Annette PresleyMrs. Annette Presley, RD

Annette Presley RD, LD, is a functional nutritionist, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. She enjoys helping people live their lives well so they can stay out of hospitals and spend more time with their families and doing the things they love.

Get Your Body Ready For A Baby

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baby

We have headed into a new year where anything is possible!  We can leave behind all the things that didn’t go the way we wanted them to and move forward with a fresh outlook.  This is especially true if you’ve been struggling to conceive.  Let the struggle of the past year go, take a deep breath, and look forward to the possibilities of the new year just beginning.

If you want the best chances of getting pregnant in 2019, put BABY into practice:

B: Boost Your Cholesterol

Most of us have heard all our lives that we need to lower our cholesterol, but that is not a good idea, especially if you want to get pregnant and carry a baby to term.  Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is good for you. It is the building block of hormones like progesterone, the baby making hormone.  Without progesterone it is difficult to get pregnant and stay pregnant.  Without cholesterol, you can’t make progesterone, click here to learn more!

Action steps:

  1. Have your doctor check your cholesterol levels.
  2. Add cholesterol rich foods to your diet such as eggs, liver, butter, and full fat dairy (just don’t use ultra-pasteurized dairy).

A: Assess Your Iodine Levels

Iodine is important for thyroid hormones which you need for a healthy pregnancy.  Thyroid hormones support nearly every cell in the body including the central nervous system and developing brain of a fetus.  If a mother is deficient in iodine it can affect the IQ and brain function of the baby.  Iodine deficiency can also be a factor in fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.  For more information, click here to read iodine-friend or foe.

Action steps:

  1. Ask your doctor for an iodine loading test.  This is a urine test, not a blood test. You can also order a test yourself by clicking here.
  2. Eat iodine rich foods like seaweed, shellfish, fish, and full fat diary.  An easy way to start is to sprinkle kelp flakes on foods.  Supplements may be needed but it is best to work with a knowledgeable physician when taking iodine supplements.

B: Banish The Toxins

We are exposed to numerous toxins from food, plastic, personal care products, cleaning products, weed killer, fire retardant clothing…the list is endless.  The problem with all these toxins is that many are endocrine disruptors which means they mess up your hormones which can make it difficult to get pregnant.  It may take a while to banish them all so the important thing is to just start somewhere.

Action steps:

  1. Click here for my free getting started guide to eliminating toxins in skincare products and food.
  2. Get a copy of The Switch Diet available on Amazon for a more detailed step by step guide.

Y: Yield To A Time Out

Stress is something we all face, but if we don’t manage it well, it can derail our best efforts to get pregnant.  Stress can come from relationships, finances, our to-do list, and even from our own unmet desires.  It’s good to take a time out periodically to get a new perspective, recharge, and let go.

Action steps:

  1. Schedule some time every day to relax, breathe, and meditate.  Click here to learn more about the benefits of meditation.
  2. Look at your schedule.  Is there anything you can say no to?
  3. Take a break from scheduling (sex) and tracking (cycles) if it’s creating tension in your relationship.
  4. Do something fun every day.

If you remember BABY, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy pregnancy.  If you’d like more support on your journey to becoming a mom, click here to join or get more details about my Baby-Ready Body Academy which will be open for enrollment on January 20th.

Prenatal Tips To Stay Healthy During Flu Season

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prenatal

Flu season is in full swing but being pregnant or trying to get pregnant can make it more difficult to stay healthy.  Here are some prenatal tips you can do to stay healthy without harming your baby or reducing your chances of getting pregnant.

Limit Sugar

Sugar weakens the immune system which makes it more difficult for you to fend off an infection. Sugar also increases insulin which affects hormones that support a healthy pregnancy. Cut added sugar to 2 Tbsp or less per day. Try more nutritive sweeteners like honey, molasses, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, and remember you don’t have to eat the whole thing. If you need a dessert, try berries with whipped cream (not Cool Whip) or cut up some apples or pears and cook them in some butter with cinnamon and ginger.  Are you singing the sugar blues? Click here to learn more.

Try NAC

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is safe for pregnancy and may even help you get pregnant and carry a baby to term. It also supports glutathione production, the master antioxidant in the body, respiratory health, and it inhibits the replication of viruses so it can be quite handy during cold and flu season.

