Have You Fallen Off Your New Year’s Goals?

A happy new year to you!

Since this is the very first video for 2016, and we’re already in the middle of January, I thought I’d talk about what to do if you have already fallen off the wagon of your New Year’s goals.

You might have started January off with the best of intentions, with big goals and high hopes for the new year. Then sometime in January, you might have fallen off course, got totally side tracked, or forgotten your goals completely.

I know this happens to me (regularly), and in the past I would be really hard on myself. I would feel like I ruined everything because I couldn’t stick to my plan. Sometimes I would give up completely, other times I would even sabotage myself because I wasn’t able to stick to my goals the way I wanted to.

Being hard on yourself and feeling guilty will never get you anywhere. If you can relate, you might even agree that being so hard on yourself can lead to self sabotage, it kills your self esteem, and can be quite paralysizing, right?

So instead, I suggest letting go of the guilt trip, and ask yourself “what happened?” I do this same exercise all the time with my coaching clients who are struggling with sticking to their goals – we look at what’s working and what’s not.

Here’s what to do if you have fallen off your new year’s goals.

1- Stop blaming yourself. Stop the guilt trip. Stop being hard on yourself. It will get you no where.

2- Ask yourself:

What happened?
What’s working?
What’s not working?
Is there something that you need to change?
Are you organized and prepared?
Do you have a clear action plan?
Do you like this goal, is this really what you want to do?
How can you make the goal funner or more enjoyable to achieve?
How can you make achieving your goal easier?
Is there anyone you can ask to join you or support you in reaching your goal?

What you’re struggling with can actually help you reach your goals.

Once you’ve moved away from being hard on yourself, and start looking into what is happening, why you have fallen off your plan, and what’s working and what’s not – you can get some incredible insight on what you need to do to actually reach your goal.

Too often I see people failing at reaching their goals not because they couldn’t do it, but because they didn’t plan or organize themselves properly, or their plan didn’t suit them or their lifestyle, or they were too hard on themselves because they couldn’t follow their plan perfectly the way they wanted to.

When you’re struggling with doing something you want to be doing – you need to ask yourself why, and be honest with yourself.

For example, let’s say your goal for the new year was to tone up your body, build some muscle, and get super fit. You went to the gym a couple of times at the beginning of January, but by mid January your goal has long been forgotten. Instead of knocking yourself down about it or giving up completely, ask yourself what’s holding you back, what’s getting in the way of you working out? Is it because the exercise you’re doing is too hard or you don’t like it? Have you planned your workouts at times that is easy to do? Do you lack motivation? Are you too tired to workout? What is it?

Or another example, let’s say your goal for 2016 is to lose weight. You’ve chosen a diet you want to follow but you just can’t seem to stick with it. This is a great time to look at the diet and what’s working for you and what’s not. Ask yourself what made you fall off the diet in the first place? Were you eating enough? Did you like the food? Do you have enough recipes to choose from? Is the diet too restrictive? Are you organized with your groceries and preparing the foods? How are you handling your day to day life, and stresses in relationship to the change of diet? Do you feel supported with your change of diet? How can you make losing weight easier for yourself? What do you enjoy doing to lose weight?

Focus on how to make it work for you

What I see with people who set out to achieve a goal, and succeed – they are always adjusting and modifying their plan according to what is working, and what is not working.

They aren’t forcing themselves to follow a strict, regimented plan they have a hard time following, and hoping for the best.

They’re always checking in with themselves – monitoring their progress, successes, challenges, and set backs, and making the necessary modifications and changes.

Reaching your goals may not always be easy, but it doesn’t have to be torture either. I find the more you try to make it enjoyable, and focus on the things you’re good at – the journey is a lot more smoother, and what you can learn about yourself can be applied to other things you want to achieve.

What’s your goals for 2016 and what are you doing to achieve them? I would love to hear from you (post your goals in the comments below).

For more on sticking to your new years goals, or starting over again, watch today’s video below.

Want to reach your goals? Need focus, direction, and accountability? Make an appointment for telephone coaching with Natasha. Together we will fast track your success, and get you the results you want. Click here for more information.

Book Review – Holistic Dental Care by Nadine Artemis

11 / 12 / 157 / 3 / 21

**Book Review – Holistic Dental Care by Nadine Artemis**

I am really excited to do this review!

