wellness

Essential Fats

Next up in our foundations series is Fatty Acids. We've probably all at one point been told to eat a low-fat diet. But over the last decade, research has come to show how much we need full-fat foods in their natural form. Fats are essential, but we also want to make sure the fats we are eating are whole food sources and nutrient-dense. So let's talk about why we need fat in our diet, what fats do for our health, what fats to avoid, and what fats to incorporate into your diet. There are six types of fats that are essential: linoleic acid (omega 6), alpha-lino[...]

My Appoach, Wellness

Wellness Foundations

We are holistic beings, with multiple facets playing a role in our health including our mental and physical health. While completing my certification to become a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I learned about the key foundations that play a role in our health. In this series, I'm going to share with you what those are and how you can use this knowledge to live a healthy and whole, fulfilled life. The Foundations of Wellness according to the Nutritional Therapy Association are nutrition, digestion, blood sugar regulation, fat[...]

Skincare, Wellness

My Skin Story – Part 2

Last week I shared my experience with conventional medicine and my acne. You can read about it in part one of this series here. After years of seeing only temporary results, I decided it was time to dive deeper and find the root cause of my acne. When I lived in Indonesia, I saw a holistic approach to medicine. I had never experienced this before, but it intrigued me, and I wondered if I could use this approach of food as medicine to clear my skin. I began cutting out certain foods that I researched could trigger acne including sugar, gluten, soy, and dairy. I tr[...]

Travel, Wellness

Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

I love to travel. I spent a good amount of time living overseas in college and after I graduated and have been blessed to travel a lot. I've been to Mexico, SE Asia, and all over the US, including Alaska! Although I love to travel, it can be hard to be out of routine, and as someone with food sensitivities, it can be difficult to find food that is good and nourishing for my body. So over the years, I've figured out some ways I can stay healthy while traveling and fully enjoy my trip. So let's get into the tips: Stay hydrated! Bring your own water bottle and fill[...]

Wellness

The Supplements I Take Daily

I strongly believe that you cannot supplement your way out of a bad diet or lifestyle. However, supplements are a great addition to enhance your diet and lifestyle because sometimes it can be hard to get in all the nutrients we need. Our environment, genetics, diet, and lifestyle all factor into what vitamins and minerals we need and could be deficient in. Also, just a quick note on supplements, there are SO many brands out there and it can be overwhelming. It's easy to just go with the cheapest option. Unfortunately, not all supplements are created equally. Ther[...]

Wellness

Healthy Kitchen Swaps

One simple replacement of a processed food item in your kitchen is a step in the right direction towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. Chemicals and additives in foods can lead to many side effects including insulin resistance, brain fog, fatigue, digestive upset, weight gain, and more. Focus on swapping out these processed foods for whole foods which contain fewer ingredients, are less processed, and more nutrient-dense. I created this guide so you can get started on making your kitchen healthier today. These easy and simple swaps will help you get rid of pro[...]

Monthly Favorites, Monthly Reflections, Wellness

March 2020 Reflections

Today I'm sharing with you a new series that I'll be sharing at the end of each month that highlights what I've been up to, my favorite things, and what I'm grateful for. March 2020 has been filled with A LOT of unexpected happenings that are affecting the entire world. This has really given me a chance to step back, reflect on my life, and focus on things I haven't had time for. I hope you are able to take some time to step back and reflect as well. With that said, let's get into what I've been up to and what I've been loving... 01.immune boosting recipes and tip[...]

Wellness

Staying healthy and positive

Despite the chaos of the current events, what can we do to boost our immune systems and stay positive? Here are some of practical tips: Get outside. If at all possible spend time outdoors (avoiding large crowds) to boost your vitamin D and lower stress. Take a walk, hike, bike, or simply sit outside in the sun. Do everything you can to keep your stress low. Stressing out over what’s going on will only weaken your immune system. Journal, pray, meditate, read, and spend time outdoors. Take advantage of the slower pace we are being forced to take due to closures a[...]

My Appoach, Wellness

My Approach to Wellness

Mikaela Lauren Wellness approach to wellness

In November 2019, I received my certification as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. So, what exactly is nutritional therapy? According to the Nutritional Therapy Association, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) “is a professional educated by the Nutritional Therapy Association, Inc.® [FNTPs] are trained to evaluate a client’s nutritional needs and make bio-individual recommendations or provide follow-up support for dietary changes, lifestyle choices and nutritional supplementation…They educate the public on the cost/benefit of[...]