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CBD Oil – Is it Right for You?

Written by: Tayler Silfverduk, DTR 
Revised by: Kelly Schmidt, RDN

CBD oil seems like it is all the rage. Claims that it helps with diabetes, arthritis to digestion are popping up everywhere. Can this plant really be effective for so many things?

CBD OIL - Is it right for you_ - Kelly Schmidt RDN - #CBDoil #hempoil #hempCBDoil #dietitian #CBDoilbasics #CBDoil101 #CBDoilfacts
Infographic Designed and Made by Tayler Silfverduk, DTR

Hemp CBD oil vs. Hemp oil

Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds and does not have a significant amount of cannabidiol. Hemp CBD oil, on the other hand, is made from the entire plant and has a more significant amount of cannabidiol. CBD is abbreviated for Cannabidiol so it makes sense that CBD oil would be the more potent option.

Why does it matter? Well, the Cannabidiols are what are responsible for the health benefits of these products. Because Hemp CBD oil has more cannabidiol present, it’s going to be more profound.

Additionally, both Hemp CBD oil and Hemp oil is legal in all states. Marijuana CBD oil is more restricted and you should check with your local and state laws on whether or not it’s legal yet.

What Exactly is Cannabidiol?

CBD (A.K.A. Cannabidiol) is one of the non-toxic chemical compounds of the cannabis plant that doesn’t play a role in the “high” feeling many people associate cannabis with. This is because CBD sold for commercial use comes from a plant that has less than 0.3% THC. This means, first and foremost, don’t worry about it taking you on a trip.

Additionally, CBD is a fat-soluble plant chemical that supports the endocannabinoid system (an important modulatory system in the function of the brain, endocrine, and immune tissues) in your body. That’s right, your body has an entire system dedicated to taking advantage of this chemical. In fact, your body needs it.

The Endocannabinoid System and Benefits of CBD oil

The endocannabinoid system acts as a balancing mechanism for an array of functions in your body. It helps balance things like your circulatory system, nervous system, and even your digestive system.

The benefits of CBD oil are still being researched but they have the potential to help with:

  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Seizure
  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • IBD/IBS
  • Opioid withdrawal
  • Taste depression
  • Chronic pain
  • Sleep
  • Preventative health

How to Buy Quality CBD Oil

Avoid CBD oil that’s been processed with butane, hexane, or other solvents. You also want to avoid and CBD oil that comes from plants that were sprayed by pesticides. If you are unsure if the product you’re considering has done either of these things, ask. You want to be sure you’re getting high-quality stuff.

Additionally, because Hemp CBD oil is legal in all states, you might want to try your hand at CBD oil that specifies that the Hemp plant is its origin.

Some other things to consider when buying are taste, price, the immediacy of effects, ease of use, and concentration. Kelly uses CBD capsules from Designs for Health (they have one of the best processes in extracting the oil) with her clients.

How to Take CBD oil

I can’t tell you exactly how to take, it’s all about trial and error and figuring out what works for you, your body, and your own needs. However, I can tell you the different methods of using CBD oil and what they might entail.

Ultimately

It’s up to whether you want to try out CBD oil. It has promising potential to help ease a variety of ailments and help with preventative health.

As always, this does not serve to take the place of medical advice provided directly by a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professionals to determine if CBD oil is safe for you. CBD oil can interact with certain medications.

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Affirmations & Weight Loss – The Power of Positivity

Affirmations and Weight-loss - KSW - #weightlosstips #weightlossfacts #nutritionisttips #nutritionfacts #nutritiontips #healthylifestyletips #positivemindset #KSW #kellyschmidt #weightloss #howtoloseweight #mindsetiskey
Infographic designed and edited by Tayler Silfverduk, DTR

While we think our actions create our results, it’s really the thoughts we manage and create that lead us feeling a certain way, priming us to make certain choices and actions, therefore our results.

Our thoughts create our results.

How and what we think is a crucial element to our health and fat loss journey. This is why when I work with clients who want to lose weight, we spend time on the topic of affirmations.

Affirmations:  a statement about ourselves or our situation that’s phrased in the present tense as if the self-focused declaration is already true.

If you read them on a continual basis and stay persistent, combining them with regular physical activities and a real food diet, I guarantee that you WILL achieve your desired results. Pick an affirmation and own it for the next 30 days and see what happens,

Examples of weight loss and confidence affirmations to adopt:

  • I reached my weight loss goal.
  • My past doesn’t defy my future. I am achieving my goals.
  • Age has nothing to do with it. I am releasing this weight in a wise way.
  • I am taking care of myself.
  • I am so happy and grateful I weigh _________.
  • I feel hunger without fear, in fact, I appreciate it.
  • I eat just enough, without overeating.
  • I am showing up for myself and treating myself with respect.
  • I am grateful for my body and where it takes me.
  • I am proving my ability to change my habits and adopt new ones.
  • I am worthy.
  • I am enough.
  • I trust my body and it’s capabilities to heal and thrive.
  • I inhale life and exhale anxiety.
  • I am flexible to change.

How to Use Affirmations

Say them daily, aloud, for a larger impact. Repeat them 1-5x a day, and put them in your calendar, like a post-it on your mirror, in your pantry, on your desk and computer, and say the chosen affirmation with belief.

Our brain doesn’t know reality. It knows what our thoughts tell it, and an affirmation is an easy way to “fake it until I make it,” progressing to the results you want.

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Wellness Workshop – Reset Your Metabolism

Enroll Now 

How can you make this year your best yet?

Aside from your best efforts, do you find yourself mindlessly eating? Even with perfect intentions, do you tell yourself you are going to stick to a specific health goal, do a pretty good job at it, but find clothing a little snug come Valentine’s Day?

Pause this January 27th, with Kit, Kelly, and Chan for a Wellness Workshop to Reset your Metabolism.  

This workshop is like no other, it will help you embrace 2019 by eating well, weighing less, and enjoying more, with realistic self-care practices, an enhanced mindset, and the know-how in eating well, while ditching the diet mentality.

Join 3 experts on Sunday to:

  • practice a 30 – minute mindful yoga session,
  • learn evidence-based strategies with proven results
  • grow out of deprivation and restriction with food,
  • have a better understanding of your hormones,
  • learn visualization techniques to manage hunger.
  • find the best way for you to adopt a form of intermittent fasting.

Come in comfortable clothing, and ready to look at your year ahead in a new way.

Nibbles will be shared to wrap up the workshop during our Q & A.

Details: Sunday, January 27, from 1-3pm. $99 per person.

Kit Yoon’s Bio:

Kit is a licensed acupuncturist, certified clinical hypnotist, and wellness coach. She incorporates mind-body strategies to help her patients and clients achieve sustainable change for optimum health. With over 17 years of experience, Kit now specializes in weight, pain and stress management using acupuncture, hypnosis and coaching. Learn more about Kit: bexleyacupuncture.com
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Kelly Schmidt’s Bio:

Kelly’s holistic private practice helps clients beyond their plate. As someone who has had type 1 diabetes for 25+ years, she uses her education as a Registered Dietitian and experiences to be a detective for her clients. Kelly specializes in autoimmune disease, blood sugar control, gut health, and hormone balance. She is the co-creator behind the 8-lecture course “Healthy Cuisine: A Wellness Guide for Diabetes,” and the author of, “What is the Deal Paleo and Primal Eating.”

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Chan Hemintranont’s Bio:

Chan, a PAI Yoga and Fitness former owner and yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), has over 10 years of yoga teaching experience. She promotes mind-body-soul connection in her practice and teachings. Chan has an extensive background in business and profound knowledge in yoga and Ayurveda. She loves to share her passion with her community by helping them live more consciously with the right diet and lifestyle for a healthy life and longevity. Chan was voted one of the best yoga instructors in Columbus.
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How I Hack My G6 Dexcom CGM

Hack Your 6 Dexcom Sensor - KSW - #insulinpump #diabetic #type1diabetes #diabetes #diabeticnutrition #diabetichacks #diabeteshacks #diabetictips #diabeticinfo #dexcom #g6dexcom
Infographic designed and made by Tayler Silfverduk, DTR

Thanks to the awesome DOC (diabetes online community) I seamlessly hacked my G6 Dexcom and am currently on day 34 of my first sensor. I hope I don’t jinx it!

So this is how I went about it: Make sure you write down or keep the paper off of the sensor that has the code on it. You’ll need it to do a restart.

To restart:
1) Once the session ends, start new session with NO CODE.
2) Let it warm up for 5 minutes.
3) Go into the settings in the Dexcom app on your phone and stop session (towards the bottom, you will need to scroll).

