and loving life!! If you'd like more information about these two disorders and the nutrient protocol that helped me, contact me today at Feedbackhealthcoach @gmail.com

Yay! Summer is finally here and it's time to head to the beach! Don't forget this beach essential!

As a health coach, I'm always on the lookout for healthy products for my family and clients. And  I'm glad to say that I've found a safe sunscreen product that I've used for several years now that can take what the beach sun and sand dish out. It's by Loving Naturals and comes highly recommended by EWG, an independent organization that rates the effectiveness and safety of thousands of products. 

Stay safe my friends! And have fun!

Happy Easter!

Ok, I admit it. I love the changing seasons. And decorating inside the house to reflect that. And now that it's early spring, and Easter, it's a fun time to gather with Family and celebrate the holiday with all of the cheeriness it brings. 

The happy yellow and white flowers shout that winter is finally over, ushering in hope and the remembrance of what Our Savior did over two thousand years ago for us all.  He died on a cross for OUR sins! And as awesome as that is, the miracle didn't stop there. He was placed in a tomb and ROSE again! And We have that same promise that We too, will rise  one day and be with Him in Heaven.  Pretty amazing grace! Pretty amazing, loving God!

" But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Happy Easter!

An revision to Monday's blogpost regarding "leaky gut"...

After receiving an email and speaking with Michael Fedorak, a great guy and Consumer Relations Manager at Applegate, I want to retract some misinformation and set the record straight about Applegate products.

Applegate's roast beef and ham deli meats don't contain carrageenan. So, they are a healthy choice for quick protein. And  Applegate's poultry deli meats (turkey and chicken) DO CONTAIN it at present, but they ARE working to remove it, because they are aware of consumer's concerns regarding it.

Here's the list that he sent me of deli  meats containing carraganeen:

Natural Oven- Roasted Turkey

Organic Oven-Roasted Turkey

Natural Smoked Turkey

Organic Smoked Turkey

Natural Mesquite Smoked Turkey

Natural Herb Turkey

Organic Herb Turkey

Natural Honey Maple Turkey

Natural Smoked Chicken (deli counter)

Organic Smoked Chicken

Natural Oven-Roasted Chicken (deli counter)

Natural Oven Roasted Chicken

Organic Oven -Roasted Chicken

Our family loves Applegate, and we buy their products often. And I applaud Applegate for their commitment to providing delicious, healthy food choices and look forward to the elimination of carrageenan In their products for our greater health.

Keeping you informed,

Sharon 

xoxo

What ingredient you need to avoid to heal your leaky gut...

Think you are eating healthy by eating packaged organic roasted chicken breast deli meat? I thought so too, till I read it's ingredient list containing carrageenan. According to the "truth in labeling.org" website, carrageenan is another name for msg. And it's been shown to cause gut inflammation- ( think "Leaky Gut".) I called Applegate and spoke with a pleasant representative named Shawn, expressing my concern about the carrageenan. And his response? He said that it is not msg, and is used to bind the meat, so  it can slice better. He also mentioned that their company is aware of consumer's concerns regarding this ingredient and they are "working to phase it out of their foods." ( But he didn't know when.)  He also said that Applegate's turkey deli meat, ( found BEHIND the deli counter) is their ONLY deli meat that doesn't contain carrageenan. I like Applegate's commitment to organic, antibiotic,nitrate free, gluten and casein free meats. Hopefully, we'll see the elimination of carrageenan, for our greater health. 

And if you want to affect change, make your voice heard by calling them at 866-587-5858.

Keeping you informed,

Sharon

xoxo

I'm so excited! I'll be speaking at a health conference for women and you're invited!

"Salads and Stiletos: Making Healthier Life Choices and Dressing for Your Body Type" 

Held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:00 at Covenant Church in McKinney Texas, come enjoy a fun filled women's event! I'll be discussing nutrition tips to help you reach your new year's goals. And come hungry, because lunch is provided. $15 per person. Register online at Covenantmckinney.org

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Sharon

xoxo

A delicious and nutritious warm soup you can make and serve up in 20 minutes!

Creating healthy and delicious meals is easy, when you keep a few pantry and freezer items on hand. Last night, I made broccolli-cheese soup in 20 minutes!  Here's the recipe-

Broccoli Cheese Soup

1) 2 eight ounce packages of frozen organic broccoli, steamed and put in blender.

2)Add 1/4 cup of organic chicken broth.

