So here it is. I am 40 years old (as my son constantly reminds me) and a new set of rules have been applied to my life. I have gone from wiley and carefree, to food nazi and germ-a-phobe; from being called "rolls" by my family (you can assume correctly) to a foreign gluten free world (that means no bread, or rolls or beer btw); from ignoring the world..."hey...earth to sage" to trying to save the it; from a dog mom to human mom (now that's a frightful jump); from not committing to much to committing to EVERYTHING.
Let's just say I feel like a completely different person.
I am thinking that is a good thing?
But now I care. I care about my health and the health of my family and friends and really everyone I know. I care about the Earth and the fact that WE ARE ALL responsible for caring for her. I care about the water we drink and is it safe? I care about our state of politics and maybe it won't "just all be ok"? I care about helping others - I feel like I have been so blessed and I want to give it all back in every way I can. I care about my kids. Man I care about my kids.
And for the first time I am scared to die. YES, this just got a little deep. But really, for the first time I fear death...not because I am afraid of what comes next... I am afraid of not seeing these two beautiful children grow up to be wonderful humans (and they better be dang it!)
Now I don't live in fear everyday, but I do live a completely different life. I simply try to take care of my body and hope to teach my children the value of healthy living and how important your health really is. It IS your greatest asset.
So I struggle. I struggle everyday with the constant influx of foods and things in this world; the commercials, the stores and the convenience of fast living. And so we try. And in my world, the motto is "progress not perfection". I want to live by example for my kids, and hope they learn.
And to that, I started a list for a friend of the top ways to live a cleaner, healthier life. After making it, I realized that some of you might want to think about ways to make changes in your health and your home, so I am sharing. And with every one, I am sharing the reason why. Because having the knowledge is the power. And taking your health into your our hands and advocating for yourself is how we change the cycle.
1. Filter your water. I recommend a Berkley Water filter or even a home delivery system. I recently moved this one up to my number one as I do believe our water systems in this country are antiquated and need a major overhaul. Look at Flint MI. Look at the Cape Fear River. Look right here where I live in Greensboro NC. We recently have had the chemical GEN-X reported in our water systems. Look it up. It is a carcinogen leaked into our water and air from making non-stick teflon. Click here to read more about it....
2. Eat Organic. This one is tough, believe me I know!!! It is expensive....BUT there are ways to save on organic if you can make it a priority! Costco has great choices on fruits and vegetables that you cannot beat! And if you have't heard of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen, PLEASE PRINT THIS .....Shop smart peeps:) Here is a link to a recent cnn.com report about strawberries!
3. Clean up your personal care products. So, if you don't know me, this one is something I care deeply about and decided back in 2015 to start advocating for a company called Beautycounter who not only makes safer personal care products but also is working towards changing laws to protect Americans from harmful chemicals. Did you know that in the EU they have banned almost 1400 chemicals in personal care products and in the US has only banned 30? Did you know that up to 80% of what you put directly on your skin absorbs into your blood stream and throughout your body? If you question that, I offer you this ....how does a birth control patch or nicotine patch work? HUMMM.....This is something you can decide to do now, one product at a time. And safer products do still work. promise. Check out some of my favorites on my webpage!
watch my video on why I decided to join Beautycounter....ha!...love my face here:)
4. Swap out your Cleaning Supplies. Cleaning supplies can be so damaging to your health, contributing to respiratory issues, skin irritation, hormone disruption, increased allergen sensitivity, disruption of thyroid function even at low levels and reduced fertility....there are so many ways to shop SAFER brands that still clean well! HERE is a great guide to safer cleaning.
my favs: Dr Bronners soaps, Seventh Generation, Norwex cleaning cloths, baking soda, vinegar and essential oils (lemon, wild orange, and peppermint)
Love this from Joanna Gaines- a great easy way to make your own natural cleaners!!
5. Get rid of Plastic and Non-Stick Pans in your Kitchen. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly used to make clear, tough plastic bottles and food can liners, can leach, or migrate, from baby bottles, food storage and waters bottles into the liquid and then enter the bloodstream. Switching to glass storage containers, real glasses at home and stainless or glass water bottles, is an easy something to start doing. And also these super cool silicone baggies is a great way to stop using and trashing all those plastic baggies you have used your entire life! And go ahead a toss those non-stick pans, too, and grab some stainless, ceramic or cast iron (my favorite!!!) Here is why you should switch....
6. Choose a safer Laundry Detergent. Molly's Suds. The safest ingredient list, no preservatives, no fragrance, super cost effective...I am actually saving $$$$ Go ahead a ditch the dryer sheets too - buy some woolie balls! Remember you are wearing and sleeping in these ingredients everyday, all day long. Choose safer please.
7. Wear Sunscreen. Any skin care professional would tell you this. And the ACTIVE ingredients are where you want to watch out for those sneaky chemically derived sunscreens....try to avoid oxybenzone ....Instead look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. Try a daily tinted moisturizer for your face to help decrease sun damage and wrinkles - try the Dew Skin SPF 20 from Beautycounter or the All Over Protect Sunscreen SPF 30
8. Eat less meat. If you have't watched the documentary, What the Health, I recommend doing so. This is one of many profound videos explaining why the meat we are consuming is toxic for our bodies and a main contributor to chronic disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even cancer, not to mention toxic to our planet. I am not saying to become a vegetarian, but after watching this, I sure wanted to be one! Now we just incorporate 2 meatless meals a week or start with #MeatlessMondays!
It's progress!
9. Exercise. I am not as good about exercising every day like I used to, but I stay active with my kids riding bikes, playing basketball, dancing, pilates, yoga, walking or on my new KickBall team:) YUP.... Whatever it is you like to do, go do it...and smile...because you can!!
My FAVORITE workouts in Greensboro -
- TWF Greensboro - with Nicole Bergemann - Fun, challenging workouts that help develop muscular strength and mental fortitude while reaching your fitness goals and becoming part of a supportive community that becomes "family". Check out her 8-week challenge to get started! You won't get the same workout anywhere else, believe me!
- Body Balance Pilates - with Molly Markham Lipp - a strengthening challenge like I have never known before...if you have never tried pilates, NOW is the time. Molly is amazing, inspiring and knowledgable and with small class sizes you get lots of one-on-one attention! A must try:)
- Outdoor Yoga - with Phoebe Hyatt - You have never practiced yoga like this before! Offering 1 hour yoga classes for an amazing price, not only do you get the benefits from her wide range of class styles, but also a refreshing and inspirational outdoor experience like no other! Yoga was meant to be practiced outside!!! Check her out on FB and sign up for a class!
TWF, Body Balance Pilates, Outdoor Yoga