FLO Living Blog

Welcome to Winter! Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, and the turning point that marks the beginning of the winter season. This is the perfect time to look inward, embrace the darkness, and check in with our bodies to be sure we are aligning with Mother Nature. The better you take care of yourself now, the better prepared you will be for the transformative, blossoming energy of Spring that is a few months away.

As our Solstice gift to you, we’ve outlined our top 7 tips to stay healthy during the Winter:

1. Nourish your adrenal glands

Yes, yes, you’ve heard us say this many times before! If you haven’t before, now’s the time to listen ;) As the deeply-wired stress-responsive glands and roots of your reproductive health, your adrenal glands need all the support they can get during any stressful time, but especially during the holidays and winter season. As the wisdom of Chinese Medicine tells us, the winter season is when our adrenals and kidneys are most dominant and open to support or damage – depending on how we treat them. Support your adrenal glands with proper nutrition for the season. Include sea vegetables, kidney beans, black sesame seeds, chestnuts, sardines, buckwheat, beets, and miso in your diet.

2. Move your body

Even if you’re out of town for the holidays or stuck inside after a snowstorm, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Start each morning with three sun salutations or download a yoga class off of YouTube. Let loose - turn up the radio and dance to your favorite music! And if you’re up for the outdoors, plan a date and go ice skating with your friends, family or lover.

3. Think before you choose hot drinks

While it can be tempting to grab a gingerbread latte or mocha as refuge from the cold, beware of energy-zapping effect these caffeinated, sugary beverages can have on your adrenals over the long term. Instead, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your hot drink options while still being kind to your body. Spice up your herbal tea and get more antioxidants by adding a handful of dried goji berries in the cup. Have steamed rice milk, nut milk or soy milk with a dash of nutmeg, vanilla and a sweetener of your choice. At Starbucks, go for a tea “Misto” with soy milk. Need some caffeine? Kukicha twig tea and roasted green tea make delicious yet gentle winter options. Relax with your favorite book and sip away.

4. Load up on water inside you

Since Winter represents the Water Element, take extra care in providing your body with quality, pure water frequently throughout the day. Invest in a purifying filter, to rid your water of any impurities and save the earth the carbon footprint of using plastic bottles. Squeeze a slice of lemon and add a dash of cayenne for a liver-cleansing and warming bonus!

5. Bathe in water around you

The perfect way to end a winter’s day? Immerse yourself in a hot bath filled with your favorite salts, herbs and essential oils. It will soothe your skin from the harsh weather and promote detoxification. Light a few candles and play soothing music to promote your deepest relaxation.

6. Give and receive

Feeling drained from frantic gift-shopping that feels overdone or unnecessary? Give in a different way this year and feel fulfilled rather than spent. Make a donation to your favorite charity. A few that we love: Women for Women , Kiva.org and Heifer International.

7. Reflect and set intentions

Set aside 30 minutes for yourself. Click here to open the Intention Setting Worksheet. Winter, being the menstruation phase of the year, is the perfect time for reflection and tuning into your inner wisdom. What have you accomplished in the past year? Where do you see yourself in a year from now? Don’t feel compelled to take action – just start writing and see what you come up with.

Wishing you and your families a magical holiday season!

Stay Healthy During the Winter Months!

[gravityform id="3" name="Get on the road to hormonal health!"]

Hormonal Skin Problems? Here is a Checklist for Healthy Skin

Eczema, acne, dandruff, oh my!

Tis the season for annoying skin conditions to pop up, especially for those of us with hormonal health conditions.

Skin flare ups are a sign our immune system has been weakened, which is likely related to adrenal gland output of cortisol in response to stress and mismanaged blood sugar.

Our protocol is designed to get to the root of these issues, boosting your immune system and clearing up your skin in the process!

You can get proactive by speaking to one of our counselors to learn about how the protocol can work for you and by reading through our essential checklist for glowing, healthy skin:

• Check your products. Beware of any chemical irritants in your skin care products or laundry detergents. Go for the natural stuff – your skin will thank you!

• Wash your clothes! This one seems obvious, but be sure to wash any new clothes you purchase before wearing them. One of our team members recently got a bout of eczema on her breasts, only to realize it was caused by her new lacey bra that she forgot to wash before wearing!

• Look before you flush. That’s right, ladies. There are hidden messages in your BMs and if you’re not paying attention or too busy being grossed out, you’ll miss them! Look out for looseness, small pieces, or anything that doesn’t come out smoothly and cleanly. Also, beware if you’re not going at least once a day. Any of these are signs your digestive health needs a boost and probably one of the main reasons your skin isn’t doing so great.

• Start with your insides. There is a wealth of healing medicine at your disposal, simply by going to the farmer’s market. The fall harvest is full of root veggies and hearty greens that will move things through your digestive system to help eliminate toxins and excess hormones that might be building up and wreaking havoc on your skin. A huge part of your immune system is also located in your gut, so it’s a great way to prevent the seasonal flu from knocking you out.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. H2O is your friend! ‘Nough said.

