Let's all talk about PERIMENOPAUSE! (yay?)

Ahhh...Perimenopause. So little is known and understood about it that the word does not appear on my phone's autotype list. I like to think of it as the lobby between my clueless youth and the wisdom-rich years I have to look forward to. As in...

Only without the candy, soda and cigarettes (I do have wisdom-rich years to look forward to, right?).

I first became aware of Perimenopause a couple of years ago when it seemed like my health was sliding off the rails, despite all my best and vigilant efforts. My long-suffering doctor suggested to me that my hormones might be to blame for the poor sleep, mystery weight gain and the rest of the symptoms I complained of. 

Yep, Perimenopause. Every now and again it rears it's annoying, bloated head and we have to go back to the drawing board with my food/fitness/supplement routine. Did you know it can start as early as your thirties? I don't know about you, but I'm starting to doubt the gender of Mother Nature. Uncool!

Of course being the wellness blogger and science geek that I am, I immediately set out to research the booty off this whole Perimenopause thingy. Unfortunately, there's not a that much out there. I have found a few extremely helpful resources and thought it might be a good idea to share them with you. You know, just in case you have a friend who might be going through this, too, or whatever.

WARNING: this video is like 11 minutes long. Maybe find something to do while you're listening, like folding laundry, walking around the block or practicing your Batgirl combat moves?

Purchase the books mentioned on Amazon (not affiliate links):

I'M TOO YOUNG FOR THIS by Suzanne Somers

THE HORMONE CURE by Dr. Sarah Gottfried 

THE HORMONE RESET DIET by Dr. Sarah Gottfried

So...anyone else willing to talk about this?

In other news: I will soon be adding "Certified Nutrition Coach" to my services! In the meantime, though, I'll be slogging my way through this detox. I'll let you know how the rest of it goes. If I survive, that is. 

No coffee? None? Please send me lucky vibes!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Experiments in Health: in which I try Diatomaceous Earth

so beautiful, and yet, so allergy-inducing

Can you believe summer is almost officially over? While I'm happy to have the structure of the school year back, I'm also sad because I've had a really, really fun summer. But there's one summer phenomenon I can't WAIT to say goodbye to:

My summer health/weight. Sigh. It's time to pay the piper.

in my mind, "the piper" is always Richard Simmons

Some people struggle with their weight and health in the winter, I always struggle way more in the summer. First of all, summer means vacations, out-of-town visitors and MY BIRTHDAY...all of which means a few extra pounds come fall. This year, for some reason, I also suffered terrible allergies that zapped my energy, and hormonal shifts that have wreaked all manor of havoc.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a re-boot. 

Do you ever have this experience: you suddenly decide to make a change in your health, or your job, or where you live and suddenly everywhere you look there's information everywhere on exactly that subject? I was catching up on some of my fave Youtubers and this video, from a couple of years ago, showed up in my "suggested videos" cue.  I just love "Elle is For Living"!

Now, I'm a HUGE geek when it comes to supplements, nutrition and things of that nature, I couldn't believe I'd never heard of diatomaceous earth. Further research suggested it's perfectly harmless and inexpensive-so I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it. (note: I am a bit of a renegade when it comes to trying stuff, please obtain professional guidance before trying anything new, like ever) I've been taking it for about a week, here's a video sharing what I've noticed so far:

Not a bad start to my little "Margo 2.0" project. I'll keep you updated on any further effects I might experience, but so far so good!

Interested? Try FOOD GRADE DE on Amazon. That's Elle's link, not mine-I don't make any money if you buy anything using that link. :)

Next on my docket is trying to balance my hormones as much as I possibly can through my diet. Hmmmm...we'll see how that one goes. Stay tuned!

How about you? Do you get off-track with your health and diet in summer? Or winter? Or both? Got any plans for "You 2.0"? Like what?

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama