I’ve been much nicer to myself lately vs. pushing it to the limits, for better or for worse.

One: I foam roll and stretch much more….as in, nearly daily.

Two: my training for the Park City Half Marathon isn’t so planned and programmed.

Three: I’m enjoying while traveling (remember, the 101 days: healing is imminent).

But “nicer” doesn’t mean lazy. If it did, then the way I live would be fad vs. lifestyle.

Not pushing my body to the limits, traveling and enjoying does not mean I sit back and do nothing. I am still training for the half, and I must do something daily….my Colitis (or lack thereof) demands it.

This leads me back to Soldier of Steel™.

I don’t want to spend all day working out while I travel. I’ve chosen efficiency and simply just making the workouts count if I can’t log long mileage.

After I learned about the Soldier of Steel™ workout, I knew I’d be set for a long time with travel and efficient workouts.

Stick with me a second….

Here is a teaser to show you what the workout is all about.

So who developed it?

The Soldier of Steel™ Transformational Workout Plan was developed by Mark Twight, Hollywood fitness trainer who pushed the cast and Soldiers with a unique workout plan, helping them to transform for their respective roles in MAN OF STEEL™.

Sounds intense, I probably won’t be able to do it.

Wrong. You tell yourself those things, but the reality is that for every workout, you have the power to modify it for your own benefit. What I was most excited for with this workout is that it’s 100% planned for you, with a 28-day calendar, instructions, tutorials and more.

Snapshot

Don’t let anything slow you down this summer.

Stay healthy and happy, but do it efficiently to get in, out and on with your life.

If you are interested in a workout that is FREE and ready for you immediately, head to SOLDIEROFSTEEL.com where you can:

• Download a one-month training routine developed by celebrity trainer Mark Twight
• Learn how Mark transformed Henry Cavill into the MAN OF STEEL™
• Watch fitness training webisodes
• Receive training tutorials on 23 different exercises

And please remember my beautiful Gutsy friends, HOW you choose to move is not as important as THAT you choose to move.

Your gut is desperate for it.

I promise.

Love your guts,
SKH

p.s. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. You can also ask Mark Twight directly via Twitter tomorrow night. On Thursday, June 20, Mark Twight will answer fan questions on the @NationalGuard Twitter handle. Follow the conversation from 3PM EST – 4PM EST at #TwightTakeover.

Up until my 30th birthday this past February, my dad had never come to visit.

I asked each year when my mother made her trek out if he would please for the love of God come, too.

And then it finally happened, as a surprise, for my 30th birthday.

I could not have been more excited!

My dad is a quiet, humble and honest man.

They say I resemble him, but I am nothing like him….on a day-to-day basis anyways.

I can only PRAY to be half the amazing he is.

My dad inspires me to be the REAL, authentic me always. He helped me realized that, “I am enough” a few years back.

He inspires me to stop for a moment and take in all the simple things.

He inspires me to sleep more (<– ha ha, dad….that’s supposed to be funny).

He inspires me to continuously treat people with kindness and respect.

He inspires me to never forget where I came from and the people who care the most about me in life.

I am so thankful for my dad…..today and every single day.

Love you, dad. Happy Father’s Day!

Love your guts,
SKH

I keep getting caught off guard like this.

A journal, a small owl notepad. Someone knows me well, and had a surprise mailing sent my way.

Sharing stories about me with her child. In return, child wanting to share some of her homemade crafts, sunglasses and even a custom SKH journal + notepad with me.

I am humbled, to say the very least, at the amount of care and thought so many people put into their everyday lives.

I can give a lot, I can do a lot and I can teach a lot, but during the past couple of weeks when these random acts of goodness appeared to me, I was reminded that I really need to become a better “do good(er).”

A do good(er) does it randomly.

S/he does it sporadically.

It is done without forewarning.

It comes about from the kindess of the heart.

A do good(er) expects nothing in return, and the mere thought of someone else just might be the day’s highlight.

I am building a nut butter business currently. I am building the foundation for what I want my business to stand for and what I want people to think of when they think of my business, my logo and my product.

We can learn a lot by watching the things happen around us, listening, being present and fully aware.

I’ve learned that no matter what, I too, want to be a Do Good(er).

