Tag:

Health

Things change but I wanted to give you an update of what I eat regularly. I tend to go in cycles. Just ask Reid, as he rolls his eyes. Ha! Sometimes I omit the toast and go for a fab4 smoothie. Lunch is basically a soup and salad and dinner is chicken and rice. As a general rule, I try and stay away from refined sugars and bread simply because I don’t feel great when I eat them. I also believe “everything in moderation,” so an occasional sweet treat is totally game! Additionally I try to drink 8 glasses of water.

Getting personal

I hesitated sharing this story here, but here it is! I hope it can serve as an encouragement to a reader who may have suffered similarly.

I had an eating disorder in college. I felt pressure to be “perfect.” Perfect grades, perfect body. While I was only an average student, I felt pressured to control what I ate. I deprived myself and deep down wasn’t happy. While I’m grateful this disorder didn’t last long for me, I learned a lot about myself and what real health looks like. It isn’t the seemingly happy skinny 4.0 GPA sophomore but accepting oneself as you are, as God intended you to be. I did a lot of research at the library (before laptops were everywhere!) and studied how our body works with food and how it can affect how you look and feel. From there, I started a healthy relationship with food and I discovered how much I enjoyed researching food and diet. I never shied away from a healthy food just because it didn’t taste good. If it was good for me, I’d learn to like it. I’m here to report that deprivation doesn’t work. When I feed my body healthy food, am active, giving myself grace in my imperfection and being grateful for the body God has given me, I FEEL MY BEST.

“Deny your weakness, and you will never realize God’s strength in you.”
― Joni Eareckson Tada (the kids and I studied more about Joni’s journey with quadraplegia and I encourage you too!)

A note about fats which is contrary to what you’ve believed or been told. And the opposite of the food pyramid.

Healthy fats (i.e. avocado oil, almond butter, organic peanut butter, avocados)

1. These fats keep you fuller, for a longer period of time. Studies have found that healthy unsaturated fats (like monounsaturated or polyunsaturated omega-3 or omega-6 fats) have a positive effect on satiety and help to regulate your appetite by controlling the release of appetite hormones. More on this discussion HERE.

With that in mind, I try and sneak good fats into my diet. Like breakfast! Many of you AREN’T getting the amount of fat you need in your diet. I know I wasn’t, and it left me craving more SWEETS and SNACKS.

Breakfast

16oz or more of celery juice. Here is the recipe for the celery juice. Our juicer broke, so I’ve been using my Vitamix. I let the celery juice settle for 30min to 1 hr.

coffee – almond milk latte –

Ezekial bread toasted with almond butter or coconut oil or gr8nola with almond milk

OR

Fab4 smoothie


#FAB4Smoothie: Protein (20g minimum) + Fiber (10g minimum) + 1 Tbsp. Fat + Handful Greens + 1/4 Cup Fruit + Superfoods + Liquid

1 TB almond butter// 1 frozen banana // 1 cup frozen pineapple // 2 cups frozen organic spinach // 1 TB chia seeds // unsweetened almond milk // 2 meyer lemons (add at the end) //

Directions: blend till smooth in a vitamix or blender. I add the lemons at the end and drink immediately.

I explain more in this post about how I am changing the way our family eats.

Lunch

Protein salad – whatever veggies I have on hand blended with butter lettuce, sunflower seeds, feta cheese, olives. Coupled with 2 almond flour blueberry muffins, or a (no corn) veggie burger.

Also, for lunch, I usually have bean chips and a smashed avocado. Depending on how busy I am!

Dinner

Sample dinner: Stir Fried Veggies, bok choy soup (always use this chicken broth)

I had coffee ice cream as dessert yesterday and I had the worst stomach ache. The night before that, Reid made me a glass of celery juice after dinner and I slept amazing, no stomach aches. I think it’s important to listen to your body, see what agrees with it and go from there. I eat healthy because I want to feel good. After so many years of trial and error, I’ve figured out what foods make me feel horrible. It’s not worth it to me to not feel great after enjoying 10min of consuming sugar.

