3 gut health red flags you shouldn’t ignore

3 gut health red flags you shouldn’t ignore
Have you ever felt like something’s just off, but you can’t quite put your finger on it?

Could be that…
  • Your energy is dragging.
  • Your skin isn’t cooperating.
  • Or no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to focus.
It’s frustrating — especially when you’re doing all the “right” things to feel energized and live a healthy lifestyle.

Believe it or not, these issues might link back to your gut…

Because your gut is about SO much more than just food.

It impacts everything—from how energized you feel to how quickly you bounce back after a tough workout.

And when your digestion isn’t working at its best, it can show up in ways you might not expect…

For example, low energy levels are a huge red flag... 

If you feel like you’re running on empty — even after a full night’s sleep — your body might not be absorbing nutrients properly. 

Another sign? Skin issues like breakouts or dullness. Your gut and skin are deeply connected, and when one is out of balance, the other is often right behind it.

And let’s not forget about mood swings. Your gut produces about 90% of your serotonin — the “feel-good” hormone…

When your digestion is off, it can take a heavy toll on your mood, making it harder to feel calm, focused, and positive.

The good news: Small changes can make a BIG difference.

Here are a few simple shifts to try:
  • Eat more whole, real foods. Your gut thrives on fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Processed foods can throw things out of whack.
  • Slow down when you eat. Chewing your food thoroughly helps your body break it down and absorb nutrients more effectively.
  • Add gut-friendly foods. Fermented veggies, yogurt, or kefir can support a happy gut.
  • Add gut-supporting supplements: My go-to combo is NingXia Red, NingXia Greens and Life 9 Probiotic (see testimonial below)
These small tweaks can create noticeable shifts in how you feel every single day.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Supporting your gut is one of the most effective ways to improve how you feel from the inside out.

Here’s a powerful testimonial from a client of mine! Stories like this is what inspires me to keep sharing!!
Since the age of thirty I’ve experienced massive stomach and lower abdominal discomfort that left me on the bathroom floor for hours with my husband concerned for my well-being. Thankfully I found Colleen! She had so many tips and tricks she shared online that I literally felt as if she was speaking directly to me and my stomach issues.
 
During our call she listened. I felt heard. After only 1 week of trying what Colleen suggested, I felt so much better. Then after 3 months the bloat disappeared, I lost 10 pounds, and I had more energy than I’d had in a long time.
 
The best part, I felt that the missing piece to my puzzle was being solved, with only 2 products (NingXia Greens and NingXia Red). Simplicity at its best. I have Colleen to thank for helping me feel alive and rejuvenated again after all these years.- Debbie C.

Click HEREto grab your gut support bundle and save 24%. Use code: SHAREYL for an extra 10% savings! I don't go a day without these powerful products! Reply to this message if you have questions or want to chat!
 
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

Fight these radicals for better health

Fight these radicals for better health
In a recent blog post, we explore the connection between fitness and your skin. Did you know that regular exercise can help your body produce antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress, which can impact your skin's health and aging process? Along with exercise, focusing on healthy eating, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can also reduce oxidative stress and promote healthier skin. One powerful supplement to consider is Young Living's Ningxia Red, a nutrient-dense drink that boosts antioxidant levels, increases energy, supports sleep, and enhances immune health. By taking care of your body from the inside out, you can improve your overall health and wellness. Join our Facebook Group, Wellness With Colleen, for more information on ways to enhance your well-being.
Read more...

5 ways to get more veggies in your life

5 ways to get more veggies in your life
Here’s a fact: even if you love veggies, it can be hard to get the required amount (2 to 3 cups a day).

And that’s a shame, because veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that your body needs to function at its very best.

If this is something you struggle with, I’ve got some easy ideas to help you ramp up your veggie intake:

1. Chop them into tiny bits
… and stir them into scrambled eggs, soups, potatoes, casseroles, etc. When they are minced, you barely notice them!

2. Add them to every meal … one meal at a time
Start by finding ways to add them to the easiest meal (probably dinner), and then when you master that, move on to another meal.

3. Be intentional about it
Decide it’s not a balanced meal if it doesn’t contain veggies, and then get on it!

4. Make them tasty
Experiment with adding sauces and spices to your veggies. This makes a huge difference!

5. Be sneaky
Try adding carrot or pumpkin puree, spinach, and/or mushrooms to your burgers or meatloaf.

6. Fill in the Gaps
Add a scoop of powerful greens to your daily shake or juice. I use Ningxia Greens to get my extra dose of powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. With over 60 nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, herbs, algae and mushrooms I love the peace of mind as it supports my immune system, digestive health, and energy levels!

p.s.
If you haven't joined my private Facebook Group, Wellness With Colleen, hop over there now. Every week I offer fun challenges, healthy recipes, and wellness tips. 
This group is perfect for you if:
 
✔️ You want daily inspiration to stay on track while you create your healthy lifestyle
✔️ You’d love to get your biggest nutrition and fitness questions answered by a real coach and other like-minded people who are on the same journey
✔️ And you like getting access to FREE recipes, tips, workouts, and more! 

Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

7 ways to set yourself up for big wins...

7 ways to set yourself up for big wins...
A few years ago, whenever I got stressed and too busy I used to do this thing that blows my mind now. 