Love your guts,
SKH

I have *no* desire to ever blog 101 days in a row again. I’m enjoying less blogging, more living.

Ironically, I’m doing another 101 days.

These 101 days will look very different.

July 8th, not the 9th, marks the day.

Small leaks lead to flat tires…..

My flat tire is coming, and I fear sooner rather than later if all I keep doing is placing patches over the small leaks.

What leak?

My gut.

I healed amazingly in 2009.

In 2012 after about a year of drugs (exhuasting all options + IVF), my gut was miserable again. I spent a few weeks repairing, and I healed quickly.

But instead of continuing to really focus on my gut and healing all the way, I focused too much on other goals. I chose (<– yes, we always make these choices) to listen to people and “big names” that, ultimately, began forming these small leaks.

How?

Conflicting goals.

When you choose a diet based on a goal, the diet and the goal cannot be conflicting ,and you must be really sure of what that one goal is.

I told myself that my true goal was to continue healing. Turns out it was anything but. At the time, I was blinded. I was blinded by the “fitness” world and the “healthy lifestyle.”

But news flash: 99.9% of the time, “fitness,” “healthy lifestyle” and even “wellness” are not synonymous with HEALING.

We become blinded, and ultimately sidetracked, when we take our eyes off the real goal.

It occurred to me, finally, after meeting up with Carla (aka MizFitOnline) last week that perhaps I’m a (mis) fit, too. (Side note: funny thing is that when I first started blogging in 2008, my blog was titled, “Confessions, Truths & the Journey of a (mis)Fortunate Foodie-Fitness Junkie.” Somehow I think I’ve always understood these (mis) fit ways. Better yet, somehow I think I was destined to meet Carla one day.)

I no longer “fit” with the conventional “fitness,” “healthy lifestyle” and/or “wellness” blogger.

More importantly, I no longer “fit” with any of those as a human being.

I’ve accepted this, and feel right at home with my new place….

101 Days: healing.

If I need more, I’ll *get* more.

I’m so excited to finally understand that real gut healing doesn’t necessarily mean subtraction.

I thank my love for the gut that I am finally 100% clear and certain about the real goal here.

Love your guts,
SKH

I found myself in a building late yesterday afternoon filled with a life I forget exists.

As I sat there waiting for my turn to be called, I was taken back to Mexico and reminded of this love, hope and inspiration.

The day Ryan and I were leaving to head back to California from Cabo, we spent the last couple of hours eating, drinking and shopping in the little Marina area.

We stopped at a restaurant on the water, so we could sit facing the water. We wanted to watch the people and enjoy the sun.

As we were sitting there, we watched as all the little children attempted to persuade the tourists into buying their petite crafty souvenirs.

I watched as they begged, and I wondered,

What happens if they don’t sell?

I also thought,

They are so little. Shouldn’t they just be out playing?

We forget, while sipping our lattes, working on our careers, driving from event-to-event in our nice cars and sleeping in comfy beds, that there is a whole world out there which we simply cannot imagine….children just like Maria:

People write frequently to me, saying that they find me inspirational. My infertility story moves them, they admire the courage around telling a complex colitis narrative or they simply wonder how I get it all done with A Gutsy Girl.

That building yesterday and Maria reminded me why.

The things that my life is comprised of lend themselves well to a story I could populate each day as a “debbie downer.”

It would be so easy.

But I am not dying. I have a home. I have a family. I sleep in a huge, fluffy white bed. I laugh daily. I never wonder what my next meal will be. I am never afraid for my life. And so on, and so on.

If another childless month goes by, or if a flare up meets me in the middle of my day, my days still continue on. I always have hope for the next day.

I fell in love in that building yesterday. (Don’t worry, Ryan knows!)

I fell in love with Maria in Mexico.

I never, ever want to be the girl who forgets how blessed this life is. I am determined to show anyone who reads my blog, enjoys these words, the same.

I placed my very own crafty souvenir from Maria on my office desk right next to my business “mission statement.”

I adore this little reminder of love, hope and inspiration. 

Love your guts,
SKH

I promised some follow up action from yesterday’s Raw Dairy: information and thoughts.

Upon leaving Organic Pastures, I bought several things to take home with me.

