VISUALIZATION: See It. Believe It. Live It.

Do you TRAIN YOUR BRAIN?!

Hey Friends,

Most of you are probably reading this because you saw the INSTAGRAM POST of me side stage at one of my recent shows practicing VISUALIZATION and of course PRAYER & GRATITUDE.
Taking a moment to say THANKS GOD and visualizing what I want to happen has been such a game changer for me as I've evolved from an amateur in the NPC to a professional athlete in the IFBB.

Most of what I really have to say about VISUALIZATION can be found within my Instagram caption, so I'll copy and paste it for you below in case you found my blog another way. But I wanted to elaborate on VISUALIZATION and give you some links on the topic that may help you learn more about it and learn how to do it.

If we are friends on the gram you know I've been mentioning a new form of "therapy" I'm doing.
You can read a little about it HERE if you missed my post a couple weeks ago.

In short ... I've been seeing a "guided meditation coach" - "spiritual guru" - "spiritual consultant" -  (whatever you want to call her but she also has pretty crazy channeling/psychic abilities) ... as part of my quest to overcome some depression I've been experiencing for some time, find inner peace/clarity, find/live my life purpose and just be a BETTER human being in general!

Many of you have asked me for her contact information. Seeing her as part of a series of sessions is ideal - I am doing the 6 week Chakra Balance Sessions which include lots of other stuff within them - but I do believe that even one session with her can be beneficial if you are just in town visiting and she also does Skype!

Is it working? I honestly don't know. I've only seen her a couple of times. But I can tell you that she truthfully has been a breath of fresh air in my life. Do I feel more "balanced" .. I mean I feel more hopeful. Part of doing this type of "therapy" is BELIEVING IN IT. If you read my Insta Post you know I'm a sceptic when it comes to this stuff. But I'm trying to open my heart and mind and encourage you to do the same! Look into it! It certainly can't hurt and is cheaper than a psychologist!

Happy Visualizing and all the GOOD JUJU ...
Stacy

INSTAGRAM CAPTION ABOUT VISUALIZATION
Do you TRAIN YOUR MIND as much as you train your body? I love this video. A friend captured me side stage at Omaha in “my moment” .. Visualizing my routine, the outcome I’d love to see and also saying my THANKS to GOD for giving me ABILITY.
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Let’s talk about VISUALIZATION. I’ve been doing it for a LONG time. I’m not great at it because my mind goes in ten thousand directions and I am especially not good at it in the EXACT way my spiritual guidance/guru lady wants me to do it.
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What is visualization? Essentially it’s just concentrated dreaming. It’s constructing life from a space inside our brains. Everything we do begin as a thought and exists first in our imagination.
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The ability to see things before they actually happen is what enables us to pursue our dreams and ultimately achieve them. The better we visualize the way we want it to happen … the better our chances are at it actually happening. NOT because it’s magic though. Keep reading :-)
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There is actually lots of science behind it and successful people all over the world use visualization to spawn dreams into reality.
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Can you just VISUALIZE what you want (success, money, winning a competition, etc) and it just happen?? NO WAY! I think it’s hilarious when people are like … oh I visualized it … I affirmed it .. I wrote it down and put it under my pillow … and IT HAPPENED.
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NO .. unless they were practicing visualization on the regular .. they just got lucky. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve written down what I WANT and it NOT happen (and I practice visualization.) Energy is an amazing thing .. but it doesn’t work that way.
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YOU HAVE TO PUT OUT INTO THE UNIVERSE WHAT IT IS YOU ARE VISUALIZING. You have to be PROACTIVE and DO THE WORK that is required to support your goals. You have to believe what your are seeing CAN HAPPEN.
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Visualization isn’t magic … it’s simply another TOOL in your mental game tool box.  So why does it work?! Because ENERGY GOES WHERE ENERGY FLOWS!!
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Visualization
*Builds Courage: When you’ve already envisioned the scenario, the real thing will feel familiar and much more feasible. It will be as if you’ve done it before because in your brain …you have.
*Combats Negative Thoughts: During a visualization session, you get to live out your dreams despite what others say. It’s an effective way to battle that negative voice inside your own head, too.
*Helps with Self Belief: Truly believing we an achieve what we have our hearts sets on gives us HOPE and MUST HAVE HOPE. When we lose hope … we’ve already lost.

WEBPAGES THAT MAY HELP YOU WITH VISUALIZATION:
https://litemind.com/how-to-develop-visualization-skill/
http://www.thelawofattraction.com/visualize-secret-visualization-really/


VEGAS SPIRITUAL CONSULTANT I USE
SOCORRO - SPIRITUAL MEDITATION

SUPPLEMENTS I SUGGEST FOR ANXIETY
Quality CBD that is PURE, TESTED and TRUSTED.

In the right method and dosage this natural "medicine" can be LIFE CHANGING for those with anxiety!

PLEASE READ THESE BLOGS for more information....

Healed Not High
Consumer Confusion

AFTER you have read them .. if you have any other questions you an EMAIL me!

As mentioned in the blogs... there are very few companies (that can ship to you) that I have researched and use and TRUST! Currently I'm only using THIS COMPANY. I'm sure there are other great CBD companies out there but it is up to YOU to do your SOLID RESEARCH and ask MANY MANY MANY questions.

I would NEVER just pick up some CBD at a health store and ASSUME it's "quality". You want to research the ACTUAL COMPANY before you purchase!

I've done the homework for you and promise these two companies are great.
If you choose to venture out and use another company PLEASE look into them and ask TONS of questions. With the popularity of CBD the con artists are out in FULL FORCE. They are not only using misleading verbiage to make you THINK that a hemp product is CBD (explained in full HERE) .. but even worse many are selling basically coconut oil with no true CBD in it and/or CBD that is potentially contaminated and from shady sources, etc.

Adrenal Fatigue: The Reason I {almost} Quit Coffee

{Me ... just over four weeks ago}

I am not even sure how I can concentrate enough to write this blog post.

I can't focus.
I have a headache.
I keep zoning out.
My ADD is off the charts.
I'm a little moody.
Okay I'm a lot moody ... I cried for NO reason yesterday .. twice.

Why? CAFFEINE WITHDRAWALS!!!!
(The withdrawal symptoms got better after a couple days thanks to THIS product. Keep reading.)

My name is Stacy.
I am a coffee addict.
I am on DAY THREE of a "caffeine cut" in an attempt to give my adrenal glands a little break/restore. ((More on the Adrenal Restore product I'm using a little further down... keep reading.))

Firt things first ... I have not totally cut out caffeine. I just can't. But I have cut it DRASTICALLY!!

A couple times a year I do something called an ADRENAL RESTORE cycle. Every time I've done it in the past I've had ALL the coffee I usually have daily and just cut out pre-workout.
Not this time. I'm doing it right. Well almost right. Right would be cutting out caffeine 100% .. but I seriously couldn't do that. But I was pretty darn close!

So how much caffeine did I cut out? ALMOST all. A typical morning for me consisted of 30 ounces of coffee every morning.  During the cut, I did 3/4 deaf and the rest regular. So guessing I got 50-75 of caffeine (max) ... that is a BIG difference compared to what I was getting before!

I also would have a late afternoon coffee pick-me-up about 1-2 hours before training. It was usually another 20oz thermos. During the cut, instead of that 2nd thermos, I had either Green Tea, a Vital Proteins Collagen Matcha Latte, mushroom coffee, mushroom elixirs, or some other hot tea. That varied from either ZERO to 60mg of caffeine in the afternoon.

