Saturday, April 19, 2014

No More Birth Control, Why?

No More Birth Control, Why?


First off, I want to mention a blog that I read-which inspired my post about the same topic. It was by The Holy Kale-very eye opening.
I want to begin by telling you my story about beginning the pill. I was a junior in college and I was an athletic training student working several hours with Villanova University's football team. So right off the bat, it is clear that I am surrounded by male athletes and I was always on the go. Yes, I also had just started dating the most wonderful, most gentle and open hearted man-who I currently am proudly still dating. With all this activity I had very little time to focus on my "time of the month" and because of this I found myself in a trap of never having supplies and never having time to take bathroom breaks. (Now I don't want you to think I am unsanitary or neglecting myself-it is not like that, but I was just too busy to have that as my number one thought!)

Why did I begin taking the pill? This is my PERSONAL reason and my experience, I do not want everyone thinking because this is my story it must match yours or that I am trying to change your mind-that is NOT my intention. 
It was honestly the easiest way to stay on track for when my time of the month would be arriving, I knew when to be prepared without much thought. The second reason was the lighter and shorter periods. I rarely used many tampons (saving money in my eyes-which at the time I thought was a plus!) along with other supplies going along with having my period. 
I began taking the pill without any research or information on the birth control.  All I knew was that I no longer had to remember when my period would be arriving. So I thought it was great!


Some of the Negative, but temporary symptoms I experienced
-Weight gain
-Acne, especially in overactive sweat spots
-Sensitive skin
-Hormonal mood swings

Some of the Positive symptoms
-Clear thinking
-Sound night of sleep
-No cramps
-Regular and light periods

I tell you this because many time women will stop taking the pill, experience negative side effects, panic and get back on the pill. I want you to realize that your body has aapted to not having to produce the proper hormones due to the contraception-now your body must re-learn how to balance your hormones. This means you MUST be aware of what is going on within your body and keep your expectations in line. But you can normalize your hormones, you can make them yourself, but this will not happen overnight-it is worth the challenge.
You may have to find a way to balance your hormones. I did not have to do this, so I do not have personal experience-but several do. 
The Foundation:
Diet: very important in setting your hormones on the right track because the body needs to be provided with the necessary nutrients to make the hormones. Foods can interfere with the production and balance of the hormone production. 
Xenoestrogen: these are estrogen mimickers-they imitate estrogen in the body. They are either synthetic or natural chemicals compounds, which they interrupt your normal hormone balance. These must be eliminate this from your diet because they block your natural production.
Main Exposure:
-Conventional meat: red meat, chicken, pork, turkey
-Conventional dairy: cheese, milk, butter, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese
-Soy
-Beer and conventional wine
-Plastic: water bottles, Tupperware
-Conventional personal care products
-Aluminum canned goods (look for BPA-Free)

Saturated Fat: These are what the body uses to make hormones by the liver. Healthy saturated fats is very important for getting your hormones back on track-on a daily basis. Coconut oil is the best stimulating to the thyroid (or butter).

Bioflavonoids: These are the building blocks for hormone production. The best ways to consume these are through bee pollen or flower pollen. There are tablets you can take. They help normalize your period, and help regulate it. The honey and pollen mixture is a liver tonic. The liver performs hormone synthesis and without proper liver function, your hormones cannot be balanced.

Now I am not saying that you have to immediately stop taking your pill. BUT what I want you to do is take the time to sit down and really think and research your pill of choice. Make sure you know all the side effects, all the long term changes that your body will go through. Then and only then make your decision about what is best for your body. 
I have made the decision to stop using birth control and my body has made several wonderful changes and I feel phenomenal. 


If you would like more information about my experience, please contact me! 
email: brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

Monday, April 7, 2014

Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

I knew coconut oil has been a life changer when I cook, I also use it on dry skin and rashes-but my hair!?!
Okay know that confused me. Why would I want to put oil in my hair, when it already is oily enough?
I never thought about this until I saw a friend from high school posting about her weekly coconut oil hair treatment. 
So, what did I do?
Researched it! 