1. Truly Raw Cheese
2. Raw Milk
3. Raw Cream
4. Raw Kefir
5. Pasture-Fed Ground Beef
6. tiny milk jug

That night, I made burgers on the grill. Actually, I put them together and Ryan grilled. I don’t grill – just so we’re clear

I was craving the Organic Pastures beef with their pure raw cheese.

How could you not?

Making a quality burger is not hard.

It will not complicate your summer eating habits.

If you do it right, you will need minimal ingredients, with minimal prep.

And what will emerge is a dinner (or breakfast, lunch or snack) that will keep you satisfied and have your taste buds bouncing. Juicy!

Worried about not getting your greens? Simple. Chop up your burger and add it to a ginormous salad. I do this nearly nightly.

Pasture-Fed Burgers with Raw Cheese & Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

• 1 lb. pasture-fed beef (I promise it will change the taste of your burger)
• 1/4-1/2 c. raw cheese (if you don’t have access to a quality one like this, get the very best you can find), cubed
• 1 tbsp. rosemary, fresh from the Farmer’s Market if possible, chopped
• 1 tbsp. thyme, fresh fromt eh Farmer’s Market if possible, chopped
• sea salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together by hand.

Form into burgers.

Grill.

This recipe made 4 large burgers for us.

(My spinach salad included: spinach, grilled zucchini, burger and olive oil.)

Event

In July, I will be hosting an event in California with Mark McAfee, owner of Organic Pastures.

There will be a presentation on Raw Milk. Mark will customize our presentation for information as it relates to the gut and gut healing.

You will get to taste the amazing product.

How much is it? FREE!

When is it? I’m still nailing that down. Additionally, I am trying to figure out the details so I can either stream the event online or have a Google+ Hangout with several of you who would like to join.

Please CONTACT ME if you want to come to the LIVE event or if you would love to join virtually.

My Decision

Hosting the event with Mark will kick off an intense 4-6 months of gut healing and focus for me.

I’ll have much more information in the coming couple of weeks, but it’s time for me to take care of me.

Gut healing, true gut healing, requires focus, attention and ultimate will and desire.

It’s not a weight loss program. It’s not a period of restriction. It’s not a time for excuses. It’s not for the weak. It’s not for…..well, it’s not for most people.

For me, at this moment in my life, so many things have happened – are happening – it’s time for me.

After my long period, The Gutsy Girl’s Bible: an approach to healing the gut will likely be updated. If you have the ebook already, you’ll get the updated version for free. You will also get more insight into my journey via the private Facebook Group you are a part of. If you don’t have the ebook…..well, of course I’d strongly urge you to do so.

Our guts don’t get better by wishing and willing them that way.

Seriously.

It’s like everything else in life.

You have to act upon your wishes and wills to see them to fruition.

This post is linked to Sunday School at Butter Believer!

Love your guts,
SKH

It was out of pure frustration towards my gut.

After I unbuttoned my pants, I remembered how change must be imminent.

These early morning thoughts for you have nothing, and yet everything, to do with raw dairy.

Back to Monday

I went on a tour of Organic Pastures, which is a raw dairy farm. I was reminded that dairy doesn’t have to be a dirty word.

Blaine, one of the owners, was the star tour guide. The tour began and ended in the main office area.

We started out where the milk is bottle and stored, but not without making sure we walked through the watered-down pad prior to entering the facility and getting our hair nets on.

I know, I know….I’m a super hottie here. Autographs later.

A very specialized machine is used to bottle the milk. The machine is so specialized that they had to have someone from Wisconsin customize its every move. Hands can never touch the milk. Hands only touch where the jug meets the machine for production.

The milk is then refrigerated.

After that, Blaine showed us the area where cheese magic happens. I always wondered about cheese because cheese looks so very different, depending on brand, type, etc.

The cheese room is a completely separate area. Upon walking in, I was greeted with smiling faces and huge cheese baths.

They were constantly stirring the cheese and checking its texture.

They also monitor the cheese temperatures and pH levels. It’s very official. I had no idea cheese making was so meticulous.

Once the cheese is made and formed, it goes into a cold fridge area, where it ferments for 60 days (per government regulation).

