"New Year, New You"...Bullshit!

With 2016 coming to a close, we are being BOMBARDED with “New Year, New You” posts virtually all over social media.  I wanted to open my heart to each of you ladies and let you know, you don’t need to create a new you in 2017.

The you that you’ve always been is more than enough.

Looking back on this last year, it was filled with ups and downs on my end (can you relate?).  I wasted far too much time in 2016 trying to create a “new me“, whether that was through dieting, business achievements, clothing purchases, random trials ;), and the list goes on, and on, and on.

And to be 100% honest, getting sucked down a social media rabbit hole of approval-seeking didn’t bring me the happiness I assumed it would in 2016.  This fruitless effort to create a “new me” was a down right waste of time.  It surely wasn’t worth all the anxiety it caused!

New Year’s Eve is an interesting holiday, some of us can’t wait to celebrate coming off a fabulous year and others want to forget the last 365 days even happened.  Most of us are somewhere in the middle.

But, something about ringing in the New Year gives us the message that we need to START OVER.  That we need to make all these drastic “resolutions” to dredge up a new sense of self.  Hence the reason the gym gets extra packed on 1/1.

Speaking from someone who has been there, self-acceptance is vastly more important than self-overhaul.  

You are who you are, and the sooner you can get in touch with the person inside, you’ll really see your life, and the way you experience it, start to change.

Does that mean once you accept yourself that you’ll never have a bad day again?  Absolutely not!  Life is all about struggle, dark and light, happy and sad.  And it’s okay to FEEL things … rather than running from them to create a “new you".

That’s also not to say self-improvement is pointless, but there’s surely no need to rip yourself apart and make a list of 20 resolutions to meet by mid-year.

So my advice to you this New Year is to toss the bullshit “New Year, New You” notion.  It’s mildly insulting if you ask me.

For 2017, make small changes towards self-acceptance instead.

Here are my top 5 self-care fav.’s:

1.)  TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

This was the GREATEST thing I did for myself in the last 6 months!  This does not mean you need to delete Instagram or Facebook (because, I mean, that would be just cruel) but it does allow you to be present in your life without compulsively checking your phone non-stop.  I noticed a huge difference when I turned notifications off, now I can hop on and off when I please.

Reality is, I haven’t missed anything by giving up notifications.  I actually feel like I gained my presence of mind back!  🙂

Oh, and my “overwhelmed” state has gradually decreased with it!

2.)  JOURNAL

Although I admittedly haven’t been so consistent with this, journaling is a huge help to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper!  You can write some affirmations down or just reflect.  It’s so relieving once it’s all “out there”.

3.)  EXERCISE … BUT NOT FOR A PHYSICAL RESULT

This is my hands down FAVORITE concept! However I know for others it can be the hardest to grasp. Most people go through exercise “phases” with the sole goal of looking good. For me its been a shift to exercising for my mind.

It truly is the #1 stress reliever on the planet.  I recently read that if exercise could be compounded into a pill it would be a block-buster drug for anxiety, depression, and so many other ailments.  Even when you don’t want to, there is NO DOUBT you will feel a million times better after you get a sweat in.

And change things up.  Try group work outs, try yoga, try running … keep going until you find what works best for you.

4.)  REALIZE THAT INSTAGRAM IS NOT REAL LIFE

Yes, I know we all fundamentally know this, but sometimes it seems so real … which leads us to start the comparison game.  Which is a game that can’t be won.  EVER.

As a blogger, I curate my Instagram feed with pretty, carefully shot and edited images.  Yes, this takes a ton of time, professional photography classes, and a ton of planning ahead.  It’s all part of the business.

But, I also know that real life is not curated and never will be.  We can easily look at Instagram and compare our current life situation to those of others.  Remember, the grass isn’t always greener (cliches are cliches for a reason, right?).

Social media let’s us see the glory (99% of the time)  … but we don’t always know the story.  Remember that.

5.)  SAY NO TO PLANS

If you’re anything like me, you like to be SUPER BUSY 24/7 365.  Well, I can tell you that this caught up with me a couple months back.  This manic, always booked life-style led to burn out, exhaustion, anxiety, panic attacks, and just downright insane amounts of stress.

Since then, I’ve learned to say no to plans when need be and am finding that it’s okay to not have a fully booked calendar for an entire year in advance.  And so far, I’m good with that.

I now enjoy binge watching Gilmore Girls, getting up early Saturday mornings to have quite time before the kids get up, getting sleep, sight seeing on a random afternoon with my hubby & kids, playing the random board game with my hubby and trying to laugh a little more each and every day ;).

That being said, make 2017 more about your own self-care … because it’s not selfish.

It may be a New Year … but you’re still YOU.

… and I like you that way!

PS:  Be extra sweet & share around socially with anyone you think needs to hear this message + I can’t wait to hear from you in the comments below. 

Chaos & Craziness Made a Baby Named Gratitude!

Chaos took Craziness by the hand and they started dancing in the middle of the floor. That has been my life as of lately. One big ol’ chaos & crazy dance party. 

I feel like I've been spinning in circles for a good month now. The holiday months are so busy for us and as the New Year approaches it doesn't seem to be slowing down much LOL. Welcome to life chaos yells as craziness does the twist. 

And while I crave slowness & stillness, my bones feel full of gratitude. My bones feel full of gratitude for so many individuals. Individuals who came into my life just weeks ago. Individuals who have been friends & family since I started my business adventure.

This post is for all of you. It holds my gratitude. My love. My need to each & every one of you. My need to breadcrumb a trail of thankfulness for the ones who have pushed me, dared me, and believed in me enough to support me as I followed my dreams.

It ain’t ova yet… Truly, it is just starting.

First, first, All Of You – For all my social media followers. My challengers {aka clients}. My team {Team Passion & Team Believe}. My supporters. My Believers. My encouragers. You keep me going. You make me see the value in my work. You challenge me. You keep my hands full of gratitude. I treasure you & your dedication to me in an always & always sort of way. Hold tight, much ahead.

& to the Spirit of the Universe - I deserve nothing of this. But I am so thankful that you filled my hands. You’ve blessed me with soul & purpose, is there thankfulness enough in this world for that? I love how when I'm second guessing my path of this business you are quickly to remind me that THIS is the right path. For that I am forever thankful.

William {the love of my life} -I know I don’t say it nearly enough but Thank You. Thank you for the endless support. You've showed me love that I never knew existed. A love that never falls away. Never stops growing. You bring me laughter & clarity. I am endlessly grateful to call you my husband, my lover, my best friend.

My Children {Courtney, Logan, Sebastian & Rowan} - I would not be who I am today with you four. You have made me who I am today. I am so blessed to have not 1 but 4 children who are just so amazing in their own way. You are the reasons why I work so hard. You four are my biggest why. I'm building this legacy for you 4. My four beautiful minions.

Paige - I honor you. I look up to you. I never go a day without thinking of your mentorship. Thank you for being leaders & beacons in my life. And for helping me hold my mission high up to the world.

There are numbers & numbers of folks to thank beyond this teeny blog post. Please know that this is not the fullness of my list or the end of my list… I would be here forever if I were to list everyone. For all your impact, your support, your love, and your spirit…. I am scripting a language of gratitude to you. 

GOLDEN EGG OPPORTUNITY!

What is a Golden Egg Opportunity? And why am I taking applications for it? 

I'm in the giving Christmas Spirit of course. 🎄🎁But let me explain a little more in detail.

A little over 2 years… I joined the Beachbody family as a coach. I didn’t entirely understand what that meant at the time except I had 85lbs of “baby weight” to lose and I wanted a discount on my #Shakeology to help me get there. In essence I was a “discount coach” and stayed that way for about 6 months. 💁🏻

Eighteen months ago… I was ready for more. I decided to start actively pursuing this business. I was ready to go all-in, dive into something I had real passion for – something I felt could be emotionally fulfilling and also have some real monetary potential. And it did. To my amazement, it did. In just 18 months I have been able to bring my income from $0 a week to 3-4 figures a week. Yep. Just this “little coaching business” that I almost snubbed my nose at initially. I don’t tell you to this brag, I tell you this so you know what’s possible! 

Today I sit here with a very unique opportunity in my lap for the next set of new coaches I bring into my team. Because I'm in the Christmas Spirit and feel like GIVING I want GIVE 5 SPECIAL women the opportunity for an internship position on our team...with NO START UP FEES! ZERO! ZILCH! NOTHING!😯🙆🏻💁🏻

PLUS your placement on my team has incredible earning potential – if your ready to hustle. And I have a really strong feeling there are a few of you out their ready for this. 

