May 2024 Healthy Highlights
The summer season is in full swing and I can't believe we're almost halfway through this year. Honestly, I've fallen a bit out of my typical routine, and I'm starting to feel it. The longer, warmer days have been pushing my bedtime later and with that, my morning routine has become nonexistent. While I'm totally enjoying this more relaxed and fun season, I know I need a little bit more structure to feel my best (and to have even MORE fun!)
So this week I'm focusing on slowly integrating my health intentions back into my day-to-day: eating more in season fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated and taking advantage of these longer days with more walks.
With June right around the corner, it's time to revisit those intentions you set for 2024. It's never too late to start working on your goals!
Healthy Highlights
Healthy Habit
My favorite healthy habit this month has been drinking warm lemon water with a dash of aloe juice upon waking! It's a great way to get your bowels moving and aloe has been shown to help repair the gut lining and reduce blood sugar spikes. Pair your morning drink with sitting outside and getting your morning sunlight, you'll be set for all day energy!
Recipe
I have been loving these Lemon Poppyseed Muffins that are grain free, dairy free and refined sugar free. Of course, I love to add a scoop or two of unflavored collagen and protein powder to make these sweet treats a bit more blood sugar friendly. I use a loaf pan and cook for an extra 10-15 minutes, and they come out fluffy and gooey every time!
Wellness Tool
A favorite self care practice of mine: abdominal castor oil packs! I have to include this in my highlights because I was really dedicated to using my castor oil pack last month. I felt very energized, had more consistent BMs, and a more balanced mood. This month, I haven't used it more than 1-2x and I'm feeling it for sure! Please be aware that the FDA does not approve of any such benefits of the use of castor oil, and the experience outlined is fully my own.
Functional Test
HTMA: An amazingly easy test to do that measures minerals, which are like the spark plugs for all of our body functions. Think you're having a gut, thyroid or hormonal issue? Best to look under the hood and see what's actually going on through targeted testing. If you’re interested in getting an HTMA done, you can find more information here.
Self Care
ClearStem Vitamin Scrub: The skin care solution I didn't know I needed. I have had dry and sometimes itchy bumps on my arms since I was in high school, called keratosis pilaris. Even though I've stopped eating gluten and dairy which causes this inflammatory response, I still had some residual scarring and bumps. I finally tried ClearStem last month and it did not disappoint! My bumps went away finally! I wouldn't be surprised if their other products work miracles for you, too! Use the code ABBYHAAS for 15% off your order.
Podcast
This pod was packed with information about the many symptoms of brain inflammation (anxiety, ADHD, memory loss) and what we can do about it!
Brain on Fire: How Dietary Induced Neuroinflammation Causes Mental Illness, Aggression, Violence and Dementia with Dr. Mark Hyman & Dr. Austin Perlmutter
Book
Gut Feelings by Dr. Will Cole discusses the importance of how food affects our mood and what we can do to support our emotional landscape every day! A must read if you have ever experienced emotional eating or struggle with mental health and want to know more about what you can do about it to feel better!
