Happy & Healthy Naturally Blog

Roasted Cauliflower & Garlic Hummus

Roasted Cauliflower & Garlic Hummus
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...
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PCOS Dietary Exclusions

PCOS Dietary Exclusions
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...
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Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

Paleo Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
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...
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DO I HAVE PCOS?

DO I HAVE PCOS?
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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PCOS - There IS Hope!

PCOS - There IS Hope!
September is National PCOS Awareness Month. As someone who has been through PCOS and all the rubbish that entails, I wanted to share my story and encourage you to share yours. Sharing stories is important to demonstrate that we aren't alone and that there "isn't something wrong with us"...
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Paleo / Keto Blueberry Muffins

Paleo / Keto Blueberry Muffins
If you read my Paleo / Keto Bruschetta post, you know that giving up bread was HARD for me. So, when I first changed my eating habits, I knew that I needed some baked good alternatives that would hit the spot. Enter blueberry muffins...
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Are You Wearing the I'm Busy Badge?

Are You Wearing the I'm Busy Badge?
Are you wearing your busyness as a badge of honour? I know I was for many years and it led me down a path of many health issues....twice! Yeah, it takes me a couple of times to learn things...
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Adrenals Out of Whack? You May Need Some Testing Done

Adrenals Out of Whack? You May Need Some Testing Done
The adrenals are two little glands located above the kidneys. Their job is to produce a range of hormones. The main hormone associated with the adrenals is cortisol - our stress hormone. DHEA is another hormone produced by the adrenals, and it has a really important job. It will signal to the ovaries in women or the testes in men, to produce sex hormones. In addition, part of DHEA will actually convert to sex hormones...
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Paleo / Keto Bruschetta

Paleo / Keto Bruschetta
When I had to change my eating in my late 20s to help heal my numerous health conditions, I mourned food. No really, I legit cried about food for three months! You see, I am half Sicilian. The other half is Norwegian, however, there was never really any of that culture brought into our lives. Instead, the Sicilian culture and food was our main influence. So, when I gave up things like bread, pasta and pizza, not only did I miss those foods, I also felt like I was losing part of my identity...
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Have You Had a Complete Thyroid Panel Done?

Have You Had a Complete Thyroid Panel Done?
There are 5 important pieces when it comes to the thyroid puzzle. TSH, FT4, FT3, Thyroid Antibodies and Reverse T3. Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon for only TSH to be tested...and if you are lucky, FT4. I encourage you to be your own health advocate and ask for a full thyroid panel to be tested...
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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!
 

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