RA stories

2020 has been a lot of things... tough, sad, stressful, weird, and challenging are things to come to mind. Businesses have failed, and people have gotten sick, lost jobs, or lost loved ones. 

With all of the stress and uncertainty that has come with this year, many of us have packed on the Quarantine 15 (or more)! If this is you, don't fret. There are safe, healthy ways to get these extra pounds off. 

We had the opportunity to interview Rhya Pachin, one of the experts in functional nutrition here in Charlotte. You may remember her from earlier in the year when she talked with us about the gut microbiome and the importance of using food and nutrition to heal the body. 

Today, she is going to talk to us more about that pesky "Quarantine 15" and how we can make a few simple lifestyle changes to get that off, and keep it off.

Sugar is in everything. I am sure you know that things like cupcakes and candy are loaded with sugar, but you may be surprised about the sugar content hiding in some foods that may seem otherwise innocent. Would you have thought that your baked beans, spaghetti sauce, ketchup and low-fat yogurt can actually be packed with more sugar than your dessert?

Today, I am interviewing Jacqueline Bourne, who has taken the plunge into sugar free living. You may remember her from a previous interview interview where we talked about getting your best internal and external glow. Her website is full of helpful resources, so make sure to check that out.

In this interview, you'll learn more about how Jacqueline was able to transition her family away from sugars and the incredible transformation this has had on their health and lives. She even gives recommendations for sugar substitutions as well as a delicious recipe!

We are all searching for that radiant glow, but what if we are sabotaging it by what we put into our body? Clean ingredient expert Jacqueline Bourne tells what to put in, and what to avoid, in order to be glowing outside and inside. Plus, she included a recipe for a Good-to-Glow Smoothie! Summer is finally here so get ready to be positively glowing!

Recently the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic.  And with all the difference information, media, and opinions portrayed on social media by the general public, confusion and misleading information can cause mass panic.

As someone who is at high risk with asthma and autoimmune disease, I don't take things lightly.  I've heard from many different perspectives including medical professionals.  There's charts floating around comparing the flu with COVID-19.  Pictures of how there's no toilet paper (and other resources) have dominated my Facebook feed.

No matter how things turn out with a severe flu season, rise of Coronavirus cases, and other illnesses, it is important to boost your immune system and to prevent from getting sick when possible.  The best thing you can do for yourself and your family members is to remain calm and carry out your life normally, to start making healthy lifestyle changes, and to practice good hand hygiene.

Not sure where to start?  I have written about 10 ways to boost your immune system and to reduce the risk of infection!  All facts, no opinions.  Read this very important information now.

It's almost Valentine's Day❣  Whether you have a bae/hunny or not in your life, every single woman deserves self-love and self-care.

Love doesn't always have to come from other people.  In fact, it is so important to love yourself.  As women, we wear so many hats in this modern day, and sometimes we forget about our own needs because we are so busy taking care of other people - at work, at home, anywhere really.

This interview of Chrystal Rose is about self-love that impacts the mind, body, and spirit.  I'm going to be completely honest - this is something that I am 100% still struggling with.  I've been bullied and shamed all of my life, a lot of times by the people whom I thought loved me and was closest to me, so this topic is absolutely important to me.  Sometimes people don't realize that words really hurt, and they truly don't realize how those words can impact others' self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love.

Chrystal owns Rebellia, the Rebel Babe Cave podcast, and Mental Message.  She is also a nutritional coach and is currently working on obtaining a certification in life coaching that focuses on body image and disordered eating from a holistic approach.  Chrystal is extremely passionate at what she does and wants to make an impact on women's lives - centering around changing the mindset, achieving sustainability (instead of trying yo-yo diets), and working towards balance.