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After a brief hiatus, my monthly roundup of healing favorites is back, and I couldn’t be more excited to share what’s been nourishing my body and soul! The past couple of months have been a whirlwind of significant life changes: navigating the holiday season, embarking on a transformative ministry trip to Indonesia, and making the momentous decision to leave my full-time job to dedicate myself entirely to Unbound Wellness. This period has been filled with both challenges and immense growth, truly shaping a brand new lifestyle for me. While change can be demanding, it also brings fresh perspectives and new discoveries, especially in the realm of health and well-being. Sharing these discoveries is one of my greatest joys, and I hope they inspire you on your own healing journey.
January truly set an incredible tone for the new year. It marked the official transition of my focus to Unbound Wellness, allowing me to pour more energy into creating valuable resources for you all. This month also saw the highly anticipated launch of the 30 Day Gut Healing Guide, a project incredibly close to my heart. On a personal note, I celebrated my two-year wedding anniversary with my wonderful “Hipster Husband,” and together, we welcomed a fresh start to another year of health and happiness. January was undeniably a good one, folks! As always, my personal commitment to health means continuously exploring and integrating various practices to support my lifelong journey with Hashimoto’s. This pursuit of well-being is deeply woven into the fabric of my daily life, and I’m thrilled to unveil some of the incredible tools and treasures that have been making a profound difference this past month.
Coyo Coconut Yogurt: A Gut-Friendly Dairy Alternative
For years, as an “everyday healthy girl,” I was absolutely *obsessed* with Greek yogurt. It felt like every women’s magazine championed Greek yogurt, popcorn, and hummus as the ultimate trifecta for health and leanness. I dared anyone to find an article that didn’t! Yet, making the switch away from dairy a couple of years ago was one of the most impactful dietary changes I made, despite it being one of the last to go. The difference it made to my digestion was nothing short of *profound*. Still, I genuinely missed the creamy texture and versatility of yogurt… until I stumbled upon Coyo!
Coyo is a revolutionary brand of coconut yogurt that perfectly fits into a healing lifestyle. What sets it apart is its commitment to purity: zero added sugars, no unnecessary fillers, and a rich profile of healthy fats. It also boasts an impressive array of delicious flavors. I’ve become absolutely obsessed with incorporating Coyo into my routine, whether blended into a nutrient-dense smoothie or simply topped with fresh berries for a satisfying and guilt-free treat. Beyond its incredible taste and texture, Coyo offers significant gut health benefits as a fermented food. Fermented foods are crucial for populating our gut with beneficial bacteria, which supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immune function. It’s a win, win, win for deliciousness, versatility, and powerful healing properties! I’ve typically found Coyo sporadically at Central Market, but I’m thrilled to report that I’m seeing it pop up more and more at Natural Grocers – a definite cause for celebration!
Vital Proteins Collagen: Essential Support for Whole-Body Wellness
By now, you’ve likely heard the buzz about Vital Proteins collagen, and for good reason. It’s truly everywhere, and its widespread popularity is a testament to its remarkable benefits. Grass-fed collagen stands out as another fantastic healing food, offering comprehensive support for various bodily systems. It plays a critical role in maintaining the health of our gut lining, which is paramount for those on an autoimmune healing journey. Beyond gut health, collagen is a cornerstone for robust joints, radiant skin, strong nails, and lustrous hair. I integrate this powerhouse supplement into my diet daily, most commonly by adding it to my morning smoothies. It also features as a star ingredient in my Collagen Protein Cookies, a recipe that launched this month and gained quite a bit of traction – I was delighted to see so many of you sharing photos of your creations! Collagen is an easily digestible protein source that helps repair and rebuild tissues throughout the body, making it an indispensable component of my Hashimoto’s healing protocol. Incorporating it regularly is a simple yet effective way to support overall vitality and resilience. Three cheers for collagen, a true foundational element for well-being!
Castor Oil Packs: An Ancient Detoxification Powerhouse
If you’re one of my clients, you’ve almost certainly heard me advocate for the use of Castor Oil Packs. And there’s a compelling reason why: they are an incredibly safe, simple, and profoundly effective tool for supporting the body’s natural healing and detoxification processes. The use of castor oil dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was revered for its medicinal properties. Applied topically, particularly over specific organs, castor oil encourages increased blood flow and lymphatic circulation, which are crucial for enhancing detoxification and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
My personal practice involves placing a castor oil pack over my liver and gallbladder area. I am actively working on optimizing my gallbladder function, and the effects are truly remarkable. After just 30 minutes, I can literally hear and feel movement in the area, a testament to its gentle yet powerful action. This increased circulation helps the liver process toxins more efficiently and supports bile flow, which is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption. Beyond its physical benefits, engaging in a castor oil pack ritual provides a wonderful excuse to simply lie down and rest for an hour. In our fast-paced world, prioritizing stillness and relaxation is a healing act in itself, contributing significantly to stress reduction and nervous system regulation. For those interested in trying this ancient practice, here’s a helpful video demonstrating how to properly prepare and apply one. It’s a cornerstone of my holistic healing strategy.