How Nice. But Where Does Their Raw Dairy Come From?

Blaine drove us to the cows.

The land is beautiful. It’s open, calm, peaceful.

Did you know that cows have a cycle like humans….monthly and they have 9 months of being pregnant. Most farms give cows hormones that allow them to get pregnant earlier. This is never done at Organic Pastures.

Blaine thinks about medicine the same way I do -> Western culture has made it horrible. But it’s not just about human medicine and antibiotics for the McAfee’s (Blaine and Mark’s last name). It’s about taking that same care with the cows. After all, what the cows eat and consume is passed down to us. Blaine makes their own medicine and antibiotics. Her ingredients fascinated me! And guess what? Blaine is a medical practitioner by profession. She knows her stuff….she gets it on so many levels.

The cows eat only organic hay. The cows are treated superior. They all have names. They are free to roam and play all year long.

Oh, and they have dogs there, too. This has nothing to do with raw dairy, but if it doesn’t make you smile, then we might not be able to be friends anymore. Dogs melt my heart!

Raw Dairy for the Gut

Can you and should you arbitrarily get your raw dairy from any source? Absolutely not. You do need to be careful. You need to be educated about where it’s coming from and who is providing the product. You also need to be cognizant of your current health, current gut state and ensure that you are fully aware of all factors.

Beyond that, I’m going to make the statement that raw dairy will absolutely aid in healing the gut.

Here are my top 4 reason why raw dairy will help heal your gut:

1. Raw dairy is a super probiotic. It is complete with enzymes, delicate proteins, bio-diverse active bacteria, and vitamins.
2. This dairy is never manipulated. Part of the reason “traditional” dairy does not work for us is because of the extreme processing which occurs. Their raw dairy is not cooked, crushed or altered in any way.
3. Raw milk naturally contains lactobacilli bacteria that hasn’t been denatured or destroyed by pasteurization. This helps digest lactase (lactase is the enzyme humans lack to break down lactose). As a matter of fact, many people who can’t drink pasteurized milk can drink raw milk.
4. Raw milk not only contains so many of the good bacteria, but it also contains the nutrients to feed that bacteria. This results in a stronger immune system.

So What Now?

First and foremost, you should know that I am not pushing you out the door as soon as possible to get your own helping of raw dairy. If you live in California, I absolutely recommend Organic Pastures product (p.s. they are the largest raw dairy farm in the world)!

If you do not live in California, make sure to do your research.

You should research for yourself raw dairy. Check out this raw milk info and see also the awesome information via ‘why raw?’ And please know that the government and many “studies” love to scare you, ban certain research and do not give all the facts.

Something to think about: In other countries, raw dairy is widely used. In other countries, nasty, artificial sweeteners and chemicals are banned. Seems a little off, yes? Take that for what it’s worth to you.

I have been a believer since the first time I read the GAPS Diet, since Dr. Natasha has recipes in the book for homemade yogurt and the like.

I am more convinced than ever.

And Back to Crying

My gut needs an intervention. After an amazing healing period in 2009, I slowly crept back into several old ways. Just little things.

Small leaks lead to flat tires….

My Colitis has almost reached it’s breaking point. I can tell. I can feel it. I have more and more small leaks.

I know what to do. I know how the gut heals.

I have been so focused on helping everyone else. In the process I forgot about my own gut.

And now I know more than ever. If there ever was a time for me to take on myself, it’s now.

I bought several things from Organic Pastures that day.

Tomorrow will be the final post of this little series.

I’ll show you what I bought.

I’ll give you a brand new recipe.

I’ll tell you about an event I’ll HOST in California around this topic (and virtually for all of you who can’t make it).

And I’ll tell you about a decision I’ve made….a scary one, but nonetheless, a decision.

Okay, your turn: thoughts? Questions? Raw dairy. Talk to me….or email me!

Love your guts,
SKH

I’m talking to you, Gutsy.

Let’s start our day perfectly.

It was 2009 when my gut began to heal, truly heal, for the first time in my life.

I give 1,000% credit to the GAPS Diet, and the knowledge acquired via the likes of Dr. Natasha Campbell and Elaine Gottschall.

A couple months back I was in shopping at our local health foods store. I saw a pamphlet on “Raw Dairy” and Organic Pastures.

