Reclaiming the Health of Our Kids: A Journey Through HTMA, Nutrition, and Holistic Parenting
As parents, our primary focus is always the well-being of our children. But in a world where modern stressors, nutrient-deficient diets, and a fast-paced lifestyle have become the norm, ensuring our kids' health can feel like an uphill battle.
In my latest podcast episode of *A Joy To Be Me*, I dive deep into the topic of reclaiming our children's health through a holistic approach, centered on the principles of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), mindful nutrition, and the power of love in parenting. Listen here: Reclaiming the health of our kids.
The Reality Check That Changed Everything
One of the toughest challenges we face as moms is the realization that our children might be suffering from the same burnout we are experiencing. I had a serious wake-up call when I began using HTMA to assess my family's health. My youngest son, who was emotionally reactive and hyperactive, showed a pattern that society might quickly label as ADHD.
However, through HTMA, I identified it as a...
Why I Had to Put Myself First as a Single Mom: A Path to Family Wellness
Listen to the blog post as a podcast episode as well : on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else
As a single mom, the bar is often set higher for us. We don’t have the luxury of leaning on a partner to share the load, especially when it comes to nurturing and sustaining our families. The weight of making sure everyone is cared for falls squarely on our shoulders, and that’s no small task.
Moms are naturally the nurturers of the family, the glue that holds everything together. But in today’s world, we don’t live in tribes or close-knit communities anymore. We don’t have that built-in support system, whether it’s extended family or a small circle of like-minded local friends. Instead, it’s up to us to create that sense of community within our own homes, often from scratch.
When it comes to our kids, the instinct is to want to help all of them at once, especially when their needs are so apparent. But here’s...
Rewild Your Feet: Lessons from Injury and the Journey to Holistic Health
Your Support Matters: If you find value in my podcast and feel inspired to contribute, I humbly welcome your donations. While they are not expected, they are greatly appreciated and make a significant impact on my work. You can donate through PayPal or Venmo by clicking on the links provided at the top of the show notes in every episode. Thank you for your generosity and for helping me continue creating meaningful content for you
Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify [ HERE ] / iTunes [HERE] or find it just about anywhere else
As Above, So Below: What My Foot Injury Taught Me About Building a Strong Foundation for Optimal Well-Being
The phrase "As above, so below" recently took on new meaning for me. It’s a reminder of the harmony that exists in nature, where what happens on one level of reality is reflected on every other level. This balance is not just external—it’s mirrored within our bodies as well. Alchemists understood this deeply, seeing...
Nurturing Independence: A Mom's Journey with Four Sons and the Power of Magnesium
I'm the proud mom of four sons, aged 25, 21, 19, and 17. With three of them no longer living under my roof, I've had to master the delicate balance of letting go while still being a steady support system. It's been an interesting dance—letting them make their own decisions, learn from their mistakes, and occasionally throwing out my “mom life preserver” when necessary.
Growing up in a household where functional nutrition was the norm, my boys were immersed in a lifestyle focused on health and well-being. This immersion gave them a solid foundation to build upon, yet each one still has to find their own "why" for maintaining those habits. As we all know, everyone learns differently, and many of us have to take the hard road to really understand life’s lessons.
Recently, one of my older sons has been wrestling with his own "why." He’s finally taking the initiative to implement the healthy habits he once fought me on but undoubtedly benefited...
Let's Talk About Probiotics
Episode #201: Let's Talk About Probiotics!
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
In this podcast episode I share a lot of perspective on why we need to consider probiotics in the modern world - my favorite one to start with. I talk about why fermented foods may not do what we think and what we need to consider beyond probiotics because they are not silver bullets. Lots of good insight in this one so you can consider the big picture of your health scape when it comes to considering probiotic use.
Understanding Probiotics: Do You Need Them?
Today, let's dive into the topic of probiotics.
**Probiotic**
**PRO** = For
**BIOTIC** = Life
Do you need a probiotic? Does your gut need a boost in life?
Lately, in conversations with friends and colleagues, the subject of probiotics keeps coming up. Many are losing faith—do they actually work? Are they beneficial, or could they cause harm?
