Hello 2015!

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

 A little New Year's Humor hehe

I chose FREEDOM

Monday, December 29, 2014

THE most impactful transformation I've had was NOT a physical one... but rather a change in my mindset. While the physical changes have been amazing, I have become a happier, more patient, kind person because I don't wake up every morning dreading work.

I don't do a countdown on my days off, multiplying my anxiety with every every passing hour, waiting to go to a stressful job that left me unfulfilled.

When I first found Beachbody, my goal was to try to get through P90X and feel better about my body...but I found so much more.

First of all, I found out P90X is HARD haha
But I found an opportunity to alleviate financial stress. I found an opportunity to work towards a healthy body, mind and spirit....surround myself with positive like-minded people (and distance myself from the toxic friends who would put cupcakes on my desk! haha)...and FINALLY align my PASSION with my purpose to empower other women & girlbosses.
You have the POWER to change any and every aspect of your life.
In 2010, I needed a complete overhaul!

Success is not sexy, convenient, or easy. It takes discipline and a constant reminder of your VISION. You have to show up every single day & make those small decisions...that eventually add up to a future of your design.

We all have reasons  (the polite word for EXCUSES) about why we can't make changes..... You work full-time, the kids are sick, the dog is sick, you're too far gone, you're scared, you don't have time/energy/money...

Instead of thinking about all of the reasons why you can't....think about the ONE reason you CAN.

In those tough moments, when I would rather skip a workout and curl up on the couch.... I VISUALIZED a scale (you know the scales of justice? :P) On one side, I put the comfortable lazy couch time.... and on the other side...I put FREEDOM


FREEDOM ALWAYS WINS
And I am living proof that it's POSSIBLE to pull yourself out of a demoralizing job to follow your heart

It might as well be 2015 already because I am FULL STEAM AHEAD! I've been passionately working on a new training series

#girlBOSS Academy: PROJECT FREEDOM

21 days to RE-DEFINE your life & connect to your PASSIONATE purpose!

This is NOT for the person looking for easy street. It's for the person who is willing to put the "My Right now" vs "My Future" on those scales of justice....and chose YOUR FUTURE.

The very first TEST group starts Jan 5th!

To be considered for my initial Jan 5th test group, please complete the application below!

http://bit.ly/GirlbossAcademyProjectFreedom

((NOTE: Not accepting current coaches as this time. ))

Homemade Whipped Shea Butter Lotion

Friday, December 26, 2014

Let's talk about moisturizers and lotions.

I've always had an interest and fascination with beauty products. Everything from the fancy department store brands to the homemade and natural products. Forever on the hunt to find a life changing product lol 


There are a lot of products out there that are pumped fill of chemicals...that in the long term can do way more harm than good. I'm not talking about breakouts or dry skin. I'm talking about long term health effects.
Admittedly, I've been known to take the easy route and opt for synthetic store bought version. It's hard to commit to natural deodorant when Secret is so effective (but toxic eek!!) More on that later though.

Since my diagnosis (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis ), I've taken a closer look at what I'm putting IN and ON my body.
Consider this: Your skin is your largest organ and it's porous. Anything you apply topically can be absorbed through your pores, enter your bloodstream, and end up inside your body (More on DownToEarth.org) 

So it makes sense that you want to keep your beauty regime filled with natural products. A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn't eat it, avoid putting it on your skin. 

Why use Shea Butter?

It naturally has ability to soothe, hydrate & balance your skin.
It works wonders on eczema, chapped lips, cracked heals, dry needs and elbows

Shea butter also has natural anti-inflammatory properties to heal scrapes, cuts and burns; relieve sunburn rashes and insect bites; and ease muscle fatigue and arthritis.

Not enough reasons for you? Maybe it's anti-aging properties will convince you! It can help rebuild and rejuvenate collagen. Translation: Less wrinkles!

Important to note: Raw shea butter maintains its therapeutic but refined, processed shea butter loses almost all of its healing properties.