To be considered for one of the 5 spots please fill out this application👇🏻

GOLDEN EGG OPPORTUNITY APPLICATION

After I receive your application I will add you to a secret FB group that breaks down all the details about what we do and how we make money. You will need to add me as a friend on FB {Mandy Irizarry}. There are no obligations, just info you have at your fingertips to review when you have a moment. Excited to meet my future #bossbabes! 

This is a very limited opportunity with VERY limited spots. I'll be taking applications till Christmas EVE! I'll be announcing the lucky 5 on CHRISTMAS DAY!!!🎉🎁🎄🎁🎉

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And to keep the lawyers happy. 
Beachbody does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Team Beachbody Coach Opportunity. Each Coach’s income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill aka HUSTLE and DRIVE! 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Women who want MORE!

7 Years ago this month, I was at the lowest point of my life. I had closed my child care business in Kansas and moved to Missouri for empty promises to a career as a Child Care Director. I needed the change, it was something I've dreamt of. But it all quickly fell apart when the owner fired me after she refused to hand out paycheck to her employees and I spoke up about it. 

I was a single mom of 2 kids. I was in a brand new state, new town and scared. I was broke living in the demon possessed house (not joking but that's another story for another time). I was serving my kids Ramen Noodles & Pancakes for dinner, because that's all we could afford. I was VERY depressed, hated my life, and asking God why he lead me to this career change just to rip it out from underneath me. 

I was behind on my rent, barely able to put food on the table. I had to ask the church and state for health, which was my lowest point. I went on food stamps which made me feel so ashamed. I felt like I couldn't do a damn thing right. 

During this time I met my now husband. We got a house together, in a new town and I found work again. Things started to look up. However we spent years living pay check to pay check barely making by.

Two more children later, living paycheck to paycheck and my health at its lowest point. I had gained 85 lbs with my 4th pregnancy. Food was the only thing that numbed me as I'm not a drinker. One day it all hit me. I HAD to make a change! If not for me but for our family.

That was the day I invested money we didn’t have into a box of Shakeology and a fitness program. I decided to take on the coaching opportunity to help other people before I had even helped myself. 

The moment I realized that this business was more than just health & fitness; That was my ah-ha moment.

It was more than a physical transformation. It was mental. It was the satisfaction of knowing I was doing something for myself. It was knowing I could give the same gift to others. That’s why I believe I can help people just like YOU. And I can help YOU pay it forward to someone else. 

I realized I was given the greatest gift in the entire world. 

Financial, emotional, physical, & mental freedom.

It’s great when your job consists working out, dialing into your nutrition & see changes within your body. But you know what’s even cooler?

Looking in the mirror and realizing how far you came. Knowing you are a brand new version of yourself. You’re happy, you’re fulfilled, you are FREE. 

It’s a gift I have given countless women who are on my team and a gift that has yet to be presented to thousands of others. It’s a ripple effect– one that is making waves.

I am looking for women who want MORE to join my team. I will mentor you. I will teach you. And I will help you achieve the same FREEDOM I am blessed enough to feel every single day. 

All you have to do is say YES.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

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Team Beachbody does not guarantee any level of success or income from the Team Beachbody Opportunity. Each Coach’s income depends on his or her efforts, diligence, and skill.

Meeting #2 with the Nutritionalist...

Since the last time I met with my nutritionalist, I've found out that I have Hashimoto Disease. And because I am who I am, I began instantly researching the shit out of it. I kept reading about people going gluten free and eliminating eggs from their diets. So that's what I had planned on doing but of course wanted to hear the nutritionalists point before I went too hard core.

She was very helpful and gave me loads of info. Based on my symptoms and where my bloat is (top of the belly, not below) she doesn't believe its a gluten issue at all. She said "gluten free" is such a fad that EVERYONE is quick to jump on it but gluten isn't always the issue. She said really the only people who really should go gluten free are people with Celiac Disease.

We already know that lactose is a huge trigger for me, so I limit any dairy. I drink Almond Milk in my shakes instead of regular or lactose free because its less calories and just as good. I rarely eat cheese and I'm not a yogurt fan. I get my calcium by eating other whole foods, shakeology and a women's multi-vitamin.

Because she believes my stomach issues are IBS related she's having me increase my fiber by taking a fiber supplement for now. I'm also going to start adding a probiotics vitamin too because my system tends to just flush everything out that I eat.

She also gave me a FODMAP (see below an example)...

That she wants me to experiment around with and see if we can figure out what exactly my triggers are. The big triggers on it are: lactose, fructose, fructans, galactans, and polyols. I'm not suppose to cut all of them out but to start food journaling what I eat and how I feel afterwards and the next day. 

Its a process but I'm all about healing my gut and getting to the bottom issue. I love that my nutritionalist is all about teaching me and not just saying "don't eat this or that". She actually listens, which is what I need. She's also excited that I'm going to see an endocrinologist because they will run more tests and see if anything else pops up that my regular dr hasn't caught. 

2017 will be my year...I just know it!

Shakeology VS Plexus ... just because its pink doesn't make it better!

Yes PINK is the coolest color in the world in my opinion. And the whole thought of consuming a pink drink totally tickles me....PINK!

But is it really healthy for you?! How does it compare to Shakeology?! Well, since I've had a few messages from people asking me since I posted Isagenix VS Shakeology, let me break it down for ya.

Also before I continue, if you are going to argue that my comparison is "laughable" and "false" please back it up with facts. Because facts is all I'm stating. The cold honest sometimes harsh truth is what my blog is about. 

You go to any ambassador's site, and someone or their mother has lost 30, 40, or even 100 pounds with Plexus! The worst is Facebook! Half of FB is stuffed with Plexus rainbows! I support these women cause I know how it is to run your own business but lord knows I vomit a little when I see their posts about it.

I recently was messaged by a friend of mine who sells Plexus after posting about being finally diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. Who claimed Plexus could "cure" my hastimoto's. She was telling me to drink the magic pink drink, along with the P96 Protein Shake along with other shit they offer. 

First off, if this person really knew much about Hashimoto disease, they would have known that soy is NOT okay for most Hashimoto people to consume ... P96 contains soy. It also contains dairy which I can't tolerate due to lactose intolerant. 

Plexus Slim is gluten-free and Vegan and Vegetarian friendly. Oh, well at least there’s that.

I'm not buying the snake oil.

Plexus has NO nutritional value so it can’t actually be compared to Shakeology because Shakeology is NOT a diet drink. Shakeology is hands-down the healthiest meal of the day - a daily dose of dense, superfood nutrition.

Plexus Label  VS Shakeology Label

This company relies on the uninformed consumer to make their money off of. The makers of this product do not do enough of their own research and will grab at whatever buzzword they can feed you to get your money. 

They removed the appetite suppressant Hoodia when it became controversial for it’s lack of scientific evidence to back up its claims. They also removed DMAA from their accelerator formula after comparisons to the side effects of ephedra eventually led to a government ban on the substance. 

Plexus Slim's main ingredient is Chromium. What is chromium? It is metal. Its that simple. Chromium exposure is safe for some adults up to about six months. Extended Chromium exposure is directly linked to dizziness, headaches, liver damage, kidney damage, and is NOT safe to be consumed when pregnant or breastfeeding! 

WAIT! WHAT?! So you want me to put something into my body that contains a metal and I should stop consuming it after 6 months because it can lead to other issues?! Um, no thank you.

Here's another weird thing about Plexus. Previously, you could buy Plexus Slim off Amazon.com, but after unbelievably bad reviews and the presence of the banned chemical dimethylamylamine, Amazon completely removed the product off their site! You cannot buy it on Amazon anymore. 

I brought this up to my "friend" and she twisted is by saying its just like any other MLM business and its illegal to sell those products on sites like Amazon. Funny, cause Beachbody isn't BANNED from Amazon...I checked the banned list, nope only Plexus. 

Check it out for yourself: Plexus Amazon Banned List

Now this was the weirdest thing.

When I went to the official plexus website looking for their company info/their story, like any normal person I expected the first thing to be about their company and products that make a difference in obese people.

Guess what?

The first line on their "our story" page completely gives away the primary focus of the company = money making scheme!

Here's an actual pic straight from their "our story" page…

Here's an actual pic straight from Beachbody's "out story" page...

Now, the cost...

Most people report needing 2 doses of Plexus Slim in a day. Even more people report they take the other Plexus supplements like “Accelerator” and it costs them around $150 a month by the time they get all the add-ons they recommend for “Optimal Results”.