In the health and wellness community, I've noticed some saying that not everyone...
Is it mom guilt or mom grief? How we shape our children's health
Episode #199: Is it mom guilt or mom grief? How we share our children's health
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
Embracing Grief Over Guilt in Motherhood
In this episode, I explore the profound emotions surrounding motherhood, particularly the transition many mothers face when they realize that conventional approaches to health may not serve their children well. I delve into the concept of “mom guilt,” which often arises when mothers recognize that their choices—like using chemical cleaners or not prioritizing nutrition—might have negatively impacted their kids' health.
However, I propose an alternative perspective: instead of guilt, many mothers are experiencing grief. This grief stems from the realization that societal norms around health and child-rearing can often be misguided, leading to harm. As mothers, we are deeply connected to our children and naturally feel the weight of these realizations, which can be overwhelming.
I share my...
Histamine Intolerance and the gut
Episode #194: Histamine Intolerance & the gut
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
Navigating Gut Health and Histamine Intolerance
Recently, I shared on Instagram that I submitted my hair sample for my HTMA retest. After ten years of testing—this being my 38th—I’ve come to view these assessments as seasonal checkpoints in my journey to health.
Reflecting on my early experiences, I remember grappling with a highly volatile system. I was hypersensitive to everything, making it challenging to identify what my body could tolerate. My health felt like a constant cycle of crashing and burning, followed by brief recoveries, all while managing immense stress from multiple factors, including living in a water-damaged home. One of my most significant challenges was severe leaky gut, compounded by a relentless histamine response. For two long years, eating became a daunting task, as I never knew which foods would trigger a reaction.
During that time, I often...
Let's Talk About Leaky Gut
Episode #193: Let's talk about leaky gut (aka: intestinal permeability or metabolic endotoxemia)
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
The Importance of Gut Health: Rethinking Our Approach
Many people, if not most, are experiencing some degree of gut dysbiosis or "leaky gut." This observation stems from both clinical experience and a growing body of research on the human microbiome, as well as insights from ancestral health practices.
Surprisingly, most individuals who come to me have not adequately addressed their gut health. They may believe they’ve tackled it—often claiming to have healed their guts by eliminating problem foods or following various protocols to address pathogens. However, there’s little evidence that they have truly repaired their gut or are consuming enough nutrients for their microbial health, particularly the essential carbohydrates, plants, and fibers.
What Does Gut Repair Mean?
When I refer to "gut repair," I’m primarily...
POV: Minerals in the spotlight
Episode #192: POV Minerals in the spotlight & a rant!
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
Grab my FREE Magic of Magnesium Starter Kit HERE
This is a whole-picture, balanced approach—no isolating magnesium or popping pills to chase symptoms. You’ll discover how to incorporate magnesium in a way that respects your body’s unique needs, helps you move towards lasting wellness, and makes sense for your health journey. No harsh protocols. No overwhelm. Just mindful, informed choices that empower you to truly take charge of your well-being.
The Paradigm Shift in Mineral Balancing
In recent times, mineral balancing has begun to gain much-deserved attention, and I couldn't be more thrilled! However, with this surge in interest comes a wave of confusion. Many individuals are eager to embark on their mineral journey, yet they find themselves overwhelmed by the myriad of approaches and perspectives available.
As I engage with more people seeking my...
Nourishing Ways to Repair & Rebuild during the 'holiday season'
Episode #191: Nourishing Ways to Repair & Rebuild during the 'holiday season'
Listen on iTunes HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE.
*Note: this blog is simply a summary of the podcast episode
The transition into late fall and winter can feel abrupt, especially with the diminishing light. For many, this time of year brings a rush of activities, fueled by marketing pressures that start earlier each season. Personally, I’ve stepped back from this hectic cycle, and I often marvel at how I once navigated it without losing my sense of self. Can anyone relate?
If you have kids, school is in full swing, and the holidays are just around the corner. Work often feels like a crunch to get everything done before the year ends. I’ve noticed a similar busy vibe with many of my clients lately.
This cycle of busyness is familiar, but this year feels particularly stressful with everything happening in the world—illness, global challenges, and an overarching sense of...
