September 8, 2021

September means Self-Care Awareness Month!

Self-care is a hot topic these days as mental health and wellness become more of a prominent focus in society. Everyone has different ideas about what self-care is, and that’s OK considering relaxation can mean something different to everyone. Some of my clients thrive in a relaxing setting, where others experience peak anxiety. For some, the body resting means the brain racing with all of the things they could and should be doing. I’m going to share some of my favorite forms of self-care, so that hopefully you can relax and take advantage of this extra time for yourself, regardless of where you currently fall on the self-care spectrum.

1.) Eat well

Greens, greens & more greens!

I say it time and time again, but so many of our underlying issues stem from our diet and how we take care of our bodies. The idea of self-care simply means taking care of yourself, so next time you find yourself reaching for the bag of chips or your go-to comfort food, attempt to choose one of the healthier options instead. Check out one of my blogs for recipe ideas for juices, smoothies, and other alternative snack options.

Another way to take care of yourself is to limit your alcohol consumption, or opt for less sugary cocktail options.

2.) Exercise

Move that body of yours!

How many times have you dreaded starting a workout only to feel like one million bucks after you finished it? Endorphins are SO special. Obviously exercising is beneficial to our overall health, but it’s arguably just as beneficial for your mental state.

Exercise doesn’t need to mean an intense HIIT workout for it to qualify as self-care. Anything you can do to actively move your body will make a huge difference for – stretch your body, take your dog on a long walk around the neighborhood,

Next time you find yourself stressing over your never ending to-do list, make an effort to exercise. I guarantee you it will clear your head and re-energize you to do whatever it is you need to do.

3.) Sleep

The key to a well-balanced lifestyle!

We often overlook how truly important sleep is. If we’re not getting enough sleep at night, we’re not able to start the day as our best selves. I recommend following a consistent sleep routine by setting new sleep goals. Getting into bed at the same time every night is a good start. Another pro tip is to replace any electronics before bedtime – try to replace that iPhone with a new hardcover book! Reading is yet another of my favorite self-care methods.

4.) Find a New Hobby

Try new things until something sticks!

As adults, we are often so busy with our everyday lives (work, family, etc.) that we forget to take time to do things that make us HAPPY. It’s so important to take a step back and re-find those hobbies that you once loved, or maybe instead trying something you’ve always wanted to do.

Some hobbies I recommend include yoga, meditation, hiking, cooking, gardening, dancing.

5.) Set Boundaries & Start Saying NO

You don’t have to do everything…

One way we can practice self-care is by simply saying no to things we DON’T WANT TO DO! Again, as adults we are faced with many obstacles and long lists of things we feel like we ‘should’ do because society says so. Start taking a greater look at the things that fill your cup, instead of drain it.

Feel like you can’t possibly socialize after the long week you had at work? Cancel those plans, draw a bath, and light a candle. You’ll thank yourself the next day.

There are so many ways we can practice self-care, but these are just a few to get you started on your journey to a happier, healthier life. Start showing up for yourself so that you can show up as a greater self for those around you!

I look forward to hearing your favorite ways that YOU take care of yourself…

by Aubrey Thompson

September 2, 2021

How I Helped a Client Take Control of Her Heath: Client Testimonial

I form a special connection with all my clients, but some client stories resonate with me more than others. One in particular was one of my younger patients named Lauren, who came to me two years after giving birth to her first child. Please note, client’s name has been changed to respect her privacy.

When Lauren sought out my help, she was truly at her wit’s end. Two years post-partum she was struggling with chronic fatigue, depression, weight gain / inability to lose weight, constipation, and digestive issues. After many visits to the doctor to find the root of the problem, she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease. In general, this means her immune system is attacking the thyroid which in turn results in inflammation leading to excess thyroid hormones, or hyperthyroidism. Over time, this inflammation prevents the thyroid from producing enough hormones, meaning hypothyroidism. Because of this many people, including Lauren, have struggle maintaining a healthy weight.

Following the diagnosis, Lauren was put on thyroid medication and sent on her way, as is the case in many traditional doctor-patient relationships. Unfortunately, Lauren’s various symptoms did not subside with the intake of the medication. Frustrated and determined to find an answer, she continued seeking out medical attention only to be told the same thing by multiple different endocrinologists: “You just aren’t trying hard enough, we’ll increase the dosage of your medication.” This is the terrible reality of many people struggling with health conditions, but fortunately for Lauren my approach turned her life around.

When Lauren came to me and explained everything she had been struggling with, I was shocked that none of the doctors and endocrinologists had investigated it further. Lauren had been struggling with chronic constipation issues for her entire life, never realizing how she was feeling was abnormal.

Today, after working closely with me and taking complete advantage of my services, Lauren is living her happiest and healthiest life. She has replaced her prescription thyroid medication completely with diet and supplements, which gives her the energy she needs to keep up with her energizer-bunny three-year-old all day! In addition, she has lost 40 pounds and has corrected all the digestive issues she came to me with, which makes a huge difference in how she feels.