4) Start a “new sensor” with the code you used when you first put on the sensor. I keep the little paper in a specific spot in my nightstand.
5) 2-hour warm up and done!

I LOVE the G6. I am so excited about it, I got a smaller wristlet that doesn’t have to carry around my meter and supplies 24/7.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

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3 Vital Methods of Improving You Heart Health

Each of us only gets one heart during the course of our lives. While there are extensive medical treatments that can support or potentially replace your heart problems, prevention is always worth plenty more in its curative potential. Improving heart health isn’t usually a singular act, the same as any other matter of health. However, with a little care and consideration, you can drastically reduce the statistical likelihood of contracting various ailments. Thankfully, you needn’t climb a mountain every day or find the strangest and most exotic solutions to improve your health in this manner.

This process can be relatively easy, provided you keep at it, prioritize this as something to take care of, and look to find what works for you. With the following tips, we’re certain you’ll get there with promising results:

Exercise

Without exercise, it is often extremely easy for your cardiovascular strength to suffer.  While the fit and healthy lifestyle is 20% exercise and 80% diet, that 20% is more essential than you might know.  Exercise trains your heart to be stronger, to deal with stress easier, to lower your resting heart rate, and to improve blood oxygen levels.  

Exercise can also help sleep, keep you disciplined which translates to diet positivity, it helps you keep a healthy weight, and decreases the effects of cardiovascular disease.  While exercise might differ depending on your needs, and while requirements might change depending on your age, weight, training aptitude, and medical needs, even professional cardiology services, with their range of offerings will often cite exercise as one of the most important things to take care of.

Stress

Lowering stress levels can lower your cortisol, which often contributes to a higher resting heart rate, strain on your heart and the intensity of panicked states.  It could be that applying meditation, lowering your working hours and filtering the chaos from your normal life could help you here significantly.

Stress can be mitigated through proper use of breathing techniques, exercise, correct sleep, social support, but sometimes targeted medication.  Be sure to speak with your healthcare professional about your own needs here.

Sleep

Sleep is one of the most restorative natural activities we all must take part in.  It is the nightly mercy to refresh your mind, body and spirit. It also helps your heart lower its necessary BPM while your other organs are taken care of.  Sleep reduces stress, gives you more energy, and nourishes you. A distinct lack of this can put a severe strain on your heart, and longer-term lack of sleep can often result in a lower lifespan.  Sleep is the most necessary, important part of this list and is worth taking care of.

With these tips you are sure to benefit deeply from a renewed a heart health priority. After all, you deserve to live your healthiest life. Just remain sure that any help you ever implement is always verified by your healthcare practitioner.

 

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Why You Are Struggling With Weight Loss

Weight loss is a hot topic this time of year. Along with melting fat, women more so are looking to get lean! Which we absolutely love. As well, weight loss doesn’t always have to mean losing the pounds, it can mean swapping them for inches so do not obsess over the number on the scale. 

Yet weight loss and fat loss is easier said than done. It doesn’t just take hard work, it takes a plan and strategy. Keep reading to discover how you can make the struggle with weight loss much easier!

You’re Trying The Wrong Diets

If you’re going to try and lose weight, you’re going to have to think about some sort of routine. Even if that means simply cutting out fatty foods that are high in sugar and salt, and swapping them for something a bit greener and leaner. That can be classed as a diet, you don’t have to follow some of the crazy crazes that there are out there. But if you’re going to, there are some that will work better, and quicker than others. The keto diet is one of them, and thousands of people around the world are on the diet right now. Ketogenic diet foods are easy to come by, so it’s not like this fancy diet is going to cost you a fortune. The diet works by reducing carbs to pretty much nothing, if not cutting them all out. This then encourages the liver to produce ketones which are then used as an energy source, these then break down fats. Once you reach an optimal weight, you then really slowly introduce foods higher in carbs, but still, stick to a whole real food diet!

Cheat Days Aren’t Banned

Cheat days definitely aren’t banned. The reason we feel that so many people fail when on a diet, is because they restrict themselves so much. It’s salads and fruits all the way, leaving your body to heavily crave the things you used to feed it with so much. This leads to massive binges on junk food, and it halts any weight loss progress. So, make every day a cheat day, and pick one item to have. A chocolate bar, a bag of crisps, whatever it may be. All you have to do is make sure you’re having one thing in terms of your cheat… and no that does not mean a massive Dairy Milk chocolate bar counts as one. That way, you always have a little treat to look forward to, and won’t feel the need to snack constantly.

