If you’ve been here before, you know that I’m a huge fan of the WomanCode book by Alisa Vitti. It has dramatically changed the way I treat and honor my body. The FLO Living protocol is also what helped me bring back my period after months of missed periods. When you first read the book, Alisa recommends to start with her 4 Day Reset to jump start the cleansing process for the liver and hormones. I actually felt that I ate pretty well and did not do it when I read the book back in summer 2017. It wasn’t until about two weeks ago that I had the tipping point that made me consider trying the Reset.
I felt like my body wasn’t livable anymore. My insides were so sluggish and my skin was breaking out. I was stressed from work and eating way too many carbs. My body didn’t know how to react in the mornings when I’d wake or what to crave at what hour of the day. Everything felt so out of sync so the 4 Day Reset was just what I needed.
Originally, I feared the Reset would not provide me enough food. It is A LOT less food than I’m used to eating but, then again, I was already eating too much of food that was not fueling me for my needs. Breakfasts each day of the Reset were mixed fruit bowls filled with chopped apple, pear, or berries. Plus, an optional green juice which I used as a mid-morning snack. I’ve got to say, breakfast was the hardest meal to deal with. I was on the verge of a headache and STARVED by the time 12 o’clock lunchtime rolled around.
Reset Time
I filled my lunchtime meals with HUGE bowls of greens and that helped keep me pretty content, along with lentils and quinoa. I followed the vegan option of using beans but the Reset also allows for fish to be included as a protein source. The lunchtime kale salad, the spring mix salad were both delicious and quite hearty.
Mid-afternoon called for a snack of fruit or chopped veggies. Vitti says another serving of lunch or dinner was acceptable but I preferred to eat a green apple, slices of cucumber, or carrots. Snacking on these reminded me of how satisfying simple vegetables and fruit can be.
I followed the WomanCode recipes for the dishes so that I was following the plan as closely as possible. The collard greens recipe was a delicious one that I saved for a side dish to my Veggie Soup at dinner. I would toss in some more dried herbs next time because the soup was a little poor-tasting on its own. I also preferred to add a bit of lentils to the veggie soup to make it more filling.
Here is a little breakdown of how I felt and what I noticed each day:
Day1 : Low on energy lacking in fuel. On the verge of irritable and hangry. Fatigue and lightheadedness were present. My skin was the reason I started the cleanse and my face was red, broken out, and irritated.
Day 2: Calm but walking the line between energized and lightheaded. Mentally hungry for my next meal.
Day 3: Calm and managing to keep my energy stable. Hungry for my meals but not starved.
Day 4: Happy to be eating slightly more. Content with meals but understanding that I don’t need to eat SO MUCH. My skin had slightly less redness and inflammation was down.
So, was the Reset worth it?
The verdict is: yes! I have never in my life done a cleanse or detox of any sort. The meals in the 4 Day Reset are not meant to be long-term but they are sustainable over the course of a few days.
What also made the Reset a great experience were the messages to help work on different aspects of health. These were reminders to eat slower, get rid of items I no longer use, and how to self-care—just to name a few. The activities complimented the cleanse perfectly. It reignited my understanding of principles like taking my time and moving more slowly. When I move slowly, I can better take in my surroundings and my needs.
Days and weeks later, I notice my skin still has the acne issue but without the inflammation that was evident prior to the Reset. I did not anticipate that my digestion would receive grand changes but it improved dramatically! Never have I been more regular or “light”. I feel like my body has a better handle on how to manage itself and how to process what I fuel it with.
If you’re interested in a hormonal detox then give the WomanCode Reset a try. The book has also been a lifesaver for me in getting my period back. See my FLO Living series here! I can vouch for the positive effects and tools it brought to my life and I hope this post is helpful for anyone considering this route (especially with the all the hoopla of the holidays).
Hello beautiful souls! I’ve missed you! The whole two jobs, no spare time thing has really put a damper on social time. In case you didn’t know, I got hired for a seasonal job back in October and, not long after, was offered a full time job elsewhere. I’ve been juggling the two at the sacrifice of social media, my loving blog, and communication with anyone who isn’t a coworker or family living in my house. As the month soon comes to a close, I foresee some more time for me to get back to all of that!