I have also cut out ALL stimulant based pre-workout. I actually did that a LONG time ago. Somewhere around Olympia. So from October until this "cut" .. I had stopped having stimulant pre-workout DAILY and would only take a stimulant pre-workout AS NEEDED (this is the one I use.) Instead, I used a NON-STIMULANT pre-workout like THIS one or THIS one. So I simply continued doing that (never taking the stimulant one) during the Adrenal reset.

WAIT A SECOND! REWIND! Did I said MUSHROOMS in the paragraph above? Yes, I did and I'm not talking about the kind we like to put in salads or stir fry, ha!

Wanna know more about MUSHROOM COFFEE and MUSHROOM ELIXIRS -- CLICK HERE.

These products deserved a blog of their own! So make sure you CHECK IT OUT after you read this so that you can determine if they are something you may be interested in!

I'm blown away by them and am now doing a TON of research on ALL KINDS of Adaptogens .. not just shroomz!

Ok...back to caffeine and ADRENAL RESTORE (the product I'm used to re-set my adrenals.)

WHY is it important to do an Adrenal Reset?

The adrenal glands are responsible for regulating the production of over 50 different hormones, most importantly adrenaline, cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and testosterone.

Physical things like overtraining, and mental things like nerves, general stress, chronic anxiety, and other external stressors can cause adrenal function to become impaired. This causes the balance of adrenal hormones to shift and excess cortisol begins to be released into the system.

Over time the adrenals become taxed and worn down, leading to a group of symptoms that have collectively come to be known as adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue includes, but is not limited to: being tired for no reason, feeling rundown and overwhelmed, having trouble getting up in the morning even though you’ve had a full night’s sleep, sweet and salty cravings, difficulty recovering from illness, heavy dependence on caffeine and energy products just to function and not really feeling the kick from them anymore.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way and with a steady treatment and a little break from some of the stressors, adrenal function can be fully restored.

HOW do I do it?
I use a product called ADRENAL RESTORE. It is amazing! I try to do this two times a year. At the END of contest season and then again JUST BEFORE prep starts. No real reason for the timing. It's just easy to remember. You can do it ANYTIME and the most effective time would be when you FEEL like you need it! That is pretty easy to determine. Is your coffee not giving you the energy it once did? Do you find yourself needing more? How about pre-workout .. does it just not give you the same effect? Those are all signs that your adrenals aren't functioning properly.

When our adrenals aren't optimal our bodies aren't functioning properly! Andrenal Restore™ brings together a potent complex of vitamins and herbs that have been proven to treat adrenal fatigue at its origin, not just mask the symptoms. The potent ingredients of Adrenal Restore have been shown to help reduce physical and mental stress, minimize caffeine headaches, reduce cortisol levels to help minimize fat storage and optimize natural energy levels. At the same time, the ingredients of this powerful formula come together to aid in the production and release of adrenal hormones back into the body. Defeat stress and minimize cortisol production with Adrenal Restore. *

FAST FORWARD TO THE END OF MY ADRENAL RESET.

The headaches and brain fog went away after about 3 days. After a few days, I also didn't notice much of a difference as far as energy levels being lower! However, I did notice that I was sleepier when it was time to go to bed, which is a perk for me since I suffer from Insomnia. I credit the withdrawal symptoms going away because of ADRENAL RESTORE!! The ingredients in this product help with the "caffeine headaches" and "brain fog" that often comes with doing a caffeine cut!

The plan WAS to go back to my regular caffeine consumption after 4 weeks. While I've gone back to much higher levels of caffeine ... I'm still not having as much as I used to! In using the adaptogens listed on THIS blog ... I don't really need to!

I did start incorporating my stimulant pre-workout back in (MegaWatt V2) on the days I feel like I need the extra push! And the best part .. IT WORKS AGAIN! My adrenals were so taxed that even pre-workout didn't really do much! Now I remember HOW GREAT it can be to give you that little extra push to train harder/longer!

Okay .. so that is my story. I wanna know YOUR STORY!
Have you had success in cutting caffeine? If so, tell me what you did!
Are you SCARED to try cutting out caffeine? If so, why?
Jump over to my Instagram page and let's chat about it!!

As always if you have questions about Adrenal Restore or any 1stPhorm product ... send me an EMAIL!

You can always get FREE FAST SHIPPING and 110% money back guarantee by using my link: www.1stphorm.com/stacy.

XoXo,
Stacy


**Some products and links may be AFFILIATE links. Meaning I may or may not recieve commission or product as part of a sponsorship or affiliation with the company. But please know that any product I post about I use and stand by.**

Merry FITmas: 2017 Fitness Lovers Gift Guide

Hello Fit Fam ..

It is the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is coming!! Which means it's time for another installment of my MERRY FITMAS GIFT GUIDE!!

Each year I put together some of my favorite fitness finds and products that I know the fitness lover in your life would love to see under the tree!

Make sure to watch my Instagram Story as we get closer to Santa coming! Many of these companies have great sales and I may or may not be doing a giveaway or two as well!

Happy Gifting :)
Stacy

#1 - Athletic Apparel (i.e. - Anything except jeans, lol! Gym clothes, cute lounge clothes, leggings, sweatshirts, tank tops, etc.)

There are endless brands out there. Of course there are the obvious ones like Nike, Athleta, Lululemon, etc. But I suggest that you branch out and support smaller businesses!

My favorite is FOXY ATHLETICS! They just released the brand new Carla II leggings in FOUR color combos! So whether you go with the classics or the new ones .. you can't lose! These are comfortable, pass the squat test and have pocket(s) that hold your cell phone (in case) snug and in place!

You can use my code STACY to get FREE 2 DAY SHIPPING!!! Perfect for all y'all that are waiting until the last moment! Sizes are true to size and compression style! If it helps .. I am an XS.

If your fitness lover is a fan of 1st Phorm they have TONS of great apparel including leggings that were designed by ..... FOXY ATHLETICS! For 1st Phorm you can use my link for FAST FREE SHIPPING! www.1stphorm.com/stacy

#2 - Supplements
This stuff can get expensive so I can guarantee that nobody is gonna complain about getting a nice supply of protein powder, pre-workout, etc.

My GO TO every single day "fitness supplements" are by 1st Phorm. I've been using this company for over 4 years because it not only tastes the best .. but QUALITY!! Most companies go whatever route is CHEAPEST. Not 1st Phorm. They use low temperature processing on their products and because of that you get what the label says but also you get a product that does not cause ANY stomach problems!!! My supplements change based on what phase of training I am in. But my supply consists mainly of ...  Level 1 Protein, Phormula-1 Protein, Ignition, BCAAS, MicroFactor Vitamin Pack, MegaWatt, AlphaCre, Creatine, Glutamine, GDA and any of the sleep aids (C-21 and Night T are my faves.) But there are so many others!!! PLEASE EMAIL ME and let me help customize! What I need may not be what our loved one needs! Use www.1stphorm.com/stacy every time you order for no minimum FREE SHIPPING and 110% money back guarantee if for some reason you aren't happy with your purchase!!!!

The other company I use is VITAL PROTEINS. If you want to learn more about how I am becoming healthier and healing my gut with COLLAGEN products. Check out THIS blog!

I personally use the COLLAGEN BEEF GELATIN and COLLAGEN BONE BROTH POWDER the most (daily.) Then on occasion I'll have the Collagen Peptides, Collagen Whey, Collagen Creamers and Collagen Matcha!  I also LOVE the Beauty Boost daily vitamin!

