Where did you get your inspiration to become a coach?

Wow! What a great questions! Let's see...

So, I think I've always been a bit of a coach - meaning that people tend to see me as wise beyond my years when it comes to things like spirituality, purpose, and the big picture. 

I'm also a thinker and analyzer. And I love to brainstorm... 

But I guess those are things that make me a great coach, not really my inspiration for becoming one. 

I've always been a bit of an environmentalist but not really very cognizant when it came to my own health.  

When I had kids, they started struggling with allergies and eczema, respiratory problems, food allergies...I became more aware. We started changing the products we used - personal care, cleaning, laundry. 

Then I started struggling with my own health - rashes, GI distress, mental health problems. I wasn't getting answers from western medicine and started thinking outside the box. 

I began by learning about nutrition, gut health, a variety of mental and "self-care" practices, and listening to my intuition and I was able to heal my own body. 

Friends and acquaintances who had watched my journey started seeking my counsel on the things that had seen me and my kids overcome - food allergies, skin issues, mental health struggles. It was so rewarding to help people who were struggling and couldn't find answers anywhere else. 

I eventually realized this was my purpose. To help others make these big life-changing shifts, that were both good for them and our planet, in a way that felt do-able. Possible. Normal. 

I started selling Verefina products as a way to teaching about natural skin care (and tossed the other info in when I had a willing ear). But it wasn't enough. So I went back to school to become a holistic health coach and later received my certificate in mental health first aid and wellness recovery action planning.

It has been a great adventure and I look forward to sharing this mission with more people in the years to come!

Thanks for the question Barbara. 

If anyone else has a question, please comment below or send it to: beth@secondnaturehealthcoaching.com

Have a beautiful day!

Baby, it's cold outside...let me warm you up!

Baby it's cold outside...

Yes, I realize it's winter. AND I live in the mountains. But the last couple of days have been far colder than usual for where I live with single digits when I drop off for school and highs in the teens. Brrrr!

Beyond the obvious "dress in layers" type ideas, here are a few of my favorite winter weather saviors:

• Rise with the sun. I know we all love to sleep in but making the most of the daylight hours really helps. (And watching the sun rise is so therapeutic!)
• Use the excuse to make a fire. I know, it's a pain. A hassle. But it is also beautiful, smells good, warming, and relaxing.
• Drink warm water upon waking. This is actually a good idea year-round (it is more soothing to the GI tract and bio-available than cold water) but it helps warm from within. 
• Drink warm tea throughout the day. (see above).
• Light candles after dark. While they don't provide much heat, the glow is provides a soothing warmth.
• Snuggle up. What better way to warm up than to share body heat ;)
• Try warming spices like: turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and pepper. I add cinnamon to my morning smoothies to combat the colder temps of the beverage so that I can enjoy this healthy meal year round. 
• Eat hearty meals. Think: soups, stews, whole grains, and roasted root veggies. 
• Splurge on a hot bath when you get the chance. 
• Moisturize with warm oil. Try a high quality coconut or olive oil warmed in a water bath. 

Which ones do you already enjoy? 

Which would you like to try? 

What other ideas do you have?

Thanks for sharing!

And if you liked this article and would like to receive 3 of my favorite healthy, winter go-to recipes for warming up...

Request your recipes here...

* indicates required

Email Address *

It's all about you...

Hey there, stranger!

It's been a loooong time since I've blogged because I'm still struggling to find the best use of this space. Is it: a place for unique content, another place/way to disseminate the same content I share elsewhere, a place to journal or rant, a place for research findings, a place to interact and "debate" ideas with you? 

I'm still not sure but I think I'd like for it to be a way to start a dialogue. Share ideas. Ask questions. 

So, if you have a question about physical, mental, or spiritual wellbeing, write it in the comments below. I'll check them and create new blog posts with the answers as soon as I can. I'll also be posting my own musings and findings. 

Note: as a coach, I work to help you help yourself. I don't do the work for my clients. So, questions need to be educated - meaning you must have already done some research on the topic or be looking to start a dialogue. 

Also, please remember that I am not a medical doctor, dietician, or nutritionist. Information provided is not meant to take the place of seeing a licensed health professional. 

SO! 

What are you struggling with? 

What are you confused about? 

What could you use some advice on?

Fruits and Nuts Granola (GF)

Ingredients

2 cups gluten free oats
1/2-3/4 cups chopped nuts/seeds*
1/4 cup juice (we like apple or pomegranate)
1/8-1/4 cup pure Grade B maple syrup (to taste)
2T melted coconut oil
1.5t cinnamon
1/2 cup dried fruit, chopped*

* We use what we have leftover/on-hand for nuts, seeds, fruit, juice, oil, spices, etc. Play with it!

• Nuts and seeds we like to include: flax seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pecans, slivered almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Note: we tend to avoid chia seeds because they seem to easily get stuck in the teeth when eating this granola. 
• Dried fruits we like to include: apples, cranberries, raisins, currants, goji berries, acai berries, and blueberries.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Spray a parchment lined baking sheet with coconut oil. 
• In an large bowl, mix all ingredients. **
• Spread mixture on greased cookie sheet.
• Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

** For softer fruit, leave out and add after granola has cooled.

Natural Immune System Support

Sick days… Medical expenses… making arrangements for sick kids…  No energy to party and have fun… there are a million and one appealing reasons why you don’t want to get sick.

As you know, Cold and Flu season is here but that doesn't mean you are doomed to get sick this holiday season. Stay healthy all winter through with these simple steps:

·      Immunity-Boosting Foods: These foods are great addition to your diet during the cold & flu season, because they are high immunity-boosting nutrients, or anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties:

§  Probiotics (cultured and fermented foods)

§  Essential fats – e.g. from cold-pressed seed oil and cold water fish

§  Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, tomatoes – they are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A

§  Healthy sources of protein – fish, ground seeds, lentils, beans

§  Mushrooms

·      Nutrients for a Strong Immune System: The best way to use nutrition to boost your immunity is to eat a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods. Sometimes it’s challenging to do so everyday, during the season when we are so busy with work, friends and family. The following are the nutrients that you should pay attention to (supplement when necessary) in order to help you keep your immune system healthy:

§  Vitamins A, B6, B12, and C

§  Zinc

§  Antioxidants

·      Using Herbs to Boost Immunity and Fight Infection: There are different ways that herbs can help boost the body’s immunity – by working directly with the immune system, by aiding the body to better deal with stress, and by helping the body fight infection.

You can boost your immunity with these herbs:

§  Astragalus

§  Calendula

§  Echinacea

You can help your body fight infection with:

§  Garlic

§  Echinacea

§  Oregano oil - use as short term remedy only

·      Gut Health and the Immune System: The guts houses 70% of the immune system – keeping the digestive system healthy can boost your immunity. These are a few things you can do to keep your digestive system healthy:

§  Start your day with a cup of warm water with juice of half a lemon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to support liver and gall bladder (which feeds into the digestive tract)

§  Promote healthy gut flora by adding foods that are rich in probiotic

·      Lifestyle Improvements: Ultimately though, your first line of defense against illness is to make healthy lifestyle decisions. The more you can avoid putting toxins into your body and maintain or improve the condition of your vessel, the easier it will be for your body to fight off infection. How many of these healthy-living strategies are you already doing?

ü  Don’t smoke and drink alcohol in moderation.

ü  Learn your sleep needs and get adequate rest.

ü  Exercise regularly, even a moderate walk 20 minutes a day is beneficial.

ü  Maintain a healthy weight – we all know that being overweight is unhealthy but yo-yo dieting is nearly as bad for your body.

ü  Washing your hands, counters, doorknobs and light switches frequently.

ü  Avoid stress and practice stress-relieving strategies such as meditation, breathing exercises, walking, counseling, journaling, etc.

ü  Try skin brushing or a hot towel scrub to aid lymphatic drainage.

ü  Stay hydrated to flush out unwanted pathogens.

I hope this has helped reduce your fears and left you feeling empowered to naturally prevent and fight disease this cold and flu season. For more information on this topic or for support in putting this information (and more) into practice, check out my immune support program available on my website.

And as a health coach, I must legal tell you: Please note these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For more information please see my full Disclaimer, visit my website or contact me.

