When you screw up on your resolutions (and why it's not exactly when you think)

Hey guys,

The first week of 2020 is coming to a close already!

And for some of you, you've already given up on some of those life-changing resolutions you were so romantic about last week, am I right? Usually that happens when we've set too many goals at the same time or set one goal that was just a bit too unrealistic. 



But maybe you're not a resolution setter. Maybe you're like me - trying to use everyday to progress and challenge yourself to get better. Or maybe you are still going really strong on those goals!



Either way, you will find yourself saying at some point, "I screwed up." And here's what's important to know: You did NOT screw up at that point. But you're about to. Let me explain...



Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video where I share why you did not screw up when you think...and how it's actually foreshadowing that you're likely on the path to actually screwing up. Of course I'm going to tell you how to turn around and NOT screw up, after all. 



I explain a bit about some of the content you can expect more of from me in 2020 in the beginning of the video. Make sure you're following me over on Facebook and Instagram to get all content. I post a lot inside my stories as well, so check those out if you need more healthy information + inspiration (with an occasional dose of cute kiddos). ;-)



I'm always happy to hear from YOU as well... anything in particular that you'd like me to cover this year? Hit 'reply' to this email and let me know. I've got a running list and plan to hit it all, if possible!




Happy New Year!!




XO,
Tara

Why the scale won't budge: weight plateaus and fluctuations explained

Weight fluctuations and plateaus explained...

I'm writing this blog with a child home (unexpectedly) from school and a full plate of work and other mom / house stuff going on. Besides client work, admin. tasks, and content (like this!) to create and schedule, I will be interviewed for an article in a certain newspaper today and am being asked if a photographer can come over today for a quick photoshoot. Um....if you don't mind a sick kid in my arms?!? Not the look you're going for?

Kidding....we're trying to reschedule. However, I'm telling YOU this because I speak a lot about less-than-ideal conditions and how the show must go on. Whether it's running a business or maintaining the level of fitness, nutrition, sleep, and self care that you aspire to, things will always pop up that can compromise your plans. How can you work with what you've got? How can you do at least a portion of what it is you committed to? Maybe you move your body for 5 minutes instead of the 45 you planned on today.


In my case, I look through my task list and start moving non-essential things to other times whenever possible. I will do what's necessary and appreciate the fact that I can tend to my daughter that's feeling a bit under the weather today. (We're actually snuggling on the couch as I type this. Thank goodness for light + mobile laptops!).


Anywayyyyy..... weight fluctuations! They happen to us all - even if you do not weigh yourself and you're unaware. Our weight is never stagnant. Any weight or fat loss journey is never linear. There are plateaus, spikes up, drops, etc. The most important thing to look at is the trend over time.

Important to note: I'm not a fan of anyone weighing themselves if it will at all impact your emotions. In other words, if weighing yourself will be anything more than simply data, I don't believe the scale is the best tool for you to track your progress. 


However, if you have ever noticed plateaus and or increases in your scale weight while you believed you were 'doing everything right', then you must watch my latest Workshop Wednesday video! I get into the 8 most common reasons this occurs. This will allow you to figure out what's going on the next time you notice a plateau or spike. Not only that, but it will (hopefully) prevent you from throwing in the towel in frustration next time around.


If you are on a fat loss journey and have 15 minutes to watch - or even just listen - to this video, it will be worth your while.



As always, I'm open to topic ideas to address in future videos, blogs, social media posts, and newsletters. Just leave me a comment below if there's something in particular you want to see me cover.


XO,
Tara


P.S. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! As a reminder, my healthified holiday desserts e-cookbook, Smart Cookie, is still available for purchase for ONE MORE WEEK before it gets pulled until next year. If you have any parties to host or head to in the next week and would like to make a quality, real-food version of a holiday treat, this recipe book would be perfect for you! It contains 42 gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free...and DELICIOUS...dessert recipes. Many are baked goods, but there are also stovetop, slow cooker, and NO BAKE options in case you want easy peasy.

