The Reason That Diet You're On Won't Work

I feel compelled to write about weight loss as we enter into "resolution season" on the first of the year. One of the greatest lessons I learned while at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition is the concept of bio-individuality. This means that each person has unique food and lifestyle needs; one person's food is another's poison and that is why fad diets tend to fail in the long run.

Since I began working at The Wellness and Nutrition Center, I was able to really dive deeper on what this means, not just with food but stress, hormones, and overall lifestyle. 

If you're sick of making the same resolution year after year, consider a personalized- holistic approach to weight loss. Drs Dave & Jill Noble practice what they preach and truly have their patients best interest in mind. 

Weight loss is NOT a one size fits all. You could have layers of obstacles keeping you from your goal and that absolutely cannot be resolved with food. Find out if you're an easy, moderate or hard weight loss case by taking this quiz: https://goo.gl/forms/hp0n9pSYEgPS5Ldy1

Your goals are 100% possible! Message me to learn more about how you can get started.

in health and love,
Daisy

No Cheating.  

I've been documenting my Fit4Mom journey for the past month and I have to tell you, it has been a true test of my emotional and physical health; my unrealistic expectations and my motives for being healthy.

The number one lesson I've learned is to be nice to myself- which is worth the 8-week journey all on its own.

Anything worth having is going to take time, consistency and drive to stick through. You can apply this to virtually anything: weight loss, raising kids, saving for your dream vacation. The key is to not be discouraged if you don't see immediate results.

If you're serious about sustainable change, I can't stress enough how important it is to find accountability for your goals. Someone who is supportive, firm and non-judgemental. This could be one person (or in my case) several.

Lastly, practice self-forgiveness. You're doing the best you can for goodness sake. What does this look like?


If you haven't already seen my journey on Facebook and/or Instagram - you can follow my 8-week Body Back Blog here: http://bit.ly/F4MGuestBlogger

In health & love,
Daisy

Having trouble getting to the gym? You’re not alone.

Repost from Greater NW Chicago Fit4Mom Blog:

The Body Back program requires us to be at the gym 2xs a week, and last week after our trainer kicked our butt on Monday, I really really didn’t want to go on Wednesday. I was so sore and tired and I started to make up my mind as to why I couldn’t go and what excuse I could give my group... I looked at my husband hoping to gather an ounce of sympathy and said: “I’m not going today.” He looked back at me with slight disappointment and said something like, “Okayyyy but you’ve already committed...” So I started rambling off all my premeditated excuses in hopes to help me feel better and justify my copping out.

Here’s the truth guys - no one really wants to go to the gym. One of my favorite authors, Darren Hardy says - we as humans are inherently lazy, it’s in our DNA! The best way to get around this is to reinforce the healthy habits you are looking to create. You can do this with people you love, establishing accountability partners or hyping yourself up! I took a poll on Facebook asking people to share their self-talk for days when their motivation is low. Here are some of my favorites!

• I AM worth it
• The hardest part is getting there
• How long am I willing to stretch out my progress?
• Do you want to feel accomplished or do you want to be full of guilt?
• Skipping a day leads to several days which leads to being out of shape
• Stop self-sabotaging! You can do this __( your name)__ and you’ll feel better It’s worth it!
• It doesn’t hurt, it’s just hard and I’m going to fight to get the results I want to make me FEEL good

I ended up going to the gym that night and as I was heading for the door my husband stopped me and said: “I’m proud of you.” I mean, how could I possibly let my biggest fan down after hearing those words?

In health and love,

Daisy

Who Picks You Up When You Fall Down?

Repost from Greater NW Chicago Fit4Mom Blog:

 Guys, week-two was a total bust. I started strong, feeling the groove of my new routine- then slowly but surely I let life get in the way. My at-home workouts were incomplete, my meal planning was practically out the window and I started to slightly disappear from the conversations in our Facebook group. There’s really no one to blame but myself, and as I started to spiral into feelings of guilt and shame – my Bestie stepped in and said “Hey! Its okay, I know it’s hard. Just pick up again tomorrow.”

We were all assigned a “Bestie” last week, which became yet another strong layer of accountability. I can’t tell you how nice it was to be encouraged instead of judged. I mean, as Moms, we judge ourselves practically on cue, right? Even before we step out of bed we’re thinking of all the things we didn’t do, could’ve done, etc.

