Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for eco friendly living, clean beauty & wellness Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

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5 Powerful Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System During This Pandemic

How are you holding up? It’s been a crazy few weeks. Very difficult for some. Confusing, frightening and downright strange for most of us. The fear, uncertainty and conflicting information being circulated have caused anxiety in just about everyone. My heart goes out to you if you or a loved one are suffering from coronavirus, sending you healing thoughts and love.

In light of these incredibly unprecedented times while we are staying home, trying to stay healthy, flatten the curve, keep coronavirus from attacking us and from spreading, it is more critical than ever that you strengthen your immune system as much as possible. 

It’s surreal. Normal life is on hold which feels strange an uneasy. I think everyone is experiencing a myriad of feelings and emotions over this, I know I am. It’s completely normal and we need to give ourselves space and grace.

Social distancing and isolation is uncomfortable and inconvenient but important for public health. It’s devastating how many are fighting for their lives, how many have lost their lives and the number of people who may face financial ruin.

A weak immune system decreases the body’s ability to fight off foreign bacteria, viruses, and other illnesses. Panic and fear suppress the immune system too. Here are 5 powerful things you can do that bolster your immune system.

That being said, for those who are suffering from coronavirus, treating the immune system depends on the potential cytokine storm. This is the case with other illnesses as well. Dr. Marc Milstein offers helpful insights in his video: Why Some Get Very Sick with COVID-19 and Insights Into New Treatments. You’ll find more information on cytokine storms in this study: Consider cytokine storm syndromes and immunosuppression.

Gut health  We know that proper nutrition boosts your immune system in a huge way. Food really is medicine but the wrong foods break down your immune system and threaten your health. The foods we eat have a huge impact on how well our immune system functions.

Our diet is a major component of hormone function, energy levels, of course, weight and digestive health, but also on our mental state, brain health and more.

I coach certain clients through a nutrition program that helps them achieve optimal health but some of the basic tenents to follow: eat whole non-GMO, low glycemic foods, avoid processed foods, get at least 5 servings of produce each day, pile your plate with foods, known to boost your immune system including:

⦿ Citrus fruits          ⦿ Broccoli          ⦿ Wild caught salmon          ⦿ Garlic          ⦿ Ginger

⦿ Almonds               ⦿ Berries            ⦿ Sweet potatoes                  ⦿ Tumeric      ⦿ Green tea

⦿ Pomegranates      ⦿ Papaya             ⦿ Sunflower seeds                ⦿ Miso           ⦿ Green veggies

“All disease begins in the gut” – Hippocrates

Chew on this: The digestion process starts in our saliva. Amylase, an enzyme in saliva helps to begin breaking down starch into simple sugars. Aim to chew each bite 20 times. This will get the digestive juices flowing and make you a more mindful eater.

My latest favorite green tea, by the way, is Pique Tea. They offer a wide variety of delicious teas with powerful plant polyphenols to build up your body’s defense during this critical time including green tea. They’ll deliver right to your door, no need to brave the germ laden grocery store. I’m sipping Earl Grey as I write this!

Sleep This is absolutely essential for your immune system. Along with making us look like crap, sleep deprivation is linked to more health problems than just about anything, including a weakened immune system.

Sleep scientist Matt Walker calls sleep ‘the most powerful elixir of life’ that is critical in order for our immune system to protect us. After only one night of 4 hours of sleep, we experience a 70% reduction in immune cells known as Natural Killer Cells, a type of white blood cell that is a key player in combating viruses and infections, and crucial for disease protection and detection, including cancer. 

Hydration What are the two things you every doctor says to do when you’re sick? Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. Listen to your grandmother and drink that water. You’ve got to flush those germs out.

70% of Americans are subclinically dehydrated. This is something I have clients track. Oftentimes they’ll tell me they drink a lot of water but then when they keep track they’re surprised at just how little water there actually taking in each day. Ahh the power of tracking and journaling. 

Drinking enough water flushes out your G.I. tract and aids the function of your immune-fighting lymphatic cells. It also helps remove toxins from the body.

Water oxygenates your blood. When you are even mildly dehydrated, your body pulls water from the skin’s tissue to maintain concentration in your blood. When we’re fighting infection, our body’s fluid needs increase.

Start your day with a detoxifying drink of warm lemon water. A cup of warm water with the juice of 1 organic lemon helps flush the kidneys, aids digestion, boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, balances pH levels and the acidity stimulates your liver to produce acids that help detox the body… how about all those benefits without much work?! Oh and you’ll also get a nice dose of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B and C and other antioxidants.

Extra credit if you add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, It also creates an alkaline environment that helps kill viruses and bacteria. That’s what I drink every morning before my coffee. Drink about half your weight in water each day. A bit more if you are ill.

I’ve been teaching clients, students in my workshops and in my online programs to drink warm lemon water every morning for years now. According to Mr. Healthy, warm lemon water aids against proliferation of coronavirus. He says the acid and carboxylic acid in lemon help reduce hypertension which is a risk factor for coronavirus, stroke and other problems. He advises putting three slices of lemon in a cup of warm water which turns it into alkaline water.

If you are one of those people who just do not like the taste of water and it’s a true hardship forcing it down, try Hint Water. 

Detoxification Environmental toxins impair your immune system. Detoxing your home, beauty and personal care routine is not just about being an eco freako earth loving hippie chick. No, this is vital for your health. I’m not messing around when I talk about this. Toxins have a very negative impact that suppresses your immune system.

Get your home detoxified. Make it easy on yourself by registering for my easy to follow Home Detox Masterclass. You’ll learn how to create a healthier, less toxic environment inside your home which will benefit your immune system big time. In light of what’s going on right now I am keeping my Home Detox Masterclass at the introductory price for the time being. I can also help you reduce your body’s toxic burden with an Eco Wellness Power Hour. Book yours here.

Manage Stress  Our adrenal glands pump out excess cortisol when we’re under stress which weakens the immunity in the lining of the gut. To say this COVID-19 pandemic is causing stress and anxiety is an understatement. We must manage that stress and anxiety for our well-being.

Proven stress relievers:

Exercise It’s vital for your immune system and since we all are homebound with a lot of our responsibilities taken off our plate the number one excuse for not exercising: ‘not enough time’ is not going to fly anymore unless you are someone who is now working from home while also homeschooling young children. In that case, you need stress relief more than ever. Walk, jog, do yoga, lift free weights in your home, log onto one of the many online workouts that are now popping up.

Yoga Since your gym and yoga studios are closed, online workouts are our solution! Keeping up with your workouts will keep you sane and boost your immune system. Yoga is a stress reducer and a great workout. Try Yoga Download or even Yoga With Adrienne on YouTube.

Sleep, rest and relaxation

Getting out in nature Can’t go anywhere else now anyway. Take a walk and a few times a day, step out on your balcony, yard or front door and take a few deep cleansing breaths.

Meditation, Mindfulness & Gratitude There are wonderful meditation resources like Barbara Savin that can help you create a meditation practice. I had the extreme pleasure of speaking with her at Conejo Collective Day Of Wellness last year. She ended her talk with a short guided grounding meditation that was transformative, everyone was talking about how wonderful it was.

If you’re new to meditation, you don’t need to get fancy, just take a few minutes or even one minute several times a day to breathe while focusing on something you are grateful for. Gratitude is a potent stress reliever.

What you focus on expands. What you resist persists. Focus on thoughts of health and wellness. What do you think will happen generally does happen.

“Stress is a response to stimulation that makes you feel threatened and not always provoked by real circumstances, Rather a perception that you are being attacked.” ~Dr. Mark Hyman

There are many others things you can also do for your immune system that I help clients with but these are a few of my top recommendations that you can implement right now. They aren’t difficult, they are free or very low cost and they will make a difference.  A strong immune system is your best defense during this crisis. 

I don’t use that word lightly. I am not an alarmist and I truly believe that staying calm and levelheaded will get us through this but it is a crisis. It’s a serious situation, however, worrying about what we can’t control will only deteriorate our mental and physical well-being and exacerbate anxiety and stress.

As with every aspect of health and life in general, I always say control what you can, give yourself grace and release worry about what you cannot control. Can you 100% control your immune system? No, but you absolutely can implement these methods to give yourself a leg up.

With all that immune boosting goodness being said, please don’t beat yourself up if you’ve been eating too much comfort food, having a few to too many glasses of wine, not getting off the couch often enough, scrolling social media endlessly… These first few weeks were weird and scary. I think we all have to just give ourselves a little bit of grace, right? Your world has been turned upside down and your schedule is likely completely thrown off. Give yourself a break but that now we’re a few weeks in, good idea to get into a healthy routine – your new hopefully very temporary normal.

