My Favorite Things & Resources
I only recommend and talk about programs, companies, and products that I use or have used, and that I feel have benefitted me in some way. Please note that some of these links are affiliate links, so I might make a few cents or dollars if you choose to enroll or purchase. These particular affiliate programs just happened to be available for programs and products that I would recommend anyway.
Natural Healing for the Thyroid & Hashimoto’s Disease with Andrea Beaman
Andrea Beaman has several programs for thyroid health but also for using food as medicine. I did a health coach training program with her many years ago, and she knows her stuff. She is a Hashimoto’s survivor and can personally attest to the efficacy of her teachings and food programs.
Free “Essential Steps to Healing Your Thyroid” Webinar
Free “Common Thyroid Myths” E-Book
Banyan Botanicals
Banyan Botanicals sells high quality Ayurvedic herbs and supplements. Trouble sleeping? Problems with, ahem, regularity? Looking for a soothing, moisturizing body oil? They’ve got you covered! I use A LOT of their supplements and body care products. Plus, they have tons of wellness articles that you can read.
For those who do 1:1 coaching with me, I have them take the Banyan Botanicals Dosha quiz. It is very comprehensive and accurate, and can be super helpful in guiding daily routines as well as self-care, what foods to eat, and supportive supplements.
ButcherBox
I realize that many yoga teachers / fellow students will tell you that you are a “good” or “bad” yogi based on whether you eat meat, only eat fish, are a vegetarian, or a vegan. Please do NOT get caught up in this kind of food drama and turn it into an ethical judgement. The truth is that you need to eat based on your body type, what supports your body’s energy levels, and what is going on with your body. And half of the Hindu population (in a region where yoga originates) are meat-eaters, by the way.
I am insulin resistant. This means that a vegetarian and vegan diet are not my friends as they have way too many carbs. There was a point in my life where I tried to follow a mostly vegetarian diet… and I was super sick, weak, and unhealthy. So yes, I eat meat. And because I do care about the welfare and humane treatment of farm animals, I am VERY careful about where I source my meat.
ButcherBox is a B Cert company which means they have met high standards for social and environmental impact, transparency, and accountability. The care about their animals, their farm lands, and their people. I’ve been using them for a long time.
If you like organ meats and food stuffs like liverwurst (yum!) check out Grassland Beef.
I know many find high quality, ethically raised meats at their local farmers market. You just have to do some independent research there.
Melaleuca (for cleaning products and baby stuff - if you have babies/kids)
This company can be poo-poo’d upon because yes, they are a MLM company. And you do need to purchase a certain amount of their products each month. However, when it comes to cleaning products, baby products, and some of their personal care items, it’s worth it to me to be a member. Most of us are buying cleaning and laundry products that have toxic chemicals in them that contribute to asthma (respiratory problems), skin rashes, cancer, and other nasties. In addition, if you read the incomprehensible ingredients on many of these products, the first one is water. So you are paying for water. And finally, brands (like Mrs. Meyer’s) that maybe we are using because we think they are better - are bought up by S.C. Johnson and other bigwig companies that produce a lot of not-so-healthy products and strive to make cheaper products.
Melaleuca prides itself as being a company invested in wellness and in keeping business and productions right here in the US. There are a few beauty products that have ingredients from Italy and other select European countries. However, standards are a lot stricter in Europe so there is nothing to worry about here.
I do want to reiterate, there is a minimum product point order each month. If you are a family of 4, it’s easy peasy. If you take their vitamins, you’ve covered the monthly allotment with just that. You can share a plan with a family member or neighbor. Or you can put your account on hold for up to 6 months, which is what I tend to do when I have enough of what I need for a few months. So there’s some flexibility.
Things from Melaleuca I love:
All their laundry and cleaning products. Sol-u-mel, their stain cleaner, works wonders on carpet and area rugs for instances when your cats vomit but choose to do so all over the rugs versus the wood or tile surfaces that cover 90% of the house. Oh, you got one of those fur babies too?
Their essential oils.
Some of their beauty/skin care products such as the Renew lotion, sunscreen, foaming hand wash, insect repellant, Melagel (boo-boo cream), and they have an orange-scented exfoliator that I like.
The hubby likes their popcorn.
Things that I don’t use but other’s swear by:
Their vitamins and supplements.
All their baby / kids products.
Conventional allergy or OTC medication (if you take something like Zyrtec or DayQuil). It’s cheaper here and they do omit any “extras” such as coloring. So if you are going to take any OTC medications, you might as well have the least amount of ingredients in there.
Things I am not a fan of:
Their snack and food line. Granted, it’s much better than grabbing over 80% of the protein bars, shakes, etc. than what you see out there. But there is still too much sugar in the form of brown rice syrup (for example) for my liking. But again, if you are trying to transition off junk food in general, then yes, this is much better.
I am happy to have a conversation with you if you have questions or want to learn more.