An Easy Resource to Help You Reduce Chemicals When Buying Fruits & Veggies
Many years ago, I was introduced to the work of the Environmental Working Group. Their mission is “to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment.”1 They have been a tremendous resource for me and provide a lot of information and databases that I...
When You’re Willing to Explore What Resonates With You, There Are Incredible Resources Available to You
There are so many more resources available now than when I started my healing journey in 2000. Curiosity and commitment always lead me to finding practitioners who are doing amazing work in the world. It’s not always easy to explain or convey the benefits of these...
The Design Your Healthy Life Academy is Open!
I recently shared a video highlighting my personal healing journey and how it has changed my life in every possible way. I promised to share more details of what I learned recovering and upgrading my own health. The difficulty we face today, is that there are SO many...
A Big Part of a Healthy Life Is Shifting Your Beliefs of What’s Possible
Today I have a short video that shares more of my story and some of the incredible things I’ve learned, including how shifting my beliefs expanded my health in ways I could never have imagined. (Scroll down if you prefer to read the transcript.) As always, reach out...
Being Open to a Shift in Perspective Can Enhance Your Life Experience & Improve Your Health
For years I’ve complained about winter and have been adamant that I am not a fan. And yet this morning, I had the most glorious walk. There were several inches of fresh snow and it’s still clinging to the trees. The scenery is breathtaking! My walk took longer than...
The Holidays Can Create a Lot of Stress & Pain. But You Have the Power to Create Something Better!
In the building where I rent office space to see my private clients, there are several therapists down the hall from me. Last year, one of the therapists made a remark that has stuck with me. She said, “It’s always so busy this time of year. People hate the holidays.”...
Important Details to Be Aware of About the Food You Eat & How to Find High-Quality Beef
Our food supply is incredibly complex. It lacks transparency and is loaded with hidden dangers, many of which are never found on any label. Knowing how to find great quality food is possible but requires effort and educated choices. Ridge Shinn, a grass fed beef...
An Incredible Transformation from Hyper Responsible to Aligned, Healthy, Empowered & in Service
My most recent guest on the Design Your Healthy Life live show is the lovely Victoria Whitfield. Victoria is incredibly uplifting, enthusiastic and aligned. We spoke about her journey from toxic doer to healing, why people started offering her money for sharing what...
How to Stay Healthy When Things Are Shifting & Prepare for the Magic of Alignment & Expansion
There’s been so much going on for me the past two months, mostly in my “inner world”. In order to allow for some major shifts, I’ve had to lean in and allow more space for my mind and my body to process and catch up. I’ve chosen to be very conscious, slow down, rest...
A Powerful Journey Through Mental Illness, Incredible Loss, Survival, Healing & Finding Herself
I invite you to watch or listen to this powerful story of love, loss and healing. It highlights many of the myths surrounding mental illness, diagnosis, treatment, alternative options, mindset, expectations and recovery. It shines the light on things we sometimes...
Your Internal Guidance Can Light the Way
I had a big insight recently that led to a huge shift for me. I believe it showcases a powerful lesson that might resonate with you. And it will bring some significant changes, which I'll be sharing with you in the coming months. You may also like...
Why It’s Important to Make Time for Self-Care When You’re Under the Weather
It started with a sore throat. Overnight I felt the pressure in my head and the aching in my body. I had already been tired from the seasonal shift of summer to fall, an emotional breakdown (that led to a big breakthrough), and from being away just a few days earlier...
Enhance Your Immune Response, Ease Your Symptoms & Have Better Long-Term Immune Health
This is the second video in a series about immune health. If you missed the one from last week, I encourage you to check it out: The Power of Your Choices for Preventing Colds and Flu. Our immune system, why we get sick and how to support your body through an illness,...
The Power of Your Choices for Preventing Colds and Flu
You have more control over your ability to stay healthy during cold and flu season than you might think. Not everything is within your control, but there are tactics you can use to help you stay well, and to recover more quickly when you do get sick.
Have You Ever Found Yourself Thinking That Sleep Is a Waste of Time?
Oh how undervalued sleep is in our society! Our body’s consistent need for adequate sleep is unquestionable. It is while we sleep that our bodies break down old tissue, build new tissue, and perform vital functions such as processing toxins for elimination....
A Must See Story That Highlights How Powerful Your Body Is
Ron Michael has overcome and recovered from most people’s worst nightmare. He decided that the long term prognosis of never walking again or having less than a year to live was just somebody else’s opinion. His story demonstrates that the healing capabilities of the...
