Herbal Face Food Review + 30% Off Your First Order

Just in case you don’t feel like reading this entire post and are here for 30% off click here. Use WholeLovelyLife at check out. You won’t be disappointed by this product I promise! It has been a while since I have shared a skincare review and for this one simple reason. I only share products that I have used myself and truly believe in. The products I share need to not only perform but also need to align with my values and mission. And when I say product I’m talking about both the ingredients and the brand itself.  I have never been so excited to share a product with all of you as I am to share Herbal Face Food. Not only is Herbal Face Food the cleanest skincare product I have ever used but I had the honor of getting to chat with founder J. Michael Zenn who is the creator of this innovative product and internationally published author of the Self Health Revolution book. Michael has his own skin healing story which resonated with me. Many of the best products on the market have come from someone who created them due to their personal need. You can read his story here. LEARNINGS FROM MY JOURNEY As you know I have been on a long healing journey from Ankylosing Spondylitis and Iritis. The more I have learned about interferences to healing the more focused I have been to refine the products I am using on my skin. Not only to simplify my life but to ensure the products I am using are truly clean and void of ingredients I know do not serve my body and could potentially harm it. I have also learned that Self Love is Essential! Part of self love is caring for your body and one way to care for your body is to put intent into not only what you put into it but what you put onto it as well. Our skin is our largest organ and 67% of what we put on our skin goes directly into our body. In fact, within just 28 min of application chemicals in skincare products can be found in the bloodstream and vital organs. The average woman puts 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every single day which equates to about 5lbs of chemicals absorbed into the body yearly! Pretty crazy when you think about it! But this…

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Break Free from People Pleasing for a Healthier You

Do you ever feel like you’re living your life for everyone else? Always saying YES when you really want to say NO? Going out of your way to keep others happy, even when it leaves you feeling exhausted or resentful? If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and so many of us struggle with this habit of people pleasing which is simply putting others’ needs above our own. Often at the expense of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Learning about personality traits was one of my biggest eye openers on my healing from ankylosing spondylitis and chronic iritis. When I worked with a coach he introduced me to the idea that personality traits can affect everything from our daily stress levels to our chronic pain and autoimmune symptoms to achieving the goals we have for our lives. It’s not that there are good and bad personality traits. I like to view all from a neutral perspective. It’s just that certain personality traits can cause us to abandon ourselves leading to chronic stress and inner turmoil which can result in a dysregulated nervous system leading to all sorts of health issues. What is People Pleasing People pleasing is more than just being kind or helpful. It’s a pattern (pattern being the key here) of behavior where you prioritize others’ needs over your own. We people please often out of fear of rejection, disapproval, or conflict. We might find ourselves constantly saying yes, even when it adds stress or discomfort to our life. It’s like we are scared to say no. I know personally I have been there many, many times. People pleasing can also stem from a desire to be liked, accepted, or seen as good enough. Something so many of us struggle with! While being considerate of others and always wanting to help is a wonderful trait. At the end of the day people pleasing becomes unhealthy when it leaves you feeling drained, stressed, and disconnected from your own needs. Over time, this can lead to feelings of burnout, anxiety, and even make chronic symptoms worse or bring on new symptoms. When we carry the weight of constant stress and fear of not being able to say no in our bodies it makes everything in life harder. Where Does People Pleasing Come From There are many reasons why people fall into the behavior of people pleasing. For…

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Bold Journey Interview

I recently had the honor of being interviewed by Bold Journey. In the interview, I shared my purpose (which can shift and evolve throughout our lives), a bit about my story, Whole Lovely Life, and coaching. I also discussed three things that were most impactful on my healing journey: Mindset, Learning to Listen to My Body and Intuition, and Perseverance. Additionally, I shared one of my favorite books, which is always on my recommendation list! If you are interested in reading the article you can find it here! In Love, Health + Gratitude, Katie *Photo Credit: Josh Olson  

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The Mind Body Connection Heals: Overcome Chronic Pain Summit 2.0 Interview

In November of 2023, I was a speaker at the Overcome Chronic Pain Summit 2.0 hosted by Catherine Courtice. It was an honor to be part of this summit along with other 27 other experts. In my interview I share how the mind body connection can heal chronic pain. I also shared my eBook called Anxiety: The Modern Day Struggle Rooted In Our Primitive Brains as my free gift for attending. You can get your hands on this eBook too by signing up for my newsletter here. This interview is applicable to your life regardless of whether you suffer from chronic pain or symptoms. Gaining an understanding of the mind body connection and how our brain and nervous system work can be life-changing. Resolving chronic symptoms is just a side effect! CLICK THE IMAGE above to WATCH the INTERVIEW or HERE and I hope you enjoy! In Love, Health + Gratitude, Katie

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Anxiety: The Modern-Day Struggle Rooted In Our Primitive Brains

