Functional Natural Health

In my search for a new toxic-free mattress, I realized that most are not aware of the toxins that are under their very head each night. How many hours a night do we spend sleeping? If you are sleeping on a conventional mattress, that is 7-8 hours of constant exposure to chemicals. A tradtional memory-foam…

I was watching an Instagram story the other day where the person was telling her followers to drink a big glass of water before eating because that will suppress your appetite. While that may be true, this is one of the problems with those not qualified giving people nutritional information. I agree that drinking a…

Gas, bloating, distention, feeling overly full after a meal, belching, mild reflux…. Not fun.Some of my clients do indeed have major GI dysfunction which requires in-depth intervention. In many cases, however, my clients find MAJOR relief by simply adopting a few principles of what I call Eating Hygiene. Today, I’m giving away some of my…

Oh geez! I never get sick but managed to catch the cold from hell from my husband a few weeks ago.  And I’m just getting over it!  What the heck?!  In my bodies defense it was busy fighting a parasite and yeast but oh my word!  SO, tis the season for immune support tips, right?? …

  These gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free pancakes are light and comforting without the heaviness of many similar recipes which include almond or coconut flour.  A truly nutritious, balanced treat!  This recipe serves about 4 people, but it’s easy to halve or double for a different crowd.  I highly recommend leftovers; toast them later and spread with…

Good afternoon!  I wanted to share with you all a recent podcast I did with the fabulous Thom Underwood of the Rebel Health Coach Podcast.  To date, this podcast has gotten the most downloads for a single episode.  What does this tell me?  This tells me that there is a huge need for Fibro folks…

  Truth be told, I am a hot cereal fan.  However, oatmeal and I are just not friends.  It is way too high glycemic for me first thing in the morning with insulin resistance as a result of cortisol issues.  But I confess I am in love with this new combination.  It’s creamy, cozy, and…

Today I want to do some myth busting on coffee!!  I know so many of you love it and wonder if it’s good for you! So much of the health media promotes extreme viewpoints that leave you thoroughly confused. Depending on where you get your data, vegetarianism is either touted as the best or the…

Are you having trouble falling asleep?  Staying asleep?  Follow these tips below for a better night sleep TONITE! #1 Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, Nicotine, and Other Chemicals that Interfere with SleepAvoid these 4-6 hours before bed. Although alcohol may help bring on sleep, after a few hours it acts as a stimulant, increasing the number of…

This little purple pill looks so innocent doesn’t it?  Let’s have a little chat about why it isn’t so innocent.  I have written before about the importance of getting to the root causes of anything you are struggling with.  Getting to the root cause of your acid reflux is no exception.  And PPI’s are not…

I have had several requests from my clients on tips on how to travel well with Fibro.  Recently, I put up a post on my Fit With Fibro page asking for traveling tips from my followers because, after all, they know best right??  So instead of blathering on about my own tips, I wanted to…

  I registered for a health coaching retreat today and I cried.  It was one of those ugly cries.  I cried because it’s been a long journey to get to this point of stepping into my power.  Someone told me a few weeks ago that my story may inspire someone to step into their own. …

Over the years, I have worked with clients who have a very wide array of attitudes, assumptions, and beliefs about dietary and therapeutic supplements. The supplements I recommend for each client are fully customized. Whether it’s a specific vitamin, mineral, herbal extract, essential fat, or hormone, every recommendation I make to my clients is driven…

Have you just found out you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity or celiac disease and you have no clue where to start?  The majority of my clients are those with auto-immune dynamics for which I recommend a gluten free diet, 100% cold-turkey, no excuses.  You see, those with an auto-immune disease have intestinal permeability…

I received a message this morning from a client that was so excited she lost 15 pounds, even after being on vacation! This was huge for this particular client because she has been having difficulty losing weight due to the inflammation in her body.  I know her internal struggle.  I’ve been there for the tears. …

One of the most important things we can do when we have Fibro is heal our gut!  Not enough attention is paid to this crucial piece of the puzzle!  80% of our immune system is in our gut.  When our gut is in distress we are at increased risk for colds, auto immune issues, other…