3)Add 1/4 cup of organic milk.

4)Add 3 tablespoons of organic butter.

5)Add salt to taste.

6)Purée and serve in individual bowls.

7) Garnish with grated cheddar cheese.

8)* For extra protein, microwave or pan sear turkey bacon and garnish.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

The Christmas holidays and New Year celebrations are now past us, with all of their indulgences! So if you've over done it in some area of your life ( like eating too many Christmas cookies or finishing off that last bite of pie) No worries! It's  a new year. It's a new dawn. it's a new day. It's a new life and chance to  feel good!

And feeling good starts with assessing lifestyle choices. And specifically, things like what you eat, and how you move and think. Today, my questions for you are simply.: 1) What are you putting in your mouth? ( And body)) 2) Are you ready to change that to feel good?

Talking again with you soon,

Sharon

xoxo

Faith Friday: "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Things don't always turn out like I'd like them to in my life. And that disappointment can threaten my happiness.  But, I'm learning that an attitude of gratitude goes a long way in how happy I am overall.  Our Heavenly Father, having made us, knows emotionally what's best for us and instructs us to "give thanks in ALL things

because it's His will for us. He lovingly reminds us that when we humbly recognize Him as the giver of all good things in our lives and thank Him for it, we set our hearts in the proper alignment for worshipping Him and we experience peace and happiness because we are focusing on His good in our lives. 

If there's an area in your life where you're 

not thankful, I encourage you to practice the discipline of swinging your attitude to one of thanks. You'll be happy you did!

With love and gratitude,

Sharon 

xoxo

Faith Friday- "Be Still And Know That I am God"- Psalm 46:10

All around us daily, the voices of the world chatter unrelenting, demanding our full attention. The urgent taking precedent over the important- our "to do" lists crying the loudest with the never ending onslaught of emails needing reading, and our cell phones constantly  ringing, as the the various social media platforms cry "Read this!" "Watch this!" "Try this!" Buy this!" "Document this!"  Have you ever wanted to just...steel away

for some quiet time and reflection?

Well, you're not alone! Although computers, cell phones, Facebook and Instagram weren't invented yet when Jesus walked the earth, the demands of the world and the crowds of people pressing in on him regularly caused Him to steal away and seek his Heavenly Father early to pray, getting centered. 

Like Christ, I find early mornings are best, before the world wakes, allowing for some blissful "quiet time" to talk to the Lord, leaving my requests and cares with Him before tackling the day. And then knowing that I don't have to fret or worry because "He's got this" makes all

the difference in whether I feel calm or harried. 

Here's to " being still, love...

Sharon

xoxo

On the run and needing a quick protein snack?

Mock deviled eggs to the rescue!

At the beginning of the week, boil a dozen eggs and refrigerate after cooling. 

Cut 2 eggs in half and place on a plate. Spoon 1/4 tsp of mayonnaise on top of each egg. Season with sea salt and sprinkle  with fresh chives. ( A dash of paprika will do nicely too.)

Eat and enjoy, feeling pampered and full!

Now, off to tackle your busy day😀

Take care, love!

What to make for supper using the last remnants of your summer garden...

Stuffed Bell Peppers!  

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan. Add the following chopped veggies:

1 small onion

2 garlic cloves

2 small Japanese eggplants

10 cherry tomatoes

1 bell pepper

Saute veggies for 3-5 minutes. Add 1 1/2lbs  of ground beef and brown until cooked, stirring often. Season with salt, black pepper and oregano. Add one 8 oz can of tomato sauce and one 6 oz can of tomato paste and fold into the meat/ veggie mixture.

Meanwhile, drop halved and de- seeded bell peppers into a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Drain in colander and set aside. 

Place "boiled" bell peppers in a large glass baking dish. "Stuff" bell peppers with meat/ veggie mixture. Top with cheese of your choice ( I used Colby cheese) and cook at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. 

 It's a hearty, delicious meal! (And if grains aren't an issue, add cooked rice to the meat mixture before stuffing the bell peppers to add carbs, fiber, and to feed more hungry tummies. )

Enjoy!

A cheap way to eat organic...

I know, I hear it all of the time... You want  to eat healthier, but  " it's too expensive to eat organic." Thankfully. I have found an answer to quell the objection. Drum roll please......Costco! Now before you roll your eyes, consider this. Their merchandising mix, food-wise has changed to now include organic foods. And some of these food items are the pricier ones you face sticker shock over when buying at Whole Foods. You'll find organic chicken, beef and even wild caught salmon at jaw dropping prices. And for kid's back to school snack items, the healthy choices are plentiful -like organic boxed juices, nuts, dried fruit and organic apple sauce.  I even snagged some ginger kombucha for my hubby.