If you have heard your loved one say they have gut issues (bloat/gas/etc), that they want healthier skin, hair or nails, have bad joints, have issues recovering from workouts, or simply say they want to try VP products .. most people start with the Collagen Peptides because they are most versatile. But it really depends! Feel free to shoot me an email and I'll help you order! If you don't mind .. use my LINK to order! They are hyper linked! But if you ever need it just DM me on the gram or email me!
You do get FREE US Shipping when you use it

For digestive enzymes I use GAINS IN BULK

#3 - Mobility Tools
We can't afford to get massages or body work every day .. but THIS IS THE NEXT BEST THING!
These mobility tools have changed my life!!

They are called RAD ROLLER. Guys I'm telling you .. this IS NOT your standard roller, etc. This company has really thought about human anatomy and the way our body works to bring THE BEST mobility tools on the market (in my opinion and MANY others that have purchased/used.)

I suggest investing in the entire kit . But my favorites are the ATOM, Helix, Roller Original (blue) and ALL of the rad rounds. The "block" also comes in REALLY handy! Hit me up and I'll tell you how to use them and you can use code StacyM at checkout for a big discount!

Oh and did I mention everything is so small it fits in your gym bag?!? Yup .. I take these with me everywhere! Even when I travel!

Make this present extra special by adding a Gift Certificate for some real deal Body Work and/or a massage. Here are my favorite peeps in Las Vegas in case that is where you live!

Fixed By KG (body work)
Kinetic Bodywork - Kevin Buechter (massage)

#4 - Gym Bag Essentials (This is really like 10 things categorized under one)
My gym bag has a gym inside of it, lol. There are so many things that can make your gym experience better and often many things a gym-goer NEEDS in their gym bag.
Here are a few things I think are ESSENTIAL

Versa Grips - Can NOT do an upper body or deadlift day without these!
Weight Belt - (got mine on amazon but I'm hoping Santa brings me a Cardillo)
Bands - (The X Bands, Gains In Bulk, sling shot and Arsenal are my faves.)
Ankle Weights (the kind that wrap around your ankle. They even have them at TJ Maxx usually)
Ankle Straps -  I ONLY use IPR Fitness. This brand is THE BEST! Get em on Amazon!
Squat Sponge - I got mine through Gains In Bulk. But IRP also has a great one that I'm getting next!
Jump Rope
Battle Ropes
Sliders

#5 - Meal/Gym Bag
6 pack, FitMark, etc. There are endless companies and endless styles.
I like the backpack and tote from 6 pack bags the best! I don't have a code buy lots of my FITFAM does. So hit me up if you can't find one and I'll get ya one!

#6 - Fitness Tracker/Smart Watch
I have an Apple Watch and love it! I had a FITBIT originally and loved it just as much! Style will depend on what type of workouts an lifestyle/needs your fitness lover has!

#7 - Meal Prep Company
Sometimes the most challenging part of living this lifestyle is .. meal prep. I enjoy making my own foods, but I'm not gonna lie, it would be helpful to AT LEAST have bulk meats sent to me in the mail! Some people would love to have ENTIRE meals. Whatever your fitness lover would prefer .. there is a meal prep company out there that offers it! Why not buy them 3 months, 6 months, 12 months of "meal prep". It's the gift that keeps giving .. especially someone who is pressed for time!
You can contact the meal prep companies to see about how you would go about this. Google for ones in YOUR town .. but here are a few popular ones that deliver nationwide. Feel free to search on Instagram for discount codes from athletes. If you can't find one hit me up and I'll get ya one!

#8 - Meal Prep Gadgets
Can't afford to buy people catered meals?! There are TONS of gadgets that will make meal prep easier! Here are a few of my favorites!!

- Quality Cookwear
- Waffle Maker (invest in a good one. I got mine on amazon)
- Ninja or other QUALITY blender/extractor (I just upgraded to the Vitamix 7500 and LOVE IT.)
- Spiralizer (don't get a cheapo one .. splurge for a nicer one .. it's Christmas.)
- Air Fryer (This has CHANGED MY LIFE. I got mine for 99 bucks on QVC.) That is a hyper link that takes you to the BRAND I purchased. This is just an UPGRADED one that looks to be even better than mine .. that they have on sale for 99 bucks right now!
- Crock Pot/Insta Pot (InstaPot is on my xmas list since it's both a slow cooker and pressure cooker.)

#9 - LuMee Phone Case
I bet your swolemate or fit friend loves taking selfies :) Then get them this case so they can always be in the best light!

#10 - Coach/Trainer/Gym or Class Membership
This is something they are gonna pay for anyway and it can be a big expense.
This is another "gift that keeps giving." But this is NOT just for competitors. SO MANY people are LOST when it comes to "getting started." I don't do this kind of coaching, but my coach and his team offers contest prep and LIFESTYLE clients! They are based in Arizona but have clients all over the world! The are called The Pro Physiques and you can check them out HERE. Make sure and tell them I sent you!

If you are in Vegas I suggest CITY ATHLETIC CLUB for a gym (If you need a trainer I can help you find one at City.)

For GROUP FITNESS in Vegas I suggest THE RIDE. I've discovered a new obsession... I actually LOVE spin class (well this one.) Hoping Santa gets me some classes!!! 

I also recently discovered the phone app AAPTIV. For $99 bucks a year you literally get ENDLESS guided workouts, walks, runs, cardio, yoga, meditation, stretching - even training for marathons!
So far I've only used it for guided jogs, stretching and meditation. But I LOVE IT!! This would be GREAT for someone who just wants some new ideas or needs some help with structured workouts (many can be done at home with no equipment.)

#11- Fitness/Motivational Books or Magazines
I don''t really have any favorite books. But ANY of the fitnes magazines would be a great little stocking stuffer!  Oh and your girl is gonna be featured in the Feb issue of FLEX MAGAZINE!!!
So isn't that reason alone to get a subscription, haha! 

#12 - Home Gym Equipment
Got space? Your a fitness lover that is asking Santa for booty gains? It may be on the pricier end .. but trust me on this one. THE GLUTE BUILDER.
Email me if you are serious and I'll get you in contact with distribution!

If you have a cardio queen on your hands ... search wholesale gym equipment places, craigslist, sporting goods sales, etc. for a treadmill, arc trainer, eliptical, stepper, etc.

Space saving barbell/dumbbells

FULL set of Workout Bands - there are tons of PKG Deals on The X Bands site.

Kettlebells

Pull Up Bar

Yoga Mat

FULL Rad Kit (mentioned in detail above) *code: StacyM*

Any of the other "gym bag" items listed above (sliders, grips, ankle weights, jump rope, etc)

#13 - Competition Suits, Bling and POSING COACHING
If you have a competitor in your life you could take some of the stress away with a Gift Card for a new stage suit, shoes and/or bling!

My favorite is  CJ's Elite and I get all my bling and shoes from GLAM Competition Jewelry . Keep an eye on their Instagram Pages. They always have holiday sales! In fact I just saw them post on 12/8 they are doing 50% OFF Gift Cards!

As for POSING COACHING - I offer this! If you are interested in my pricing just shoot me and email and I'll send it over! For a Christmas gift I'll email you a personal video you can email them that is personalized from ME telling them Merry Christmas and what they are getting!

#14 - The Gift of HEALTH
If you now me at all .. you know that CBD has changed my life. If not .. check out THIS blog I did called HEALED NOT HIGH.

Even if your special someone doesn't have any kind of auto-immune (or other condition) that CBD helps with ... CBD is wonderful for EVERYONE and especially athletes! Right now THIS is the company that I feel comfortable suggesting and that I PERSONALLY USE!

There are so many other things I could think of. But these are my Top picks for now!

Merry CHRISTmas
Stacy


**Some products and links may be AFFILIATE links. Meaning I may or may not recieve commission or product as part of a sponsorship or affiliation with the company. But please know that any product I post about I use and stand by.**

Pot For Pets - How CBD Is Helping My Fur Family

CBD isn't only for humans.

CBD is also healing for our four legged friends

Okay ignore the title. DO NOT GIVE YOUR FUR BABIES POT!!! The journalist in me just makes me a sucker for a good play on words, ha!

It's not really POT that is healing my senior cat at all. It's a chemical component within marijuana (well actually HEMP in this case) that is helping my fur child and may help yours too!

Of course I'm talking about CBD.

I did a very long blog with all the details explaining the difference in THC and CBD, the difference in CBD extracted from the HEMP PLANT .vs. the CANNABIS PLANT, etc. Please check it out if you want to know more in depth detail.

For those that don't want to read a long blog .. here are a few very brief bullet points to clarify A FEW of the biggest confusions when it comes to CBD, how it differs from THC, how Hemp is different than Marijuana, etc.

• BOTH plants (hemp and marijuana) can make/produce CBD products (like oils, drops, tinctures, balms, vapes, etc.)
• This is not a "one and done" type treatment. It's like a flower that needs watering daily. You can't try it once, use it here and there, or use it a short time and be like .. well forget it .. it didn't work. Or even more .. you can't use it ONE day and get benefits the next day. This is something you will need to take and keep taking to see the benefits. You also may need to play with your dosage and the WAY you use CBD (drops, vapes, etc.)
• CBD (short for cannabidiol) acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system, creating physical changes in the body, which can be beneficial in MANY ways.
• CBD is only ONE of the components of the Marijuana and Hemp Plant. There are actually 60+ compounds in the plants. But let's be clear..... CBD is not THC. THC is a separate component of the plant.
• Both Marijuana and Hemp plants actually have THC. But they differ in the levels of naturally occurring THC that they contain. Hemp pants are naturally high in CBD and VERY low in THC. The reverse is true of marijuana plants. The are HIGH in THC. Hemp plants contain only about 0.3% – 1.5% THC. Marijuana plants contain 5% – 10% or more THC.
  This means that the levels of THC and CBD will be different in a CBD product pending if you get CBD produced from marijuana or hemp. If you get CBD from a marijuana plant it CAN have higher levels of THC (but you can get low thc/high cbd that is still derived from marijuana.) But if you get CBD from a HEMP plant it will have very low legal amounts (some even zero) levels of THC (making it legal in all 50 states)
• THC (in higher doses) can make you high. But CBD DOES NOT MAKE YOU HIGH.
  Even CBD sourced from cannabis that has very LOW levels of THC .. will not make you high. Interestingly, research has shown that CBD acts to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, separating hemp further from marijuana.
• You can only get Marijuana based CBD from a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in a state where it is LEGAL. But ... HEMP CBD is legal in all 50 states and available for purchase (and cab be shipped) from MANY companies! Please read more about this below because YOU MUST BE CAREFUL where you purchase hemp based CB!!! ALL CBD IS NOT EQUAL and many companies are BOGUS and dare I say even DANGEROUS!! This industry (just like the supplement industry) .. is NOT regulated! So you MUST USE CAUTION!

Now on to the real point of THIS blog entry...... Pot (cbd) for PETS.

This is my senior cat Hildi (and an OLD pic of us.)
She is 13 years old and has some unknown medical conditions.

Every "symptom" pointed to her thyroid but blood tests say she is all good in that department.

She is showing some very early signs of kidney disease and our vet also believes she has a gastro condition.
So for about 2 months now she has been on a VERY strict veterinary diet where she can ONLY have some rare proteins and very specific food(s).

With the diet alone, the only thing I noticed was she has seemed to gain weight and hasn't had any "flair ups" (she would get these every few months where she hid in the closet, wouldn't eat, was so frail and weak.)

But her vomiting and LOUD HOWLING (mainly post eating and all throughout the night) continued. What causes the howling? Not sure yet. It could be numerous things.. possibly high blood pressure or just the fact that she is old and may have dementia. We aren't sure yet.

I asked my vet about CBD. But because it's not "approved" by the FDA and not much research has been done when it comes to cats/dogs and CBD ... she could not recommend it.

However she said she wasn't opposed to me trying it either. So I decided to give it a go.

I discovered a company that has a line for pets. I did research, exchanged numerous emails and had numerous phone calls with the team (including the CEO.) I asked SO MANY questions and after a couple weeks I decided this company was a great fit for my fur family. The company that I CURRENTLY USE for ME doesn't have a pet line. But it's this one.



We started Hilid on THESE drops.

I give her 1/4 a dropper every morning when I take my drops (THIS is the one I've been taking.) After about a week ... I increased her dose to another 1/4 dropper about 5 hours later and on occasion I'll give her more before bed.

I'm happy to report that since using this CBD she has only vomited ONE TIME and her howling has been cut down by I'd say a good 80%!!

Annnnnd guess what?! Hildi isn't the only member of my fur fam that gets CBD.

My dog Stella gets CBD treats almost every day too!

Stella is only 6 years old and doesn't have ANY medical conditions (thank you Jesus) .. but that doesn't mean that CBD isn't good for her!

She often suffers from a little anxiety (especially if we are going on car rides.) I tested this out when running errands on two different occasions and she had ZERO panting (what she usually does) and was calm and happy as can be!

If you are a skeptic .. just google "CBD and Pets" and you will see NUMEROUS heart wrenching stories from people who had dogs and cats with a wide range of health issues (including cancer) who claim their pet was much better (and some people even claim "cured") by using CBD!

CBD is natural and it has literally SAVED ME! So, as long as I TRUST THE SOURCE, then there is no reason NOT to give it to EVERY member of my family!

Key words there ... TRUST THE SOURCE. I've preached this time after time but the hemp industry is NOT regulated. With it's sudden popularity there are probably more BOGUS companies out there than LEGIT ones. If you don't choose to use the companies that I suggest below .. please do your own research. I give some tips on how to do that in THIS blog. 

For now .. this is the only hemp based that I will recommend for my fur family. I know there are
A LOT more .. but if it's not broke?! Right?! haha! You can also check at your VET OFFICE. I've seen MANY carrying CBD products and I would trust that if THEY trust the brand you probably can too!

Urbal Activ 

There is a Urbal Activ code that gets you 10% off EVERY SINGLE ORDER (not just your 1st order). It is CBD10 .. so use it at check out each time and save money!

As always .... feel free to EMAIL ME or comment here on this post with any questions. I'm happy to help you or if I can't .. I'm happy to point you to someone that can!

** I am not a doctor. I am not an expert. I am not licensed. All information in this blog is based on my PERSONAL opinion and PERSONAL experience using CBD. I am not responsible for anything you all choose to do when it comes to THC, CBD, etc.**

**Some products and links may be AFFILIATE links. Meaning I may or may not recieve commission or product as part of a sponsorship or affiliation with the company. But please know that any product I post about I use 
and stand by.**

Healing My Gut: The OTHER Biotic

*25% active coupon code for product mentioned at end of blog*

Hey Friends,

Today I want to talk a little bit about an often ignored (but very important) "biotic". It's probably ignored because it's actually pretty new in the sense that the term wasn't coined until 1995.