• Slow down for a minute. Or preferably, much longer than a minute. We can’t underestimate the power of stress to have a huge negative impact on our hormones and our skin. If you’ve been running nonstop, multi-tasking, Blackberry-addicted, caffeine-pumped, and on the border of burnout, take our advice and take a day off.

Having a hard time sticking to these points?

Need more support or more questions answered?

Our counselors are here waiting to talk to you!

Start by scheduling a consultation today!

Supporting you and your skin,

The FLO Living Team

Hi Ladies!Alisa talks Hormone Friendly Foods on CBS' Eye on New York. Click here to check out the interview!

There's great joy to be had in doing for others, but many of us probably also experience the downside of over-doing and over-

giving: we end up feeling tired and worn out, and sometimes even resentful of the commitments we've made.If this sounds familiar, we'd wager that there's one important person who is getting left out of all of your giving - YOU. We can't stress how important it is to think about your own self care.

Why would I give to myself?

During times of busyness, it's more important than ever to make time to care for ourselves. The busier we are, the more our bodies are operating in "stress mode" - overproducing adrenaline and cortisol (the stress hormones) to keep us going. These hormones serve a necessary function in the instance that a "fight or flight" reaction is needed. But they also put in motion processes that shut down important functions like digestion and elimination - since in a fight or flight situation you want all energy focused on your current emergency.Taking a little time out to care for ourselves gives our bodies a break, and keeps ALL of our different systems functioning properly.

Create a 'Commitment Box'

So how do we find time to give to ourselves and commit to self care? One of our favorite ways is by creating a 'Commitment Box.' If you're familiar with Julie Cameron's amazing book on stimulating the creative process, The Artist's Way, you'll likely be reminded of her Artist's Date exercise, where you commit to doing one playful thing - something just for yourself - each week, as a way of getting your creative juices flowing.It's easy to get started: just rip a piece of paper into as many pieces as you like, and on each piece of paper write down one thing that you can do for yourself. Then find a box or bag in which to store your papers. If you like, you can even decorate your box, so it stands out as something special. Each week, pull out one piece of paper, and make it a commitment to treat yourself during that week with whatever gift you've chosen.

Having trouble getting started?

Self care ideas don't have to be fancy or cost money. They could be as simple as a luxurious bath, an afternoon nap, buying flowers for yourself, giving yourself 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to read your favorite book or 15 minutes to play outside, or even sharing a cup of tea with your best friend. The only requirement is that whatever you include in your box brings you pleasure in some way.

Share your self care ideas

What ideas did you come up with for your box? Are you enjoying including yourself? Discuss your gifts, share ideas for future giving, and ask questions about this exercise in the comments section below. A FLO counselor will respond!FLO Living recognizes the importance of indulgence, pleasure, and sensuality for every woman's menstrual and sexual health. We help you find the right medicinal foods for healing your condition, and we support you to understand, accept, and enjoy your woman's body and your feminine energy.

An article in the New York Times "What Exercise Science Doesn't Know About Women," brings up the point that, well, scientists don't really know much about the effects of exercise on women's bodies:

Scientists know, of course, that women are not men. But they often rely on male subjects exclusively, particularly in the exercise-science realm, where, numerically, fewer female athletes exist to be studied. But when sports scientists recreate classic men-only experiments with distaff subjects, the women often react quite differently.In the meantime, female athletes should view with skepticism the results from exercise studies that use only male subjects. As Dr. Rowlands says — echoing a chorus of men before him — when it comes to women, there’s a great deal that sports scientists “just don’t understand.”

So what's a girl to do?

Let us fill in the gaps for you! Your bodies are unique - not only are they different from men's, but they are also different throughout different points of the month.

When it comes to excercise especially, it's so important to change your routine according to where you're at in your cycle. We can't always push as hard as we'd like to, and sometimes the pushing can feel really good.While science works to catch up with us, we'd love to share with you some of our tips on adjusting your exercise routine to match your body's internal rhythms.

Exercise guidance for each phase of your cycle:

• While bleeding -Women usually fall into 1 of 2 categories: those who need to curl up in a ball on the first day of their periods and those who feel an energy surge. Either way, we recommend giving your body rest during this phase and engaging in gentle movement if anything at all. Even if you feel a rush of energy, it's not always the best to expend it right away - if you keep the energy contained at the beginning of your cycle, it will better serve you throughout the rest of the month. Examples: stretching in bed, light yoga, walking

• Follicular phase (the week or so after bleeding) - Hone your building energy during this time of the month by trying out new classes, engaging in more social types of exercise like dancing, or simply get really into your regular routine. You'll be feeling lighter and more social after menstruation, so it's a great time to move your body more and try new things. Examples: African dance, jogging, biking

• Ovulation - As your most fertile time of the month, relish in feeling and looking hot in whatever kind of exercise you decide to engage in! Continue with the exercise you were doing in the follicular phase and better yet, practice some love-making at home with your partner or alone. Examples: dancing, love-making

• Premenstrual phase (also called Luteal Phase) - The perfect time to get your aggression out through exercise! As your sensitivity gets heightened during this phase, you may also find your frustration and anger levels rising. Better to move it through your body than let it fester inside! If you're one who gets sore breasts, bloating, or other uncomfortable symptoms, anything that involves running or bouncing around might not be the best option. Go for stationary, low-impact, and/or weight-bearing activities. Examples: lifting weights, power pilates, fast-paced yoga, belly dancing

• Not menstruating at all or very irregular - If you're someone who hasn't had a period for months (or even years) you might want to consider adjusting your workout routine or easing up on it. In some cases of ammenorhea or irregular cycles, exercise is a big factor. Extreme exercise, prolonged workouts, and intense cardio can interfere with your sensitive adrenal glands, forcing them into high stress mode. Stress hormones effect our reproductive hormones majorly, which will impact your cycle. Instead of pushing yourself to the limits, experiment with a different approach. You don't have stop completely, but incorporating some gentle yoga or freeform dancing, and doing in community with other women, will help calm your nerves and restore your hormonal balance, in addition to being fun. Examples: kundalini yoga, restorative yoga, dancing around your bedroom

Ever wonder what’s really going on with your hormones?

We’ve designed a quiz to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance.

[gravityform id="1" name="Sign up here to get your quiz!"]

This month as I start my new cycle, I am reminded of the fabulous freedom I feel since having switched from tampons to the Diva Cup a year and a half ago. So I decided to write this Diva Cup review, in the hopes that my opinion would be helpful to you.For anyone not familiar with the amazing Diva Cup, it’s exactly what it sounds like; a silicone cup inserted into your vagina to collect your flow. The concept itself will give you a whole new perspective on your menstruation.Don’t get me wrong, the initial switch from tampons was a little daunting. When my DC first arrived it sat staring at me on my bathroom countertop for a week. I knew my period was on it’s way, but I also knew that I needed to ease into the relationship with my new pal. It just seemed so big! Needless to say, I embraced my cup and have never looked back! It’s really freeing to leave the house and not have to worry if I have ‘supplies’ with me. You know the story, you were in a hurry, forgot to stock your bag and now you spend every encounter deciding if you should casually ask for a tampon to get you through the day. No need to live like that anymore. As magical as this notion may be, it’s not the only reason I made the switch (obviously some are after the fact discoveries, isn’t it great I get to pass them on to you).

Diva Cup Review

• It’s non-toxic, unlike many tampons out there that use bleached cotton and add fragrance. Yikes, your vaginal cells are too delicate to taint with bleach and irritate with fragrance.
• It saves you money! Being the analytical left brain that I am, I had to do the math. Say you typically use around 16 tampons (1 box) per cycle, at $8/box, you will spend $96/year on tampons vs. the $25 (currently on Amazon) for a diva cup that you can use for up to 2 years! That’s a savings of $167/year over two years.
• No leakage! Even when swimming, biking, and running, I’ve done it all.
• Seeing your menstrual blood in its natural form is really eye-opening. It’s a view to our insides that you can’t get any other way; something I never really considered before.
• The DC has measurement markings, so you can track how much you are bleeding. This completely blew my mind. It’s really hard to tell how much you bleed with a tampon, but seeing the blood fill ½ ounce cups brings a new compassion for your body.
• Even though the cup is inserted into the vagina, I no longer have that ‘plugged up’ feeling that tampons gave me.

Taking care of your cup is not hard either. Wash with plain (no fragrance) glycerin soap after each time you empty it. If you are in a public restroom, have no fear, just wipe out with a piece of toilet paper and clean when you get home. Between cycles I soak my cup in vinegar for a few hours, and I also soak in just boiled water for 20 minutes or so.If it still seems like a strange concept to you, I dare you to face your fear and take the plunge. Who knows where this little life change may lead you.If you struggle with an unhealthy flow laden with cramps or heavy bleeding, the Diva Cup may be a more challenging transition. Find out how to restore your healthy FLO by booking a free 30 minute focus session here.