I’m not very easy on myself and I’m thankful I have someone who is. Not for the sake of cutting me slack – but as a gentle reminder that we’re in this together, we’re not perfect and we always have an opportunity to try again. I mentioned in my first post that I’m a Certified Integrative Health Coach so that pretty much guarantees I meet “you should know better” with every mistake I make. This is when the teacher becomes the student; it’s okay, it is hard, we’ll pick up again in the morning.

Where Did All This Ugly Come From?

Repost from Greater NW Chicago Fit4Mom Blog:

The first week at the gym was eye-opening on so many levels. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how the program is structured to really make Moms feel empowered. I was also surprised at all the ugly that came up…

I was nervous about being back at the gym for the first time in 4 years and was certain I was going to be the odd one out. To my surprise, everyone in the group was friendly and reassuring. I found the women to be of all heights and sizes and they treated me as if we had known each other for months. We workout at a dance studio which means there are mirrors all around us. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but once we got started, I noticed it was difficult to look at myself in the mirror and I felt a lot of insecurities and negative self-talk creep in - especially if I felt the exercises were getting too tough. Things like “it’s your fault we’re in this mess” and “how could you be so careless” and “you deserve to struggle through this…” I didn’t say anything to anyone; all of this caught me by surprise and I tried my best to shake it off (with little to no luck.) The only thing that changed that horrible inner-self talk was none other than my sweet 3-year-old.

Mid-week while doing my mirrorless, at-home workout (and somehow convincing my husband to do it with me) we heard our son wake up from his nap and take a seat on the couch behind us as we finished the 2nd round and transitioned into a water break. Covered in sweat and barely catching my breath, I heard a little voice behind me say “Good job, Mami!”

All it took was three little words for me to give myself any credit for the work I was doing. I mean, if he was proud of me, shouldn’t I be, too? What would he think if he heard me talking down on myself? What would I think if I ever heard him talking down on himself? I’m so very thankful I was present enough to hear such a simple and profound message from the person I love most. From here on out, Mami is keeping her shoulders back and her head high, baby.

I truly couldn’t have been paired with a better group and trainer. And while I’m sore beyond what I’d imagined, I’m so looking forward to the next seven weeks.

In health and love,

Daisy

Meal Planning Tips Wanted: Anxiety Seeping In

Repost from Greater NW Chicago Fit4Mom Blog:

Talking to a good friend recently I heard my Self say " I don't know what I got myself into; I really don't want to do this [Body Back]...." and then moments, later - "...but I know if I don't do this now, without THIS type of accountability - I probably never will..." It's true. The day is getting near and I'm becoming increasingly anxious about the work that lies ahead.

Then she said something that spoke to my core: what will happen if you say "I'm not ready for this" and cancel your commitment?

I stopped her before she completed her sentence: "Absolutely not! Taking it all back is not an option. I HAVE to do this!"

The 8-week Body Back Program is drawing near and I'm forced to look at my goals and meal plan for next week. I'm not going to lie -- It's pretty overwhelming. Looking at the food adjustments gives me a bit of anxiety thinking "what the heck am I supposed to eat and when am I going to find time to plan, shop, cook, run my business etc...?"

I've never been a meal planner. Probably the reason I'm in this mess. For whatever reason I find it to take up so much mental energy and I realized today that even if I do plan for a day or two- my eating habits tend to be out of feeling, as in - What do I "feel" like eating right now. Writing and admitting this to you is a huge awakening. What type of example is this setting for my soon-to-be 3 year old?

If I'm being honest with myself, I really DO want to meal plan! I want to have a cute chalkboard in my kitchen with our family's menu for the week, and as an Integrative Health Coach- invite other moms to make meal planning easy and enjoyable, not a dreadful task. Doesn't that sound like fun?

So, I'd like to ask -- how do you do it? How do you make meal planning a fun and engaging time for your Self and/or your loved ones? Would love to hear your tips. And I could use all the help I can get.

In Health and Love,

Daisy

A Quest to Feel Some Type of Way...