Everyone seems to know about and/or take Probiotics, but what about Prebiotics? I never thought about taking Prebiotics until I stumbled upon some research a while back. Not only did research and science point out that we could ALL benefit from this form of soluble fiber, but it is ESPECIALLY beneficial for those of us with any kind of Gluten/Wheat intolerance! Because of that I have added a specific brand to my DAILY regime.

Before I tell you what brand I have found to be the best, let me explain a little bit about what role Prebiotics play in gut health (and overall health) and why I think we all need to be taking them!

Many people often group probiotics and prebiotics into the same category and while they do work together wonderfully... they are far from the same. In fact, they are VERY different!!

Probiotics are living bacteria and yeast that live in the intestinal track. This good bacteria helps balance out the bad bacteria in the digestive system. You can ingest probiotics from both foods and supplements. Some probiotic foods include: Yogurt, Kefir, Miso and fermented foods such as Sauerkraut, Tempeh and Kimchi.

BUT all by themselves, Probiotics have a limited effect because they are easily destroyed. In order to live, they need something to feed on. That is where PREBIOTICS come into play!

Prebiotics are not live. They are a form of fiber. Think of prebiotics as kind of like fertilizer for probiotics! They allow probiotics to do their work. So if you are taking Probiotics .. but NOT prebiotics .. you aren't really reaping all the digestive rewards! You can ingest prebiotics from both foods and supplements. Some prebiotic foods include: Chicory root, Wheat Products (like Jerusalem) Leeks, Garlic, Artichoke, Peas, Berries, Bananas, Kiwi.

Here is a much more in depth article I highly encourage you to read about the difference between the two and how they work together. It goes into so much detail and is very educational!

Little note on foods. Can you get a good dose of Probiotics and Prebiotics from food alone? The simple answer is yes: the foods mentioned (and many more) all contain various amounts of pre and probiotics. But unfortunately, most people find ingesting enough of these foods difficult, if not impossible, to get the beneficial daily requirements.

Another important note for those that "track" foods. The "fiber" count you see in apps like My Fitness Pal doesn't differentiate between soluble or insoluble fiber. It just lists it as "dietary fiber". So unless you know your foods REALLY well .. you don't really know if you are getting the right amounts of each! So, what is the difference in these two types of fibers? Read THIS article. It has every fiber explanation you could ever need!

Also, for those of us that cannot eat wheat products (where you can get lots of prebiotics), practice a low fod-map diet, or maybe those simply trying to cut calories, supplementing with both pre and probiotis is PERFECT! For me, not only can I not eat wheat due to having Celiac Disease, I don't want to GUESS if I'm getting the RIGHT amount of Prebiotics and Probiotics each day. I'd rather take supplements and KNOW!

I talked on Instagram about the Probiotic I've been taking for about 4-5 months now. I've tried SO MANY brands in the past and 99% of them caused me way too much bloat and gas to even try to continue. The brand I mention in THIS post is the only Probiotic that has NOT caused me discomfort. One of the reasons I'm taking this brand is because it also is a digestive enzyme. So it saves me money because I don't have to buy them separately. That said, I want to add that I haven't really noticed any POSITIVE results from taking this particular brand. Nothing negative .. but nothing positive either. Now that I am in a little mini "off season" from any upcoming shows I am going to try a brand that my doctor has prescribed me. Yes, prescribed. This particular brand requires doctor supervision. It's VERY expensive so I am hesitant to try it, but now that I am almost out of the brand I've been using, I'm going to give it a go for a month or so. I'll do this without any digestive enzyme at first, then add in a digestive enzyme after 4 weeks. If I don't notice improvement (or things remain the same as they did when I took the Gains In Bulk brand) .. I'll just go back to that brand .. as it is much more cost effective! I'll keep you updated on my Instagram and on here!

Like Probiotics, there are so many brands/types of Prebiotics out there. I did a TON of research before I decided on using the Prebiotin brand. The BEST part about PreBiotin Prebiotics (aside from quality, source, etc.) is that it tastes like sugar/stevia!! So you can add it to food or beverages! If you follow me on Instagram and watch my Insta Stories, this is what you see on top of most my food that looks like "white powder". I add it to my breakfast, oatmeal, sweet potato, protein ice cream, coffee, etc. Another reason I like this brand is that other Prebiotic supplements on the market contain only the fibers that fertilize one side of the colon — not both. The Prebiotin brand is said to give your body the nutrients it needs to nourish all of the bacteria in your gut, not just part of it.

I ALWAYS stagger when I try new products. You should do this because starting ONE new thing at a time is the only way to really know what is working and what is NOT. I started taking the Prebiotin after I was already feeling better from taking CBD (you can read thad CBD blog HERE.) Because of that, I'm not sure how much the Prebiotin by itself is helping with bowel regularity, bloat, etc. But as I said in the CBD post .. CBD was NOT helping with my bowel movements (nor was it expected to.)

So, is the Prebiotin Prebiotic helping with the regularity aspect of my gut? Yes .. I do think it is! I've not been taking it very long and I'm still finding MY perfect dosage. Either way, after doing lots of research I'm certain THIS is the brand to use and it is worth taking not only for gut health, but Prebiotin is also great for strengthening your immune system, better absorption of calcium, weight management and many more scientifically validated structure/function claims.

So, like Probiotics, I'm NOT going to STOP taking Prebiotin Prebiotics. Especially since they work together to bring the BEST possible gut health support! Keep in mind that sometimes we don't really "notice" the positive effects supplements have on our bodies ... but that doesn't mean we don't need them!

I was taking 4g of Prebiotin a day. But since I do know that I get in a decent amount of both insoluble and soluble fiber in my diet each day (and like to keep my overall fiber number within a 5g range as this keeps me the most regular) .... I am testing out going back to 2g a day instead of 4g. As of now I think that somewhere between 2-3g may be MY perfect dose! You will need to start with 1g and slowly start adding 1g at a time to see what you tolerate. Like I said, I went up to 4g but then decided to back down to 2-3g. Each person will be different. The people at Preboitin told me some people actually benefit MOST from 8-16g of this prebiotic fiber a day!

What is the difference in all the Prebiotin products on the webpage? They have a section of the webpage that should answer that question for you, but they are also wonderful at replying to emails! So if you don't understand the descriptions just contact them! But if you look at INGREDIENTS you will see that many of the products just contain Oligofructose-Enriched-Inulin, or OEI. If that is the ONLY ingredient then the difference is simply marketing/dosage.


All that said, I personally decided to use the Prebiotin Prebiotic Fiber. I have the canister and just measure out 2g instead of 4g. But I also have the 2g single serving stick packs (easier to travel with.) If you find that 4g is your perfect dose they also sell 4g single serving stick packs!  Since I am taking for regularity you may wonder why I didn't go with the one marketed for "Regularity". Well the number one reason is obvious .. it IS NOT gluten free because it contains Wheat Bran. But also because as I mentioned .. I get plenty of insoluble and dietary fiber from foods. I don't need any more! But I DO need the OEI (the primary active ingredient in the Prebiotin Prebiotics.)

Prebiotin gave my readers a coupon code to use that gets you 25% off (making it cheaper than Amazon, etc.) The coupon code is: Stacy - Just type it in at checkout!

