Staying Merry & Bright

Day 14: Sustain Electrolytes

Because my family runs at supersonic speed. Between holiday activities, shopping, the gym, and sports, we sweat a lot. I know that staying hydrated during physical activity is crucial.

When we body sweat, we actually lose more than just water; electrolytes are also lost. Electrolytes are essential minerals. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Keeping well-hydrated improves my sleep quality, cognition, and mood, but is especially important to sustain physical activity especially during the holidays. We can’t let Santa down!

Packed with essential vitamins, like Vitamins C and E antioxidant support that helps prevent sore muscles, and Vitamin B12 and Riboflavin for energy and cellular support.

No artificial colors.

$12.99 for twenty packets which amounts to $0.64 per 16 ounce bottle.

In the pink!

It’s been a busy on the go kind of day for me! I have to stay hydrated with electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants. My favorite is this raspberry lemonade pink drink. It has half the sugar of Gatorade and tastes amazing!
You may not hit the gym every day, but Sustain Active Electrolyte Hydration can still help you stay hydrated! With four delicious flavors, Sustain is easy to take along for a quick hydration boost wherever your daily activities take you!
What are your favorite Sustain flavors? Let us know in the comments!

Making Your Holidays Merry and bright

Day 6: Herbal Deodorant

An herbal approach to 24 hour odor protection that is gentle, strong and lasts all day.

Because we all get stinky from stress and activity and deodorant needs no explanation.

This one has safe ingredients with serious protection that is aluminum free. At $5.49 it’s half the cost of its counterparts.

Support Your Body’s Natural GLP-1

— Through Food!

At R3, we’re all about helping your body work the way it was designed to. One powerful hormone that plays a big role in managing hunger, cravings, and blood sugar is GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). While some medications mimic GLP-1, your body can naturally support its production through smart food choices!

Here are some foods that may help your body release more GLP-1 naturally:

🥦 Fiber-Rich Choices:
  • Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats
  • Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
  • Fruits such as berries, apples, and pears
  • Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach

🥑 Healthy Fats:
  • Avocados
  • Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
  • Seeds (flaxseed, chia)
  • Olive oil

🍗 Protein Power:
  • Lean meats (chicken, fish, turkey)
  • Eggs
  • Dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese)
  • Plant proteins (tofu, tempeh)

🍵 Bonus Boosters:
  • Spices like turmeric and cinnamon
  • Green tea
  • A little dark chocolate (70% or higher!) 🍫

Remember: Not everyone will experience the same results, but eating a balanced variety of these nutrient-rich foods supports blood sugar balance, satiety, and long-term wellness — the R3 way. I can help!

Join Me for the R3 Fit for Fall Challenge!

Are you ready to transform your life and prioritize your health?
Join us for the R3 Fit for Fall Challenge, starting on October 6! This is not just another diet; it’s a sustainable lifestyle change designed to help you enjoy your favorite foods while improving your wellness.

If you’re wondering if this program works or not…take it from me, it does. In June of 2022 I was almost 250 pounds and figured what did I have to lose? (Weight, of course) I decided to give R3 a try. I did start losing weight following the plan. Mind you it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle switch. At the end of the six-week challenge I was informed I had placed second in percentage of weight loss! I was amazed. I continued following the Real Life part of the plan and by November I had lost 87 pounds. In December I was down by 100 pounds. The following April my weight loss totaled 125 pounds. The best part? I have kept off the weight! It hasn’t come back to haunt me (well, except for 10 pounds that arrived with the prednisone prescription) I plan on ridding myself of those 10 pounds inn this challenge! Who wants to join me to kick off a healthier holiday season?

What is R3?
R3 is a straightforward, easy-to-follow lifestyle plan that allows you to eat the foods you love without counting calories, grams, or ounces. The plan consists of three simple steps:

  1. Reset: Balance your blood sugar and discover foods that benefit you. Say goodbye to unhealthy food addictions and kickstart your weight loss!
  2. Reintroduce: Learn how to balance carbs, proteins, and fats while gradually reintroducing foods you’ve been avoiding.
  3. Real Life: Enjoy all your favorite foods while maintaining your weight loss, even in real-life situations like parties and vacations!

The R3 Process

  • Three Stages:
    • First Two Weeks: Focus on cleansing your palate and eating from the Yes List.
    • Second Two Weeks: Start to reintroduce some items from the No List in moderation.
    • Final Two Weeks: Enjoy guilt-free meals of your choice.
  • The program teaches you Healthy Habits in these seven areas:
    • Community
    • Nutrition
    • Supplementation
    • Water
    • Exercise
    • Silence
    • Sleep

Is R3 Right for You?
Whether you have diabetes, thyroid issues, PCOS, or dietary preferences like veganism, the R3 plan adapts to your needs. You can choose your foods based on the Yes List and explore supplementation to enhance your results.

What Will You Gain?

  • Supportive Community: Connect with fellow participants through virtual training sessions and weekly Zoom Q&As.
  • Wellness Knowledge: Learn tips and tricks for healthy living that you can carry forward.
  • Exciting Incentives: Participants have a chance to WIN grand prizes, weekly product giveaways, and so much more!

Ready to Get Started?
Mark your calendars and get set to kickstart your metabolism and enjoy a healthier lifestyle! This challenge is open to everyone, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting your journey.

Join Us for the R3 Fit for Fall Challenge!
Let’s embark on this wellness journey together and make this fall the season of transformation. Trust the process, and together we’ll achieve our health goals!
For more details and to sign up, please message me (barbara@hayseedscreative.com). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your life!

Loving what I do

Out of all of the careers I’ve had, helping others to reach their goals physically, mentally and financially is the best choice I have ever made!!

To say the R3 program has been a game changer for me is an understatement.
R3 has significantly improved the quality of my life in not only managing my tremendous weight loss three years ago, but it has also improved my energy levels, sleep habits and my mood. I’m happier now and know those one-hundred-plus pounds are NEVER coming back.

Recently, I was invited to join a weekly “Wellness Zoom Party” with five other R3 Coaches. We all took turns sharing advice, tips and the impact it’s made on our individual lives. There were so many remarkable success stories as well as non-scale victory stories told. Hearing how this program has changed the lives of so many others, fuels me to continue to share R3 with as many people as I am able.

Having trouble losing those extra 5-10 lbs?

Maybe it’s your blood sugars.

Blood glucose levels and weight management are strongly connected. Constantly elevated glucose levels prompt excess insulin production. As a result, more glucose is stored as fat, and excess fat—especially belly fat—is one major cause of insulin resistance. 

Recent studies hint that up to 88% of all US adults may have some level of insulin resistance, and it can commonly be found in those who are overweight or obese. Maintaining healthy insulin levels allows your body to utilize fat as energy for healthy weight management. A healthy weight supports glucose control and overall metabolic health.

There are natural supplements you can take to help balance your blood sugars:

  • Berberine (a natural compound derived from plants that supports healthy glucose metabolism
  • Milk Thistle (The liver is the primary site for glucose metabolism and milk thistle supports healthy liver cells
  • Chromium (a mineral that facilitates the movement of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells)

There are lots of berberine products on the market. If you need help navigating, let me know. I’m glad to help teach you what to look for.

Creatine For Women Over 40

Creatine has thousands of studies behind it showing tons of benefits ranging from brain health and muscle recovery.

Look at what it can do for you:

  • Sharper Mind: As estrogen declines, so can memory and focus. Creatine may help improve cognition and reduce brain fog.
  • Stronger Muscles: Women naturally lose muscle with age, especially postmenopause. Creatine helps maintain strength and mobility.
  • Stronger Bones: Paired with resistance training, creatine may boost bone density and help prevent osteoporosis.
  • More Energy: It helps the body use energy better, reducing fatigue and improving recovery.
  • Mood Support: Creatine may help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, improving overall mood.

I incorporate this into my post workout routine, in a mix that has all nine essential amino acids, polyphenols, and magnesium and it tastes great (yay)! As you can see from the list above, you don’t have to work out to benefit from creatine. Perhaps consider this to your daily regimen!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by extreme tiredness or fatigue that doesn’t improve with sleep. It can often be misdiagnosed as depression which leads to improper prescribed anti-depressants.

Who is at risk for Chronic Fatigue? The top seven risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome are:

  1. Women between the ages of 30 and 50.
  2. Being overweight
  3. Being inactive
  4. Having allergies
  5. Depression
  6. A stressful life
  7. Exposure to toxins

Technically, there is no cure, but there are steps you can take to address it. First, however, you have to know the root causes of CFS.

Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Here are some common culprits of CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome):

  • Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Heavy metal, toxic chemicals or mold 
  • Unhealthy digestive system and gut microbiome
  • Thyroid issues
  • Immune conditions
  • Adrenal exhaustion 
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Inflammation 
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Nutritional deficiencies 
  • Hypertension 
  • Mental stress

Pretty big list, right? So it’s important to not “self diagnose” an issues that’s not there. 
If you do have a proper diagnosis, here’s a few steps you can take to feel better:

  1. Eat a well balanced diet
  2. Consult about proper supplementation. Chances are you are deficient in more than one area
  3. Exercise within your limits
  4. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day

As always, I’m here to help in any way I can!

Live Longer With A Daily Walk

Here are the facts:

  • If Americans over 40 walked as much each day as the most physically active members of the population, they could extend their life span by at least five years, a new study finds.
  • The least physically active 25% of the population stood the most to gain, according to the predictive model: For each hour of walking they do, they can extend their life by about 6 hours.

Christopher Schneble, MD, Yale Medicine sports medicine physician and assistant professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine (who was not involved in the study) says……

“Engaging in physical activity can result in improved preservation of bone density, improved strength, reduced body fat, and better cardiovascular health. It can also lead to improvements in both mood and cognitive function. Improving things like heart rate, blood pressure, or the amount of excess body fat can all help decrease how hard the heart must work to pump blood throughout the body, which in return is protective.”

So schedule in some time to walk and set a goal to walk every day! Your body will thank you for it!