Venturing Into A New World of Health

Disclosure: The links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Bear in mind that I link this company and their services because of my genuine belief in their program and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases!

Throughout my health journey these past six years I’ve had many people approach me and ask, “How do you do it?” or “Where do I start?”. I’ve always had the answer when it came to the way I ate. Wholesome foods, natural foods – Meats, fruits, and vegetables! Easy enough right?

Well, when I realized that my food advice wasn’t enough it took me a long time (Til now, honestly!) to realize that it’s really not that easy. Knowing what to ingredients to use and what “meal plan” to follow is a great first step – But the biggest part of weight loss / beginning a healthier lifestyle starts with a persons psychological mindset when it comes to food.

Everyone has a different relationship with food. I used to have a very toxic relationship with it where I was incredibly negative towards my body and starved myself. But when I began to realize what wholesome foods really did for me I started to see it in a new way. And from that blossomed a beautiful respect and love that made transitioning into exercise and healthy long-term habits that much easier.

Now – I am one week away from having my twins.. And it’s been an incredibly long and exhausting pregnancy. Unfortunately, I have not been nourishing my body the way I should’ve been or exercising which I had promised myself I would.

BUT.. I am very proud of myself for creating two little sweet boys and want to reward myself with getting back on track – Not just for weight loss but also for energy and confidence. I already know the foods I need to keep my body strong but where I know I’ll need an extra pair of hands (Because I’ll literally have none with twins) is my recommitment, which is why I’ve decided to start this journey with Noom.

You may have seen their commercials and thought, “Oh – Another diet / weight loss fad.” But they actually touch on exactly everything I had mentioned above. They’re not just about losing the weight, they’re trying to help each unique individual understand their needs to develop those healthy food relationships and habits with psychological encouragement.

They keep you on track, quickly answer any and all questions that arise, and give you the information you need to grow and move achieve your goals! You get paired with the right expert whose picked based on your personality and destination and they’re with you for the long haul! So you get real human interaction with a person you build a foundation and relationship with. I love that aspect.

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I’m really excited to officially become partners with this company because I genuinely believe wholeheartedly in their psychology-based program and mission. You can start this journey with me and join their proven-lasting program right now with their two week trial*.

Noom – It’s a smarter way to lose weight!

*After the trial, it is $149 for a six month subscription. Which is less than $1/day!

(I was compensated for this post – All opinions are my own!)

Bundle Organics

I’ve needed all the help I can get with this pregnancy. Carrying twins is no joke but it is such an amazing experience feeling both of my little guys moving and growing together.. They’ll undoubtedly be best friends when they’re born and I cannot wait to see their faces!

Throughout this pregnancy I’ve had some major cravings and Bundle Organics Mom-To-Be Bites were there with amazing ingredients that all have a purpose that ensure that I feed my maternal wellness with deliciously organic nutrition in every bite!

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Along with cravings I also struggled with extreme nausea and heartburn – Bundle Organics has teas to soothe the symptoms of both which made life way more bearable!

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Now that my boys could be here any minute I’m already beginning to stock up on their nursing products.. I was told I’ll have to have a c-section because my boys are both breech and not showing any signs of turning and with this they warned me that there is a chance that my milk could not come in immediately or not as plentiful as needed – So I’m really happy to have nursing products with natural ingredients to pack in my hospital bag to help me as much as possible!

I absolutely adore Bundle Organics, not just for keeping women’s needs at every stage in mind but because of their extreme thoughtfulness that went into their ingredients. They’ve sincerely got Mamas and their babies health as a priority. Companies like this really make you feel valued which really creates a trustworthy relationship that keeps you wanting more!

Their Mission Statement says it all:

We are Bundle Organics, and we are on a mission for motherhood. To nourish and comfort. To support and encourage. To entice and delight with certified organic, non-GMO snacks and beverages made with functional, flavorful ingredients and one woman in mind: you.

Because at Bundle, it all begins with mom. From fertility and pregnancy to nursing and beyond, our products are crafted by food lovers and designed with a renowned OB/GYN to keep you safe and satisfied through every stage of motherhood. Wherever you’re at, Bundle will be.

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(I was compensated as a partner for this post, however all opinions are my own!)

Paleo Flourless Brownie

If you’re from a higher altitude you know how FRUSTRATING baking paleo desserts can be. I have cried from many dessert disasters.. You smell it and CRAVE it but then when you take it out of the oven it’s raw in the middle and refuses to cook, no matter how much longer you try and leave it in. I gave up – I was so done trying.. Until now. It seems like flour is the obvious struggle with paleo baking at higher altitudes – So why not attempt a high altitude brownie WITHOUT flour?!

Well I did.. And it is INCREDIBLE. And I’m sure it’s good at ANY altitude. I don’t mean to brag… But these are the most delicious brownies I’ve ever had.. And COMPLETELY healthy/paleo!! Next time I’m going to add some nuts – But MAN these are AMAZING.

It is very minimal in it’s ingredients but the flavor does NOT reflect this. It’s easy, quick and I’m sure with a side of paleo ice cream would be even MORE dangerous. But it’s paleo so no harm, no foul! Even the kids enjoyed it! Snuck a little piece inside my step-daughter’s lunch today – She’s gonna love it!

As you can see they came out PERFECT. No gooey, uncooked center.. No disappointing flavor.. Just incredibly healthy, chocolatey goodness!! Peek at the recipe below and try it for yourself! You’ll NEVER go back! ❥

xoxox

Sprout Kids Kitchen Helper

Sprout Kids is an amazing American made, eco-friendly kid’s furniture company. Their environmentally conscious culture makes their business so easy to support and love!

They’re about to release their new Kitchen Helper and it looks amazing. And before pre-order opens, they’re doing a Giveaway!!

If you haven’t entered yet, you can still enter the Giveaway any time this week by going to the Sprout Kitchen Helper page and click “Get on the List” so you are the first to know when pre-order is live. This will enter you in the giveaway. The winner will be announced next Tuesday right before pre-order is opened.

Good Luck y’all!

Ocean Prime – Valentine’s Day Specials

My favorite restaurant in Denver is Ocean Prime. Their Larimer Square location is gorgeous, classy and the staff is literally perfect. We’re making plans to visit in February for our Anniversary/Valentine’s celebration and Ocean Prime is always our tradition!

So to spread the love wanted to share their amazing 2019 Valentine’s Specials! First, is their “Cupid’s Kiss” cocktail – A delicious love inspired beverage made with prickly pear puree, lemon, St. Germain, prosecco, and orange bitters ($13).

I’d be all over this drank if I wasn’t preggo 😉 Photo Credit: Ocean Prime

Next, their amazing appetizer – Chargrilled oysters (6-piece), served with Worcestershire Sauce, butter, and parmesan ($24) *drooool* I wish I could have shellfish *cry*

End it with their incredible entrees with your choice of Waygu NY strip (6-oz.) served with lobster ravioli, charred broccolini, and lemon tarragon sauce ($60) or the Roasted Sea Bass over Alaskan King Crab Gnocchi with Champagne Cream served with baby carrot salad topped with a preserved lemon pepper vinaigrette ($60)

Then top off your exquisite romantic dinner with their decadent raspberry marble cheesecake with a macadamia nut crust ($13)

You know how busy Valentine’s can be so reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling: (303) 825-3663 (Ocean Prime Larimer Square), or: (303) 552-3000 (Ocean Prime DTC), or by visiting: https://www.ocean-prime.com/reservations.

Enjoy the delicious food and charming atmosphere while spending time with the one you love most. You’ll make it a tradition too once you try it – No need for thanks 😉

Formulate – Personalized Shampoo and Conditioner

Anyone else super picky with beauty products? 🙋

I’m so weird about what I use for my hair because I feel like my hair either gets super greasy or super brittle – I could never find the right balance! But after doing some research I found Formulate!

They use chemists to create specific hair products based on your hair type and hair goals. So your products are actually scientifically engineered for you! How cool is that?!

