Naturally Laura

It’s 2018, and I’m a bit late sharing December’s post in my Monthly Favorites series!

Here’s what I’ve been loving and believing that you’ll love as well:

Mymatcha Stick

If you’re in the process, or about to start the process, of switching to a nontoxic makeup routine, I HIGHLY suggest getting this all-over moisture stick. This Mymatcha stick from Cocokind is made with only clean ingredients and is pure magic, I swear! The first time I used it, I was blown away. It looks like I’m wearing under eye concealer because the dark circles under my eyes disappear. Now that I’ve been using it daily, I notice quite the difference in my under eyes. I’ve needed to use it less and less for puffiness and dark circles because my skin is improving! This article here gives a great understanding as to why it works so effectively. The Mymatcha stick can also be used as a lip balm and a moisturizer for any dry skin. You can find them at Whole Foods. I like to buy mine cheaper on Thrive Market. Check out Thrive Market here. If you place your first order with Thrive Market, using this link, you’ll get 25% off your first order!

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are giving me LIFE! I can’t seem to get enough of them this month. I believe they are the perfect starch, super versatile, and their taste & texture never get boring. Sweet potato for breakfast. Sweet potato for lunch, snacks, dinner. You get the picture. I use chopped sweet potato in breakfast skillets, boiled sweet potato for pureed and creamy soups loaded with yummy toppings, and these incredible Murasaki sweet potato wedges. Get the recipe here.

Eating Outdoors

Getting outdoors has been so incredible for my health lately. It improves my mood and energy. A new way we’ve been spending more time outdoors is eating our meals outside on our patio. We have a cute setup of flowers, cacti, and other plants, decorative lights, and a little table and chairs from IKEA. It’s a pleasant setting for eating together and spending time together as a couple, outside in the fresh air.

Hot Lemon Water

If you take thyroid medication, you’ve most likely heard of the danger of drinking caffeine within an hour of taking your meds. If you want your body to properly absorb the thyroid replacement hormone, then you need to wait to drink that cup of coffee until at least an hour after taking your medication. Izabella Wentz from thyroidpharmacist.com (check out her website if you have any thyroid disease. It is loaded with super helpful information!) recommends taking thyroid medication with warm lemon water because it helps the body to absorb the medication. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning also supports your stomach acid and your liver’s detox pathways. Simply squeeze half a lemon or a whole lemon into a mug of warm water. Stir, add honey if you want, and sip away. I’ve been doing this for almost a month. Not only are my thyroid labs improved (the lemon water may have contributed to that), but I’m more alert in the morning. I even have enough energy to start my day without depending on caffeine!

Hashimotos Protocol

My husband and I have been visiting Barnes & Noble’s Starbucks so much lately, and I’ve enjoyed being able to read different cookbooks, science books, and autoimmune health books. My favorite has been Hashimotos Protocol by Izabella Wentz. The first time I sat down with the book, I didn’t stop reading for three hours! It’s seriously a must-read for anyone with Hashimotos Thyroiditis. Izabella gives outlined protocols for supporting the liver and adrenals, how to troubleshoot when more intense protocols are necessary, and more! Her book is packed with helpful information and ways to put the disease into remission.

Those were my five favorite things last month! December was definitely a beautiful time of taking moments to be quiet and reflect, having meaningful conversations, and celebrating our Savior coming to earth. I hope you all had a wonderful December and are enjoying an amazing, happy, and healthy new year!