How is your stomach acid?  Do you even know?  Today I wanted to bring attention to the importance of stomach acid and the role of Betaine HCL in increasing it.  Stomach acid really is good for you.  Without it, your health suffers.  Our digestion suffers and we are not able to absorb the nutrients from…

Ok guys it’s time to have a real conversation about why you’re not eating enough food!  And I know this is a whole bunch of you!  How do I know this??  Because I talk to SO many of you every day and the conversation usually goes something like this.  Me….”How’s your diet?”  You….”Well I don’t…

I’m pretty sure there’s a water post somewhere here on this but it is SO worth repeating!  So many times I hear people are only drinking a glass of water a day, or worse yet, nothing!  Oh my word!  If this is you, you are walking around chronically dehydrated!  If you don’t think that’s a…

Ok some of you are super busy during the week and meal prep becomes difficult. Some of you have days that you are feeling super poopy and meal prep is out of the question. What happens? You go for unhealthy eats and you feel worse. Why? Because your body needs super nutritious fuel to feel…

Have you ever gone on a stint where absolutely nothing tastes good to you?  I’m not sure, but I think it’s the Lyme treatment but all I want is sauerkraut.  So I was buying it two jars at a time.  Not cheap my friends!  I joined a CSA this summer and I had cabbage coming…

I just returned from Nashville for the annual Beachbody Coach Summit.  It was HOT in Nashville!  Oh my!  I packed as many as my fibro tools as I could but this time, despite my best efforts, I suffered a bit.  Did I mention it was HOT!?!? How many of you take a beating when you…

I was determined to know beans. Henry David Thoreau, The Bean-Field How about you? How well do you know beans? Creamy cannellinis, meaty garbanzos, sweet adzuki, tender pintos, and so many more—beans are one of the most powerful, nutrient-dense plant foods around. Consider this: Beans are packed with tons of fiber, as well as plenty…

Have you been struggling with losing weight?  Here are some tips that should get you on the road to reaching your goals!! DRINK WATERHunger is often confused with dehydration. Next time you feel like having a snack, have a glass of water.Even mild dehydration can alter our body’s metabolism, so aim to drink 1/2 your…

I often hear from my Fibro peeps that they have no energy.  When I ask what they are eating the usual response is something like, “well, I don’t eat much at all.”  Oh boy!  MY FRIENDS!!!  You would not expect a car to run without any fuel yes?!  The same holds true for your body. …

Happy Memorial Day!  I hope you are doing something fun today!  It’s a little muggy and overcast here!  So I wanted to chat a bit about self care for us.  I come into contact with so many people on a daily basis and often when I ask what they are doing when they tell me…

  As some of you may know I’m a health and fitness coach. A few weeks ago I was listening to our national call while walking the dog. It was a call that really resonated with me because the person on the call was talking about how they were not the same person as they…

  As some of you may know I recently started a program at Integrative Nutrition.  I’m super excited to share my new knowledge with each of you!  But before I get ahead of myself I want to share some recent news I received from my doctors appointment a few weeks ago.  I had about 25…

So I was walking around Ocean State Job Lot the other day, in need of some coconut oil, when I wandered into the tea section.  I love different kinds of tea so decided I would grab a few boxes.  Winter Spice…, that looks yummy!  Oh and some Chai!  That’s always good!  Dandelion?!  Um, what’s THAT…

So I ran out of bread!  The horror!  Since I’m trying to get all svelte and stuff for my trip to Cancun in April I decided I would forgo the gluten free bread I usually make and try my hand at a paleo bread.  The recipe I found called for eggs and cashew butter.  Since…

Ok so recently I posted a picture on Instagram of my 4 pounds of honey I purchased from a local place and got questions as to why I need all that honey!  Well besides the awesome benefits of honey, there are so many great benefits of drinking warm lemon water every morning.  Here is what…