WHY do people want to waste their money on a very expensive product that provides them NO nutritional value, suppresses their appetite which in turn can seriously affect their metabolism, provides possibly unsafe levels of ingredients, etc?! 

Eat real food. Eat the right amounts of real food in the correct portions. 

Here’s the thing: Shakeology is not an appetite suppressant. It’s also not necessarily a meal replacement shake (not on its own, anyway). 

If we’re speaking in terms of caloric needs, you have to mix other things in with the powder in order for the calorie levels to get high enough for it to serve as a meal replacement. It is not a diet drink. 

It’s meant to serve as a boost of protein, vitamins, and minerals because a lot of people don’t get what they need from the foods they eat. It will not target your fat cells over your muscle cells. What it will do is make you feel a million times better. You will have more energy. You will see reduced sugar cravings. You will become more regular because of the probiotics. Your hair and nails will become healthier (hooray biotin!). 

And, you can pair it with a workout and nutrition program that has already accounted for it to make a genuine lifestyle change.

All in all, Plexus Slim MIGHT work for a minor few. We don't know who these 'few' people are. It might be you, yes, it might work for you. But do you really want to spend $150/month for the next 6 months to find out?

I am sure if you're sane, the answer's A BIG NO!

I BET you won't lose the weight...

ONWARD & UPWARD! You've GOT this baby! 

There are some days when you just don't want to workout. I GET IT. Trust me. 

And that's totally OK to take days off occasionally...I'm all about creating a FUN, easy balance with fitness, nutrition and life! 


BUT sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone if you want to achieve something you've never done. You have to push through those lazy thoughts, defeating thoughts and CHOOSE the thing that's hard. The thing that's going to get you one step closer to your goal.

I'm not saying it's easy...but I AM saying I can help set you up for success. And I have about 2 MILLION little dollar bills as helpers on my side!

.....Would you be motivated to get results in your fitness if it meant your participation would qualify you for an equal share of a ($2 MILLION) cash prize pool?

Beachbody is doing it AGAIN (You don't want to miss this!) And I get to host one of the BEACHBODY HEALTH BET CHALLENGE groups!!

RULES & DEETS:
Beachbody is building this prize pool UP TO 2 million [dollars]. All challengers who participate in the BEACHBODY HEALTH BET CHALLENGE qualify for their equal share of THAT prize pool.

You won't be on Facebook, you'll be on the app - so anyone can do this (weee!!!)

...want to qualify?

During my January challenge group you must:

💁🏻Commit to a Beachbody home workout
💁🏻Pick your Shakeology {superfood} smoothie flavor
💁🏻Log your workout on the app 3+ days a week (w/a picture)
💁🏻Log your Shakeology 5+ days a week (w/a picture)
💁🏻Change your life...your body and your outlook!

Have a bestie? A partner? A sis? You can do it TOGETHHERRR and share in the cashhh prize.

The bestttt part?
THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW THROUGH WILL GET THE REWARD!!

Ask yourself... would you invest in yourself & COMMIT TO WHAT MATTERS --- your health?
And then.... would you PAY YOURSELF to get healthier?

IF SO - let's do SEPTEMBER together!! :D

Grab your hubby.
Grab your bestie.
WHOEVER - and let's get you set up!!

You can stream your workouts on your phone/tablet/laptop, do it at home, bring it to the gym, do it in a hotel, make it a family event, opt for an intense workout, commit to low impact or dance cardio, start small, or go big.

No matter what your goal is - I can help you find your soulmate workout to commit to. No excuses!

👉🏼 Fill out this application to be considered for one of the spots I have open:
Lipstick & Lunges January Health Bet Application

I've opened up the CHALLENGER LIST here to allow for as many people as possible - so let's get our friends on board & tackle some healthy and wellness goals right away in 2017!!

***If you're already working with a coach - make sure you reach out to them to chat!***

***If I'm your coach & you are just ready to RE-commit, let's do it!***

Shakeology VS Isagenix ... Who will WIN the epic battle?!

I feel like today's post should really be tilted..."Who can I piss off today". HAHAHA. 

But seriously, this isn't about pissing people off. Its about stating the honest truth!

