Sharing tips on premenstrual syndrome self-care and how to have happier and more balanced days leading up to your cycle.

Hi friends! How’s the day going so far? I hope you’re enjoying the morning. I’m going to take a hot yoga class and then catch up on some admin stuff around here.

Today, I wanted to dive into a topic that’s all too familiar to many of us: premenstrual syndrome (PMS). We’ll explore what it is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can embrace self-care to make your pre-period days happier and healthier.

Premenstrual Syndrome Self-Care

As women, we know that our menstrual cycle can be both a source of empowerment and, at times, a bit of a challenge. The days leading up to our period can often feel like an emotional and physical rollercoaster. You might find yourself wondering, “Is there a way to make this time more comfortable?” The answer is a resounding yes!

PMS is incredibly common, affecting millions of women worldwide. It’s not just about a little moodiness; it can get pretty disruptive and uncomfortable. You might experience mood swings, bloating, irritability, and those delightful cravings for chocolate and chips. Trust me; you’re not alone. At the same time, it’s important to remember that while these symptoms are common, they’re not *normal.* Your body WANTS to be in balance, and there are ways to make your cycle less of an emotional and physical event.

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

PMS is a set of symptoms that typically occurs in the days leading up to your period. It’s like a not-so-pleasant reminder that Aunt Flo is on her way. These symptoms are linked to hormonal fluctuations, primarily involving estrogen and progesterone.

Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

Let’s break it down with a quick list of common PMS symptoms:

Mood swings that can make you feel all over the place: elated, melancholy, sad, crying, irritable, anxious, and moody

Tender breasts

Bloating that makes stretchy pants the only enjoyable wardrobe choice

Food cravings that lead to intense love affairs with chocolate, chips, fried foods, and ice cream

Sharing my full review of ButcherBox now that we’ve been using it for over a year. If you’d like to try it out, you can use this link for $50 off. This post isn’t sponsored; just sharing it because we love it!

Hi hi! How’s the morning going so far? I’m off to a Pilates class, have an afternoon filled with coaching calls, and then date night with the Pilot. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Today, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite things that we have delivered to the house: ButcherBox! We’ve been using ButcherBox for a long time, and it makes grocery shopping so much easier. I thought I’d break it down in today’s post if you’re curious about giving it a try!

ButcherBox Product Review

What is ButcherBox?

ButcherBox is a subscription-based meat delivery service that promises to deliver high-quality, humanely-raised meat straight to your doorstep. The service offers a variety of meats, including grass-fed beef, heritage pork, and free-range chicken. They also offer deli meat, cooked options (like the best gluten-free chicken nuggets) and wild-caught shrimp.

The first thing to note about ButcherBox is that all of their meats are ethically sourced and free from antibiotics and hormones. The company partners with small-scale farmers and suppliers who raise their animals in humane conditions and follow strict standards for animal welfare.

The ordering process is straightforward – you can choose from a selection of pre-curated boxes or create your own custom box based on personal preferences. Boxes can be delivered on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, and customers can pause, cancel, or modify their subscription at any time. We typically do the custom box, but add on specials and member deals, like tri tip, extra steaks, and holiday fare, like corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day.

Once you receive your ButcherBox, the meats are vacuum-sealed and packaged in an insulated box with dry ice to ensure freshness during transit. The meats are delivered frozen and can be stored in the freezer until ready to use.

(They have dog treats now, too! Mazer is a huge fan)

Pros and cons of ButcherBox

In terms of the quality of the meat, ButcherBox definitely delivers. The cuts are consistently high-quality, with great flavor and texture. The grass-fed beef, in particular, is noticeably leaner and has a richer taste than conventionally-raised beef. The chicken and pork are also delicious and have a great de

Sharing some of my tips for beating afternoon slumps and making it through the day with full energy! Of course, this is not medical advice. If you struggle with low energy, talk to your doctor. If you’re ready for a boost of energy, join us for our Community Detox starting September 11. You can order your kit here with the code FITNESSISTA10 and join our private Facebook group here. 

Hi hi! How are you? How was the weekend? We had the best time in San Diego – I’ll share some pics and adventures in Friday Faves!- and are back in Tucson, ready to tackle the rest of this nice short week. I hope your morning is going well so far!

In today’s post, I wanted to chat a bit about afternoon slumps + some of my tips if you feel a dip in energy mid-afternoon. As always, if you’re feeling unusually tired or not feeling well, reach out to your health care provider.

10 natural ways to beat afternoon slumps

You’re chugging along through your day, checking off tasks and conquering challenges, when suddenly, it hits you – the dreaded afternoon slump. That familiar wave of fatigue washes over you, and your once-productive self seems to have hit a brick wall. But fear not! Before you reach for that extra cup of coffee or a sugary pick-me-up, let’s explore some natural and effective ways to beat those afternoon blues and recharge your energy levels.

1. Power Up with Protein-Packed Snacks:

When the clock strikes 3 PM, it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of sugary snacks. Instead, opt for protein-rich options like a handful of almonds, Greek yogurt, or hummus with carrot sticks. Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels, keeping your energy steady and preventing those sharp energy crashes.

