Happy & Healthy Naturally Blog

Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Waffles

Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Waffles
I am a big waffle fan. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a delicious hot waffle?! Before I changed to a low-carb/paleo diet, I would order a Belgian waffle with butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, and strawberries without fail every time I went to brunch. Talk about a sugar hit! No wonder I would come home tired and would be ready for another meal just a couple of hours after stuffing my face. Oh the wonders of knowledge and hindsight...
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Nutrient Rich Food & Depression Part 1

Nutrient Rich Food & Depression Part 1
The notion that “we are what we eat” is not a new concept. In fact, for centuries people have studied the impact food has on health. The problem, however, is that much of the research has focused on the implications for physical health. That is, noncommunicable disease, such as obesity, type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and various forms of cancer have been the primary focus when it comes to food and health6. Unfortunately, mental health problems, such as depression, are also widespread and require further attention from the medical and health communities in regards to how food impacts mood.
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Turmeric Chicken Soup

Turmeric Chicken Soup
I love a good soup. They are so versatile, are nutrient dense and have a ton of health benefits! Plus, they can be quick and easy to make. One of the big reasons I love soup is they are nourishing and healing to the gut.

Gut health is vital to several things. For example, poor gut health is linked to a number of mood issues, including depression and anxiety. There are a couple reasons for that. First, about 80% of our serotonin in stored in our gut, so when that isn’t functioning properly, then serotonin levels can be impacted. Second, when the microbiome is out of the ideal range – meaning the bad bacteria have outnumbered the good, then mood is impaired...
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Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
I love to bake. I have for as long as I can remember. From time to time I like to use fruit to sweeten desserts. Not because I think stevia, erythritol or xylitol are unhealthy - simply to change it up and try something different.  

I also like to experiment with coconut flour only recipes as I know many people don't tolerant or need to avoid nuts.

Coconut also has a ton of health benefits. It is one of the most fibre rich foods available. Fibre is important for bowel motions, yes, but it has another really important function... 
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5 Ways to Stop Worrying What Others Think of You

5 Ways to Stop Worrying What Others Think of You
One of the most common questions I get asked is “How do I stop worrying what other people think of me?”. It is one of my favourite topics to discuss because it can have tremendous effects on physical and mental health. Worry and anxiety are stressful, which can increase the risk for such things as...
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The Dangers of Perfume - Is Your Signature Scent Making You Sick?

The Dangers of Perfume - Is Your Signature Scent Making You Sick?
When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's around 2011, I began researching and researching. You see, I am proactive. I like to get sh*t done and do whatever is in my power to improve my life and the lives of those around me -- yes, that includes my furbabies! 
 
I had a light bulb moment while researching. It really is no wonder that I ended up with a thyroid condition given I was spraying perfume over my thyroid several times a day!!...
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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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