Are you lying to yourself? (Self-integrity for the win)

The opposite of lying to yourself is self-integrity...

And I want to convince you today that that's exactly what you need more of in your life in order to accomplish your health and body goals. Cool?

Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video where I'm discussing smoking, addictions, food, fitness, self-integrity, and how you can make a simple (but not necessarily easy) change RIGHT NOW that will put you right back on the path towards your goals.

Does that sound like it's worth the 10-minute video? ;-) 

Enjoy your day,

Tara

P.S. Only 2-ish more weeks left to purchase my healthy holiday desserts e-cookbook before it goes into the vault until next year. It contains 42 delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free recipes that will become staples in your house for years to come! Yes, I'm that confident about these. ;-) There's something for everyone with a variety of flavors and types. Plenty of baked goods like cookies and brownies, but also stovetop, slow cooker, and NO bake options for when you're in a rush to get 'er done.

Grab your copy right here.

Meal timing / spacing for fat loss

Meal timing + spacing for fat loss...

With all the talk about intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding (did you catch last week's email?), what about the timing between meals? Is that important for fat loss?

Turns out, it is. When we eat, we spike our insulin levels. Insulin is a fat-storage hormone. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, it certainly can become a problem if your insulin is spiked to high or for too long if fat loss is a goal.

Think about exercise. Most of us know that exercise is beneficial for us, but we couldn't workout 24 hours a day without expecting lots of problems. Eating is a similar idea. It's absolutely necessary to eat and nourish our bodies, but we also benefit from giving ourselves some space between meals to allow that rest and return to baseline that's so important.


Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video for more about meal spacing.


Do you already pay attention to the spacing between your meals or is this new to you? Hit "reply" to this email and let me know!


XO,
Tara


P.S. Have you gotten your copy of Smart Cookie: Healthified Holiday Desserts e-cookbook yet? Some of you have been messaging me and tagging me in your pictures and it's making me drool! :-) The ebook contains 42 gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free treats that are upgraded versions of our favorites this time of year. You can grab a copy right here!

Avoiding unwanted holiday weight gain...

Avoiding (unwanted) holiday weight gain...

While the same principles apply to gaining excess weight and / or body fat any time of year, the holidays do bring a unique set of circumstance for many of us.



OVEREATING. This is simply eating more than your body requires for fuel and is the case if you are at a weight or body fat percentage that YOU believe to be greater than you'd like it to be for optimal health and mobility. Emphasis on YOU here because I strongly believe YOU are the only one that gets to decide this.



Here are a few of the reasons weight gan can be accelerated this time of year:

• Baggy clothes help us 'forget' about our body and hide.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder and / or lower Vitamin D levels wreak havoc on our emotions and ability to choose our long-term goals over short-term satisfaction.

• Heightened emotional states - both positive and negative - usually exist this time of year. Where you have big emotions, you will often find overeating.

• A false promise of a clean slate coming on January 1st tends to 'allow' us to throw caution to the wind between now and then.

• Greater access to comfort foods, social events, alcohol, etc.

Here are 4 tips you can start to implement to help right away...


1) Stop over-restricting. When you focus so hard on avoiding certain foods, and then have more access to them (such as this time of year), it often has an 'opening of the floodgates' sort of result. Allow the 'fun' foods to exist in your life at a frequency that you look forward to, but also that allows you to move closer to your goals.



2) Trigger Foods. Remove any food from your house that you just cannot control yourself around. Maybe it's peanut butter? Maybe it's ice cream. If you love ice cream but can't control yourself around it, remove it from the house and just go out to get a cone - or single serving - when you want it.



3) When you find yourself reaching for the food that you don't want or need, ask yourself this series of questions:

• What's going on with me right now?

