Happy & Healthy Naturally Blog

Why I Don't Participate in Meat Free May

Jen Knutson
depression, emotional health, emotional wellbeing, food and mood, food as medicine, mental health, mental wellbeing, mood, nutritional medicine
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As most of you know, I am a HUGE animal lover! My two dogs, Dusty and Sienna, are my life! Anyone that knows me knows that everything I do revolves around them...and I wouldn't have it any other way!

What is interesting is that so many people I come across assume that I am vegan or vegetarian because I love animals so much...But that couldn't be further from the truth!

Hormone Friendly Biscotti....And A 24 Hour Easter Special

Jen Knutson
baked goods, baking, blood sugar, cookies, dessert, desserts, hormone health, hormones, insulin resistance, Keto, low-carb, Paleo, The Healthy Hormone Method
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Now, when it comes to the biscotti, I found this difficult as I was new to low-carb. I didn't really understand how to swap almond or coconut flour for conventional flour, what ratio of stevia and erythritol would be appropriate to use instead of sugar, etc.

But, this is where my amazing friend and mentor, Vanessa Romero saved the day!

Let's Talk Gluten

Jen Knutson
1 Comment

If you have ever heard me speak or worked with me, you know that I bang on about ditching gluten. It is something that I am a big advocate of eliminating...and not just for me, but for you as well...

The Ultimate Gut & Hormone Loving Smoothie

Jen Knutson
adrenal, adrenal fatigue, amenorrhea, blood sugar, breakfast, chocolate, cortisol, depression, emotional health, emotional wellbeing, food and mood, food as medicine, gut, gut health, hormone health, hormones, inflammation, insulin resistance, low-carb, mental health, mental wellbeing, mood, nutritional medicine, Paleo, PCOS, physical health, thyroid
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When it comes to healthy eating, breakfast seems to be the meal that most people struggle with. Thankfully, that has never been an issue for me because I love smoothies!

I have been having a smoothie for breakfast for the better part of decade! Well, longer if I am being really honest! As my knowledge of gut and hormone health has evolved, so too has my morning smoothie...

Low-Carb Paleo Apple Crumble

Jen Knutson
apple, baked goods, baking, blood sugar, dessert, desserts, food and mood, food as medicine, hormone health, hormones, low-carb, nutritional medicine, Paleo
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For as long as I can remember, I have not been a cake fan. It just wasn't my thing. I often chose to have pie instead. Lemon meringue or apple were my favourite. Also, my mom's apple crisp was something I could devour in no time! Seriously, it was so delicious! I would often sneak into the pan to steal another bite - or three - when nobody was looking lol...

Paleo / Keto Shephard's Pie

Jen Knutson
Beef, blood sugar, Bone Broth, brunch, Dinner, food as medicine, hormone health, insulin resistance, Keto, low-carb, Lunch, Main, nutritional medicine, Paleo, PCOS
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When I was 24 I moved to London. What an incredible experience that was! I stayed for two years, but would have absolutely stayed longer if I could have extended my visa. One of my favourite things while living there (outside of the travel -- let's be real!) was learning about and trying new food. Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, toad in a hole...and Shephard's pie! I loved them all...

Roasted Cauliflower & Garlic Hummus

Jen Knutson
essential oils, food and mood, food as medicine, hormone health, hormones, Keto, low-carb, nutritional medicine, Paleo, snacks
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Since becoming a Nutritionist, one of the common things I hear from people is they struggle with snacks. That is, they don't know what to eat, or they run out of ideas really quickly and become bored...

PCOS Dietary Exclusions

Jen Knutson
amenorrhea, food as medicine, hormone health, hormones, infertility, inflammation, nutritional medicine, oxidative stress, PCOS, physical health
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When I was diagnosed with PCOS, I spent two years exploring ways that I could heal. I went to five doctors and a Naturopath and nothing changed. I sincerely believe that was because diet wasn't discussed -- yes, even with the Naturopath...

Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

Jen Knutson
baked goods, baking, brownies, chocolate, dessert, desserts, food and mood, snacks
1 Comment

Brownies. Delicious, chewy, fudgey, rich, brownies. These are my absolute favorite dessert! I blame this on my oldest brother, who from the moment I was allowed to bake, has asked for brownies. Since he moved out for college (he is 10 years older than I am), each visit has included a batch of brownies. He doesn’t even have to ask anymore lol! I dare say this tradition has been happening for over 20 years...