  I’m sure you’ve been hearing all the buzz on the 21 Day Fix on social media, the TV etc.  You might be saying to yourself, “I can’t do that!”  I’m here to tell you you can!  So many of my Fibro customers are having great results with Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix.  They…

  It was bound to happen again my friends.  Attacked again, on my own page.  I guess I need to get used to the fact that there will be haters.  But if you do not like my page and what I have to say then it is very simple and easy to leave.  It is,…

    I typically make gluten free bread in my trusty bread maker.  It usually comes out just fine.  Last weekend I apparantly could not follow directions and ended up having to bake a loaf in the oven.  I have no idea what happened but it turned out very hard.  It was still good and…

  Happy New Year!  As some of you know I got a juicer for Christmas.  I’ve been juicing away!  I will admit it is NOT Shakeology!  Nothing I have mixed up has tasted stellar, but it’s good for me so I will do it anyway!  Thank goodness for the yumminess that is Shakeology though!!!  So…

        The other day I’m going along my merry way, minding my own business when I checked my Fit With Fibro FB page to see if I needed to respond to any messages or comments. I noticed a comment on my 10 Day Detox post so I clicked on it. Lo and…

  Tomorrow at 5 p.m. CST these deals will go live!  I would set a phone alarm if you want anything though because last year the hottest items sold out in HOURS!  I know I’m going to grab some goodies for my Challengers!  Are you in need of a Holiday gift for a friend or…

  I’m asked almost daily how I manage to live “well” with Fibro.  I will not sit here and lie to you and tell you that I never have a bad day.  We all do.  But I have a great “toolbox” to pull from when I am having one of those days.  This toolbox does…

  We all know about it.  That dreaded holiday bloat.  You ate too much during the Holidays, ate things you don’t typically eat and now you feel uncomfortable and just blech…..  I’ve been there!  These days I try to indulge just a little so I don’t feel so awful.  Who wants to feel icky in…

  So many of you know I moved recently.  I have known for awhile that I’d need to move.  I had gone through a divorce and the house was being sold.  So I started packing boxes here and there.  I figured a box or so a day it would make the move go much smoother.  I guess…

Happy New Year!  Have you thought about your New Year’s Resolutions?  Have you written them down?  I find that a goal not written down quickly gets forgotten.  You know all those New Year’s Resolutions you made in the past that lasted two weeks?!  Ya those…..  Make this year different.  Write them down and put them…

…it doesn’t change you.  I read this quote today shortly before speaking with a fellow Fibro person that was not ready for a change.  Shortly after that I saw this… So here follows my rant…. In the business I am in it frustrates me when I see someone that NEEDS to make a change but…

Evening fellow fibro warriors!  I know, yet again, I’ve been slacking here.  I guess we all have one part of our lives that we continually slack in.  This would be mine apparantly.  But tonite I say hello yet again and I feel the need for a rant.  Hey, maybe if I have a lot more…

Do you suffer from heartburn, GERD or digestive issues?  Recently I was told that my stomach acid sucks and that I needed to supplement with betaine HCL.  I wasn’t aware that if your stomach acid isn’t sufficient than you can have digestive issues, absorption issues, bloating etc.  Who knew?!  So I started on the betaine…

Ok yes, I’m a blogging slacker. So it’s Monday and I’m making it a goal to start blogging, to start, atleast once a week on a Monday. I will be sharing info on natural ways to manage your Fibro, what is working for me, recipes etc. If you’d like to see something in particular let…

A member of my Fibro group posted this on my Facebook wall today. It really struck home. It’s the inspiration for this post and I wanted to share what came to mind when I read it. I just spent 30 minutes rolling on a tennis ball. My last week has revolved around getting this flare…

Two years ago I was diagnosed with fibro. It was a huge relief to know I wasn’t crazy and to finally have answers. I decided to manage it naturally after being on one med that had less than desirable side effects. I guess I thought the other “issues” that often go along with fibro would…

Why is it we resist changing something that we love but that we know doesn’t serve us? My acupuncturist has told me several times raw veggies and salads do not like me. My digestive system doesn’t seem to care for them. My Ayurvedic doc also told me my body hates raw veggies and salads. In…

When I was diagnosed with fibro it was such a relief! There was a reason for my years of unexplained pain. But what they don’t tell you is all the fun stuff that goes along with it! Read a list of the things associated with fibro and you might be shocked! I know I was.…

Happy Holidays everyone! This is the time of year when we typically overdo and over stress. For the normal person this can take a toll. For the Fibro person this spells trouble! How are you handling the Holidays this year? I’m not handling them as well as I would like. Between the stress of a…

Happy almost New Years Eve! How was your 2013?! Mine was a bit rough and I am looking forward to 2014! Personally 2013 was a tough one for me. And this resulted in my health tanking. Despite this, professionally I had a wonderful year. So 2013 is filled with mixed emotions. I truly believe when…

A few months ago I decided to take the plunge and do a round of Body Beast. Let me give you a little background info so you get a better picture of why this is so huge. I pack on muscle very easily and the scale and I are not the best of friends. Going…

Ok so two observations this November evening… I apparently suck at blogging since my last post was from May, and I cannot be in the presence of my Mother’s fudge. I always have plenty to say. Perhaps this whole blogging thing scares me. I’d rather have someone manage the site for me. I’m afraid of…

I, Heather Conley, managed to go 21 days without doing a strenuous workout! How do I feel after the reset? Digestion is fantastic! Pain levels are still high but I’m only one day out. This morning I did Les Mills Pump and it was tough! I guess that’s why they say to come back at…

Day 17 of the Ultimate Reset. Today I went to Trader Joes and was oggling the dark chocolate covered caramels. I can normally walk by without a second glance but not today. Feeling hungry today and I think I’ve been having low blood sugar in the mornings. I seem to be ok with that after…

Today I wanted to eat my entire jar of almond butter! Fear not, I abstained! Day 1 of week 3 today! I missed the detox and my tummy was a little weird with the revitalize. I’m assuming that will pass though. I had some stomach upset when I started the detox too. My pain levels…

I admit it. Today I smelled the banana when I was cutting off Dwig’s slice! Big pat on the back for not chomping off a piece! Yesterday I hopped out of bed before the alarm! Huge for me! That didn’t happen this morning unfortunately. Stay tuned….Pain levels are still super high but digestion is fabulous!…

No, I didn’t have any but boy do I want some BAD!Raining here again! Do I sound like a broken record? Surpringly my pain level was not bad for the first part of the day. Then my cat got loose in the holistic vets parking lot and I had to chase her and roll under…

Today I’m feeling less nauseous. My pain levels are still high and I slept in a bit. I don’t think I’m giving my body the rest it needs but where to find the time? I have kept moving with Yoga and walks with the dog. My body definitely misses the strenuous workouts. I think I’m…

I had a massage today and I think it was the most painful massage ever! Toxins leaving my body? Not sure, but even my calves had knots! I have a tear and bursitis in my right shoulder and even that is bothering me. I’m thinking the daily Yoga is aggravating it. Funny thing is it…

Yesterday my dog started getting sick. I had planned on getting to bed early and sleeping in. But I was hauling her crate upstairs at 11 p.m. and was up several times during the course of the night to clean up after her. And I was up earlier than I wanted because she was barking.My…

Day 1 of the Ultimate Reset is in the books! This morning I did some Yoga and this afternoon I went for a walk with the dog. Today I opted out of being vegan for a day and I ate the eggs for breakfast and the salmon for dinner. They were both fantastic and I…

I’m cranky. Yup, I’m cranky because I’m hungry and tired and my pain levels are up. Headed to bed here shortly because tomorrow is another day!Yes so I’m hard on myself. I expected no challenges going into this besides workout withdrawal. After all, I’m vegan already, I love to cook and I already drink a…

Day 5 of the Ultimate Reset and I’m feeling a bit hungry.I slept in a bit this morning, walked the dog and took a p.m. Yoga class. Digestion seems to be on track today. I could hug my herbalist for her treatment yesterday!! My headache seems to be going away but my pain levels are…

This morning as I was giving Dwiggins his morning slice of banana I found myself jealous of the little guy! Today I’m feeling, shall we say, a little backed up? Hey, we are talking about a cleanse right? The topic was bound to come up! The headache is still kind of lingering there, but it’s…

Day 3 of the Ultimate Reset and my migraine is much better! I’m having some soreness but I really think its due mostly to the damp weather we’ve been having. Slept in a bit this morning and did my yoga. Stayed low key today because I didn’t want the migraine to get worse. I didn’t…

Great big shout out to Michael for the title of this post! Today was day 2 of the Ultimate Reset. I woke up with a headache, feeling exhausted, and feeling like I slept on my neck wrong. Not sure what can be attributed to the Reset and what is the fibro though as we had…

Today I started the Detox phase of the Ultimate Reset. The first one I drank made my belly feel icky, my throat feel weird, and overall just made me feel crummy. Then throughout the day I was nauseous. In fact, I’m still nauseous. My pain levels are still super high. We had one nice day…

In about a week I’ll be starting the Ultimate Reset. What is that you ask? It’s a 21 day cleanse that Beachbody just released. And no…it’s not one of those cleanses where you need to strap yourself to the nearest bathroom!! It is actually very gentle and you eat some pretty fabulous food on it!…

It is week 7 of Les Mills Pump. I will be honest I didn’t think I saw anything happening last week. I did feel like the legs of my jeans were tighter. Sometimes I can be a little crazy so I wasn’t sure if it was all in my head. But then I remembered….I was…

Well my friends it is officially week 2! A few observations I have made thus far: *This workout REALLY works your core! Not sure if I’m nuts but I think I’m already seeing changes! *This workout is very humbling! There are some things that I thought I’d be good at. Not so much….. *There has…

Holy moly folks! This was a doozy! I was pretty fried by ABX but I got it done. Two things I learned today:1) stability ball kickbacks are HARD2) medicine ball pushups to side plank are HARD3) perhaps my core isn’t as strong as I thought it was…very humbling I tell you!! The strange thing about…

Some of you may know I recently traveled to the Bahamas on the Success Club trip. It was great and I had a blast. The travel kicked my butt though and I’ve been having a hard time bouncing back.I exercised while there and have continued to exercise upon my return. I am often asked by…

I have received alot of questions lately in regards to how I manage to exercise and stay fit while having Fibromyalgia. I have even been accused of not having it. I guess there are some people in this world that would try to pass themselves off as having fibro, but I can assure you that…

Today was day 1 of P90X2. Let me start out by saying that I am a bit of a cardio addict. Workouts that do not involve cardio make me feel like running up the road after I’m done. This happens with strength workouts, Yoga etc. Yes, I’m aware, this is something I need to work…

Today was really recovery or rest day but since I’m missing my Sunday Yin Yoga class due to the holiday I decided to fit in another Yoga today along with my studio class Friday. Still a bit of soreness in the lower abs and upper leg area near hips but lower. I don’t think my…

This morning parts of my leg that I didn’t even know existed hurt along with lower ab muscles. Let me just say, it takes alot for either of these places to be sore on me! So I can only imagine what next week brings when I’ll be doing X2 core full tilt, without all the…

Every year around Thanksgiving something happens. People put their health and nutrition on the back burner and swear to start anew January 1st. It frustrates me to no end…quite possibly because I used to be “one of these people”. Now I’m not saying this is everyone but I would venture to guess it is the…

So I’m going about my life doing pretty good at being ok with ME. Then BAM, today I get all obsessive again and fall back into old patterns. Realization….I suck at loving myself 100% of the time!!! 2nd realization….you can’t follow the 80/20 rule when it comes toloving yourself! Time to get my stuff together!…

So my life is a bit crazy. My brain and time is scattered all over the place, as you can probably tell since my last entry was in October! I’m still dealing with some health issues too so that doesn’t help. But I digress…. I have made it ONE of my goals for 2012 to…

