Kelly Bonanno

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

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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.

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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!

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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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** All workshops, lunch & learns and wellness programs can be delivered virtually online**

Thank you for your interest in my corporate wellness information, I am thrilled that you are considering offering your employees this valuable education. My innovative Eco Wellness Program enables companies to reduce sick days and burnout by improving the overall health and well being of their employees so they are happier, more productive and loyal to the company.

Corporate wellness gives you an average ROI of over $3 for every $1 spent. 

Empowering your employees with wellness education and healthy lifestyle habits is a game-changer for your business. It makes your team feel supported and creates a better environment for them. Healthy employees are happier and more productive.

Stress is a leading cause of disease and premature aging. A third of individuals with organizations report dealing with a high level of stress and the global pandemic has exacerbated stress levels. 

Your leaders need wellness support too. Did you know that corporate executives are on the top 10 list of the most stressed-out individuals?

“Illness-related absenteeism is an obvious factor in productivity. Less obvious but probably more significant is presenteeism—when people come to work but underperform because of illness or stress. Research consistently shows that the costs to employers from health-related lost productivity dwarf those of health insurance.” – Harvard Business Review

Workplace wellness is more important than ever given the global climate and the extra pressure and stress caused by COVID-19. Keeping yourself and your employees healthy and feeling good is critical.

I am fully equipped to offer virtual workshops as well as self-study online courses and masterclasses that employees can go through on their own time at their own pace. 

Each year, the economy loses 2.2 trillion as a result of chronic disease, disengaged employees, stress and work related illness.

What is Eco Wellness? It’s my signature holistic approach to overall well-being based on the 7 Pillars of Health. My specialty is helping people transform health by reducing the body’s toxic burden, implementing healthy habits and releasing unwanted weight.

What does eco friendly living have to do with our health? Everything! It’s an aspect of well-being that should be an integral part of your worksite wellness program. 

You may be thinking that implementing eco friendly habits into our daily routine is simply a way of treating our earth kinder, reducing waste and making the environment more sustainable. All true. However, there is a strong link between a healthy environment and healthy individuals. 

Americans have increasingly become more conscious about their health and they are concerned about the impact toxins have on our wellbeing. 75% say they want to protect the environment.

Reducing the number of toxic products we use in our homes, in our offices, and on our bodies has an extraordinary impact on our health. What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. I have the expertise to help you and your employees go green in a way that is not overwhelming, complicated or difficult.

Promoting wellness in your workplace and empowering employees to take control of their health is essential for productivity, team happiness, and retention. Organizations that have approached these initiatives have achieved these results.

Schedule a call with Kelly to discover if an Eco Wellness Program or workshop will meet your company’s needs. Your business may be eligible to receive insurance credits for wellness programs.

There is a health crisis in America. Over 70% of adults suffer from chronic and pre-chronic conditions. Many of which can be alleviated with lifestyle changes.

Nearly 1/5th of  people suffering from fragrance allergies take sick leave from their workplace due to their condition

The World Health Organization has declared burnout from chronic workplace stress a legitimate medical diagnosis. A major contributing factor is energy depletion and exhaustion which can be managed successfully with the right strategies.

As recent as the 1970s workplace stress was a fringe topic that was not thought of as an issue that needed to be addressed. We sure know differently now. Workplace stress costs U.S. businesses nearly $300 billion each year. 

I want to empower your employees to take control of their health. Healthier employees are more productive.

Green education and wellness is what many ‘best places to work for’ companies are implementing. The green movement is growing and businesses need to be sustainable. By implementing my program, it’s an issue that your company will be in front of and have solid, workable solutions in place. I worked in the corporate world for many years, I am aware of the needs and priorities that businesses have. 

Treatment of contact dermatitis and eczema in the US contribute between $1 billion and $3.8 billion to insurance companies and Medicaid annually

I am passionate about helping people live their healthiest life and feel good. I have the expertise to help you and your employees improve well being, reach a healthy weight and go green in a way that is not overwhelming, complicated or difficult.

My unique approach to wellness coaching integrates conscious eco friendly habits to help reduce your body’s toxic burden while treating the planet with more kindness.

Wellness is a multifaceted journey creating consciousness and guiding people to make choices that improve the human condition and increase longevity. Living a non toxic, eco friendly lifestyle is not an option for those who desire optimal health and you can help your employees do it.

I take a very holistic approach incorporating the mind body connection. A happy, healthy, thriving workforce is the core of a solid, successful organization. I will motivate you and your team, share practical, actionable steps you can all take toward a healthier lifestyle and hold you accountable. Knowledge is powerful but knowledge with action is the key to success. 

I collaborate with fellow wellness experts providing superior solutions and results offering bespoke Corporate Eco Wellness Programs and workshops based on your company’s needs. Being a small business, our overhead is low. We are ultra responsive and can move quickly. We bring niche expertise that we can easily customize to the needs of your organization.

My programs offer a variety of beneficial outcomes for business owners that can include:

  • Reduced healthcare costs by providing employees with education and methods that will minimize their body’s toxic burden
  • Improved morale and employee engagement, leading to a more productive, high-performing workforce
  • Improved employee health, attendance, and focus; minimizing the bodies toxic burden can alleviate issues that leave people feeling fatigued, depleted of energy, and suffering from skin problems, asthma, allergies and extra weight
  • Increased productivity
  • Improved mindset which enhances performance and attitude 
  • Weight reduction; according to the AMA, a 10% reduction in body weight reduces risk of various weight-related diseases by 50%.
  • Staff retention
  • Stress & anxiety reduction and management
  • Mindfulness
  • Work-life balance
  • Energy management
  • A solid knowledge base of what toxins to avoid and how to create a healthy personal care routine with ease
  • Enhanced company culture and brand ~ be recognized as a great place to work & retain and recruit the best
  • Leading the way for social change as green initiatives are increasing in popularity
  • Understanding the reciprocal relationship between our environment and our health
  • Economic studies show companies utilizing green technology and selling green products are seeing an increase in profits
  • Empower employees to bolster productivity and improve health outcomes

Depending on your needs, I design a custom eco wellness program that integrates into what you currently have in place. I elicit changes in your employees’ lifestyle by effectively meeting each individual where they are in their green journey without overwhelm. I motivate them to reach meaningful and workable goals that will improve their health by minimizing their body’s toxic burden.

 

 

Customized plans can include:

  • Customized Eco Lifestyle Plans For Employees 
  • Eco Wellness Campaigns
  • Customized green personal care & clean beauty routines
  • Lunch & Learns
  • Individual Consultations For Employees & Team Leaders
  • Eco Wellness Workshops
  • Workplace Sustainable Practices
  • Go green across the board
  • Ask An Eco Wellness Coach Q&A Session
  • Weight loss programs
  • Principals of healthy eating
  • Understand & apply current nutritional research
  • Learn the impact nutrition and reducing toxic load has on overall health, mental clarity, focus, stress & more
  • Realistic, actionable, doable advice and recommendations 
  • Budget friendly tips
  • Virtual Training
  • Online Courses
  • Assistance in obtaining GreenBiz Certification
  • Organic product bundles
  • Policy Development For Sustainable Practices
  • Ergonomics / Movement Series

Ergonomics and posture training are particularly meaningful right now as 56% of Americans are currently working from home (that’s up from 3.6% before the pandemic) where they are not equipped with a proper office set up. Posture is declining at an exponential rate, the highest we’ve seen in history due to technology and the onset of the Internet.

“Improving the health and well-being of our employees… offers a ”win-win” all around. Employees benefit from better support for their health. Companies benefit from less absence and improved productivity. And society benefits from improved public health.”
~Steve Flanagan, Chief Executive, The Fremantle Trust

Live In-Person & Virtual Eco Wellness

Workshops & Talks

I offer live wellness workshops held in your workplace or home and virtual workshops via Zoom. They’re a fun way to learn how to live a more eco friendly lifestyle, improve nutrition, manage weight, reduce toxic load and transition to clean products!

Very few health coaches are educating people on the toxic issue, how it impedes our health and how to mitigate the health threat. If your company already offers a wellness program or has an Employee Assistance Program in place, my workshops would be a valuable supplement. 

Who Can Benefit from an Eco Wellness Speaker

  • Businesses that want more productive employees who take fewer sick days.
  • Birth centers and prenatal clinics looking to offer eco lifestyle education to new and expecting parents who want to create a healthy non toxic home for their babies
  • A health and wellness conference or event, that wants a dynamic speaker to motivate their audience.
  • A women’s conference or event, that wants to empower their participants reduce their toxic load and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
  • A fitness studio that wants to offer a fun and informative perk for their clients.
  • Your friends and family! Invite them to a gathering in your home where they’ll learn which toxins to avoid and how to clean up their beauty & personal care routine and home environment.
  • A doctor looking to host an event to educate attendees on the importance of minimizing the body’s toxic burden
  • A school looking to enrich their curriculum with an engaging presentation on eco friendly living, establishing healthy eco habits, and greening their personal care routine.

Book a call with Kelly to schedule a workshop that meets your needs and discuss rates. Choose from one (or a series of) of my signature 45 minute talks:

  • Building Resilience In Unstable Times
  • Nutrition For A High Performance Work Day
  • Sugar Smackdown: Whole Body Benefits Of Kicking The Sugar Habit
  • 3 Ways To Increase Your Energy & Boost Your Metabolism
  • Nutrition For Optimal Energy & Healthy Weight
  • Eco Friendly Living Made Easy: Go Green, Detoxify Your Home & Reduce Your Body’s Toxic Load
  • Introduction To Intermittent Fasting 
  • 3 Ways To Lose Weight Without Counting Calories
  • 5 Steps To A Clean, Green Beauty & Personal Care Routine
  • 10 Steps to Easy Self-Care & Stress Management
  • 3 Surprising Culprits That Sabotage Weight Loss: The Connection Between Toxins, Blood Sugar Levels & Weight
  • 5 Reasons People Are Exhausted, Stressed Out & Struggling With Weight and How To Fix It
  • Go Green For The Holidays
  • 5 Secrets Healthy Moms Know To Welcome Baby Into A Non Toxic Home
  • Toxins & Chronic Inflammation: What Are The Causes & How To Treat It Naturally

Individual Consultations For Employees & Team Leaders

  • 45 minute individual, customized sessions
  • Health, nutrition and green living advice + tips provided
  • Wellness plan provided based on extensive intake form filled out in advance
  • Includes gift bag, wellness plan, PDF 
  • Virtual or on-site

Group Wellness Coaching Available

Do you have an idea for a customized service? I am open to suggestions and would love to work with you and specialize for your needs!

For more information on all services, schedule a call with Kelly to discuss your company’s needs. Together we will figure out a program or workshop that is right for you and your employees. Based on your needs and goals, I will design a custom Eco Wellness strategy and game plan for your company that fits your budget. 

 

“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your talk during the wellness event on Friday! You are SUCH an amazing speaker!! Because of you, I went out and bought healthier deodorant and am committed to buying less-toxic household cleaners, lotion, and shampoo/conditioner next time I run out! I will DEFINITELY keep my ear to the ground for businesses that might be interested in a workshop!!” ~Courtney Livesay, Keller Williams 

“You are the most amazing speaker it’s your calling️️. You’re a natural… the passion and message just flow. Beautiful, powerful, articulate.” ~Tamra Glaser, College Audition Mentors

“Kelly, thank you so so much for today! You were amazing and gave us all so much great information. My Aunt Diane just texted me that she ordered some 100% Pure products and that she is noticing a lot of her products have “fragrance” and other toxins. Today couldn’t have been more perfect. I’ve received so much positive response from the event. I truly can’t thank you enough” ~Cassy Niehaus, mom of 2

“I’m the one who needs to thank you. The information was fantastic and everyone really seemed to appreciate and enjoy it” ~Linda Morris, Vitu 

“I was feeling overwhelmed with the notion that I had to change all of my personal care items from toxic to green all at once to get a benefit until I attended a workshop of Kelly Bonanno. She gave a tip that really stuck with me… I finally had a light bulb go off in my head about what I could do.  And now it is easy to make a change, step by step.” ~Katie Clunen, Esq., Ventura County Divorce and Mediation

Speaker One Sheet download

“Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all” ~Ban Ki-moon

https://kellybonanno.com/2019/01/corporatewellness/

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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! 