DO I HAVE PCOS?

Jen Knutson
amenorrhea, hormone health, hormones, infertility, PCOS, physical health
0 Comments

PCOS is an endocrine disorder that impacts 1 in 7 women worldwide - that is a HUGE number when you think about it. Unfortunately, the reality is that number is likely much higher. The reason being, PCOS is a syndrome, which means there is not a single diagnostic criteria that is sufficient enough to make a diagnosis...

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MEET JEN

Hello! Thank you popping by! I’m Jen. I'm a wife, a furmama to two gorgeous dogs, a Naturopath, Nutritionist, and an advocate for natural ways to support physical and emotional wellbeing. Oh, and I’m a CEO!

My journey originally started in Psychology. You see, when I was 16 my father took his own life after suffering years of a debilitating gambling addiction. I did a Bachelor’s in Psych as I wanted to understand why he made the choices that he did. I also wanted to ensure that I never went down that path and also help those suffering as he did. I loved it so much I went on to do a Masters.

It was during that time I got sick. I’m talking woke up one morning and couldn’t get out of bed, sick. For many years I felt helpless and frustrated!

Let me back up for a second. Prior to this life consisted of pain and fatigue. I had digestive issues and IBS from childhood. Through my teens and early 20's I was getting 2-3 migraines a month around my cycle and headaches more than half the month. My periods we very painful – I had to miss work or school the first 1-2 days. I would literally lie on the floor or the bed curled in the foetal position and cry from the pain. I could easily talk a full packet of Ibuprofen and still not get much relief.

Then, at 26, my period stopped altogether and things went downhill fast! For the first time in my life I was feeling apathetic and overwhelmed. Over the course of the next two years I was diagnosed with a host of conditions – are you ready for the laundry list? The first diagnosis was PCOS. I was told that I was infertile, that I would never have children, and that IVF wasn’t an option for me. I was also told that I was pre-diabetic, that my liver was worse than an alcoholic’s (and I don’t drink), that I had migraine disorder, vertigo, and adrenal fatigue. The cherry on the cake was a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s at 28.

I was in complete and utter shock. I couldn’t fathom that a 28-year-old Personal Trainer, who looked fit and healthy on the outside, could be in such disarray on the inside.

Over the two years I saw five doctors and a Naturopath and nothing improved.

And then one day a friend and I got in touch. She told me to change my diet and take specific supplements. I figured I had nothing to lose, and so I did! I went onto a low-carb diet and was taking upward of 30-40 pills a day…and guess what?! Three months later my period started!! How incredible is that?!

Over the next two years all of my health ailments rectified! Well, all except my Hashi’s – more on that in a minute. My cycles became clockwork, they were manageable, the migraines and vertigo disappeared and my liver and blood sugar levels returned to the normal range! How exciting is that?! The best part, I can now have children should I choose! Having that option is incredible!

Of course I was so excited and inspired that I had to go to school and study Nutritional Medicine and Naturopathy.

Now, let’s talk about my Hashi’s. That only went into remission when my toxic load was decreased. That was a lightbulb moment for me and the moment I got fired up to share with others the importance of leading a low-tox life. I love educating people where toxins are found, what impact they have on physical and emotional wellbeing, and what products to replace them with to support your wellbeing.

I sincerely believe that many of my health issues would not have presented if I were living a low-tox life. My Hashi’s has been in remission since I was 31 and I am so proud to say that! Praise God!

Life is so different to what it was 10 years ago. I have the energy and the mental capacity to engage in life! I am present and am thriving. Oh, and I laugh! I actually laugh out loud, something that eluded me for many years.

I am happy and healthy and it is my mission to help YOU be the happy, healthy person you are meant to be!

I would love for you to join our exclusive community and learn how you too can find freedom from physical and emotional barriers. I look forward to seeing you there!

Contact Me

Happy & Healthy Naturally Blog

Why I Don't Participate in Meat Free May

Hormone Friendly Biscotti....And A 24 Hour Easter Special

Let's Talk Gluten

The Ultimate Gut & Hormone Loving Smoothie

Low-Carb Paleo Apple Crumble

Paleo / Keto Shephard's Pie

Roasted Cauliflower & Garlic Hummus

PCOS Dietary Exclusions

Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

DO I HAVE PCOS?

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MEET JEN