How can your hair benefit from coconut oil treatment:
*Coconut oil has particular affinity towards hair protein, because of the lauric acid. Unlike many other oils (sunflower) that just sit on top of the hair instead of binding to your hair protein-like coconut oil
This helps your hair retain the natural moisture content and reinforces the fibers=strengthening and preventing damage and breakage 

*More porous types of hair benefit from coconut oil

*Dandruff or cradle cap: dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus (Malassezia globosa) lives on the scalp and feeds off of the secretions of the sebaceous glands. The worst thing is, once infected with Malassezia globosa, it stays with you your whole life. Coconut oil clears dandruff. For serious conditions, massage the oil into the scalp every 3-4 days, leave it on 15-30 minutes, then wash out in the shower.

*Treats head lice

*Keeps hair from going grey:The coconut oil has antioxidant properties. 2 tbsp mixture of thistle oil combined with 5 tbsp of coconut oil massaged into the scalp will work the reverse of greying


Applying the coconut oil treatment:
1. Melt the coconut oil on the stove
2. Brush hair-do not put the oil in knotty hair!
3. Divide hair into sections, leave a small portion of the bottom half of your hair down and clip or tie up the remainder
4. Scoop the oil with your fingers and apply to the sections of your hair 
5. When your entire head is fully covered in coconut oil, massage it into your scalp for a minute, brush out your hair and tie it up
6. Wash it out! ***TIP: use a thick creamy shampoo to get the oil out easier

And it smells wonderful!


I absolutely love my hair long-hoping this helps!

21 Day Fix Recipes

21 Day Fix Recipe:
     Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry


Ingredients:


  • Cooked Chicken (1 red)
  • Cooked Brown Rice (1 yellow)
  • Mixed Veggies (Carrots, Peppers, Onions)
  • Coconut oil tsp
Directions

  • Measure your portions in the appropriate containers
  • Heat the 1 tsp of coconut oil in a pan.
  • Stir fry everything together until heated 
Cooking it up!




Enjoy your dinner!



Looking for help with specific nutrition plans and meal menus? I would love to help you! I will take your favorite meals and make them into the nutrition plan you need!
If this sounds interesting, let's set up a time to chat!

brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Six Fitness Facts: True and Surprising!

Six Fitness Facts: True and Surprising!


There are so many fitness facts that are circulating around. Several you have heard and they just seem like common sense, but you do not really think about them.
Others seem to be a little far fetched, but when you look into them they actually end up to be helpful tips.
Here are SIX health facts and some tips on how to take this knowledge to use in your life and improve!

1. Laughing is Really Good For You!

It is fun! Laughter has been shown to reduce Cortisol levels, Cortisol is a hormone that is linked to stress which weakens the immune system, increases blood sugar and can negatively effect bone density and the reproductive system. Start laughing and maybe you will strengthen your body in the process!

2.  Muscle Does Not Actually Weigh More Than Fat, it is Just More Dense!

Which weighs more: a pound of rocks or a pound of feathers? The truth is, they both weigh the same1 A pound is a pound. Same goes for muscle versus fat. The difference is that muscle is more dense or less volume for the same weight. If you want to lose inches and tighten up, trade fat for muscle! What is the added bonus? Muscle tissue requires more energy from your body than fat; leading to an increase in your metabolism!! So this means: to boost your metabolism and change your body composition, it is best to gain lean muscle. Include lifting session at least 2 times a week and mix them with cardio!

3. Sitting Equals Weight Gain

It is common knowledge. Sitting at home on the couch instead of working out, is hurting you-but that is not the only thing! Sitting actually weakens muscles and burns less calories than standing. Since you are not using large muscle groups (your legs, and core) when sitting you are slowing your metabolism and making it harder to burn calories even when you are active. During work hours most of you have to sit a lot, but mix it up! Take a lap around the office or add in sitting exercises. Tucking the pelvis, squeezing the glutes, and controlled oblique twisters!

4. A Cold Stretch Before a Workout is Not the Best Idea!

Stretching is very important! There is a lot to misunderstand about which ways to go about doing this! You should always stretch warm, add in a light workout before starting your stretch. Stretching cold muscles can increase your chance of injury. A quick warm up before stretching ensures blood flow to the muscles. The best results of stretching thoroughly after your workout is improving blood flow to the muscles for quicker recovery, release of lactic acid, and promotes longer, leaner muscle tone.

5. Exercise Improves Brain Function

Exercise has physical benefits-which we are all aware of, but it is also good for your brain. Regular workouts can improve your mood and alertness. It also makes a clearer thought process, which improves your mental performance. Working out is a natural way to stimulate your nervous system!