Has it really been that long since I last blogged??? Well yes, this makes sense, as the alien invaded my body on 9/17/11. Yes, I clearly remember the date! This was the last day in the last 3+ weeks that I felt normal!! You see, I went to a wedding on the 17th and that…

Someone asked me the other day if I really had fibromyalgia….because I looked so fit. Um, it is possible to be fit and have fibromyalgia. Now this does not mean that I don’t suffer. This just means that I have learned to manage my fibromyalgia naturally and that I choose to not let it rule…

Yup, this thought process dies hard! I’m going about my day….I stop at Trader Joe’s and pick up some dates. I get home and pop one into my mouth. WOW!!! They are fantastic!!! (Yes, I’ve never had a date!!) So I proceed to look at the label. HOLY CRAP!!!! It has how many carbs and…

Well boys and girls, I have been a slacker when it comes to taking care of ME! I am so passionate about and love helping others that sometimes I get so wrapped up in the helping that I forget about my me time. And I know this is important because if I don’ttake care of…

Does fibromyalgia suck? Sure it does! Is it a death sentence? No! Are you destined to a life of meds? Not necessarily! So I have decided to manage my fibromyalgia naturally. Why? Because I think it can be done and I don’t want to rely on medication. To be honest I am really saddened by…

‘m so excited to hear the birds singing in the morning!  Spring has finally arrived I hope after a very long winter!  Isn’t it funny how people emerge from their cocoons every year?  Now myself, I’ve been slogging through the cemetery every day walking the dog…come rain, wind, snow, sleet.  So it’s funny to see…

Shooting straight from the heart tonite! I found out today that my husband was still smoking. I guess I had suspected. He has tried to quit several times. I cannot pretend to know how hard it is to quit. I have been there for him everytime he has tried to quit, with support and love.…

Ok I must continue my rant from my Facebook post this morning! So seriously!!! Shakeology IS the real deal! And I don’t just say this because I sell the product. I say this because I know what it has done for me and for so many others. You can’t fake results people! But if you…

What makes us fearful or ashamed of who we are? I have been pondering this question all day. A situation came up yesterday that made me start thinking about who I am, what experiences have made me who I am and why I am sometimes ashamed and afraid of the person that I am today.…

So they say when you step out of your comfort zone you come out the other side a stronger person. And this means different things for different people. One of my PS Coaches told me today that she was happy in her perfect little box. I had asked her to step out of it and…

It has been hot and humid here in New England. The humidity does not like me. I have learned that it definitely increases my pain levels and exhaustion. For the past few days it has taken everything I have to drag myself out of bed, lace up my running sneaks, and go for a run.…

I do my best thinking while running, which isONE of the reasons why I don’t listen to music during a run. While I was running this morning I began thinking about some things that I already knew but that really hit home today. Today was my first day back running after a week off. As…

So my body has decided it wants to try a plant based diet. I have been asked why I want to try a plant based diet. To be honest I don’t know MY answer for that just yet. All I know is that my body is telling me to do it so I’m listening. Do…

As many of you know I attended the 2011 Team BeachbodyCoach Summit this past weekend. I can only say WOW!! Let me preface the experience by saying I am not a good traveler and I was very nervous about traveling across the country and leaving Dwiggins behind. The farthest I have traveled alone is to…

This morning I dragged myself out of bed dreading the five miles I had on the schedule today. As some of you may know I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I’m trying to get it under control. Well, I had my cheat meal last night so that always makes me feel under the weather…

So I have been a bit nuts since I returned from Summit. I like to use the word spaztastic! Let me just say that I was nuts BEFORE I left for Summit so this is not an improvement! I returned with a bunch of work to catch up on and my head spinning from all…

Hey everyone! This is the start of my brand new blog! No more blog slacking for me!!! Now, please be patient as I’m just figuring this darn thing out! It may be a while!!! Please feel free to shout out any words of advice or come on over and do it for me!!! I’ll pay…