A Blog About DIY Raw Feeding

I write A LOT about ways to raise healthier dogs. My focus has been on my dogs for years and thanks to everything I've learned about my dogs, I'm starting to take better care of myself and would love to share what I'm learning with you each Saturday. Fun, right?

I Lost 4 Pounds and 8% Body Fat by Fasting

I kept reading about the benefits of fasting for dogs, and before I got started, I decided to try it out for myself first.  I follow a modified version of the 16/8 intermittent diet.  I stop eating at 8 pm.  I can drink water or tea (no sugar or cream), but that's it.  I don't eat again until around 11:30 am the following day.  I thought it would be hard, but it was surprisingly easy and as a result…

• I have more focus – ideas come to me quickly.
• I have more energy – I'm working out more.
• I sleep better.
• I have a happier mood.
• I'm losing weight.

Treating My Anxiety Naturally

Each of my dogs has some level of anxiety with Rodrigo leading the charge with a list of phobias that crack me up.  Years ago, I decided to tackle his fears naturally.  He doesn't harm himself or destroy things when he's afraid, he's simply uncomfortable, and a bit freaked out.  A combination of CBD oil* and Ewegurt have worked wonders for him, so I decided to look for natural options to help ease my anxiety as well.

I've lived with anxiety and depression for decades.  There was a period of time when my depression was so dark that I didn't know how I would make it through the day.  Today, I can honestly say that I've never been happier and because I'm not alone, I want to share what I'm doing to help others.

Diet and exercise are important. Cutting way back on sugar (I'll never give it completely up) was the first step.  Adding a probiotic to my diet was the next step. And I've been using a natural supplement for anxiety, and I joined a monthly essential oils club.  I diffuse essential oils every day – a few drops in a large room is fine for me and safe for my dogs and cat.  And I have a necklace that allows me to carry the scents around with me all day.

• Natural Balance Happy Camper – I take one or two capsules when I feel anxiety coming on.
• Plant Therapy – join the essential oil of the month club is an affordable way to learn about oils

10 Essential Oils for Anxiety

My favorite Plant Therapy essential oils for anxiety, which are a combination of scents known to provide calm and scents that I love that naturally calm me down, like Sandalwood and Citrus.

1. Lavender
2. Blues Buster
3. Balance
4. Citrus Burst
5. Love Vanilla
6. Sensual
7. Wood Spice
8. Worry Free
9. Sandalwood
10. Peru Balsam (only available to Oil of the Month subscribers)

* Use the code KTW15 when you order CBD oil from IrieCBD and you'll save 15%.

Workout While Watching the Housewives

I love TV, and I love Bravo! But why sit on the sofa and watch The Housewives when you can get a light workout in? I picked up a few things that help me get in shape while relaxing my mind and body:

• 3 lb exercise bands
• 5 lb kettlebells
• 3 lb wrist weights
• 5 lb ankle weights
• 10 lb medicine ball
• 3 lb, 5 lb, 8 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb dumbbells

I also invested in an elliptical which I rock on most of the year while listening to an Audible or reading on my Kindle (we're an Amazon household, for sure).  During the summer, I walk the dogs around our property several times a day, using a FitBit HR to track my activity.

Essential Oil Recipes for Relaxation

I belong to the Plant Therapy “Oil of the Month” club and each month, I receive a subscription box from Simply Earth.  I have oils coming out of my ears, and I love it.  The following recipes are from my Simply Earth subscription box.  What I love about the subscription box is that most everything I need to make these recipes is included.

Diffuser Relaxing Summers Day

• 1 Drop Marjoram essential oil
• 1 Drop Lime essential oil

Add essential oils in a diffuser (I prefer to use ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers) and enjoy the relaxing scent of a bright summer day.  I diffuse this in my office when I'm working.

Relaxing Clay Scrub

• 2 tbsp Kaolin clay
• 1 tsp oatmeal
• 2 tsp finely ground soap
• 20 drops carrier oil
• 15 drops lime essential oil

Blend the Kaolin clay, oatmeal and ground soap in a blender (I use my mixer).  Add the carrier oil and the lime essential oil slowly while mixing.  That's it!  Spoon your mixture into a jar, and you're done.

To use the clay scrub, spoon about a half a teaspoon of the scrub into the palm of your hand.  Combine it with a small amount of warm water before massaging it into your face.  Rinse with water to remove.

• CLICK HERE to check out Simply Earth.  It's truly a fantastic deal for people who love to use essential oils.
• CLICK HERE to read my review of Simply Earth.

Each Saturday, I'll be posting relaxation tips and essential oil recipes because it's not just our dogs who need support.