Unlike her first pregnancy, Lauren didn’t have to worry about the threat of gestational diabetes during her second childbirth. In fact, she went through that pregnancy feeling healthier than ever – a complete difference from the first time around!

“Aubrey’s extensive knowledge and guidance has quite honestly changed my life and I feel more control over my health than I ever have before.”

Inspired by this client testimonial? Reach out to see how I can help you take control of your health and live your happiest life!

by Aubrey Thompson

August 27, 2021

Have you ever wondered if nutritional supplements could benefit your lifestyle?

In order for your body to function properly, it needs to maintain certain amounts and balances of nutrients. We all have the opportunity to nourish our bodies, but if you fail to supply it with nutrients, you are not going to be able to live your life efficiently. Studies show that over the last 100 years, degenerative diseases have skyrocketed, proving this country’s lack of optimal nutritional requirements. On the other hand, if you provide yourself with nutrients you have the ability to stay health, trim, and energetic for life.

To my clients that are skeptical about taking Metabolic Typing® supplements, I often suggest a trial run. I recommend taking the supplements I provide you for 2 months, then stopping completely to compare the way you feel while on them and not.

1.) Quality of Food

Unfortunately, the food available in today’s market does not provide the proper nutrients to maintain good health. Methods of storing, processing and preserving often severely devitalize foods nutritional value. In addition, many of the modern techniques used to grow food faster, larger and on nutritionally depleted soils have destroyed the original, natural quality of our food supply.

But even more alarming is the fact that science has found that the nutrient content of even organic foods is dramatically less than it used to be. Therefore, Nutritional supplements supply a concentrated form of nutrients which can easily compensate for this lack of nutrients.

2.) Time

I teach my clients the difference between just getting enough nutrition to keep you going and in getting optimal nutrition for your Metabolic Type® on a daily basis. Many people have busy schedules which, they feel, make it impossible to eat whole, natural food. Nutritional supplements
can fill in the gap where proper eating habits fall
short.

3.) Modern Lifestyle

Due to our modern lifestyles, we experience additional stress levels at home and at work than we did in past times. We are exposed to an incredible amount of toxic burdens in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. These factors dramatically increase the body’s requirements for nutrients. Our modern environment itself poses a challenge to our health with industrial air pollution, 10,000 chemicals in our food supply, sick-building syndrome, holes in the ozone layer, chemically-treated drinking water, and so on. All of these issues place an increased demand for nutrients on your
metabolism that may only be met through nutritional supplementation.

4.) Genetic Variations

The genetic requirement for nutrients varies tremendously between people. There can be a 2, 5 or even 10 fold difference in the need for certain nutrients. To meet this wide variation through just food could be quite difficult. The technology of The Healthexcel System of Metabolic Typing® provides the ability to supply each individual with his or her unique biochemical requirements — namely, nutrients of the right kind, in the right amount, at the right time and place in the body, and in a form which is readily utilizable for any given Metabolic Type. Therefore, I provide nutritional supplementation for every individual genetic requirements.

5.) Deficiencies

If you are not taking care of yourself, there is a good chance your body will be experiencing certain deficiencies, including the ability to digest and assimilate your food. The combination of not fully digested food, along with the lack of nutritional food, means you might make a great candidate for these supplements.

6.) Strengthening

We use nutritional supplements to target weak areas, as well as to support the rebuilding processes by supplying required raw materials. For example, if you have digestive weaknesses or allergic reactions to foods, (a very common occurrence), nutritional supplements can build digestive strength, while at the same time allowing you to readily and easily acquire nutrients which you may otherwise have difficulty in getting due to poor digestion and assimilation.

7.) Eating Less

Nutritional supplements can provide an excellent means of making sure that you get enough nutrients on a regular basis without having to burden your system with eating large amounts of food. The
digestion of food in high quantities requires far more energy than the digestion of a few nutritional supplements. In addition, supplements are an ideal way for you to get certain necessary nutrients from foods which you might find objectionable in taste, such as liver or bee pollen.

8.) Customize Your Nutrition

Lastly, nutritional supplements allow for your body to design multi-vitamin / mineral formulas that address the needs of the specific Metabolic Types, correcting imbalances in all the Fundamental Homeostatic Controls unique to each person.

Interested in learning more about my nutritional supplement program? Feel free to reach out to learn more – I’d love to hear from you!

by Aubrey Thompson

August 2, 2021

Could a juice cleanse be just what you’ve been looking for?

We still have the majority of August, but there’s no denying that summer will be coming to a close before we know it! As great as the snack-filled beach days and sugary cocktails by the water are during the summer months, they have a habit of catching up to us quickly. If you’re looking for a way to get back on track, a juice cleanse might be just what you need to transition back into fall. In fact, many of my clients often use a juice cleanse as a way to “kick-start” their way into a healthier lifestyle.