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.

Hippocrates

Dessert

Here’s a recipe for Vegan Coconut ice cream I’m trying today. It has two cans of full-fat coconut milk in it. We ate it right out of the container last night. AMAZING. Making it again today.

  • 2 14-ounce cans coconut cream* or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup organic cane sugar (sub up to half with agave nectar or maple syrup)
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 vanilla bean pod (split and scraped // or 1/4 – 1/2 tsp vanilla powder per 1 pod)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • The day or night before, place your ice cream churning bowl in the freezer to properly chill (see notes if you don’t have an ice cream maker).
  • The following day, add coconut milk, organic cane sugar (sub up to half with natural sweetener), sea salt, scraped vanilla bean and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender and blend on high until completely creamy and smooth for 1-2 minutes to fully dissolve the sugar. Add more cane sugar or agave if it needs more sweetness, or more vanilla if it needs more vanilla flavor.
  • Add mixture directly to chilled ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions – about 45 minutes. It should look like soft serve.
  • Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a large freezer-safe container (such as a loaf pan) and use a spoon to smooth the top.
  • Cover securely and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until firm. Set out for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften – a hot ice cream scoop also eases scooping.
  • Will keep in the freezer for up to 10 days, though best when fresh.

Thank you for reading and coming to my blog!

For more food items that we buy, see what our family buys from Amazon HERE

One thing is for sure, during this time of uncertainty, CBD has been helping me cope with stress and anxiety. I’ve been using Equilibria CBD since January and thought I needed it with 5 kids, a business etc. After this virus, I feel like I need it just as much if not more so. If you agree, read on, and if I don’t answer your question below, feel free to comment below or email me, shalice@shalicenoel.com. More information is on THIS BLOGPOST, so don’t miss it as I explain more of the science behind the CBD.

It’s a new site and I’m lost. What do you order?

I order the “Balance Box.” I get it monthly, can cancel at any time. Use code shalicenoel for 15% off!

If I take too much, will I get sleepy?

You will be matched with a dosage specialist who will help you determine what is your exact. I really enjoyed the phone call with my dosage specialist.

When did you start noticing benefits?

Right away! Some people are different so they say it can take up to 3 months to feel the full benefits. You should take it every day for optimum results.

I can’t do both, oils or gels?

Gels! They’re slow release and give me awesome sleep.

Do you take both, the drops and the gels?

Yes! I take a gel at breakfast, 1 full dropper at lunch, and 1 gel with dinner. The gels are slow release and the dropper is fast acting. You need both for great results.

What has been the biggest change since you’ve taken it?

Two things! Really good sleep and I don’t have the pit in my stomach anxiety I get occasionally.

What time do you take the gel, and how long does it last?

The soft gels absorb more slowly since they need to pass through the digestive system. But that means they also last longer in your system: between 5-12 hours.

Any more questions? Comment below!

Use code shalicenoel for 15% off!

Confession: my jeans are tight. I’ve been living in joggers and pj’s till 12 noon. Or later. However, I have started, by day 25 of quarantine, to get dressed, make my bed, and get some blog posts on here! I’m not a dietician, or doctor, but I have included some of my personal tips for avoiding gaining weight during this time at home.

DRINK LOTS OF H20

We need to train ourselves to drink water. We go through our days drinking coffee, smoothies, more coffee, and then we wonder why we have an afternoon headache. We are dehydrated! Here’s a tip: Drink 3 glasses of water before 12 noon. This helps a lot. You should drink a total of 8 glasses a day, and if that feels like too much, lemon water helps. Also, when I get a hankering for a peanut butter cup (more on this later) I make a (calorie-free) lemonade.

Calorie Free Lemonade

8 oz filtered water

1 lemon, squeezed

1 full dropper of stevia

5 cubes of ice

Mix all ingredients and enjoy!

Add Fab4 smoothie to your breakfast routine

I feel more fueled and focused when I have my Fab4 smoothie, originally published HERE.