I loved reading Holistic Dental Care by Nadine Artemis. In fact I couldn’t put it down. I read it in less than 2 days (for me that’s huge – having a 2 year old toddler doesn’t allow me much time to read, but once I started reading this book, I couldn’t stop!).

To be quite honest, dental care isn’t normally the hottest topic for me, but Nadine Artemis has a way with her written words that got me super inspired and excited about taking better care of my teeth. Her book has certainly taken my teeth cleaning routine to a whole new level!

Over the years I have already been incorporating a natural, non-toxic approach towards taking care of my teeth and gums, but I have to say from reading her book I’ve learned a lot more things I never knew before, and it has led me to fine-tune my dental care routine which is giving me much better results.

For this review I thought it would be fun to share 3 things I’ve learned from the book that I’m incorporating in my routine and the results I have been getting. But first, I do want to share what’s in the book and what it’s about.

About the author, Nadine Artemis

Nadine Artemis is the founder, creator, and botanical mastermind behind my favourite natural skin care line Living Libations. We all know how much I love her skin care and body care products (you can read my reviews here, and another here).

Along with being an expert in essential oils and botanicals, she’s also an expert in holistic self-dentistry. Nadine is an author, speaker, and the creator of Living Libations Skin Care which also includes an extensive non-toxic tooth care product line.

Holistic Dental Care – What the book is about

Holistic Dental Care is about how to take care of your teeth and gums using a gentle, natural, non-toxic dental care approach.

Most people don’t realize that their teeth are alive and capable of healing. The body and teeth are completely connected – want healthy, white, strong teeth – have a healthy body.

Most people also aren’t aware that most common toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental materials are not safe for human consumption (there’s warning labels on all toothpastes and dental products warning you not to swallow it or eat it), and some materials used in dental procedure are hazardous to your health (mercury is a big one).

Holistic Dental Care teaches you about safer, alternative methods and non-toxic materials you can use to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and strong.

Holistic Dental Care book includes:

Basics of tooth anatomy
What causes tooth decay and gum issues
What dental care ingredients you’ve got to watch out for that aren’t good for your health
How to select a good dentist and the questions you should ask
Proper diet and nutrition for tooth health
Oral care for babies, toddlers, and children
Orthodonics
Nadine’s 8 Step Self-Dentistry tooth care routine/protocol
Herbs and Essential Oils for tooth and gum health
Natural remedies and protocols for tooth and gum issues
Resources

The book is packed with so much information. What I love most about the book is everything is simple to read, clear to understand, and extremely actionable.

What stood out the most for me in the book is Nadine’s 8 Step Self-Dentistry protocol where she guides you step-by-step how to clean your teeth every morning and night. When you go to a dentist, they just vaguely tell you to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, but Nadine actually explains in detail how you’re suppose to brush and clean your teeth and gums, how to floss, rinse your mouth, etc., She makes sure you’re doing it all correctly. She also goes through all the various essential oils, serums, herbs, clays, salts, and natural materials you can incorporate in your routine to polish and thoroughly clean your teeth. You can make the routine as simple or as elaborate as you want while still getting results.

3 Things I’ve learned from Holistic Dental Care

There’s a lot that I have taken away from Holistic Dental Care and have been incorporating into my daily dental care routine. I thought it would be fun to share 3 of the things that stand out the most right now that I have started doing.

1- Gently brushing my teeth

I’ve known for many years that it’s best to use a soft bristle tooth brush for brushing your teeth and gums, but what I never knew was the importance of actually brushing your teeth gently and softly.

As Nadine Artemis puts it, your tooth brush should look new in 6 months, not be worn down or have flattened bristles.

I can be the first to admit that my tooth brushes after 6 months need serious replacement! I’ve since started brushing my teeth much more softly and I have noticed a huge difference. I can now brush my teeth for much longer, my teeth and gums are no longer irritated, and because I can brush my teeth for longer, I’m giving my teeth and mouth a much more thorough cleaning.

2- Regular rinsing of the mouth with salt water.

I’ve always known that rinsing your mouth out with salt water is effective for decreasing inflammation and irritation of the gums and teeth, but what I didn’t know is this is something you can and should be doing daily.

