​Why do people run detoxes?  What does that mean?  Call it a cleanse, a detox, the names are not too enticing, and I don't think people really understand the purpose.  What is the purpose?  The term may even seem a bit scary.  Can I do it?  Will I be hungry?

So first, what is the point?  Well the point is…. After reading some of my blogs, and posts, you probably realize that our health is affected by everything that we take in.  We take in a lot of toxins, and things that our bodies don’t really know how  to process, and shouldn’t have to process. This affects the way our bodies run, and ultimately, our health.  So what is a toxin, and were do they come from?

A toxin can be anything that is foreign to our body.  Anything that gets in the way, such as sugar, pesticides, preservatives, air pollution, pollen, chemicals in items that we put on our skin, even stress, etc.  So we take all of these things in, and our liver is responsible for processing them and getting them out.  But our liver has like 300 other jobs to do, so sometimes it needs a break. 
 
When it doesn’t get that break, and the toxins start to build up and become too much, that is when things start  to go wrong inside our bodies, causing pain, and illness, and things that doctors may not be able to explain, all the way up to chronic illness, and premature aging.    Even excess hormones, like Estrogen become toxins, because one of the jobs of the liver is to filter excess hormones out of out body, but if the liver is overloaded, again, it can’t do it’s job effectively.

We can help our liver a number of ways, including a detox/cleanse, intermittent fasting, taking in less toxins, etc.  A cleanse can be done any number of ways, many people when they think of a cleanse, they think of juice, and just drinking for a few days,  but the truth is, there are a number of foods and spices that can actually help your liver.  I too am pretty scared to have to go without food for a number of days, and feel deprived.  That is totally unmotivating for me. So when I put together detoxes they are full of healthy, and satisfying food where you will not feel hungry, but these foods not only give your liver a break, but they help give you some recipes, and put you on the path to seeing what healthy eating can look like. 

I am putting together a detox/cleanse, or whatever you would like to call it,  I would love it if you would join me.  A cleanse can help you lose weight, and even though that is a benefit, because when  our bodies are working properly, a healthy weight is a side effect, and even thought weightloss can be secondary  goal of doing a cleanse, the primary benefit is overall better health.

Check it out here, and please ask me quetions if you have any.

The purpose of this particular blog wasn't just to try to sell you on my detox program, but to really help you understand.  And as I feel that everyone should do a quarterly detox, I'm just here to help you be your healthiest self! 

veryone around me is drinking
I was sitting in a meeting the other day, and everyone around me was drinking soda and monster and eating candy…..

Most people seem to complain about not being able to lose weight….

Do they know? Is it the will power or lack of knowledge? Is it mindset? Emotional eating?  Or maybe not realizing that whether it is a drink, or food, it is still sugar.  I mean, I didn't used to realize that.  

It could be all of those things…. but yet I think there is an element of thinking we are eating healthy when we aren’t.  For one,  because we don’t really know what healthy actually is,
and two, because we are fed untruths through advertising.  Maybe we don't know what healthy is because of advertising. 

Some of us know that high-fructose corn syrup is bad…… but did you know to look for it in bread? We are taught to read that chart on the product above the ingredients. Carbs, sugar, sodium. But do we read ingredients?  Both are important.  There are things hiding in food that you would never expect.

​Sometimes, reading the ingredients can be frustrating because we can’t pronounce the words and don’t know what to look for. Those words that we can’t pronounce, we shouldn’t eat…… simple as that.



​Did you know that if you read ingredients, you can find many similar items where one product has lots of words we can’t pronounce, and another that may have as little as 3-5 ingredients and is healthier.

Sometimes eating healthier is as simple as that. It doesn’t always, or should not really ever mean dieting or being deprived. It just means being smarter and more educated about our food.  I realize this reading ingredients on everything takes time, and is inconvenient, and needs practice to create a habit.  But going to the doctor, and not being able to find the problem, or constantly trying to lose weight and being frustrated about it takes time as well.  I am happy to help anyone with ingredients, or answer any questions on what brand or products are a better choice.  I am not sure if this is helpful, I hope so.  So the bottom line is that we really need to look at ingredients.  And also, one thing that really effects our health, that many people do not even think about is sugary drinks, such as soda, and most juices.  And I realize cutting these things out may be difficult, but if you drink more than one a day, maybe cut down slowly, by one, or a few.  How about searching for an alternative with a little less sugar......That also brings me to another topic for another day, .....if you are looking for alternatives, please don't think that artificial sugar is better.  There are all kinds of side effects with these, and even though it may not make sense to us, these artificial sugars because they are chemicals, and the way they are processed, can even prohibit weight-loss.  Yes you heard me.....prohibit it.  They are not better.

Here's to your Health!
Theresa

Image via Unsplash
 
Yes, You Should Start a Garden. Here's Why (and How) 
Whether you have a green thumb or not, there are many benefits to spending time gardening. From the physical benefits of being outside and getting some exercise, to the mental benefits of spending time with nature, gardening can positively impact your health in many ways. Often, simply being around plants can have a positive effect on your health.
 
Today, Theresa's Health and Wellness, with the help of Clara Beaufort of Gardengigs.com will explore how gardening can benefit your physical and mental health. We'll also provide some tips on how to start a garden, even if you don't have a lot of space. So let's get started!
 
The Physical Benefits of Gardening 
Gardening is a great way to get some exercise, especially as we age. It can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance. And since it requires us to use a variety of muscles, it can keep us limber and reduce the risk of injuries. Further, gardening is a low-impact activity that’s easy on our joints. Research has shown that gardening can help reduce the risk (and impacts) of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
 
In addition to the benefits for our muscles and joints, gardening can also help improve our cardiovascular health. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other benefits of aerobic activities like gardening include lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.
 
But the benefits of gardening don’t stop there. In fact, gardening can also be a great start to a new business – one that can keep you busy and physically active, while also generating a little side income, as well.
 
The Mental Benefits of Gardening 
In addition to the physical benefits, there are also mental benefits to be gained from gardening. One study found that environmental exposure can help reduce stress and improve moods. This is especially critical for self-employed individuals who struggle to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
 
Another study showed that people who spend time in nature have less rumination – a form of repetitive thinking that can lead to depression – and more positive self-reflection. Spending time with plants has also been shown to improve cognitive function and memory recall.
 
Adopt a Regenerative Living Mindset 
Gardening with regenerative living practices is becoming increasingly popular these days. As the practice of regenerative living encourages the use of sustainable and natural, low-impact techniques, it can have a hugely positive impact on gardening results.
 
By going beyond traditional modes of gardening and taking steps such as introducing beneficial microbes into soil, encouraging biodiversity, composting and using natural pest control methods, we can create beautiful gardens that also help to promote healthy ecosystems. Regenerative living enables us to take care of our gardens in a way that both nourishes and respects nature.
 
Quick Tips for Starting Your Garden 
So now that we've talked about some ways that gardening can benefit your physical and mental health, let's discuss how to start gardening. Even if you don't have a lot of space, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy all the advantages of growing your own plants.
 
Identify Your Growing Space 
Plants thrive when they're placed in locations where they will receive six hours or more sunlight each day. So if you're an apartment dweller without a backyard, a sunny windowsill is a fantastic place to start growing plants. Fire escapes are another excellent option for those without yards; most fire escapes are made of concrete or bricks, which retain heat well, making them ideal for plant growth.
 
Container gardens are also perfect for small spaces. Pots and planters come in all shapes and sizes, so you're sure to find something that will fit your space perfectly. You might be surprised by how much you can grow in a simple container garden!
 
If you have a yard, take an inventory of what kind of sun exposure your yard gets throughout the day; this will help you decide where to put your garden.
 
Plant Your Garden 
Once you've chosen where to put your garden, it's time to plant and grow! Consider what type of plants you want to grow. Publications like the Old Farmer’s Almanac can help you decide what and when to plant. Here are some more quick tips to get you started:

• Decide what kind of containers you want to use (if any).
• If you're using containers, make sure they have drainage holes.
• Fill your containers with a high-quality potting mix.
• Water your plants regularly.

 
Learn everything you can about gardening by taking advantage of online resources like Home Garden Hero where you can find expert advice and tips; click here to learn more.
 
Keep Track of Improvements 
Adding a garden to your home can increase its appraisal value, especially if it's a sizable garden in your backyard, deck, or other outdoor space. Be sure to keep receipts for all the materials and labor involved, and take photos before and after your project to document the progress.
 
Conclusion 
As you can see, there are many reasons gardening is good for your physical and mental health. So if you're looking for a way to improve your health in body and mind, why not give gardening a try? With just a little effort (and maybe a sunny windowsill), you could be reaping all kinds of benefits in no time!
 
Theresa's Health and Wellness is here to help you live your best life. Reach out today if you have any questions! 
​

So, I had, a very talented and knowledgeable lady,  from gardenergigs.com reach out to me asking me to write for my site.  Right away I thought it was a great fit.  Before I post her amazing article in the next few days, I thought I would mention a few of my own thoughts of why a gardening article would would be fit for a health coach blog.  It may be already obvious, but in case it isn't

​This leads to us having to eat more fruits and vegetables than in the past, or to add supplements to our diet.  Pesticides blow with the wind from one crop to another.  Animals eat them, it hurts the bugs, which I understand, the whole point of pesticides is to kill the bugs, but bees, and birds, and other critters eat these pesticides.  Sustainable, and organic farming help, not only our gut, but the environment as a whole.  It helps the bees, which pollinate not only the beautiful flowers, but also the vegetables, and fruit trees.  This is a cycle, we go hand and hand with nature, when we respect, and take care of nature, it in turn takes care of us, and vice versa.  You can find articles that say that organic farming is not any healthier than conventional.  But that is almost impossible, as the pesticides affect our gut and our hormones, which effects our health.  Our bodies were made to process whole foods, not chemicals.  One of the reasons why there is so much chronic illness, and also at an earlier age today, is because of the things we are spraying on our food, and the things that we are adding in. 
Another thing is that when we eat organic, and buy from farms that practice sustainable farming methods, we are supporting the small farmer who is trying to do the right thing, for us, for the earth and for his/her family So, think about it.  Today we live in a world of convenience, where we don’t always have to think about it, but where has that lead us, really? 
Part of my new mission to help people understand their health, and heal their guts, is to visit more local farms, and find out more about them. 

Stay tuned, because, Clara will not only a few gardening pointers, but also her view on how gardening can help our health.  Until then.........

Here's to your health!