Ok on to the good stuff...How to Make your own lotion!

Ingredients: (PS I felt like a mini chemist making this haha) 

  • 4 oz Unrefined Shea Butter  (I have this: 100% Unrefined Organic Shea Butter )
  • 2 Tbsp Oil (You can use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil)
  • 10-20 Drops Essential oils (optional) 
  • electric whisks mixer
  • Mixing Bowl 
  • Jars to store your Shea Butter Lotion- I found mine on amazon but you can get creative! Here the the ones I bought! Glass 2 oz Salve Jar 4 pk
The How to:
  • I measured my shea butter using my kitchen scale. 
  • Put 4 oz of shea butter in a bowl and mash it with a fork. 
  • Add your base oil of choice & mash it around. 
  • Mix with electric mixer
  • Add essential oils (opt.) 
  • Put your whipped Shea Butter Lotion in a clean jar(s) and close it.

    Store in dry, dark and cool place. Room temperature works great!
    It should keep for 1-2 years. 
For my VISUAL learners, here is how it went down:
A big bag of beige :P 


I broke the recipe down to 1 oz so I could try different essential oils 



Now just a little forewarning. It will not be as convenient as the chemical laden products we are used it.
If your whipped lotion is in a cool place, you may need to let it melt in your hands before applying. And your skin/hands may feel a little greasy until it absorbs. Trust me, it's totally worth it!
Just remember, "A little dab 'ill do ya"  aka a little goes a long way!

This works awesome as an after-shower or nightly moisturizer.
 
Credit to my BEAUTIFUL friend Lindsay Stay for teaching me all about this! Visit her awesome blog at http://staywellsunshine.blogspot.com/

Tampa Super Saturday Event Featuring Carl Daikeler & Autumn Calabrese



How cool is my job?  My best friends and I are hosting THE Beachbody event of the season! Beachbody's CEO Carl Daikeler and celebrity trainer, Autumn Calabrese are joining us in Tampa on Saturday , January 10th!

If you want to join us...find out what Beachbody is all about....and workout with Autumn, creator of the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme...

Join us! Tickets available at bit.ly/TampaShine

Homemade Dog Paw Print Ornaments: Salt Dough Recipe

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas from Winston & Baby Bear

Check out this incredibly simple recipe for making some sweet keepsakes using salt dough!

Homemade Dog Paw Print Ornament Supplies 

  • 1 Cup Flour (Not Self Rising)
  • 1/2 Cup Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Water
  • Cookie Cutter - I used a round one
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Rolling Pin 
  • Straw
Optional Supplies 
  • Glitter 
  • Food Coloring
  • Mod Podge or Sealant (Recommended)
  • Paint or Markers 
  • Ribbon or Ornament Hook
HOW TO:
  1. First, mix your salt & flour. 
  2. Gradually add water. I slowly stirred with a spatula at first. You want to end up with a dough-like consistency.
    If it's too sticky, add more flour. Too dry? Add a little more water.
    NOTE: If using Food Coloring, I found it's easiest to add it to the water. 
  3. Knead for a few minutes until its smooth
  4. Roll out the dough (1/4 in thick) then transfer to parchment paper.
    TIP: Roll dough in one direction. When rolling "up-down-up-down" it makes an uneven surface. Rolling in one direction gives a nice level cookie surface.
  5. We placed the parchment paper/dough on a cookie sheet and placed on floor.
  6. Lure your dog over with treats. Have them sit and take one paw, place on dough and gently press. 
  7. Use cookie cutter to create your ornament's shape
  8. Make a hole for the ribbon or ornament hook using a straw (or other creative household item ;) ) 
  9. Optional: Engrave the cookie with name/year 
  10. Bake at 200 degrees. Time will vary based on the thickness of your cookie.
    We turned ours over every 20 min. They baked for approx. one hour
  11. Once they are hardened and cool, you can decorate them! Have fun with you! Sharpies are great for writing their names. 
  12. Seal your cookies so they don't crumble! I used Mod Podge (several thin layers) or you can use polyurethane.
  13. Hang on tree and enjoy for years to come! 
We made two batches of salt dough...red and plain!