I grabbed it and read through it diligently.

“Free tours available.”

Upon reading those words, I took to their website to learn more.

I made note that they were only about two hours from where we live and that a lot of their theories and thinking come from the GAPS Diet.

I knew I had to reach out.

Dairy has always been a delicious word to me, but not to my gut.

2011 and 2012 had me dabbling in dairy, way too much.

I compromised my health and my gut, but then made the decision to leave it.

Most of 2013 has been dairy free. (Yeah, yeah, I’ve still had fro yo one too many times.)

I returned to my GAPS book when I began thinking about my nut butter business….items that could safely be put in, and I have tried to adhere as much as possible.

Returning to the GAPS Diet reminded me that dairy might not be a delicious word for me, but it’s also not a dirty word.

The right dairy can and will make all the difference for healing the gut.

Recently, a reader emailed me asking, “What is your opinion on raw dairy?” I told her I didn’t want to discuss it until I had more facts, but that I absolutely would in the coming weeks.

Here we are.

Yesterday I took a tour of Organic Pastures.

Two things happened:

1. I formulated my opinion about raw dairy. I got myself educated. I learned about the process. I saw first hand what happens at the farm, the cows and where all the “magic” happens.
2. I re-read my GAPS book AGAIN. I kid you not, I’ve read it over 100 times probably. I was reminded that I am simply not healed to a place of true maintenance. This frustrates me, but after yesterday I’m thisclose to diving into an intense period of GAPS healing (likely this summer).

And with that….I will have everything for you tomorrow on #1 and #2.

I can’t wait to share.

Oh, p.s., if you see this at all, Blaine, thank YOU

Love your guts,
SKH

It’s the smart bird.

I made note while in Cabo that the birds didn’t need to be up early to eat.

They needed to be around when the tourists came out for their patio breakfast.

This ensures them a large feast – one that would yield far better success than simply being up earlier to grab that worm.

I’ve considered this scenario, even meditated some one it, these past few weeks.

The birds in Cabo have it right, and I’m following their lead.

I have been able to accomplish anything & everything while staying sane, and by doing this I have come to a crossroads where productivity has met this same strategic focus the birds in Cabo seem to have.

I dream in nut butters these days, and I’m not willing to get up any earlier or sacrifice my “love” time any longer to be a jill-of-all-trades to everyone.

Time to do one thing, primarily, and to do it very, exceptionally, well.

Time to focus….

Time to hone in….

While I am still highly passionate about helping women heal their guts with diet and lifestyle vs. food and medication, I have come to realize over time that people simply do not value that as much as they do jumping ship to the doctor for medications.

A hard truth, but the truth. Any statistic out there will prove this for you.

I can’t give 110% to building a Holistic Health Coaching business and also build my nut butter business. It’s impossible.

What is possible is for me to keep the Holistic Health Coaching as a passion, a hobby and a way for me to give back….on my terms, for those who are willing and able to truly heal their gut.

What does that mean?

I will only be able to take 2 clients per month for a 1-on-1 Premier IBS and IBD Healing Program. First come, first serve for each month. (Next opening for June, 2013)

I will only do one group program per quarter via the Exclusive Gutsy Girl Mastermind Group Health Coaching Program. This will only be offered for up to 5 people per group. First come, first serve. (Next group for July, 2013)

It’s not rocket science….go at your own pace with The Gutsy Girl’s Bible: an approach to healing the gut.

(Also, are you on my Gutsy Newsletter list? -> you can subscribe via side bar, but if you are not already on the list, make sure to sign up. This morning I sent out an email with a special offer! Contact me if you’re not on the list, but would like me to forward to you.)

What about A Gutsy Girl – the blog?

Not going anywhere. Remember, I’m Living Life vs. Blogging Life more anyways I’ll still be around. I have some delicious new recipes to share, life thoughts (you know because I’m so deep and insightful – ha) and other digestive musings.

You’re Nuts

I sure am! As a matter of fact, I keep going back-and-forth via text with one of my awesome friends with nutty phrases and silly sayings. We’re having a blast with it. Water has been known to come flying out of the mouth during these moments. But I couldn’t be more excited for all that is to come….this isn’t just some “nutty” idea I got in the past couple of weeks.

