Whole30 hits the Boisvert's

Justin's been asking me for months to do this program but I've been reluctant because it completely eliminates things that I love to eat... But I finally agreed to do it and starting April 1st, we are going to be taking the Whole30 challenge! 

It basically means we will be eating completely WHOLE foods (no processed or prepackaged stuff), also no grains, no legumes, no dairy, and yes, no added sugar. (Oh and no alcohol, but that ones pretty easy for us...) There will be a couple exceptions for me (like sacrament bread and also my daily Ningxia Red (which has a small amount of stevia in each serving))

It's not really a weight loss program as much as it a lifestyle change. I hope to come out of it feeling better, mentally as well as physically, and also to overcome poor eating habits that are most definitely damaging to my body and mind.

I'm been mentally preparing myself for a couple weeks with recipes and snack ideas as well as grocery lists and now I'm actually pretty excited!! 

My new journey!

On March 3, 2017 I joined Young Living! I'm so excited to start this adventure with this remarkable company and I have no doubt that their products will help me with my wellness journey! Essential oils are so versatile from health to cleaning to healing to emotional empowerment! There is so much to learn (which is why it has taken me so long to join) but I'm ready to dive into this incredible pool of information.

Why I joined YL:

1) They have an astounding reputation. They've been in the business for almost 25 years and it's obvious that Gary Young knows what he's doing.

2) I'm in love with their Seed to Seal promise. Quality is EVERYTHING with this company, even from before the seed is planted in the ground. Isn't that amazing? Check out the Seed to Seal promise here

3) Their products are useful and powerful. I said it before, but they are SO versatile. There's like a thousand uses for lavender. And lemon. And frankincense. A peppermint. I could go on and on and on.....

4) The Premium Starter Kit is an AMAZING deal! It's only $200 (which, I know, seems like a big sum of money to just drop- it took me a couple months to save for it...) and you get 11 oils, a diffuser, samples of Ningxia Red (AKA Awesome Sauce), a roller ball attachment, 10 little sample bottles and a bunch of other stuff.

5) They have a lot to offer their members. I definitely didn't join because of the business side, I just joined for me. But when you join their Essential Reward program, there are tons of perks and bonuses and promos that you can access which include free oils! Also, our team leaders are so awesome that they do their own giveaways too. Yay for free things!

There's a lot more reason but for now I'm going to leave it there for now :)

Just Some Updates

Well so much for post biweekly! Every six-ish weeks is good too right?

Maybe it's because I need something to occupy my time until winter is over but 2017 has brought me on this path that I'm determined that will bring about improved health and wellness. I'm creating positive changes in my everyday routine and lifestyle.

I am currently listening to a podcast channel where a guest speaker named Shawn Stevenson came on the show. He is an expert in health and nutrition (he has his own podcast channel too) and in the interview he was giving his best advice for cancer prevention. He gave 7 points that are so simple and achievable, and I believe this advice is also applicable to most diseases (physical and mental...)

1) Eat simple, natural, real, and unrefined foods

I'm really trying my best to stay away from processed foods and stuff that's been loaded with gross chemicals and sugar. I went down this road once before a few years ago but then I admit I got lazy and cheap and then just stopped caring :( But I did it!  I finally ditched the Kraft peanut butter  and even Heinz Ketchup. I'm trying to be creative and make my own dressings and condiments. I even have made and canned my own ketchup! And with that I also make my own quick BBQ sauce. I will post the recipe later :)

12 jars for our food storage :)

2) Ensure adequate hydration from a natural unmedicated source

This is something that I definitely do not do enough. He talked about staying away from bottled water even just plastic water bottles.  Stevenson also mentioned findaspring.com where people can find a natural spring in their local areas. Natural spring water is fresh and has natural minerals in it already.

3) Ensure I'm getting fresh air, sunlight and clean surroundings

Another area that is super easy to do! There's nothing better than breathing in fresh crisp air from outside. Even a short, quick walk around the block can do wonders! We really love our evening family adventures!

4) Participate in stress prevention and stress relief practices: Ex: Tai chi, yoga, meditation, and  most importantly SLEEP

Oh sleep glorious sleep.... I'm not really sure what a solid's night sleep looks like anymore :P I borrowed a Tai chi video from the library and I'm looking forward to trying it out this week!

5) Surround myself in a loving, supporting community and positive relationships

I really think this is one of the most important points. I know from experience that when I'm surrounded by negative people, it takes a toll on my energy and mind and spirit and it definitely affects how I am, and how I treat my family.

I've been starting the day with a positive affirmation (I have an app on my phone), I write it down and stick it on the fridge (I thought this was a good place because I open the fridge like a gazillion times a day. (NOTE: stickies from the dollar store do not stay on the fridge!) It helps keeps a positive spirit throughout the day.

Then, I end my day by writing in my gratitude journal. I write one  thing that I'm grateful from the day. It could be one word, one line or a paragraph. Usually it's something simple.

I'm finding when I sandwich my day with these two practices, it helps to keep the in between parts positive and happy :)

6) Take supportive supplements.

Probiotics, Vit D, Greens, Omegas and anti-oxidants....

7) Research. Learn. Study.

Education is so important!

My announcement! After months and months and months of researchingI'm about to step into a new adventure with Young Living Essential Oils! I'm so excited about these tools that are able to help me along the way to achieve  my wellness goals. I will definitely be adding a more detailed post in the super near future.... :D