I used to be in the “ignore it and push through it” club. By that I mean, I’d take the stress/overwork hit, but just keep going.

I’d tell myself: “I’ll deal with this later.” 

And I was super proud of myself – because you know what? I could take it. 

But even though I was able to handle the actual work … I didn’t always manage the stress.

Well … guess what?

Eventually, one way or another, you end up having to deal with it. 

You can end up getting sick, having headaches, getting injured, or feeling burned out.

If you’re also in the “push through it” club … you may want to consider jumping over into the “self-care club” instead … because that’s where the real power is.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have a pass on your responsibilities … it just means you’re listening to your body and managing your stress levels along the way. 

Here are 7 things you can do to help you not only stay on track… but do it in a more sustainable way:

  • Take a breath.
    When you’re stressed/busy, taking just a few minutes for controlled, mindful breathing can help your body’s stress control system do its job. I use essential oils paired with deep breathing and it's like magic.
  • Move your body.
    This is one of the best stress-relievers out there! Exercise works on a hormonal level to help you feel calmer, less stressed, and more relaxed.
  • Get a new perspective.
    Studies show that spending time in nature (just a few minutes) can help cut stress.
  • Upgrade your nutrition & hydration.
    Stress can make you crave high-calorie foods that contain a LOT of sugar and fat. This can make you feel tired, blah, and sluggish. Upgrade your choices to include nutrient-dense whole foods that help you feel better.  Adding a shot of 
    NingXia Red can help support blood sugar levels as well as provide massive antioxidants.
  • Make time for recovery (aka sleep).
    When you sleep, your body is helping you recover from yesterday so you can be rejuvenated to tackle tomorrow. Make sure to go to bed early enough so you can get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
  • Build a support network.
    Having people around you (in-person or virtually) who hold you accountable is everything! (Our FB group can be a good place to start: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wellnesswithcolleen/ )
  • Feed your mind.
    Make sure you get a steady diet of positive input – whether it’s listening to inspiring podcasts and audiobooks, reading self-development books, or learning about fitness & wellness … it can keep you motivated and moving forward. Also try meditating for at least 5 minutes a day.
It’s the little things you do every day that will have the biggest impact on your energy, resilience, fitness, and health! I'd love to hear if you do any of these tips OR if you are going to try a specific one. 
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!

6 Foods that make your body say, "Ouch!"

6 Foods that make your body say, "Ouch!"
Talk about an accidental discovery ...
 
I’ve got a client who went on a trip to Europe a few years ago. 
 
She ate differently than she did here in the US – basically less processed foods and more whole foods (veggies, fruits, proteins, etc.).
 
Can you guess what happened?
 
After a few days, almost every one of her everyday aches and pains went away.
 
Pains she had gotten used to – a sore knee, a tight low back, etc. – were pretty much GONE.
 
And this happened even though she was MORE ACTIVE all day, walking and sightseeing. Not to mention sleeping on strange beds.
 
It made such a difference that when she came home, she decided to keep it up – staying away from all her favorite go-to’s for snacks and weeknight meals.
 
She learned a valuable lesson: Sometimes, making a slight change in your lifestyle or everyday diet can have a HUGE payoff.
 
There are a lot of foods out there that can increase inflammation in your body.
 
And as you probably already know, inflammation is linked with aches & pains (especially if you have arthritis), but also obesity, diabetes, and a long list of other diseases.
 
I’ve put together a list of foods that are directly tied to inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
 
  1. Sugar. Processed sugars can trigger the release of inflammatory messengers in your body called cytokines. 
  2. Trans fats. These can cause systemic inflammation. Even though they’re banned, trans fats can still be found in fast foods and some processed items. Check ingredient labels and avoid items with partially hydrogenated oils.
  3. Omega 6 fatty acids. Your body needs a healthy balance of omega 3s and 6s, but most of us get way too much of the 6s, which can lead to inflammation.
     They’re found in salad dressings, mayo, and many vegetable and seed oils like corn, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, soy, and peanut.
  4. Refined carbs, aka “white” carbs. White flour, rice, pasta, bread, crackers, cereal, etc. can spike your blood sugar and lead to inflammation.
  5. Alcohol. Moderate drinking (1 drink a day for women; 2 for men) may have some health benefits for many people. However, studies show the more alcohol people consume, the higher their level of inflammatory markers in their bodies.
  6. Processed meats. The methods used to prepare these meats create AGEs (advanced glycation end-products), which are linked to inflammation. 
Some people also find they get aches and pains from foods they are sensitive to, like gluten, dairy, and even some vegetables.
 
I’m not suggesting that you go on a big kick and throw out all of those foods. That can be hard to sustain.
 
But sometimes making just one or two changes can start you on the road toward feeling your absolute best.

We can also assist our bodies through supplementation.  I personally take these three everyday to support my body: 
1. 
Ningxia Red:  massive antioxidants to fight free radicals in our body. 
2. BLM (Bones, Ligaments & Muscles): helps joint mobility with collagen, glucosamine, and essential oils
3. Vitamin D:  powerhouse for immune system and inflammation.

Reach out if you have any questions!

 
REFERENCES:
Interested in ways to support your wellness with chemical-free options? Click HERE!
 
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