There are certain wellness products that I truly cannot live without! Well, I guess if I absolutely had to..I’d manage, but it would be tough! Ever since I entered the wild wild west of wellness, I’ve done my fair share of product testing. I have fallen for some of those silly fads and trends that were way overrated! (and some overpriced!) Rest assured that the following products are the ones that I go back to time after time and continue to make a positive difference in my life.
Nutrition
Electric whisk - this guy is so necessary for mixing up frothy elixirs and hot drinks. I used to use my single serve blender but it would always crack and bust if I added super hot water and oils (coconut and ghee)
Collagen - there are several different collagen brands on the market right now. I’ve tried Ancient Nutrition, Vital Proteins and a few others, but have always gone back to Vital Protiens. I switch between the beef and marine collagen. I always add this to my morning smoothie or hot beverage for added froth and protein. This is a great alternative to standard protien powder, becuase it has zero additives and zero sugar, just 10-12 grams of protein that your body recognizes!
Iron skillets - Alright ya’ll, these are game changers! I inherited mine from my grandmother a few years ago and have loved cooking veggies and protein in them! They taste better from the seasoning and you get additional iron from the skillet. (Most women are deificient in iron, BTW!)
Avocado Oil Spray - Do you even roast veggies if you don’t have Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray?! It’s seriously the most convenient way to roast veggies and oil pans, I don’t know how I lived without it! Avocado oil is great for baking and roasting because it has a smoke point high enough to avoid toxins and trans fats and low in polyunsaturated fat, there isn't another oil available that is better better for high heat.
Food Processor - This was one of those items I thought only grandma’s owned - but no! It’s actually really useful. I make soups, slaw, date balls, etc. I use it quite a bit and love the mutliple settings. It’s also a really quick way to cut veggies with the slicer and shredder applications.
Ninja Blender - Honestly, I would love to own a Vitamix, but I’m always hoping I will win one or Santa will just show up with one! :) Until then, I will continue to use my Ninja. It’s actually really great! I use it pretty much every day for smoothies, etc. It has yet to fail me! (Avoid putting super hot liquids in them, that can cause them to crack. Amazon will send a brand new one if it breaks under 1 yr.)
Foursigmatic Packets - The most convenient way to get in superfood mushrooms and natural energy boost! I love the reishi chocolate, chaga, matcha and tumeric flavors. The mushrooms provide different properites (immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, energy & stamina, etc). Great alternative to the boring cup ‘o joe.
Frozen fruit containers - this seems like a no brainer - but these guys have been such a game changer for me! I used to just rubberband the opened frozen fruit bags and leave them stacked up. Things always got super messy and fruit juice always seemed to go everywhere. Having frozen fruit in one container can really keep things organized and will keep your fruit lasting longer!
Mason jars - I mean…if you live in the south - this is like owning duck-tape, you just have it! But in case you’re missing out on one of the best inventions - these are the best! I store nuts, seeds, powders, etc in them because they stay air tight fresh for months! Great for everyday items and for drinking. There are endless uses for mason jars!
Weck jars - Similar to mason jars but a little more bouje! I love using them for my smoothies and great for putting leftover cooked and cut veggies. They come with seperate lids and brackets so be sure to keep tabs on them! They’re also very aesthetically pleasing!
Water jug - Truly don’t know what I did before reverse osmosis and alkaline water! There are so many chemicals and toxins in our faucet water, so it’s super important to get water from a trusted source. Our local Whole Foods, Turnip Truck, and Sprouts have fill stations. Always store in a BPA free container!
Hydroflask - My all time fave water bottle! No other bottle can rival when it comes to portability and keeping your drinks hot or cold. (okay - maybe Yeti!) They can withstand all kinds of bumps, drops, and falls - super durable! I had my first one for 8 years! Be sure to clean them thoroughly with a bottle scrubber and hot soapy water.
Fitness
Mini Bands - I literally use these babies in almost every workout. The best on-the-go option for a really good workout. I use them around my ankles and knees to target my glutes and inner and outer thighs. They help build strengh in your knees as well!
Light hand weights & Bala bangles - These are also great travel buddies!
Sliders - I always forget about these but when I decide to pull them out, I’m always so amazed at how well they work! They will give you a great ab and leg workout (mostly abs!)
Foam Roller - The ultimate way to stretch! I always foam roll before my workouts and once I’m warm, I will do more isolated stretching. Perfect for getting those knots and sore muscles loosened up.