6. Music Improves Workouts

I love to listen to music when I workout! It is fun and putting it on can also make your workouts more effective. Research has shown people who listen to music while working out have more intensity and are less likely to quit earlier in the workout. 



Are you looking to get back into exercising because it just was NOT fun for you before? 
Are you not sure where to start? 
Do you want more information on exercises?

Contact me today!

brittanyplummer271@gmail.com
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Friday, February 28, 2014

Shakeology Shamrock Shake

Shakeology Shamrock Shake

Growing up, during St. Patrick's Day we used to have a day full of "green" items. We ate green eggs in the morning, from Dr. Seuss, we put green food coloring in our milk or drink of choice at dinner. At school we would have green sprinkles on cookies, cupcakes with green icing and green drinks for our classroom parties. I thought this was the most amazing day ever! I LOVED classroom parties because of all the yummy treats, but that was before thinking of what all the sugar did to my body, mood and brain! Not to mention what it did to my mom when I got home exploding with energy!

These are the "delicious" treats that have become apart of St. Patrick's Day, I have now come to love a brand new treat that satisfies my cravings, eliminates the sugar high and is packed full of nutrients. I heard that Shakeology Shamrock Shake was similar to the McDonald's Shamrock Milkshake and I did not understand how that was even possible! I thought there was no way that this could possibly taste anything similar to a milkshake from McDonalds' BUT let me tell you, it does! It definitely meets the requirements! :)

I can now have my Shamrock Shake during March, and get the ultimate benefits of more than 70 superfood, whole food ingredients. This is the equivalent to 6 salads in one meal! I do not feel bloated, miserable and I do not have to cheat on my diet, I still lose weight, get nutrients and get an energy boost. I absolutely LOVE to enjoy food, I love to have sweets and special treats, but I make all my treats in some healthy way-as much as possible, and this makes it so!

 
The ingredients you will need:
*8 oz unsweetened almond milk

*4 oz of ice and water

*Drop of peppermint extract or some mint water (NOTE:more is not better with this ingredient! Be very careful to add very little or else it will be completely ruined)

*1 tsp all natural peanut butter

*2 tbsp vanilla sugar free instant pudding mix

*1 packet or scoop of Greenberry Shakeology




















Blend and enjoy!!



      **Do you want to try your own Shamrock Shakeology
         ** Do you want to know more tips to turn your own health and fitness around? 80% of your weight comes from your nutrition! Abs are made in the kitchen!!! Learn the tips and tricks that have helped me and many of my challengers through their health and fitness journey! 

**Join me on March 17, 2014 for 30 day Shakeology health and fitness support group. 30 day money back guarantee!! 

Contact me:
brittanyplummer271@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Clean Banana Bread

Clean Banana Bread **

Seriously LOVE this recipe!! Thanks to my upline coach, who is a phenomenal cook always coming up with the best recipes! 
I love all kinds of bread, banana, zucchini, pumpkin and any other kinds that possibly could be included. When I saw this recipe from my upline I knew I had to try it! (plus she is a wonderful cook, so it had to be great...right!?!?)

Also-it is such an EASY recipe!!!

Ingredients:
~2 cups whole wheat flour
~1 cup organic coconut sugar
~3 bananas (but 2 is fine, I had extra and wanted more banana flavor)
~2 eggs
~1 stick of butter
~2 TBS of Greek yogurt
~1 lemon grated or 1 tsp of lemon juice
~1 tsp baking soda

For a sweeter taste add a TBS of honey or agave-I added the agave

Directions:
1. Mix the butter and sugar together until smooth
2. Add the rest of the ingredients in and blend until well mixed
3. Bake for about an hour at 350 degrees on the middle rack

Treat yourself!! YUM

Clean Eating Baked Apple Chips

Baked Apple Chips

    I absolutely love snack that have a crunch! Okay that might sound weird, but seriously the crunch gets me! 
I decided to try these for a yummy, crunchy snack!!

Ingredients:
**Apples: cut flat, and cored
**Cinnamon 1 TBS
**Pumpkin Pie Spice 1 TBS

Directions:

1. I cut the apples very thin, flat and cored them

2. I placed them in a large ziplock baggy 

3. Added the cinnamon and the pumpkin pie spice to the bag

4. Shake well!!

5. Bake for about 30 minutes on 200 degrees!
Enjoy, I know I sure did!!!