I have been a die hard Shakeology fan for almost 2 years now. Its like gold for me. Its not only helped with my weight loss, but its helped with my stomach and digestion issues. Which is a big deal for me.  Once I started drinking it I was hooked!!! I also gives me energy which I need with my thyroid issues. It tastes amazing (Beachbody has recently changed their formulas so it DOES taste different, I tried the old stuff about 5 years ago and wasn't a fan but now its totally different!)

I have been asked several times in the last few weeks what the difference between Isagenix & Shakeology. And because I love researching and finding out the nitty gritty details, I thought I'd share it here with you all.

The Isagenix meal replacement shake comes in two flavors; chocolate and vanilla. 

Shakeology comes in 7 flavors, two which are vegan: Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Vegan Tropical Strawberry, Cafe Latte, and Greenberry.

The positives of Isagenix is that it contains 23 grams of protein per serving (compared to Shakeology’s18 grams of protein per serving). 

Isagenix, like Shakeology, also contains many naturally occurring ingredients which set them apart from other meal replacements. 

However, I have not found other components that set Isagenix apart from Shakeology.

Isagenix contains 1100% more fat than Shakeology (6 grams of fat compared to less than half a gram in Shakeology). Additionally, Isagenix contains more cholesterol, sodium, and overall calories per serving. 

Shakeology contains anywhere from 130 - 170 calories per serving compared to Isagenix 240 calories per serving.

Isagenix also lacks the potency of the vitamins and minerals contained within Shakeology; for example Isagenix only has 40% of the daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C versus 300% in Shakeology. 

Isagenix lacks vitamins such as B1, B2, and B3; all contained within Shakeology. You have to drink 2 to 4 Isagneix shakes to get the same concerntraion of vitamins and minerals found in just 1 serving of Shakeology.

Isagenix Isalean Shake price…… Each canister costs $ 50.00 and contains a 14 day supply therefore for one month you will need approximately two canisters for a total cost $100.00 plus shipping. 

Isagenix does offer a 30 day money back guarantee; however, I do not know if they offer a bottom of the bag money back guarantee like Shakeology does! Yes seriously, you could consume the whole damn bag in 30 days and STILL return it for a full refund. BOOM!

Isagenix is a whey protein shake and does not offer a Vegan Shake without the Dairy protein. This is huge for someone like myself who can't have dairy proteins because I have an intolerance to them. 

Shakeology contains 70 of the healthiest and most nutritious foods from across the globe; and they really mean from across the globe! Darin Olien, teamed up with Beachbody to scour the ends of the earth in search of the best ingredients. I am not quite sure I have ever seen a group of people so dedicated to bringing “the best stuff on earth” to our door step!

Shakeology falls at a 24 on the Glycemic Index Scale which is really good news! Foods that are high on the Glycemic Index Scale such as pizza, bagels, ice cream, corn syrup, and mashed potatoes rapidly increase blood sugar and insulin levels. Research indicates that these are contributors to weight gain, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and the good old “energy crash” that many of us experience just after our lunch hour. However, foods that are low on the Glycemic Index Scale such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and of course Shakeology provide a slow sustained release of energy that allows us to avoid the “energy crashing” effect.

Shakeology contains protein and essential amino acids that help us build muscle while also reducing food cravings. The prebiotics and digestive enzymes assist us in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption. The antioxidants and phytonutrients help counteract “free radical damage” that is often associated with degenerative diseases. And last but not least, Shakeology contains our daily dose of vitamins and minerals which provides our body’s with everything that we need to function at our own personal optimal health levels.

You might think that I have to love Shakeology because of being an Beachbody Coach, but I can HONESTLY, tell you this. I don't tell people to spend the money if it isn't good. I have hashimoto's disease and lots of stomach issues and this shake has been an amazing addition in my life because of the lack of  FOOD and NUTRIENTS I wasn't getting.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

I've been getting a lot of messages from people who relate to my symptoms and want to find out what steps they need to take to find answers. By sharing my journey, I hope to help you guys uncover what is ailing you and help heal your body. 

I MUST emphasize that you have to be willing to be your biggest advocate and willing to LEARN, read, research. Don't simply rely on the advice of one doctor...especially if they aren't listening to you or brushing you off. And when you do find a great doctor, I recommend educating yourself if you do have a Thyroid condition (I'm much more likely to follow through when I understand the "why" behind lifestyle changes like going Gluten, Soy & Dairy-Free).