For now, I’ve got a list of things I’ve loved over the past few months. My last monthly favorites post was back in September and much has happened since then! I can’t commit to a monthly favorites post at this time but I’ve got a huge list of goodies to keep you occupied. Be sure to tell me what you’re loving in the comments down below or on Instagram!
Visual Favorites
Hallmark Channel
As far as TV goes, Hallmark Channel is where I’m at! Hallmark Channel is putting out 20 new movies this holiday season. While it is almost over, you can find a holiday movie airing at any hour of the day on the channel—along with its partner channel Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. The cozy, sweet, and romantic movies are all I need to make my December feel like Christmastime. A few film favorites are: Marry Me at Christmas, Miss Christmas, and Christmas in Angel Falls.
73 Questions with ______
Recently, I went on a video binge over on the Vogue YouTube channel. They have a series called 73 Questions with different celebrities. It is such a fun, laid-back way of asking questions that tell you a lot of interesting things about the person in a short amount of time. See my woman crush Emma Stone’s 73 Questions video here!
I was on a big lemon/ apple cider vinegar warm water kick and now tea is my morning cup of choice. This one legit smells like hot chocolate but the depth of flavor is unlike any other tea I’ve tried. Once before, I had a plain mushroom tea that tasted like bitter broth but I guarantee Reishi Detox is yummy even for mushroom haters.
B-Complex Vitamin
As you may have heard, supplements can’t fix a bad diet. Supplements are only meant to assist in health not be the sole solution. I eat pretty healthy (hello, have you seen my Instagram photos?) but, with the addition of B vitamins, I have seen noticeable effects. I’ve tried taking a B12 vitamin but I really find that the B complex is the best. If you take too much of one, you might be lacking in the others so a complex ensures you’re getting all the vitamins you need. I was taking Nature Made B Complex plus a B6 vitamin until I found this Solgar brand at Vitamin Shoppe. Both work but the variety of B vitamin levels in the Solgar one allow me to meet my needs in one bottle!
Protes Chips
I’m making efforts to not be a carb monster so protein-filled snacks are a great addition to my meals! So, I’m definitely not a chips person or a crunchy food person usually but these are different. The Protes chips are light and crispy and quite flavorful! The bags are small but satisfying—and the savory and dessert flavors are both delicious!
Recipes I’m Loving
Garlic Sweet Potato Fries
Behold: the yummiest recipe for CRISPY Sweet Potato Fries at home! Dare I say they’re better than the fried kind at restaurants :p
Black Bean Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I made this dish for a staff after-hours party and I received multiple complements! The zesty, tex-mex dish is perfect as a standalone meal or side dish! I’ve got some leftovers in my fridge ready to be made into tacos 😉
Coconut Cacao Tahini Snack Bites
I love Minimalist Baker’s take on the “fat ball”. It combines my precious tahini and delicious coconut butter for a melt-away, delicious, and satiating snack. Try them and swoon!
Paleo Double Chocolate Banana Bread
This recipe uses A LOT of ingredients so it took me a while to get everything I needed to make it. Let me tell ya, it’s worth it! This banana bread tastes like freaking rich, dark chocolate cake without the sugar! It’s naturally sweetened from banana and doesn’t leave me feeling weighed down like if I ate something decadent. It is also delicious with nut butter or decked out as a breakfast meal.
Fit Favorites
I admit I’ve sidetracked from my workouts lately. I felt like the pressure to fit in a workout was getting to be too much. Though, exercise makes me feel good so I’ve still got some options! Lauren Gleisberg’s Fitmas is crazy good for strength training! I love the targeted body part workouts that are usually less than 30 minutes to complete.
The stress at work + the natural stress from workouts had me feeling like I had no moments of calm. So, a yoga flow to start my day sets me up for success! I recently completed Yoga Revolution for the second time and know the upcoming January challenge will be just as amazing!
Audible Favorites
Eisley’s newest album I’m Only Dreaming
The angelic vocal stylings of Sherri Dupree make for a record of wistful, melancholic, dream pop. The band has come a long way since older albums Room Noises and Combinations but maintain the gorgeous ambient tunes that make them unique. Listen to Sparking down below or check out their Christmas single (YAS!) Star on the Tree.