Hyperize - Okay - this is on my wish list! My chiro has one and I’m always grabbing it during our sessions. Great way to break up lactic acid and tension, helps muscles recover faster.
Workout bag - there are so many good ones - but I love the backpack version. Easily fits my tennies, change of clothes, and all of my workout essentials.
Apple Watch - what was life before this?! I thought I would never purchase one of these, but once I did, I was hooked. It helps me stay on track with my goals, and I love the convenience of checking apps without whipping out my phone.
Obe Fitness App - Best $27 I spend per month. I thought it was a bit pricey at first, but you truly get boutique style fitness classes on-demand 24/7. They have live classes with trainers that live in NYC and are the real-deal! Highly recommend. They have a great community as well!
Sweat App - BBG girls! $10 per month, I used this for about a year and loved the results I got. It can get kinda repetitive but a great start for beginners looking to tone and build muscle.
Yoga mat - A must have! Always in my trunk for an impromptu yoga session. Extremely durable and great quality.
Lululemon align pants - I feel like I’m not wearing anything when I wear these. So comfy and wick sweat so well. I wish I had them in every color!
Lifestyle
(Disclaimer: I realize that some of the therapeutic modalities that I have listed are luxuries and some may find them unnecessary - that’s totally okay! I have prioritized my health the past few years in order to heal past traumas and painful experiences. I am very grateful to be able to make them a part of my lifestyle and they may change as my life changes and evolves, but this is what works for me right now!)
Nutritional Response Testing + Supplementation -
Another great option is the Ritual vitamins and Care Of - I’ve heard great things about both brands. Care Of requires you to complete a quiz that better assess your supp needs and you get the best bang for your buck!
Chiropractic care - It’s taken me several years to find the right approach with chiropractic care. It’s SUPER important to do your research on the physician - be sure to ask around and read reviews. I know there are some of you who will never try this - and that’s okay! If you have back/neck/hip issues, it may be something to consider. (My chiro is Dr Tyler Hurst at Berry Hill Chiropractic in Nashville - he’s great!)
Brain training - Definitely not a mainstream self-care practice or therapy but THIS has been such a game changer for me! Truly don’t know what I would’ve done without this healing modality. After a not-so-great CBD experience, I started seeing Dr Hurst - who is a neurological chiro and uses eye movements, and several other training to help balance my brain, heal old traumas, and so much more! Highly recommend trying this out - esp anyone who has had mental health issues (anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc.)
Acupuncture - There are SO many benefits of acupuncture! I initially went for stress relief but it has helped in all areas - relieving tension and increasing blood flow to sore muscles. It’s all about getting the energy to flow as it should and stimulates self-healing. It’s a great addition to a self-care plan!
Massage therapy - I wish I did this more often, but this is one thing that connects me with my body. I realize ‘oh, wow - my shoulders are tighter than I thought!’ A great way to unwind, relax and release tension.
CBT therapy - One of the oldest and most well-known therapy modalities - yet still very effective! Get it out with a trusted professional in order to connect the dots.
Trauma therapy - I wrote about this some in my blog post on wellness practices - but if you’re serious about healing old trauma, I highly recommend Splakna, EDMR, and Group therapy. These have been very helpful in processing experiences that were being held in my body. So grateful for these!
Float therapy - Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. You feel like you’re floating on air for an hour. It’s extremely relaxing - zero light or sound. Just pure relaxation! Some people are intimidated but you should definitely give it a try. It helps with body aches and pains, and SO many mental/emotional benefits.
Infrared sauna therapy - I’ve only done this a handful of times, but each time I leave wishing I did it more often. Not as hot as a regular sauna but provides all of the same benefits. (Check out this article on deciding which sauna is best for you.)
Proper Pillow - My chiropractor recommended this when I was healing my neck injury and I’ve loved it every since. It allows my head to rest in a neutral position and truly helps relieve tension. Give it try before you knock it!
BlanQuil - One of the best things to have during the winter months and Great for kids too!
23 and Me DNA Testing - I have yet to do this, but I know it has been super helpful in educating people about their health predispositions, genetic information that ties them to past family members, and more!
Coco Floss & Tongue Scrapper - Truly the best floss on the market! After reading about Glide floss being toxic - I decided to switch to the natural version. It has a great grip and really gets those flax and chia seeds out of tight places! Tongue scrapping is so invigorating, helps give you fresh breath and when you see the gunk that comes off your tongue, you’ll be a daily scrapper too!
Electric toothbrush - I’ve loved my Phillips Sonicare but I’ve heard great things about Quip as well!
Blue light glasses - By far one of the best purchases I’ve made! These are the best on the market - IMO. They help with regulating your circadian rhythms and reducing blue light exposure from screens - you will thank yourself in 20 years!
Lull mattress - By FAR the best purchase I made in 2019! It’s amazing how much difference a good mattress makes. We spend 1/3 of our life in bed - so it’s super important to invest in a quality mattress. There are several on the market right now that are popular. I loved that there was a 365 day trial and full-refund policy available with Lull. Easiest purchase ever! Highly recommend.
Daysy thermometer - After realizing the side effects of birth control, and noticing differences in my health with an IUD - I wanted to go all natural! The Daysy thermometor is a really great option. It is one of those things you have to be disciplined about and take your temp as soon as you wake up every morning in order for it to be accurate - but I think that’s definitley worth it to not have crazy hormonal side effects!
Doterra essential oils - Two words: life. savors. I was skeptical of these guys at first but they are the real deal. My go to scents: frankincense, lavender, Balance, peppermint, Neroli, lemon, OnGuard, DigestZen. They have so many physical and emtotional benefits, and are truly the best at-home medications. (these work on people differently, so be sure to test it out first!)
Bath salts - Instant relaxation! Great for increasing magnesium as well.
Bucky sleep mask - The lightest weight sleep mask that I’ve found. I love that it doesn’t press against your eyes either - it’s a must have if you travel a lot!
Dry brush -wonderful for exfoliating dry winter skin. It also helps detoxify by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage. Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also stimulates your nervous system, which can make you feel invigorated afterward.
Gua Sha & Jade roller - Gua Sha is meant to be an act of self-care by slowing down your breath and allowing yourself to rhythmically contour the face with your stone of choice to release muscle tension and activate the lymphatic system. The roller is just a much simpler concept and can be soothing with just a quick rolling technique to activate a little energy and flow to the skin.
Skin care products - Check out my Skin Health blog post for details on my go-to skin care products. Skin care is a great act of self-care and something I really find as a daily loving act towards myself.
Books - it’s so hard to choose, so here are a few that I’ve read recently that have been impactful on my life
ESV Study Bible - if I could own just one book, this would be IT. The words truly come alive on each page and I learn something new every time I read it. God’s word is alive and will always bless you. Study Bibles are the best way to get started so you can understand context and read commentary on each verse.
“Big Magic” - all about how you can get your creative mo-jo back and go after your creative goals!
“Keep Your Love On” - very much about boundaries and how Jesus views them. Danny Silk teaches Jesus–focused boundaries defined by mature love—love that stays ‘on’ no matter what. Transformed by relationships!
“Boundaries” - I whole-heartedly believe everyone should read this book even if you feel like you’re a master at boundaries, these are really strong principles for having healthy relationships.
“The Best Yes” -All about taking control of your life and actually living it!
“Tools of Titans” -interviews and tips with the most influential people in health, wellness, business. Great reference book, not meant to be read once or from front to back.
“Rhythm of Life” - book of spiritual principles and teach you how to live in sync with the rhythm of your life - great for going through a tough time or if you’re in transition.
“Present Over Perfect” - the title says it all - if you’ve struggled with perfectionism, it’s extremely beneficial
“Essentialism” - If you struggle with burn out or being overwhelmed this book will help you stay focused on only the essential, which will move you closer to your goals and help you live intentionally
Putting it all together!
As with any product or service that has claims to improve your health - I highly suggest that you try them out for yourself before you make any assumptions or judgement. And what works for me may not work for you in the same way. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!
A few years ago, I used to purchase things just because I saw ‘influencers’ promote it and ‘swear it was the best thing ever’! The purpose of this post is to provide insight into what I have found beneficial to my wellness journey. Some of these I still use and some of them I don’t but enjoyed during one part of my journey. **By no means am I saying for you to go out and try/use these items/services.
If you find them beneficial and offer you a little bit more insight into healing your body or providing you with tools that enhance your health, then that’s a plus! I hope you are able to decide what works best for you. If you have any questions at all, as always - don’t hesitate to reach out!
ENJOY!
In Good Health, GH