2. Hydration is Key:

Dehydration can lead to feelings of sluggishness. Keep a water bottle at your desk and sip throughout the day. Add a splash of lemon for a refreshing twist that can invigorate your senses and provide a natural boost.

3. Take a Breath of Fresh Air:

A brisk walk outside or even a few minutes of deep breathing can do wonders for your energy levels. Fresh air and movement stimulate circulation, increase oxygen intake, and help clear your mind – a perfect recipe for renewed focus and vitality.

4. Embrace the Power Nap:

A short power nap (around 20-30 minutes) can be a game-changer. It’s enough time to recharge your batteries without entering a deep sleep cycle, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

5. Energize with Essential Oils:

Certain essential oils, like peppermint and citrus blends, are known for their invigorating properties. Dab a drop or two on your wrists with a carrier oil (like jojoba or cocon

For the past week and a half, I tried out Nutrisense and wore a CGM to monitor my glucoses levels. Sharing a recap of my experience here! I was gifted the Nutrisense membership for 1 month to try, and this post is not sponsored. My code to try it out is GINA50 for $50 off  <— not affiliate, just wanted to share a discount with you all.

Hi friends! How’s the week going? Thank you so much for all of the beautiful birthday wishes for P! We had a great day celebrating and capped it off with the requested hibachi dinner. I hope you’re having a wonderful week, too!

For today’s post, I wanted to share a recap of my experience using Nutrisense. I’ve been curious about this company for a while, especially after doing my Inside Tracker bloodwork earlier this year. My fasting glucose levels were a little on the high side, and I was concerned that it may be a deeper problem. I waited it out, and after my good friend Mia posted about using Nutrisense to monitor her blood glucose levels, I knew I wanted to give it a try. Then I reached out to the company and was excited when they offered me a month to try it out and see how I liked it.

I received the product and was SO nervous to put it on (hi, I’m a giant needle phobe) and waited and waited until Mia said that she’d walk me through the whole process and attach hers at the same time. You can watch the video here and witness the moment I almost started having a panic attack on live video. (She was like, “See, you can see the needle right there” and I turned white.) I really wanted the data, so I took a deep breath and went for it. I’m really glad I did, because having the ability to see my body’s response to different foods was extremely valuable.

(I’m smiling but panicking. Turns out, attaching the CGM was NOTHING like I imagined it would be. It was painless and super easy.)

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Sharing the details about Zone 2 cardio, how to use it, and how often to implement it in your routine.

Hi hi! How are you? Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! We had ice cream sundaes at my dads, went to a birthday party and sushi, and took the kids roller skating. I also successfully conquered the first week of school laundry pile and got some things together for this week’s launch. All of the details about my new program will be here on the blog this Wednesday!

For today’s post, I thought we’d chat a little about Zone 2 cardio. You may have heard more about Zone 2 recently, as it’s been touted as a longevity tool by popular online biohackers. I’ve always been a fan of Zone 2 for the mental benefits and more sustainable pace, so I’m sharing the details on this training tool and how to use it in your routine. (As always, talk to a doctor before making any fitness changes.)

All about Zone 2 cardio and how to use it in your routine

In the world of fitness, we often hear about high-intensity interval training (HIIT), weightlifting, and various heart-pounding workouts that promise quick results. While these methods have their merits, there’s another fitness gem that’s been quietly working its magic – Zone 2 cardio. If you’re looking for a sustainable, fat-burning, and heart-healthy approach to exercise, Zone 2 cardio might just be the game-changer you’ve been seeking.

What is Zone 2 Cardio?

Zone 2 cardio is a training method that focuses on exercising within a specific heart rate zone, typically around 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. This zone is often referred to as the “aerobic zone,” where your body efficiently uses oxygen to burn fat for fuel. Unlike higher-intensity workouts that primarily rely on carbohydrates, Zone 2 cardio taps into your body’s fat stores, making it an effective strategy for weight management and endurance building.

The Beauty of Low(er) and Slow(er):

Picture this: a steady, moderate-paced jog or a brisk walk where you can comfortably hold a conversation. That’s the essence of Zone 2 cardio. It’s about embracing a lower intensity that allows you to sustain the activity for extended periods without feeling exhausted. This approach not only boosts your cardiovascular fitness but also fosters a healthy relationship with exercise – one that you can stick with over the long haul.

Benefits of Zone 2:

Zone 2 cardio goes beyond the physical burn; it delivers a host of benefits that can transform your overall well-being.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the potential benefits:

1. Fat Burning and Weight Management: By training your body to rely on fat for energy, Zone 2 cardio can be an effective tool for shedding excess pounds and maintaining a healthy weight.

2. Enhanced Endurance: Regular sessions in Zone 2 can improve your aerobic capacity, enabling you to go the distance with ease and conquer physical challenges. If you’re training for endurance races or events, Zone 2 training can be a critical piece of your training.

3. Heart Health: Zone 2 cardio is a gentle way to potentially strengthen your heart, reduce blood pressure, and enhance circulation, all of which can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular s