Today’s Health Tip

Schedule your checkups now!

Covid-19 virus levels are waning in most states and we have a little lull before flu season starts...now is the time to make that appointment for you:

mammogram, physical, full body skin check, dental exam, colonoscopy etc.

Taking care of your wellness should be your number one priority and seeing your health care providers regularly is an important part of your health strategy.

Make those appointments for you and your family.

 

Pandemic Joy -DOGS

Dogs.  Nothing brings me more joy.

Hard to be lonely when you have a pup.  On the darkest day of the pandemic I had 2 pups who were oblivious and just happy to be with me.

So many dogs that need homes...petfinder.com has your pup; she's waiting.

Please remember that if you are currently home but planning on getting back into the office it might not be the right time but if you have the money, the time and the love - I can't think of anything that could bring more comfort and joy than a dog of your very own.

 

Pandemic Game Changer: Roomba

It was a gift that I wasn't sure I would really use....a Roomba.

I received it 3 years ago and before the pandemic I used it a few times.  Now I use it daily.  After the morning show in the kitchen I run it.  It runs for about 45 minutes and then docks itself.  I just have to clean the filter before I run it and I don't have to haul around a big vacuum for little jobs.

It's a toy but for me it's a game changer.  Maybe it's for you?!

Alone - it's a game changer

I preface this post by saying I am no where close to an outdoor enthusiast and very far from a survivalist but the program ALONE on the History Channel makes me feel GREAT about my situation.

As I watch men and women trying to survive week after week with no food/running water/proper shelter or place to poop it brings me such a sense of gratitude that I can run to the fridge for a snack, wash my face with warm water and hug my people and my pups.

If you are feeling grim about being "alone" in this pandemic and time of social distancing THIS SHOW IS FOR YOU.

Instant gratitude...... let me know how you like it.

Why I am only wearing sweatpants from now on

Because what else should I wear?

I am now a connoisseur - my very favorites are from Target.

So this is for you if you have not embraced the sweatpants yet.  They allow you the freedom to move all day long.  To get onto the floor with a child or a pup and stretch, to take a walking break outside, on the treadmill or around you house anytime of day.

Sweatpants are my jam and I felt it my duty to share this slice of goodness with you.

My Pandemic Faves: Butcherbox

When the pandemic hit life changed.  I got a little food insecure and wanted to know from where and when my food was coming.

I joined ButcherBox right before they stopped taking new members because we all had the same idea....but lucky for you they are open again!

I now use them as my regular source of meat.  Organic chicken, wild fish, pastured pork and grass fed beef.  The best bacon as rated by my teenage son.

It is quality meat.  Comes frozen in dry ice and you pop it into your freezer and it's there when you need it.

I'm not paid or sponsored....just a fan.  Thought you might like to try it.

www.butcherbox.com

Preserve and pickle your summer produce

In the middle of the pandemic we are at the end of our summer bounty so it's time to think about pickling and preserving your produce.

Fresh tomato sauce.  Pickled cucumbers and carrots and tomatoes.

Strawberry jam, grape jelly.

Vegetables in abundance can be frozen raw; whole or sliced.

Get creative.

What would "winter you stuck inside in a pandemic" wish you had prepped and saved from Summer's bounty???

 

For the love of barbeque

I love my grill.  You will catch me in the middle of winter standing by the grill trying to get a perfect sear on my grass fed steaks.

Granted it is not the healthiest way to cook food and you never want to eat charcoal-ly burnt bits, but in the summer it is my favorite.  For meat, chicken, vegetables and even fruits like peaches. My sister who is a fab chef loves to grill pizza.

What do you like to grill?

Tastes of Summer: Tomato Mozzarella Salad

So super easy and so delicious.  Best of all, easy.

I like to use heirloom tomatoes, fresh burrata or mozzarella, fresh basil and either pesto or balsamic glaze.  The glaze is my secret weapon.  It's a thick balsamic vinegar that allows you to create a design over your plate.  It's pretty and delish.

If you have never made this here's your chance.  Tomato season is coming to a close.

Summer Foods: Mexican Street Corn

This is on repeat in my house during the summer.

Rub this mixture on hot grilled corn and then squeeze a little fresh lime.  It's out of this world.

https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Grilled-Mexican-Street-Corn-2442890

 

Practicing Gratitude for Summer

I am so grateful for the abundance of summer.  Especially the food and fruits of the season.

For me: fresh peaches, icy cold watermelon, fresh cilantro, corn on the cob, the smell of bbq.

We still have time to enjoy - listen all week for my favorite summer foods.  I'll be over on Instagram sharing my favorites for sure @theguudcompany.

Here's your weekend plan

Take stock as you think about Fall and both packing up Summer clothes and bringing Fall clothing back out.  I like to rotate my clothes as my closet is small but my attic large and I keep a rolling rack of next season's clothes there.

Anything you didn't wear this summer or don't still adore please clean, fold neatly and place in a box labeled Spring Consignment.  It will be there come Spring and ready to make you a little extra cash.

Look through your Fall wardrobe and decide what you are done with.  How many black sweaters/hoodies do you need?  Once you have decided what can go you can decide how to sell them.

Ebay, Tradesy, RealReal, at your local consignment shop?  You choose what's best for you at get to it.

Money is waiting in your closet.

Please, go & watch the sunrise

My baby turned 13 on Sunday and we continued a tradition of watching the sunrise together.

It's pretty magical and a great way to kick-off something.  It's the newest of new beginnings.

While Summer is still here, consider an early morning alarm.  Wake up in the stillness of the night.  Get outside to hear the first bird awaken. And watch the world come alive.

You won't regret it.

Love,

Melissa

The Summer Squeeze

Reminder: It is still summer.  There is still time to hit the beach, take long walks, go on a bird hunt, take weekend naps in the sun....

It is not fall.  No pumpkin spice for this girl.

Let this serve as a gentle reminder to squeeze what's left of this delicious weather.

 

PS.  Sorry Australia/New Zeland...but your summer is on it's way!

Final thoughts on Viome

Last notes on Viome, the test that gives you pinpointed results that are highly personalized.

I'm three weeks into a 3 month commitment for get healthier by following protocols built just for me.

www.viome.com

 

Viome -Personalized Actionable Health Info

Yesterday I couldn't find my recommended supplements any where in the app.  I emailed customer service and was told I could still get access to my list of supplements but I would have to go through their website and send myself my results.  Weird....but ok.

So I did and was blown away by a 66 PAGE REPORT all about me.  Which I immediately sent to my Functional Medicine Doctor.

Listen in today.  Get psyched about a new tool that can unlock health insights previously unattainable and start on the true path to wellness.

Please note: this is not sponsored content.  I paid for this myself. 

Viome : Precision Supplements

Viome is now offering their own Precision Supplements tailored specifically for you based on your test results.  Pretty cool...also expensive.

What's not cool is that they removed a section of their app where you could see the supplements they recommended as well as the brands they preferred.  All replaced with their products.

I sent off a letter to the company this morning as the whole reason I did the test was for the personalized supplement recommendations.  I'll let you know what they have to say.

 

Viome: Discovering your superfoods

One of the best features for me is the explanation of which foods I should avoid and which are my superfoods.

I should avoid spinach, lobster, crab, haddock, and goat.  To be honest, I don't care for any of these.  Tuna is on this list and it's the only thing I will miss.

My superfoods include bone broth, broccoli, apples, beets, garlic and olive oil to name a few - all things I love.

www.viome.com

Just one of the cool features of the Viome study.

Screenshots over on Instagram @theguudcompany

 

 

Viome - measure, nourish, improve.

I admit I am a wellness junkie and biohacker and there is nothing I love more than data.

Since contracting Lyme Disease and not being able to shake it completely I rely on data points to track my wellness.  Blood tests and other studies are great as well as a daily log of how I am feeling have made a big difference.

However when I listened to Dave Asprey and Naveen Jain on this podcast: https://blog.daveasprey.com/naveen-jain-714/ I knew it was a test I needed to order.

This week I will share with you my experience and initial results as well as the changes I am making, supplements I am taking and goals I have for my wellness based on my Viome results.

It's extremely personalized and it's pretty damn awesome.  www.viome.com