Ok, we're not just being cute - we really mean it. Watch your mouth, i.e. your oral and dental health!This awesome article from Women's Health magazine, How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Mouth, reminds us that because of our fluctuating hormones, women are at greater risk for dental problems and can be more or less sensitive at different times of the month. Your female hormones DO affect your oral health.Not only that, but there are studies that link oral bacteria with a greater risk for heart disease, which we all know happens to be the number one killer for women.So, ladies, remember these tips:

1. Care for your pearly whites by brushing and flossing daily (see our resource below for holistic oral health!)
2. Use your hormonal patterns as a guide for when to schedule your cleanings and when to be extra diligent about your brushing and flossing (see details here)
3. Make sure you are using functional foods to keep your hormones stable: Less PMS means less mouth stress!
4. Learn how to use foods to improve immune response and reduce inflammation that can be a precursor to heart disease

Don't just take our word for it - educate yourself!We at FLO Living are all about empowering you with the knowledge about your body and hormonal system so that you can best take care of yourself in the short and long term future. Since your oral health is so linked up to your reproductive system, it's essential to be taking care of both. Contact us at [email protected] if you'd like to set up a time to talk with us in more detail!Our favorite expert on the subject of holistic oral health is Nadine Artemis, whose book Successful Self-Dentistry will give you all the info you need to better care for your mouth and maybe even avoid the dentist. Who doesn't love that??Smile! Your body loves you :)

Is your sunscreen disrupting your hormones?

Say what? I thought my sunscreen was protecting me from the dangerous rays of the sun, but now I have to worry about it harming me too? That’s right, ladies, there are many toxic chemicals lurking in the average product that you see on the shelf.With summer in full swing, it’s freeing to be outdoors enjoying the warmth of sun on your skin. But as important as our daily dose of Vitamin D is, so is our protection from a burn and perhaps more serious illnesses. And with that, comes another caution - beware of the ingredient list on your sunscreen!

Sunscreen ingredients to avoid and why:

OXYBENZONE - Oxybenzone easily penetrates the layers of skin, allowing it to enter your system. It has been linked with endocrine hormone disruption (including reproduction), an increase in endometriosis, cellular level changes, and system toxicity.RETINYL ACETATE (VITAMIN A ACETATE) - Vitamin A in your diet has been proven to protect against HPV proliferation and cervical cancer, but putting it on your skin in the sun does not have the same effects. Studies have shown that vitamin A treated skin exposed to sunlight can increase your risk of cancerous tumor growth.OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE (OMC) - Studies have linked to increased levels of estrogen, reduced production of thyroid hormones, and declined immune function.

Ingredients to look for:

AVOBENZONE - Used in products since 1978, avobenzone provides protection against UV-A rays and test results show no hormone disruptions.ZINC OXIDE - Remember the 80s with zinced up lifeguard noses? This mineral shows limited skin penetration, no photoallergy and no hormonal disruption.TITANIUM DIOXIDE - Great for UV protection, this other mineral also has limited skin penetration, no photoallergy and no hormonal disruption.Our environments today have an increased number of industrial-created chemicals that alone not seem toxic but in combination with all the other chemicals (in shampoo, make up, cleaning products, plastics in our home, paint on our walls, finishes on our furniture, I could keep going) and environmental factors (sun exposure) may lead to detrimental effects on our systems. Take control where you can!At FLO living we love using EWG as a resource for product information, all studies cited in this post are results from research done by EWG. Take a peek at their sunscreen guide to 2012.Knowledge is power, and we like you having power!To go even deeper and get an in-depth power session for your body and hormones, sign up for a complimentary 30 minute consultation here.

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Jen: My Story of Transformative Health

Hi, I am Jen and I am your West Coast based Flo Health Coach! I began my health journey over 14 years ago and it’s why I do the work that I do. As a counselor at FLO Living, my goal is to help others transform, connect to their bodies within and feel what it is like to live a life in balanced health, in both mind and body.This is just a bit of my health history prior to 1999: Appendectomy, Tonsillectomy, Heartburn/GERD, Hiatal Hernia, H. Pylori not to mention years of antibiotics. In 2000, I switched to a whole foods diet and little by little my world was transformed. It was a process but I was soon in best health physically due to my change in diet. I also began doing yoga and became certified in Pilates. I was strengthening my physical core, digestion and also learning more about body awareness and how our bodies have the greatest intelligence!My stress level continued though as I was in the corporate world in Advertising and Media in New York City. Stress affected my hormones and digestion. Stress was definitely the culprit in my hormonal imbalances. It still takes discipline but I have found great success through Meditation and Pranayama. Diet and lifestyle are my mantra and I am still doing the work each and every day to stay in balance. The more I do for my health, the more I am able to connect with the real me.I believe living a healthy and balanced life connects each of us to something greater within ourselves but also connects us to the world around us. It’s about nature and our nature within. I am passionate about Ayurveda and I am currently studying Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Shiatsu.For one to one consults, book with me online at FloLiving.com to get in the FLO. Cheers!

Is there a magic food to rev up your libido?We've all heard of aphrodisiacs - which are wonderful and very powerful - butif certain other aspects of your diet and endocrine system are not balanced, chances are you won't feel a thing just from eating oysters. So what foods can boost your libido and improve your love life?Foods that support your adrenals and rev up your libido are those that keep your blood sugar balanced, your mood stabilized, and your cortisol levels low, while naturally upping DHEA production. If these factors aren’t in place, you are probably feeling tired, depressed, foggy-headed, having difficulty sleeping, getting frequent colds, or some combination of them. Not only from a nutritional perspective will this weaken your sex drive, but also from an emotional perspective – you just won’t have the capacity to thrive.So get started on the road to better health and a better love life.