For the past 9 years, I haven't been feeling quite like myself. Despite eating clean and working out daily, my results were not matching my efforts. For the last 2 years, I've poured my HEART and SOUL into eating healthy and dedicating myself 100% to my workouts. It's not only demoralizing and frustrating when you don't see results...it's kinda heartbreaking. 



You know it's bad when your husband says, "Wow, you really aren't seeing results- are you eating meals I don't know about?" He was just joking around. My husband is 100% supportive and would love me no matter. I was starting to feel like I was crazy or just being a big baby until he confirmed that this wasn't right. Something was going on with my body.

I know I am don't see me and think "man's she's overweight" and think "she's already lost 85 lbs, why is she bitching" - but I feel like shit, I haven't felt myself for so long and it's physically uncomfortable. I love my body and I think I have a beautiful figure- but it's frustrating when my body isn't responding to workouts and clean eating like it has in the past. 

Weight aside...I just don't feel like myself.  I'm normally a laid-back, optimistic, happy, friendly girl. For the last two years, all of that changed. When out with friends, I can channel the "happy Mandy" but it usually leaves me completely exhausted. And its only a matter of time before the anxiety hits me hard and I want to melt into the ground and cry. I am, by nature, a very introverted girl...but it started progressing to a whole other level with serious anxiety the last few years.

I started writing down my symptoms...even the symptoms that my primary doctor would brush off.  He tell me, "Come see me if it gets any worse."  Umm...it IS worse..that's why I'm here... LOL!

Symptoms:

• Extreme Fatigue

• Insomnia (Trouble both falling asleep and stay asleep)

• Tired even after 8+ hours of sleep

• Low Energy. Tired easily

• Weakness

• Stress or pressure exhausts me

• Stressed out easily (normally a laidback person)

• Depressed for no reason

• Loss of Ambition

• Feeling overwhelmed by Tasks

• Mood Swings

• Anxiety

• Cries easily/randomly

• Easily angry and irritable

• Restless

• Always thirsty! Even after drinking a gallon + of water daily

• Yawn often

• Sensitive to Sound and Bright Light

• Migraines (once a month or more)

• Mental Fog (really bad)

• Trouble Concentrating (really bad)

• Procrastination

• PMS x100

• Painful Cramps

• Poor Memory & Concentration (really bad)

• Stomach Pain Daily

• Acid Reflux

• Indigestion

• Bloating- I looked 6 months pregnant!

• Hair Loss

• Low Libido

• Intense Sugar and Carb Cravings

• Nausea after Meals

• Always Cold- Especially my Feet

• Weight Gain no matter what I do or eat

• I start to feel awake and have energy at 7pm

• Brittle Nails

• Don't feel like myself

Dang, I'm exhausted just typing that out and shocked that my husband has endured the "sick Mandy" for so long!



After my doctor brushed me off, I just dealt with it. I thought...ok I'm getting older...this is how things are supposed to be...I have to soldier through. Truth be told, I look back and had some of these symptoms for as long as I could remember...other symptoms I can pinpoint starting years ago!

For example: I've always had migraines, even as a child. I remember crying in bed because head hurt so bad. But my dad got migraines so I thought I just inherited them.

Insomnia: I thought maybe it was a side effect of having a children. No seriously I did. Courtney never really slept thru the night and now Rowan doesn't. I just thought it was another lovely mommy thing.

Fatigue: I'm a mom of 4...enough said about that. I'm a very ambitious person so I secretly loved being tired because I felt like it meant I was working hard.  

Finding a Dr: After finally threatening my Dr to go to patient advocacy because he wasn't listening to me, is when he finally decided to listen. I have been battling "hypothyroidism" for 9 years and I've never had a sonogram on my thyroid OR seen an endocrinologist OR even really knew what type of hypothyroidism I suffer from. I finally had the sonogram done and was told I have "Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis". Hashimotos is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. And in my case has made mine shrink in size and not functioning. After seeing the sonogram results my Dr finally decided it was time to send me to an endocrinologist. 

Tomorrow I have to call my endocrinologist and set up my appointment. I'm nervous, scared and excited. I plan on going in with my list of symptoms, my thoughts and my questions. I'm going in prepared.

But in the meanwhile I've been doing lots and lots of research because like I said above "to be your biggest advocate and willing to learn." 

I will continue to update about this journey because I know so many suffer quietly and never get the answers they want or need. I'm hear for YOU if you ever want to talk.