#FAB4Smoothie: Protein (20g minimum) + Fiber (10g minimum) + 1 Tbsp. Fat + Handful Greens + 1/4 Cup Fruit + Superfoods + Liquid

2 scoops Vital Proteins collagen powder // 1 TB almond butter// 1 frozen banana // 1 cup frozen pineapple // 2 cups frozen organic spinach // 1 TB chia seeds // unsweetened almond milk // 2 meyer lemons (add at the end) //

Directions: blend till smooth in a vitamix or blender. I add the lemons at the end and drink immediately.

I explain more in this post about how I am changing the way our family eats.

Add a pilates ring to your routine

I place it in between my thighs while I sit for a thigh workout. Try doing it 100x!

Drink ACV

Add 2 tablespoons to water and ice and drink before a meal. Reid and I have one after dinner. Whenever it makes sense, just add this to your regimen.

American Eagle

MANGO

Nordstrom

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Nordstrom is having a HUGE sale. I rounded up some favorites including my shoes on sale!

SkinCeuticals take 15% off!

As always, my shop page is open 24/7, ask any questions and let me know how you are staying fit and healthy during these times. What are your plans this weekend? Reid and I will take the kids to our friends’ pool to swim. Don’t worry, we will still be practicing social distancing. And thanks to the high temps, we will try our hand at margaritas! Will let you know how they go!

Why I Take Collagen

by Shalice Noel

Sandals // Skirt wearing a 4 // Square Neck top worn in xs // Faux Shearling Coat


Why I Take Collagen


If you follow along on Instagram, you see me adding collagen to my morning coffee every day. Because of this, collagen is something I get asked about a lot in my DMs, so I thought I’d put together a post on why I take collagen and what it’s benefits can be as a reference for when I get asked. I hope this answers any questions you have!

First things first, it’s important to understand that collagen powder and protein does not equate to collagen in your skin, or on your face. What it does do is line the gut and help to support your gut health. Almost every skin issue and inflammatory issue humans have is linked to our gut health. Crazy, right? So, a healthy gut equals less inflammation. And, it just so happens that inflammation is the number one factor when it comes to aging. Therefore, a healthy gut = healthy skin.

In addition, healthy skin is more hydrated and strong, and can even result in fewer instances of rosacea and acne breakouts. Then, of course, consistent hydration and less inflammation mean fewer wrinkles. 

For me personally, I’ve seen a dramatic change in my hair and nails since adding collagen to my daily routine. I’ve always struggled with thin hair, so taking 2 scoops a day for over a year has given me fuller, thicker hair. Even my makeup artist noticed and asked what I’m doing different! My nails have also gotten stronger.

So, this is what motivated me to start taking collagen. Like I said, it doesn’t directly put more collagen in your skin, but it can play a huge role in how your skin ages, along with other benefits like stronger/thicker nails and hair.

Have you used collagen before? Tell me about your experience with it – I’m kind of passionate about it at this point!

Forward me any questions. Click HERE for my smoothie recipe.

Cloudscape jacket in sz 8 in sunset orange // Align pants in polar shift emboss sz 6// Run times bra // Boyfriend tee in sz 4// Water bottle (this really keeps beverages cold and hot!)

  1. Drink water! Add lemon, ice or vitamin c packets if water bores you. The benefits to drinking water for your health are many! It lubricates your joints, flushes body waste, helps maintain blood pressure, and boosts skin health and beauty to name a few. Try THIS HOT/COLD THERMOS to keep your drinks yummy!
  2. Add veggies to your diet. We like kale chips! Turn off your favorite show and get active. You can average 8 calories burned a minute of doing sets of mountain climbers. Go!
  3. Eat fewer snacks and healthier ones. Throw out the pop and potato chips and swap them for the following: almonds, kale chips, hummus and pita chips, and kind bars (5 grams of sugar). I promise you you will feel better after doing these things!
  4. Try a facial spray to calm skin with natural botanicals and hydration throughout the day.