Here are the 5 food strategies you MUST know about!

1. Switch to decaf – Caffeine first thing in the morning will zap the life out of your adrenals, leaving you even more tired at that 3 or 4pm lull. If you’re an avid coffee drinker, start by switching to decaf or green tea, then eventually switch over to herbal teas.
2. Skip the salad at lunch– That’s right! Contrary to popular belief that salads at lunch are the healthy way to go, depriving your body of a whole grain carbohydrate source at lunchtime will bring on sweet cravings later in the day and disturb your blood sugar balance. So throw some brown rice into your salad bowl, or eat a sandwich or sushi rolls.
3. Take shortcuts with your snacks – Instead of mindlessly munching Cheerios or fruit snacks with your kids, keep balanced snacks around for yourself. Always have on hand protein sources like: organic sliced turkey breast (which provides the building blocks for mood stabilization), whole hard boiled eggs, canned salmon and sardines (skip the tuna! Too much mercury and not enough EFAs). Whole grain quick fixes include: Mary’s Gone Crackers and precooked brown rice bowls from Trader Joes. And don’t forget about sliced veggies with peanut butter or hummus!
4. Nourish your adrenal glands with supportive foods - Load up on sea vegetables (nori, hijiki, dulse, kelp – which come in flakes that you can easily sprinkle onto your food), black sesame seeds, black and kidney beans. These foods work to nourish your tired adrenals.
5. Get in your Essential Fatty Acids – Especially if you’re breast feeding, your body can be starved of the EFAs, essential for mood stabilization. If you can’t get in things like avocado, salmon, nuts and seeds, then take a fish oil or flax oil supplement.

Get started now and let us know how you feel in the comment box below!

And don't forget that our expert health coaches are here to support you along the way. If you're looking for personalized support and a step-by-step program to guide you through the process, click here to book your complimentary FLO Focus Session!

We are thrilled that Alisa and FLO Living are featured in BUST Magazine this week! Rachel Friedman takes on the subject of the birth control pill and whether women should be taking the pill for non-contraceptive reasons. Of course, Alisa was happy to weigh in!Here is an excerpt from the article to peak your interest (if you want to read the entire article, Click Here):Today, 10 million women are on the pill, and 82 percent of us have taken it at some point in our lives. The birth control pill is a $22 billion–a-year industry, with 60 brands now on the market.These days, we assume that the kinks have been worked out, and that the pill is perfectly safe—but is that naïve?The quickness with which the pill is being dispatched to seemingly anyone with a hormone-related ailment suggests we might be overmedicating some women at best and, at worst, dismissing others.Hungry for more? Just Click Here to read the entire article on the birth control pill! *** Note: Some women have experienced loading the above external links, so we have provided the article to you as an internal link on our website below. Happy reading!

Full Bust Article

Everyone has a journey. I hope my journey from tomboy to FLO can inspire yours.I loved growing up in my rural small town, running around the neighborhood playing with the boys. My simple life revolved around competitive sports, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Back then being active equated to being healthy and although my mom did the best she knew, I grew up on the standard american diet consisting of too many carbs, too much sugar, and not nearly enough leafy greens.In my senior year of college, after 4 years of feeding myself an even worse diet (more take-out meals, plus alcohol), I realized that I had digestion and elimination issues. I say realized because my issues were years in the making, however it took some extreme situations for me to notice. Looking back it seems so obvious, but at the time I was dumbfounded, as was every doctor I went to see. I have a vegetarian aunt who upon hearing the news of my health sent me a book, which propelled my quest for lifelong health through food. It also contributed to my 10 years of pescetarianism, but that’s a post for another day.As all my friends were reading the latest fiction trendy-lit, I always opted for books on natural solutions for optimum health. So, it was no surprise when I met Alisa and learned about her company; I was immediately attracted to both. I stayed in touch and a few years later when I was so distressed with my corporate life, a giant lightbulb went off when I received that month’s newsletter. That is what I wanted to be doing! I started training with Alisa and the team shortly after, and I continued to make transformational changes in my life. One of the biggest reveals was learning how disconnected I was from my feminine energy and the contribution it has had in my health all throughout my life. Most of my life up until that point, had been heavily weighted towards the masculine from playing with the boys and competitive sports to the corporate culture in NYC. It is interesting how life sends you breadcrumbs to guide you to the path of happiness and balance. I am blessed to be here now helping other women find their Flo!Book a free 30 minute consultation with me to explore what may be blocking your FLO! Click Here

Yes! It is possible to heal your hormonal symptoms with food.“But I tried raspberry leaf tea and it didn’t work!”“I don’t believe there’s a magic food that can actually shrink my cysts.”We hear you, sisters!And you’re totally right.Standing alone, raspberry leaf tea is probably not enough, and there is no one magic food.We have a news flash for you:When it comes to healing your hormonal symptoms with food (which is totally possible, by the way) it’s not about spot-treating your cyst or cramps or low libido or fill-in-your-compliant-here by eating a magical substance that will make it go away.On the contrary, it’s about looking at how EVERYTHING you eat is affecting your delicate hormonal system. Specifically, there are 3 underlying causes of most hormonal imbalances that you must be aware of.The 3 underlying causes of your hormonal symptoms are….