When visiting their website you’re prompted to describe your hair – Color, length, pattern, thickness, oily/dry, scalp sensitivity, which tools you use to style your hair, and more. They use all of this information to decide which problems you may be looking to fix.

After your hair history is added you move on to your specific hair goals. You can choose between 1 to 5 goals and they’ll create the perfect mix to aid you in your healthier hair objective! For example, I chose as my five goals: Deep Conditioning, Hydration, Lengthening, Volumizing and Glossy Hair! AND what I was really excited for.. You get to choose your OWN scent! There are seven different scents and they’re all natural and fresh smelling. I chose Verdant (Which is Grass, Lilies, and Eucalyptus) and it smells amazinggg.

As you could probably tell I was SO excited to give it a try. It shipped super fast and I used it immediately!! The scent was so fresh and the lather really felt like it was penetrating deep into my strands and scalp! Wasn’t something I had experienced with other hair products before!

Now I know this sounds ridiculous but LITERALLY it made a difference after the first use!! After my hair dried I brushed it thoroughly and came out with fluffy, soft and luscious hair! My Hubby said something as soon as he saw it!

After using it for over a week I can honestly say I’m still obsessed and in love. The scent grows on me more and more every time I use it (It actually lingers which I LOVE)

I seriously cannot imagine going back to traditional shampoo and conditioner after using something that was so specifically formulated for me! And the bottles look super fancy.. So that’s a plus 😉

I’d love for my followers to get a chance to try it for themselves! In collaboration with them I am giving ONE lucky winner the chance to win a set of their very own personalized shampoo and conditioner! To Enter Visit: https://www.formulate.co/u/simplykaraliz! Good luck y’all! 🌺

(I was compensated for this post but all opinions are my own. I seriously love this stuff, y’all!)

Mile High Epidemic – Teen Vaping

I’m sure y’all have heard comments like this before: “Vaping isn’t nearly as dangerous as smoking cigarettes.” or, “It’s just water vapor – How can that be worse for you than straight cigarettes?”.

Well, these thoughts and ideas are filling our teen’s heads and they believe they’re actually making a “safer” decision by keeping to e-cigarettes. In reality, a JUUL pod (an e-cigarette cartridge) contains the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes. TWENTY CIGARETTES.

Colorado youth are vaping nicotine at twice the national average and at the highest rate of 37 states surveyed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, most recently, on Sept. 12, 2018, the FDA declared vaping as an epidemic across the United States.

How terrifying is that?! Colorado is ranked at TWICE the national average. As the mother and step-mother of almost five children that absolutely horrifies me. That could be one of my children. My 14 year old step-son could so easily hear these misconceptions and think it’d be “cool” to try vaping and then get addicted. Getting hooked on e-cigarettes could introduce horrible chemicals and nicotine into his body and within a year it could be a gateway into actual cigarettes.

There is little known about the long-term effects of vaping, however it is proven to have negative effects on their mental development as it harms their memory capabilities and causes depression. There is enough going on in our teens’ brains at this vulnerable age and we cannot have them stunting it with smoking.

This is not the future I want for my children and that is the reality of many teens right now in our state and country. So I implore my fellow parents and educators to cultivate their children’s thinking on vaping, even if it is not cigarettes. It Still.. Isn’t.. Safe.

According to the Tobacco Free Colorado website, about half of Colorado high school students have tried vaping nicotine and a statewide school survey shows 87 percent of Colorado high school students think cigarette smoking is risky, but only 50 percent think those risks apply to vaping nicotine.

As parents, we hold the responsibility in informing our children of the risks – even if they don’t smoke or have never tried it. It’s important to bestow the knowledge onto them.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has created a suite of materials to help parents and askable adults to understand the risks of vaping, and prepare them to have informed conversations with teens about it. The materials are available on the new Tobacco Free Colorado website at www.TobaccoFreeCO.org/know-the-facts.

(I was compensated for this post in partnership with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. All opinions are my own and I truly feel passionate about this as my children are my world!)