Now, it’s your turn, what are some of your tips?

With the influx of new products and new devices that promise everything from tighter lips to tighter tummies to tighter everything, it gets a little confusing in the marketplace.

I was originally introduced to NuFACE products from my mom who gave me my first NuFACE mini device. Already familiar with the toning and lifting my NuFACE mini device did, I researched the body device. I’m always crazy about new beauty gadgets. Just ask Reid!

After I had Levi, I knew I needed to do something about my stomach especially, as it had stretched out for the fifth time! I must say, women’s bodies are amazing!

Instead of getting down on myself for having a less than desirable stomach, aka wrinkly with weird lines (Thanks Levi!), I decided I needed to do something about it. Without surgery, I knew that to get the stomach I wanted, required a good diet and exercise as well. 

How do you use the NuBODY?

I use it at night before bed. I even walk around with it because I’m a busy mom. It takes about five minutes after the application of the gel. I use it on my stomach in circular motions just as I do to tone and lift my face with the NuFACE mini or trinity device.

What are some tips for using my NuBODY device?

  • Results you FEEL instantly and SEE over time.
  • NuFACE is known for the instant lift you get with their facial devices. The same is not true for your booty, unfortunately! But after just 1 NuBODY treatment your skin will feel more firm and more energized, and with continued use, you’ll see the improvements over time.
  • You have to use NuBODY to see the results.
  • Like exercise, you have to do the crunches to reap the benefits. And with NuBODY, you have to do your 5-minute treatment 5 days per week to see the results in your target area. (1 stomach = 5 min treatment; 2 arms = 10 minute treatment.)
  • Quick and easy treatment.
  • Don’t target your whole body or you’ll be spending 30-minutes a day with NuBODY and that’s not reasonable for most. Target your arms, stomach, thighs, or butt; not all!  If you’re targeting dimples, you can just hold the device in place while you binge watch your favorite show or multi-task. Add some glides when it feels good, but it doesn’t need to be 10-minutes of movement.

What results have I seen personally?

I have seen my stomach more toned after I use the NuBODY device. See these before/after pictures. I love that I’m actually doing something for myself in the midst of busy mom life. Even if it is 5 minutes a day. Who doesn’t have 5 minutes? If you don’t, there’s a problem! It feels good to get a spa treatment AT HOME. So many times I have scheduling conflicts but would love a much-needed spa treatment. The founders of NuFACE are mothers and I’m grateful for a device that tones my stomach and smoothes the lines right in the comfort of my home.

FYI, there is a promo going on right now. No code needed, 2 free 10 oz gel primers with a NuBODY purchase, a $96 value. No code needed! Get your NuBODY here.

NuBODY // Prep-N-Glow sheets (great for cleansing while traveling) Gel Primer (leave on and hydrating)

The “After” picture. Taken 8 months after I gave birth to Levi. I used the NuBODY once a day in the evening.

Thank you NuFACE for sponsoring this post. All opinions my own!

3 Reasons Why I’m Giving My Baby a Probiotic

1 THE FIRST 6 MOS OF BABY’S LIFE ARE MOST CRITICAL. So much critical growth happens during this time from autoimmune to metabolic development.

2 9/10 BABIES ARE MISSING B. INFANTIS

(THE KEY GOOD BACTERIA) THAT DIGESTS NUTRIENTS IN BREASTMILK AND PROTECTS BABY’S GUT

3 NOT ALL PROBIOTICS ARE THE SAME.

STRAIN DOES MATTER. EVIVO IS THE ONLY PROBIOTIC CLINICALLY PROVEN TO RESTORE THE GOOD BACTERIA (B. INFANTIS), REDUCING BAD BACTERIA IN BABY’S GUT BY 80%.