In the process of painting! 
More pictures to follow! 

Finding a Doctor Who Listened to My Symptoms

Friday, December 12, 2014

I've been getting a lot of messages from people who relate to my symptoms and want to find out what steps they need to take to find answers. By sharing my journey, I hope to help you guys uncover what is ailing you and help heal your body. 

I MUST emphasize that you have to be willing to be your biggest advocate and willing to LEARN, read, research. Don't simply rely on the advice of one doctor...especially if they aren't listening to you or brushing you off. And when you do find a great doctor, I recommend educating yourself if you do have a Thyroid condition (I'm much more likely to follow through when I understand the "why" behind lifestyle changes like going Gluten-Free).

For the past few years, I haven't been feeling quite like myself. Despite eating clean and working out daily, my results were not matching my efforts. For 5 months, I poured my HEART and SOUL into eating healthy and dedicating myself 100% to my workouts. It's not only demoralizing and frustrating when you don't see results...it's kinda heartbreaking. 

You know it's bad when your boyfriend says, 
"Wow, you really aren't seeing results- are you eating meals I don't know about?
PS My ex was 100% supportive and would love me no matter. I was starting to feel like I was crazy or just being a big baby until he confirmed that this wasn't right. Something was going on with my body.

I know I am not overweight- but I am heavier than I've ever been and it's physically uncomfortable. I love my body and I think I have a beautiful figure- but it's frustrating when my body isn't responding to workouts and clean eating like it has in the past.
 
Weight aside...I just don't feel like myself.  I'm normally a laid-back, optimistic, happy, friendly girl. For the last two years, all of that changed.
When out with friends or talking to clients, I can channel the "old happy Kati" but it usually leaves me completely exhausted.
I am, by nature, a very introverted girl...but it started progressing to a whole other level with serious anxiety.

I started writing down my symptoms...even the symptoms that my primary doctor would brush off.  She tell me, "Come see me if it gets any worse."  Umm...it IS worse..that's why I'm here... LOL


Symptoms:
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Insomnia (Trouble both falling asleep and stay asleep)
  • Tired even after 12+ hours of sleep
  • Low Energy. Tired easily
  • Weakness
  • Stress or pressure exhausts me
  • Stressed out easily (normally a laidback person)
  • Depressed for no reason
  • Loss of Ambition
  • Feeling overwhelmed by Tasks
  • Mood Swings
  • Anxiety
  • Cries easily/randomly
  • Easily angry and irritable
  • Restless
  • Always thirsty! Even after drinking a gallon + of water daily
  • Yawn often
  • Sensitive to Sound and Bright Light
  • Migraines (once a month or more)
  • Mental Fog
  • Trouble Concentrating
  • Procrastination
  • PMS x100
  • Painful Cramps
  • Poor Memory & Concentration
  • Stomach Pain Daily
  • Acid Reflux
  • Indigestion
  • Bloating- I looked 6 months pregnant!
  • Hair Loss
  • Low Libido
  • Intense Sugar and Carb Cravings
  • Nausea after Meals
  • Always Cold- Especially my Feet
  • Weight Gain no matter what I do or eat
  • I start to feel awake and have energy at 7pm
  • Brittle Nails
  • Don't feel like myself
Dang, I'm exhausted just typing that out and shocked that my boyfriend has endured the "sick Kati" for so long! After my doctor brushed me off, I just dealt with it. I thought...ok I'm getting older...this is how things are supposed to be...I have to soldier through. Truth be told, I look back and had some of these symptoms for as long as I could remember...other symptoms I can pinpoint starting TEN years ago!

For example: I've always had migraines, even as a child. I remember crying in bed because head hurt so bad. But my dad got migraines so I thought I just inherited them.

Insomnia: my parents have never had good/consistent sleep patterns...another issue I thought I inherited.

Fatigue: I worked YEARS in retail with crazy work schedule and lack of sleep. I'm a very ambitious person so I secretly loved being tired because I felt like it meant I was working hard.  

It wasn't until my stomach pain and nausea started back in 2012 that I started to look for answers.
I would eat something and within 5 minutes...I would be doubled over in pain. OR I would have a protein shake and be so nauseous that I had to lay down.
I tried to avoid foods that made me sick, but it felt like everything was making me sick. 

In April of 2012, I moved across the country and moved into an apartment with my love. So many life changes! I quit my job to pursue Beachbody full-time, I was in a new relationship, and we moved in together right away.

I LOVE my own space (again I'm an introvert) so when I moved from my 3 Bedroom house in Pittsburgh...to a one-bedroom apartment in Cali...in a brand new relationship....it was a big adjustment for me.

My Ex & I struggled in the beginning because I would have terrible mood swings, anxiety, depression, I would get angry over anything and everything or just burst out crying.  I chalked it up to the changes...moving to a new city...new relationship...starting Beachbody full time...getting a puppy (Baby Bear!)

Finally in 2013, my bf said enough is enough! I needed to figure out what was going on with me- every single day I felt sick, had a stomach ache or was depressed.

Finding a Doctor:

The thought of even finding a doctor was overwhelming to me so I kept putting it off. Finally, our friend Barbie Decker shared her story and results after consulting Sagi Kalev, the creator of Body Beast.  Sagi is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist ANDDD a professional bodybuilder and fitness model.
Sagi was amazing and the first person to really listen to me. He told me that no symptom was too small and encouraged me to share everything about how I was feeling. It was the first time I felt HEARD...the first time I felt like I could stop sweeping symptoms under the rug or rationalizing them. 
If you'd like to find out more about what he does and/or schedule a consultation, you can visit his site: www.sagikalev.com.


Here's where I am a total dork.  I did bloodwork with Sagi...but never followed through! One of my symptoms is anxiety, feeling completely overwhelmed, and stressed out about things so I put it off. 

I realized that it would be helpful to work with someone local, so I tried to find a doctor in Pittsburgh.  In the meantime, we were thinking about moving to Tampa...and ending up finding a house MONTHS before I thought we would move...so again...I put things on hold. 
Luckily, my good friend here in Tampa connected me with her doctor and recommended his office.

Dr Springer at LifeWorks Wellness Center 

My first visit with him was almost two hours. We discussed all of my symptoms, my history and what led up to this point.

We blood work, a stool test and muscle testing.

Diagnosis:
His initial assessment was that I have (to the best of my memory)
  • Leaky Gut 
  • Food Sensitivities 
  • Hormonal Imbalance 
  • My Liver was being taxed 
  • My immune system was compromised
  • Mold and yeast in my gut 
  • And I wasn't absorbing nutrients from my food properly.
  • After 6 weeks, we got the blood work and stool test back.
    All of the above was confirmed PLUS they discovered I have parasites (specifically 
    Trichinosis aka the "Pork Worm

  • AND biggest of all, I have an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's. 
If you think you have a Thyroid disorder, make sure they not only test Thyroid (T3 and T4 levels) but ALSO the ANTIBODIES

Ok, so here are my test results...and Im sure it looks confusing but
  • T3 was 2.4 (normal range 1.8 - 4.6) 
  • T4 was 0.86 (normal was 0.9 - 1.7) 
Those were considered low but "normal"

Antibodies: 
  • Thyroid Peroxidase was OVER 600 (normal less than 35!) 
  • Thyroglobulin was 475.6 (normal is less than 115!)