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11 Natural Ways To Ease & Prevent Cold & Flu

This is one of the worst cold and flu seasons in years. It understandably has people on edge. Particularly with the deaths that have occured. A few people in my Facebook group have asked about natural methods to prevent and treat the nasty flu bug so I thought it would be a good time chat about it.

Truth be told, we don’t get sick from extreme temperatures, we catch it from one another. Flu is the cause of roughly 36,000 deaths each year and over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of it. It’s sad how many have lost their lives to it this year. In some cases, they ended up having sepsis.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

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!

Get free access to my resource library of checklists, guides, worksheets with more tips & info that will get you well your on your way to a healthier, more eco friendly lifestyle

6) These Natural Remedies Are My Must Haves

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. 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.

7) 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.

8) 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.

9) Wash your hands

You touch a door knob 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. But seriously,want to get sick LESS often? Do Not eat with your hands 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.

10) 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.

11) 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.

Do you find yourself prone to getting sick often? It could be an underlying issue or your immune system just 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!

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Go Non Toxic In 2018! Get Started With These 5 Tips

I hope 2018 is off to a wonderful start for you! I began my year on a family cruise to the Mexican Riviera which was fabulous. I was offline for most of the week, no wifi at sea. It felt so good to take a break, have fun with loved ones, unwind & unplug! The average person checks they’re phone 50 – 300 times a day. It was nice to not have the temptation. I highly recommend taking a tech break whenever possible, even if it’s just for a day.

I love the holidays so I do get a tad blue as they come to an end but there is something very exciting about starting fresh with a brand new year and diving into a world of new possibilities.

Most of us want to make changes when a new year begins; those changes typically involve getting healthier. This could be losing weight, exercising regularly, quit smoking, eating more fruits and veggies, adding a meditation practice… You know I take a very holistic approach to wellness so I advocate all those goals and I am here to help you reach them.

My suggestion? Go non toxic. Most people don’t realize how important it is to reduce our body’s toxic burden. Toxicity levels in our system can wreak havoc on our health.

A healthy, eco friendly lifestyle is not a luxury. Detoxing your lifestyle is simply not an option if you want to be healthy.

The truth is, we live in an extremely toxic world. Being healthy requires detoxing our personal care and beauty routines and our home environments. The good news, it’s really not difficult and I am here to help you do it.

The other fantastic thing about adopting this particular healthy habit is that you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods or start some intense workout routine to reap the benefits. It’s easier than trying to lose weight or change your diet or get in shape. Seriously!

Whether you are just beginning your green non toxic journey or you are already living a pretty clean life but want to go further, all steps to detoxing will improve your health. Period.

The healthiest individuals make detoxing a natural part of their daily routine.

Even small changes will make a difference. Here are a few things you can start doing this year to detox and improve your health:

  • Start your day with a detoxifying drink. A cup of warm water with the juice of 1 organic lemon will set you up with a healthy start to your day by helping to flush the kidneys, aid digestion, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, balance pH levels and the acidity stimulates 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, which all help combat wrinkles savvy girls! 
  • Ecofy your cleaning routine Use products that do not contain harmful toxins to clean your home, car and office. Just like using non toxic personal care products, this is far healthier for the environment and your family
  • Steer clear of Bisphenol A. I have written about the dangers of BPA in several posts over the years. It’s found in everything from plastic containers to the lining of canned foods to cash register receipts. 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. The truth is, most plastic has estrogenic chemicals so it’s healthy to avoid plastic as much as possible.
  • Toss toxic air fresheners  Exposure even just once a week can increase your odds of developing asthma by as much as 71% and can contribute to an increase in pulmonary diseases. Plus there is no evidence that they disinfect the air in any way but research is showing that chemicals in these products harm us. Try Master Blaster, it eliminates odors and blasts stain (even tough laundry stains!) or  John Desilvia‘s natural version instead: 2 T baking soda, 5 drops of essential oil, 2 C water in a spray bottle.
  • For the love of all that’s good in the world, DITCH TOXIC DEODORANT & ANTIPERSPIRANT! They contain parabens (which mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of breast and other cancers) and aluminum. Both have been found in breast cancer tissue. Our underarms absorb even more than other areas of our skin. Want a safe, healthy alternative that actually works ALL day and night? You’ll find it here in my list of clean personal care products that I approve.

