vitality - Manage Stress | Increase Energy |Simple Solutions | Rommy Kirby, Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Personal Trainer, Essential Oil Educator

Immune Boosting Strategy

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:17:55 +0000

Who needs scary movies anymore?

I know I don’t, as a recovered Germaphobe, all I have to do is turn on the news and BAM…niggling little fears of real life, creepy, crawly unseen threats start gnawing on my ‘oM shanti’ state of mind.

While it can get really scary out there, there is a lot we can personally do to boost our immune system and support our body’s natural “Threat Protection” troops as our first line of defense.

We may still catch a few bugs, but our resiliency to them and our ability to recover will dramatically increase.

This is what I do when I feel that tell-tale tickle in the throat, general achey-ness or fatigue…

Become Aware ~ First I notice that I am not feeling well. I might notice that I’m getting tired faster, feel grumpy, stiff, or stuffy and congested. Because I know that my body never ever lies, it’s a great source of information.

So the next time you tune in and notice something is not just right, celebrate. Yep, listening to your body is one of the strongest things you can do for your health and happiness. You know your body better than anyone, even your doctor, so pay attention to it and treat it right.

Think Positive ~ Then I consciously choose to stay well . Do you remember that tag line, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste”? Well, it even more true when it comes to the state of health you want to enjoy. When our body speaks to us through sensations or symptoms we either a see this as a choice to stay as well as possible or we make a choice for the status quo.

Be Proactive ~ Then I take action. When my I feel something coming on, I start the day lots of H2O-bviously Better Skin (water), even more than usual, and follow that with a power breakfast of greens and protein. I get my essential oils out, the Lemon and a synergistic essential oil Protective Blend. I use the Lemon throughout the day for it’s natural detoxifying quality and I drop a few drops of Protective Blend in the back of my throat every 2 hours because it’s super high in anti-oxidants..

I eat only foods that I know would support my body and stay away from the white dietary devils, sugar, flour, and processed dairy. Bone broth is one of my favorite healing foods because it’s soothing, nourishing, warm and hydrating.

I also go into active-inaction. I rest and allow myself to be quiet and still. I take a nourishing bath with Essential Oils and Dead Sea Salts. I keep warm and don’t allow myself to get chilled feet or hands. I don’t rush to do anything, even if it takes all day, that is okay by me cause I am T-I-R-E-D. It takes a lot of energy to for the body to heal and even more to ward off microbial treats. If at all possible, I spend time cuddling with my hubby. (bonus hint here – cuddling boosts your immunity).

When you know that life is going to be more stressful…like that upcoming wedding, adult kids move back or parents in need of parenting, a sick spouse, lots of travel, moving house or a job change…be sure that you tune in to what your body is saying. Yes, it’s a balancing act and balance is dynamic.

Balance is fluid, supple, agile and it shifts in response to the circumstance…stiff, static and rigid balance, sweet one, there really is no such a thing.

Tell me…

Have you been ‘too busy’ and ignored your body only to end up sick? Do you have a Super Self Care tip to share with me? Comment below, you just might inspire someone!

Email me to learn about the resources I use and recommend.

resources

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21078173

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Coconut Water find the best and leave the rest

Rommy Kirby — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:22:41 +0000

I have been a huge fan of coconut water of the years. I clearly remember first time I walked out of a Hot Yoga class, downed my very first coconut water, and felt ahhhh-mazing!

I drank and recommended Zico for about 3 years before other companies jumped on the bottled coconut water band wagon. These days I drink and recommend a different company for those of us that don’t live on a coconut plantation. Actually, my daughter introduced me to it.

First though, you might wonder about the why & what of coconut water

from Harmless Harvest

It’s a great sports drink.

Sports drinks are really great synthetic chemical concoctions that are ultimately difficult for our organs to process. While coconut water is easier to digest, has fewer calories, less sodium and more potassium. Studies show that coconut water replenishes the body better that plain water and as well as sports drinks.

Here’s a little taste test for you…

let your favorite sports drink get to room temperature and taste it. Right away, you’ll notice the flavors of the chemicals, food coloring, and processed sugars. YUCK!

It is a natural remedy.

Like most plants, coconut water may even have medicinal properties.

Coconut Water has been used in tropical climates for health and vitality. It’s incredibly more hydrating than water because of the natural vitamins and minerals. In Jamaica they use it to support kidney function. According to Ayurveda it promotes digestion and a clearing of the urinary path. Mariners used it during long journeys to stay healthy. During World War II and in remote regions it was used as an emergency intravenous hydration and resuscitation fluid.