To start, I recommend a 3-day juice cleanse for my clients who are new to the world of juicing. This 3-day mark is the perfect amount of time to help individuals in overcoming dependencies on processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. Not only will the juices reduce the stress on your digestive system, but they will also provide your body with a boost of hydration and plant micronutrients.

A common misconception my clients have is that the juices will be bland or boring, but I’ve compiled some of my favorite recipes – all delicious and packed with everything you’ve been missing to detoxify your body! Between Strawberry Alfalfa, Lemon Drop, and Gallbladder Bliss you’ll have a hard time choosing a favorite. Bookmark these full recipes for when you’re ready to try a cleanse!

Living Balance Wellness Juice Recipes

Apple Detox

· 2 Apples

· 1 Bunch of Celery Sticks

· 1 Lemon

· ¼ inch Ginger

Gallbladder Bliss

· ¼ inch Ginger

· 3 Carrots

· 3 Beets with Beet Greens

· 1 Bunch Cilantro

· 1 Bunch Parsley

Ginger Carrot

· 3 Large Carrots

· ¼ inch Ginger

· 1 Apple

· 1 Small Celery Stick

Lemon Drop

· 1 Bunch Seedless Grape

· 1 Bunch Fennel

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Lemon

· 1 Bunch Parsleys

Mint Madness

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Apple or Pear

· 1 Small Bunch of Seedless Grapes

· 1 Small Container Mint Leaves

· 1 Container Mache Leaves

· ½ Bunch Romaine Lettuce

· 1 Drop Mint Essential Oil

Piña Colada

· 1 Container Chopped Pineapple

· 1 Bunch Romaine Lettuce

· 1 Bunch Parsley

· 1 Bunch Cilantro

· 1 Cucumber

Raspberry Melon Lime

· 1 Container Raspberries

· 1 Container Chopped Watermelon

· 1 Lime

· 1 Cucumber

· Romaine Lettuce

Spicy Pear Ginger Fennel

· 1 Pear

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Bunch of Fennel with Leaves

· ¼ inch Fresh Ginger Root

· Several handfuls arugula (large)

Strawberry Alfalfa

· 1 Container Strawberries

· 1 Cucumber

· 1 Bunch Parsley

· 1 Tub Alfalfa Sprouts

· ½ Bunch of Seedless Grapes

We’ll leave you with two final tips!

Amounts of each ingredient can vary to taste, preference and ounces you’re trying to make. Add cucumber to make more liquid or cut strong flavors with water or coconut water.
If you live with a loved one or have a friend you believe could benefit from the cleanse, accountability partners are always helpful and encouraged!

Please note, I do not recommend a juice cleanse to clients with unstable blood sugar, a candida infection, or those who do not consider themselves to follow a well-nourished diet. If you’re not sure if you fall into one of these categories, feel free to reach out to learn more – I’d love to hear from you!

by Aubrey Thompson

August 27, 2020

Fitness is your fast path to increased energy, confidence and wellbeing. It should in no way be a scary or chilling topic, yet so many people treat it like a chore that should be avoided at all costs. Well not me, and not you, especially when I share the following tips with you to help make fitness fun.

My Goal Is…

One of the hardest parts about even starting a pathway to fitness is understanding and defining goals. It’s all well and good to WANT to get into shape and feel a little better, but what does that actually mean? Goals relating back to fitness need to be measurable like “I want to walk at least 3 miles this week”. This also keeps your goals in the realm of the physical. Keep goals realistic as well. If you have never run before, don’t start day 1 by running a 5k – you are setting yourself up for failure (and a lot of soreness).

Log It Out

When you come up those physical feats you want to accomplish, it’s time to get that all out of your head and onto paper. Starting a fitness log is the answer. It’s a vessel for pulling all your goals out and into one place. As you jot down your goals, you also get to record your progress, logging your exercise throughout the week. The best part about a log? It keeps you accountable. You get to see a daily reminder of the progress you plan to make while learning about yourself and how much exercise you’re comfortable with taking on throughout the week. You learn with a log, it’s crazy!

It’s Your Path- Enjoy It!

We’re all on a path to bettering ourselves. That’s truly what getting fit is all about. This month and beyond, think about what it means to be “heart healthy” and go to work. Embrace the challenges of life and get pumped about the endless possibilities that come with taking that first step to a better YOU.

Tips for Self-Care September

September means Self-Care Awareness Month!

1.) Eat well

2.) Exercise

3.) Sleep

4.) Find a New Hobby

5.) Set Boundaries & Start Saying NO

How I Helped a Client Take Control of Her Health

How I Helped a Client Take Control of Her Heath: Client Testimonial

8 Reasons to Consider Nutritional Supplements

Have you ever wondered if nutritional supplements could benefit your lifestyle?

Interested in learning more about my nutritional supplement program? Feel free to reach out to learn more – I’d love to hear from you!

9 of my Favorite Juice Recipes

Getting Friendly With Fitness