You know sipping your daily h20 intake from plastic water bottles is no good because of the BPA and phthalates not to mention how horrible they are for the environment. Another disposable item habit to break is coffee pods, 30 million go to the landfills each day. Start using reusable K-cups for Keurig. You’ll save money and help out the beautiful environment!

There you have it, a new year’s detox that doesn’t require fasting or juicing for a cleanse. How about that? Pretty easy way to detox, right?!

Want even more great tips on how to reduce the toxins in your home with ease and live a healthier, more eco friendly lifestyle in 2018? Grab my free healthy home checklist, The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living: Detoxify Your Home In 10 Easy Steps 

And if you want to green your beauty routine grab The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Looking Younger Without Toxic Chemicals In 10 Easy Steps. 

I am ready to start this new year with a bang, how about you?! I am developing some very exciting things that I can’t wait to share with you.

Happy 2018!

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You’re Aware, Aren’t You? Let’s Focus On Prevention ✳︎15 Things You Can Do To Prevent Breast Cancer✳︎ Plus a FREE Checklist Included!

Awareness is important but the conversation needs to be about preventing breast cancer. Only 10% of all cancers are genetic, 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.

The good news is that we can reduce our risk with healthy lifestyle habits. Even small changes can improve our health and increase longevity. Many of these tips can help prevent other cancers and illness 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.
  • Avoid parabens. You know how I feel about parabens if you’ve been reading my blog for a while. Use cosmetics and sunscreen that are formulated without them because parabens 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%
  • 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
  • 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 receipts. 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
  • 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 Essentials or Meow Meow Tweet.

I am passionate about raising awareness about what we can do to prevent breast cancer and other illnesses. But let’s switch gears and discuss a deceitful practice that needs to end: Pinkwashing.

I am grateful to companies that raise real funds for breast cancer research and prevention. However, I find it horrendously hypocritical when companies sell products with ingredients that have been shown to CAUSE BREAST CANCER! Don’t you?!

Everywhere you turn in October companies are 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. As the Gerson Institute calls it, ‘carcinogens for the cure.’ Yep.

“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.”

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.

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

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Free Webinar! The Truth About Toxicity: Reduce Your Risk of Illness & Detox Your Beauty Routine in 5 Easy Steps

This morning—when you put on your mascara, lathered your body with sweet-smelling lotion, and sent your kids off to school after brushing their teeth—you didn’t think twice about the harmful toxins in your products, did you?

I’m guessing not. Even though I know in the back of your mind it’s a major concern for you.

Tired of wondering if you’re doing enough to prevent the long term health issues caused by the toxins in your products?
Stop wondering. Sign up for my FREE Webinar: The Truth About Toxicity ~ Reduce Your Risk of Illness & Detox Your Beauty Routine in 5 Easy Steps

Click this link for access to the webcast

I have been where you are, worried about toxins and confused and frustrated by the contradictory information out there so I am excited to give you valuable, practical tips that will help you reduce your risk of cancer, autoimmune disease, and various other illnesses caused by common toxins.

I’m also going to share some of my top favorite clean beauty & personal care lines that I use and recommend so you’ll know what to use.

Sign up for instant access to view the webcast and discover simple tips & strategies to minimize your body’s toxic burden & take control of your beauty & skincare routine without giving up glamour 

If you know someone who would benefit from the information I’m sharing in this webinar, please send them this link: The Truth About Toxicity 

A votre sante!

~Kelly

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Holistic Wellness Coach Brianna Wilkerson Shares Her Top Wellness Tips

If you’re in my Facebook group you’ve probably noticed that I’ve interviewed some pretty interesting and knowledgable people lately. I love introducing you to fellow wellness warriors who can offer sound advice and tips to make living well easier and more accessible.

Brianna Wilkerson, founder of Made Well is a holistic health and success coach who focuses on empowering others to thrive in their health, businesses, purposes and lives. In a recent interview, she shares her top wellness tips to help you live your healthiest life.

Holistic Wellness Coach Brianna Wilkerson

Brianna advocates clean eating and teaches people about the important role gut health plays in keeping our immune system strong.

She says because a weak immune system decreases the body’s ability to fight off foreign bacteria, viruses, and other illnesses the food we eat can can have a big impact on how well our immune system functions as well as our hormones, energy levels, emotions, digestive health, weight, fertility, brain health and much more.

According to Science Daily, there is even a link between gut bacteria and MS. People with MS show lower levels of good gut bacteria. A recent study revealed that MS patients have a different microbiome than people with good health.

I had such a great time chatting with Brianna. We are quite like minded, her valuable advice is right in line with my philosophy on health and well being. If you implement even one of her tips you will reap some healthy benefits!  Watch the full interview here

Brianna’s Whole Woman’s Health Interview Series, offers free training from several wellness experts in various areas of well being including spirituality, finances, career, physical activity, relationships, emotional and mental health.

For more healthy holistic goodness, check out Brianna’s signature program, Whole30 Made Easy, which opens for enrollment soon. It’s a 6-Week nutrition and lifestyle transformation program designed to help individuals who are discouraged with their health feel victorious and empowered, living their healthiest lifestyle. who are discouraged improve their health, which includes gut health!

I’ll be interviewing interesting people each week on Facebook who will be giving us valuable wellness information, advice and tips so join the free private group today & stay tuned.

Have eco lifestyle or wellness questions or concerns? Want to chat wellness? I’m currently offering free 15 minute Wellness Sessions. Schedule yours here ?

A votre sante!

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Enjoy The Health Benefits Of These Delicious Summer Fruits

Eaten fresh off the vine or tossed in a salad or refreshing smoothie, delicious summer fruits are nature’s candy packed full of important nutrients

Cherries These beauties help reduce inflammation and contain powerful antioxidants including cyanidin, melatonin and anthocyanins. Research done at the University of Michigan Health System uncovered cardiovascular benefits of tart cherries. They suspect that the anthocyanins help reduce risk factors for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes by potentially activating PPAR found in the body’s tissues which regulate fat and glucose levels.

Apricots One of my very favorite fruits is high in fiber and vitamin A which is great for your skin. It’s a good source of iron which is not always easy to find in foods, especially for vegans and vegetarians. Eat them with a fruit containing vitamin C and your body will have even better absorption of the iron.

Pineapple The fantastic enzymes in pineapple such as bromelain help fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a precursor to many diseases. Pineapple is packed with collagen boosting vitamin C and manganese which is important for bone health.

Papaya The beta-carotene, vitamins C & E in this yummy fruit also help fight inflammation. Our bodies convert beta-carotene as well as other carotenoids to vitamin A which is fabulous for your skin so eat up, glamour girls!

Watermelon The citrulline in watermelon helps keep your heart healthy by boosting levels of arginine in the body which increases blood flow to the heart and the lycopene helps ward off cancer.The high water content aids digestion and helps flush out toxins.  It’s high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.

Kiwi These guys are actually large berries! They are very high in fiber, potassium, vitamin E and even more vitamin C than oranges (not knocking oranges, they are fantastic too. Very healthy and have always been one of my favorite fruits ?)

Blueberries They score a whopping 9,621 on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity [ORAC] test which is a lab test designed to quantify the approximate “total antioxidant capacity” (TAC). These little antioxidants super stars fight a bevy of diseases from cancer to heart disease.

A votre sante!