Are you at the age where you feel like you have a new ache or malady each week?  Where SOMETHING just doesn’t feel right, and you have no energy?  Don’t you wish you had something safe and effective that you could use for yourself, or your children? Or Grandchildren? Or even aging parents?  Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could find SOMETHING that actually worked, didn’t have negative side effects, and was inexpensive?  Sound too good to be true?  I used to think so too.

Let’s talk low energy and body aches…

I am an avid workout person. I used to dance ballet and modern dance in high school and college. Then I became an aerobics instructor when I started having a family and the dream of becoming a professional dancer gave way to the dream of raising my children in a loving home. Working out was my “taking care of me so I could take care of them” part. I figured if i was going to go workout anyway, why not get paid for it?

Anyway, fast forward to now being in my 50’s. The things that didn’t used to cause aches and discomfort, now do. It’s a bummer, but it’s the way it goes. However, it doesn’t have to be debilitating. In fact, with the proper nutrition and guidance, you can actually navigate your “wisdom years” pretty well.  That’s the goal for me and my husband Gerry. Here’s some things that have helped us!

One thing that seems to change somewhere in your thirties is your energy level. I remember with my 5th child hauling my VERY pregnant body up the stairs to get the other four children up and off to school.  It was torture, I’m not going to lie. Sometimes it seemed like I was climbing Mt. Everest every morning. I wish I had known then what I know now! Or had access to what I have now. But all things come in their time I suppose. So it was with me.

My energy greatly improved in my 40’s when i found the doTERRA Life-Long Vitality pack. I have never been a great fan of taking vitamins. In fact, I once vowed that was something I simply would never sell. (You should be careful what you swear to!) Anyway, I started using the Life-Long Vitality because they were supposed to make you feel great and help with aches and pains and energy.  That seemed good to me!  So I gave it a try.  And I felt…NOTHING. I was so disappointed.

So I kind of dropped off using them. If they weren’t going to help, then I was less motivated even though I knew the extra nutritional boost was a good thing. And you know what? I started feeling tired! I noticed I was tired, sore and stiff after my workout. That’s when it hit me! The change to more energy and less aches and pains had been so gradual that I had barely noticed.  In fact, I HADN’T noticed, and so I thought there was no change. But how wrong I was!  So you better believe I got back on the Life-Long Vitality!  And over the next few days, my energy returned, my soreness and stiffness after my workout decreased, and I felt pretty darn great. Hmmm, imagine that.

Gradual is good!

That was a great lesson.  Sometimes change happens so gradually we don’t sees it.  We start feeling better and just take it in stride.  We, or maybe I should say “I”, don’t always realize that change is occuring. That doesn’t mean it’s not.

For me, the goal of increased energy also meant putting better fuel in my body.  I had always been kind of spoiled in my younger years.  I had been able to eat most anything I wanted and feel good and not gain weight.  Not so after 5 babies. And 20 years! My body wasn’t so forgiving as it had been when I was younger.  So, more changes had to be made.

When you’ve never known how to eat “healthy”, it can at first be a bit overwhelming. “Don’t” eat this food its bad, etc.  Anyone else remember the “If you eat fat, it will make you fat, theory?  Sheesh.  That’s true to a point of course, but a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and even fats is important.  The kind of carbohydrates, proteins and fats also makes a big difference. My son taught me to look at foods as “Everyday Foods” and “Sometimes Foods” instead of good and bad.  That’s much healthier for your mind and body. So where do you start?

Well, starting with the Life-Long Vitality gave me a leg up.  Getting the proper dose of vitamins and nutrients is key. Then focusing on learning how to enjoy lean meats like more chicken, turkey, and fish were also good places to start. Fish is a tough one for me because I don’t love it.  I have learned to like it though! And the invention of cauliflower rice over the past few years has been the best thing ever for me! If you could use some help and maybe a few recipes to get you started, then check out my post on Yummy Healthy Eating! There’s some free recipes there just for you!

Good Clean Energy…

Avoiding processed foods and eating whole, raw and organic foods will also help. They tend to be more expensive, so take a look at plan according to your good budget.  The most important things to buy organic (known as the dirty dozen!) according to ASEQ/EHAQ are:

1. Strawberries                                                         
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collards and mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Cherries
8. Peaches
9. Pears
10. Bell and hot peppers
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

These are the most common to have pesticide residues so pay special attention to this list. Keeping those toxins out of your body will help a lot with your energy and feeling your best.

If you are feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed, don’t panic!  This can be a lot to take in.  That’s what I am here for.  If talking through your health goals and issues and finding solutions sounds good to you, then just click on My Calendar.  There’s no obligation.  Just don’t be surprised if I have some good ideas for you!

Check out my other posts on the malady of the week. You’ll find more on every day aches, discomforts, and other challenges, and ideas on how to feel better naturally! Till then, be healthy and happy!