Get Adequate Sleep

Shoot for 7-8 hours every night to boost your immune system and support healthy hormones.  Try to get to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.  The more sleep you get before midnight, the better.  Click here for our top ten tricks to get the best sleep ever!

Take Vitamin C

Vitamin C not only supports a healthy immune system, it also helps you absorb iron and produce progesterone which supports a healthy pregnancy. It’s great for men, too, as it keeps sperm healthy and mobile. It’s easy to tell if you are taking too much C. If you have diarrhea, cut back on your dose.

Get Some D

The best source of vitamin D is sunlight but that can be difficult to get during cold and flu season.  Vitamin D is only found in animal foods like fatty fish, dairy fat, liver, and egg yolks so be sure to include those foods in your diet.  You can also take supplements.  When taking vitamin D, it is also good to take vitamin A (not beta carotene) and vitamin K2.  You want to limit vitamin A to 5000 IU daily. These three nutrients work together and prevent toxicity.  Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system and can reduce complications from pregnancy like gestational diabetes and preterm birth.  Healthy vitamin D stores can also help you get pregnant.  Click here to learn more about the importance of K2.

You can get through cold and flu season with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and a few key supplements.  Also, don’t forget to move every day, take a walk, swim, do some yoga or even some gardening; just move instead of sitting all day.  Click here for more information on prenatal yoga.

If you are struggling to conceive or thinking about IVF, I am launching Fruitful: 12
Weeks To A Baby-ready Body in January 2019.  Click here if you’d like more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apples Ambrosia

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apples

This unique recipe can be used as a delightful side dish or a perfect way to end any meal.  It also acts as a great healthy snack for anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth.  Apples not your thing?  No problem, substitute with a fruit of your choosing and ENJOY!

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 apple(s)/pieces of fruit, of your choice, cut up in bite size pieces
  • 2 Tbsp butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Melt butter in large skillet.
  2. Add spices and mix until blended.
  3. Add selected fruit and cook until heated through.

ENJOY!!

Cauliflower Dijon Dish

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cauliflower

This cauliflower dish with dijon sauce is a great way to convert any haters who steer away from this healthy veggie into lifetime lovers!  Try it for yourself.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cauliflower cut in bite size pieces
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever cheese you prefer)

Directions:

  1. Steam cauliflower util they are al dente. You don’t want it too hard or mushy, then drain.
  2. Mix sour cream and mustard. You can add more of each till you get the right Dijon flavor for you.
  3. Stir in sour cream mix and cheese. You can use an avocado oil based mayonnaise in place of the sour cream if desired.

ENJOY!!

Looking for a healthy dessert to pair up with this meal?  Click here for raw collagen cacao bites.

Scrumptious Sweet Potato

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sweet potato

This sweet potato recipe is a perfect dish to serve at your next holiday meal.  It’s not only great for your health but great tasting too!

Ingredients:

  • 1 sweet potato (or however many you need to feed your family)
  • ¼ c butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ginger
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

  1. Peel potato and cut up into bite size pieces.
  2. Place in crockpot and add butter, seasonings, orange juice, and syrup.
  3. Cook on low for about 4 hours
  4. ENJOY!

Looking for the perfect recipe to pair with this?  Click here to cook a perfect roast every time!

Veggie Dip Recipe

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dip

Add some festive flare to an old classic and have some fun with this easy to make veggie  dip recipe.  Want to add some extra holiday spirit?  Try displaying the vegetables in a shape of a tree and line the dip as tinsel separating each section.  Sprinkle sliced chives on top to add even more magic to this perfect and healthy appetizer.  Or, how about making a festive wreath?  Be creative, the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
  • Veggies of your choice
  • 1 tsp Redmond’s Real Salt Season-All Salt

Directions:

Mix the first 3 ingredients and chill for at least an hour for best flavor.  Remember to have some fun when displaying this dish and find vegetables in vibrant colours!

Egg Salad

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egg salad

This easy egg salad would make a great appetizer.  Scoop it on to a lettuce leaf for a healthy wrap idea or use it as a spread on crackers.  The possibilities are endless.

Egg Salad Ingredients:

  • 3 boiled eggs
  • 1 ½ Tbsp sour cream
  • ¾ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Sea Salt, pepper, kelp granules to taste

Directions:

To make the egg salad, being by peeling and chopping the eggs.  Next, add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  You can add more sour cream and Dijon if desired.  For a more personalized touched you can add bacon, shredded cheese, guacamole or anything else that suits your fancy.  Sprinkle with paprika and some sliced green onions or cilantro for a little Christmas flair.

Recipe Serves 1.

This One Urine Test Could Save Your Life!

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iodine

Every year, we get the same advice.  Get your mammograms, eat your vegetables and ‘feel your boobies’.  However, even with that advice, we still haven’t made much of a dent in breast cancer prevention.  One thing we never hear about in the mainstream media is iodine deficiency.  This can contribute to breast cancer as well as ovarian and cervical cancers in addition to fibroids.

Facts About Iodine

Here’s what you need to know:

• It is stored in the thyroid gland, ovaries, breast and fat tissue.  Therefore plays an important role in reproductive and breast health.

• Is found in iodized salt, sea vegetables, seaweed, eggs, dairy, and fish

• Iodine deficiency can lead to increased estrogen production.  When you pair that with exposure to environmental estrogen’s in plastic, pesticides, meat, and dairy foods (produced by big agriculture), you have a ripe environment for the development of breast cancer.

• Bromide, fluoride and chlorine compete with iodine for absorption.  They are abundant in the environment and food supply.  Bromide is found in furniture, carpet, cars, fire retardant clothing and mattresses.  Asthma medications, bread products and toothpaste.  Municipal water supplies, food prepared with fluoridated water and tea leaves.  The antidepressants Paxil and Prozac also contain fluoride.  Chlorine is also found in our water supplies, swimming pools, and the artificial sweetener Splenda, or sucralose.  Click here for more information about cancer risks.

How To Get Tested

One of the best steps to take in preventing cancer is to get an iodine loading test.  This is a urine test, not a blood test.  You will take 50 mg of iodine and collect your urine for 24 hours; I know, not fun, but it may just save your life.  You can also get a bromide test.  Click here for more information on iodine and bromide testing.

Simple Steps

I highly recommend finding a physician who is knowledgeable about iodine so you can get the right dosage.  It is best to take it with vitamin C, magnesium, and selenium.  Get plenty of unrefined sea salt.  The chloride component of salt can help eliminate bromide.  Sea salt does not contain much iodine, so you can also sprinkle kelp granules on food.  If you eat meat, choose grass fed over conventional.  If you do dairy, raw is best, followed by low heat pasteurized and non-homogenized.  Click here before buying seafood.  If you are allergic to iodine, focus on eliminated toxins like bromide.

Click here for more information on iodine and breast health.  The Switch Diet is almost here and will help you eliminate toxins.  To get notified when it is released, like my Facebook page.

Pyroluria Test – Why You Should Get One Today!

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sleep apnea,sleep apnea symptoms,sleep apnea treatment,obstructive sleep apnea, what is sleep apnea

Pyroluria is a disorder with numerous symptoms including migraines, fatigue, food sensitivities, insomnia and poor morning appetite.  It has also been linked to loss of libido, mood swings, sensitivity to smells and sounds, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, and overeating, just to name a few.  This is why having a Pyroluria test is important should you be experiencing any of these symptoms.

Conditions associated with pyroluria include but are not limited to acne, allergies, depression, anxiety, postnatal depression, eczema, substance abuse, learning difficulties, autism, Tourette’s, and Asperger’s syndrome.

So, What Is Pyroluria And What Can You Do About It?

When we synthesize hemoglobin, we produce a byproduct known as pyrrole.  Normally, this is not a problem but some people produce excessive amounts.  When this happens, pyrroles bind to zinc and B6 leaving them unavailable for the body to use.  They also deplete the omega-6 fatty acid gamma linoleic acid (GLA).

Why Should You Have a Pyroluria Test and Why Is Zinc, B6 And GLA So Important?

The body needs zinc for:

• Immune health
• Cell growth and replication
• Enzymes
• Hormone health and reproduction
• Protein metabolism
• Cognitive function, memory, learning
• Thyroid function
• Normal appetite, taste, and smell
• Wound healing

The body needs B6 for:

• Neurotransmitter production
• Convert food to energy
• Immune health
• Brain development
• Healthy sleep cycle
• Balanced moods

GLA acts to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Support hormone health
• Aid fat loss
• Increase energy
• Keep the skin hydrated and healthy

We are just scratching the surface but it is obvious that we need to be able to use these nutrients if we want to maintain good health.  Click here for information on how to read labels like a pro and get the most out of your food when grocery shopping.