I highly encourage you to read all the research for yourself and start incorporating Prebiotics into your daily supplement regime. and specifically THIS brand as I truly believe it is the best on the market!

Please DO NOT confuse this Prebiotic Fiber with things like "Citrucel" or "Benefiber" (which says it's a Prebiotic btw .. but it's ingredient is Wheat dextrin .. NOT Oligofructose-Enriched-Inulin, which is what is in Prebiotin.) They are NOT the same!

Happy Gut Healing,
Stacy

Disclaimer: I am not "affiliated" with this company... as in I do not get paid to post this. Just sharing what brand I believe is best and what I've been up to in healing my gut, bloating, constipation, etc.

In case you missed them .. here are a couple of other other ways I am "healing" or taking care of my gut!

Healed NOT High - CBD

Beef For Breakfast?! Recipe for my GUT HEALING Coffee!

Healed Not High: How CBD Saved Me

I am HEALED not HIGH. How CBD has healed me of almost all of my digestion issues from Celiac Disease.

Disclaimer: I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I AM NOT QUALIFIED TO GIVE ANY TYPE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. I AM A CONSUMER AND A BELIEVER AND WROTE THIS BLOG TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE. PLEASE CLICK ON TEAL HYPERLINKS WITHIN ARTICLE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

If you are looking for the 100% THC Free Companies or THC/CBD blends I PERSONALLY standby they are all listed at the BOTTOM of this entry. Just skip to the bottom if you don't care about anything else!

Check out my other CBD blogs:
CONSUMER CONFUSION
POT FOR PETS


Hello Friends,

This is a long one!! So read it when you have some extra time!

In case you are new to the blog or my socials I should begin this post by telling you I have a TON of gastro problems. In 2006 I was diagnosed with the auto-immune condition Celiac Disease (after being mis-diagnosed and very sick for 5 years.) I also have IBS-C and unknown issues that cause me stomach bloating and hit/miss constipation.

This is a video post I made on Instagram earlier this year about what an episode can look like. (FlashPlayer is being crazy on here. If it won't work just click on the hyperlink.)

I've been strictly gluten free since 2006 (when I was diagnosed with Celiac) but I still have unexplained and sometimes very severe bloating, pressure, fullness and constipation. I've tried a gazillion medications, powders, pills, diets, etc. Some have had a small success and other have had none. I have good months and bad months but overall the unexplained bloating and irregular bowel movement have made life pretty miserable.

It especially makes competing as an IFBB Bikini Pro very hard. I could work my butt off and not be able to go to the bathroom or have an "episode" of bloating and my entire physique be RUINED in a matter of seconds!



For the past couple months I have been using something that has helped more than ANYTHING else ever has! Unless I eat something that would naturally cause bloating ... the bloating is pretty much GONE! I've also had ZERO pain and ZERO unexplained flair ups AT ALL (explained flair up would be the accidental ingestion of gluten. Which by the way ... did happen a few weeks after started this new treatment. I took a dose of one of my tinctures and within 15 min my pain went from a good 20 to maybe a 3.)

What is this "magic" that seems to be the ONLY thing giving me my life back?! There are many names for it .. pot, weed, cannabis, marijuana, lol. But no .. really it's none of the above. Well, not exactly. It's a non psychoactive COMPOUND that is in marijuana called ... CBD.

I didn't plan to announce to the world that I am a medical marijuana card holder last week .. but when a first of it's kind clinical trial was breaking news on all major news outlets I felt like I needed to go ahead and speak up!

To expand on my Instagram Post (which you can see here) my primary care doctor (who also specializes in medical marijuana) believed that CBD could benefit me due to my condition. I very hesitantly gave it a go. I think I had my card issued for like a month before I got the courage to go to a dispensary and get my "goods", haha! (Full transparency here. I'm not a pot smoker and never have been. I it back in like 1998/1999 and hadn't touched it since then.)


Since most people following my journey do so because they have similar STOMACH issues ... I want to make it VERY CLEAR that I use CBD for symptoms (inflammation/pain) related to having Celiac Disease. I DO NOT take it because of bloating that could be from food or poor diet. I have extreme internal inflammation from a MEDICAL condition. I don't want anyone with belly bloat to believe this is some magic solution for bloating. Bloating is often controllable by simply changing your diet, taking out or limiting certain foods (fodmaps, gluten, lactose, etc), increasing fiber, or even decreasing fiber, increasing water intake, taking probiotics, taking the Prebiotin brand of prebiotics, digestive enzymes, glutamine and even stomach massage. CBD is not going to fix a poor lifestyle or food related bloating!  I can still get belly bloat if I over do it on fiber, eat too many fodmaps that affect me, too many gassy veggies, or slack on taking my other supplements mentioned above.

While the bloating and pain are essentially "cured" ... the CBD does NOT seem to be helping with the constipation aspect of my stomach issues. I saw a nurse the last time I went to the dispensary and she suggested a specific strain of CBD in VAPE form. Essentially if I feel like I "can't go" I take a couple of deep hits while sitting on the toilet and ... just wait. I've only tried it twice and neither time produced any results. That said .. constipation is NOT a condition that has shown to benefit from CBD so I wasn't expecting results.

I am so excited to share this journey with you all. I know there is a lot of confusion/ignorance surrounding "medical marijuana (which creates judgement and misconception) but I'm willing to make a few people uncomfortable in an effort to EDUCATE those willing to listen and more than ANYTHING hopefully help others that may have a medical condition in which CBD may help!

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Photo Courtesy: Leafly

WHAT IS CBD?
There are THREE active ingredients in Cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most prevalent chemical compounds in the cannabis (Marijuana) plant. Unlike the more famous and well known molecule THC, CBD is completely non-psychoactive.... meaning that it does not make you high. 

THC = High (but not necessarily if it's in low doses. Many CBD oils contain trace amount of THC yet still have ZERO psychoactive affects) and pure CBD = NOT HIGH.

I'll say it another way .... THC is the stuff that gets you high; CBD (cannabidiol) is the stuff that makes you feel better. Depending where CBD is sourced will determine how much (if any) THC it has in it and if it will make you have any"high" or not.

Image Courtesy: upressonline.com

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD?
Cannabinoids bind to special receptors on your cells called cannabinoid receptors. It acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system, creating physical changes in the body, which can be beneficial in many ways. Certain receptors are heavily concentrated in the central nervous system while others are found in almost every organ of the body. Cannabinoid receptors are found in the skin, digestive tract, and even in the reproductive organs! So you can see why/how CBD can help with a WIDE variety of ailments!!

Preclinical trials over the past four decades have found that the CBD shows promise as an:

anti-inflammatory
antioxidant
neuroprotectant
anxiolytic
antidepressant
analgesic
anti-tumoral agent
anti-psychotic
Patients with more chronic conditions such as cancer and epilepsy often use medical cannabis oil extracted from high-CBD varieties of cannabis.

Also as mentioned earlier in this post, A FIRST OF IT'S KIND actual CLINICAL trial was released this week that shows that CBD . The fact that a CLINICAL trial was finally done is HUGE!
Read about it HERE.

HOW CAN I PURCHASE CBD?