Because it’s a tropical, I use it in my spring and summer detoxes to aid alkalization of the body and ease discomfort.

So which coconut water am I drinking these days?

While I truly prefer to pop a straw into a freshly opened green coconut in the tropics, like you, I make the best with what I have. My coconut water of choice is called Harmless Harvest.

It’s deliciously thick, nutty, and sweet and so so good for you.

If you’re like me, when possible, you want to buy from a company that thinks about sustainability, the environment, as well as working conditions. Check their website out, find out about the company and how the produce and package.

Next time your in your local whole food grocer, look for it in the refrigerate section!

Thanks to FoodBabe for her diligent research into the growing and bottling practices of coconut water, arguably the fastest growing segment in the beverage and health food industry.

Tell me…

Do you drink coconut water? How do you use it? Personally, I drink it straight up no ice.

resources….

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/truth-about-coconut-water

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDQQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fpublication%2F231969159_Coconut_water_uses_composition_and_properties_a_review%2Flinks%2F02e7e51efe25ac44e5000000&ei=9XYHVOSSLIWUgwTz1YGYAg&usg=AFQjCNEi1p2EwJjNU0quB7qiSoTlf6LP6w&bvm=bv.74115972,d.eXY

http://foodbabe.com/2014/07/15/how-to-buy-the-healthiest-coconut-water-and-avoid-the-worst/comment-page-5/#comment-1390955

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Stress and Radiance are like Oil and Water

Rommy Kirby — Sat, 10 May 2014 23:21:15 +0000

Have you been wondering where your vitality, radiance and even your ‘sexy’ went?

I have a pretty good guess, but first, let’s see how you answer the following questions.

Answer the following Yes or No

I get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
I eat the right food for my body everyday.
I don’t eat any sugar.
I don’t drink coffee.
I don’t eat food that comes out of a box.
I drink at least 64 ounces of water every day.
I take omega supplements daily.
I enjoy the company of my best friends a minimum 1 time a week.
I only hang out with people that I really feel good around.
I have a job or vocation that I enjoy and fulfills me.
I eat lots of green veggies.
I enjoy walking in nature 3 to 4 times a week.
I meditate.
I have a thriving spiritual connection.
I can say no without guilt.
I always rest when I am tired.
I exercise my body 4 or more times a week.

Now, add up your score…

Did you score 14 -17 points? Congratulations! You’re rocking your life and need to share your secrets. Go ahead, skip the rest, scroll to the bottom and give me your tips for staying true to you.

Did you score 10 – 13? Think of this as a flashing yellow light in a construction zone. Slow down before you hit the concrete wall or run off the road. Be kinder and gentler with yourself. With some small consistent changes you will start feeling better in no time.

Did you score 1 – 9? You have got to stop what you are doing because it is not working for you. Change it now. Your health is taking a licking and your the one doing it to yourself. That’s right, you’re a grown up, you’ve got to take care of you.

If you scored below 6 you are seriously damaging your organs, your immunity and your relationships, especially the most important one…

the one with your health.

You see, you can’t be vital, radiant or feel sexy if your stress resiliency is low.

photo credit www.photographyblogger.net

It’s like trying to mix oil and water.

The good news is that you can increase your ability to handle stress.

You can also learn what really helps you feel better…it’s not a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey lit by an episode of Sex In The City.

When you give yourself a break, lower undue stress and improve your self care you will get your groove back.

Here are 4 fundamentally fabulous tips to get your radiance and ‘sexy’ back.

Sleep more.

Yes, they have done studies on sleep, health, immunity, and resiliency and sleep is absolutely crucial to your health. Create a bedtime ritual. Turn off overhead lighting and technology at least 1 hour before you want to go to bed. Think about which of your night time habits, if they don’t help you be happier and healthier replace them with ones that will support you. Every night, I diffuse essential oils, specifically Calming Blend and Grounding Blend, for deeper, more restful sleep.

Eat the right food for your body.

Your body is the home of your soul, it is the way you will experience your purpose and fulfillment. If you have adopted a way of eating that isn’t good for you it’s like leaving the windows open during a storm over and over and over. One by one, your body’s systems will start to degrade. For women, it’s generally our reproductive and hormones that suffer first. To learn the foods that are right for you, you can do an elimination diet or get extra help from me, join one of my cleanses.

Start taking omega supplements.

If you are not eating 4 or more servings of salmon or sardines a week you simply don’t have enough. Your skin, your heart, your mood, your brain and your libido will thank you. Omega supplements can be tricky, I suggest getting your omegas from both plant and animal sources. I have found that the supplements you choose really do matter. If you want to know which supplements I suggest contact me.