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Weight Loss Hints for a Healthier You

When you improve your health and well-being, weight loss is often a byproduct. Consider what it takes to look after yourself and try to become healthier in everyday life.

There are various ways to improve your lifestyle, and your health and fitness. These are some of the best ways of keeping yourself in good shape as much as you can.

  • Drink More Water

Drinking more water is absolutely essential when it comes to keeping you hydrated and nourished. If you are serious about becoming healthier and boosting your fitness and well-being, you need to make sure you are drinking more water. There is a lot to keep in mind when it comes how much water you drink, and the accepted amount that you should be drinking is considered to be between 2 and 3 litres. Make sure you come up with plenty of great ideas to help you get into a routine of drinking more water right now.

  • Take up Fitness Classes

Another way of keeping yourself in top condition is to make sure you take up fitness classes. You need to stay in shape and do as much as possible to exercise on a regular basis. This is one of the reasons why a weight loss studio for women is one of the best ways of making sure you stay in shape and keep active. Fitness classes are so important, and they play a major role in the process of boosting fitness and staying healthy as much as possible.

  • Change Your Diet

Make sure you look at what you can do to change your diet and improve your diet. There are a lot of different diets that you could adopt, but it is also essential to make sure you have a balanced diet, focusing on real food and ensure you are tapping into your hunger to eat the right amounts. Making changes to your diet plays a massive part in the process of staying healthy. What’s my biggest tip? Avoid sugar and flour and do not view food as entertainment. Food is fuel. 

  • Kick the Habit

Everyone has bad habits that can affect their health in a negative sense, and you need to make sure you look at how you can kick such obstacles getting in your way.  Cut down on your drinking as much as possible.

There are a lot of things that have to happen if you want to be able to lose weight and stay in good shape. In fact, gaining or losing weight is a combination of small factors. Make small adjustments to your lifestyle and the accumulation of positive change will help you succeed. It’s not always what we are eating. It’s often what is eating us.

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5 Red Flags You Are Eating Too Much Sugar

Did you know there are ~20 grams of sugar in a bowl of tomato soup? The daily recommended limit when it comes to sugar is 30 grams. If you pair your soup with a salad, which the salad dressing either has dried fruit in it or a dressing with sugar, honey or syrup in it, you’ve likely blown the budget in one meal.

Many foods have hidden sugars in, so it can be difficult to know how much you’re consuming. However, various health problems can usually serve as an indicator that you’re consuming too much sugar including the following. 

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is the most obvious sign excess sugar in the diet (or it could be insulin resistance/inflammation) – or that you’re not brushing your teeth thoroughly enough. Sugar provides the perfect breeding ground for enamel-eating bacteria, which leads to cavities. Rigorous brushing can stop sugar rotting the teeth – it could be worth taking a visit to your local dental office to get your teeth professionally cleaned to prevent any current cavities from getting worse. Of course, assessing your diet with a food journal or support of a dietitian can make an impact.

Spots/acne

Whilst acne can be a genetic condition, a number of other factors can also come into play such as personal cleanliness and diet. Sugar causes our bodies to produce more insulin, which in turn can cause unnecessary inflammation around the body such as acne on the skin. If you suffer from acne, it could be worth reducing your sugar and increasing your water. Unrelated to what we eat, stress can do funny things to our body, including blemishes. Make sure you are taking many deep breaths throughout the day and finding an outlet to unwind. 

Excess weight

Sugar can lead to weight gain. Whilst sugar is low in calories, it is a carbohydrate – carbs have the biggest impact on blood sugar and insulin. When blood sugars are moving up and down, it will lead to weight gain and fluctuations in appetite. If you’re overweight and you eat lots of sugary foods, you may want to consider lowering your intake to help lose weight. The only time you may want to up your sugar intake is when doing aerobic exercise as sugar can provide useful energy to burn off – otherwise, you should keep it to a minimum.

Lack of energy

Relating to weight gain, sugar can cause a sense of an energy boost, but this is only short-term. The more sugar you feast on in one sitting, the bigger the comedown. If you feel tired all the time and you’re getting enough sleep at night, you may want to consider your sugar intake and evaluating how much caffeine you are running on.