Finding a Doctor:No matter what I need, I always go based on recommendations whether it's a nail salon...contractor or doctor lol

When looking for a doctor, start by asking around and see if any local friends can refer you.

You can also look up Endocrinologists, naturopathic, or holistic doctors in your area.

I highly HIGHLY highly recommend finding a doctor that will help you get to the ROOT CAUSE of the issue instead of just prescribing meds. 
Your first doctor visit should be between 1-2 hours. They should want to sit down with you and go through your history and symptoms. It typically costs about $250 for that first consult if you go to a holistic doctor, naturopath or functional medicine doctor. To be honest, MOST of the places I've had great experiences do NOT accept insurance.
In total, I've spent about $3500 so far on my diagnosis and healing.  It's not pocket change, but our health is our most greatest asset!

If you think you might have Hashimoto's, PLEASE get to the doctor! If it's left untreated...your thyroid could be destroyed and you would develop HYPOTHYROIDISM...meaning your thyroid cannot produce enough thyroid hormone and you would need to be on medicine for the rest of your life.

I also recommend snagging this book:


Disclaimer:  This information is designed for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your condition.

I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Monday, December 1, 2014

Some of you know that I've been on a journey this year to figure out what's going on with my body.
Sometimes I felt like a crazy person and would think to myself, "I'm FINE stop being a baby" but it's tough feeling like complete poo. I haven't been myself.  Which is why I've all but stopped blogging. I used to be on here 5x a week AT LEAST- sharing recipes, workouts and fun ideas...but it's been such a challenge to find my mojo again. 

My symptoms:
- crazy bloating 
- extreme fatigue
- weight gain
- always cold 
- mood swings (sorry babe)
- nausea
- patches of dry skin 
- funky sleep patterns 
- migraines
- Muscle achiness
- Brain Fog 
- very painful cramps on my period

Starting to connect the dots- my body has been trying to tell me something. I've been working with a holistic doctor here in Florida and found out I have leaky gut, food sensitivities, mold & yeast in my gut along with a parasite! (eek!), hormonal imbalance, and most life-changing of all...I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. Basically, Hashimotos is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid.

I was really sad because autoimmune diseases scare the CRAP out of me. They are common in my family, and I've been trying to do everything RIGHT to stay healthy. BUT I'm using this as an opportunity to learn and grow. I have an incredible GIFT...a PLATFORM to share what I learn to help others who are experiencing the same struggles.

Part of my treatment is transitioning into a GLUTEN FREE lifestyle. I'm reading and researching like a mad scientist over here. The mailman is going to love me because I just ordered 50 lbs of thyroid book & cookbooks books! haha

Researching & Reading like crazy!
I'll be sharing what I learn & creating a GF Accountability Group (to help ME stay on track) If that is something you feel might benefit you or if you have similar symptoms, please reach out to me or request to join here!


A friend send this to me
Hi. My name is Hashimoto's. I'm an invisible autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid gland causing you to become hypothyroid.
I am now velcroed to you for life. If you have hypothyroidism, you probably have me. I am the number one cause of it in the U.S. and many other places around the world.
I'm so sneaky--I don't always show up in your blood work.
Others around you can't see me or hear me, but YOUR body feels me.
I can attack you anywhere and any way I please.
I can cause severe pain or, if I'm in a good mood, I can just cause you to ache all over.
Remember when you and energy ran around together and had fun?
I took energy from you, and gave you exhaustion. Try to have fun now.
I can take good sleep from you and in its place, give you brain fog and lack of concentration.
I can make you want to sleep 24/7, and I can also cause insomnia.
I can make you tremble internally or make you feel cold or hot when everyone else feels normal.
I can also give you swollen hands and feet, swollen face and eyelids, swollen everything.
I can make you feel very anxious with panic attacks or very depressed. I can also cause other mental health problems. You know crazy mood swings? That's me. Crying for no reason? Angry for no reason? That's probably me too.
I can make your hair fall out, become dry and brittle, cause acne, cause dry skin, the sky is the limit with me.
I can make you gain weight and no matter what you eat or how much you exercise, I can keep that weight on you. I can also make you lose weight. I don't discriminate.
Some of my other autoimmune disease friends often join me, giving you even more to deal with.
If you have something planned, or are looking forward to a great day, I can take that away from you. You didn't ask for me. I chose you for various reasons:
That virus or viruses you had that you never really recovered from, or that car accident, or maybe it was the years of abuse and trauma (I thrive on stress.) You may have a family history of me. Whatever the cause, I'm here to stay.
I hear you're going to see a doctor to try and get rid of me. That makes me laugh. Just try. You will have to go to many, many doctors until you find one who can help you effectively.
You will be put on the wrong medication for you, pain pills, sleeping pills, energy pills, told you are suffering from anxiety or depression, given anti-anxiety pills and antidepressants.
There are so many other ways I can make you sick and miserable, the list is endless - that high cholesterol, gall bladder issue, blood pressure issue, blood sugar issue, heart issue among others? That's probably me.
Can't get pregnant, or have had a miscarriage?
That's probably me too.
Shortness of breath or "air hunger?" Yep, probably me.
Liver enzymes elevated? Yep, probably me.
Teeth and gum problems? TMJ?
Hives? Yep, probably me.
I told you the list was endless.
You may be given a TENs unit, get massaged, told if you just sleep and exercise properly I will go away.
You'll be told to think positively, you'll be poked, prodded, and MOST OF ALL, not taken seriously when you try to explain to the endless number of doctors you've seen, just how debilitating I am and how ill and exhausted you really feel. In all probability you will get a referral from these 'understanding' (clueless) doctors, to see a psychiatrist.
Your family, friends and co-workers will all listen to you until they just get tired of hearing about how I make you feel, and just how debilitating I can be.
Some of them will say things like "Oh, you are just having a bad day" or "Well, remember, you can't do the things you use to do 20 YEARS ago", not hearing that you said 20 DAYS ago.
They'll also say things like, "if you just get up and move, get outside and do things, you'll feel better." They won't understand that I take away the 'gas' that powers your body and mind to ENABLE you to do those things.
Some will start talking behind your back, they'll call you a hypochondriac, while you slowly feel that you are losing your dignity trying to make them understand, especially if you are in the middle of a conversation with a "normal" person, and can't remember what you were going to say next. You'll be told things like, "Oh, my grandmother had that, and she's fine on her medication" when you desperately want to explain that I don't impose myself upon everyone in the exact same way, and just because that grandmother is fine on the medication SHE'S taking, doesn't mean it will work for you.
They will not understand that having this disease impacts your body from the top of your head to the tip of your toes, and that every cell and every body system and organ requires the proper amount and the right kind of of thyroid hormone medication for YOU.....Not what works for someone else.
The only place you will get the kind of support and understanding in dealing with me is with other people that have me. They are really the only ones who can truly understand.
I am Hashimoto's Disease.
((Credit::  www.officialgenaleenolin.com facebook.com/thyroidsexy ))

Reading this almost made me cry (which of course is one of the symptoms! haha) But I felt like FINALLY someone understands! Jay is wonderful and tries to be empathic, which I totally appreciate, but it's hard when everyday I'm so tired/sad/sick to do anything. I actually started feeling like this back in 2012 (3 months into our relationship). When you feel like crap, at first you think...oh I'm sick...this will pass.   Months went by and I was still tired, food made me sick constantly, I had massive mood swings, etc..... Quite honestly, I thought, "I'm getting older- this is just how I am now."

It's such a relief to finally have some answers! Now I can focus on healing my body and avoiding trigger foods that zap the life out of me.
I'd be honored to have you along this journey too!

As of this second, I don't have any Gluten Free Recipes on my blog...but I WILL be adding some here: Recipes

You can follow me on Facebook here
- THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -