Author: lnhlalou

lnhlalou http://www.whyareyousougly.com Chicago woman who is trying to get as much out of life as she can. Digital Content Manager. Writer, blogger, avid reader. Passion for fitness and healthy living.

And Then There Were 3

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Come December 2018 life as I know it is going to change in a big way. Yep, that’s right, my husband and I are expecting our first little bundle of joy. (Holy s*@t)!

Currently I am 24 weeks pregnant and things seem to be going pretty well. You know expect for the weight gain, back pain, muscle aches, and the never ending urge to pee. So when I’m not crying over something completely ridiculous or in a coma from being completely exhausted, I guess its not so bad.

While it isn’t horrible I have yet to understand those women who just love being pregnant. I mean seriously?!?!

You can’t have more than 200mg of caffeine a day, no undercooked meat (so basically no meat because anything cooked past medium rare is just sick), no sushi, no alcohol, and no brie cheese. Not to mention all the physical change. Many people talk about this glow that pregnant women get. I am going to tell you that isn’t a glow. It’s sweat because you are so freaking hot all the time and it’s probably all the extra makeup you need to hid the new adult acne all over your face.

During the first trimester I really enjoyed my bonding time with the toilet and I was so tired all the time I couldn’t get enough naps. And I am talking a ridiculous amount of naps; I didn’t know it was possible for someone to be that tired.

Thankfully when I got to the second trimester I got some of my energy back and I am now able to eat more than saltines and Gatorade. In fact the one thing I like about being pregnant is I don’t have to feel so guilty about all the carbs I am eating or the extra treats. (My Keto diet has been on hold for awhile). It was also pretty amazing to hear the baby’s heart beat for the first time and to see the images from the 20 weeks ultrasound. It’s so crazy to think in about 15 weeks that will be our little boy or girl.

The reality of all this is still sinking in. Good luck little one because I have no idea what I am doing!

To all those women out there who love being pregnant more power to you! To all those pregnant ladies who aren’t having the best time, I hear you. Go grab yourself a sweet treat and take a nice bath. Personally I have a doughnut in the kitchen calling my name!

L

Allergy Relief

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If you’re like me you struggle with annoying seasonal allergies. They are such a pain in the you know what. The constant sniffling and stuffy nose, those red itchy eyes, and the irritating cough are enough to drive you insane.

I always end up looking like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from blowing my nose too much and my husband complains about the used tissue piles that seem to follow me around the house. (Soooo sexy, I know!)

Thankfully essential oils can provides some much wanted relief. (Personally I prefer this natural remedy over any other allergy medication.) 

So what are these wonderful allergy relieving oils? Here are my top three:

  1. Lavender – has both anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, which can sooth swollen sinuses and nasal passages. It can also ease the pain and pressure that comes with seasonal allergies.
  2. Lemon –  helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and can boost the immune system. It can help to relieve congestion and any mucus build-up as well as  help eliminate allergy triggers in the air.
  3. Peppermint – works as an expectorant, having the power to discharge phlegm and reduce inflammation. It can relieve congestion, coughs, sinusitis, asthma and even bronchitis.

Some additional oils that also work great on allergies include: eucalyptus, basil, tea tree, RC, and copabia.

While these oils work great on their own they work wonders when used together. These oils can be used in a diffuser, made into a roller bottle and applied topically, or ingested. You can find all kinds of recipes for diffuser and roller blends on Pinterest.

However you decide to use these oils is up to you, but make sure to use a high quality brand and follow the safety guidelines.

I use Young Living essential oils. You can check out the safety information here.

Let me know how you use oils to help battle your seasonal allergies! Hopefully these can bring you some relief.

-L

 

 

 

Emotional Spring Cleaning

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Finally, after what seemed like an endless winter, spring is in full bloom. No more long grey days and no more snow! (At least for a few months)

I don’ t know about anyone else, but when spring comes I always feel the need to clean out the clutter. Out with the old, in with the new!