You'll find the basics too, like organic eggs, sugar, butter, gluten free snacks, ketchup, olive oil, raw honey, cereals, milk, apples, bananas and more- all at warehouse prices. Now, more than ever, you have cheaper choices for feeding your family. 

To your greater health,

Sharon xoxo

Valuable tips that will save you time and money...

Eating healthy can be expensive and time consuming unless you know some valuable tips in meal preparation. Here are a few good tips:

1) plan ahead for next week's meals

2)think in terms of multiple meals using one protein source

3)creste a meal, starting with your protein source

4)use what's on hand, improvising

5)Include a protein and vegetable and perhaps starch, preferably a complex carbohydrate ( think brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, parsnips, yams, peas)

With these tips in mind, Monday's baked chicken could be Wednesday's chicken salad. Here's my chicken salad recipe:

Apple Chicken Salad

De-bone and chop leftover baked chicken and place in a bowl. Add 2 stalks of chopped :celery, 1/3 onion and 1 Granny Smith Apple. Add 2 Tablespoons of mayonnaise of your choice and mix ingrediants together. Place on romaine or other lettuce leaves and enjoy!

Rub a dub dub...

Did you know that most people use up to 9 personal products per day? And some use up to 15! That's a lot of chemical exposure. And some of those products are even know to be carcinogenic and hormone disrupting. Your skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs whatever you put on it. That's why selecting "pure" and "safe" products are important to your overall health. 

During a trip to a farmer's market, I purchased some pure goat soap. And when my hubbie showered with it, besides getting clean and soft skin, he found out he didn't need deodorant afterward! Who knew? 

For your greater health,

Sharon xo

Morning Pippa cuteness!

Pets, to the animal lover, provide many pleasures; companionship and an object of love. Their funny, playful antics and soft, furry bodies are a natural stress reducer. Have you hugged your pet today?

Shalom,

Sharon xoxo

A Paleo " Clean Out The Fridge" Frittata

I have to let you in on a little secret.  I hate to cook.( Ironic for a health coach, isn't it?)  I often tell my husband  that I didn't get the  "cooking" gene. But I love to eat, and I want healthy meals! So, I've learned to create simple, delicious and nutritious meals for my family that are quick and easy to prepare- getting me out of the kitchen so I can get on with living. 

Here's my delicious version of a Paleo Frittata that will serve 4-6.

Paleo "Clean Out The Fridge" Frittata"

6 chicken- sage breakfast sausages (frozen)

1 small Japanese eggplant

1 handful of yellow cherry tomatoes

1/3 red onion

3 large handfuls of spinach

1 red bell pepper

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 can of coconut milk

6 eggs

a dash of Cayenne pepper

a dash of  Sea salt 

a dash of Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon coconut oil 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

In an iron skillet, saute sliced chicken sausage and diced veggies in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil until veggies are soft and reduce heat to low. In another bowl, combine 1/2 can of coconut milk and 6 large eggs. Mix, and add egg mixture to the chicken- veggie skillet. Mix quickly, and cook for 1 minute to combine the ingredients. Place in a preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Add fruit or a small salad and enjoy!

You are loved...

Have you ever sat by the ocean and noticed how the horizon seems to go "on and on" forever? And the inky blue ocean  waters seem so fathomless?  They are showcasing the character of their Creator.  For God is love and He loves you with a deep, everlasting love.  In fact, He loved you so much, that He gave his one and only Son Jesus, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.( John 3:16 )  And if you'd like to know this love, it's only a prayer away.

Pray:

Heavenly Father,

I want to know you and experience your love. I believe Your Son Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I ask you to come into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. In Jesus's name.

Amen. 

Sharon xoxo

The truth comes out...

Dr Thierry Vrain, a former leading research scientist for Agriculture Canada who's job description included reassuring the public on the safety of GMO's now retracts his statements in a startling essay. Here's an exerpt from his paper:

" I refute the claims of the biotechnology companies that their engineered crops yield more, that they require less pesticide applications, that they have no impact on the environment and that they are safe to eat. The scientific literature is full of studies showing that engineered corn and soya contain toxic or allergenic proteins."

Helping you stay informed,

Sharon