Why do my mood swings matter? Free Mood Tracker Planner Printable.

Why do my mood swings matter

Is it really necessary to keep track of how I feel?

In my opinion it’s very important to keep track of mood changes and fluctuations due to the fact that they are related to mild to severe hormonal imbalance.

Now, we could be referring to preteens, teens, pregnant woman, men of a certain age, men overexposed to estrogen; when they are estrogen dominant, it causes an imbalance in the endocrine system. I would also consider people who suffer from chronic illness at very high to severe risk for hormonal imbalance along with radical mood swings. Lastly, please take into consideration women who are on the onset or are experiencing full blown menopause.

So why is it so important to keep track of the changes in your mood? 

Naturally our bodies shift around, moods come and go. Emotions ride high, emotions ride low but when you find yourself in an almost chronically debilitating state of emotional instability it may be time to take action. 

 

You need to remember that hormones control many aspects of your well-being including but not limited to:

One, your Mood. Two, your Metabolism & Weight Gain or Loss. Three, your Development and Growth, Fatigue and Stress and lastly, your Sex drive and Reproduction. 

Some quick, healthy natural remedies that you can begin incorporating into your diet and lifestyle would be:

(Always consult your physician when beginning a new dietary routine.)

Foods:

Coconut Oil: Absolutely start including Organic extra virgin coconut oil into your daily routine. This oil is linked to overwhelming evidence to provide help in balancing hormones and helping your body to recover from stress and adrenal fatigue. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which metabolize through the body differently than other well-known saturated fats. Coconut oil contains, what is lauric acid. Lauric acid is known to kill off fungus, bacteria and viruses. Coconut oil also reduces overall cholesterol and curbs hunger.

Avocado: Yes the beautiful, wonderful smooth and delicious avocado is number 2 on the list. Don’t let the calorie intake of this sweet little gem throw you off. This silky smooth yumminess is loaded with a ton of protein, fiber, vitamins and trace minerals that will support hormone balance. Along with that, avocados have also been studied and have come out top dog in helping the fight against insulin resistance. 

Salmon: Fresh wild caught salmon is number 3 on the list because, as we all know salmon is absolutely loaded with a ton of vital minerals and vitamins to help support your body. It has been studied and shown that salmon provides overall body health. 

Heal your leaky gut. 

Exercise

Include L-Theanine which is an amino acid which is found in black, white and green tea. This amino acid helps you think more clearly and cope better with stress. 

Oils

Essential Oils proven successful in balancing your Hormones

Clary Sage: From what I have studied clary sage has been proven to have a tremendous effect on reduced cortisol levels by close to 35% as well as support thyroid function. Clary Sage acts as an anti-depressant. Its also great for PMS, from mild to severe. 

Thyme: Thyme essential oil has been proven to help with progesterone production. Both men and woman will benefit from this, mainly because in our modern society, estrogen dominance is becoming more and more prevalent due to the additional steroids, hormones and pesticides we ingest through our food. This is why Thyme is a great addition to your routine to balance out hormones.

Frankincense: Lastly frankincense oil is overall wonder oil or the "King of Oils". It not only supports the thyroid, but it balances your mood and fights anxiety.

Some additional oils that support hormone balance and evens out mood swings

Lemongrass: Antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, fungicide, diuretic

Lavender: Alleviates stress, helps restore skin, relaxes and helps with sleep, helps with heart palpitations.

Anise Helps respiratory, skin, calms Arthritis, Relieve gas, indigestion and bloating, calms and relaxes you.

Myrtle Aphrodisiac, sedative, skin, nervine, expectorant.

Geranium Balance hormones, Balances hormones, Relieves stress, reduce and minimize inflammation, improves your circulation, reduce blood pressure, calms effects of menopause, Dental health, Skin.

Basil Soothes sore muscles and joints, Assists with clear breathing, skin, mental alertness, anxiety.

You can use essential oils directly on your body or diffuse them into the room.

This is just beginner information when it comes to balancing your hormones. 

I am just beginning my journey and would love to hear your stories of trials and successes. God Bless

Kristin  

Click Here for Printable

 

FREE scales Printable for your Happy Planner Erin Condrin and More

 

 

 FREE scales Printable for your Planner or Calendar HERE

I am going to add a little scale on weigh in days in my Happy Planner. So excited. The family is bucking me on this weight loss challenge but by golly jeepers I am determined that everyone is going to have fun. I can just see my children's eyes rolling over that one lol. Enjoy these little scale stickers. Please feel free to rescale (pun intended lol) in your printer settings to enjoyable size. Print them on a full sticker sheet or on regular paper and cut out and glue in planner.

