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.
read moreHow 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...
read moreYour 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...
read moreWhat 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...
read moreWhen 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.
read moreWhy 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...
read moreThe 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...
read moreHidden 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...
read moreHow 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...
read moreWhat 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...
read moreEssential 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...
read moreYour 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...
read moreAnother 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...
read moreWhen 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!
read moreWhen 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.
read moreHow 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...
read moreHow 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...
read moreQuick & 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...
read moreAnother 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.
read moreWhat 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...
read moreAre 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...
read moreIs 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...
read moreHow 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.
read moreA New Look!
I launched Design Your Healthy Life in late 2015. As soon as my first website was up and running, I knew I would quickly outgrow it. In all honesty, I was never completely happy with it. But you have to start somewhere! You're likely aware that I spent more than two...
read moreWhat 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...
read moreWhat 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.
read moreDo 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.
read moreFeeling 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.
read moreYour 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...
read moreTips & 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...
read moreDon’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,...
read moreStress & 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...
read moreStress 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.
read moreA Scary Reminder…
I’ve never felt that my health is unshakable. I get sick with colds and flus from time to time like everyone else, which is a natural, unavoidable part of having a healthy immune system that is constantly expanding its knowledge and defenses against the multitude of...
read moreAre 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),...
read moreAre 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...
read moreAre 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.
read moreBreaking 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...
read moreThe 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...
read moreMy 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...
read moreA Healthier Way to Satisfy your Summer Sweet Tooth
If you love ice cream and frozen novelties, this video is for you.
read moreMy 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...
read moreMy Trip to the Philippines
I promised I'd share details about my recent trip to the Philippines. And because I'm obsessed with health - mine and yours - I'll share how I fared and some lessons I learned.
read moreAn Unplanned (& unwanted) Move
I had every intention of crafting and sending you an email last week. I wanted to tell you about my trip to the Philippines and the wonderful time my husband and I had visiting our son. We got home on Monday and I spent Tuesday doing laundry, grocery shopping and...
read moreLet’s Talk About Sugar!
What do you really know about sugar?
read morePesticides in your Food
Are you aware that there are pesticides in your food? Hey there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com. After struggling with my health for more than two decades, and really struggling with...
read moreYou 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. ...
read moreCome 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.
read moreHow To Protect Yourself From EMF’s
EMF's, or electromagnetic frequencies, are becoming more widespread. Studies are finding that cell phone use is connected to brain tumors. Awareness is the first step and there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your exposure and protect your health. ...
read moreHerbal Flea Collar
The health benefits of pet ownership are well documented. But pet lovers aren’t driven by research and health benefits to share their lives with furry or feathered creatures. They are driven by love and admiration and joy. While pets can add great pleasure to our...
read moreWelcome 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!
read moreAre 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...
read moreThe Sad Truth about Carrageenan
Have you noticed carrageenan on your food labels? Here are the details on this risky ingredient. If you regularly consume soy, rice, almond or coconut milk, this is a must watch! Hey there, I'm Elaine Gardner, I'm the...
read moreTo 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...
read moreGMO 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...
read moreFun & 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....
read moreAre Your Personal Care Products Safe?
Growing up, we would watch the Wonderful World of Disney on TV every Sunday night as a family. We’d all pile into the living room and the 6 of us kids would vie for a strategic and comfortable viewing spot in front of our black and white TV. There were no remote...
read moreThe Trickery of Fortified Foods
Are fortified foods helpful? Adding nutrients to foods sounds like an easy choice for better health, but there's more to consider. I've been studying health and holistic healthy lifestyle choices for a really long time. Actually, since December of 2000....
read moreThe 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!
read moreWinter Immune System Challenges
The immune challenges that come with winter are not over yet!
read moreKnowledge = Health!
Learning and new experiences can be so good for your health!
read moreArtificial 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.
read moreAntibiotics in Your Food
Healthy eating is a huge piece of a healthy lifestyle and there are a lot of hidden dangers in the food supply that can put your health at risk. Today I'll be sharing the dangers of antibiotics in the food supply and how to avoid them. And I've created a free tool for...
read moreUnderstanding 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...
read moreNow 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...
read moreMake 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...
read moreEmotions & 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"...
read moreSugar & 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...
read moreWhat 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...
read moreWhite 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...
read moreAre 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....
read moreCan 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? ...
read moreEasy 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...
read moreWhen 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! ...
read moreGot 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...
read moreUnderstanding 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....
read moreIncrease 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...
read moreThe Fascia Blaster
I sent you a newsletter on 9/2/17 that highlighted the book, The Cellulite Myth: It’s not fat, it’s fascia. In that post, I promised I would tell you about the fascia release tool called the Fascia Blaster that the author of that book, Ashley Black, has created. If...
read moreSave 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...
read moreThe Cellulite Myth
In December of 2000 I made a commitment to find my way back to health. After struggling with significant health challenges for more than two decades, I was desperate to feel better and have the ability to enjoy my life to the fullest! One of the first things I did was...
read moreYou 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...
read moreDon’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...
read moreA 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...
read moreHave 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...
read moreGet 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...
read moreWhy 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...
read morePerfection 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....
read moreAn 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. ...
read moreAfraid 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...
read moreThe 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...
read moreJust 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...
read moreHow 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...
read moreJust 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...
read moreWarning: 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...
read moreFeeling 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,...
read moreHow 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...
read moreYour Genes Are Not Your Destiny!
Genes were misunderstood for many years, but a newer field of science called epigenetics shows how we can control whether we manifest our genetic coding in healthy or unhealthy ways. Hi there it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of...
read moreWarning: Avoidance of the Sun is a Health Risk
Proper sun exposure is essential for producing and storing Vitamin D. Supplementation alone is unlikely to provide you with optimal levels of Vitamin D. Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, the founder of Design Your Healthy Life.com. Today's...
read moreNon-toxic Portable Water Bottles
A non-toxic portable water bottle is a must have in your healthy lifestyle toolbox! There is a dizzying array of options available, but I’m going to keep it simple. I don’t recommend any plastic options, even though there are less toxic options available and they are...
read moreYou Might Not Like It, But It’s Non-negotiable
Adequate daily water intake is an essential, non-negotiable part of a healthy lifestyle. Hi there, it's Elaine Gardner, founder of DesignYourHealthyLife.com and today I want to talk to you about water. If you are not a fan of water,...
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