Are You Toxic?

Did you know your home may be one of the most toxic environments you and your kids ever step foot in? Every day we surround ourselves with chemicals and other toxic substances (oftentimes unknowingly). We eat them, “clean” our homes with them, and cover our bodies with them…all without a moment’s hesitation. And, your liver has to process every toxin you touch, consume and breathe. Oftentimes our kids are more exposed and susceptible as their bodies are so small and are still developing, and as parents we opt for plastic serve-ware, sunscreens, and treated products – all in the name of safety or protection. Unfortunately, these products contain toxins that lead to inflammation, cancers, hormonal imbalances, immune disorders, skin irritations, and asthma; and yet many of us are still unaware of this issue or know what to do about it. Scary, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be.
 Are You Toxic?Symptoms of toxicity are numerous and toxins affect each body differently; however, chances are, if you eat, breath, drink, bathe, or participate in daily life on this planet, you are regularly exposed to high levels of toxins. Unfortunately, the symptoms of toxin overload are similar to many other ailments, making it difficult to diagnose. These symptoms include: fatigue, depression, headaches, digestive distress, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, and skin issues (to name a few). If left untreated, toxin exposure will eventually lead to some form of inflammation in the body. This inflammation may present as: allergies and asthma, blood sugar imbalances, obesity, heart disease, fibromyalgia, fertility problems, cancer, auto-immune diseases, and more.
 But you are in luck! With proper education and action, you may find you are able to clean up your act quite easily and prevent ALL of these health problems and more. The top five sources of toxins are: water, food, environmental, personal care products, and stress/negative thinking. By addressing these five sources of toxins and instead choosing to nourish your body, you can easily begin to experience optimal health.
 ·      As we know from countless environmental movements over the years, toxins are everywhere. While it is nearly impossible to control the toxins we are exposed to outside the home, we can make a huge impact on our toxin intake, just by cleaning up the home. Some common indoor toxins include: carpeting, paint/stains/adhesives, BPA, Teflon, flame retardants, air fresheners and cleaning solutions.
 ·      You may be aware of the growing controversy regarding organic foods versus “conventionally” raised food and food-like products. Conventionally grown produce is covered in herbicides and pesticides; when processed, these “foods” often contain additional chemicals. No matter how well we scrub, we still consume these toxins, so opt for the cleanest food possible and learn more about the “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” to help you make informed decisions.
 ·      With over 140 contaminants in tap water, including pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, anti-depressants, birth control pills, seizure medication, cancer treatments, pain killers, and tranquilizers), it is also smart to choose filtered water whenever possible and avoid plastic water bottles.
 ·      The products we use to look our best may actually be our biggest source of aging and can also disrupt our hormones and metabolism. Instead, choose personal care products that are free of parabens, petrochemicals, chemical sunscreens, artificial colors and fragrances, fomaldehyde, phthalates, triclosan, and aluminum.
 ·      The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 90% of all illness and disease is due to stress. Stress can kill the good bacteria that live in your intestines to keep your immune and digestive systems strong. Manage your stress with activities like meditation, yoga, prayer, journaling, exercise, meaningful relationships, or essential oils.
 The SolutionIn addition to removing the various sources of toxins from your home, it can be incredibly beneficial to help the body release the toxins it has stored. Lucky for you (and your kiddos), there is no need for an intense detox regimen. The body is designed to remove toxins from the body so all you need to do is let the body heal itself, by itself by giving it the proper nutrition it needs to work at optimal efficiency. Simply opt for a diet high in fruits and vegetables, free of caffeine and sugar, and low in meat and dairy; get adequate sleep; and promote the release of toxins by drinking more (filtered) water and exercising. By making only a few of the changes listed above, you will be on a path towards reduced toxicity and will reap the many benefits associated with toxin-free living, such as: weight loss, increased energy, reduced cravings, mental clarity, clear skin, better immunity, and balanced hormones. Just think about how you would feel if you did two or three of these things a day…and the future your kids would have if they grew up with these behaviors as habit!

Beth Bunchman, MS, CHHC


303-956-8063

beth@secondnaturehealthcoaching.com