(Repeat post from my journey on Fit4Mom Greater NW Chicago)

Ladies, you know the feeling you get when you’re all dolled up, not a hair out of place, makeup is flawless and your outfit is on point? With so much feminine and secure energy exuding from you, there’s no doubt everyone in the room can feel it too. Sexy, right?  Yea, I can’t tell you the last time I felt like that.

I’m getting completely out of my comfort zone to talk about my health. A subject I largely avoid and hope no one else brings up. Or notices. But that’s going nowhere fast and after I became a Certified Integrative Health Coach and started taking clients, it was in my face more than ever and the voice in my head kept saying: “Daisy, you don’t fit the part.”

The truth is I’m not happy with the way I feel. All through my 20’s, I was one confident babe and nothing came before me and my girly ways. Please don’t take my comment as vain, I wasn’t conceded – I felt good and I always put my self-care first. Always.

So… what happened?

There wasn’t a single event that brought me here, but rather a combination of things and the passing of time without being aware of the unhealthy habit(s) I was creating. How does that happen? When do we as women, as mothers- slowly forget the very things that made us feel whole and complete?

For me, it started here. My (then) fiancé and I used to CrossFit together and we loved it. I felt amazing and looked great. Then shortly after we married I found out I was pregnant and shortly after that we lost our baby. To say I was devastated is an understatement. If you’re reading this and you too have suffered a miscarriage, then you know the frustration in not knowing “why?!” I blamed myself for a long time… It had to be me. The shame and guilt were just too much and I was quickly going into a depressive state. Thank God I have a good man and an amazing family.

Fast forward to our second pregnancy; I was terrified we would miscarry again and also completely elated to be a mom. Just to be sure I was in no way jeopardizing my child- I did no type of exercise during my pregnancy, minus a few low impact prenatal yoga sessions here and there. From going to CrossFit regularly to nothing at all is a pretty drastic change…nevertheless, I felt it was the right thing to do. Our beautiful baby boy was born in the fall and that was it. The ME I had known and loved for 30 years slowly started taking a backseat.

Mentally, I wonder if perhaps my mom constantly reminding me that I was a mom now and “it was no longer about me” and “I didn’t come first anymore” also had something to do with where I find myself now. I know she meant well, and I understand that in our culture a good mom is praised if she puts her children first, even if it means she doesn’t get a bite to eat for the sake of feeding her kids. Pretty intense, right?

Whatever the case, I’m now in my early 30’s with a 3-year-old and I’ve become increasingly anxious to do something about the way I feel. I’m ready to face the elephant in the room instead of tiptoeing around it in fear it might wake up. I don’t want to make this journey about a number on a scale because it’s not. I’m ready to put in the work. To practice what I preach to the Moms I coach about physical self-love. To be a good example for my son. But I need community and accountability. I tried going back to CrossFit about a year ago and I was so discouraged. It was clear it was no longer for me.

I found Fit4Mom by doing a Google search. It’s close to home and it appears to have what I need to get started; supportive women, a community of moms and connectedness. After meeting with Nicole & Kristen I felt understood and encouraged to take part in their Body Back program. For extra accountability, I volunteered to document my journey.

So if you’re still reading and find a piece of you here, this is for you, Queen.

For the Mom that can’t fit into pre-baby clothes anymore but continues to tell herself that she will one day. For the Mom that avoids taking pictures and tries to find the “right” angle when forced to. For the Mom that’s forgotten what makes her shine. For the Mom that doesn’t know where to start or how she got here. I hope my journey inspires you to connect with someone and start with small wins. And if you don’t have that someone, know you can start with me.

A quest to look feel like the old me has begun! Who’s with me?!

In health and so much love,

Daisy

Postpartum Wellness

Whether it's your first or third, one of the greatest challenges in the postpartum period for a mother is self-care. From sleep to squeezing in a long shower to proper nutrition - if a new mom doesn't have the attentive support she needs, it can be incredibly difficult to keep your head above water. Am I right?

I was very fortunate to have help from my mother AND mother-in-law after the birth of my precious baby, and I often wondered what would I have done without them!?

I've partnered with MaMeal Delivery because I believe in their mission to properly nourish a new mom, so she doesn't have to worry about grocery shopping, cooking, finding time to eat and cleaning up after. There are far more important things you can do with pockets of free time -- such as bonding with your baby or getting a nap in together. 

We nourish the body and mind with fresh superfoods and an optional, complimentary labor and delivery debrief session. It is not only healthy to talk through what happened during such a life-altering experience- but for some women, it can be outright relieving to process the birth of their baby. You can learn more about the latter option here: https://www.sanamentehealth.com/postpartum-wellness

Visit MaMeal Delivery and use code SUPERMOM for 25% off your first order!

Take Your Own Advice

Have you ever been confronted with a decision and were too afraid to look within, so you asked for advice and still felt the same unsettled feeling after? Happens to the best of us.

As a Mom, it's safe to say we want what's best for our littles- so seeking another's opinion (or 4 other opinions) seems logical, right? The truth is, no one knows how to parent like you and Google can't point you in the direction of your hearts knowing.

Sometimes we ask for advice to deflect responsibility for the outcome (been there too). I'd like to encourage you to own your wisdom and give yourself permission to be wrong. It's OK to gather outside opinions, so long as you mindfully collect the data and flesh out what's best for you.

I had an episode of this nonsense recently when looking for the right PreK to enroll my son. I got more opinions that I knew what to do with and had him enrolled in 4 different schools. It wasn't until I got centered on my values and paid attention to what really matters most to me in a school that I was able to narrow it down to one.

A great way to do this is with effortless heart-based meditation. Ever tried? Check out this free upcoming event: tinyurl.com/evolutionayurveda1
In health & love,
Daisy

Emotional Healing and Essential Oils

Emotions, both good and bad, are an essential part of life. When we experience more bad emotions than good, it is a sign that something is "off", not just in the mind but in the body as well. Essential oils have been sought out for their pure, medicinal properties for centuries. Since they are derived from nature. They are the perfect option for anyone looking to address their health in a holistic way.

Research shows our bodies digest emotions just like we digest our food. Emotions left unattended show up later as ailments in the body and wreak havoc on our nervous system.

Essential oils are a great way to help us naturally heal unresolved emotions, however, they cannot do the work for us. I recommend using essential oils during a meditation, before prayer or simply by setting an intention and taking a few moments to slow down your breath.

My mission is to empower women through miscarriage, pregnancy, and motherhood so they can show up standing tall, happy and present, ready to pass on what they've received to other women who are new to the journey.

Below is a list of essential oils to assist in emotional health and wellbeing when dealing with loss or grief. If you have questions on how to get started, please comment below or email me at daisy@sanamentehealth.com

• Anxious/Anxiety: Comforting Blend
• Body Shame: Grapefruit, Patchouli, Jasmine
• Centered: Vetiver, Roman Chamomile
• Comforted: Comforting Blend, Uplifting Blend, Joyful Blend
• Courage: Helichrysum, Ginger, Encouraging Blend, Clove
• Depressed: Joyful Blend, Peppermint, Melissa, Encouraging Blend
• Emotional Pain: Helichrysum, Geranium
• Emptiness: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Arborvitae
• Faith: Anti-Aging Blend, Sandalwood, Arborvitae, Uplifting Blend
• Forgiveness: Thyme, Renewing, Blend, Calming Blend, Geranium
• Grief: Respiratory Blend, Geranium, Lime, Comforting Blend
• Heartbroken: Geranium, Rose
• Loss; Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Comforting Blend
• Sadness: Calming Blend, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Peppermint, Uplifting Blend, Comforting Blend

Reference Book: Emotions & Essential Oils: A Modern Resource for Healing

Are You Here or There?

"How are you?"
"Good, busy"

Does this sound like you? It sounds like a lot of people. It sounded like me for a looong time. Are we really "busy"? Or does it make us feel important to say it?

What if instead, we said: I'm good, present. Enjoying my work/family/this stage in my life.

Well, that sounds awkward, doesn't it? Who would ever say that?! lol

After I launched my company last summer, I stopped to reevaluate if what I was quoting was matching up with what I was coaching... and you know what - it wasn't!

I can safely say I'm a lot better at the auto "busy" answer than I used to be. But, how do you get from here to there? You're going to have to WANT to get from here to there!


Sana Mente means Healthy Mind in Spanish. A healthy mind is HERE. Not there. Not yesterday, tomorrow or 3 years from now. It's here; breathing, present, grateful for the moment.