A Reactive, Symptom Management Approach May Threaten Your Long Term Health
It's super helpful to adopt a proactive, long-term mindset when it comes to improving your health and maintaining a high degree of wellness.
How to Take Back Your Health in the Midst of Our Hyper Online Culture
Computers, email and social media have changed the world. With any change comes the need to examine what is right for you and how to use it to enhance your life. It’s easy to get stuck on your computer or phone while trying to get stuff done. Email, text...
Your Efforts to Be in Charge of Your Own Health Are More Important Than Ever
I love a good story! It’s one of the many reasons I’m a Netflix fan (commercial free is also critical for me!) I’ve been enjoying Madam Secretary, and working my way through new episodes lately. I am inspired and encouraged to see a strong woman navigate highly...
What to Do When You Are Being Way Too Hard on Yourself (And How It Affects Your Physical Health)
I am a strong proponent of learning and mentoring. I’ve enrolled in many online courses and business programs over the past decade. I’ve learned a ton, made some great friends and have had the privilege of learning from some incredible mentors. The online world has...
When It Comes to What You Eat, Are You Focusing on the Right Questions?
If you're confused about what to eat, adjusting your thought process and mindset can lead to the solutions that work best for your unique body.
Why Your Health, And Your Attention To It, Is The Base Of Your Life
A few weeks ago, I had a visual pop into my head in the middle of the night. I was inspired to sit up, pull out my journal, turn on my bedside flashlight and right it down. I’ve since come to view the image as a skyscraper. The middle part, where all the floors of the...
The Incredible Power (And Pain) Of Your “Inner World”
There’s so much drama, fear, stigma, lack of expression, judgement and restricted communication in our world. Being sucked into that vortex and living your life from that place comes with a huge cost. It can override your senses, suppress your true nature and hide...
Hidden Microbial Issues Can Sabotage Your Current and Long-Term Health
I’m a huge proponent of taking matters into your own hands, listening to how your body feels and customizing your lifestyle to honor your unique needs and desires. This approach has served me beautifully in my own healing and wellness journey. I also have a team of...
How Gut, Hormone Health & What You Eat Can Make Or Break Your Mood, Energy & Focus
My journey to wellness began with a commitment to myself in December of 2000, which led me into the world of holistic health. It has been incredibly exciting to watch the offerings in the holistic health realm expand exponentially since then. We still have a long way...
What You Hold Deep Within You Interferes with Your Desire to Experience Vibrant Health
As you may know, I suffered with significant health issues for more than two decades. Once I made the commitment to get well, all sorts of things I had never heard of started appearing in my life. The physical pain, inability to get good sleep, brain fog, digestive...
Essential Components of a Healthy Life that You May be Neglecting
If you’re anything like me, you have a mile long to-do list and are always plugging away at keeping all the various aspects of your life afloat. Hopefully self-care is on that list, preferably at the top! Nothing else will go the way it should/could when you’re not...
Your Time in the Sun is Vital: How to Find Safe Sunscreen & Maximize your Vitamin D Production
We’ve been taught to believe that the sun is going to create cancer and kill us, and that sunscreen will protect us. But sunscreen can be loaded with toxins, and anything that you put on your skin gets absorbed into your body. Toxins interfere with proper bodily...
Another Victory: Why These Historic Wins Against Roundup Won’t Protect You
A jury has concluded for the third time in nine months that exposure to Roundup can cause Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The most recent trial involved a married couple, Alberta and Alva Pilliod, who had used Roundup from the 1970’s until a few years ago. Both developed...
When the Pace of Modern Life Becomes a Trap
Hustle can be necessary, but it can also be very damaging to your body. That's why learning to be in flow is essential to your health!
When the Experts’ Suggestions aren’t Right for You
What's right for someone else may not necessarily be right for you. We are all unique individuals with varying needs. It's important to listen to your body and do what works best for your unique needs.
How to Choose the Foods that Work for your Unique Needs
There are so many names given to different methods of eating that it can make your head spin! Any dietary plan that emphasizes real food is worth thinking about and exploring. But you may find, as I did, that your body’s preferences do not fit neatly into any of the...
How to Get the Most from your Daily Food Choices
Nutrients are essential for life. The right combination of nutrients is the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a magic pill. Every aspect of your health depends upon nutrients, and the best way to get these nutrients is from the food that you eat. Each and every day, you...
Quick & Easy Steps towards the Best Version of You!
You have big goals and dreams, and an ever-growing bucket list of exciting things to see and do. You feel called to serve others and make the world a better place. But in order to continually fine tune your unique gifts and talents, you need to feel amazing as often...
Another Legal Victory for the People!
A second case has been won against Monsanto for failing to warn consumers about the cancer risks of Roundup. Another trial has already begun with thousands more pending.
What More People Need To Know
In December of 2000, after struggling with significant health challenges for more than 2 decades, I made a commitment to find my way back to health. Outside of chiropractic care and massage, I had no idea what was available to support me on my journey. And I didn’t...
Are You Spending Money on What Matters?
If you have the ability to choose proper food without reallocating your budget, that’s great. But if you're buying cheap food to spend money elsewhere, that needs to change. There's no point in trying to sugar coat the delivery of that message. It can be a hard...
Is Your Health Vision Big Enough?
I find our societal views of what it means to be healthy, to be too simplistic. These views overlook many essential aspects of health and limit our idea of what is possible. It’s difficult for me to even express how inadequate our idea of healing is. When I...
How to Stay Healthy through the Last Bits of Winter
Protect yourself from getting rundown, and possibly very sick, during this extra challenging time of the year.
What Drives Your Healthy Choices?
We all know that health is important. But being truly health is MUCH more complicated than we’ve been led to believe, especially with an ever-increasing number of threats to our health such as toxins, EMF’s, stress, etc. Being healthy is not a passive process or just...
What is Right for You, Right Now?
When it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices, it's critical to always ask yourself, what is right for me, right now? Your innate wisdom can really help you fine tune your choices if you connect with that deeper, subtle inner knowing.
Do You Suffer from Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder?
I'm super sensitive to the weather, but thankfully I've learned how to manage my winter blues. And I've helped lots of people do the same.
Feeling Rested Involves Much More Than Sleep
If you don't feel rested after a full night's sleep, the issue may be quality over quantity.
Your Best Year Yet
Getting bombarded with messages about New Year’s resolutions makes my stomach turn. It feels superficial and commercialized, even though I am a huge fan of reviewing my life, planning for all types of improvements and capturing all of my heart’s desires into a bucket...
Tips & Tricks for Tackling Dry Winter Skin & Indoor Air
Do you suffer from dry skin and irritated sinuses in the winter months? If so, you're not alone! I've got some tips and tricks you can start using right away to alleviate these problems. Some may even surprise you! Click to watch the video below or scroll down to...
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of your Emotions
I was raised in a home where the phrase “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” was repeated with great frequency. While I’m sure that it was helpful for keeping a peaceful atmosphere among a family of eight, it did little to model,...
Stress & Self-Care
When major stress comes on fast and hard, self-care is often the first thing that gets dropped. Our bodies’ stress response maximizes our ability to think quickly and move fast, as stress was often a life-threatening and immediate need as humans came into being. It...
Stress or Joy? The Choice is Yours
The holidays can be a stressful time for many of us, but planning ahead can really help you manage the pressure that we’re inevitably put under at this time of year. You may also like...
Are You Feeling More Tired Lately?
Every time the temperature and/or the daylight shifts, our bodies need to adapt. Our adrenal glands are responsible for much of this adaptation. Given that they are your stress handling glands (and you’ve likely got a whole list of potential stressors to deal with),...
Are You Aware of the Risks of Birth Control?
My greatest wish is to see our society embrace a preventive mindset when it comes to health. Many people are out of touch with how their bodies work and we’ve been led to believe that we are not in control. We’re often not fully aware of the consequences of the...
Are You Living with a Health Issue that’s Fixable?
We often give up on health concerns that don't respond to our initial efforts. But so many things can be healed when we take a multi-layered approach that addresses all the aspects of our lifestyles.
Breaking Free from Negative Beliefs about Aging
A friend and I were recently commenting on pictures we saw online of someone we both respect and admire, (a beautiful, successful woman that has been a mentor to both of us). She had been absent from social media for a bit and her recent pictures look different. It...
The Truth at Last: Round Up Can Cause Cancer
Long before my personal holistic healing journey began, and prior to being a holistic practitioner, I was already wary of chemicals. This seemed to be an intuitive, common sense inquisitiveness rather than something I learned. When I was pregnant with my first son...
My Guest Appearance on Warrior Women with a Purpose
I recently appeared on the Warrior Women with a Purpose Podcast to discuss why health is our most valuable asset. Host, Kole Whitty, inspires women by interviewing guests who have overcome failures, triumphed over adversity and found their lane. I was honored...