While I was thinking about my spring cleaning plans and all the organization I was going to be doing, I thought this is the perfect time to do some personal spring cleaning! A personal reflection, if you will.

As I was reflecting on my own emotional health and thinking about the stressors in my life, I was reminded about this article I read a little while back on toxic family members. You check this article out here.

Personally, I found this article a little comforting because I have some strained relationships with certain family members in my life and often would feel guilty for distancing myself. It made me realize that just because they are family doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice my own mental or emotional health. Sometimes keeping a good amount of distance is the best thing you can do. Does anyone else struggle with this?

Now that I have my mental health in check, it’s time for me to get back to cleaning out closets. I should also probably get to work on my yard or those dandelions are going to be taller than me soon!

Here’s to good mental health!

-L

Eastern Medicine or Human Pin Cushion

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This year I have been focusing more on self-care; healthy eating, plenty of exercise, lots of water, and good sleep. I am also trying to be as natural as possible when it comes to the things that I put in or on my body. Before I reach for any over-the-counter or prescription meds I try to solve any aches, pains, or ailments I may have with a more natural approach. I love my young living oils and I swear by my chiropractor. And honestly I don’t think I could live without my acupuncturist.

Holy hell acupuncture is AMAZING! I was having some additional back pain and some other pesky physical ailments and my sister suggested I go see an eastern medicine doctor. She swore that acupuncture fixed her back. I will say that I am a serious wuss when it comes to needles, but I did like the natural aspect to this treatment and what was the harm in trying, right?

OMG I was hooked after the first appointment! The sense of calm that washes over you when they put the needles in and the flow of energy you feel is so relaxing. During my first appointment my doctor did an Acugraph Scan with me to tell him where my body was out of balance and developed a treatment plan for me based on those results. I spent the next 40 minutes, 20 on my back and 20 on my front, laying in a spa like room while the needles worked their magic.

My biggest fear of course was how much it was going to hurt, but other than a few points I couldn’t even feel the needles. Who knew?!

I have been going for a few weeks now, but I felt results after my first visit. I sleep better, my back and neck pain is almost completely gone, and I can tell my anxiety has decreased. Additionally, my acupuncturist gave me some herbal supplements and made some small tweaks in my diet, which has lead to increase energy through out the day.

I am completely obsessed and I highly recommend acupuncture. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

 

 

What’s Cooking? Some of my Fav Keto Cookbooks

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Last time I posted I started talking about the keto diet and how well it has worked for me. When I first decided to start keto I have to admit I was a little lost. I knew I needed more fat and less carbs, but how did I put food together to get a keto friendly and tasty meal. So naturally I went to amazon and Pinterest for answers.

While searching I found a ton of information and a large selection of keto cookbooks. Here are my three of my favorite keto cookbooks at the moment:

  1. “The Keto Diet: The Complete Guide to a High-Fat Diet” by Leanne Vogel
    • This was the first book I bought when I decided to start the keto diet and I found it extremely helpful. When I started this diet I didn’t really know what I was doing, which is why I really enjoyed how Leanne spent the first half of this book explaining what keto is all about and included many tools and guides. This books also includes five 28-day meal plans a ton of tasty recipes.
  2. “Quick and Easy Ketogenic Cooking” by Maria Emmerich
    •  I love this book because these recipes are simple and fast, which is a good thing for those who don’t have a ton of time to cook full meals every night. The last thing I want to do after a long day of work is stand over the stove for an hour. If Mushroom Ragu, Chicken Alfredo, Skillet Lasagna or keto friendly desserts sound good to you then this is a book you want to add to your collection.
  3. “Keto Restaurant Favorites” by Maria Emmerich
    • One thing I tend to miss on this diet is eat out a certain restaurants. I especially love Italian and Mexican food. So when I started Keto I was a little sad to be giving up pasta, enchiladas, burritos and chips. This book is awesome because it shows you how to make those dishes keto friendly!

These are only three of the many amazing keto cookbooks out there so I encourage you to explore and find one you love! Let me your favorites.

-L