Be Inspired to get healthy this year
Kristin

Health/Medicinal Uses for essential eucalyptus oil

 

Obtained from OrganicFacts.Net

Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The health benefits of eucalyptus oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinct taste and odor.
Though eucalyptus essential oil has most of the properties of a typical volatile oil, it is not very popular as an aromatherapy oil as it was little known before a few centuries. However, the numerous health benefits of eucalyptus oil have attracted the attention of the entire world to explore its usage in aromatherapy as well as conventional medicine.
Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves of the tall evergreen eucalyptus tree. The tree, which has the botanical name Eucalyptus Globulus is also known as fever tree, blue gum tree or stringy bark tree. Eucalyptus is native to Australia and has spread in the past few centuries to other parts of the world including India, Europe and South Africa. Though many countries produce eucalyptus oil in small quantities, the prime source of eucalyptus oil for the world is Australia. Due to the medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil and the compound eucalyptol present in it, it is used in a variety of over the counter drugs including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes.

Health benefits of eucalyptus oil

The health benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:

Respiratory problems: Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, running nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and decongestant in nature which makes it a good ingredient for many medicines for treating respiratory problems. A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicines containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective on treating sore throat.

Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.

Muscle pain: During muscle and joint pains, massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin surface helps in getting relief from the pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain. The oil is massage in circular motion on affected areas.

Mental exhaustion: An important reason why people like using eucalyptus oil is that it provides a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally people suffering from any disorder are down. Eucalyptus oil, which is stimulating, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It is also effective in treating stress and mental disorders.

Dental care: Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaques, gingivitis and other dental infections due to its germicidal properties.

Skin care: Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections.

Diabetes: Eucalyptus oil when taken internally controls blood sugar.

Fever: It is also used for treating fever and reducing the body temperature. Therefore it is also called fever oil.

Intestinal germs: Eucalyptus oil is a vermifuge and hence is used to remove germs in the intestine.
Other benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:

Room freshener: The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect room freshener for hospitals and sickbed atmosphere. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air and hence keeps the room environment clean.

Soaps: Eucalyptus oil has applications in soaps, detergents and household cleaners as well.

Mouth wash: As mentioned above, the oil is a prime ingredient in many mouthwashes and toothpastes.

Sauna: Many people add eucalyptus oil to baths, spas and saunas due to its refreshing and antiseptic effect.
Usage of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy is increasing gradually as it also blends well with many other essential oils including thyme essential oil, rosemary essential oil, marjoram essential oil, lavender essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, frankincense essential oil, etc.
One should take care while using eucalyptus oil. If taken in large quantities, eucalyptus oil is toxic. It may also interfere with homeopathic treatments.

Copyright

Health/Medicinal Benefits of essential lemon oil

Health Benefits of Lemon Oil 

Organic Facts

The health benefits of lemon oil can be attributed to its stimulating, calming, carminative, anti-infection, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, sleep inducing, and anti-fungal properties. These benefits of lemon oil include its ability to treat stress disorders, fever, infections, asthma, over weight, insomnia, skin disorders, hair disorders, stomach problems and tiredness.


Lemon is one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world and is used for culinary purposes as it is a good source of vitamin and helps in digestion. It also provides a good taste and aroma to food. Further lemon juice is one of the most popular drinks in the world as it is very healthy, tasty, and low cost.

Health benefits of lemon oil include the following:

Stress: Lemon oil is calming in nature and therefore helps in removing mental fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness and nervous tension. It has to ability to refresh the mind by creating a positive mind-frame and removing negative emotions. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees.

Insomnia: Usage of lemon oil ensures good sleep and helps those suffering from insomnia.

Immune system: Lemon oil has high vitamin content and therefore it helps in increasing
the immunity of the body. It further stimulated White Blood Cells and thus increases your ability to fight diseases. Lemon oil also improves the circulation in the body.
Fever: Lemon oil is effective against infectious diseases such as fever, malaria and typhoid.

