Women To Women Program Update

Hello Everyone,

I've been on the womentowomen.com program now for 2 months. It's time to give you an update on my progress.

First, the organization Women To Women is a fine group. Their counselors have phoned me no less than 5 times now. Once the nurse, Emily, called and we had a 30 minute talk over the phone reviewing the various components of my recovery plan. We discussed diet, exercise, the herbal hormone supplements and the nutritional supplements. All discussed specifically to my symptoms with tweaks here and there.

The Women To Women 90 day program is comprised of nutritional supplements taken am and pm together with the herbal hormone supplement, also taken am and pm. Along with the supplements and probably the most important aspect is the shift in diet. They include in the box with the supplements the diet plan called the Schwartzbeing Principle, by Diana Schwartzbeing, MD., an endocrinologist from Santa Barbara, CA.
And of course, the recommendation for daily regular exercise.

At the start I was pretty much couch-bound. Depressed, frustrated and in a general state of malaise, I realized one evening that I had to do something differently and that it quite possibly was hormonal. A year prior my chiropractor had diagnosed that I was coping with adrenal fatigue. That night it came to me that if I were suffering adrenal fatigue, I quite possibly could have other hormonal deficiencies as well.

Two months later I am walking every morning just over a mile. I live in the mountains, so my walk consists of several pretty good inclines that get my heart pumping, then the path eases. Some days I get a second "work out" in with a gentle 50 minute Tai Chi practice which I really like. I found the DVD at the library, and pop it into my DVD player. I especially like all the breathing and the graceful, gentle movements that enhance balance and focus.

I have been absolutely faithful to taking my nutritional supplements. In the course of my consultations with the Women To Women counselors, I have shifted taking the nutrition in the AM (I'm up at 6 am) and at noon to keep myself going during the day when I need to keep on going. Although, I have incorporated a defined lunch break and short nap at the noon hour. I have also upped the hormone supplement to three times a day.

I have gone from a pudgy 144 pounds to 135 pounds. It would be nice to drop another 10 pounds, and I trust that if I continue with the exercise, this will happen easily.
Each week I add something to the physical activity, whether it is another lap or a stint in the garden, Tai Chi, or floor exercises

My skin tone (elasticity) and muscle tone have improved markedly.

Those weird hairs that were appearing on my chin are no where in sight any longer.

I am sleeping like a baby. I sleep 7.5 hours per night no matter what.

My mood is better, although I am still working with that a bit. I have added 50 mg. of 5HTP to my evening supplements as well as tincture of St. John's Wort am and noon. Together with increased exercise to boost my own production of endorphines, this improvement in mood should continue.

The biggest challenge to me has been eating more vegetables. I had to laugh at myself this morning as I still stand sort of dumb founded each morning trying to figure out what to eat. The best is to saute garlic, onions, mushrooms and spinach, then scramble with an egg. I have also switched over to making my own breads: whole grain rye, wheat, oat.

I confess that the first few weeks I felt like I should tie myself down not to hunt down some carbs. Now I find that craving all but gone. I look forward to my two snacks a day usually a half an apple with a dollop of peanut butter or almond butter which supplies some good energy.

I am also enjoying eating more protein and fats (the good ones). I think, all in all, that I had been literally starving my body of the nutrition that it really required.

And you can't say too much for the value of exercise. This was the most difficult area to go from intertia to building some momentum. Now I pretty much roll out of bed, tie on my tenny-runners and go do my laps.

And one more thing: I am spending that walking time doing some lovely Self talk. I appreciate me, I appreciate the day, I look for the new things that delight me. I notice the sunrise, the birds, the plants, the air and how my body feels. At first this wasn't so good, but day by day, my body felt better...and it continues to get better and better as momentum builds.

The best part is that I am now working a full day, albeit, 8 hours not 10. I am writing again, working on two books, and generally find the momentum building in these areas, as well.

I tell myself, "Good Girl, I'm proud of you..." And on a day where I am not quite up to speed, I give myself a break. I've given up beating myself up, allow myself the rest, and more importantly, view that time as my Self integrating with myself.

I'll report back after the full 90 days. Meanwhile, do something...to begin feeling better. Each step, each moment, each little thing begins to add up, like individual grains of sand compose a beach, and soon you are feeling well and that better life is coming into focus.

Thanks for reading!


Kath

NEW! Certified Organic Baby Products by One Group

Good Day Everyone!

I'm so excited! I rarely just talk about the Miessence Line of Products by One Group, but today I am going to brag!

Last weekend One Group had their annual conference in Australia and unveiled their new Baby Care Line. We have all been waiting for this, and it has, well, arrived!

miessence® baby range

miessence® baby range is a new collection of nurturing products gentle enough for newborn babies. Give your baby the purest start to life with miessence® certified organic baby range.

First, a wonderful product for the expectant Mum:

Breast and Belly Balm

An amazingly powerful blend of organic and wild-harvested ingredients from around the world to care for your expanding body. Potent and regenerative oils, butters and extracts from flowers, fruits, nuts and seeds nourish and feed your growing skin. Minimises the occurrence of stretchmarks with exceptional skin regeneratives that actively promote renewal, elasticity and suppleness. Eases the itching associated with rapid expansion. Helps to prevent underlying tissue damage by stimulating skin renewal. Feels wonderful and smells divine, so your massaging ritual is utterly enjoyable and nurturing. Completely safe to use during pregancy, and beyond.

And now for baby....

Baby Bottom Mist

A soothing and calming nappy area salve in a convenient spray. Use daily and at the first sign of redness or irritation for quick relief. Hygienic and convenient. No need to touch sore bottoms; just spray and soothe. Also beneficial for itches, rashes, nicks, scrapes and cuts, sunburn, windburn and other skin irritations. Helps to restore skin to its natural healthy softness.

Baby Barrier Balm

A soothing balm that protects your baby’s sensitive areas. Softens dry patches, soothes irritated skin and calms redness. Repels moisture and calms minor skin inflammations. Protects nappy area from chafing. Can be used all over baby's body to help relieve extra dry patches. Soothes chapped skin and lips. Can also be used for relieving cuts, scrapes, bites, sun & wind burn. Suitable for the whole family.

Baby Wash

A low foaming creamy wash for baby's delicate skin. Extra-gentle cleansing without drying the skin. Keeps baby's skin soft, smooth and supple. Free from synthetic detergents and chemicals. Suitable for sensitive and newborn skin, and gentle enough for everyday use.

Baby Bottom Cleansing Gel

A very gentle, yet effective cleanser for nappy change time. Soothing organic marshmallow, chamomile and calendula calm and soothe baby's sensitive skin. Organic aloe vera inner leaf gel and yucca juice gently cleanses and soothes baby's bottom. Gentle enough for newborns. A hint of organic vanilla helps neutralise stinky odours. Use with washable soft cloth baby wipes to cut down on landfill waste and provide significant savings over disposable wipes. Can also be used to cleanse grubby hands and messy faces.

Baby Lotion

A delightful cream to soothe and protect baby's delicate skin. Organic raw coconut oil creates a protective barrier against moisture loss, and is rapidly absorbed by the skin without greasy residue. Organic aloe vera inner leaf gel nourishes and hydrates dry skin, leaving it smooth and supple. Fragrance and allergen free - gentle enough for newborns. Can be used every day to help keep your baby's skin soft, smooth and healthy; provides long-lasting hydration.

Baby Body Powder

A beautifully fine, soft, talc-free powder to keep baby's skin fresh and soft. Combines the natural absorption of organic corn starch with zinc oxide, a proven ingredient for soothing nappy rash. Keeps baby comfortable and dry whilst eliminating friction that can irritate skin. Organic marshmallow, chamomile and calendula soothe and soften baby's sensitive skin.

Just to remind you that One Group is the unparalleled leader in the organic skin care and personal products care industry. They have set a standard that absolutely no one comes close to matching: their products are produced to FOOD GRADE STANDARDS.

To order these fine products go to www.honestskincare.mionegroup.com

Enjoy! You and your family deserve only the highest and best quality available, and this, friends, is it. Look no further.

thanks for reading!


Kath

Fun, Food and Feeling GREAT

Hello Everyone,

I found a new tool this morning, which is embedding a Youtube video into my blogs. You'd think I'd discovered the wheel!

So I searched for something that you would enjoy, and found Barbara Kingsolver talking about her newest book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. In the video she reads her first chapter.

I give you this book and Kingsolver, because she is my favorite author, and the book is loaded with information and fun and a way to feel good about what you eat when you're eating healthy.



It is my endeavor to make you feel good about what you are, who you are, and being healthy. Let's focus here for awhile, learn some new and fun things...on the way to honest skin care and honestly good health. It's your birthright; It's your natural state of being. Allow It.

Thanks for reading!

Kath