PCOS: Iodine

I haven't given an update on my PCOS journey since January. One thing I've learned through all this is patience is a virtue. I wouldn't say I am Miss Instant Gratification, but waiting for a year to see a shift is enough to test anyone's patience.

My supplement regime has changed a little since I first started addressing PCOS from a holistic approach. I have added products from the Poliquin line, and still consistently work with Crystal Bold for my nutritional therapy sessions. One key product we found that was missing was Iodine. I was taking Iodine from the get-go; however, the amount was so far off from what I needed it wasn't doing me any good. I was taking around 5000 mcg (micrograms) a day when in reality I needed at least 50mg (milligrams) and have now increased my dose to 75mg a day. Do the math. I am taking Iodizyme-HP now to get the higher dose.

IODINE 101

Most Americans are deficient in a number of vitamins and minerals due to the processed food consumed, and women are naturally prone to iodine deficiencies. When women are under stress, the need for iodine can double or triple. Most women who have PCOS  are iodine deficient and have adrenal fatigue. Its been proven that low iodine levels cause ovarian cysts (PCOS), insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism (often misdiagnosed as insulin resistance) AND multiple miscarriages! Dr. Flechas has seen improvement with iodine and writes-- iodine deficiency may cause the ovaries to develop cysts, nodules and scar tissue. At its worse this ovarian pathology is very similar to that of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)...the patients have successfully been brought under control with the use of 50mg of iodine per day.

The more I read the more I am learning that PCOS cannot be cured, but the possibility of controlling it long term, simply by supplementing a mineral (iodine) that most have never considered supplementing is very exciting. Low levels of iodine mean your thyroid isn’t functioning properly. The thyroid helps balance hormones, regulate heartbeats, stabilize cholesterol, maintain weight control, encourage muscle growth, keep menstrual cycles regular, provide energy, and even helps you keep a positive mental attitude. I have noticed 1st hand a change in my mood since increasing my iodine.

It's been about a year since I really dove into learning and accepting I have PCOS. I can honestly say I am at a place today where I feel encouraged and see a shift in my body, mind, and spirit. I know managing weight and having kids someday may not be the easiest thing, but in the whole scheme of life, I am blessed beyond measure.

Whatever you are dealing with, I encourage you to stay the course, educate yourself, and keep on keeping on. Share what is happening in your life in the comments section below.

Relentless Traveler

Michel attends my Tu/Th 5:30am Level 2 boot camp at O.Henry. She's been out the past 2 weeks on her honeymoon in New Zealand!

She writes-- I represented Relentless at Cathedral Cove. It was a 45 minute hike to get there and it was worth every step.

There is nothing more rewarding then seeing my athletes staying active while traveling. How do you plan to represent Relentless during the upcoming travel months?

70.3

still waiting on his picture. View pics from 70.3 here.

Sean attends my Tu/Th 6:30am boot camp at O.Henry. He's been training with me for a year consistently and the hard work is paying off. He recently competed in the Memorial Hermann Half Ironman. Prior to the race, his training consisted of long bike runs on Saturday and Sunday along with boot camp.

Sean writes--
My nutrition was spot on! I shaved 50 minutes off of my time from my first one and was 14 minutes below my 'acceptable time'. I'm stoked. Thanks for all of your help. I didn't even train for the swim. I literally haven't swam since Oct. The crossfit sprint work we do takes the place of much of the training needed in my opinion. I also shaved 1 minute off the run keeping it under 2 hours! Thanks again for everything. I'll see ya in the morning!

I am so proud of Sean! He is another example of how CrossFit can get you in shape for your endurance events.

Hot Goddess

Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.- M. Scott Peck

Susan has been a client of mine for 4 years. Her continuous hard work clearly shows. Check out how great she looks in the picture above (she is on the left). HOT GODDESS. I challenge you to not use the excuse that you have too much going on to workout. Susan owns her own company yet still makes time 5 days per week to be up and working out at 5:30am.

I truly believe where your priorities are is where you will spend your time. Look at your life and ask yourself if you are spending time in areas that are the most benefit for you and your future.

Save NOW

30% SAVINGS through May 12th!