Stomach ailments: Since lemon oil is carminative, it is used in treating various stomach problems including indigestion, acidity, stomach upsets, cramps, etc.

Weight loss: Lemon juice is very helpful in reducing weight.
Asthma: It is believed that lemon is also useful for treating asthma.

Hair care: Lemon oil is also effective as a hair tonic. Many people use lemon oil to get strong, healthy and silky, shinning hair. Lemon oil is also used for removing dandruff from head.

Skin care: Lemon oil is a great tonic for the increasing the luster of dull dry skin. It is astringent and detoxifying in nature, and it rejuvenates dull skin. Its antiseptic properties help in treating pimples and various skin disorders. Lemon is also recommended for oily skin.
Other benefits of lemon include the following:

Cleaners: Lemon is a good cleaner; therefore it is used for cleansing the body, metal surfaces, etc. It is also a disinfectant and hence it is used for cleaning surfaces such as butcher’s knife and block that can get contaminated easily.

Soaps and cosmetics: Lemon juice and lemon essential oil is used in soaps, face wash and many personal care and skin care cosmetics due to its antiseptic nature.

Perfumes: Lemon oil has a distinct refreshing aroma which makes it a good ingredient for perfumes. Many scented candles contain lemon oil. It is also uused in potpourris.

Beverages: Lemon oil is used in various artificial drinks concentrates to give them the taste of lemon juice.
Lemon oil blends well with many other essential oils including lavender essential oil, rose oil, neroli essential oil, sandalwood oil, geranium essential oil, ylang ylang essential oil, tea tree essential oil, etc.

The medicinal (health) benefits of orange oil

(Natural News) A favorite oil used in Aromatherapy is Orange essential oil. It has a fresh, sweet, citrus smell and is a valuable treatment oil for many ailments. The oil is extracted from the fruit of the Orange plant (Citrus sinensis) by cold-press method and it is best to only use organic, cold-pressed oils to avoid chemical toxicity.

Sweet and Bitter Orange essential oils offer a magnitude of health benefits and therapeutic properties. Some of these include:

• Anti-depressant
  Well-known for its uplifting properties, orange essential oil is soothing to the mind and helps to relieve stress. It is refreshing and relaxing and commonly used for the treatment of anxiety.
• Anti-inflammatory
  It provides relief from both internal and external inflammation caused by infections. It is helpful in treating swollen tissue by stimulating blood circulation.
• Anti-septic
  It inhibits microbial growth and can help ease a sore throat if used in a gargle. It also helps to heal mouth ulcers when used in a mouth wash.
• Improves Digestion
  It is known to promote digestion, ease constipation and increase the absorption of vitamin C. Use as a massage oil in the abdominal area.
• Anti-Cancer
  D-limonene is a super-nutrient that occurs in Orange Essential Oil. It has been studied extensively for its ability to prevent cellular mutations and combat cancer tumor growth.
• Encourages Detoxification
  Sweet Orange essential oil encourages detoxification by acting as a diuretic. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, the bladder and kidneys. Increased urination assists in the elimination of toxins like uric acid, bile and excess salts and helps relieve fluid retention. Detox and cleansing properties help breakdown and eliminate cellulite.
• Skin Treatment
  Orange essential oil is shown to promote the production of collagen as well as increase the blood flow to the skin. It is helpful at soothing dry, irritated skin as well as acne-prone skin. It is excellent for rubbing on calluses on the feet.

How To Use Orange Essential Oil

Essential oils are absorbed into the body via the nose and the pores of skin and hair follicles. From there they enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. The beauty of aromatherapy is that you benefit from the inhalation and topical application of the essential oils.

• Use as a massage oil on affected areas of the body.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to a body wash.
• Use as a room freshener: put a few drops of oil with water in a spritz bottle.
• To relive a sore throat: Add a drop of bitter orange essential oil to warm salt water and gargle.

Other Orange Essential Oil Uses

Orange Essential Oil also has a number of industrial and household uses.
It is used to add orange flavor to various food products such as beverages, desserts, biscuits, chocolates, sweets and bakery items. Industrially, it is used in soaps, body lotions, face creams, room sprays/air fresheners and deodorants.

The D-limonene in Sweet Orange essential oil is an extremely effective insect repellent. Wipe or spray it wherever pests come into your house: cracks, around windows and doors. It can also be safely used in your pantry to repel moths, worms and ants instead of using poisonous substances.

Warnings and Precautions :

Orange Essential Oil shows photo-toxicity, do not apply before going out in the sun.
If ingested in excess quantity, it can result in vomiting and nausea. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

References

1.www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-o...

2. Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-67.

3. www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils-news/natural-hea...

4. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01046929

5. http://www.encognitive.com/node/2579

About the author

Katherine Oosthuis is completing a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy. She researches and writes for a health and nutrition website Detox For Life . Her passion is to make research available to those who are looking to improve their well-being and revolutionize their health through better nutrition and alternative medicines.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029155_orange_essential_oils.html#ixzz2PSCfnuNP

Mock Bento Box . Quick healthy appealing lunches for children and adults

 MOCK BENTO BOXES

I started creating mock Bento box lunches for my children about 3 years ago. It's an amazing simple concept and you as well as your children will fall in love with it.It's creative and fun but best of all healthy. You do not need to purchase the $30-$40 Bento boxes. You can create your own. Stop in the nearest dollar store or Walmart and pick up your different size, colorful containers and a nice cooler or insulated lunch box. 

It's amazing what you and your children and create. 

Quicks foods to have on hand for easy Bento Box Lunches

Leftovers

Peanut Butter

Nuts and Seeds

Chopped and Diced Fresh Veggies

(coin cucumbers and carrots, celery rods, broccoli trees)

Oil and Vinegar (Make sure you purchase tiny container for dips and dressings)

Fresh homemade yogurt dips

Sliced and Diced Fresh Meats and Cheeses

Homemade or Pretend homemade rice crisp treats & homemade low sugar goodies

Pita Crackers and Whole wheat breads. Bagel flats.

Dried raisins, cranberries and blueberries

(Stay away from overly sweet foods as well as foods made with white flour and rice)

There are so many wonderful healthy options. Try even making your own baked sweet potato chips. They are wonderful 

Be Inspired

  

Healthy very berry creamy delight

This recipe is perfect for summer. This quick and easy no bake will delight even the pickiest the eaters.

Perfect for a 4^th of July celebration

1 bag of Frozen mixed berries

Cool Whip or Redi whip in a can

1 16oz package of low fat cream cheese

1 box of sugar free vanilla pudding

2 cups of cold milk

Fresh berries are optional

2 small individual packages of truvia or sweetener of choice

Add the 2 packets of sweetener to berries, stir in and let sit overnight

In the fridge

You will need 2 medium sized bowls

1.       Blend cream cheese until creamy and set aside
2.       In separate bowl whisk pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk for 5 minutes
3.       Gradually add pudding to cream cheese. Using an electric mixer incorporate it in slowly
4.       Blend until creamy and put in fridge to set up. About a half hour
5.       In a small bowl add cream cheese mixture, pour small amount of berry juice on top. Add whip cream. Now top with berries and a sprig of mint… ENJOY

Be inspired to try something new

Free Recipes4living ultimate grilling ecookbook

This looks really good

Download Ebook Here

Yumm veggies and dip

A little bit of carb goes a long way

Oh my gosh these bruchetta are amazing and so fresh, quick to make and just enough carb to add as a side to your salads. Even the children will be begging for more..

Tomato Basil Brushetta

1 long loaf of thin Italian bread or a baguette
4-5 Roma tomato's
Fresh Basil leaves
Small red onion
Chopped Garlic (Add as much as you would like according to your taste)
Olive or Grape seed oil
8oz bag of 6 shredded Italian cheese (generic works fine)
Large Cookie Sheet

Preheat oven at 325
Slice the bread thinly in order to create nice 1/4 inch think bread rounds
in a medium size bowl dice up tomatoes and onion
Take the basil leaves and roll them up and slice. You will find that you have nice long thin strips
Throw them in
Add at least 1TB of chopped garlic (more to taste)
1 Tb of olive oil
Stir gently and add salt and pepper to taste
Take Olive oil and brush it on each piece of bread liberally
Then take a nice spoonful of the mixture and place on top of bread
Next cover with cheese
I recommend you placing your bread on cookie sheet before adding the ingredients

Bake at 325 for 10-15 minutes. Removes immediately when cheese starts to brown

Bon Appetit

Intentionally be inspired to eat beautiful food. Go out of your way to make something amazing and tasty for your body..
xoxo
Kristin