EarthPaste Natural Toothpaste: Beyond Food, Holistic Healing
Embracing a healing lifestyle extends far beyond what we put on our plates; it encompasses every product we interact with and absorb into our bodies. While dietary changes were my initial focus, gradually transitioning my personal care products and makeup to cleaner alternatives has become equally important. This month, I finally made the definitive switch with my toothpaste to Earthpaste, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision. Conventional toothpastes often contain fluoride, artificial colors, synthetic flavors, and other questionable ingredients that can have systemic impacts on our health.
Earthpaste, however, offers a refreshingly pure approach. It is completely free of fluoride, harsh chemicals, and those unnecessary, vibrant colors. Its ingredient list is incredibly clean, typically featuring bentonite clay, purified water, xylitol, essential oils, and sea salt. While it might not deliver the “uber minty fresh” sensation of conventional brands (which often comes from artificial additives), it effectively cleans my teeth and leaves my mouth feeling genuinely fresh. More importantly, it provides immense peace of mind, knowing that I’m not introducing potentially harmful substances into my body through a daily ritual. This simple swap is a powerful step towards reducing my overall toxic load and truly living a holistic healing lifestyle.
100 Percent Pure Eyeliner: Beauty Without Compromise
I’ve often shared my admiration for 100 Percent Pure as my go-to makeup brand, and their commitment to clean beauty consistently shines through. Their products prove that you don’t have to sacrifice performance for purity, and their eyeliner is no exception! This past Christmas, I received their Long Last Liquid Eyeliner as a thoughtful gift, and I’ve been absolutely loving it ever since. What’s truly remarkable about this product is its natural formulation: the rich black pigment is derived entirely from black tea, not synthetic dyes. The applicator is also wonderfully designed, allowing for precise and smooth application, which is crucial for achieving a polished look.
My previous eyeliner, which I faithfully used for years, contained parabens and a host of other undesirable chemicals that I now prefer not to think about. While its application and staying power were undeniably excellent, discovering a cleaner alternative that performs just as well has been a game-changer. This 100 Percent Pure eyeliner offers comparable quality and longevity without the dubious ingredients, reinforcing my belief that true beauty should never come at the expense of health. It’s an empowering feeling to know that my daily makeup routine is contributing positively to my overall well-being, aligning perfectly with my commitment to a non-toxic lifestyle.
My Dorky Avocado Hat: Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures
This next favorite might seem a little random compared to gut healing foods and clean beauty, but for me, it encapsulates a significant aspect of healing: finding joy and comfort in the small, seemingly insignificant things. Last December, I embarked on a solo ministry trip to Indonesia, a journey that made me quite nervous about traveling so far alone. In my particular logic at the time, what does a woman traveling to Indonesia alone need? A hat, of course! It became my whimsical security blanket for the trip. So, I set out to find the cutest, most comforting hat possible, and that’s how I discovered this absolutely adorable avocado hat.
It’s bright, it’s playful, and it instantly makes me smile. Even now, long after the trip, this hat continues to bring me so much happiness. I wear it on my walks, during grocery runs, and simply around town on days when I don’t feel like fussing with my hair. For me, healing isn’t just about diet and supplements; it’s also about cultivating joy, reducing stress, and embracing self-compassion. This dorky avocado hat serves as a delightful reminder to find pleasure in everyday moments and to not take life too seriously. Laughter and lightness are powerful healers in their own right, and this hat delivers both in spades!
Favorite Healing Workout: CorePower Yoga for Stress Relief and Movement
I have plans to share more extensively about my yoga journey and how it intertwines with my approach to healing Hashimoto’s. However, for now, know that I wholeheartedly love yoga and find it incredibly effective for both profound de-stressing and incorporating beneficial movement into my routine. For over a year, I had found a fantastic studio in Dallas that perfectly suited my needs. But after moving into our new home last summer, the commute to my old studio became increasingly inconvenient, leading to a significant drop in my attendance. The search for a new yoga home proved challenging, and for some inexplicable reason, I was adamantly resistant to trying CorePower. This month, however, I finally caved and decided to give it a try. The verdict? I’m absolutely hooked!
CorePower offers a dynamic and unique blend of traditional yoga principles with elements of hot yoga and higher-intensity, strength-building flows. This combination provides a comprehensive workout that challenges both body and mind. They boast a wide variety of classes, catering to different preferences and skill levels, and the sheer convenience of their locations is a huge plus. One of my primary challenges is carrying a significant amount of stress and tension in my neck and shoulders, which is common for those managing autoimmune conditions. Since consistently attending CorePower classes this month, I’ve noticed a remarkable increase in my range of motion and a substantial reduction in chronic tension in these areas. The detoxification benefits from the heat, coupled with the mindful movement, have been incredibly restorative. The only catch? The *price*! It’s definitely an investment. While I’m still deliberating on pulling the trigger for a full membership, I’ll certainly keep you all posted if I do. In the meantime, it’s an exceptional drop-in option that provides immense healing benefits, making it a truly valuable addition to my wellness regimen.
Favorite Healing Influencer/Blog: Nutrition Stripped – A Holistic Source of Inspiration
While not exclusively a 100% “Paleo” or AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) blog, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Nutrition Stripped. In the often-dogmatic world of health and wellness, it offers a wonderfully refreshing and inclusive perspective. The platform exudes a warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing vibe, and it consistently provides an abundance of healing recipes, insightful articles, and valuable resources that resonate with my holistic approach to well-being. What truly captivates me is McKell’s authentic voice and inspiring content, particularly when I follow her on Instagram. Her approach to nutrition is balanced and focused on real, whole foods, making it incredibly accessible and practical for everyone, regardless of their specific dietary framework. I’m especially fond of her Golden Milk Recipe – it’s a soothing and anti-inflammatory elixir that has become a comforting ritual in my daily routine. Nutrition Stripped proves that you can find profound healing wisdom and delicious, nourishing recipes in spaces that aren’t strictly confined to a single protocol, making it a vibrant and inspiring source for anyone on a journey to better health.
Favorite Words of Wisdom: John 6:27 – Prioritizing Eternal Over Ephemeral Health
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you…” John 6:27 ESV
In the intricate and often consuming world of health and healing, it’s remarkably easy to become hyper-focused, even obsessed, with improving our physical well-being. I confess, I include myself in this tendency. We often paint a vivid picture of a perfect utopia – a state where all our ailments vanish: if only our antibodies would drop to optimal levels, if only we could reintroduce nightshades without consequence, if only we could pursue every cutting-edge therapy available, and on and on. Clearly, I believe that the diligent pursuit of health and healing is *immensely* worthwhile and, indeed, often necessary. We are each here for a purpose, and being healthier, happier, and more vital undoubtedly equips us to better live out that purpose and experience a richer, more fulfilling life. So, please rest assured, I am absolutely not suggesting that the pursuit of health is a fruitless endeavor; it is profoundly important.
*However*, this powerful verse, John 6:27, serves as a crucial anchor and a vital reminder for me. No matter how diligently I manage my Hashimoto’s antibodies, no matter how many castor oil packs I apply, or how consistently I incorporate collagen into my diet, my physical health is, ultimately, a temporary gift. It is “food that perishes.” While I pray for longevity and vitality – perhaps reaching 98 and peacefully passing from old age – the truth remains that my physical body and its health are finite. This constant awareness compels me to regularly check in with myself, ensuring that I am not dedicating my *entire* life *solely* to the pursuit of physical health. Health is undeniably important, and I believe God cares deeply about our well-being, both physical and spiritual. Yet, all worldly things are perishable. This verse articulates that profound truth with perfect clarity, urging us to seek that which endures beyond our earthly existence.
Even though I may never be totally “healed” of autoimmunity in the conventional sense during this lifetime, I remain steadfast in living this healing lifestyle, recognizing its benefits. More importantly, I find profound peace and assurance in the fact that, through the grace of God, I am eternally healed. This perspective provides a beautiful balance, allowing me to passionately pursue optimal health while maintaining an eternal perspective, understanding that our ultimate hope lies beyond what our physical bodies can achieve.
Favorite On Unbound Wellness in January: The 30 Day Gut Healing Guide!
January was a monumental month for Unbound Wellness with the launch of my very first solo book and truly a soul project: the 30 Day Gut Healing Guide! This comprehensive guide represents years in the making, drawing deeply from my personal healing experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained on my own journey. The actual writing, photography, and production of the book spanned half a year, a labor of love dedicated to creating a truly invaluable resource. It’s designed to be a holistic roadmap for gut healing, packed with extensive information on understanding and restoring gut health, 30 days of meticulously planned meal plans, convenient shopping lists to simplify your grocery trips, pre-guides to prepare you for the journey, and, of course, a plethora of delicious, healing recipes.
I am profoundly honored and absolutely amazed by the overwhelmingly positive response my “baby book” has received since its release. *Tons* of you have already secured your copy and enthusiastically embarked on your personal healing journeys, which brings me immeasurable joy. To top it all off, some of my own personal heroes and favorites in the wellness community, like Mickey Trescott and Sarah, The Paleo Mom, have graciously shown their love and support for the book, a testament to its value and impact. I am truly overwhelmed with a sense of joy, love, and immense gratitude for this incredible reception. If you haven’t yet, I wholeheartedly invite you to grab your copy here and start your own transformative path to better gut health!
Thanks for hanging out with me in January, folks! Here’s to a February filled with continued healing, growth, and boundless well-being. <3