Having a little one is seriously such a blessing, and I’m beyond grateful for him every single day. But let’s be real—parenthood is an emotional rollercoaster. Some days, everything clicks, and it’s all sunshine and rainbows. Other days, it feels like you’re stuck in the middle of a storm with no umbrella. And then there are those days when it’s both amazing and rough at the same time.
It's okay to admit that sometimes having time alone is all you want. That doesn’t mean you don’t love your child. It means you’re human, and you're dealing with a whole new level of responsibility. Parenting can be exhausting, exhilarating, overwhelming, and joyful—all at once.
If you’ve been finding it hard to navigate these big feelings, you’re not alone. It’s not always easy to dive into these emotions when you’re just trying to get through the day. But it’s important to find ways to embrace them without losing it. Here are three strategies that I’ve found helpful:
Whether it’s a stroll through a park, a hike in the woods, or a walk along the beach, being outside can do wonders for your mood. The fresh air, the sounds of birds, the rustling of leaves—all of it can help you reset. I often pair this with a walk or a run, because getting your body moving is another great way to boost those feel-good vibes.
Music has a unique ability to evoke emotions and transport us to different places and times. If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, put on your favorite song and let it work its magic. Blast it in your living room and have a dance party. Your little one will love it, and so will you. The energy from the music can lift your spirits and give you that extra push to get through the day.
Food is more than just fuel—it’s a way to nourish both your body and soul. When you’re busy with a baby, it’s easy to grab whatever’s convenient, but taking the time to make a meal or a snack that you actually enjoy can be a game-changer. Choose something that tastes good and makes you feel good. Maybe it’s a healthy salad with all your favorite toppings or a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. Whatever it is, savor each bite and let yourself enjoy the moment.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this journey alone. Share your struggles and victories with other parents, and lean on your support system. And when things get tough, know that it’s okay to take a step back, breathe, and try one of these strategies. Parenthood is a wild ride, but with a little patience and a lot of love, you’ve got this.
Growing a human is one of the most precious gifts your body can give you. It's a journey filled with wonder, excitement, and challenges. But after the intense process of childbirth, it's crucial to give back to your body, allowing it to heal and rebuild. As a new parent, finding time for self-care might seem like an impossible task. Between diaper changes, feedings, and sleepless nights, it's easy to put your own needs on the back burner. However, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it's a necessity. Here's what I've been focusing on to give back to my body after birthing my baby.
✨One of the most important aspects of postpartum recovery is nourishing your body with healthy foods. I’ve been focusing on a Wahls Protocol-style diet with some slight variations. This means plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with a good amount of protein to help rebuild muscle and tissue after birth. I also add healthy fats to support brain function and hormone balance.
It's crucial to find what works for you. Every body is different, and certain organs might need more attention than others post-baby. If you're experiencing digestive issues, for example, you might need to adjust your fiber intake. The key is to listen to your body and be flexible with your approach. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what makes you feel your best.
✨Rest; notice I didn't say "sleep." Getting a full night's sleep is a luxury most new parents don't have. However, rest is more than just sleep—it's about giving your body and mind a break. I find that closing my eyes and focusing on my breath can be incredibly restorative. It helps calm my nervous system and reduces stress, especially after a long day of work or caring for the baby.
This simple practice can be done anywhere—while rocking your baby to sleep, during a quick break at work, or even while you're waiting for the water to boil for quinoa. Resting your mind and body, even for a few minutes, can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
✨Movement is essential for both physical and mental health, but every woman’s experience after childbirth is different. Some people can jump back into their workout routines, while others need more time to heal. As someone who enjoys working out (most of the time), I found this part interesting. Currently, I'm much closer to my pre-baby workout routine than I have been in a while. I aim to get movement in 5-6 days a week, whether it's a Peloton ride, a run with my baby in the stroller, Pilates, weight training, or something else entirely.
Movement brings me immense joy, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. If you're struggling to find the motivation or energy, start small. A gentle walk around the block or some light stretching can be a great way to ease back into it. The most important thing is to find activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good.
❤️Giving back to your body after childbirth is a process. It takes time, patience, and a lot of self-compassion. Whether you're focusing on nourishing foods, finding moments of rest, or incorporating movement into your day, remember that you’re doing your best.
Parenthood is a journey with its ups and downs, but by taking care of yourself, you're better equipped to take care of your little one. And that’s the most precious gift of all.🙏
Are you a mom trying to heal your gut? Welcome to the club! Before diving into the whirlwind of leaky gut, I never thought twice about gut health. But now, it’s become a cornerstone of my well-being, especially as it relates to being a mother.
We strive to be on top of our game, juggling endless responsibilities, from nourishing our bodies with nutrient-dense foods to stealing whatever snippets of sleep we can manage amidst the chaos (because let’s be real, uninterrupted sleep is a luxury reserved for pre-motherhood). Yet, despite our efforts, feeling good isn’t always a guarantee.
Amidst the sleepless nights and toddler tantrums, nurturing our gut health emerges as a crucial piece of the puzzle. You might wonder, what’s the connection between gut health and sleep? Let’s break it down.
Firstly, disruptions in the delicate balance of gut bacteria can wreak havoc on our sleep patterns. Ever found yourself tossing and turning, unable to drift into slumber? Your gut microbes might be whispering their disapproval.
Moreover, did you know that serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and yes, sleep, is primarily produced in the gut? It’s fascinating how intricately our gut influences not just our physical health, but also our mental well-being.
And let’s not forget about inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the gut can throw a wrench into the finely tuned machinery of sleep-regulating hormones, like melatonin. So, if you’re finding it challenging to catch those ZZZs, your gut might be sending out distress signals.
Gut health matters—for your overall well-being, and yes, for your precious sleep. And if you’re ready to embark on a journey of gut healing, I’ve got you covered.
Click HERE to snag my comprehensive guide to kickstart your gut-healing journey. Let’s nourish our bodies, nurture our sleep, and embrace the beautiful chaos of motherhood with vitality and resilience.
Did you know this affects your gut health too? Brace yourselves, because the colorful additives lurking in your favorite foods might be wreaking havoc on your gut without you even realizing it.
Synthetic food dyes, those vibrant hues that make your cereals pop and your candies sparkle, are not as innocent as they appear.
They’ve been shown to disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms that call your gut home. In simpler terms, they mess with the good bacteria, throwing your gut ecosystem out of whack.
But wait, there’s still more. These sneaky additives may also be the culprits behind the infamous "leaky gut" syndrome. Your intestinal barrier, normally a fortress guarding against unwanted invaders, becomes compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to sneak into your bloodstream.
And if you thought that was bad enough, buckle up, because we’re just getting started. Synthetic food dyes are notorious for sparking inflammation in your gut—a red flag for digestive distress. Think of it as your gut’s way of throwing a tantrum in response to these foreign invaders disrupting its natural rhythm.
But wait, there’s more. Remember how we said your gut is like a second brain? Well, synthetic food dyes might be messing with your mood, too. By interfering with neurotransmitter production and sparking neuroinflammation, they could be throwing your emotional balance off-kilter.
Now, before you swear off anything with artificial coloring for life, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary. Factors like genetics, diet, and overall gut health play a role in how your body reacts to these additives. While some might experience immediate adverse effects, others might sail through unscathed.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? It’s simple: Limiting your exposure to synthetic food dyes and opting for natural alternatives might just be the gut-friendly choice your body is craving. Your gut microbiome will thank you, your digestive system will thank you, and hey, your mood might even thank you.
Embarking on the journey to balance your gut health? Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Candida—a yeast that plays a pivotal role in your gut ecosystem. Maintaining its delicate balance is key to safeguarding your well-being against a myriad of health issues.
But what exactly throws this equilibrium off?
- Sugar: Candida thrives on sugar, so indulging in sweets can inadvertently fuel its overgrowth. It’s like throwing gasoline on a fire—definitely not what you want for your gut health.
- Antibiotics: While antibiotics can be lifesavers when battling infections, they can also wipe out the good bacteria in your gut, paving the way for Candida to run amok.
- Weakened Immune System: Your immune system acts as a guardian, keeping Candida in check. But when it’s compromised, Candida can seize the opportunity to stage a hostile takeover.
So, what are the signs of Candida imbalance? Think digestive issues, skin flare-ups, and mood rollercoasters. But here’s the catch: These symptoms can manifest differently in each of us, making diagnosis a tricky endeavor.
The good news? You hold the reins to support your gut! Here’s how:
- Cut Down on Sugar: Say goodbye to refined sugars and opt for wholesome alternatives like fruits. Starve Candida of its favorite fuel and watch it shrink into oblivion.
- Embrace Probiotics: Populate your gut with friendly bacteria by incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables into your diet. They’ll team up to keep Candida in check.
- Harness Anti-Fungal Foods: Arm yourself with nature’s warriors—garlic, coconut oil, and oregano. These potent anti-fungal agents will launch a full-scale assault on Candida overgrowth.
- Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, indulge in self-care rituals, and watch your gut flourish in tranquility.
But remember, achieving gut balance is a marathon, not a sprint. Listen to your body’s cues, make mindful choices, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Ready to kickstart your gut health journey? Click HERE to grab a treasure trove of tips and recipes in my Gut Health Made Easy guide. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together—your gut will thank you!