One Part Plant Podcast
I think I’ve mentioned this podcast in a previous favorites video but this latest season of episodes is crazy great. Jessica Murnane really put together a great lineup of guests. If you’d like a recommendation, check out episode 89 with Celeste Headlee!
Real Talk About Life Lately
Honestly, guys, I haven’t felt this level of stress in a while. So much so that my period came a week late this last cycle! Also, for me, the first place stress hits me is my face. My skin is freaking out and breaking out. The winter has also been killing my hands which are competing with the scratchiness of sandpaper. If you’ve got any recommendations for natural or nontoxic lotions, please share. I know my skin will get better if I can just chill out. Easier said than done but I’m trying to find my groove!
The center where I work full-time always keeps me busy. Though, what makes it really enjoyable is the people I work with. I started out being trained by a girl who was leaving (and I was replacing) and we became instant friends! Funny how that happened. I feel so fortunate to have met her because she is such a rare, sweet person!
As well, I’ve become friendly with a few others in the office but there is this one particular guy I work with who is so cool. With my hormonal imbalance issues, I almost thought I lost the ability to actually like someone else the way I like him. He knows a lot around the office and is beyond helpful with showing me reports, how to fix the copy machine, and more. At a recent staff party, (where I made the above mentioned sweet potato dish) him and I chatted nonstop! 🙂
For the first time in a long time, I’m just excited about this time of year and where things may be headed. I’m sending love and warm wishes to you all ♥
This post is coming to you hot! 🔥 So hot that I literally just finished writing this the moment before it went live. Basically, I almost skipped writing an August favorites post until I realized that August has 31 days! Huzzah! That extra day gave me the time I needed to coagulate all of my favorite things from food, entertainment, and more! What have I been so busy with that I couldn’t write my favorites down? I can’t tell you all quite yet! Call me superstitious but I just like to get my ducks in a line before I make any announcements.
Also, I hope to get blog posts back on a regular schedule. I try to put out two a week but content and timing varies. I’ve got ideas for my next few posts but I just need to actually WRITE them. They are coming soon. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll be sure to get the latest and greatest there first! Anyway, let’s get on with my August Wrap-Up!
What I’ve Been Reading
How to End the Game of Catching Up
I am constantly seeking ways to improve myself. One of the most common thoughts that come to my head is: as soon as I get caught up with this, then I’ll have more time to do what I want. The mistake here is in putting off doing what I want in favor of things that are always going to be there. “How to End the Endless Game of Catching Up” over on Be More With Less describes exactly that.
Apparently, I’m a Highly Sensitive Person.
Who knew? Okay, I kind of always had a feeling growing up that I was extremely sensitive. I’m sensitive to a sales associate at a clothing store asking me if I need help the way others seem to be sensitive about the Game of Thrones halfway season finale. Both are startling (so I hear. I don’t watch GOT) but I will elicit a strong reaction to even the most miniscule of circumstances. So, I try to stay away from labels but I can’t help but relate and feel less alone when reading articles that seem to describe my life. I might cry over spilled milk but knowing there are other HSPs out there doing the same thing is comforting. Oh, and there’s a quiz here if you’re wondering if you could also be highly sensitive.
A Positive Spin on Bad Habits
On a funnier note, I often refer back to this Man Repeller post just to make me feel like less of a screw-up. I mean, I may be incapable of making a decision about ANYTHING but that makes me open-minded to possibilities and I can live with that. Sort of. What’s your bad trait?
Movie and TV Favorites
Atomic Blonde
I am a sucker for a female-led film and this one delivers. Charlize Theron plays a spy on a mission to recover a list of names during 1980s Germany, at a time when there is much instability surrounding the Berlin Wall. It’s spy against spy in this thriller/action film because it is hard to know who can be trusted. The dark and punk setting adds much to the overall vibe and theatrics of the film which leads like a wicked graphic novel as it switches from scene to scene. Plus, Theron can throw and take some serious sucker punches all while strutting around in uber-cool outfits. There is no other way to describe Atomic Blonde except: badass. As a disclaimer, the film isn’t very kid-friendly due to sex, language, and violence.