• Will food help? (If the problem is not hunger, then food is not the solution)

• If not food, then what WILL help right now? (Maybe you just need a break)

4) Delayed gratification. Allow yourself to have whatever it is you're craving....but only after 5, 10, or 20 minutes. Even if you end up eating THE SAME amount of food after that time, it's still a huge win because you are teaching your toddler brain that it won't always get what it wants, when it wants it. In turn, the intense cravings (tantrum) will slowly dissipate, reduce in duration, frequency, and intensity. Win!



I'd love to hear from you now...do you struggle with overeating? I don't know anyone who doesn't at least sometimes! I'd love to help. :-)




XO,
Tara

Does your timeline need to go?

Does your timeline need to go??

The holidays are upon us and everyone and their mothers are talking about having a snack before you leave the house so you won't overindulge at the holiday party.



It's not that that advice is bad, but just that its probably something you hear a million times - especially this time of year, am I right?!?



I want to share a less popular opinion about how you can stick to your goals during the busy holiday season. And it has nothing to do with snacks...and everything to do with your unrealistic timeline.



By the way, did you know that the version of you that you can SEE and FEEL today is the result of the habits you had 2, 3, 6, 9 months ago?! It's true. There is a huge lag time in your habits and the outcomes showing up.



I'm talking about both of these topics and how they are related in my latest Workshop Wednesday video (below).



For those of you here in the United States (where I live), Happy Thanksgiving!! Enjoy it. No guilt about food. No playing small or letting others make you feel crappy at the dinner table. You do you. Are you a kind person? Awesome. Beyond that, your life and decisions are none of their business. ;-) (Just a reminder for those that have trouble on this holiday. It's pretty common).



XO,
Tara


P.S. Are you in need of a last-minute / healthified / gluten-free / dairy-free / DELICIOUS dessert to make for the holiday? I've gotcha covered! My new cookbook, Smart Cookie: Healthified Holiday Desserts, is available and full of all kinds of recipes (42 of them!). There are lots of baked goods, but also plenty that involve the slow cooker, stovetop, or are NO BAKE. It's instantly downloadable and printable, so no waiting for the Amazon delivery person. ;-) GRAB YOUR COPY HERE.

Breathing technique for fat loss

One simple, free tool to help with stubborn fat loss...

But it's never THAT easy, right?

Here's the short and sweet description: When you are anxious or rushing or stressed, your brain feels uncomfortable. And when it feels uncomfortable, it will seek out pleasure in other ways (food, alcohol, etc.).

You may have noticed this if you've ever tried to go on a "diet" only to find no matter how simple the rules were, you couldn't stick it out as long as you had planned. Sound familiar? You haven't actually changed anything about your physiology! You simply tried to conform to a certain set of rules until it became unbearable. And if I know you like I think I do, you ended up in a binge / overindulgence cycle right afterwards. (How'd I do with that?)

Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video in which I share a little of the why behind this phenomenon...and end by demonstrating a VERY powerful breathing technique that you can use at anytime to relieve stress and decrease your brain's desire to overcompensate with overeating or overdrinking.

How does that sound?

Tell me, do you struggle with this stress - overeating - fed up - restriction / dieting - give up and binge cycle?? It's soooooo common and happens to be something I specialize in. ;-) Let me know how I can help.


XO,
Tara


P.S. The holidays are coming!! Here in my neck of the woods (Long Island, NY), we've had a few 20-something degree days already! See the red nose above? Haha! The cold weather always brings out the inner baker in me. You too?

If you haven't grabbed my cookbook yet, what are you waiting for? It will be on sale through the holidays, but it will no longer be available in the new year. It's called Smart Cookie: Healthified Holiday Desserts and it contains FORTY-TWO delicious, wholesome, healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, no refined sugar recipes. But MOST importantly, these desserts taste amazing and have been surprising healthy eating skeptics already these past couple of weeks!

GRAB YOUR COPY HERE
...and be sure to make the chocolate hazelnut spread pictured below. Only 4 ingredients! Take that, Nutella. ;-)

Pain + Pleasure: The secret ingredient to your health / body goals

What do PAIN + PLEASURE have to do with your health / body goals?

Lots! Everything, you might say.

Have you ever noticed how there are certain things that just don't ever end up on your to do list, but happen often anyway? Things like eating food, sex, and sleep. Why are these some of the exceptions? It all comes down to pain vs. pleasure when talking about curating the lifestyle you want for yourself.

Check out my latest Workshop Wednesday video where I break it down and give you a few specific examples of how to apply this concept to your goals.

Oh, and welcome to November! It's the start of my favorite 'recipe season'. ;-)


XO,
Tara

Can I help you create an exercise HABIT?!

Remember when you said you'd workout more often?

Maybe it was December 31, 2018 when you made that proclamation. Maybe it's been on your to do list for a decade? Or maybe, maybe you've recently decided that exercise (or ANYthing else) needs to be a part of your life in a more meaningful way.

We talk a lot about habits here at Tara Allen Health. My clients know alllll about habits as we work on breaking up with old ones and implementing new ones to create the health, body and lifestyle that aligns with their dreams.

Where are my DIYers out there? Today I want to get really tactical with you on how to start this process for yourself. There are 4 parts of a habit, and therefore, 4 steps to creating a new habit that will actually (seriously) stick.

And THAT, you guys, gets me very excited.

First, check out this video from last week all about the 4-step process. It has all the tangible advice you need to know to get started on creating whatever new habit you'd like in your life.

Then - for extra credit ;-) - check out THIS video that I posted inside my private facebook group as a follow-up. It will teach you why you can't seem to stick to a "diet" or plan even when you *know* what you should be doing. Better yet, it teaches you exactly how to work WITH the way your brain is wired so you can make progress and reach your goals. YES, YOU! It's about freakin' time, isn't it?

Side note: I mention my upcoming healthified holiday dessert cookbook coming in early November (so soon!) in the beginning of that video. I am SOOOOO excited to put this thing out in the world after dreaming about it for YEARS and working on it for just as long. Hard work usually happens when no one's looking. It happens when no one's there to give you credit. The results of your hard work usually come along much further down the road. Does this sound at all like what we talk about with our health + body transformation goals?! ;-)

I will keep you posted very soon!



XO,
Tara

Break up with nighttime overeating: Steps 1 & 2

Do you end up eating more - or differently - than you wanted to after the sun goes down?

This is verrrrry common for a number of reasons. Today, I want to focus on the biggest reason: willpower.


You may have heard me talk about this before. In fact, you may notice that I talk about many of the same concepts often if you've been hanging out with me for a while. The truth is, these things aren't always the sexiest and don't always work as clickbait, but they are real, important, and necessary to address for any and all health transformations to occur.


YOU ARE NOT LACKING WILLPOWER! Seriously, you're not. For argument's sake, let's say we all each start the day with the same 20 willpower 'points'. Every decision you make uses up a point. Skipping the doughnut in the break room, biting your tongue when your boss pissed you off, deciding whether or not to honk the horn when the jerk cut you off on your drive home...point, point, point. We make so many decisions throughout the day (more than we even consciously register), that by the end of a long day, we're all depleted of willpower!


Have you ever noticed that it becomes harder throughout the day to say no to your favorite sweet treat? Have you had those days where you put off your workout 'til nighttime only to skip it in the end and tell yourself you'll do it tomorrow instead? Willpower depleted!


So when it comes to planning for your success, part of your plan needs to include what to do when you're not actually able to stick to your original commitment to yourself. Rather than hope it'll be different tomorrow, "trying" again, or resisting this fact, let's learn how to work WITH the way our brain works.


I want to share 2 important steps in doing just that with you today. There is no video attached in today’s blog because I made a mistake and didn't end up saving my latest video workshop. Oops. But that's ok! I'm still going to give you all of the information today. ;-) If you do prefer to watch or listen instead of reading this, head over to my facebook page and look for last Wednesday's live video recording.


STEP 1:


Think ahead to the time when you normally start feeling out of control with your food choices. This is around 8 or 9 PM for most people, but can occur at other times as well. What are you usually feeling at that time?

• Tired?

• Stressed?

• Overwhelmed?

• Anxious?

• Needing a break?

• Wanting to 'unwind?

Next, ask yourself how you're hoping the food will make you feel in that moment. Are you hoping it will give you a needed break? Help you relax? Numb a certain emotion?



***Important to remember: The only thing food can actually solve for you is physical hunger. Any other feeling or emotion can only be temporarily distracted by food - not solved!



Lastly, ask yourself what you can plan ahead of time to do instead of reaching for the food that will help you feel the way you're looking to feel. It's important that you plan for this ahead of time, because in the moment, you won't want to have any obstacles in the way. They will only act as a deterrent.


Examples: Call a friend (put it on your calendar), read a book (have it out on the nightstand), watch a show on the DVR without a snack or with a healthy option you choose in advance, go for a walk, listen to a podcast, journal, meditate, have relations with your partner.... ;-) Anything (other than overeating) that will help you get to that end goal of relaxation, unwinding, calming down, or getting the break you deserve.



STEP 2:

Delayed gratification. We all have a toddler brain and an adult brain. (These are actual parts of our brains, but obviously not the technical terms.) Our toddler brain wants what it wants, when it wants....just like a real toddler! But our adult brain actually has reasoning capability. Our adult brain can make plans and decisions that serve our greatest good, not just what feels best right now.

When we have the urge to overeat / stress eat / binge eat, it's our toddler brain requesting it. And guess what? It's probably pretty used to getting what it wants by now, right?

No worries! Here's how we start to discipline our toddler brain: we delay our gratification. Next time your brain asks you for a gallon of ice cream at 8:00, give it ice cream at 8:05 or 8:10 instead. You will likely still eat the same thing. You'll likely still overeat. AND THAT'S OK because you've starting doing really important work in rewiring your brain!

That toddler brain will stop thinking it's always going to get what it wants, when it wants it. Eventually it will stop being so bratty. And at some point, you'll be able to delay gratification for long enough that you may end up choosing NOT to eat the ice cream at all. BIG WIN!

These 2 tools are considered steps 1 & 2 in breaking up with nighttime overeating because they are so effective and foundational! Try these tonight - or whenever your toddler brain throws its next tantrum.


Talk soon,
Tara


P.S. Every week I share more content than I could possibly put into a blog on social media. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and / or Instagram for more tips and free resources.

Behind the scenes: custom meal planning for my clients

Hey guys,

By the way, are we friends on social yet? I share so much more content, tips, tricks, food concoctions (that's what I call them when I haven't measured anything), and lots more about my personal life and journey over on facebook and instagram. Check out my post from last Thursday (same picture as above) where I shared 10 ways to use your freezer to save you tons of time and money!


Be sure to check out my "stories" each day too. In case you don't know, on both facebook and instagram, stories live inside of my little circular picture and can be seen when you click on said picture. They contain special content that can't be seen on my feed and disappear after 24 hours. You'll know I've posted new content there that you haven't seen yet if there's a glowing halo around my picture.


We really dove deep into meal planning last week! If you are curious about how I create custom meal plans and custom recipe bundles for my clients, check out this video where I take you behind the scenes and even show a sample meal plan!

If you would like me to create a customized meal plan or customized recipe bundle for you, shoot me a quick email and let’s chat! You can find me at Tara@TaraAllenHealth.com

Health + gratitude,

Tara

Meal Planning: My top 6 tips

Hey guys,

Last week’s theme was meal planning inside of Tara Allen Health. It came as the result of a poll I posted on social about what you guys wanted more help with. You ask, I provide! ;-)

Before you make your next meal plan - or first meal plan - check out my latest video complete with my top 6 tips for meal planning when you’re reaching for a health or body transformation goal.

Health + gratitude,

Tara

P.S. Both my kiddos make quite the appearance in this video. If you don’t like noise or chaos, skip this video! :-)

Stop wondering how your life will change during a health journey

It's no secret that your life will change on a health journey.

I mean, that's the point, isn't it?



Sure! But what I've found in my many years of coaching women is that the magnitude and reach of those changes are far greater than the fat loss and lowered blood sugar that they were expecting.



I mean....finances? Relationships? Sense of adventure? What in the world...?!



Today I want to share the top 10 most common life changes that have happened by accident - as experienced by my clients - that have nothing to do with weight loss or lab results.



Join me for a slightly longer-than-usual conversation that goes deep into transformations, life, inspiration, and purpose. Remember, if you're short on time, you can always just listen to these weekly workshops. No need to see my mug the whole time! ;-)



Would you do me a favor? Leave me a comment and tell me one health goal you have for yourself this month. I'd love to help cheer you on from the sidelines. Women reaching for better is the fuel that lights my heart on fire!

In good health,

Tara

Period Talk - Planning your life through the lens of your menstrual cycle seasons

Period Talk!

Could you imagine predicting when you'll be most productive, social, sensitive, creative, motivated...?


If you are a menstruating woman with a regular cycle, you may be able to do just that!


Check out this week's Workshop Wednesday video below as I take you through the physical and emotional expectations of all seasons in your cycle and what your strength is for each one.


And if you have ever been confused about the menstrual cycle, then you'll definitely want to catch this video as I break it down with only as much science as you actually need to know. ;-)


This topic is close to my heart. I've studied the menstrual cycle extensively as a women's health RN, but between being on birth control for a while and having PCOS, I did not actually experience regular, ovulatory cycles until this past year or so! And, I'm in my mid-30s!


Be sure to pop into my private Facebook group for the follow-up video + discussion on fitness and nutrition tailored to our menstrual cycle seasons. Why not get an edge on our health and body goals?!

In health + happiness,

Tara

My Fall 2019 Immunity Plan

Hey guys,

Do you hear it yet?

{{Cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze, sniffle, sniffle}}

It's upon us, folks. The cold and flu season likes to pop in on us this time every year (which feels very unfair as we're still falling pray to mosquitos around here)!

A few weeks back, I did a poll on my Instagram and Facebook pages to find out if you'd want me to share the immunity plan I jotted down for myself for this season. Since there was a lot of interest, I decided to record a Workshop Wednesday video all about it.

Many of the things I'm doing are things you'd expect (Vitamin C, for example). But some are a bit more unusual because....well, because I'm a wacky biohacking type. ;-)

Do you have an immunity plan for yourself or your family? As I mentioned in the video, the most important thing to consider when creating your plan is that it's realistic and manageable. Anything that will cause you more stress will be counterproductive here. High stress = Low Immunity

Important to note: We all get sick sometimes! Catching a cold does not mean that your immunity plan isn't working. Maybe you would have gotten sick more often...or for longer...or with worse symptoms? Just like with anything in your health journey, I recommend focusing on what you can do rather than the things out of your control.

In health + happiness,
Tara

Are you tired of the weekday restriction / weekend indulgence cycle?

Happy Monday!

Or should I say, "Happy 3.5 days until it's weekend mode"?!

If you're like many of the ladies I talk to, you might find yourself stuck in a weekday restriction / weekend indulgence cycle.

This is you if you recommit to a "plan" every Monday that's unmanageable enough to have you breaking up with said plan by week's end. Then one happy hour, a baby shower, and a big Sunday dinner leaves you feeling bloated and unhappy with your affinity to overdue it every. single. weekend.

Or maybe you're experiencing shorter cycles - daily cycles. You restrict most of the day only to find yourself out of control by the time the sun goes down.

There are many reasons for this happening and, thankfully, many tools we can put in place to be able to take back control. Side note: make sure you're popping inside my Facebook group, Healthy, Fit, & Strong with Tara Allen Health often so you don't miss any of these tools!

For today's purpose, I want to focus on one, important tool…MODERATION.

Moderation is a word we hear tossed around all the time and often think it's for those of us who are already at our goals, right? Like, can you possibly practice moderation AND STILL make more progress?

Yup!

In fact, you'll be making it much easier to reach your goals if you practice moderation.

Moderation in this case means allowing some "fun foods" into the mix on any day that ends in a "y" if you feel like it.

Moderation means no foods are off limits (unless, of course, it's an allergy or sensitivity that will make you feel like garbage - totally not worth it).

But just because something might be higher in calories, or more rich, or higher in carbs…it doesn't mean it should be shunned Monday through Thursday only for you to be left pining for it come Friday night. I see you chocolate, wine, chips and dip, ice cream...

Is there a way you can nourish your body and also allow a little flexibility for some things that you really enjoy?

If this is something you struggle with, you're like 90% of the people I know. ;-) Leave a comment below and let me know. I'd love to help you get to a place where you're not just comfortable with moderation, but you enjoy it and thrive with it.

In health + happiness,
Tara

What you really should know about PURELL

In honor of back-to-school time here in NY - and the simultaneous start to cold / flu season - I decided to record a video all about Purell and other hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial soaps.

Now, the video below was recorded live before my kids actually went back to school, so there are A LOT of extra noises, distractions, and cuteness. If you can handle that, check out the video right here. ;-)

Here's what you need to know:

• Purell is full of toxins and actually banned in the state of Minnesota as a result. These toxins can be absorbed through our skin, leading to inflammation, disease, and estrogen dominance issues (such as weight gain).

• Even organic hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial soap - anything meant to kill germs on contact - is killing off your good bacteria as well.

• Just like we have a gut microbiome that consists of healthy flora, our skin has its own microbiome as well.

• A robust skin microbiome helps to overpower harmful microorganisms we encounter.

• A lack of diversity (too many beneficial microbes being killed off) will lead to skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and rosacea.

Have I convinced you to skip the Purell - and the like - yet?

But what about germs?!?!

The most important thing we can do for our immunity is actually to support our body's own innate ability to be resilient. Germs are unavoidable, so focusing solely on steering clear of them isn't a good defense.

One exemption, however, is hand-washing. Hand-washing is actually one of the more effective ways to 'defend' yourself against colds and the flu.

Hand-washing checklist (yup, you might be doing it wrong):

• Use soap (but not anti-bacterial) because it acts as a detergent - lifting germs off the surface of your skin so that they can be washed away with friction.

• Get after it! Friction is important here! You don't need to scrub or be harsh, but simply rubbing your hands together will help.

• Work all sides - in between the fingers is an area that harbors lots of germs (I know, gross).

• Time. Sing the Happy Birthday song twice… or hum your favorite Bruno Mars song…before you reach for the towel.

BUT FORGET THE PURELL, PLEASE!

Health + Happiness,

Tara

Fat loss is just ONE reason to optimize health...and not even the best one.

There are a million reasons to optimize your health…and fat loss is just one.


"But Tara, aren't you really into body love and body positivity and body neutrality…?"

YUP!

"But Tara, are you saying it's ok to want to lose excess body fat too?"

YUP!

"Ummm…is that confusing?"

Nope! I mean, typing this email in the third person in hopes that it's as entertaining to you as it is to me right now is a little confusing. But fully embracing body love / positivity / neutrality alongside believing wholeheartedly that we all have the right to choose whatever goals we want to work on for ourselves? That's not confusing to me in the least!

If you want to hear 12 minutes of my thoughts on the topic, check out this recent video.

Or, just understand that fat loss is just one of many reasons to optimize health. Fat loss is not particularly motivating either in the long-run. So, if you want to stay in the game for a while, you may want to consider chasing some additional goals. I just saved you the 12 minutes. You're welcome. :-D

If you fall in the camp of women that do have fat loss as a goal, but also would like to focus on feeling better, improving your energy, and living long enough to watch your grandkids drive your own kiddos crazy, leave me a comment. Tell me your goals. The simple act of writing them out and sharing them with someone (me!) will help you to get started.

XO,

Tara

What you should know about the current medical system

*Disclaimer: Under NO circumstances am I saying you *should not* see your doctor.



Now that that's out of the way, let's have an important discussion about the current medical model - what it's really awesome at…and what it isn't so great at.



If you believe that you have a large role in your own health and believe in root causes, holistic care, and preventative medicine, you're going to want to be a part of this conversation.



Check it out here.



The current medical model is a bit like a fixed mindset - you have this set of genes, that family history, the other disease process that will only get progressively worse…



Stop the madness!



If you're more of a growth mindset kinda person (me too!), then getting to the root causes and feeling EMPOWERED that you have a bit of control over the behaviors that improve your health is right up your alley.



Watch / listen to the video right here.



Health + Happiness,
Tara



P.S. Have you started taking your health into your own hands? Maybe you upgraded your fitness routine or optimized your nutrition. Maybe you've been eating more green things. Maybe it's sleep or mindset shifts that you're starting with. Whatever it is, CONGRATULATIONS on being proactive. You signed up for my weekly newsletters and that alone tells me that your health is a big priority. Leave a comment below and let me know where you're at so I can offer some personal advice or support. :-)

The 5 things you need for a health + body transformation

Hey there,

There are 5 things you need to have a successful health / body transformation.

And it's not kale….or kettle-bells. ;-)

CHECK OUT MY LATEST VIDEO (below) where I cover these 5 'things'.

These are not traits as most people believe, but SKILLS that can be practiced and developed over time. Pour your attention into these 5 areas and watch how successful your journey becomes.

Short on time? I get it! (I really do). Try this: LISTEN to the video instead of watching. Multitask while commuting or folding laundry or stretching.

Or, just check out this brief overview to get an idea...

The 5 things you need for the most amazing health + body transformation to take place:

1) Confidence. Build trust in yourself by taking baby steps and actually doing what you say you'll do. Confidence builds and you can set bigger goals at that point.

2) Discipline. Motivation comes LATER. Before motivation there is discipline - like the less fun but just as effective coworker that seems to always get the job done. ;-) Do the things that you don't want to do (if they will ultimately help you). Go for that walk. Lift those weights. Eat the spinach. Whatever.

3) Perspective. All goals boil down to how you want to feel. No one cares how much you weigh…not even you! What you care about is how you think you'll feel when you get there. Zone in on that feeling you're going for. Connect to it. Stay focused on that.

4) Grace. If you beat yourself up after 'making a mistake', your brain will try to make itself feel better by doing things that aren't serving you (stress / emotional eating, skipping your workouts in favor of Netflix and couch, etc.) Giving yourself grace tells your brain it's not under attack and therefore, it doesn't need to seek out comfort in other ways. Isn't neuroscience fascinating?!?

5) Fail forward. Everything is a chance to learn. Don't rob yourself of those learning opportunities by aiming for perfection. Things WILL NOT always go your way. That's a blessing! Because now, you get a chance to be curious about what went down, create a new game plan, and try that on for size the next time you encounter that situation (think weight loss during the holidays, vacation, illness, busy time at work, etc.)

You DO NOT need to be born with these traits or be a master at them yet. We all have these baby seeds inside of us ready to grow!

I'd love to hear from YOU. Which one of these 5 things do you struggle with the most? Drop a comment below.

Health + Happiness,

Tara