Say yes to yourself so you can say no…

to that project or ‘friend’ that you drains you. Look at your schedule. What or who can you take out? Where or with whom can you have more ease and fun? Now, put the fun and ease in your schedule. If you don’t schedule it, you don’t really want it. You do want to have fun don’t you?

BONUS TIP

Begin to meditate. Have you seen all the research about meditation and health? Simply google the words ‘meditation health benefits’ and you will have more than enough to read for well over a week.

Click here for an easy meditation…

Remember, you may have been living with a score of 1 – 9 for a while, so it will take more than a day, a week and it might even take more than a month to rock your radiance again. Be patient with yourself, you wouldn’t expect a neglected house plant to get lush and green overnight, so give your body, your cells, your mind and your heart time to recover.

Tell me…

What did you find out about yourself and your habits that you can change to feel more radiant, vital and yes, even sexier?

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Protected: Do your supplements pass the smell test?

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:35:11 +0000

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3 Elegant Holiday Strategies

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:20:57 +0000

I love Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years!

But these celebrations, long nights and short days can make for one really long, stressed out holiday season that can set us up for blues and flu. Bah-humbug and Yuck!

Because I know how brutal stress can be, the havoc it can wreak on your health, your skin, and your relationships so I want to share with you my Holiday Survival Kit.

First, there are 3 elegant strategies……that will help you enjoy this holiday season more, however you celebrate and what ever you do.

These are simple, easy, action steps.

But here’s the thing…they are just as easy not to do, okay, so you really must set an intention to keep it easy, do the easy and reap the benefits.

Stay Hydrated. You know I harp on this, I know I harp on this. For very good reason. Here’s what happened to me a few weeks when I let travel get the best of me and didn’t stay hydrated. I got a migraine…a full blown, throw my guts up, everything hurts migraine. Because I was so dehydrated, it took me a few days to fully recover. Click here for my tips.

Get enough sleep. Seriously, sleep is important. There is truth in the term Beauty Sleep. Click here for my tips.

Lighten your load. Look at your to do list for today. Chances are there is at least 1 thing you can take off. Delete it, scratch it off and don’t give it another thought. No one will ever know and if your mother finds out, she’ll forgive you.

Remember chronic stress adds pounds and inches to the waistline and it weakens our immune system. Because of the added stress, we all need a little more support and self care this time of year.

Tell me…

What is your #1 tip to thriving during the holiday season?

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Sleep well, wake refreshed and happy

Rommy Kirby — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:43:14 +0000

I’ve struggled with sleep most of my life.

When I was a little girl I hated naps and bed time.

My child mind told me that if I slept I would miss something, anything. Missing anything meant I was missing fun.

My eyes would just not stay closed, I would wake up really early and watch the shadows in the corners change as the light peeked through the window.

I remember one day in particular when my sister and I were sent to nap. Earlier that day, my 5 year old brain plotted a way of getting out of nap time.

I dragged a saw horse across the back yard and put it under our bedroom window.

After a lunch of peanut butter sandwich and chicken noodle soup, we were shuffled off for a nap. I’m pretty sure I had a sly grin on my face because even today, my face reveals more than I know.

We were tucked in and the door shut. My sister began arguing with me over my plan. But we were as quiet as a 4 and 5 year old can be…ever heard a 4 and 5 year old whisper?

I insisted that we were going out the window. She in good second sister form started to not come at all, but rather she was going to tell on ME. Somehow, I got her to put both her feet out the window, onto the saw horse and a quick hop to the ground.

Out the window we went.

We sneaked around the house and skittered across the street into the English woods on a grand adventure full of magic and myth.

We didn’t get caught the first time, not even the second time, but we did eventually get caught.

While I still recall the fun of finding a stable full of dairy cows and thrill of a gypsy (okay, maybe it was a hobo) campsite. I also remember the trouncing my tiny heiny took for scaring the pants off my parents.

To this day, I still wonder what’s happening when my eyes are closed and what grand things are going on that I’m not doing. When I wake up in the pre-dawn light, it’s very hard to stay in bed.

But…I have learned that Sleeping Beauty was on to something…remember, she awoke still looking like the teenager? That sleep has a magical (not really, it’s all science) effect on the body and the mind.

Sleep is the time when the mind resets and runs something like a de-frag program on a computer. It sorts through the days happenings and thoughts processing them into hopefully usable memories or ideas.

Sleep is when the body restores. Our body needs to rest. Even though every single cell in our body is different from the cells we were born with, just like a baby cannot thrive with sleep, we cant either.