Orphan Black
On the smaller screen, I’ve recently started watching the series Orphan Black thanks to my Direct TV On Demand. (We recently switched satellite providers and I’ve finally got access to On Demand! Yay!) It is about a young woman who is trying to clean up her act to regain custody of her daughter but instead figures out that there’s a whole lot more to her origins. She engages in some duplicitous behavior and discovers she is one of many clones that look exactly like she does. It’s got drama, suspense, a super-cute gay friend that I wish was mine, and a story line that keeps twisting and turning. It’s Canadian entertainment at its finest. Earlier this year the show wrapped but I’m just getting around to seeing it and I’m hooked! Also, I’m only on season 2 right now so, please, keep the spoilers to yourself.
Food Favorites
Cookie and Kate’s Cookbook + White Bean Pesto (Dip)
You guys know I’m obsessed with the Cookie and Kate Love Real Food Cookbook. If you don’t, you must be new here. Hey, happy to have you here, new friends! 👋 Anyway, I’ve been cooking up different things from the cookbook like the Colorful Weeknight Burrito Bowls and Chickpea Tikka Masala with Green Rice. The recipes are so substitute-friendly for allergies, vegetarian/vegan, and, most-importantly, they are all majorly delicious!
Plus, I tested out a wicked White Bean Pesto from the Crostini recipe in her cookbook and OMG, it is SO GOOD. Honestly, I like dips but most of them just make me want to eat pita chips or crackers. The white bean pesto spread actually works as a delicious dip for veggies! As you can see, I was so hooked on these roasted veggie bowls with white bean pesto dip.
Half Baked Harvest’s Mean Green Detox Salad
I try to cycle sync my food but powerhouse ingredients found in this salad, like kale, broccoli, chickpeas, and avocado, are good anytime! Y’all know I don’t often repeat meals but I can tell you I’ve been very hooked on this one! I’ve switched up the fruit, too, and you can’t go wrong! Oh, and you’ll want to double the lemon tahini dressing because it’s so freaking tasty!
I’ve yet to post the recipe for this one. Is it mean of me to include it in my favorites? If so, I’m sorry for being a tease but, the recipe is coming soon! I’ve been trying to creatively pair WomanCode approved foods for my cycle and this smoothie is loaded with multiple luteal phase appropriate goods. Stay tuned!
What I’m Listening To
The Balanced Blonde’s Soul on Fire Podcast
Have you ever spoken to someone and they mention feelings or ideas that you have but you’ve never said out loud? That’s how I feel listening to the Soul on Fire Podcast. Jordan and her guests have all been through some miraculous and difficult experiences on their route to finding their passions. I truly find inspiration in each episode and that just motivates me more to find my path. I’ve been mentioning how I want to change some things in my life and this podcast is honestly a big part of that reason. I’ve been flip-flopping around through episodes but some of my favorites so far are the episodes with: Jonathan Albrecht, Jeannette Ogden, and Emma Mildon.
Jessica Murnane’s One Part Podcast
I had heard of Jessica Murnane when she released her cookbook but it wasn’t until I listened to her episode on The Balanced Blonde’s Podcast that I decided to check her out. Jessica’s One Part Podcast is similar to Soul on Fire but more concentrated on specific topics with each guest. I’d say OPP is educational but not in a boring way! Here are some episodes I’ve found fascinating so far: The Hidden Dangers in Healthy Food and Doing Your Dharma.
Magical Moment of August
I’m going to be a bit vague here for the sake of privacy. A friend of mine has been going through some wild things the past few years. He tried any drug he could get his hands on and abused all the substances, most notably alcohol. Of course, he was as vibrant and as could be when he would talk to me because he did not want to let on how much of a mess he felt like. I could see what he was doing to himself but we’re all adults here so you can’t force anyone to change their ways. They have to want that for themselves. Finally, he did.
I was talking to him on the phone just recently and he had a different zest about him. Over the years, he has left out key details about his life. In fact, he almost wasn’t going to tell me what had happened to lead up to his present, newfound passion for life. He said it was bad and he tries to just tell me the good things. That really struck me and, frustrated, I said:
You can’t just tell me about the good things that happen to you. Everyone has good and bad experiences that happen to them but you can’t learn from them if you’re only hearing the good part.
You know, or something like that. It made me think about how on social media is largely comprised of accomplishments, flattering pictures, and best case scenarios. Why? Well, people (myself included) like to share the GOOD things. That’s understandable but, if you ever have the chance, asks someone how they got to where they are. I bet you’ll find out the “bad” or less glamorous experiences that make up their story are a hell of a lot more worthwhile.
If you’re a regular reader, you may notice that my monthly wrap-up posts change depending on what favorites I have. Like, for August, there are no product favorites! What? I know. I’ve kind of been a shut-in this past month because summertime is like the equivalent of walking into an oven broiler where I live. No joke. That’s why I’ve been busting out so many smoothie recipes—‘cause that is all I want to eat! Anyway, I hope to have good news (and stories to go with them) to share with you all soon.
It’s that time again! Monthly favorites are probably one of my favorite posts to write. Is that fair? Can I include my monthly favorites as a favorite? Well, regardless, it is a great way for me to talk about what I like and what I’ve been working on during the month. The dress that I’m wearing in the the above photo is one project that I tackled this month. It is my first big sewing project and I’m so happy with how it turned out. I’m not ready to instruct a course on how to sew but there are a couple of things I’m excited to tell you about. Keep reading to find out.
Food Favorites
Can’t Stop Won’t Stop with Pumpkin
I am either really eager for fall or plain in love with pumpkin. Maybe both. I enjoyed pumpkin in sweet and savory recipes: pumpkin pasta, pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin cinnamon date muffins! The pasta is something I definitely want to turn into a blog recipe because it was so good! As for the others, I followed the Tone it Up recipes for the pumpkin smoothie, using frozen pumpkin ice cubes instead off soft puree. Additionally, pumpkin is my favorite puree to sub in the Cinnamon Date Muffins. I got the recipe from the TIU Nutrition Plan but I used 2/3 cup pumpkin puree in place of bananas in the recipe. I enjoyed the muffins on their own and also included them in bowls with coconut chia ice cream.
Mango Carrot Tumeric Smoothie
I like to keep my smoothies low in sugar so where does that leave mango? Mango needed another partner besides banana and then this delicious little gem happened! Plus, the smoothie lets me take advantage of turmeric in alternative ways besides Indian-inspired dishes. I posted the recipe on Instagram over here. Sometime, hopefully soon, I’ll try to get around to making my go-to smoothies permanent posts on the blog—that way they are easy to find and easy to access.
Chocolate in all its forms
My chocolate cravings usually stay tame thanks to smoothies. Other times, I’ll eat a squarebar. Though, I got creative in the kitchen to make these Creamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Crisp Bars. They’re no-bake and what I’d consider to be a “clean” treat. The recipe ingredients may seem rich but, fear not, because one small slice is so satisfying! Just looking at the photo of the bars reminds me that I need to remake them!
The Notable Moment of the Month
For my mom’s birthday, my family went out to eat for brunch. I usually hate eating out because food options are limited and my family doesn’t eat meals punctually. For the occasion, I rolled with it. As I spent more time out and about with my family, my lunch ended up being a protein bar. Then, my afternoon snack was a slice of the German Chocolate Cake I made my mom.
Sidenote: I used a super easy recipe from the Love Real Food Cookbook and topped it with the suggested date frosting. My healthified baked goods don’t often please my family but my mom enjoyed the homemade cake! She said that it tasted rich enough where a small piece was satisfying. I can admit that it was delicious but it’s definitely more of a treat than I typically desire. Unfortunately, a few hours after eating a slice, my blood sugar felt out of whack.
My eating schedule that day was messy to say the least. Plus, I was relying on sugar and little substance to ride me through the day. Here’s what I observed: 1) my body notices when I’m not eating enough food and when I’m not feeding it with nourishing food. It freaked out by giving me brain fog and a sugar rush headache. Additionally, 2) sweets are just too sweet for me. The cake, while yummy, would have tasted good with a drizzle of peanut butter on top instead of the date frosting. I’ve trained my taste buds to crave fats over sweets and some fat is what I personally missed in the cake.