Pyroluria is generally not recognized by mainstream medicine and few physicians are even aware of it because there is no drug cure for it.  Instead, it requires a lifetime of nutritional supplementation.

The Pyroluria Test

You will find a list of symptoms here and if you have 15 or more you definitely want to get tested.  If you’ve got a few symptoms and have tried different things and nothing has worked, it may be a good idea to test and at least rule it out.  If your physician won’t order a test, you can get a kryptopyrrole test from DHA Laboratory without a physician order (they have a physician who will sign off on it).  It costs around $82 and is a urine test. There are very specific instructions which include freezing the sample before shipping it, so read everything carefully before collecting your urine so you know what to do.  You can also get supplement guidance from a physician at DHA labs if you end up with high levels.

What Causes Pyroluria?

Pyroluria is caused by both genetic and lifestyle factors.  Stress increases the production of pyrroles as does poor digestive health, alcohol, smoking, drugs, and heavy metal exposure. Excess pyrroles in turn impair digestive health, so it’s a vicious cycle.

My daughter has pyroluria and her symptoms improved significantly when we started high doses of zinc, B6, and biotin along with manganese, magnesium, and GLA.  I recommend working with a physician or qualified healthcare practitioner with supplementation.  I never had to put my daughter on an antidepressant or antianxiety medication which both holistic and conventional healthcare practitioners recommended.  Not one of them ever mentioned pyroluria.

Could Pyroluria Be Causing Your Symptoms?

Maybe. It’s certainly worth testing for, especially if the alternative is an antidepressant or antianxiety medication.  If you do have pyroluria, medications won’t help.  Click here if you would like to learn more about natural relief options for pyroluria.

How To Lose Weight – 3 Beliefs That Make Us Fat

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how to lose weight

One of the most common questions people ask is how to lose weight with the hustle and bustle of our every day lives?  With all the diets on the market, you’d think we could have solved the problem of obesity by now, but it seems to be getting worse. There are a lot of reasons for expanding waistlines and there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but changing the way we think about some things just might help us reach our weight loss goals. Here are three beliefs we need to rethink:

  1. You just need a little willpower – that might get you through a few hours or maybe a day, but willpower will never get you where you want to go. We need to let go of this idea that we can muster up enough will to say no to all the tempting food offers in order to really learn how to lose weight. Willpower will just keep you in an endless cycle of dieting and getting nowhere. Instead of using willpower, evaluate your habits and then tweak them. For example, if you stop off at a drive-thru for a 32 oz soda before or after work every day, bring a bottle of water with you instead and take a different route if you need to. You’ve still got something to drink but it’s not going to sabotage your goals. You just make a little tweak. Keep tweaking until you find what works.
  2. Finish your plate – this comes from the depression era when food was scarce and there probably wasn’t much on the plate to begin with, but it doesn’t serve us when food is abundant and serving sizes are astronomical. You do not have to eat the whole thing. No child is going to starve because you don’t finish your plate; that’s not how it works and how you can lose weight. If it really bothers you to leave food on your plate, then take less than you think you will eat. You can always go back for seconds if you need to.
  3. Eat it while it’s there because you don’t know when it will be available again – this is one of the problems with holiday eating. We make certain dishes once a year and pig out on them as if it’s our last chance to taste it. You aren’t on death row and this isn’t your last meal. You will be able to eat these foods again and, quite frankly, you can make them whenever you want if they mean that much to you. You will taste chocolate again, I promise, so you don’t need to eat the whole cake. A few bites will do until next time.  If you want to feel like your having a treat but don’t want the guilt try these Paleo friendly chocolate coconut bars the next time you get the urge. https://familyhealthadvocacy.com/paleo-friendly-chocolate-coconut-bars/

When it comes to how to lose weight and achieve or maintain a healthy weight, it’s not always food that is the problem or a lack of exercise. It’s the things we tell ourselves. Tell yourself something different and you might just find the scale bending to your will.

Want to learn more about what the experts are saying they wish we knew about losing weight?  Check out this article https://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/losing-weight-doctors-wish-you-knew/