A Healthier Way to Satisfy your Summer Sweet Tooth
If you love ice cream and frozen novelties, this video is for you.
My Secret to Longer, Lusher Lashes
It’s likely that you rely on multiple personal care products every day - shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc. Many products contain risky ingredients that can accumulate in your body and contribute to health challenges. Personal care products in the U.S. are...
Let’s Talk About Sugar!
What do you really know about sugar?
Pesticides in Your Food
Are you aware that there are pesticides in your food? Is there really a safe level of pesticides when it comes to human consumption? Watch the video below or scroll down to read the transcript. Hey there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com....
You Need The Sun! Here’s How To Be Safe About It…
Our fear of skin cancer has a lot of people avoiding the sun and choosing toxic sunscreen that can also compromise your health. But you need the sun and it is possible to get safe sun exposure and have non-toxic sunscreen. ...
Come See Inside My Fridge!
Anytime I am making changes in my life I find it helpful to have examples to get my brain thinking of the possibilities. So I'd like to invite you to see inside my fridge, hoping you'll find some inspiration for what to have on hand and prepare for yourself.
Welcome to my Tiny Kitchen!
You don't need a big (or nice) space in order to make healthy, delicious food for yourself and your family!
Are Natural Flavors Safe?
Have you ever noticed the term "natural flavors" on a product you purchased and thought nothing of it? After all, it sounds like it’s safe for consumption, right? This week’s video may change your mind. Hey there, I'm Elaine...
To Gray or Not to Gray?
People warned me but I wasn't convinced that embracing my gray would be so emotional. It seems like it should be trivial, but it's deeply personal. I'm being victimized by my own beliefs and am stuck in conflict. Hey there, it's...
GMO Basics & How to Avoid Them
GMO's are a complicated topic, but it's essential to know the basics and understand how to avoid them if you choose to do so. Hey there, it's Elaine Gardner, I'm the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com. I want to talk to...
Fun & Healthy Traditions
It’s been awhile since I’ve been to a movie theater, but I was horrified the last time I went. I can’t believe the junk that people purchase and eat at a theater! And it costs so much money, I truly can’t understand why people choose to purchase anything there at all....
The Truth About Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners sound great - no calories, no blood sugar swings and a sweet taste - but don't be fooled into thinking they are safe!
Winter Immune System Challenges
The immune challenges that come with winter are not over yet!
Knowledge = Health!
Learning and new experiences can be so good for your health!
Artificial Flavor Sabotage
Artificial flavors "hijack" your taste buds and create cravings and addictions to foods that are not healthy. Manipulated taste buds will not be happy with real, whole foods that support health.
Understanding the Men in your Life
It seems incredibly silly now, but I used to think that everyone thought the same way. I had no idea that people have different temperaments, unique skills, learned beliefs and that everyone processed information differently. The idea that two people could experience...
Now is the Time!
What is the first thing that pops into your head when I say “primary home”? The most likely response would be the house or apartment where you live. Perhaps you own more than one home, but the one where you live most of the year is what is legally defined as your...
Make A Better Resolution
Resolutions, when done well, can be great for upgrading your life. I prefer a yearly review and a renewed focus to have more of the things I love from one year to the next! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner. I'm the founder of...
Emotions & Our Physical Health
Your emotions are a powerful part of your overall health and deeply affect how your body functions. [video width="360" height="640"...
Sugar & Carb Cravings?
I used to live off carbs and sugar and couldn't get through a day without cookies! But now, I crave arugula every day! Hey there, it's Elaine and I want to talk to you about managing cravings and handling an excessive amount...
What You May Forget To Be Grateful For
I know it's redundant to talk about gratitude during Thanksgiving week, but I hope you'll take a few minutes to start practicing daily gratitude for your amazing body and your good health! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the...
White Wash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer & the Corruption of Science
We are constantly being bombarded with information, and it’s hard to know who is telling the truth and what is worthy of your time and attention. When it comes to issues that affect my health and our environment, I prefer to hear news from sources that rarely make...
Are You Missing Out on the Power of Nature?
Being outside and immersed in the magic of nature is an important part of a healthy lifestyle! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com. Today I want to talk about the healing power of nature....
Can You Feel The Tension?
You can easily feel tension when you walk into a room after something unpleasant just went down. But do you notice how this happens on a larger scale? And do you know that you can be a force for good just by changing your own energy? ...
Easy Support for Colds, Flu’s & Coughs
I’ve been putting a lot of emphasis on immune function and support lately. I truly want the best for you, and I’d love to see you be actively taking excellent care of yourself. A strong and healthy body is almost always your best defense against health issues. But we...
When Plans Fall Apart, Your Attitude Can Save The Day!
Even the best laid plans will fall through at times. You can easily fall into overwhelm and frustration when this happens, but adjusting your attitude can save the day. You can rescue a potential mess quickly by focusing on the good of the situation! ...
Got Congestion?
The comments I’ve heard over many years of private practice have led me to believe that our immune system response is often very misunderstood. It seems to be a common belief that a strong immune system will prevent most forms of illness. And while it’s true that...
Understanding Your Immune System
The comments I’ve heard over many years of private practice have led me to believe that our immune system response is often very misunderstood. It seems to be a common belief that a strong immune system will prevent most forms of illness. And while it’s true that...
Increase Your Resistance and Get Sick Less Often!
A healthy lifestyle strengthens your immune response and decreases the hormone cortisol which suppresses your immune function. Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com. The last video I sent...
Save Yourself from the Crazy Busyness!
It's your choice, though clearly not typically an easy one, to NOT get caught up in the crazy busyness that happens this time of year! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com. This is the time...
You Are the Expert!
As a society, we often look outside ourselves for solutions to our health concerns. But paying close attention to our own bodies and taking charge often leads to the best possible results! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of...
Don’t Settle!
Even if you feel great today, greater health is highly possible! And since health affects every aspect of your life, you could steer yourself into experiencing an extraordinary life that is not even on your current radar. Hi...
A Little Forethought Can Change Your Experience
Planning ahead can make a big impact on any time you spend away from home. Packing healthy snacks, beverages and items that support a good night's rest can make a huge difference in how you feel! Hi there, it's Elaine...
Have You Forgotten How To Have Fun?
True health is a lifestyle. Laughter, passion and fun are important components for making you feel great and releasing chemicals that make your body happy from the inside out. Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of...
Get More of What Lights You Up!
We all have unique interests and talents. Deepening your knowledge, expanding your skills and connecting with supportive, like-minded individuals can be an incredible, health enhancing experience. Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the...
Why More Farmers Are Making the Switch to Grass-Fed Meat & Dairy
A lot of great information comes my way through the organizations and individuals I choose to be connected with. But it’s rare that I find anything with the positivity I try to live by. That’s why I knew I had to share this article with you. Many thanks to Tim Gardner...
Perfection is a Myth
There is no such thing as perfect health. Listening to your body and continuously adjusting your self-care is the best way to achieve and maintain your health to the highest possible standards. But everyone, myself included, will have times when they don't feel great....
An Essential Component of Retirement Planning
Time, effort and resources are needed to create an adequate retirement plan. If you neglect to include a healthy lifestyle in your plans, you may not have the health you need to take advantage of everything you've worked so hard to achieve. ...
Afraid of Germs?
You can never make all the germs in your life go away. A strong immune system is your best defense. And sometimes getting sick is a good thing! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com. It seems like...
The Ghosts of Christmas Past
Days that are meant to be celebratory can be mentally and emotionally complicated. The holidays are often portrayed as magical times among family and friends, loaded with good cheer and good will towards all. But many people face a different reality and our...
Just Because You Can Eat It Doesn’t Mean You Should!
Throughout time, there have always been things that are edible that shouldn't be consumed. Navigating what you eat with this in mind is critical to choosing foods that nourish your body and contribute to your ability to be well. Hi...
How To Find The Sweet Spot In Your Healing or Wellness Plan
The right combination of healthy lifestyle choices can be magical! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com. And I want to talk to you about your healing process, and being comfortable and honoring...
Just Because It’s Healthy Doesn’t Mean It’s Right For You
Even healthy foods can disagree with you! Developing awareness and a sixth sense can help you identify what works really well for your unique body. Healthy food can and should be delicious and it will make you feel great too!!! Hi...
Warning: Your Taste Buds May Be Tricking You!
Taste buds can be manipulated so that you will crave and want foods that are not healthy for you! Paying attention to other signs can help you learn to love foods that are truly health promoting!! Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of...
Feeling Good is No Excuse!
Feeling good is an important benefit to taking good care of yourself. But if you neglect to prioritize your health because you feel fine, you may be at risk or miss out on feeling even better than you currently imagine! Hi there,...
How to Take Charge of your Mindset
Staying positive is an active process. Protect yourself first by limiting your exposure to things that induce worry, fear and negativity. Then immerse yourself with positive people and experiences that make it easier to think positively. Practice and patience are...