It is part of life to enjoy different food and I’m okay with the occasional treat. It also serves to reinforce how strongly I believe in the way I eat. I follow a combination of the TIU Nutrition Plan, with FLO Living guidelines, and make that work for me. I am comfortable to veer off the rail road tracks once in a while. Though, for the most part, I’m satisfied with choosing healthy options. Healthy food is what makes me feel good.
What I Read
Always and Forever Lara Jean
In To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han, Lara Jean’s private handwritten letters to the boys she has crushed on are mailed to the boys’ homes. Readers followed Lara Jean in the subsequent novels as she juggles between Peter and other crushes. Now, in Always and Forever, Lara Jean, is graduating high school and wants to find a way to make things work with the boy she loves and the future she envisions for herself. The concept may sound a bit juvenile but, in YA novels, there is a lot of beauty to explore in first loves and relationships. They are my guilty pleasure and, just like the first two books in the series, this one delivers. I was really satisfied with the way things wrapped. Han keeps the spirit of young love bright and vibrant but also realistic and true.
The presence of phytoestrogens in plant-based foods
As I’ve tried to follow the recommendations for cycle-syncing for my hormones, it is important that I’m eating food that will support my cyclical phases. Alisa Vitti’s WomanCode outlines everything quite well but she suggests avoiding soy due to the phytoestrogens. Thus, I found this article listing some common foods high in phytoestrogens. I’m not kicking out any foods from but rather choosing to incorporate them at the best times for my hormones. Check out the article on 50 Foods High in Estrogen here.
Update on Cycle-Syncing
I notice that the more and more I’m looking into ideas for meals for each of my four cycle phases, the more I crave what WomanCode recommends. The same goes for the lifestyle habits and exercise suggestions. The book provides guidance that seems to align with my energy levels and what my body wants. I feel increasingly in tune with what my body is capable of. I know when to push it and when to ease off. If this is your first time here then check out my Healthy Lifestyle: Is it Worth It? post to read a little more on cycle-syncing and WomanCode. Also, I worked really hard on putting together comprehensive A Day of FLO Living posts so read up on the different phases here: Follicular, Ovulatory, Luteal, and Menstrual.
Products I Love
Progessence Essential Oil Blend
A cousin-in-law of mine sells Young Living Essential Oils. A few months ago I started using the Progessence blend, per her recommendation. Quickly, I felt a difference in my mood and thoughts. My hormones are pretty out of whack but they were worse before. I constantly had mood swings and got easily frustrated. This is a big part of the reason why my hormones are at a decent place right now. I use it twice, daily, and I can’t go without it!
Shea Butter
I recently finished up the miscellaneous lotion bottles I had in my stash of body care. I look for products with short, recognizable lists of ingredients. The Shea Moisture Shea Butter is exactly that. I’ve been using it as a moisturizer on my legs, elbows, feet, and lips! It’s 100% raw shea butter and it is a product I can feel safe about using—plus it’s a great light moisturizer.
What I’m Listening To
In Undertow by Alvvays
Have you heard of Alvvays? A friend of mine introduced me to their hit song “Archie, Marry Me” a few years back and I was instantly hooked. I repeatedly listened to their self-titled debut album for months but I’m stoked to see that they are releasing a new album this September! In Undertow is one of two singles off their upcoming album. It’s dreamy, it’s electric, it’s poetic, and everything I loved about their first album—revamped!
Bombay Bicycle Club by Shuffle
This song is MY JAM. I’m constantly (re)discovering old songs and this one has been on replay throughout the month. Oddly enough, I think the song is about a relationship that is irreparably messed up. Okay, maybe not the happiest situation but the lively beat and cascading vocals make it such a joy to listen to! Let me know what you think if you check it out.
Thanks so much for taking an interest in my monthly favorites! I love putting these posts together and I hope to hear back from you what your favorites from the month of July are. xoxo
The official start of summer wasn’t until June 21st but I’ve been living it up in the blazin’ hundred degree weather since the start of the month. The hot weather leads me to have simple days of chill tea dates with friends or just spend a bit more time indoors, discovering new favorites 😉 I’m really excited to share what I loved in books, TV, food, music, and more this month so, if you’re interested, keep reading!
What I’ve Been Reading
WomanCode by Alisa Vitti
Women who have period, fertility, or libido issues are the ones who can most benefit from WomanCode. Though, those problems may exist without you being fully aware. A while back, I heard about the book from Lee from America and hoped it could help with my personal health concerns. The self-help book illuminates the areas in which lifestyle factors may be working against naturally-fluctuating hormone levels. I touched on how reading the book pertains to my health and fitness journey but this won’t be the last I talk about it. I feel positively influenced by the WomanCode Protocol so I hope to share equally positive results regarding my cycle and hormone regulation in coming months. I’m also planning to follow this up in the future with blog posts about how I’m incorporating the recommendations in the book to perfect my cycle.
KP-ingitsimple’s Fit Fuel Series
Over the past year, I’ve become more and more interested in nutrition. I think it’s a natural progression after beginning to prioritize personal health and fitness. I’m avidly seeking out new information about what nutrients are best going to fuel my body and how. Fellow TIU sister and peanut butter lover, Kelly or KP, already shares enlightening health posts on her blog in topics such as water weight and bloating, and now her Fit Fuel Series has me hooked! It addresses exactly that you would want to know as far as how to effectively fuel your body for workouts. The sort of information she provides can be hard to find online so I find it to be such a great resource!
Favorite Eats
Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin knows no single season at my house. It screams fall but it also makes the perfect batter for baked treats all year long. I am pretty proud of myself for baking up a super-tasty and lightly-sweetened cookie with good-for-you ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin, and coconut oil. They are even versatile enough that you can add a scoop or your favorite protein powder to them without sacrificing the cookie-taste. See the post and recipe here.
Halfway through the month, I began incorporating WomanCode protocols and eating with my cycle. During my luteal phase, I was all about sautéed greens and hearty veggies. This skillet dish was one of my favorite meals. I loaded up on dark leafy greens, sweet potato, brown rice, onions, and garlic—all rich in vitamins and minerals—to help with fluid retention and progesterone production pre-menstruation phase. The interesting thing about this time of month is how sugar cravings kick up a notch so roasting and sautéing vegetables helps bring out natural sweetness in food. I am so satisfied after meals like this, and don’t feel the desire to reach for a candy bar to satisfy my sweet tooth.
What I’ve Been Watching
(Surprisingly, all of the shows I’ve loved this month are series finales or just short-run programs)
I simply adore Mary Queen of Scots and her consistent motivation to do better for her people. Yet, I’m baffled by the ending of Reign and disappointed with how history unfortunately played out for Mary. Her long, tumultuous battle for a throne and respect as a queen is one worth watching. I won’t spoil it for you if you haven’t seen it but the entire show is on Netflix if you want to catch up with the 16th century queen.
Pretty Little Liars
I know the series finale just happened so I won’t give away any spoilers in case you have yet to catch up. Admittedly, the show dragged out the A/AD storyline far too long but I’m glad I didn’t give up on it. Freeform aired the second part of the final season which over the past two months and I’ve been hooked. Friendships and relationships were tested but we also got a taste for possible AD suspects up til the finale episode. I seriously didn’t see the ending coming!
This one is an HBO exclusive starring boss babes: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley. Upon moving to Monterey, Woodley’s character and her son become targets in a finger-pointing scandal. It starts in the children’s elementary school but the parents quickly make it a personal with one another. The show skips back and forth between present investigations about a murder and the past events leading up to it. Viewers watch the past events unfold to get to know the main suspects and piece together who among them gets murdered. It showcases an interesting look at how there is so much more happening in each person’s life than the face that they put forth to others. Also, unlike the next show I’m about to mention, Big Little Lies has a bittersweet but satisfying end.
GirlBoss
Last TV show, I promise! The story of NastyGal founder Sophia Amoruso is one you won’t exactly want to cheer for but it is awe-inspiring. Britt Robertson, who I love from Life Unexpected and The Secret Circle, plays Amoruso with a wild steadfast drive and independence. The NastyGal founder isn’t the most admirable female role model, especially when you see what she had to do to get her business started. Still, I couldn’t help but have hope for the anti-hero. Unfortunately, Netflix probably didn’t want to pursue the series since real-life Amoruso filed for bankruptcy last year, so one season is all GirlBoss is getting.
