Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT

The Truth About Pre-Pregnancy Detoxes

Should I Detox Before Trying to Conceive?

Before I give you my answer, let me apologize. If there's one thing that drives me bonkers it's having someone answer a question with, "it depends" or another question. Which is what I'm going to do now.

So, should you detox before trying to get pregnant? Well, it depends. What exactly do you mean by "detox"?

If what you mean is following a highly restrictive juice cleanse, drinking laxative teas, or chugging charcoal, then my answer is, "No, just don't." If you mean treating your body to deliciously nourishing food, movement you enjoy, and saying farewell to stress, then my answer is, "That sounds like a great idea."

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Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT

Made for a Garden: The Benefits of Forest Bathing

What is Forest Bathing?

There's very little I won't try in the name of health and wellness, but I was convinced I found my limit with this one. I assumed forest bathing involved marinating naked in a lake surrounded by trees, praying no living creature came along. That didn't seem relaxing. Thank God I was wrong!

Forest bathing is simply spending time walking, mindfully, and unhurriedly in nature, preferably in (surprise, surprise) a forest. The combo of the natural aromas, fresh air, and beautiful scenery relaxes and rejuvenates us. 

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Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT

The Only 3 Essential Oils You Need

There are hundreds of essential oils available. Crazy, I know, and yes I want them all. While each one shines in its own way, many of the benefits overlap from oil to oil. Which is great news; that means you don't need to buy a massive kit to get started with aromatherapy. 

The Essential Oil Starter Kit

I've heard it said by many herbalists and aromatherapists and it's true: it's better to know one oil (or herb) and its many uses really well than it is to know a little bit about and only one way to use a lot of them. In my opinion, there are really only three essential oils you need.

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Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT

Avocados for Fertility, Health, and Beauty

Is there anything more lovely than a freshly cut avocado? No, I don't believe there is. Maybe a bowl of guacamole, maybe. Growing up in the land of fish tacos and the best carne asada fries in the world, my love affair with avocados started at a young age.  And I couldn't be happier that the rest of America is finally singing avocado's praises. You deserve it avocado, you deserve it. 

Not only are avocados incredibly delicious, they're also uncommonly healthful, versatile, and downright photogenic. Their benefits are innumerable and their uses infinite. Whether you're using the oil or the whole fruit, you're sure to reap loads of fertility, health, and beauty benefits.

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Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT

The Newbies Introduction to Essential Oils

Peppermint and lavender oil saved my life one day. Ok, so that might be a a bit of an overstatement, but they certainly helped, a lot.

My period had just started, and while my PMS has gotten MUCH better over the last year or so, every now and again I have cramps that don't exactly tickle. I randomly decided to blend coconut oil with lavender and peppermint oil and massage it into my back, tummy, and hips. WORKED. LIKE. A. CHARM. I was sold! Hooked!

After completing an intro to essential oils course online, I knew I had to know more about the world of aromatherapy. So I signed up for a level 1 certification course at the New York Institute of Aromatherapy. And it was amazing. 

I learned so much and I'm continuing my studies, which means I will be sharing aromatherapy information, tips, and recipes here.  

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Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT Kendra Tolbert, MS, RDN, RYT

Fueling Fertility with Healthy Fats

Recently and fortunately, the American idea of low fat equaling healthy has been turned on it's head. Studies and practictioners have shown just how important fat, the right fats, are to our health and fertility.

Unfortunately, not everyone is on board yet. After nearly two decades of having the medical and nutrition community (not to mention the media, our neighbors, friends, and mamas, too) tell us fat is the antichrist and behind all that is evil, it's no surprise that it's taking some time for many of us to fully embrace fat. But embrace it we must.

Contrary to what we were led to believe for soooo long, fat is not our enemy. If healthy skin, a fertile body, and a happy and peaceful mind are your goals, fat is definitely your friend.

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