1. Mis-managed blood sugar. Do you feel that afternoon dip in energy? Crave sugar or carbs throughout the day? Need a nap after meals? Those are all signs your blood sugar needs help!
2. Burnt out adrenal glands. Are you stressed out? Have trouble waking up in the morning? Rely on caffeine to keep you going? Chances are you’ve been putting your adrenal glands into over drive which will wreak havoc on the rest of your hormonal system.
3. Slow detoxification and elimination. Are your bowel movements irregular or slow to move? (i.e. less than twice a day, every morning and afternoon) Do you have acne, eczema, or rosacea? Looks like your liver and digestive system could use a bit of support. After all, your liver is responsible for breaking down the excess hormones in your bloodstream, and your digestive tract is how those hormones get eliminated from your body. If they aren’t working properly, those hormones will continue circulating in your bloodstream and contribute to the symptoms you’re experiencing!

Our WomanCode System helps you get to the bottom of all of these, PLUS puts additional emphasis on the energetic and emotional barriers that might also be contributing to your symptoms.Empowerment starts with education. Learn about how your body works before you start feeding it random potions hoping for a magical solution. ;)Get started here.Still not sure if the program is right for you? We invite you to a complimentary FLO Focus Session with one of our expert counselors!View the schedule and book your appointment here!

Alisa is talking with the fabulous women over at Girlfriendology on May 25th 2:00 - 2:30 EST on the BlogTalkRadio show. You don't want to miss this 'girlfriend' talk on health, hormonal imbalance, and living your best life!Here's an excerpt from Alisa's blog with Girlfriendology:EVERYTHING you eat is affecting your delicate hormonal system. Specifically, there are 3 underlying causes of most hormonal imbalances that you must be aware of.These three underlying causes are...

1. Mis-managed blood sugar. Do you feel that afternoon dip in energy? Crave sugar or carbs throughout the day? Need a nap after meals? Those are all signs your blood sugar needs help!
2. Burnt out adrenal glands. Are you stressed out? Have trouble waking up in the morning? Rely on caffeine to keep you going? Chances are you’ve been putting your adrenal glands into over drive which will wreak havoc on the rest of your hormonal system.
3. Slow detoxification and elimination. Are your bowel movements irregular or slow to move? (i.e. less than twice a day, every morning and afternoon) Do you have acne, eczema, or rosacea? Looks like your liver and digestive system could use a bit of support. After all, your liver is responsible for breaking down the excess hormones in your bloodstream, and your digestive tract is how those hormones get eliminated from your body. If they aren’t working properly, those hormones will continue circulating in your bloodstream and contribute to the symptoms you’re experiencing!

To read the rest of the article, Click Here.To connect to the radio program, Click Here.

Check out Alisa's latest interview on Wellsphere.com. The five questions Alisa answered:

1. What is the #1 wellness practice you live by? That thing that you do every day without fail because it revs you up from the inside out.
2. The premise of the blog is that wherever you are in life, is exactly where you need to be. How did you get to where you are today?
3. What was your biggest transformation along the way?
4. If you could only own five items, what would they be?
5. What is the theme song for your life right now and why?

Here is an excerpt from Alisa's answer to question 2: (to read the entire interview, Click Here)The one thing my doctors agreed on was that I should start taking oral contraceptives. They all believed that artificially regulating my hormone levels would reduce my unpleasant symptoms—even though they didn’t know what the cause was. The pill never felt like the right option to me. But after saying no, repeatedly, and not getting any other answers, I realized I had to take a scientific, experimental approach to my situation. I had to admit that, having never tried the pill, I didn’t know how it would affect me. So I went ahead and tried it.Less than two weeks later, I knew my original intuition to say “no” was absolutely right. I was having ocular migraines, which caused me to lose my vision temporarily, in addition to the searing migraine pain, fluctuating body temperature, and heart arrhythmia. I realized that my body was not reacting to the artificial hormones in the pill the same way it would to hormones produced naturally in my body. The simple solution prescribed by all my doctors just wasn’t going to work for me.In that defining moment, I finally realized that it was up to me to empower my own healing process.So that’s what I began to do. I started studying everywhere and anywhere I could. I felt that there were answers available outside of Western medicine, so I apprenticed myself to alternative healthcare practitioners. I studied the whole gamut of herbology, naturopathy, homeopathy, acupressure, elimination diets, and tried everything. I used myself as a guinea pig to see what could be done.During these experiments, I found that I could powerfully impact my own body chemistry with what I ate. When I found the right combination of foods for my body’s condition, I saw tremendous positive changes in my health. I lost 60 pounds, my skin cleared up, and my depression lifted. Best of all, I have had regular menstrual periods for the last 10 years.Click here to read more!

The Benefits of Hot Yoga for Women

Do you ever feel tired or cranky when you’re PMS-ing? Even though you know eating well and exercising would probably make you feel a lot better when you're experiencing PMS (premenstrual syndrome), it’s easy to succumb to the cranky rebelliousness that says, “Skip the gym and eat nachos instead.”Well before you make that move, here’s a suggestion that will help alleviate the crankiness and make you feel better about eating nachos afterwards if you still choose to do so ;)I’ve found that the most satisfying form of exercise for my PMS time is yoga. The kind that makes you sweat. A lot. Don't miss out on the benefits of hot yoga for women!When I stepped into class last week, I was in a pretty foul mood and came close to leaving before the class even started. Being in a sticky sweaty room with a crowd of sticky sweaty people and holding your body in slightly uncomfortable positions for an hour isn’t exactly pleasant, but that’s exactly what made it appropriate. Because it brought to the surface all the frustrations I’d been feeling outside of the class, it provided an amazing outlet of release that left me feeling glowing and lighter afterwards.

So what makes hot yoga so great for PMS time?

1. There’s no impact or jumping involved, which means your tender boobies will be happily still.
2. The sweating you're doing is part of a detox process that is flushing out excess cortisol and increasing estrogen metabolism, which is essential for balanced hormones at this time of month. Plus, the sweat will help with excess water weight and bloating!
3. And finally, you're giving your serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin levels a big boost which will keep your mood in a positive state :)

And if you don’t have access to a hot yoga studio near you, get your sweat on in other ways: saunas, hot baths, dancing, and non-heated yoga classes are all great options too!

What are your favorite exercise outlets for PMS or other times of the month? Have you noticed other benefits of hot yoga for women?

Share with us below!

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Psst..... PMS got you down?

Join us for complimentary FLO Focus Session with one of our expert coaches. We’ll discuss your history and symptoms in more detail and help you assess if our programs would be a good match in helping to balance your hormones.Click here to book a session time!

Yes, where you are in your menstrual cycle affects your mood. Yes, you can feel like a different person depending on where you are in your cycle. No, you are NOT crazy - and here is the best news of all: you can have a positive influence over your hormonal shifts throughout the month. You can gain some control and boost mental health!Alisa recently gave an interview with EmpowHER that we love because we think it is going to give our community so much clarity around a sometimes mystifying subject. Read the excerpt below, or continue to the full article on mental and emotional health during your period, by clicking here. “Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone absolutely affect mood,” Vitti said. “In the first half of the [menstrual] cycle, estrogen stimulates parts of the brain that [has] to do with verbal skills and socialization. Women tend to feel positive and energized. In the second half of the cycle, right after ovulation, when progesterone is secreted from the ovaries and counteracts the effect of estrogen in the brain, a woman's mood can become more sedate, irritable, even depressed.”She said changing diet and adding supplements can counteract some mental health issues experienced during a period.“Women who suffer with estrogen dominance, and who feel more manic or really happy during the first half of the cycle, and feel as if they are a different person during the second half of the cycle, can use a few key foods and supplements to ease this process, such as sweet potato for vitamin A to aid the liver in metabolizing estrogen more efficiently, and broccoli and kale for the indole-3 carbinole to help break down estrogen,” Vitti said.“For women who feel extremely depressed or anxious, they can use a combination of B vitamins to help with the work of the ovary to manufacture progesterone, such as B6, B5 and B12. Women who feel aggressive can use Saw Palmetto to help reduce the effect of testosterone on their mood.”To continue with the rest of the article, Click Here.

Thank you for watching all of our videos and trusting us enough to take this journey. We hope you now know there is no reason to tolerate suffering and your symptoms. We also hope you learned a lot and will join the FLO community of powerful, joyful women! Stay in touch, post comments to our blog, join us on Facebook and Twitter - engage!Interested in purchasing the Hormonal Sync System? Click Here!

We want you to be a part of the FLO Living Revolution! Jump into the conversation! Join us on Facebook and Twitter, comment on our blog, and to really join the revolution, CLICK HERE.

Can you believe summer is over? If you're anything like me you haven't dismissed your sandals and shorts to the back of the closet just yet, but chilly winds and dropping temperatures are telling us loud and clear - summer is over, and fall is here.In the summer we rush around, spending time with friends and family and getting as much fun, fun, fun in as we can! But in the fall, it feels better to be more introspective, to stop catching up with others and catch up with yourself.You inner guide is nudging you to take time for yourself at this time of year, while your to-do list is growing, Growing, GROWING - GAH!So what's a savvy woman to do?Give up? Hell no. But it is time to Let Go.Here are some signs that you’re holding onto garbage that you should really give the heave-ho before winter sets in:

• You hold your feelings in rather than release them
• Your mind and surroundings are disorganized
• You suffer from mucus issues such as sinus problems and frequent colds
• You can’t remember the last time you had a bowel movement OR you spend all your time on the toilet (neither is fun)
• Digestive issues like IBS, stomachaches, gas, bloating, and indigestion are plaguing you

Add one of these above symptoms to your ever-expanding to-do list, and what do you have? A recipe for disaster – depression, weight gain, hormonal imbalance, infertility… I could go on, and on, but I won’t because -I have a solution for you! The FLO Living Fall Cleanse (Now through October 7th get $10 off by applying this promotion code at checkout: FallFun)Our whole-foods-based cleanse was specifically designed to help your body adjust to the seasonal transition by using food medicinally to balance your hormones and clear up your symptoms. It is the perfect training ground for you to let go of what's no longer needed in your body and your life, create deep healing within your key organ systems, and get rooted in yourself. Purchase your Cleanse - Click Here!(Now through October 7th get $10 off by applying this promotion code at checkout: FallFun)So let's take a break for a second.Think of one thing you've been carrying around that you would like to let go. Is it anger at another person or even anger at yourself? Is it sadness about a relationship that didn't work out? What is it? Now take a deep breath " how would it feel to just let it go? Aaaaahhhhhh.This cleanse can help you let go of that one important thing while also freeing you from hundreds of other nagging little issues. By embracing the Fall Cleanse you will:

• Kick-start weight loss and increase energy.
• Clean out toxins, waste, and mucus that interfere with digestion.
• Heal exhaustion and help prevent seasonal depression.
• Boost immune function to beat cold and flu season.
• Clean out intestinal bacteria and yeasts that create high estrogen levels.
• Reduce constipation to prevent diseases of the breast, lungs, and colon.
• Balance hormones and metabolism by regulating adrenal-output.
• Build energy at the root of your reproductive system.
• Reduce the toxic effects of stress hormones.
• Break the cycle of emotional eating.

Purchase your Cleanse - Click Here!Â

(Now through October 7th get $10 off by applying this promotion code at checkout: FallFun)

If you’re thinking, I’ve got enough on my plate without adding something else, I understand! That’s why I’ve made the fall cleanse so simple and easy-to-follow.The transformation you will experience will actually reduce the stress in your life! So here’s the low-down -Each day, there are 4 areas of focus:

1. Meal Plan: what to eat – recipes are easy and delicious & will help you simplify your food, detox your organs, and clear clutter from your life. I’ve provided you with a shopping list, preparation instructions and guidelines for creating a cleanse-friendly environment. AND I’ve given you a sneak peak below!Â
2. Focus on Digestion: how to improve your eating experience
3. Getting to Thriving: short activities to help you process what you are learning
4. Clean Sweep: releasing the old and welcoming the new in your physical environment and your body

Your Cleanse Program Includes:

1. 7 days of step-by-step instructions and online support from the FLO Living counselors.
2. Easy-to-follow dietary and lifestyle plan to simplify your food, detox your organs, and clear clutter from your life.
3. A shopping list, recipes, preparation instructions and guidelines for creating a cleanse-friendly environment before you begin.
4. Access to the FLO Living online community for insight and group support as you go through the cleanse.

Don’t crash and burn before you decide to do something about your health. Arm yourself now with this powerful cleanse and soar through the rest of 2011!Purchase your Cleanse - Click Here! (Now through October 7th get $10 off by applying this promotion code at checkout: FallFun)What are women saying about the cleanse?“On the physical and emotional levels, I feel amazing: less tired, and like my body is not working so hard to process food. And, I had a clot-free, pain-free, anxiety-free, period, which was great!" – SG"It was amazing how much space this cleanse freed up in my mind, and how it spurred me to let go of symbols of the past that were holding me back.” – SS

Need more Hormone Help?

If you’re needing some health upgrading, it’s time you started you looking into what’s going on with your hormones.I’ve designed a 4 day hormone detox and evaluation to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance so that your hormones no longer have to suffer.Click here to get your FREE detox and evaluation!

Do you have as much pleasure as you can handle? What do you consider pleasurable? Is there something you can do TODAY to bring more pleasure into your life? Share your comments with us below!To learn more about bringing pleasure into your life, CLICK HERE.

Alisa Vitti Natural Health UK Article

I hope you enjoy this article from Natural Health UK. If you would like to read it, just click on the photos and zoom in until you can read the type. Enjoy!!!

This video includes testimonials from clients. Share YOUR stories with me and let us co-create the next wave of women's health care together! Leave a comment or question below.If you want daily tips and inspiration, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!