Anxiety disorders are very common so if you are suffering from anxiety know you are not alone. Anxiety affects adults but anxiety is a very common problem that affects children as well. I personally experienced anxiety and anxiety attacks as a child. Back then we called it a “nervousness problem”. I had daily anxiety but in addition would have these shaking spells after stressful events where it was difficult to calm down. I had a medication I would take that would help me to stop shaking and eventually become calmer. I have many vivid memories of these episodes. Many people who are experiencing autoimmune or chronic symptoms struggle with anxiety. Also, women are twice as likely to be affected by anxiety. I have my thoughts on why that is but I will save that for another post.  Anxiety can be detrimental to living a full and happy life. In this post we will explore anxiety and how you have more control over it then you may realize. AXIETY AND OUR PRIMITIVE BRAINS Anxiety is a common issue in modern society, stemming from our primitive brains. Although our brains are wired similarly to those of our ancestors, we now live in a vastly different environment. Our ancestors faced daily threats. We on the other hand do not. The environment we are living in today is very different from our ancestors and even though our environment is quite different our brains function the same. Anxiety can be understood as our brain’s way of protecting us. Our ancestors possessed a well-developed prefrontal cortex, which we still have today. This region of the brain is responsible for an essential function: planning for the future. This ability allowed our ancestors to survive various hardships by always considering worst-case scenarios. By anticipating potential dangers, they increased their chances of survival. Listening closely to these warnings enabled them to be prepared for the possible hazardous future ahead. It is crucial to understand our evolutionary process. Our ancestors encountered threats at every turn, often resulting in life-or-death situations. Therefore, they developed a strong focus on worst-case scenarios, which facilitated their survival. Over time, our environment has changed significantly (no longer featuring lurking tigers), while our brains have remained relatively unchanged. THE BRAIN DOES NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE Most of the fears we experience today are unrelated to our survival, although they may feel like life and death in…

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The Uncomfortable Truth: Why Comfort Can be Detrimental to Your Well-being

Have you ever thought about the lives our ancestors led, filled with a great amount of discomfort in there everyday lives? They didn’t have the ease of purchasing warm, water-resistant down coats with a click of a button. They did not have any food their heart desired available on every corner, or the comfort of warm, cozy beds to climb into each night. Despite their hardships, our ancestors were stronger, both physically and mentally, thanks to the challenges and discomforts they faced. We often associate comfort with a sense of security, contentment, and peace. However, have you ever stopped to consider the potential drawbacks that comfort might bring? Let’s explore why excessive comfort can be detrimental to our health and our minds, and discover how embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life. Take a moment to recall the most recent instance when you found yourself in an uncomfortable situation, and reflect on how you felt afterward. Whether it was a situation you purposefully created for yourself or one you happened to stumble into. I bet when you reflect you can find aspects of that experience that make you feel proud of  yourself or surprised you were able to make it through. COMFORT AND THE BRAIN Before we delve into the reasons why an excessively comfortable life can have negative effects on our health and well-being, it is important to understand the underlying reasons we gravitate towards comfort. Comfort is intricately linked to our brain’s innate desire for safety and security. Our brains are wired to seek out familiar and predictable environments, situations, and routines as a means of reducing perceived threats and maintaining a sense of stability. The comfort we experience serves as a protective mechanism, allowing our brains to conserve energy and minimize risks. It acts as a shield against the unknown and potential dangers that could throw us off balance. While comfort may bring a sense of security, pushing ourselves outside of comfort can lead to amazing growth. WHY COMFORT CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR WELL-BEING  The Alluring Trap of Comfort: In our modern world, comfort is constantly marketed to us as the ultimate goal. We’re bombarded with advertisements promising a life of ease and convenience, enticing us to seek comfort at every turn. Many of us go from an air conditioned or heated home, to an air conditioned or heated car into…

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A 30-Day Journey: My Review and Personal Experience the DrNatura Colonix Cleanse + Save 15%

I recently completed the 30 Day DrNatura Colonix Cleanse. DrNatura sent me the cleanse free of charge but did not request this review. I am a fan of this cleanse so wanted to share it with all. If you have been looking for an affordable (compared to others on the market) and effective cleanse to try then DrNatura might be a good fit for you. The first time I completed this cleanse was in 1999, which was a long time ago! I enjoyed it the first time around so when DrNatura reached out I was excited to try it again. Back then I was having digestive problems and I recall it helping me feel better. This time I came into the cleanse in a very good state of health and with healthy digestion so I did not necessarily experience dramatic results. However, I still think I benefited from the 30 days. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is vital for overall well-being, and an effective way to achieve this is through a comprehensive cleanse. The DrNatura Colonix Cleanse is a popular and trusted option. In this review, we’ll delve into the company’s background, walk through what makes up the DrNatura 30 Day Cleanse, explore the possible benefits of cleansing, and my personal experience. ABOUT DR. NATURA DrNatura was founded in 1998 by Dr. Albert Zehr. Driven by a mission to enhance wellness through natural means, the company offers a range of high-quality products to help cleanse and keep your digestive system healthy. DrNatura has garnered a solid reputation over the years, gaining the trust of numerous individuals seeking natural solutions to digestive health. When I consider any product I do a lot of research. Given this product has been on the market for a very long time it is easy to find countless reviews. My recommendation is to always do your own research and work with a healthcare profession. This will enable you to determine what products are the right fit for you based on your current health state and health goals. Don’t just take my word for it. Do your own research. UNDERSTANDING THE COLONIX 30 DAY CLEANSE The Colonix Cleanse is one of DrNatura’s primary products, designed to support the detoxification and cleansing of the colon. This comprehensive program consists of three essential components: the Colonix Intestinal Cleanser, the Paranil Capsules, and the KleriTea. Colonix Intestinal Cleanser: The Colonix…

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Weeknight Meal Plan Five

Meal Plan Five is now available. Click the image below to print for easy reference. LINKS TO RECIPES IN THIS MEAL PLAN: Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad Spicy Sesame Carrot Soup with Red Lentils INGREDIENT LINKS FAVORITE BRANDS: SIETE Taco Seasoning SIETE Taco Shells PRIMAL KITCHEN Organic Dijon Mustard GRAZA Olive Oil (the only olive oil I use) CHOSEN FOODS Vegan Mayo CHOSEN FOODS Avocado Oil Mayo FRONTERA Salsa 365 Organic Red Lentils DISCLAIMER Happy weeknight planning and cooking! In Love, Heath + Gratitude, Katie

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Why Mara Labs Supplements Are a Must Have In My Daily Routine

Throughout my adult life, I have had a love-hate relationship with supplements. I have been through periods where I take them consistently and periods where I don’t use them at all. I think my biggest issue is finding a supplement company I can truly trust and not over complicating things by taking more supplements than I need. I recently promised myself that I would not buy any more supplements until I used up everything I currently have. While I finished using what I had I re-evaluated what I really needed and then researched like crazy to find a company I trusted. This is obviously very personal and dependent on your personal goals or known deficiencies. There are some things to consider when purchasing supplements. Unlike prescription drugs, the supplement industry is not well-regulated, and manufacturers are not required to prove the safety or effectiveness of their products before sellingto the public. This lack of regulation can lead to ineffective or unsafe products. And today anyone can create, market and sell a supplement. Do I feel different when I take supplements consistently? For me, the answer is YES! I have more energy, sleep better, don’t get sick, and can handle anxiety and stress better. Do you need supplements to be healthy? The answer to that question is maybe, maybe not (there are mixed thoughts on this from medical experts) but I do think many of us would benefit. As with anything nutrition related we must understand that we are all biologically different so our needs will vary. What is helpful for one body may not be helpful for another. The key is to figure out what works for you. Before you start adding new supplements to your daily regimen do A LOT of research on the supplements you are considering adding to your regimen along with the company that produces the supplements and user reviews. In addition, consulting with a medical professional is a wise idea too especially if you currently taking and prescription medications. CAN FOOD FULLY MEET OUR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS One of the arguments against supplements is that we should be able to get everything we need through food. While I have always advocated for getting nutrients through food. The reality is that our modern world can make this challenging.Supplements can help to fill gaps in our diet when we are not eating a perfectly balanced diet which many…

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Weeknight Meal Plan Four

Meal Plan Four is now available. Click the image below to print for easy reference. LINKS TO RECIPES IN THIS MEAL PLAN: Fennel Leek Soup with Walnuts + Turmeric Stewed Chickpeas with Fennel, Herbs, and Lemony Yogurt BRANDS MENTIONED IN THIS POST: SIETE Taco Seasoning SIMPLE MILLS Crackers EVERY BODY EAT Crackers APPLEGATE Pepperoni GRAZA Olive Oil (the only olive oil I use) DISCLAIMER Happy weeknight planning and cooking! In Love, Heath + Gratitude, Katie

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Weeknight Meal Plan Three

Meal Plan Three is now available. Click the image below to print for easy reference. LINKS TO RECIPES IN THIS MEAL PLAN: Chopped Salad With Jalapeño-Ranch Dressing Easy Loaded Enchilada Chicken Bowls Minty Snap Pea Salad INGREDIENT LINKS FAVORITE BRANDS: FRONTERA Enchilada Sauce Green FRONTERA Enchilada Sauce Red JOVIAL Bow Tie Gluten Free Pasta BANZA Pasta GRAZA Olive Oil (the only olive oil I use) DISCLAIMER Happy weeknight planning and cooking! In Love, Heath + Gratitude, Katie

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