Tag: wellness warrior

Put Yourself First

That’s truly what it boils down to: We need to put ourselves first in order to live our best lives. I know, I know, hear me out…

Who/what are you putting the most attention and energy toward? Your friends? Spouse? Kids? Parents? Do you wake up each morning and immediately think of their needs, but never seem to give a minute to yourself to address your own?

I know it’s hard. As a helper by nature, I’ve always wanted to help others, make them feel heard and seen and cared for. But we must first put ourselves as #1 priority, in order to share abundantly with our loved ones.

Personally, I’ve realized over the years (thank you, therapy) I was pouring too much love into others and not enough love into myself. I cared about their happiness first and foremost, and would sacrifice my own just to please them. NOT a healthy way to live, long-term.

If we don’t deal with our own demons, if we don’t take a minute to re-evaluate our true desires and needs in life, then we’ll never be able to be fully expressive. We’ll always feel repressed in some form or fashion.

My autoimmune diagnosis last summer was my wake up call. Enough was enough, Hannah had to put Hannah first. So I did, I have, and I do every day.

I read more, I write more, I pray more. I live intentionally.

You know what it’s brought me? Stronger relationships. More manifested encounters. A better work ethic. Not to mention, I have my health back.

Crazy what putting yourself first just might do for you. Why don’t you give it a try?

xoxo,

HB

Why I Drink Ketones Daily

Because they make me feel amazing.

Because they provide me with the cleanest fuel source.

Because they help keep me on track with my health & wellness goals.

Because they help tremendously with my mental health.

I’ve found they help calm my anxiety while giving me energy to combat my depression at the same time. I know…it sounds made up, but I can attest it is MY reality and my TRUTH. The mental clarity they provide me with helps me focus and block out all the “what if’s” my anxiety induces. The energy they provide me with makes me want to be active throughout the day.

Ketones are a tool to help you become the best version of yourself.

I mean….look at my journey thus far:

So, what’s the science behind it?

Pure therapeutic ketones are D-BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) isomer ketone salts that are bio-identical to what your liver produces when you’re in a state of nutritional ketosis.

“But Hannah, why would I want to be in ketosis?” I’m glad you asked!

Ketones are neuroprotective and higher circulating ketones calm neurons in your brain. Ketones have been shown to increase endurance in aerobic activity. Ketones are anti-inflammatory leading to less bloat & better gut health.

D-isomer BHB has been shown to decrease the hunger hormone ghrelin. Less appetite = less cravings/unhealthy choices = staying on track = weight loss.

Additionally, ketones are typically very hard to produce naturally in the beginning stages of the ketogenic diet and production differs for each individual. Even keto-adapted people may find it hard to circulate high levels of ketones in the blood.

That’s why drinking pure exogenous therapeutic ketones is so great! Drinking one serving puts your body into a state of ketosis within the hour.

I start my day with a caffeinated dose of ketones, fast until lunch (coffee is okay! As long as there’s no sugar in it) and eat a low carb meal for lunch. Lather, rinse, repeat, and wait for the results to show!

If you’re new to the ketogenic diet in general, you may experience a bit of the “keto flu” at the beginning of your journey. Ketones will help with this! Trust me, just try them. You won’t regret it.

xoxo,

HB

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookies | Dairy-free keto

Who doesn’t love homemade chocolate chip cookies?!

Growing up, I was so fortunate my mom was both a great cook and a great baker! We always had a delicious home-cooked meal on the table for supper and *almost* always had something for dessert, too. She’s also a dietician, so I had the best balance of eating all the yummy things, but staying within healthy boundaries.

Ever since the stay-at-home rule started in Dallas due to COVID-19, I’ve been eating everyyyything in my pantry. Snacks on snacks on snacks, y’all.

Thankfully, I’ve still kept those healthy boundaries I learned growing up, for the most part. C’mon, we’re all human!

Another reason I wanted to try out making cookies is because I’ve n e v e r done it before. I’ve only ever baked the tear apart ones! I know, I know. Fairly sad for a 27-year-old.

OKAY, OKAY now for the recipe.

Ingredients:
– 1 stick plant-based butter (I love the Country Crock avocado oil brand)
– 2.5 cups superfine blanched almond flour
– 1.5 cups erythritol (I love Swerve, granular)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– semi-sweet chocolate chips to taste (I used Lily’s brand to keep it keto)
– 1 egg

Directions:
– mix dry ingredients together thoroughly
– stir softened butter with vanilla extract
– combine wet and dry mixtures until smooth
– add egg
– fold in desired amount of choc chips
– scoop into small balls on parchment-paper-lined baking sheet
– bake at 375 for 9 – 11 min

Depending on the size of dough scoops you make, this should come out to about 2 dozen cookies.

I’m so glad I now have something sweet to reach for, and I don’t have to think twice because it’s still in line with my health goals! Staying keto and eating dairy free 95% of the time has not only helped me lose weight, it’s tremendously helped my autoimmune disease, hidradenitis suppurativa.

What kind of treats are you making these days? I’d love if you tried my recipe! Be sure to tag me @healthyhannahchristine on insta.