To buy CBD derived from Cannabis you must live in a state where medical or recreational cannabis is legal. For medical ... you will see a doctor licensed to recommend you receive your medical cards. If you have an approved condition and are approved by the state you get your card and then simply go to a local dispensary to get it. If you go to a good dispensary, the people there can help you decide which type/method is best for you/your condition! I go to Essence Vegas and they have been WONDERFUL! They even have a nurse on staff some days! However nobody in Vegas carries the THC/CBD blend that I love most! I have to go to California to get that. But I hear they are expanding soon (more on this company below.) If you live in a state where rec is legal .. lucky you .. just walk in, ha

WHAT IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN A STATE WHERE MARIJUANA IS LEGAL or DON'T QUALIFY FOR A MED CARD? HOW CAN I PURCHASE CBD?

You can purchase it online. However it must be derived from HEMP, not cannabis. One manufacturer of hemp derived CBD created THIS state-by-state chart that breaks down CBD laws by state. As far as I know HEMP derived CBD is legal in all 50 states. However you MUST keep in mind that all of the hemp derived CBD on the market is effective or SAFE! Lots of scams out there, especially now that CBD is becoming so popular.

I have looked into a few hemp based brands that I feel safe recommending for those of you that can't go to a dispensary.. Here is the MAIN ONE I currently stand behind and USE MYSELF.  I'll include links at the bottom of the blog with much more information! So keep reading!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN CBD THAT COMES FROM CANNABIS and CBD THAT COMES FROM HEMP?

Hemp Plant: Photo Courtesy Waking Times

There are two types of CBD products available: products derived from “hemp” and products derived from “marijuana”.

The CBD found in both of these plants is essentially the same, it’s the legal definition that is not.

The main difference when thinking of hemp CBD vs cannabis CBD are the differences in levels of CBD and THC the oil contains.

In short, hemp CBD oil and cannabis CBD oil are the same. CBD is CBD. The difference is that CBD derived from the hemp plant is federally legal, whereas CBD derived from cannabis is not.

Now .. there has been much debate if CBD derived from industrial hemp has the same properties as cannabis-derived CBD. People argue both sides. Personally I have tried CBD from both cannabis and hemp and WITH THE BRAND I AM USING I did not notice a difference! Meaning .. both worked just as well for me!

Those that believe it holds the same medicinal properties state the following as "facts" (ie - opinions.)

*Agricultural hemp and medical marijuana both come from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant.
((However as I showed you above. Keep in mind that medical marijuana can also come from the Indica plant ..which naturally has more THC.)

*Agricultural hemp, which is often referred to as “hemp stalk,” grows differently than THC-containing cannabis, and looks similar to bamboo.

*As long as agricultural hemp plants are pollinated by members of their own crop, the genetics will remain similar with low levels of THC.

The biggest concern I would personally have about CBD from Hemp is where you buy it! There are many things to consider when it comes to potency and safety. I certainly wouldn't be going to Ebay or Amazon that is for sure! Also be aware of Social Media. While it seems there are LOTS of legit companies selling CBD .. some look really shady to me! See the next section for more tips below on what questions to ask when purchasing online.

photo courtesy: Leaf Science

I am probably doing a crappy job at explaining the difference in the two. I liked THIS article I found online because of the graphics. They make it pretty easy to understand I think. THIS is also a good one from leaf science that also probably does a better job than I am of explaining the difference. BUT please keep in mind when googling articles .. most places have some sort of bias toward one side or the other :)

HOW CAN I PURCHASE CBD DERIVED FROM HEMP?
Online... but please be careful! If you do choose to order hemp derived CBD, you want to do your research and ASK A TON OF QUESTIONS before you order.

I would ask the following:

**Are your products and batches tested by third party companies for quality and purity? They should PROVIDE TEST RESULTS on their webpage. If not, ASK THEM for them! If they will not provide this ... MOVE ON!

**Where is your hemp grown (region/country, etc)

**Where are your products manufactured?

**What is the dosage of the actual ACTIVE CBD?

I thought THIS was a great article that explains a little more IN DEPTH why you should ask these questions as well as some others they suggest you ask before purchasing.

At first (when I wrote this article originally) I only used CBD derived from cannabis and got it at a medical dispensary in Vegas. However, I ran out a while back and it was out of stock EVERYWHERE because recreational cannabis went legal here and they couldn't keep up with supply/demand! That forced me to RESEARCH and try another company or two that was HEMP based (100% THC FREE.) I am so glad because not only can I have a SAFE company to suggest to ALL of you .. but due to their extraction methods and TYPE of CBD ... I actually PREFER using this 100% THC company I found - most of the time! *they do also have THC options if you live in an area where their brand is available* 

WHICH HEMP DERIVED COMPANIES DO I STAND BEHIND?!
For both THC FREE CBD and my THC/CBD blends ... most recently I love/use a company called IGNITE CBD.

I've tried several (trusted ones) and seen great results with all of them. In the end, this one has just been my favorite after lots of trial and error. That is the thing about CBD .. you may have to play around with dosage, methods and even brands since they often offer different blends, etc.

There are MANY other Hemp Based THC Free CBD Companies and products out there and lots of them are legit and trustworthy! The issue is PURITY. The black market for Hemp CBD is really bad right now. So I suggest DOING YOUR RESEARCH, ASKING FOR LAB REPORTS and staying on top of doing so when you re-order ... to ensure you are using a QUALITY product. Otherwise you risk putting something into your body that is contaminated ... or contains no real CBD and is a waste of your money! This is why I would be cautions when possibly purchasing at a health store, gas station or drug store. Many legit companies are starting to launch at these locations but chances are the sales clerks at these stores won't be much help. It's always best to research the company before you buy it!


HOW DO I PERSONALLY TAKE CBD?
I touched on this above and there are many ways. You can smoke it, vape it, put it under the tongue in drop or liquid form (often called a tincture), eat it in edibles, take it in a capsule, drink it in beverages or sprinkle on food in pre-made spices that are on the market, rub it on your body using a balm/lotion, soak in an infused bath, etc.

How you use it should depend on WHY you are taking it. A good company that you purchase from should be able to guide you!

I prefer to MICRO-DOSE meaning I take several small(er) doses throughout the day in order to keep a steady stream of CBD in my body at all times.

I use a hemp oil under my tongue every morning when I first wake up. I will use a it again in the  afternoon OR I'll hit a CBD or CBD/THC vape. Then before bed I take a pen that DOES have THC. I have found that a good 1:1 ration of thc/cbd is best for ME. Anything more (thc) and I often wake up after only 4 hours of sleep and CAN NOT go back to bed. But this is VERY INDIVIDUAL!! You will have to play around! That said .. HIGH doses of CBD have been known to create the same effect if you can't/don't want to use a product with THC in it!

By the way .. you can't overdose on CBD ... so don't worry about that, ha!

IS CBD SAFE?
When purchased from a Medical Dispensary I feel 110% confident in saying the answer is YES.
Cannabis (in general) is actually so safe that it's basically impossible for an adult human to ingest a fatal dose. Keep in mind CAUSATION and CORRELATION aren't the same!!! Over dose is how people directly die from using "drugs" (and CBD is not a quote/unquote drug.) They indirectly die from getting "high" (lots of THC) and having an accident of sorts .....BIG difference.

Additionally, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration drug sheet for marijuana (that means it has THC .. again very different than just CBD) reports that no deaths from marijuana (yes even with THC) overdose have ever even been recorded!! So if marijuana (with THC) is that "safe" obviously the compound CBD is VERY safe!

As far as HEMP derived CBD goes. As I stated above ... be cautious. There are indeed tons of scammers out there when it comes to the "hemp seed oil" market. I can only stand behind the couple of companies linked in this blog. However I'm sure with your own research you could find others that are safe/pure!

IS CBD LEGAL?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is complicated. Every country has its own cannabis laws, and CBD is more readily available in some regions than others. In the United Kingdom, for example, CBD was recently declared as medicine by the National Health Service (NHS).

In the United States the legality of CBD will depend on where it was sourced (as explained above.) Here is that chart again that breaks it down state-by-state.

WILL CBD MAKE ME HIGH?
I've already answered this but since this is the BIGGEST misconception about CBD I want to address it again. NO ... CBD (even CBD with low doses of THC) will NOT make you high.

Even when I used a tincture that was not THC free ( had a VERY low dose of THC since it' was derived from cannabis) it never made me high and did not impact me in ANY WAY as far as the way I "feel". I can drive, work, etc.

If you are still worried about this. Simply use CBD derived from HEMP. Such as the IGNITE brand I suggest above.

WHAT ABOUT MUNCHIES? I THOUGHT MARIJUANA MAKES YOU WANT TO EAT? 
When it comes to CBD this is totally FALSE. I take it everyday and there is zero difference in appetite. The "hunger" you hear about is a sometimes a side effect of THC. Which is why many people (such as cancer patients) use a Medical Cannabis that CBD as well as higher amounts of THC.

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Okay friends .. there you have it. I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I AM NOT QUALIFIED TO GIVE ANY TYPE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. I AM A CONSUMER AND A BELIEVER and wrote this blog simply to help educate you on what I've learned about CBD. Also I am hoping to EDUCATE people that YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET HIGH TO GET HEALED!!!! Please have an open mind and educate yourself from ignorance!

I found a webpage with a TON of more in-depth info and I highly recommend you check it out HERE. They cover many other questions you may have .. especially when it comes to Medical Marijuana with THC. Many medical conditions CAN greatly benefit from CBD with equal or even higher doses of THC (which would typically cause a "high" of SOME sort.) But I'll let you research all that on your own since this blog is mainly about CBD.

As mentioned above .. full transparency here ... I am also taking tinctures/vapes that contain both CBD and decent amounts of THC. I have one that I DO NOT use daily but "in case of emergency" or in "high stress" situations (which can cause Celiac flare ups.) It is a cbd/thc blend with still relatively low levels of THC compared to the CBD. It still does NOT make me high... but I wouldn't drive if I use it. As I showed you in the beginning of the blog ... I was exposed to some gluten and got very sick back in March.  I had JUST started CBD that very week. I used the tincture that has CBD and THC and within a few moments I was almost most pain free! I couldn't believe it!

Also ... as mentioned above ... I suffer from Insomnia (I've had sleep issues since I as a child) and I have tested out a vape pen that is a CBD/THC blend. Within 5-10 min of a few puffs .. there is NO WAY I can keep my eyes open!!!! It also makes me stay asleep ALL NIGHT LONG!

I'm so grateful for Medical Cannabis...which led me to try Hemp based CBD. I often wondered about MY PLACE in our big cross country move from Tennessee to Nevada last year. I left my career, family and friends behind. I was happy to do it for my husband, but now I see that God had a plan for me in moving here as well. I would never have looked into CBD had I not moved to a place where cannabis was legal (and in return learned so much about 100% THC Free Hemp based CBD.)

I have no problem saying it has changed my life. #CBDSaves

XoXo
Stacy

Feel free to comment below with questions and your experience with CBD! You can also EMAIL ME. I am NOT an expert but I'm happy to share my experience with you!

CBD I USE -- IGNITE CBD THC FREE (oil and vapes)

CBD/THC Blends I use -- Vape Pens, etc.

Celebrating 19 years ALIVE

Hello Friends,

I woke up today ... 37 years young. No eventful life celebration happened for my bday this year. Just the gym :)

While yesterday may have been my birthday ... since 1999 ... April 1st has been the day that I celebrate being ALIVE. That is because on 4/1/98 I was in a horrible car accident. I wrote an entry two years ago and then back in 2011 I wrote a full blog about my accident. So no need to get into details... just click on the hyper links and go check them out if you want to know more. THIS one has all the details of the accident. The other is just what I was thinking in 2015.

I have no idea how I survived... but I did. God wanted me here for a PURPOSE. 19 years later I'm still trying to figure out what that purpose is. Some days I struggle and I know that I'm not always as grateful for life as I should be ... but that day will forever be the "wake up call" I needed and still learn from decades later.

It took me YEARS to not get disgusted when I looked down and saw the nasty scars that cover my lower body ... but now I see them differently. I'm no longer ashamed of them (even when on stage) and I can look at them and FEEL MY PURPOSE ... even though I have no clue what it is.

Two years ago a fellow 1st Phorm Athlete (Johnnie) sent me an email after seeing my "accident" post I make every April 1st. He sent me a chapter in one of his favorite books that talks about scars. I've read it on the anniversary of my accident since then. But it touches me SO MUCH I really think I need to read it once a week! I want to share it with you all. Read .. reflect .. and please be grateful for this day. Tomorrow is not a guarantee my friends. ((If you are having problems reading them I also posted them on INSTAGRAM.)

XoXo - Stacy

      

My Cupping Experience

Hey Fit Fam,

A couple of weeks ago I posted on my Instagram about my Cupping session on my back.

Today I had it done on my abdomen and right arm. I had TONS of questions about what this type of therapy is and who could benefit ... so I thought I'd write up a little blog for you!

What is CUPPING?
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine where a trained therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
What we do know from the limited scientific studies that have been done is that cupping works by expanding the capillaries and increasing the amount of fluid entering and leaving tissues. I think that THIS article by Dr. Axe best explains the benefits of cupping!

Who could benefit from cupping?
While athletes like Michael Phelps made this a popular therapy amongst athletes ... cupping can benefit anyone with chronic pain and other conditions. Do some research to see if it is a fit for you! Also it's said that stand alone cupping may not provide as many benefits as cupping combined with other forms of therapy.

Does it hurt?
I cant' speak for everyone but no it did not hurt me at all. If it hurts make sure and tell your therapist.

How long do those ugly marks last?
Again, I can't speak for everyone. I do bruise easily (however I should note that the marks left from cupping are NOT bruises) .. my marks were totally gone in 7-10 days and faded to almost not noticeable in about 3-4 days. Some of them faded in 2 days.

Cupping on the back is something we see quite a bit of. Cupping on the abdomen .. not so much. So why did I do it on my stomach? I have major stomach issues mainly due to #CeliacDisease ... but also IBS-C. I did a ton of research on what cupping the abdomen MAY do to help ... so my theory is WHY NOT give it a try!

The suction reaches up to 4 inches into the soft tissue, attachments and organs. It is said to help draw out toxins and inflammation from the body to the surface of the skin, where the lymphatic system eliminates them.

The suction-pulling power of negative pressure over the abdomen stimulates the inside of the digestive organs, resulting in an increase of peristaltic action, secretion of digestive fluids and absorption of required nutrients and water, which assists the nourishing of body tissues. Immediate benefits of cupping the abdomen can include:

Clearing colon blockages
Breaking down fatty deposits
Encouraging blood and body-fluid movement in the bowels and internal organs
Soothing the nervous system
Releasing inner emotions
Promoting digestion
Relieving indigestion or heartburn

If you live in the Vegas area I HIGHLY suggest Karen Garrett. No matter who you go see for cupping, please just don't go to anyone to have this done and certainly don't attempt it on yourself. Make sure the person you are seeing is trained and licensed!

I'll keep you posted on my Instagram Story as to how I feel over the next few days!
Stacy