Sleep is when the body balances hormones and releases excess hormonal waste (major simplification). Ever wonder why you are working out, eating all the right things and still have belly fat? Look at your sleep habits. Want to keep the belly fat? Keep your sleep habits. Want to release the belly fat? Upgrade your sleep habits.

Sleep is also important for regulating our vitality inducing hormones as well as our moods. Have you ever gone to bed with something heavy on your mind only to wake up with the realization that it isn’t as bad as you thought?

Sleep, whether good or bad will affect your weight, your skin, and your immunity to nasty bacteria, viruses and grumpy people. Want to get sick quick? Cut back on your sleep. Want to be mean to the meanies? Cut back on your sleep and your sweet loving disposition will disappear allowing you to feel justified to be mean and get even.

So whats a wide eyed, radiant optimal health seeker to do?

It’s simple really.

I’ll give you a hint…the very same thing you do to help an infant fall and stay asleep.

Have a schedule and stick to it. Yes, it really does a body good to go to sleep at the same time every night. Set a time that you will be in bed with no electronic distractions and put it in your calender. If it isn’t scheduled, it isn’t important to you. Seriously, if sleep is important to you, schedule it.

Did you know the National Sleep Foundation suggests that school age children get 10-11 hours of sleep daily, while teens do best with 8.5-10 hours and adults need 7-9 hours?

Create a sleep routine. I call it a ritual because the intention is to promote health and vitality in my body, my soul’s house. Keep it simple.

Did you know that lack of sufficient and quality sleep has been directly related to weight gain and mental impairment in both adults and children?

Dim the lights at least 45 minutes before bedtime. This helps your hormonal system to reset itself.

Turn off electronics unless you are listening to soothing music. Do not go to bed with your smart phone, iPad or TV remote!

Use soothing essential oils like Calming Blend or Lavender. Both are highly effective in promoting deep relaxation without groggy side effects.

Rub a drop on your feet, on your belly, on your forehead and the back of your neck for really great sleep. Put a drop on your pillow. I like to place 4- 8 drops in a cup of Epsom salt then add to my bath water for those evenings when I’m really wound up or over tired.

Be sure your room is dark, dark, dark or use a sleep mask. You know that light shining from your digital clock? It interrupts the hormonal changes your body needs to experience deep restful sleep.

Use a fan or get a sleep sound machine to block out noises that will interrupt your sleep. This is the one I use Marpac Dohm-DS Dual Speed Sound Conditioner. If your bed partner snores…get ear plugs.

Exercise appropriately. There are some new studies showing that the wrong kind of exercise will inhibit deep sleep and thereby, undoes all that good you thought you were doing. Try this video to unwind from a long day and get deep restful sleep.

Supplement your diet with high value supplements. Even if, like me, you juice, eat clean, local, whole foods 80% of the time, our food supply is deficient in nutrients. Our bodies are under tremendous stress and need the support. Our brains need optimal nourishment to regulate our hormones so we can sleep. Want to know which supplements I use and suggest to my clients? Send me an email and I’ll let you know.

Get out of bed at the same time every morning. You can always go back to bed if you want. Getting up at the same time every morning will help to reset your circadian (internal sleep) rhythms.

Tell me…

How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? Are you happy, ready to go and excited for the day? Do you have a good sleep tip to share, what is it?

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Juicing Made Easy, 10 Time Saving Tips

Rommy Kirby — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 18:46:34 +0000

Juicing is a wonderful way to flood your body with nutrients.

During the Spring, Summer and Autumn months, I like to start my day with a home made juice because it’s a great way to load up on vital and easily available nutrients. Because it is easy on the digestive system it increases energy.

Juicing is the ultimate adventure for your taste buds. From day to day and week to week, vegetables and fruit have different taste depending on their growing environment, freshness and storage.

Use these 10 tips and after a few days you may find it a decidedly decadent way to nourish yourself. To me, it’s the ultimate decadent drink and morning meal in under 10 minutes!!!

10 Time Saving Tips

Use a juicer that meets your needs and fits your budget.
courtesy of men’s fitness

I got my first juicer from Ron Popeil years ago. I’ve owned 2 Breville Ikons, I really liked them and best of all, I used a 20% coupon when I purchased it from a big box store.. Now, I have the Harom slow juicer that suits my needs. Choose one that you will use.

Use organic vegetables when possible. Join your local CSA for local produce!

Wash all produce when you bring it home

Bag it and Grab it – Plan 5 days of juices, use vegetable bags or storage containers for each juice.

Use a plastic bag in the hopper for easy clean up if you DO NOT plan to make soups or stocks from the pulp. The pulp is Composter’s Gold, so if you know a gardener, offer it to them.

Read the book that comes with your juicer. This will help you get the most juice from your veggies.

Brace your greens, like spinach, cilantro and dandelion, with celery – this prevents them mashing down into a great big green goop that will burn your juicer’s motor out. Caution, it’s important to avoid forcing greens through your juicer, pulse the pressure you use with your plunger.

Rinse juicer under the hottest water possible immediately after juicing. If you let it sit, it will be very difficult and time consuming to wash.

Store your juicer and parts in an easy to access place. Perhaps in the space your coffee maker once sat.

Drink your juice as soon as you can, within 30 minutes is optimal.

Bonus Tip

Be a Scrap Saver – as you prepare other meals, vegetable scraps can be saved and juiced the next day

What to do if hunger strikes…
If you are finding that you are hungry or feeling dissatisfied with your juice, experiment with adding a splash of oil. I favor organic olive or coconut oils. Or make a smoothie with your juice, add half an avocado and blend briefly, under 1 minute.

Experiment and have fun!!! Juicing is a great way to start your day with intense nutrition.

Tell me…

Do you have a juicing tip that will make it even easier? What is your favorite combination?

Archived Comments:

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3 Simple Upgrades to Improve Your Diet

Rommy Kirby — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 01:54:58 +0000

Are you

ready to

upgrade

your

health?

Your body is pretty awesome! It’s also as elegant in it’s simplicity as it is intriguing in its complexity. An absolutely lovely work of experiential art.

It always responds perfectly…to whatever we give it.

If we give it higher quality food and nourishment today than we did yesterday, on a continual basis, it will respond with increased energy and vitality, until we reach our optimal health.

Here’s where ‘responds perfectly’ isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. Because the same is true if we give it lower quality food. It will respond with bloat, sinus drainage, stiff muscles and joints along with mental fog, energy dumps and fatigue. Until eventually, we are in a constant state of decline into disease.

So…if overtime we continually give it higher and higher quality food and nourishment, it will give us greater vibrancy, increased energy and more radiant skin, eyes and hair. It doesn’t have to be hard, just take baby steps to upgrade your health.

Commit to your health. Allow yourself to upgrade one step at a time so your lifestyle will support the long term results you desire.

Here are 3 Simple Upgrades you can make in your food choices…*

If the majority of your food comes in a crinkly wrapper or box, upgrade to canned food.
If the majority of your food comes from cans, upgrade to frozen fruits and vegetables.
If the majority of your food comes from the freezer aisle, upgrade to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Bonus Upgrade – For every 3 meals that come from restaurants and drive thrus, upgrade to at least one additional home cooked meal a week.

*Choose Organic whenever available to you.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Changing your lifestyle is the way you improve your health and get the results you want.

Change, even desired change, is challenging and sometimes stressful. Decide to do just one thing today that you know will move you towards the body and health you desire.

Tell me, comment below…what did you like best about this article? What upgrade will you make today that will bring you one step closer to the result you want? What is the biggest challenge you face when you start a new health or fitness plan?

Previous Comments (7)

I love the upgrades you offered. Taking one step at a time and trying not to be so hard with ourselves!

Thank you, Keren! Being hard on ourselves is a symptom of overwhelm, right? When I start in on that, I know it’s time to get back to taking just one step at a time…life really isn’t a Hop Scotch game even though we play it like that.

I believe I’m in category 3. I would love to upgrade to relying less and less on frozen foods. This week I plan on trying a new fresh vegetable that I normally don’t make! My biggest challenge is usually time management and fitting in the extra cooking time.

That is a wonderful plan Shawne! What are you going to make? My new vegetable this week was a Rutabaga. Wasn’t sure about it, it tasted close to a turnip, but I did like it. And, yeah, I get the time management with the extra cooking. I try to bulk prep as much as possible.

Such great advice

WOW! Thank you Rachel! Sooooo glad you stopped by!

I love your advice – impactful, yet direct and one step at a time approach makes things like big dietary changes seem not so big!

I agree, Aliza. I’ve struggled with sweeping changes and just ended up frustrated. One step at a time suits me, and my clients so much better! xo

I love the concept of the ‘upgrade’. We can all apply it somewhere in our eating!

Thanks Marie! Traveling with my hubby has really opened my eyes to the value of ‘upgrades’.

Awesome. I like the 3 simple upgrades

Thanks so much, Richard.

Great advice from an amazing woman and Health Coach, Rommy it was a pleasure training with you. You are an inspiration. Lucie.

Reply by Rommy Kirby on Fri, 08/30/2013 – 04:01

OH LUCY! Thank you so much! It is a blessing to be sharing this purpose with you!

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