A word about personal Hygiene. I wrote about handwashing years ago in the first article that I wrote on tips for preventing cold and flu and easing symptoms. One of my tips was handwashing and as I stated in that article, I attribute diligent handwashing to rarely getting sick (thank you, Lord!). It’s amazing how handwashing is now at the forefront of everyone’s minds. It should always be a priority.

Certain germs threaten your immune system and others can lead to serious illness as we are now witnessing across the globe. I was a major hand wash it before all of this and even I am over the number of times I am at the sink sudsing up! However, we must wash the germs off your hands, especially before you eat, wash or touch your face and prepare food and always after you are out in common areas.

When it comes to supplements, check with your physician

There are impressive supplements that also boost the immune system like probiotics, vitamin D3 with K, astragalus, vitamin C, zinc, oregano oil, Echinacea, and more but you must check with your healthcare practitioner. Particularly with the coronavirus, scientists are finding that certain substances in medications exacerbate symptoms. And please keep in mind some supplements are not healthy on a long-term basis like echinacea and others so you must do your research and find a good physician. I like Western doctors that are integrative and homeopathic as well.

Spread Love Not germs 

Know what else reduces stress? Love and gratitude. Spread loving kindness and treat with others and yourself with care. 

Be gentle on yourself and as I told my kids, let’s just take it one day at a time and look for the silver linings. I shared some of mine here that will help ease your anxiety.

We are all in this together, we need to stick together, be there for one another and comply to save lives. It’s OK to be scared and to dislike the situation. This isn’t the norm for humans, it’s lonely. We are meant to be together and experience human touch. I still can’t believe it’s happening.

I’ll say it again because it’s an important concept to understand – – – – what we focus on expands. Focus on love, healing & positivity💫 Send those vibes out into the world to change the trajectory. It will make a difference in what’s going on in the world, within yourself. and your beloved immune system.

To recap, keep your immune system strong and be particularly vigilant in this time of pandemic with: Good nutrition, proper hydration, eliminating toxins, sleeping, and reducing stress.

Health isn’t just what you’re eating. It’s what you’re thinking, what you’re doing and what you’re saying.

Want help implementing some of these habits and learn more self-care tips that will help alleviate your anxiety during these uncertain times?

Register for my FREE Savvy Girl’s Virtual Self-Care Retreat starting on World Health Day, April 7th. As soon as you sign up, you’ll also get my complimentary Home Detox checklist delivered right to your inbox.

Stay safe, stay well and let’s all do our part to stop the spread of COVID – 19.

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8 Surprising Heart Attack Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore

Do you believe that your chance of having a cardiac episode depends on your genes? Think you don’t have much control? Not true. 80% of heart disease is preventable, this statistic comes from the American Heart Association. Certain types of heart disease are genetic and difficult to detect but for the most part, your lifestyle dictates your chance of heart problems, including stroke. 

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. 

Sharp chest pain is obvious but there is a wide range of symptoms associated with a heart attack and these symptoms do not always include distinct chest pain, especially in women. Can’t stress that point enough, ladies!

Certain symptoms can be subtle but very distinct signs that you should head straight to the ER. These symptoms are often associated with other issues that are not serious or life threatening so it’s easy to ignore them or pass them off as simply discomfort or a minor issue. 

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Feeling light headed or dizzy
  • Nausea and indigestion
  • Heartburn
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tingling of the hands
  • Pain in a hand- even in a finger.

This is not to say that if you are experiencing one of these symptoms it’s a heart issue, women can feel light headed for a variety of reasons, heart palpitations are common with thyroid issues and menopause, a plate full of spicy enchiladas can bring on a lovely episode of indigestion. 

However, all of these are symptoms are often associated with other ailments making it less obvious when a woman is having a heart attack so it’s good to be aware, particularly if you’re experiencing more than one or there’s no good reason.

Heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined

  • Adopt a healthy diet  It’s an obvious one but too many people have poor diets. Avoid foods with saturated and trans fat. Stay away from fried food! Eat the bad stuff once in a while but on a regular basis, indulge in fruits, veggies, superfoods, foods high in antioxidants and fiber
  • Exercise!!  Get your heart rate going with some cardio nearly everyday, strength train a few times a week and zen out with some yoga
  • Do NOT smoke Seriously, do we even have to discuss this?
  • Keep your alcohol consumption moderate
  • Keep your weight down That does not mean you have to be some unrealistic size, just stay within a range that is healthy for your height and keep your waist circumference and BMI in the healthy zone (besides, booties are in girls, so don’t bother getting rid of what he likes to grab!). Curious about your BMI? Check it here. If you do have some lbs. to get rid of, click here to book a quick complimentary Eco Wellness consultation with me, my weight loss program just might be the perfect fit for you. It’s easy to follow and highly effective, designed for optimal health making it easy to lose weight fast because it gets your body into fat burning mode and improves heart health.
  • Go for regular check-ups Start young, even people in their twenties should get physicals
  • Test your glucose Dr. Roshini Raj recommends that everyone have a glucose test for diabetes every 3 years because diabetes is a major cause of heart disease. She also says it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about taking the new LDL particle test
  • Know your blood pressure Have your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar tested. Ideal BP is 115/76 or lower. Your bad cholesterol (LDL) should be lower than 100 and your good cholesterol (HDL) should be higher than 50. Even a slight elevation of any one of these can double or possibly quadruple your risk for stroke but you can lessen that chance with proper care
  • Know your family health history
  • Stress Less Anxiety hurts your heart so much that highly anxious types are two times as likely to suffer a heart attack or die that those who take things in stride and stay calm. Want to help ease anxiety? Meditate! Even 10 minutes a day will help. “There are 1440 minutes in a day. They’ll all go better if you take 10 of them to meditate.” ~Marie Forleo
  • Get busy in the bedroom (I’m throwing in a juicy bonus tip ~ happens to be my personal favorite) Intimate sex and loving affection are very good for your heart as well your over all mental and physical well being. Plus, is there really anything more fun?! Bow Chicka bow wow… 😉

    February is National Heart Month 

Be sure to enter my latest giveaway for your chance to win Pure & Coco Skincare products and cosmetic bag, my Home Detox Masterclass and a 1:1 Eco Wellness coaching session with me ~ prize valued over $200!

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Top Benefits Of Omegas 3, 6 & 9 For Beautiful, Healthy Skin

Guest post contributed by Emily Woodman of Arya Derm

Omega fatty acids have numerous health benefits, many of which are yet to be unraveled. What we know so far is that they have tremendously positive effects on the heart, bones and skin, They also support mental health, reduce weight, help fight inflammation and decrease liver fat. Some studies suggest omegas prevent dementia, bipolar disorder and asthma.

How Do Omegas Work?

Some 90 percent of dietary fats come in the shape of triglycerides, which are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are components of cell membranes that help fight inflammations and regulate blood pressure.

Our bodies can produce most of the fatty acids, with the exception of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Because they need to be consumed through the diet, they are called “essential fatty acids.”

Recommended daily intake for LA and ALA stands at 4 percent and 0.5 percent of the total energy, respectively. EPA and DHA, recommended daily intake is 250 mg a day. Dietary sources of Omega-3s include fish, fish oils and plants rich in a-linolenic acid (grains and oils). 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are numerous types of omega-3s, with the three most common ones being eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). 

EPA produces eicosanoids, which are the chemicals responsible for reducing inflammation and fighting depression.

DHA makes up ca. 8 percent of brain weight and is, hence, of extreme importance when it comes to normal brain development.

ALA is used as an energy source and can be converted into EPA and DHA, to a degree.

 Foods with Omegas are healthy but do you find it challenging planning ahead & eating healthy when you have a hectic schedule? It’s overwhelming!

Click here for a free Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips & habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab & go making it easy to eat healthy even when you are pressed for time.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6s serve primarily as an energy source. The most common one is linoleic acid, which can be converted into arachidonic acid (ARA). ARA produces eicosanoids, which fight inflammation.

However, the production of too many eicosanoids may increase the risk of inflammation diseases, hence omega-6s should be taken in moderation. The modern Western diet contains more omega-6s than the body needs.

Other notable omega-6s include gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). 

Omega-9 Fatty Acids

Omega-9 fats can be produced by the body, but consuming foods rich in them has numerous beneficial health effects, nevertheless. For one thing, they reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

The most common omega-9 is oleic acid, a major energy source for cells that regulates the biosynthesis of numerous essential metabolites.

Omegas and the Skin

As stated above, omegas are anti-inflammatories, which means that they protect the skin from inflammation and the UV rays. Thus, they keep the skin hydrated, fighting the appearance of wrinkles. 

Omega-3s prevent and treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis. The latter is normally treated by dietary and supplemental Omega-3s. Omega-3s decrease the risk of skin cancer, photo-aging, atopic skin conditions and sunburn.

The metabolism of LA and ALA is limited to the skin, while both omega-3s and omega-6s influencing the inflammatory response of the skin. 

It is important to understand that omegas work best when ingested. Many people believe that applying them topically will suffice, but that is not exactly the case. In fact, there are only two fatty acids that need to be applied topically: oleic and linoleic acid.

Being a major structural component of the skin, DHA takes care of cell membranes. EPA regulates hydration and oil production of the skin, as well as premature aging. It reduces the risk of acne and prevents hyperkeratinization (the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle).

On top of regulating inflammation, omega-3s help prevent the development of psoriasis, rosacea, scaling, erythema and acne. One of the major functions of the omega-3s is to decrease insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and to reduce scaling, erythema and pruritis.

Sources of Omega Fatty Acids

Foods high in omega-3 fats include fish, fish oil, nuts, seeds and algal oil.

Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-3 rich foods are: 

  •       Salmon: 4g EPA and DHA
  •       Mackerel: 3g EPA and DHA
  •       Sardines: 2.2g EPA and DHA
  •       Anchovies: 1g EPA and DHA
  •       Chia seeds: 4.9g ALA
  •       Walnuts: 2.5g ALA
  •       Flaxseeds: 2.3g ALA

 Omega-6 fats are found in refined vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

 Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-6 rich foods are:

  •       Soybean oil: 50g
  •       Corn oil: 49g
  •       Mayonnaise: 39g
  •       Walnuts: 37g
  •       Sunflower seeds: 34g
  •       Almonds: 12g
  •       Cashew nuts: 8g

 Similar to omega-6s, omega-9 fats are found in refined vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

 Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-9 rich foods are:

  •       Olive oil: 83g
  •       Cashew nut oil: 73g
  •       Almond oil: 70g
  •       Avocado oil: 60g
  •       Peanut oil: 47g
  •       Almonds: 30g
  •       Cashews: 24g
  •       Walnuts: 9g

 Recommended daily amounts for ALA:

  •       Men: 1.6 g
  •       Women: 1.1 g
  •       Pregnant women: 1.4 g
  •       Children 1 to 3: 0.7 g
  •       Children 4 to 8: 0.9 g
  •       Boys 9 to 13: 1.2 g
  •       Girls 9 to 13: 1.0 g
  •       Teenage boys: 1.6 g
  •       Teenage girls: 1.1 g

Omega Fatty Acids: General Benefits

Much has been said about the benefits of essential oils with new discoveries never failing to deliver. It is true that we still have a lot to learn, but the facts we are already aware of speak in favor of omega fatty acids.

 Skin health benefits of omegas go deeper than just the surface. A healthy body spells healthy skin, so it is crucial to eat a balanced diet instead of simply taking supplements.

 After all, it has been proven that communities consuming a fish-based diet have low heart attack and stroke rates, with consumers’ triglyceride levels being decreased by 15 to 30 percent. On top of that, they also have higher HDL cholesterol levels (“good cholesterol”).

 Finally, EPA alone helps fight anxiety and depression. These are the world’s two sole most common mental illnesses, with anxiety disorders affecting 18.1 percent of the U.S. population every year, and MDD (major depressive disorder) and PDD (persistent depressive disorder) combined affecting 9.2 percent of people.

 That being said, concluding how a balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids is beneficial on multiple levels should not be a difficult leap. Take good care of your skin and overall health at all times.

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Xenoestrogens: What Are They, How Do They Increase Your Risk Of Breast Cancer & How Do We Avoid Them?

We all know that October is breast cancer awareness month. Awareness is important but I would like to change the conversation to prevention. Lifestyle plays an enormous role in our health and longevity. In fact, your lifestyle habits dictate up to 75% of how you age, how you feel and how healthy you are. When it comes to cancer, lifestyle is 90%; only 10% of cancers have a genetic component.

Yes, you read that correctly, only 10% of all cancers are genetic. Does that shock you? It sure surprised the hell out of me. It also surprised the author of Breasts: The Owner’s Manual, Dr. Kristi Funk. Even breast cancer is not usually caused by a genetic predisposition. A mere 15% of breast cancer patients actually have a family history yet it is the second most common cancer in women. Second only to skin cancer. 5-10% come from an inherited mutation such as BRCA and only 13% of those diagnosed have a first degree relative with the disease.

Are you realizing just how important lifestyle is when it comes to living well and preventing disease? A healthy lifestyle certainly doesn’t guarantee no illness but it absolutely gives you an advantage. One of the most important lifestyle changes you can make is reducing your toxic load. A key step is transitioning to clean beauty, personal care, and household products.

Approximately 20 – 30% of breast cancers recur. The most common places it metastasizes are the bone, lungs, liver and brain. Holley Kitchen worked hard educating people about metastatic breast cancer. May she rest in peace. You can watch her moving video here. 

Two out of three cases of breast cancer are estrogen receptor positive meaning the cancer cells attach to estrogen receptors. This is a huge reason that I am such an enormous advocate for non-toxic living and probably sound like a broken record advising people to use stop using products that contain endocrine disruptors.

Your Endocrine System is a network of glands secreting hormones that help the majority of the processes in your body function properly including

Growth & Metabolism

Sexual Function

Reproductive Processes

Mood Regulation

Tissue Function

Cell Growth

Endocrine glands release more than 20 major hormones into the bloodstream so they can be transported to cells in the body. Major endocrine glands include: Hypothalamus. Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroids, Adrenals, Pineal body, Reproductive, Pancreas.

Endocrine disruptors in everyday products that you use are dangerous because they can mess with any of these glands in your body. Endocrine disruptors known as Xenoestrogens mimic estrogen causing estrogen dominance in the body increasing the total amount estrogen. They are linked to breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, infertility, prostate and testicular cancer, endometriosis, early onset puberty, miscarriages. 

I’ve been passionate about helping people avoid harmful toxins like Xenoestrogens for years. A few months ago I got a call from my best friend with news that 10 Xed that passion. She was diagnosed with estrogen dominant breast cancer. She has since undergone a radical double mastectomy and will start chemotherapy in just a few weeks followed by radiation treatment.

Her breast cancer was detected during her mammogram. Please, ladies, do not skip your yearly mammogram. And if you have dense breasts, I hope your doctor is recommending a breast ultrasound as well. If they don’t, ask for one. We must be our own health advocates.

*Please share this info with the women and men in your life. It’s rare, but men can get breast cancer too*

Along with awareness comes Pinkwashing every October and it pisses me off. It is the height of hypocrisy when companies sell products swirling with ingredients that have been shown to CAUSE BREAST CANCER!

“Pinkwashing – verb 1. the sale of items containing known carcinogens, while marketing these products in support of breast cancer awareness 2. also, capitalizing on the promotion of breast cancer prevention when only concerned about bottom line profit margin.”

Companies Pinkwashing us by claiming to be in support of breast cancer research while using ingredients that are mammary carcinogens, or carcinogenic contaminants that behave as endocrine disrupting compounds in our bodies, causing hormonal imbalance is disgracful. As the Gerson Institute calls it, ‘carcinogens for the cure.’ Yep.

It’s said that Evelyn Lauder’s dream was to end breast cancer. Why doesn’t the company jump off the breast cancer awareness bandwagon and honor her memory by reformulating their products WITHOUT harmful cancer causing ingredients?! L’Oreal, Proctor & Gamble and many others do it too. How do they sleep at night?!

According to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, which is doing amazing work in the name of prevention, “thousands of chemicals linked to breast cancer in scientific studies.”

Avon’s part in all of this is perplexing. They raise millions with their walk, have created a “Center of Excellence” in breast care and claim the mission of the Avon Comprehensive Breast Care Program at San Francisco General Hospital is to ‘provide comprehensive breast care, education and research in a compassionate and culturally sensitive environment.’ Yet, many of Avon’s products contain toxins. Ludacris.  

Women’s Voices For The Earth offers good tips on how to avoid being pinkwashed. Breatcancerfreebies.com, created by breast cancer survivor Bethany Kandell,  is a site that truly helps patients.

Even small lifestyle changes can improve our health and increase longevity. Protect your health and those beautiful bodacious tatas of yours. These tips help prevent other cancers and illnesses as well as breast cancer.

  • Get screened. Early detection is the key. Be sure to conduct monthly self exams and seek proper screening based on your age group and family history. You may need an ultrasound or sonogram in addition to a mammogram. The most effective type of mammography is the Genius 3D which has been found to detect 41% more invasive cancers and is proven to detect cancer 15 months earlier. Tell your doctor you’d like that one, it’s available in every state.
  • You are what you eat. The food you feed your body become the cells & fluid inside you. A whole food, plant based diet feed your your cells are able to fight off cancer
  • Eat the right type of soy. Funk says non GMO soy acts as an anti-estrogen in your body, soy consumers have 60% less breast cancer and those who have 30% less rec and 29% less death
  • Avoid parabens, BPA, dioxans, phathaltes & flame retardants. You know how I feel about these nasty endocrine disrupting substances if you’ve been reading my blog or watching my livestreams for a while. Use household products, cosmetics and sunscreen that are formulated WITHOUT them because they are linked to many cancer, not just breast. Parabens and other endocrine disruptors mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of breast and other cancers. They are found in 99% of breast cancer tissue samples.
  • Eat less red meat. A study published in the BMJ that followed 89, over a 20 year period revealed that women who had an average of 1.5 servings of red meat each day had a 22% higher chance of breast cancer over women who limited their red meat intake to once a week. With each addition daily serving of red meat, the risk appeared to increase by 13%. If you choose to have meat, eat organic grass fed to avoid the GMOs and Zeranol, the most potent synthetic estrogen. They give it to conventionally raised cows to fatten up them up. Poor Cows.
  • Move your bod. Hit the gym, lace up those running shoes, pop in a work out DVD, power walk with a friend– choose some type of physical activity because just 30 minutes of exercise each day reduces your chance of getting breast cancer. Plus exercise boosts t-cells that help your immune system work at full capacity
  • Stay at a healthy weight. Exercise also helps keep your body fat percentage in check. Too much fat on our bodies creates hormones, particularly estrogen, which has been found to stimulate cancer. Balancing nutrition and blood sugar levels are two of the vital keys to losing and maintaining. I help clients do that will ease. I’m happy to give you a free consultation, you can book it here 
  • Garlic, turmeric and cruciferous vegetables including brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and bok choy are good breast cancer fighters because they bind estrogen in your GI tract
  • A study showed that drinking 3 cups of green tea a day can reduce risk of breast cancer by 50%

Fortunately, survival rates are at an all-time high for those with breast cancer. In the last 20 years, there has been a 30% reduction in mortality and over 90% of breast cancer patients survive after 5 years with early diagnosis.

  • Steer clear of Bisphenol A. I have written about the dangers of BPA in several posts. It’s found in everything from plastic containers to the lining of canned foods to cash register reciepts. BPA is problematic because it imitates estrogen so it disrupts our endocrine system and messes with hormones. It’s been associated with many cancers including breast cancer
  • Choose lean protein. Replace those red meat meals with nuts, beans, organic chicken and low mercury fish such as wild caught salmon. Sufficient protein and fiber are 2 other vital keys to losing and maintaining weight, you can read why and how here
  • Know your family history. While only 15% of breast cancer patients  have a family history, if you do, your risk is higher so you need to know and take precautions and get genetic testing if your physician recommends it
  • Stay away from pesticides. They can also affect the way your hormones react so buy organic when possible, use green cleaning products and stay away from hand sanitizers & soaps containing the endocrine disruptor triclosan. This cousin to agent orange is classified as a pesticide
  • Ask your doctor about taking the active form of vitamin D3 with K, 1000 iu’s a day may slash your risk of breast cancer up to 50%. Taking D with vitamin K is important for helping prevent calcification
  • HER-2 is a rare but aggressive form of the disease. Another study found that eating lots of raw salad veggies dropped the risk of developing it by close to 35%
  • Curb your alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day. Studies show that over imbibing on a regular basis increases the risk factor. I love my wine, I’m not suggesting anyone stop enjoying it but, as with most things, moderation.
  • Breastfeed. It’s been shown to lower risk and it boosts infants health and immune system
  • This is a bonus tip but perhaps one of the most important: DITCH THE TOXIC DEODORANT & ANTIPERSPIRANT! Seriously, that shit is toxic. Parabens and Aluminum have been found in breast cancer tissue. Aluminum is also associated with Alzheimer’s. A new brain develops Alzheimer’s every 66 seconds and two thirds of those people are women. It’s in your brain for about 20 years before you even shows signs. Want a safe, healthy alternative that actually works? Try Schmidt’s, Pure Haven (my favorite) or Ursa Major.

A votre sante!

xo ~ Kelly

Grab your free healthy eating on the go cheat sheet

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7 Good Reasons to Practice Yoga

Yoga is rich in benefits for the mind, body, and spirit

Yoga studios have been popping up everywhere in the last few years. It’s like Starbucks, seems like there’s one on every corner, right?! It’s more popular than ever, with over 20 million Americans practicing. I have been an avid yogini on and off for more than 20 years. Unfortunately, I’ve been more ‘off’ for too long. I do plenty of cardio and strength training and I’m usually good about doing some yogic stretches afterward but haven’t had the steady yoga practice that I used to. I miss it! 

In fact, I was just telling a friend at lunch the other day that I want to commit to a regular practice again. Honestly, I see and feel a clear difference in both the way I look and feel when yoga is a regular part of my fitness routine. Writing this has inspired me and now I’ve put it out there, you can hold me accountable! Check back in a few weeks to see where I’m at 😉 

Today just happens to be International Yoga Day and the first day of Summer ? 2 reasons to smile ?

A good yoga session leaves you with an inner peace that stays with you throughout the day. The mind body experience of yoga has benefits that go beyond leaner muscles and a more zen state of being. No chanting necessary, so roll out your yoga mat and strike a pose.

yogasakti-_292

The Mind Body Connection
In yoga, you focus on your breathing, as well as what your body is doing and how it is feeling and reacting to each pose. That focus carries through to other aspects of your life. “I think the most important benefit of a yoga practice is learning how to replace habits with mindfulness,” says Leeann Carey, founder, Yāpana by Leeann Carey Yoga. “Mindfulness is a strategy for turning knowing into doing and being. It is more than striking a yoga pose. It is about noticing what you are doing and how you are doing it. A yoga practice is a method for implementing this.”

yoga-300x199Increased Strength and Stamina Yoga doesn’t just make you more flexible, it really makes your muscles strong. You work all of your body parts and many of the poses take a tremendous amount of strength, particularly when you challenge your body to hold them for at least five breaths. I notice a lot more definition when I practice yoga on a regular basis. A good yoga class really works me and I love it.

Stress Reduction

Yoga has a calming effect on the nervous system. Stress causes a PLETHORA of health problems, seriously, it’s a killer. Anything you can do to manage stress will be unbelievably beneficial. Mindful breathing is one of the best things you can do to bring your stress levels down. In yoga, you focus on your breath as you move from pose to pose. Yoga has been shown to increase levels of a chemical in your brain that helps decrease anxiety known as GABA (gamma-amniobutyric). That wonderful afterglow of yoga known as the “yoga buzz” keeps you energized and calm.

Pain Relief

The Group Health  Research Institute in Seattle recently conducted a study where they found that 60 percent of their subjects suffering from chronic back pain reported significant relief after just 12 yoga classes.

Weight Loss

There isn’t a huge amount of research regarding yoga and weight loss but studies have shown a correlation. Carey says she has seen countless students lose weight through yoga, “There are plenty of styles of yoga that promote weight loss — some that are more aerobic than others. But the most important and enduring effect is a mindful lifestyle which supports overall healthy choices in food, activity, thought, and action in all things,” says Carey.

It Just Might Reduce Inflammation 

Inflammation is the primary cause of disease and aging. Reducing toxic load and maintaining a healthy weight are huge factors in keeping inflammation in check. The Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research reported a study that found individuals who practiced yoga had lower inflammatory markers levels than those who didn’t.

Yoga Is for Everyone

It doesn’t matter what your fitness  level is or how old you are, there are modifications for each pose that allow everyone to practice and reap the benefits. Yoga is now mainstream; it’s easy to find a good class. There are several different types of yoga, so do a little research and find the best fit for you. Be sure to choose a reputable yoga studio with skilled instructors. It is crucial that they know how to teach proper alignment and make necessary adjustments in the poses to avoid injuries. Namaste 

Yoga tree pose

This post was originally published in 2016, it has been updated and revised for your enjoyment ?

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I Am Honored To Be A Green Business Certification Recipient

I am beyond thrilled to share some very exciting news. I have been honored with the Green Business Certification from my beloved city of Thousand Oaks, California! #TOStrong 

This is a proud moment

I am extremely proud to be a Certified Green Business. Being honored like this truly means a lot to me. Educating, enlightening and inspiring others to treat themselves and the planet with a little more kindness by being more conscious about our environment and minimizing the body’s toxic burden with eco friendly lifestyle habits, clean eco products and love is my passion and dedication.

It is an extreme privilege to be a part of this program among sustainable businesses who are growing the green economy and using sustainable business practices. My resolute meliorism fuels my belief that the betterment of this beautiful planet can absolutely be attainable if we all do our part. 

The Earth needs to be cared for

I’m not unrealistic, I know that we have a long way to go. We’ve been treating the planet poorly for too long. Trashing it, frankly. However, even small steps help.

I’m committed to educating and enlightening people about how to take better care of the earth which will in turn, be healthier for all humans. 

It’s inspiring to see more businesses implement sustainable practices. Being the recipient of this certification is something to celebrate.

The green movement is growing, be part of it

There are many things we can do that help the environment and each of those things makes it safer for wild life, marine life, and us humans as well.

Living a more sustainable, eco conscious life does not have to be difficult or overwhelming. However, I realize that it can confusing and rather confounding to figure exactly what are the best practices to implement in our homes, businesses and lifestyles.

This is why I’m committed to helping you do it with ease. I love making the transition to non toxic, cleaner, greener living easier for people.

My online masterclass, Go Green And Create A Healthy, Eco Friendly Home Masterclass, will help you create a healthy, less toxic indoor environment inside your beautiful home and your workplace.

Grab your free guide with my top tips to help you go green with ease:

The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living. Implement the tips in this complimentary checklist and you’ll be a green movement rockstar.

 

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Discover 3 Key Factors To Achieve Your Ideal Weight & Optimal Health

Are you having trouble losing weight no matter how hard you try? Or perhaps you’ve lost weight but gained it back. Do you wake up tired or feel fatigued throughout the day even after you’ve had a good night’s sleep? Do you experience a dip in energy in the afternoon?

It doesn’t have to be that way. Seriously, feeling good and being healthy is attainable. And with the right tools and support, it’s not difficult to get there.

A mere 10% reduction in body weight reduces your risk of various weight-related diseases by 50%! Curious to learn if  you are at a healthy BMI (body mss index)? Use this calculator to determine your healthy weight.

Along with reducing your toxic load, a healthy diet is part of my holistic approach. With support, accountability and education, you can learn effective methods to reach your health goals. The tips I share on how to lose weight are exactly what keeps me on track.

Let’s get you on the road to optimal wellbeing! I would be honored to help you achieve your weight loss goals and transform your health with ease. There are a few key components that will get you on the path to your healthiest life and ideal weight. They are ways to lose weight lose fast and for good. Healthy weight loss but not the same old things you’ve heard and it’s not just about ‘clean eating’.

You have a lot more control over your longevity and quality of life than you might think

Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t have to be difficult or restrictive

You know how much I believe in the importance of minimizing your body’s toxic burden by adopting eco friendly lifestyle habits and using clean products both on your body and in your home.

So what’s more important for your health, avoiding toxins and reducing toxic load or maintaining a healthy weight and healthy nutrition?

The truth is, both. We can’t really have optimal health without either. Toxins in our everyday products can lead to disease and various conditions and there are a multitude of diseases that are directly linked to extra weight. Guess where environmental toxins are stored? In your fat cells.

If you’ve read any of my free guides, you’ve learned simple methods to detox your personal care routine & home to live a life less toxic. Now let’s look at some simple yet vital things you can do to reach your ideal weight and enjoy optimal health. 

Your weight and your health are inextricably tied together.

A healthy body starts with a heathy weight. 

Obesity is the leading cause of preventable death. Most people think that an obese person is 100 or more pounds overweight but that’s not the case. The definition of obesity is only 30 pounds overweight.

Perhaps your doctor has advised you to lose some weight. But is he helping you do it? Not likely. He just expects you to figure it out and do it. You need a plan. Your doctor might be telling you that you are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or any number of other health issues but are they giving you the tools you need to get healthy or are they simply offering the ‘band-aid’ of medication?

Food can be an addiction. 

It’s not your fault. Sugar is addicting. Food is an addiction for some which is why it’s hard and why willpower often doesn’t work for the long term. We have to create new habits and properly balance nutrition so we lose cravings and hunger and use fat stores as energy.

There is so much conflicting information out there which makes it hard to figure out what to do and many diets are unrealistically restrictive that it’s difficult to stick with them and nearly impossible to assimilate them into real life and sustain them long term.

We must choose healthy lifestyle habits that we can maintain for a lifetime. It can be done with ease. It doesn’t have to be so hard to maintain your ideal weight.

What got you here won’t get you there.

“Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food.” –Hippocrates, Ancient Greek Physician

There are 3 key factors that are absolutely vital for not only losing weight but also maintaining that ideal weight AND feeling good:

The Protein Connection

Consuming inadequate amounts of protein slows your metabolism. The part of your brain that manages metabolism is focused on making sure you have the energy you need to survive. When you cheat your body and neglect to fuel it with the right balance of nutrition it starts robbing your muscles of fuel and directing that energy to your vital organs causing your metabolism to dip lower.

Your body needs amino acids to stay functional, they are the building blocks of protein. If you don’t get enough of them your body is forced to tap into your muscles. It’s about the proper balance, you don’t want too much protein but you certainly don’t want too little.

A pound of muscle burns 7 to 10 cal a day, a pound of fat burns only two or three.

Blood Sugar Levels Matter

Certain foods cause our blood sugar to spike. Then it drops… it goes up and down which gets insulin revved up. Sugar is a drug. It’s the first energy our body takes. Your body is looking for nutrition.

When your blood sugar spikes, the surge of insulin from the pancreas causes inflammation and it triggers your liver to convert everything to fat. An unhealthy diet leads to inflammation. Extra weight signals inflammation in the body.

Inflammation is the primary cause of disease and aging. Drinking just one soda every day for six months quadruples the level of inflammation in your body. That’s just 1 soda, think about what a diet filled with unhealthy foods does to your body.

Balancing Nutrition Is The Key

Too many people are eating ‘healthy’ but they are not eating in precise balance. They are grasping at straws, trying the latest diet trend but wind up frustrated because they can’t stick with it or they have some success but it’s not a realistic long term plan so they gain the weight back.

On certain diets our bodies go into starvation and conservation mode which makes it difficult or impossible to lose weight and keep it off.

Clean eating is, of course, healthy but your diet must also be nutritionally balanced. Certain clean foods may contain excellent nutrients and antioxidants but they may also be high glycemic which means they will spike your blood sugar levels.

In order for your body to be in an environment to heal itself and release unwanted weight, you must balance blood sugar levels, manage insulin and have the proper ratio of protein, fiber, carbs and fat. Healthy fat, that is.

I know you’ve heard this a zillion times but that’s because it’s true — you need to be drinking enough water. I won’t go into the myriad of reasons your body needs proper hydration but I will say this: Fat breaks up into water and breath so staying hydrated and drinking enough water is key for fat burning. Yes, we breathe and pee that fat out of our bodies!

If you’re feeling sluggish, low energy or have extra weight you know you’re not as healthy as you’d like to be.

Putting It All Together To make It Work For You

Once you have these key components lined up, you will release unwanted weight, start feeling amazing and become a walking billboard for health. You show up to the world differently with renewed energy and vitality!

How do you accomplish this goal? That’s where I come in. I will help you reach that goal, guiding you every step of the way with a transformational program that is extremely easy to follow and highly effective.

It starts with a quick phone call. I’ll give you a complimentary health assessment, evaluate you and explore that. You can  set a time for your free assessment here.

With my guidance you’ll learn simple tools to adopt healthy habits, one healthy habit at a time to easily and rapidly lose weight, keep it off and maintain healthy, balanced nutrition for a lifetime. It’s an innovative lifestyle approach designed for optimal health that gets your mind and body working together helping you adopt healthy habits that contribute to your long-term success.

It was developed by a Johns Hopkins physician; 12 clinical studies with Johns Hopkins University have been done proving the medical efficacy. But more impressive are the countless individuals that experience rapid weight loss, have enormous, lasting success and phenomenal health transformations, mitigating symptoms of disease and releasing unwanted weight after years of trying things that didn’t work long term.

This systematic approach that gives you complete balanced nutrition and gets your body to start burning fat for fuel rather than the sugars and carbohydrates that it typically goes for first so it’s optimal for losing weight. When your body starts going to its fat stores for an energy source not only do you burn fat but you also lose cravings, you’re not hungry, you have incredible energy and start feeling amazing.

I would be honored to help you feel your best and reach your health goals.

71% of Americans are obese or overweight and plenty might not be overweight but they aren’t healthy. Are you one of them? Let’s change that in 2019.

It’s a proven system; no deprivation, no hunger, you lose your cravings and transform your health. Not only do people lose a significant amount of weight, clients experience a variety of health benefits such as:

  • more energy
  • better quality of sleep
  • lower blood pressure,
  • lower cholesterol
  • more confidence
  • balanced blood sugar and insulin levels
  • comfortable in their body
  • freedom from yoyo dieting
  • improved cardiovascular health
  • ulcers disappear
  • joint pain disappears
  • migraines decrease
  • eliminate various medications
  • come off C-Pap machine
  • mitigate type II Diabetes
  • as well as other issues and symptoms on this whole health program that produces lasting results.

Book Your Complimentary Health Assessment

Do you want to make 2019 your healthiest year ever?! I would be thrilled to help you accomplish that goal, guiding you through that journey every step of the way with individualized coaching and a community of support giving you tools and knowledge for long-term sustainability.

It’s a plan that fits within every budget. There’s no additional cost, you simply divert your current food budget to the plan that best fits your needs, all our coaching  and professionally led health support is included.

Let’s get you on the road to optimal wellbeing! You deserve to feel great and enjoy good health.

Weight loss and improved health is the outcome. It’s predictable transformation. Everyone can succeed.

Learn more, it starts with a quick phone call.  Let’s set a time where I can give you a complimentary health assessment, evaluate you and explore that.  Click here to book a time that is convenient for you. I would be honored to help you achieve your weight loss goals and transform your health. With my help, it will be easier than you can imagine.

During your complimentary health assessment…

I’ll evaluate you and give you a crystal clear plan with key steps to get weight off for good.

We’ll uncover hidden challenges that could be sabotaging your weight-loss efforts. You’ll learn tips to mitigate Type II Diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and potentially get off certain medications.

You’ll leave the session renewed, energized and inspired to make the changes necessary to implement new healthy habits as well as learning about a proven method to lose weight once and for all.

Click here to book your free health assessment at a time that is convenient for you or email me: kelly@kellybonanno.com. 

I would be honored to help you. A votre santé!

In the meantime, grab my FREE Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips and habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab and go when you are pressed for time.

A votre sante! ?

You can have the body you want

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12 Healthy Habits That Help Ease & Prevent Cold & Flu

The dreaded cold and flu season is underway and hitting hard. People everywhere are under the weather! Natural methods to prevent and treat the nasty flu bug has been a hot topic in my Facebook group, since it’s that time of year again, let’s revisit that topic.

It’s a myth that extreme temperatures cause cold and flu viruses and other bacterial illnesses, we catch it from one another. It’s all that passing germs back and forth and all around by touching handles, cell phones, door knobs, the dillweed that double dips at happy hour, the chick that sneezes on you in the elevator… which is why you’ll never catch me eating with unwashed hands.

Look, we have to build our immunities but who likes to get taken out for days on end by bad virus?! Sucks to feel lousy. Isn’t coughing the worst? Just as you’re finally falling asleep – ?

The annoying symptoms suck but certain viruses can be serious

The flu is the cause of roughly 36,000 deaths each year and over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of it. Some succumb because they end up having sepsis.

Strep is going around, both my boys had it over the holidays. If a sore throat persists for a few days, even without a fever, (neither of my boys had a fever) get checked. If it’s Strep, you need to get treated because when it goes un treated it can lead to Rheumatic fever or kidney problems. I saw first hand, how terrible this is.

My best friend had strep but was diagnosed with the flu. She later developed rheumatic fever but when undiagnosed for 3 years. No one could figure it out. It was a devastating ordeal for her. Fortunately a fantastic infectious disease doctor properly diagnosed her and she recovered.

We’re most contagious the first few days we have symptoms

However, we can even be contagious 24 hours before the first sign of cold symptoms and up to 4 days before flu symptoms appear so it’s not easy to avoid the nasty little germs but there are measures you can take to prevent or at least lessen the severity.

Healthy Habits Keep Illness Away

1) Drink up

You’ve heard it before but it’s sage advice: stay hydrated, it helps ease a stuffy nose and sore throat and helps flush out those germs. Drinks plenty of water! More and more doctors, including Dr. Oz recommend Elderberry extract. One way to get it that will  also aid your hydration is in an herbal tea. Drinking 4 – 6 cups of elderberry tea a day at the onset of symptoms because medical trials have shown that it helps block viruses from entering your cells and aids in shortening the duration of the flu. He calls it a ‘natural Tamiflu’. In fact, my pharmacist told me that a study done in Israel found Elderberry to be just as effective as Tamiflu. How about that?!

2)  Catch your zzzz’s

Sleep is restorative, our bodies rejuvenate and repair while we sleep. Inadequate amounts of shut eye compromise the immune system and make it difficult for our bodies to fight infection and illness. While you are resting, your immune system is better able to produce cytokines, chemicals that attack virus cells.

3) Manage stress

Stress depresses our immune system and makes us more vulnerable to illness. Things that cause major stress like the loss of a job as well as little stressors like the jerk that cuts you off on the freeway both take their toll. Meditation helps but if getting your om on isn’t going to happen at least give yourself  10 minutes of downtime to do some deep breathing and get yourself centered.

Book your complimentary health assessment

4) Eat the right foods

The Real Age docs also say that lean protein rich foods such as turkey, tofu, chicken, nuts, nonfat dairy, beans and fish enable your body to make disease fighting antibodies. They also recommend loading up on foods that contain flavonoids and vitamin C like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, tomatoes and broccoli because they help your body produce protective immune cells. Whole grain foods are also beneficial because they have immune enhancing nutrients like zinc, selenium, and beta glucan. Don’t let a hectic schedule keep you from healthy choices, grab my  Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips & habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab & go when you are pressed for time.

Natural Remedies Work

5) Try Probiotics

I take a good probiotic every day because gut health is vital for a strong immune system. 80% of our immunity is in our gut. The connection to our health cannot be denied. Find a quality probiotic and make sure your doctor agrees it’s right for you. I take a good probiotic every day because gut health is vital for overall health. a review of 10 studies revealed that those who took them were 40% less likely to get that yearly cold or have a bad season with 3 or more colds. If you do come down with one, a probiotic will reduce your need for antibiotics if you get a bacterial infection along with it. If you do end up needing antibiotics, probiotics help replace the good bacteria which is very important!

Want my top wellness and eco beauty tips delivered to your inbox instantly? Click here.

6) These Natural Remedies Are My Must Haves

These remedies are great if you feel like you’re coming down with something or if you’re already feeling sick. Oregano Oil strengthens the immune system which is what your body needs when fighting off illness. It is very anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Lots of ‘antis’ against bad stuff which is good! Its benefits are far reaching including healing skin issues, digestive problems and so much more! Grape seed extract is another rock star immune strengthener to take at the first sign of illness. Colloidal Silver is a good flu fighter to keep in your medicine cabinet. A study from the Journal of Virological Methods showed that Silver kills various types of flu viruses.Thieves Essential oil is great. There are several essential oils that can help, Dr. Axe has a handy guide you can find here. Garlic and good old vitamin C help too. Winter Tonic & Winter Balance are homeopathic remedies that help prevent the flu, I have thankfully found both to be very helpful at warding it off. I can’t give you medical advice, just sharing what works for me and my family.

Bonus natural remedy…

7) Immunitone Plus

Immunitone Plus is my newfound gem. It’s fantastic – however – only take it if you feel like you’re coming down with something or if you are already not feeling well. It’s not something you take on a daily basis because too much echinacea and the other ingredients is not beneficial. I discovered this supplement last spring on a visit to a local holistic doctor. This is now my first line of defense. My kids were sick over the holidays, I felt like I was coming down with it one night, took this along with chlorella and woke up feeling fine!  It contains Astragalus, herbs, elderberry, mushroom extracts and other natural compounds that boost the immune system including herbs that support the balance of cytokines, regulatory proteins released by immune cells as well as normal natural killer (NK) cell activity. However — echinacea should not be used unless you are feeling ill because it can affect the liver and there are other issues. AND — there are situations when elderberry is not advised as outlined in this article: When Not to Use Elderberry: Using a Little Discernment As I always recommend, check with your healthcare provider. I am simply making recommendations and letting you guys know what works for me; I’m not a doctor, I’m not prescribing anything.

Tried and true methods are your friend

8) Gargle with warm salt water

The saline solution has a sanitizing effect that helps flush out viruses and bacteria and clears mucous and irritants, it also reduces inflammation by drawing out excess water from throat tissue. Saline nasal spray (non-medicated) and nasal irrigation systems like a neti pot (when used with the proper solution, not just tap water) help ease congestion and clear out sinuses.

9) Coat your throat with honey

1 – 2 tablespoons of organic honey help sooth your throat and curb a cough. You want organic honey because regular honey is often contaminated, especially if it’s manufactured in China. Raw organic Maunuka honey (one that has a minimum of UMF 16) has the most healing properties. I highly recommend taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey if you feel you’re coming down with something and if you do get sick, take one everyday, it’s my get well quick secret.

10) Wash your hands

You touch a door nob after someone who is sick or getting sick has, then grab your cell phone, your Ipad – their germs are all over your stuff. I’m a regular hand washer although I try not to be too crazy about it because exposure to harmless germs and bacteria strengthens our immune system. And this doesn’t mean wash your hands, touch your cell phone, steering wheel, a door handle, then eat or prepare food and say, ‘well, I washed my hands’. Seriously, want to get sick LESS often? Do Not eat with your hands or touch your face unless you have just washed them!

Use good old soap and water, NOT the antibacterial type because they kill good bacteria and weaken our body’s ability to fight germs; many health professionals claim that they are to blame for the increase of deadly ‘super bugs.’ Even the FDA is investigating triclosan, a very toxic chemical found in most antibacterial products. I keep eco-friendly chemical free hand sanitizer and baby wipes in my car to wipe away germs my kids and I come in contact with. I use the sanitizer sparingly and only when necessary because overuse of hand sanitizers can be detrimental as well.

Grandma was right 

11) Have a bowl of soup

We’ve all heard that chicken soup can help ease a cold, apparently it’s true. According to the doctors at Real Age, sipping chicken soup cuts the duration of a cold by 50%. They believe it’s because cooked chicken releases an amino acid called cysteine that has a similar chemistry to the bronchitis drug, acetylcysteine. Add garlic, a natural infection fighter to your recipe along with some hot red pepper, a strong decongestant and you should feel better.

12) Exercise

Physical activity boosts the immune system so staying active and working out on a regular basis will help keep illness away. When you do get sick, it’s ok and even beneficial to keep up your physical activity as long as your symptoms are above the neck – stuffy nose, scratchy throat. However, if you have the chills, a hacking chest cough, stomach flu, fever, etc., rest.

Fortunately, I rarely get sick, I’m blessed with a strong immune system but I also have adopted most of these habits that help keep germs at bay.

How ’bout a little bonus tip? Believe you are well. Believe you are healing. Mindset is everything in all areas of life. As Abraham-Hicks says, “A belief is a thought you keep thinking.” Keep your thoughts leaning toward positive, healing vibes. This works in all aspects of life. We become our thoughts.

Do you find yourself prone to getting sick often? It could be an underlying issue but most likely your immune system simply needs a boost. Simply balancing nutrition and blood sugar can help. Set up a free health assessment with me, I’ll evaluate you and offer some guidance and tips.

Stay well!

A votre sante

Be sure to enter my latest giveaway for your chance to win Pure & Coco Skincare products and cosmetic bag, my Home Detox Masterclass and a 1:1 Eco Wellness coaching session with me ~ prize valued over $200!

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Make 2019 Your Healthiest Year Ever

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and improve health? You’re not alone, that is the resolution for nearly 50% of Americans. Sadly, only about 8% end up achieving their resolutions. Don’t be part of that 8%! I would love to help you feel your best and reach your health goals.

A mere 10% reduction in body weight reduces your risk of various weight-related diseases by 50%! Curious to learn if  you are at a healthy BMI (body mss index)? Use this calculator to determine your healthy weight.

 

Your weight and your health are inextricably tied together. A healthy body starts with a heathy weight. 

The weight loss program I coach clients through is extremely easy to follow and highly effective, designed for optimal health. It’s an innovative lifestyle approach that gets your mind and body working together helping you adopt healthy habits that contribute to your long-term success.

It’s a proven system; no deprivation, no hunger, lose your cravings and transform your health. Not only do people lose a significant amount of weight, clients experience a variety of health benefits such as more energy, better quality of sleep, more confidence, comfortable in their body, balanced blood sugar and insulin levels, freedom from yoyo dieting, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, ulcers disappear, joint pain  disappears, migraines decrease, eliminate various medications and C-Pap machine, mitigate type II Diabetes as well as other issues and symptoms on this whole health program that produces lasting results.

 

Book Your Complimentary Health Assessment

Obesity is the leading cause of preventable death. Most people think that an obese person is 100 or more pounds overweight but that’s not the case. The definition of obesity is only 30 pounds overweight.

71% of Americans are obese or overweight and plenty might not be overweight but they aren’t healthy. Are you one of them? Let’s change that in 2019.

Your doctor might be telling you that you are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or any number of other health issues but are they giving you the tools you need to get healthy or are they simply offering the ‘band-aid’ of medication?

Food can be an addiction which is why willpower often doesn’t work for the long term. We have to create new habits and rather than rely on willpower, create a healthy environment for our body by fueling it with the proper balance of nutrition so we lose cravings and hunger and use fat stores as energy.

Too many people are eating ‘healthy’ but they are not eating in precise balance.

They are grasping at straws, trying the latest diet trend but wind up frustrated because they can’t stick with it or they have some success but it’s not a realistic long term plan and they gain the weight back.

If you’re feeling sluggish, low energy or have extra weight you’re likely not as healthy as you’d like to be.

Do you want to make 2019 your healthiest year ever?! I would be thrilled to help you accomplish that goal, guiding you through that journey every step of the way with individualized coaching and a community of support giving you tools and knowledge for long-term sustainability.

Weight loss and improved health is the outcome. It’s predictable transformation. Everyone can succeed.

It’s a systematic approach, a transformational program that gives you the simple tools to adopt a healthy lifestyle habits one healthy habit at a time. It’s a plan that fits within every budget. It’s not an additional cost, you simply divert your current food budget to the plan that best fits your needs, all our coaching  and professional health led support is included.

If you’d like to learn more, let’s set a time where I can do a complimentary health assessment on you and explore that.  Click here to book a time that is convenient for you. I would be honored to help you achieve your weight loss goals and transform your health with ease.

During your complimentary health assessment…

I’ll evaluate you and give you a crystal clear plan with key steps to get weight off for good.

We’ll uncover hidden challenges that could be sabotaging your weight-loss efforts. You’ll learn tips to mitigate Type II Diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and potentially get off certain medications.

You’ll leave the session renewed, energized and inspired to make the changes necessary to implement new healthy habits as well as learning about a proven method to lose weight once and for all.

Click here to book your free health assessment at a time that is convenient for you or email me: kelly@kellybonanno.com. 

Feel free to grab my FREE Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips and habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab and go when you are pressed for time.

How I lost 10 pounds

How I lost 10 pounds… So fun chatting with these wonderful women! If what we talked about resonated with you, message me or post a comment to set up your free health assessment & explore what's possible!

Posted by Savvy Girl's Organic World With Kelly Bonanno on Thursday, December 13, 2018

 

Happy 2019 ?Make it your healthiest, happient year ever! 

 

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The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

Eat, drink & be very merry without holiday weight gain

The holidays are full of sparkly fun but all the parties, happy hour, endless holiday shopping, erratic schedules throwing off your routine… it can all be a recipe for disaster when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet and staying slim. But it doesn’t have to!

It’s said the average person gains at least 1 – 2 (some sources report an average of 5 – 7) pounds during the holidays. I’ve even heard of the festive 15! Yikes. Even if it is only 1, statistics show that most people don’t lose it so those extra LBs add up year after year. Not to mention weight that creeps on during other times of the year due to celebrations, vacations, various events and stress. It’s easy for weight to creep on even when we aren’t partying, celebrating and throwing caution to the wind so being mindful and adopting good habits throughout the holidays will set you up for success.

Don’t get mad at me but for some odd reason I tend to lose a couple pounds over the holidays. Okay, it’s probably not such an odd reason, I think it’s because I get extra busy with more to do and I’m having so much fun that I don’t focus on food. I also adhere to some specific habits that help so I want to share them with you!

How does holiday weight loss sound? 

I really do like this time of year. As stressful as it can be, I adore all the Christmas lights, holiday parties, decorations, the chill in the air – yes even in Los Angeles, it was 49° the other night, my friends. The general energy of merriment lights me up. Plus I love Christmas shopping, I like buying gifts for people which is probably why I enjoy creating gift baskets.

It’s not always easy for me, believe me. I eat well and take care of myself so I’m usually at a good weight but I fluctuate and it sucks when a few pounds creep on which they did earlier this year. Ugh. But I figured out how to stop the fluctuation, I am super happy that I recently lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks! I’ll share that with you too because why should you wait till January 1st, drop a few pounds now and then you’ll look your sexiest and hottest for all those holiday parties, right?!

I’m doing a live video series on this topic on my Facebook page this week. Join us this Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 11:00 am PST, click here to join us live! 

Tips & habits I swear by 

Eat protein with each meal Protein helps keep you satiated and it’s key for preserving muscle mass.

Don’t party hungry  Eat something healthy and low calorie before you head out. This will help you eat less since you won’t be starving.

Bring it Bring something healthy and delicious to those potlucks so there will be at least one thing at the table you can enjoy that won’t be loaded with saturated fat.

Party hearty but don’t drink all your calories

Take 20 I know, everyone is extra busty right now so one of the first things to go by the wayside is your workout. But we all have 20 minutes. Do an interval training session a few times a week, studies show interval training is an effective way to burn fat. A few times a week, get your heart rate up for 3-4 minutes by jumping rope, doing some squats & lunges then recover for 1 minute.  Do another high intensity 3-4 minutes with some burpees, pushups and tricep dips. Repeat this sequence until your 20 minutes is up, go for 30 minutes if you have the time. You’ll burn fat and work your whole body.

Get plenty of sleep Watch your caffeine throughout the day and don’t drink any in the afternoon. Have your magnesium levels checked, a deficiency can affect sleep. Inadequate amounts of sleep can cause a spike ghrelin,the hunger hormone and a dip in leptin, the hormone that signals satiety.

Fill up on the good stuff  Enjoy the treats and special main courses but pile your plate with lots of veggies and fruit to help fill you up.

Sneak in exercise  Make all that running around work for you. Walk briskly, take stairs & take the long way around the mall. Instead of meeting a friend for coffee, chat while you power walk together. Take a family walk after dinner.

You absolutely  can avoid packing on the LBs this holiday season! 

Practice Mindful eating Put your fork down in between meals! Slow down, enjoy and be mindful about the flavors. Eating too fast can prevent you from appreciating the joy of eating.

Dance! Step away from the food table and socialize on the other side of the room away from the spread. Burn major calories on the dance floor. Whatever you do, don’t mindlessly chat and graze when you’re not even genuinely hungry.

Fill up on fiber Eat your veggies first, the fiber will help you feel satiated so you’ll be less likely to fall prey to unhealthy choices.
Try the 3 bite rule The first 3 bites contain 95% of the taste satisfaction. Staring at a dish you just can’t resist or maybe you decided to allow yourself that favorite holiday desert? Eat 3 bites and you may not even want more.

Go Green Use clean, non toxic beauty and personal care products. Toxins are stored in our fat cells. Many of them are endocrine disrupting obesegens that promote fat storage, can alter metabolism as well as the balance of lipid metabolism in promoting calorie storage as opposed to burning them. 

Manage that stress Stress is a recipe for disaster when it comes to weight management. It can cause cortisol levels to spike which can impede weight loss. De-stress in what ever ways that feel good for you… reading, meditation, working out, playing with your dog, getting out in nature, sex… what ever de-stresses you, do it!

Be festive Focus on your family, friends and new acquaintances. Put the emphasis on the experience and making memories.

Self Care You must take time for yourself during the holidays, especially if it’s a particularly stressful, anxiety ridden  time of year for you.

Stay hydrated  Drink plenty of water, sometimes thirst signals as hunger. Dehydration can also cause fatigue.

It’s about creating habits, these are principles and strategies you can use throughout the entire year

Go sparingly Rather than piling a few slices of cheese in your sandwiches, just add one, you’ll still get that cheesy flavor minus up to a few hundred calories.

Weigh yourself every week If a pound creeps up, you know you have to reign it in.

Limit taste tests  Calories can really add up when you mindlessly nibble here and there. Eat only while you’re sitting down and enjoying your food. It’s so much more enjoyable that way anyway.

Find an accountability buddy This is especially helpful when it comes to any goal you’re trying to achieve, particularly weight loss and maintenance. If you’re feeling weak and want to give into a craving or blow it on some fattening dish, call your buddy who can talk you down!

Plan ahead This is a really important one. It can save you from making fattening, unhealthy food choices. When you’re running around shopping and doing all the extra stuff we do during the holidays, arm yourself with healthy snacks.

Planning ahead & eating healthy when you’re crazy busy can be a challenge, for a quick and easy list that will make this easier for you, download my free guide:

The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Healthy Eating On The Go

Walk it off  On the phone? Walk and talk outside or in the hallways. Walk wherever you can.

Don’t have a seat Stand whenever possible, you burn more calories while standing. Besides, it’s not news that sitting is the new smoking. Those who sit for long stretches on most days are at 147% higher risk for heart related illness.

Enjoy If you do indulge a little, it’s 1 meal, don’t worry, enjoy and get back on track with your next meal.

Stop when you’re satisfied Pay attention to your satiety, take a few deep breathes. Control your thoughts, eat only when you’re hungry. When you’re starting to get full but continue eating you’ll be stuffed and uncomfortable. Doing this often is where extra pounds come from.

Watch the alcohol consumption I’m not sayin’ don’t drink, you know I’m all for boozin’ it up, but choose wisely and don’t go over board. Well, at least not at every party! Mixed drinks can be loaded with sugar and calories so stick to wine, simple drinks without sugary mixers or drink it neat baby.

Commit to staying on track Make your mind up to do it. Like anything you truly want to accomplish, it starts with your commitment. Food is fuel. It is not comfort or a reward.

Decide before you partake Make the decision before you go to each festivity that you are either going to stay on track or allow yourself to indulge. If you do, enjoy it. Count it as your cheat meal.

Don’t stress about it If you do indulge more than you planned here and there, don’t beat yourself up. Live a little, enjoy it, have fun and move on. It’s just one meal and you can snap back into good habits quickly. What you resist, persists. If you are not feeling it, if you’re not in alignment with watching what you eat then give yourself a break without getting too off course and get back on track when it feels in alignment for you.

As my wise mom always said, moderation is key Don’t go hog wild just because it’s the holidays but don’t completely deprive yourself either. Have your mom’s famous Christmas cookies but don’t overindulge. Balance with small portions and eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Sounds simple but it works. You’ll be happy when you’re not faced with trying to lose 5 extra pounds come January.

Lose it now If you do gain, I can help you take it off with ease. Or maybe you want to lose a few to look and feel your healthiest and most gorgeous for the holidays? You can!

The things we need to do to maintain weight and even lose weight are really rather simple but they’re not easy. However, they certainly get easier as they become your new normal. Build up on the habits day by day and they will become second nature.

It’s not always easy for me, believe me. I’m usually at a good weight but I have always fluctuated. I eat right, exercise and live a healthy lifestyle but sometimes I’m up 5-7 pounds which does not feel good on me. I know, not a lot of weight, I keep it in perspective but it doesn’t feel good on my small frame. I have an hour glass figure, I’m not trying to keep my curves at bay, I simply feel better and like the way my clothes fit when I’m at my smaller size. Although it’s not majorly noticeable, I prefer it.

Let me be clear, this is about being healthy and maintaining a weight that you are comfortable with, it is not about being skinny or trying to look a certain way. It’s a personal choice. Sure, being at a healthy weight is vital to your overall health but there’s a range of healthy weight. Two people can be the same height and bone structure, have a 15 pound weight difference but they can both be healthy and look great. Was I healthy with a good figure with that 8 pounds? Yes, but I’m more comfortable without it. Furthermore, I like having sexy curves! I have a small frame but I’m going to have a J Lo booty no matter what size I am!

That being said, if you are several or even just a few pounds over where you want to be, then get rid of it.

They say losing weight is easy, keeping it off is hard. Frankly, the freaking losing weight can be hard. Even when it’s just 6 pounds, trust me. Well, I recently figured out how to make both pretty damn easy.

As I mentioned, I lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks with ease and it’s staying off! I’ll share more about that in the video series but if you’d like to learn more and have a free health assessment, click here to book a time that is convenient for you.  

It’s an innovative lifestyle approach that gets your mind and body working together helping you adopt healthy habits that contribute to your long-term success.

Grab your FREE Healthy Eating On The Go Guide for more tips, suggestions and inspiration! 

Be sure to tune in for the the live video series this week where we discuss all this and more! 

Have fun & indulge in a bevy of holiday merriment this season ?

A votre sante!