I’ll preface this blog post by saying, I forgot SO much after I had my 4th child 6 years ago. So, when Levi arrived last October, I found myself trying to jog my memory about what to give a baby suffering from colic, how to cure mastitis, and what to do to keep up my nursing supply. I asked a couple friends, read up on some of the topics and educated myself as these issues have risen. Levi is newly 7 months. I’m taking one day at a time. A couple weeks into Levi’s 6 month birthday, we began seeing bad diaper rash, eczema, and gas. Poor guy. I called my best friend, like I usually do and she urged me to give him a probiotic. And since I’m nursing, I should take one as well. We later found out, his ailments were signs of bad gut health. We started giving Levi Evivo and just waited. I put one sachet into a bowl mixed with 3-5ml breast milk. To my surprise, he started waving his arms, which meant he loved it! Well, that made everything easier. Within a week, the redness behind his ear from eczema lessened.

With increased usage of antibiotics during delivery, c-sections (while both good in their own right), have interrupted the transfer of good bacteria from mom to baby. The good bacteria, the fancy name for it is “B.infantis” is missing from baby. What do we do? Scientists developed this probiotic for babies as the solution to this problem. I want Levi to thrive in all areas including developing a strong gut to help him live a happy and healthy life.

What does it take? Without B. infantis, bad bacteria can thrive threatening him with diabetes, allergies, colic and what we already experienced with eczema. I had no idea probiotics were SO IMPORTANT. My only regret so not having this with all of my kids! Thank you Evivo for making this product that is so instrumental to a baby’s health. Levi will thank me one day!

What are some of the benefits? Better sleep, improved digestion, happier baby. If you’re a mother, you already know this. A fussy baby is such a challenge. I will have long days with a cranky baby at my hip and I feel like crying along with him. It is incredibly difficult to see your baby unhappy and not know how to help him. For that reason alone, give Evivo a try. Nothing is worse than a fussy baby suffering from one of the above ailments who cannot communicate with you what is wrong. All he or she can do is cry. If you’re not a mom, a great gift idea is a gift card for Evivo. Believe me, a new or seasoned mom (like myself) would thank you many times over for such a gift to myself and baby. If you’re pregnant, give yourself some brownie points, plan ahead and purchase a month starter kit which is less than $3 a day. Less than a latte. As for me, I plan to continue to give Levi Evivo. My sister-in-law is hoping to get pregnant soon with their second. Since their first had colic, I plan to introduce her to Evivo for baby #2. She will thank me later!

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Is EVIVO gluten free?

Yes.

Does Evivo have any artificial flavors, preservatives, colors or dyes?

No.

Does Evivo contain any additives?

No.

Can I purchase a gift card for a friend?

Absolutely! More and more mom’s are giving and receiving gifts beyond the swadles and onesies. Evivo deserves a place on the baby registry if you ask me! Click HERE for more gift card information.

To receive $10 off use coupon code: “BLOG36328” 
To receive $20 off use coupon code
“BLOGSV55P”

Learn more about EVIVO here.

Thank you EVIVO for sponsoring this post!

My Daily Routine

by Shalice Noel

Chunky Knit Sweater // Leather pants Fabiana Fillippi SIMILAR  // Shoes // Chanel bag // Bugaboo Frog stroller in Denim

To those asking about my vintage Chanel Cocoon bag, here’s a dupe for much less and bonus, it wipes clean. If you’re worried about the spit up from last night? Yeah, that’s a quick wipe off. See my faves below!

I get a lot of questions about my routines from diet to keeping it up with it all.  Read on for some tips! 

WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LIKE?

To avoid getting hangry, I take two scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Powder (non-flavored) in my almond milk latte every morning. 

The benefits of collagen are many. It’s the most abundant protein in your body. It can relieve joint pain and improving skin health. I’ve personally noticed better hair quality and stronger nails. After all, increased skin hydration leads to less wrinkles. Do I have your attention now?

 

AFTERNOON ROUTINE?

Multi tasking is key. 

I drink Dandy Blend with one scoop of collagen protein and almond milk and snack on salted almonds or kale chips as I respond to e-mails.