Take a moment as you read this to be here, with me :)

My mission is to empower women through miscarriage, pregnancy, and motherhood so they can show up on the other side standing tall, happy and present, ready to pass on what they've received to other women who are new to the journey. But we absolutely cannot do that without mindful practice.

On the last week of June, I'll be hosting a 5-day Mindful Mama group where we'll exercise the "being present" muscle with just 5 minutes a day. All are welcome! Click here to join.

In health and love,

Daisy

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1838881559765584/

So... What's a Health Coach?

Have you ever wondered "there's gotta be more to life than this...."?

I had a lot of those conversations with myself shortly after the birth of my son, 2 years ago. I was getting ready to go back to work, post-maternity leave and I was having the worst separation anxiety from my 11 week old.

Being in an industry for almost a decade and suddenly finding myself no longer fulfilled was a tough pill to swallow. I wonder if I was already unfulfilled and didn't know it? It's very possible I was settling into a career comfort-zone. Whatever the case, my son saved me.

I recently heard my pastor say that when one isn't living up to their life's purpose, discontent sets in, stress and depression sets in, and you constantly live with an unsettled spirit. Why? Because you were made for MORE!

I went through a lot of uncertainty and anxiety to realize I was no longer meant to continue the path I was on. During that time, (and not knowing which direction to really go in) I tried my luck at a scholarship with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and won! Now, 2 years later as a Certified Integrative Health Coach, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt THIS is where I'm supposed to be.

So.... what does this mean exactly?

As an Integrative Health Coach, I've chosen to work with women. Women who are mothers, expecting mothers and women who've lost due to miscarriage. I support these women by allowing them to become present and intentional in their daily lives. Unfortunately, for too many of us, life is one giant mundane routine and it's zooming by! Through coaching and accountability, I'm able to co-create balance in different areas of your life as YOU define balance.

What makes an Integrative Health Coach unique is that we address Primary foods - which are Career, Spirituality, Relationships and Physical Activity BEFORE we talk about Secondary foods - which is the actual food on your plate.

Here's what a Health Coach is NOT:

• a Life Coach
• a Doctor
• a Nutritionist/Dietitian
• a Therapist/Counselor 

I certainly don't claim to be a perfect Mother who has it all figured out. I don't have parenting advice or a magic wand to make problems disappear. What I can do, however, is help you use what you already have to achieve sustainable results you're looking for.

Time and time again, the universe shows us where our passion lies and where our service to others is needed for the current season of our life. Sometimes, we just need someone to help us hear our own voice.

I'm happy to meet with you, wherever you are! All initial consultations are complimentary.

In health and love,
Daisy

̶S̶e̶l̶f̶i̶s̶h̶ SelfLOVE

Why is it considered “selfish” to have a little Me Time? I find it especially hard for Moms to pencil in time to do things that once (before the kids) made them feel whole and complete. The funny thing is, a lot of the simple pleasures of the past, such as reading, taking a bike ride, getting our hair done- aren’t impossible to re-engage. They just need a little prioritization.

If you’re nodding your head wondering where the time to quietly do your nails went, I challenge you to break free of that awful word selfish and turn it into an empowering word: Self LOVE.

Whether you have children or not; Self LOVE is e s s e n t i a l to our health and should not be compromised.

If you routinely implement self-loving habits, I promise that with time, you and your family will enjoy you so much more. Nobody wants to be around an overly-stressed or resentful person. If you’re constantly putting yourself at the bottom of the list (if at all), you’re almost certain to end up that way.

My Let’s Play! Mom Group is tearing down the self-imposed barriers (also known as "mom-guilt") and I want to invite YOU to do the same! Pick one thing that used to bring you a sense of joy and pencil it in your calendar this week. If you're up for a bigger challenge do TWO things this week!

I’m actually challenging my group to permanently get in the habit of doing one thing a week that centers them. I admit, it seems impossible at first - but when it's actually said and done, it feels ah-mazing!

If you’re in the Elgin area – I invite you to join our Let's Play Mom Group every other Saturday at the Gail Borden Library for a healthy discussion on how to be more intentional as a parent.

If you’d like to explore what SelfLOVE means to you but don’t know where to get started, contact me for a free (virtual) consultation.

In health & love,

Dais