What I’ve Been Listening To
Paramore’s After Laughter
Long after punk-rock and teen angst phase has passed, Paramore is still relevant! I’ve been growing up with their music over the past few years and their latest release, After Laughter, is no different. It’s expressive of struggles of changes with life and growing up but with a new fresh sound. Expect groovy, pop-y tunes, and Hayley Williams’ soaring, fiery vocals. Some favorites from the album include songs like Fake Happy, Told You So, and Grudges:
Product Favorites
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is under controversy recently but, like all oils, it should be used in moderation. I’m not needlessly swallowing down coconut oil in coffee drinks but the unrefined variety is my go-to choice for baking (see below). A little bit of this oil adds decadence that only butter may come close to providing. Though, the jury is still out on health benefits of coconut oil, I’m keeping the unrefined, virgin, expeller-pressed variety around in my kitchen. I like Spectrum and Nutiva.
Avocado Oil
Two favorite oils, Melanie? Yes! I’m not deep-frying up a storm over at my house but oil is still important to have on hand. I have a collection of quality cooking oils that I use for different purposes. Avocado oil is perfect for roasting veggies or pan-frying. Its high heat temperature won’t smoke on the stovetop like extra virgin olive oil or other vegetable oils. Plus, I notice it imparts a slight richness to food without messing with the flavor of your dish. I’ve tried Chosen Foods and Primal Kitchen. Both are great!
pHresh Deodorant Cream
I’d been searching for a natural deodorant that is not only aluminum-free but organic. As I mentioned above, I’m making adjustments to my lifestyle to help out my hormones. A step towards doing that involves ridding my environment of toxic chemicals that may be endocrine disruptors. Our armpits are such a sensitive area and an important one for excreting toxins (which happens when you sweat). I do need to apply the cream 1-2 times a day but, for a softening and protective cream deodorant like pHresh, it is worth it! I’m not smothering my sweat glands with antiperspirant anymore, plus, my armpits have never been softer! The Deodorant Cream deserves to be amongst my monthly favorites and you can read more about how I use it in my Shower Routine and Essentials post.
Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask
This lip product was all the rage a few years back but it never struck me as a big deal. I had all but abandoned my Bite Beauty lip mask until I pulled it out again in the springtime. I’ve been using it ever since as my nighttime lip protectant. It is thick and made with food-grade quality ingredients. It is something I feel safe to put around my mouth and the moisturization benefits last for hours!
Notable moments of the month
Friends from Instagram will remember that my pet rabbit, Twix, was always at the top of my favorites list. So, I want to touch on what exactly happened to lead to this moment. He had been slowly losing weight since April but we figured it was because of his age. His hind legs were also giving out a bit more. He no longer was able to hop onto our couch like he used to and he would slip when walking. The signs pointed to age.
Though, in the month of June he got dramatically skinny almost overnight. Twix wasn’t eating his food or hopping around like he used. Or even going to the bathroom in his potty dish. If you knew Twix, you’d know that’s a big deal because he was particular about his preferred “peeing spots”. Unfortunately, his condition just escalated so quickly.
Even if I fed him all the veggies and leafy greens, those were not going to be enough to put weight on him. He felt frail and I think he himself noticed that his body wasn’t cooperating with him anymore. It pained my family and I to watch our furry baby’s deterioration so we had to say goodbye to him after nearly 6 years. I miss him every day but love is not limited to life or death. I’ll always care very much about Twix and treasure the memories I have with him.
On another note, an old friend from school was here for the month in between graduation and the start of his doctorate program. It was so fun to reconnect and hang out multiple times this month. Nothing beats having a good catch-up and enjoying fun activities with friends.
Thank you for taking an interest in my favorites from the month of June!
I only share products that I’ve been using for a while and can vouch for their effectiveness. As for other favorites, like TV shows and interesting reads, those are ever-rotating. Have you encountered some favorites in the past month? If so, definitely drop me a line and tell me what they are! I love hearing you guys’ ideas and suggestions.
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