A little over a month ago I wrote about how I will be attending a BioSignature course in Rhode Island. Over the next 35 days I am accepting pre-scheduled BioSignature appointments at a 30% savings. After May 12th, the price for a BioSignature assessment jumps up to $100. If you are interested in taking advantage of the introductory price, then email me showoutmeg@gmail.com.

BioSignature goes beyond standard body fat testing and reveals your personalized blueprint for faster fat loss. It’s scientific SPOT REDUCTION!

• Melt down fat on your thighs and hips
• Tighten up belly flab and back fat
• Learn the secrets to long-term weight loss success
• Improve performance and strength rapidly

Find all details about your BioSignature assessment HERE.

Tropical Traditions

It is day 8 of my 12 day REFUEL cleanse. I'm feeling great and learning a lot about myself along the way. One thing that is for certain, I LOVE being out and about on the weekends and on patios. I had to find other things to occupy my time this weekend and it was a change of pace, but I made it through with flying colors. I finished an entire book Friday night and went for an hour long walk on Sunday. All in all-- a nice restful weekend.

I am learning more about environmental toxins through REFUEL. It was ironic Crystal talked to us about the topic on our 2nd meet up, because a little over a week ago I bought new soap and lotion that contains no chemicals. What I am learning is marketing does a hell of a job convincing us that a product is "good" for us when all in all it's doing the exact opposite.

Tropical Traditions is my go-to place for coconut oil. I decided to browse the site a bit more and came across some awesome soaps and lotions. I bought the following:

• Organic Virgin Coconut Oil bar soaps- LOVE!
• Baby Silk moisturizing lotion- LOVE! My skin already feels softer, and a scar I had on my knee has significantly faded.
• Aluminum-Free Virgin Coconut Oil deodorant- I've been using Arm & Hammer aluminum free but decided I would give this brand a try too. So far I like but will alternate back and forth with the Arm & Hammer brand too.

Next on my list is ordering the skin exfoliators. They were on back order when I placed my original order. 

I am really diving into learning more about environmental toxins. From our water, to our household cleaning materials, to our toothpaste, to body wash. There are many alternatives to choose from versus what is in the supermarket. As I try new products I will fill you in on my thoughts.

What steps can you take today to cleanse your body of toxins?

Leeks

I am on day 3 of my 12 day REFUEL cleanse with Coach Crystal Bold. It's going great and nothing has been too extreme or crazy for me. I have no doubt it helped that I weened myself off caffeine the past 3 weeks so now going completely caffeine free is not bad at all. The biggest challenge I have run into is learning to cook a few new vegetables-- beets and artichokes to be exact. Overall, the meals are right in line with how I eat through out the week. I am loading up on green leafy vegetables; adding beets, leeks, and artichokes to my diet; making sure all vegetables are organic, and all meat/fish is grass-fed or wild. Fats are limited to avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil. Lastly, all meals are to be cooked at home and no alcohol. Besides learning to cook a few new vegetables, not being able to go out to eat this weekend or grab a drink will be my biggest challenge, but let's be serious, for 12 days anyone can do anything.

My next few posts will provide information on some of my food choices and why they are healthy for you. Today is all about Leeks!

I found amazing tasting leeks at the Farmer's Market this past Saturday. I simply cut them up and add them to the skillet with whatever meat I am cooking. I literally have cooked the entire stalk. I actually prefer them to onions because they're not as strong and pungent and have a slight sweet taste to them. Delish!

5 Benefits of Leeks:

1. Protects the linings of blood vessels
2. Helps cleanse the liver
3. Provides folate
4. Functions as an antioxidant
5. Decreases risk of anti-inflammatory diseases

Relentless

Same purpose, same name, new look. I love our new logo!!!

Relentless: showing or promising no abatement. Intensity, strength, or pace. Unyielding or determined. See also: indomitable will. To be a Relentless Athlete means that you are willing to put in the work to get the results you desire. Relentless is a lifestyle. Relentless is a daily choice in your training, your work, your relationships, your life. It doesn't matter what your level of fitness or experience level is - this program will give you the opportunity to become RELENTLESS.

Take part in our upcoming Garage Gym Throwdown series to find out what it means to be Relentless. Urban Run kicks off on April 2oth. Details HERE. Secure your spot before it sells out.