High blood pressure

Salt is often blamed as the cause of high blood pressure (it actually only affects 20% of people), but sugar is the bigger villain. Sugar releases insulin, which in turn cause the blood pressure to rise. Constant high blood pressure can take a strain on the heart and arteries leading to potentially lethal problems such as strokes and heart attacks. If you’ve got high blood pressure, try lowering your sugar intake to see if this helps return your pressure to a normal level.

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Investing In Your Health: How You Can & Why You Should

Health is wealth. I think of the Lady Gaga documentary while writing this post. She is incredibly talented and wealthy but she has to tend to her autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, and it can suck up her time and get in the way of her work, let alone life. Money might make life easier for you but if you haven’t got your health, what have you got?

Choosing to invest in your health is crucial. If you don’t, who else is going to do so for you? As much as you can look to your doctor to take the lead, they have a full plate of their own. Rather than focusing on 1 area (coming from a dietitian, I am thinking diet), look at your wellness from a bird’s-eye view. 

Health insurance is a must-have

If you are serious about being mindful of your health and investing in it, then health insurance is a must-have. It’s crucial that you take out the best health insurance that you can afford, as one day, should you get sick, you will want to have that specialist medical cover in place.

In addition to normal medical insurance, you might want to purchase supplemental insurance to top up your cover. This cover is put in place to ensure that medical problems that your normal health insurance excludes are covered. 

Invest in good-quality food

A large number of people skimp on the food that they eat, buying poor-quality food to cut costs and make life cheaper. If you want to give yourself the best chance possible of leading a longer and healthier life, it’s essential that you take what you eat more seriously.

Take your exercise regime seriously

While you might be able to go it alone with exercise, some of us (myself included) need to consider investing in some expert help. Let it be hiring a personal trainer to help you get back to feeling your best, heading to an Orange Theory Fitness, etc? There are plenty of options, it’s just a case of finding the one that is the best fit for you.

There you have it, a guide to enlighten you on how to invest in your health.

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Getting Back to Exercise with a Baby in Tow

When you’ve just had a baby, you’ve got a lot to think about and do. Your main focuses are feeding and looking after your baby and getting some sleep. Yet, despite everything else that we’ve got going on, many of us worry about our weight and getting back into our pre-pregnancy jeans. You might also worry about boosting your fitness levels and increasing your stamina.

To start with, it’s crucial to give yourself a break. Concentrate on your baby and your health, eat well, drink lots of water, and give yourself grace. Get as much rest as you can, and remember, it took you ten months to gain your baby weight, it’s okay if it takes just as long to lose it. Don’t rush yourself. Your body has been through considerable stress. Not just giving birth, the whole of your pregnancy has been tough on your body, and it deserves a rest.

But, as soon as you are feeling able, and your doctor has given you the all clear, exercise can be a great idea. Don’t worry about your weight, and don’t push yourself too hard, but getting a little exercise can be good for your health and your mood. It can give you a little much needed time on your own, and it can help you to get some rest. So, how do you manage this with a baby in tow? It doesn’t have to be as hard as you might think.

Get Organized

If you want time to exercise, you might need to get a little more organized. Order diapers, shop in bulk, get into a routine as soon as you can, and get your partner helping out as much as possible.

Start Walking

 

When you’ve got a young baby, walking is the best way to exercise for two reasons. Firstly, it’s relatively easy on your body. Doing more steps each day helps you to burn more calories, works your muscles and helps to boost your fitness levels, without pushing your body too hard. Secondly, you don’t need to find time on your own. Put your baby in their stroller or a sling and take them out with you.

Home Workouts

There are so many workouts on YouTube. Many of which are aimed at new moms. Try yoga and gentle pilates if you want to relax, stretch out and work your muscles. Or have a go at a gentle aerobic routine if you want to get a cardio workout. Start with 10-minute videos, make sure you stretch and increase the length of your workouts when you are able.

If you don’t fancy any proper videos, simple stretches while holding your baby, or dancing around the kitchen with them can be a great workout.

Join a Class or Club

Have a look for new mom exercise classes at your local gym or community center, some of these offer creche services. Alternatively, look at notice boards or social media accounts for your local park. Many play host to moms and strollers groups, where new moms walk and stretch together with their babies. This is a great way to meet new people, get some fresh air and get back into exercise.