Always after going to the dentist, I would rinse my mouth out with salt water a couple of times a day for a few days if my gums were irritated from dental work or cleaning.

Nadine Artemis recommends rinsing your mouth with salt water every time you brush your teeth (and after meals).

I have started to do this regularly and my mouth does feel a lot fresher. I am also hoping to teach my daughter how to rinse her mouth with salt water too (which will certainly be a challenge, but I believe a beneficial one).

3- Decreasing phytic acid in my daughter’s diet

I have always know that phytic acid found in whole grain, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds is an anti-nutrient (it blocks the absorption of some minerals), but what I didn’t know is the effect phytic acid has on the ph balance of the mouth and saliva.

Acid damages tooth enamel. The optimal ph level in the mouth should be around 7. If you are eating acidic foods, this will increase the acidity in your mouth, which in turn can damage or weaken your tooth enamel.

Phytic acid is an acid. And the problem with eating too many foods high in phytic acid is your giving your teeth a double-whammy by blocking the absorption of tooth strengthening minerals, and making the mouth environment too acidic.

Phytic acid is in a lot of foods (whole grain, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds). The best way of reducing the phytic acid in those foods is by soaking them in water for a few hours or overnight before cooking them, stone-grounding them, and/or fermenting them.

When it comes to phytic acid, I’m concerned about it in my daughter’s diet because she does eat whole grains, beans, legumes, and absolutely loves nuts & seeds. She’s a growing girl (and we want her to be a strong healthy girl with healthy teeth!). So now that I know about the connection between tooth and bone health, and phytic acid, I will take the extra steps to soak these foods to decrease the phytic acid load.

Conclusion

I have to say, I’m so happy to have read this book. I’ve learned so much and feel much more empowered taking care of my own teeth and my family’s teeth as well. I fully recommend Holistic Dental Care to anyone who is interested in incorporating a holistic, safe, non-toxic approach for their oral and dental care. This book is also a fantastic reference book if you want to know more about the benefits of herbs, essentials oils, serums, clays, salts and other natural compounds that can be used to heal and strengthen your teeth and gums.

Click here to read more about Holistic Dental Care, and to purchase the book from Living Libations website.

For more on my review of Holistic Dental Care by Nadine Artemis, watch today’s video below!

Spicy Cleansing Green Juice Recipe

10 / 3 / 1510 / 3 / 15

A Perfect Autumn Green Juice Recipe

It’s autumn, and apple season! As the temperature is getting cooler, and you need something warming and soothing – this green juice recipe is perfect for you!

This recipe calls for celery sticks and celery greens. If you can’t get both, just double the type of celery you are using.

Spicy & Cleansing Green Juice Recipe

(makes 1.5 cups or 300 ml)

2 Apples
1 cup Celery Greens (packed)
1 Celery Stick
1/8 inche (or 1/2 cm) fresh Ginger

See the video demo below on how to make this yummy juice!

Want to look and feel amazing? Join the next 7 Day Juice Fasting Program! Nothing compares to the results from a juice fast!!! The program includes an eBook, 7 videos, and lifetime access to the private Juice Fasting Facebook community. CLICK HERE to join now!

Got Adult Acne? I’ve Got A NEW WEBSITE Just For You!

9 / 29 / 1511 / 21 / 19

Got Adult Acne? I’ve Got A Whole NEW WEBSITE For You!

I am super excited to announce my brand new website, The CLEAR SKIN Essentials!

For years I’ve wanted to create a website dedicated to helping women clear up adult acne and breakouts through natural solutions such as diet changes, lifestyle improvements, and a gentler approach to skin care.

I’ve cleared up my own cystic acne, and I’ve coached countless women clearing up their skin as well. It never ceases to amaze me how much your diet, lifestyle, and skin care routine affects the health and appearance of your skin.

Want clear, glowing skin? We’ve got to make improvements to your diet, food choices, lifestyle habits, and skin care routine. At The CLEAR SKIN Essentials, I am going to share with you everything I know! (I can’t wait!!!).

Ready to get started? Here’s what to do:

1- Join my FREE Acne Solutions Email Course! (in this free email course you will discover 5 simple steps to getting clearer skin in 2 weeks or less).

2- Subscribe to The CLEAR SKIN Essentials blog.

3- Let’s connect on social media (I’ve created all new social media accounts for The CLEAR SKIN Essentials):

The CLEAR SKIN Essentials on YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram

And, I want to say a big THANK YOU for all your support over the years. I’m really excited about the launch of this new website, as well as continuing to create content for Radiance Central!

For more on The CLEAR SKIN Essentials, watch today’s video below!

In The Middle Of A Rough Time?

9 / 25 / 159 / 25 / 15

In The Middle Of A Rough Time?

Not long ago I did a video and article, How To Release Negative Experiences. After posting the article/video, I received an email from someone asking what to do when you are in the middle of a negative experience, like right now? How do you get your bearings? How to get through a painful experience? How do you take care of yourself during difficult times?

This is a great question, and something I don’t think anyone can ever avoid. At different times in our lives we will all have to face sufferings from loss, disappointment, uncertainty, heartache, separation, injustice, rejection, cruelty, pain, illness, and death.

So what do you do when you are in the thick of it? When you are in the middle of a terrible experience and you don’t know up from down?

In The Middle Of A Rough Time? Here’s What To Do:

1- Acknowledge and express what you are feeling and going through

The most important thing you can do right now, is acknowledge what you are going through, what it’s doing to you, and how it makes you feel. It’s perfectly ok (and expected) to feel angry, resentful, fearful, upset, sad, miserable, etc. in any trying situation.

What’s important is expressing it outward, not just inward. What that means is speaking what you are feeling and going through, out loud. Don’t just talk to yourself in your head, or play the story over and over again in your mind. It’s important to speak out loud.

Don’t keep things in.

Don’t stuff things down.

Don’t downplay what you are feeling or going through.

You might want to be “strong.” Or, you want to maintain compossure, or feel it’s your responsibility to be the one carrying the burden. But whatever you do, don’t hold yourself back from expressing yourself, how you feel, or what the situation is doing to you.

When you keep things inside, they grow. They can become larger than life, and eat away at you.

The first thing to do is say out loud what you are going through, how it’s affecting you, what you are feeling or thinking right now, and even, what you want.

In the beginning, you may feel more comfortable just acknowledging it to yourself. And that is a step in the right direction. But later on, please reach out and speak to someone too.

2- Talk to someone, anyone.

There’s a reason why talk therapy works, and every year billions of dollars are spent on therapists, coaches and counsellors. Talking allows you not only to express yourself, but to let it out.

When you’re going through a rough time, there’s nothing worse than going through it alone, or not having someone to talk to.

Find a friend or family member to talk to. If there’s no one to talk to, find a counsellor, coach or therapist to talk to. Find someone.

If you have someone to talk to, but you don’t feel like you’re being heard, or that they don’t get it, or they don’t understand what you are going through; find someone who will. Sometimes when you are in a difficult time, your loved ones may be too wrapped up in the situation to console you, to offer you advice, or even an open ear.

You need to talk it out. Everyone needs someone to listen to them, especially at times of hardship. By talking it out, you are no longer carrying the burden on your own. I always find that when I confine in someone, I always get a fresh perspective, whether it’s from their input, or even just hearing myself talk about it out loud, or both.

Never suffer alone. Life is about bonding, friendship, relationships, and community. We weren’t put on this planet to go through life on our own or to shoulder everything by ourselves.

You’ll never burden people, in fact, it’s just the opposite. How many times did someone reach out to you for support, and you felt a strong sense of purpose and honour to be their for your friend or loved at a time of need? Perhaps this is an opportunity to allow your loved ones to be there for you, and support you back?

3- You will turn a corner

Whenever I’ve gone through a difficult time, I always remind myself that eventually I will turn a corner.

You don’t need to know what that corner is. Just knowing that it is there, and it will eventually reveal itself at the right time, can bring a sense of assurance and calm.

Nothing stays the same. Miracles, magic, healing, and change; all happen every single day. Who’s to say it won’t happen to you?

For more on what to do during a rough time, watch today’s video below.

Need someone to talk to? I offer telephone coaching services. I specialize in diet and natural health, but many of my clients hire me as a life coach as well. For more information on the coaching I offer, click here!