No, this has been a long, very long time coming. My friend Hilary, owner of the amazing White Plumb Boutique,  just sort of pushed me over the edge. I’m currently working to get all my branding done and a (new) website in place. The nut butter website will have a blog, and I’ll be sharing all my entrepreneurship escapades – the ups and the downs, the awesome and the struggles (which have already been plentiful).

You don’t need to be an “early” bird (not literally, because Lord knows I’m up early every single day).

But you must be a smart bird.

You must be a strategic bird.

You must have a bird’s eye view.

And with that view, you must really focus.

Love your guts,
SKH

I’m just stopping after glorification, “Stop the Glorification.”

On Thursday, Under Armour sent me all of this awesome stuff as part of the #WhatsBeautiful campaign I am a part of:

Later that night I went to the gym to complete my 2nd workout of the day. I ended with some hanging knee ups, and I thought they were worthy of a little photo action (let’s be honest, by this time of the day, I was over the gym and all workouts):

On Friday, I completed another 2 workouts.

On Saturday, I was over it….over it all. What happened during the span of those 24 hours? A LOT. More than I’ll ever share here. But something transpired on Saturday that had me digging – deep.

Saturday morning around 10am, my friend Julie sent me this picture:

Along with the picture, she wrote,

If I knew then what I know now I would NEVER have been so hard on myself, pinching every inch, being depressed over a pound. Love and appreciate that strong, healthy body, little girl. Don’t waste moments being self critical that could be used for thanks and joy.

Stop the Glorification.

Period.

There is a glorification that has run rampantly wild around the Internet (I’m not excluding myself from this) for far too long.

“Thin is in, skinny-ified everything, strong is the new skinny, 6-pack abs for women are beautiful, double workouts mean you’re a champ, fitspo is the only go, etc., etc.”

I’m convinced, now more than ever, that this glorification has done nothing for me. What was once a healthy change of ‘tude to pick up the weights, has now become an endless battle. Women are running a race daily that they are likely to never win.

Why? Because it’s a race that’s beautiful to someone else -> it’s not a race that’s beautiful within.

Just as people have been glorifying “busy” for far too long, so I feel that women have glorified everything from “saying no to that cookie” to “keeping track of every bite taken -> if you bite it, write it” to “I’m a beast in the gym” and “I work out for 3 hours each day.”

So why now

What happened that gave me this ah-ha moment? Again, A LOT of things.

First and foremost, I’m tired. I’m over it. Where there was once joy in my life with the gym and fitness has now just become another chore to hit another goal to pretend to care about things that I’m not so sure I want to care about anymore.

Second, on Friday I finalized two separate series of paperwork – both of which are likely to change my life, in a huge, huge way and mailed them off. They will change my life for the better; neither one of them will require knowing that I’m a rockstar in the gym.

Lastly, I want to be the A+ version of me for the long haul and she is not going to be that while glorifying any of the aforementioned things society has taught us to glorify.

And what now

Guess what? I don’t need to run the Park City Half Marathon pacing at 8 min/mile. I don’t want to train for that. I don’t want to glorify that time.

If I want to do cardio, I’ll do it. I don’t care any longer that the “gurus” say it will break down muscle tissue.

And by the same token, if cardio is the last thing I feel like doing then surely I’ll find something else to do.

I’ll lift weights – heavy some days, maybe light with high reps on other days. Certainly neither makes me a sinner.

I will continue to move daily, but on my terms, listening to my body.

So #whatsbeautiful?

Beautiful is not perfect. Beautiful does not overanalyze. Beautiful is you. It’s me.  It’s not dwelling on yesterday, and it’s certainly not living a perfectionist today in hopes of an even greater tomorrow. We don’t get tomorrow. We have today…..

And that’s #whatsbeautiful.

Love your guts,
SKH

p.s. Learn more about the #WhatsBeautiful campaign, and let me know if you want an invite to join our team!

Full Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Under Armour & FitFluential. Under Armour is sending me clothing in exchange for our participation. I am not being paid. In January, 2013, I chose to never sell my soul again, and for this reason you can trust that all opinions and experiences are 101% my own.