I work on my pilates ring while I help the kids with their homework.  Yes they think I’m crazy.  The pilates ring tones my inner thighs.  I even bring it in my suitcase when we travel.

 

Kale Chips

1 big bunch of organic kale, washed and dried

pinch off the leaves from the stalk into small pieces

drizzle with avocado oil and sea salt

Bake for 15 min on 350 degrees

I get a lot of questions about what vitamins I take on the regular. I take a prenatel vitamin since I’m still nursing and b12, since I’m off coffee. Don’t think for a second this mama doesn’t run on some kind of vitamin in place of a legal addictive stimulant. I link both below that I take daily!

5 things I buy from Amazon each Month read more on THIS POST

Adult Energy B12 Gummies (1000 mcg per serving) // Baby and Me Pre and Postnatel Vitamin //  Magnesium Powder // D3 Gummies // Sheets for the Arrowhead Cabin // Baby Pacifier (yet he doesn’t take one right now, unfortunately) // Hand Sanitizer for traveling with kids! // Aspartame Free Gum (I buy a 3 pack for traveling)

 

WHAT ABOUT YOUR DINNER ROUTINE?

Tonight we are having lemon chicken and oregano potatoes tonight. We have a ton of meyer lemons on our bush in our yard so I’m making that with oregano. It’s delicious. I’m making it in the crock pot because I tend to burn everything. Want the recipe? Look below:

Chicken and Potatoes

1 whole chicken or a couple chicken breasts (whatever I have on hand)

Avocado oil

Garlic

4 lemons freshly squeezed

1 cup of water or enough to cover the potatoes

4 large potatoes peeled and chopped

oregano

Sea Salt

If it’s a crazy busy day ahead, start in the morning and throw it in a crock pot. If not, place all ingredients in a 9×13 dish and cook for 1 hour in 350 degrees or until chicken and potatoes are tender. The lemon makes the sauce amazing! Serve with rolls and a green salad.  Top off the salad with my homemade salad dressing here! 

CHORES! Do your kids do them?

Oh the dreaded word!! But seriously it HAS to be done. Other things that help laundry and organization are giving each of my kids a chore that is age specific. My oldest does the laundry, second daughter loads/unloads the dishwasher, oldest boy (#3) takes out the trash and the 5 year old takes out the small trash cans from the upstairs bathrooms. I will not claim that my kids do their chores without reminders (nagging) or without some bribing and I’ll admit I have to do lots of incentives, but it eventually gets done. For example, a popular incentive in my house are healthy lollipops. I use those candy on a stick for everything and MANY TIMES A DAY !! :)))

 

Books on my reading list: Home ManagementBody Love, and Large Family Logistics

I’ve been concerned with the air quality of our home for some time – especially after the birth of Levi. Who wants to bring a baby home to a house full of mold spores or fungus hanging around? I surely don’t. I’ve admittedly tried various methods from clean beeswax candles, boiling lemons and diffusing but I knew I needed something with a bigger impact. So, when approached by INTELLIPURE to try out their Ultrafine 468 air purification system, I jumped on it.

With patented DFS (Disinfecting Filtration System) technology, it has control over airborne contaminants such as ultrafine particles, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, viruses, etc. When we lived in Chicago, during the winter months, we’d be cooped up in the house and inevitably pass colds around. A cold stays around for a while when you have 6 people to hand it to.
All that to say, we are a great candidate for a home air filtration service. We’ve had it since October, and the one thing I love about it is the quiet motor. It’s like white noise, a soft hum. I don’t like anything loud buzzing daily and this also has an exceptionally low power consumption. We already have a lot of voices, a baby cooing, the piano playing, the dishwasher going and the last thing I need is a loud motor polluting the air.
The second thing I love about this filter is when we return from a weekend at our Lake Arrowhead cabin, the house doesn’t smell like wood (as it usually does). Rather, the house smells clean and fresh like after a rain shower. How’s that for a 3’ tall air filter? I just wish they made a filter that would suck up all the clutter in the house, wouldn’t that be nice?