Welcome to Your Comfort For Life

Wellness Strategist & LifeStyle Mentor – let’s plan your next steps!

Ready For Anything! Daily Autoimmune Strategies

Thank you #NourishedFestival for recording my class at our First Virtual Conference! We missed visiting everyone in your city with this unique year of Covid19. We have loved the gift of coming to over ten cities each year to support our community sharing how to simplify life as someone with allergies, celiac disease, asthma, autoimmune disease, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid conditions, spondyloarthropy – this is my community! Here’s how I have been navigating safely – long before Covid-19! About 35 minutes of what has worked for me – let me know if you felt this was helpful for you or your family?

Don’t Throw Out the Turkey Neck & Giblets BEST Turkey Gravy

Since receiving multiple texts in the last few hours, I thought you may need
some last-minute help making the BEST TURKEY GRAVY too!

When preparing your turkey, do not throw out the turkey neck & giblets
(heart, liver and any other little bits your found tucked inside the bird!
These parts will help you make a lovely quick bone broth to create the BEST  TURKEY GRAVY for your meal.

Place the neck and other turkey parts into a 3 to 5-quart pot. If cooking
multiple birds/serving more people, use all the parts to create more broth and double recipe below. I use a larger pot for two reasons:

  •  Add more water to start and it will cook down
    into a rich broth
  •  Use the same pot to make your gravy in later

Ingredients for Turkey Neck Bone Broth:

Turkey Neck & Giblets (Liver, Heart, Kidney) (I do not cut the neck or organ meat up)

Filtered Water – cover ingredients completely (6-8 cups)

1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Small Onion & 2 Garlic Cloves – cut into chunks

1 Teaspoon Sea Salt

1 Stalk Celery & 1 Large Carrot

2 Fresh Sprigs of Thyme & Sage (or use dried)

Optional: Bay Leaf

Place all ingredients in your pot. Set the heat to medium high till the
liquid is simmering. Then reduce to low and leave to cook for as many hours you have (I usually start first thing in the morning and cook for at least 6 hours. But have forgotten and made lovely broth in 2 hours too!)

Place a colander on a second pot or bowl. Pour the pot contents and you will have a lovely broth to use for gravy or as part of your bone broth soup.

Let the neck cool – gently separate the meat from the bones. Save the bones for when you make turkey bone broth from the carcass or discard the
bones. (Be sure to throw out poultry bones in a tightly closed garbage
container. Poultry bones are dangerous for pets/animals to accidentally eat. The poultry bones are sharp and may perforate their intestines.)

I use the neck meat to prepare my stuffing since we no longer stuff the turkey.

Collect the turkey drippings with a pan under a roasting, smoking or grilling bird. If there are no drippings (deep fried or some grills) or if you don’t have enough you can substitute/add/use chicken fat, butter, olive oil or ghee. (I keep my chicken fat from previous roasts in the freezer – easy to break off chunks for cooking or making gravy/sauces.)

Gravy Ingredients:

1 Cup/8 oz. Turkey drippings/liquid fat (2 sticks
butter/ghee/vegan butter/olive oil or combination)

3 Tablespoons Flour (we have been using brown rice)

3 Tablespoons Starch (we have been using Arrowroot)

24-32 oz broth – depends on cook time

Melt the fat in the pan, when it is nice and hot whisk in
the flour and starch till it becomes saturated, crumbly. Then start adding the broth slowly – first it will get thick, just keep adding a bit of broth and
whisking till it becomes creamy – don’t let it get watery. The longer it cooks, the more broth/water you will need to keep it a nice smooth texture. If you get lumps, you can use a strainer. With practice, you will not have any lumps.

Serve hot in a gravy dish or small crock pot.

I love gravy all over my meat, potatoes, stuffing and even veggies! Learned this from my German father – he always loved gravy and it inspired me to master the BEST TURKEY GRAVY – Such a treat!

Post a picture so we can admire your results!

Now go back to my home page www.elizabethanthonygronert.com for free download of directions of how to make the best homemade broth from the carcass and soup from your leftovers!

Enjoy!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Wellness Habits: My Daily Strategies

A few years ago, I used to catch every cold or flu exposed to – it wasn’t a matter of “if” I would be sick but how long it would take before I was sick. I have struggled all my life with an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis. Which I have inherited from both sides of my family. I have been a caretaker for almost three decades for family members who have the disease. Then after two car accidents 23 months apart, this disease plus a new diagnosis of Fibromyalgia started me on my personal wellness journey. Armed with what I have learned these last almost three decades, I am honored to share my experience and resources to help others navigating their own wellness adventure.

I am relieved to say that I am not panicked as I would have been in the not so distant past. Rather, I am confident that I have as fair a chance of not getting sick as anyone else. The following personal practices evolved over the years as I was blessed to serve as a lay pastor at my church plus as an author/educator who has been speaking and meeting with thousands of people six to eight times a year at the Nourished Festival – a conference supporting people who are navigating alternate eating lifestyles and pursuing natural wellness therapies.

I originally wrote this article as a note for family members before embarking on a journey together – which would include air travel and time with our precious grandchildren. We have been looking forward to this treasured time away with family. I knew some of my sanitation habits may seem a bit much for some (not any more with Covid-19) so I just wanted to explain the “why” to them. It really helped – If you haven’t already, I encourage you to open lines of communication with your friends and family when your habits do not match up – when people understand “the why” they are ever so much more kind.

Here is a quick checklist of what I do when interacting with the world. While I was writing this for family, realized you (my audience & friends) may value this information too. *Reminder that I am not a licensed medical professional or doctor. I am licensed in the professional beauty industry and have been teaching some of these concepts for decades (see example in the photo at top.) This article illuminates what works for me and my family. Feeling safe affects our daily life and I thought this may help you too! This is personal experience that you may use as “cliff notes” to help you find habits that may serve you and your family. Always consult your doctor and health professionals regarding what might be best for you.

The purpose of this list helps me remember to do these things when I have spent time interacting with people outside my home. It helps put my mind at ease that I have done what I need to and to relax. Through online and in person clients, I am meeting many people that are becoming hyper-vigilant and scared of everything. Living in extreme anxiety – I pray my list may help you create a plan with your health professionals and give you some peace!

1. Choose safe, non-toxic products to wash or sanitize your skin and the surfaces around you. This will help you keep your skin intact – let’s avoid red, irritated or chafed skin from frequent handwashing. Use cleansers that have skin conditioning properties will help keep skin pliable and healthy. There are many products out there to disinfect surfaces – many are toxic. Check labels and be wise what you bring into your home or vehicle. I have found I am extremely sensitive and test all products on a small patch of skin first. I test surface cleaners/disinfectants in a room I can move from before using extensively in my house or in my car. (Definitions for the difference between washing/sanitizing  and disinfecting are in my article “The Hand Towel Did It” June 19, 2019 on my website www.elizabethanthonygronert.com.)

2. Washing your hands after interacting with people or being outside the home is a best practice. I also cleanse/sanitize all items that my hands may have touched during my time outside the home! When I clean my hands, I also wipe down my phone, my glasses & case, water bottle or any container/tool contacted while away (like steering wheel and door handles of my car.)  

3. Instead of handshakes, I “elbow-bump.” This started years ago at church because I have arthritic hands and some people just squeeze uncomfortably hard or “wind up” for a powerful fist bump. This reduced the amount of palm to palm, finger to finger contact. Bonus!

4. I wear a long scarf  or jacket with pockets – yes, I have been called a “fashionista” but truthfully, it has become a simple way to open a door or hold onto a handrail for support. When I reach out, the scarf/hand in pocket protects my bare hands. Or in the winter, I wear gloves a lot. Both are simple to drop into the laundry when I return home.

5. Since I am always immune compromised with AS, I use these two additional steps. I blow my nose to clear the fine hairs that filter our air before taking into my lungs. And I drink plain water to cleanse the back of my throat of any germs collected there. Depending on my situation I just take a drink – stomach acid is one of our best defenders. Or I can swish with salt water and spit if home.

6. If I met someone who was ill or have a sick person in my home – I wash clothing, towels, and sheets separately. Do not commingle family laundry when there might be a “bug in the wash tub!”  

7. Take care of yourself. Eat well, stay hydrated, learn what are the best foods, nutrients and movement for your body to support a healthy immune system. Here are the big ones for me:

  • Daily Bone Broth: A few years ago, people started asking me what I had done to look visibly healthier. It launched my career into discussing and evaluating food choices with people. The primary thing that escalated these visible results to my skin, hair, nails, and balanced weight was my daily dose of eight to twenty ounces of my homemade Bone Broth. I control the ingredients according to my nutrition needs – need more iron, add this; need more vegetables, add that. The invisible benefit was my increased immunity and resilience.
  • Daily Smoothie: I feel better when I get most of my nutrition from my food. My smoothies are a mix of veggies and fruit from whatever is in season and in my fridge. And if I need supplements they are better received by my moody tummy if well mixed into my smoothie (can add to my bone broth too – things like turmeric!)
  • I make sure that I have at least half my body weight in ounces of water each day! If you add lemon to the water, it feels special and it aids your body flushing out toxins!

8. Ask your medical team if supplementation makes sense for you. I have an immunity boosting supplement that I take only when needed. It has been a game-changer for me. I take added supplementation:

  • If I have been around someone sick.
  • Will be traveling or overexerting myself.
  • And/or feel scratchy not feeling right.
  • It is a blend of vitamin C, zinc, echinacea and astragalus root. It has made the difference for me.

9. Essential oils (EO’s) are a medicinal gift from our ancestors. They can be diffused, diluted for application to skin and added to baths. After a day of physically being out and about with people, I use diluted Oregano EO on the soles of my feet when going to bed at night (my lucky husband!) Warning: EO are very potent and must be handled carefully. Please learn how to safely handle EO’s – consult your medical practitioner before use with children and especially do not use if pregnant or on a baby without expert help. Here are the things I evaluate before using an EO for my family:

·       Use essences derived from real plants, not synthetic.

·       I dilute the essential oil with plain oil (called a carrier oil) especially for my grandchildren and those with sensitive skin.

·       I use filtered water in my diffuser, so I am only inhaling what I add to the water.

·       I always do a test with new EO’s and blends for 24 hours to check for allergies and sensitivities. ** FYI: Be careful when using or wearing an EO in public. Others like myself can be very allergic – I have had two severe reactions to others spraying EO homemade sanitizer on their hands and I happened to walk through the “mist” just as they sprayed.

10. Get outside – the sunshine always makes my day! You can look up on the internet the many different reasons why – all I know is if I don’t get outside and feel the sunshine on my skin for about 15 minutes (in the summer and winter) each day, it noticeably affects me. Try it for a week and see if it helps you too!

11. Finally, don’t share! Here are a few examples:

·       Don’t share your towels at home (yep – you read why in “The Hand Towel Did It!” my article on my website (June 19, 2019) www.elizabethanthonygronert.com

·       Don’t share personal care items like lip balm, toothbrush or nail clippers.

  • Don’t share water bottles, drinks or eat off the same utensils.

·       If you share a phone or keyboard, sanitize/wipe it down before using.

Since these strategies have become habit for me, it doesn’t seem like a lot – I just do it intuitively. But it does “look” like a lot of steps when I write it out here. There’s hope for anything new I start to improve my immunity and wellness – practice makes it routine.

I share this because I am reliably less affected by people that are sick than I used to be. It is worth taking these steps for me. Hope this information blesses you and your family! You have my permission to share with anyone you feel it would support!

Starting Again

My father always told me that as he got older, time seemed to pass by quicker with each year. I am learning that yet again – my father is right! I can remember that the year 2020 always seemed far in the future….yet here it is. Big and full of promise!

January has just slipped away…..much like the last months of 2019. I have to admit that I find myself again waiting for when I will feel better or more myself that I will get back to writing. That I will help more people when I have gotten to that point of wellness that I have been focused on or aspiring to. I have artistic projects lined up for when I have the energy.

And I was feeling the best yet with hope for a better winter season…until this past October 2019. I developed new pain seemingly overnight the first Friday of the month. Pain that radiated from my neck down into my right arm…and worse, pain that traveled up into the right side of my face. Truly pain that interferes with everyday living activities.

I have been documenting this new journey. To help others who are on their own adventure. So we don’t feel so alone. That we can pool the information that we learn and help each other move to a more comfortable place. What we have tried, what has helped and gratefulness for movement towards healing. Or simply feeling better. And I have learned a lot. From the medical professionals, traditional, natural, functional, integrative and from those who experience the pain like myself.

Just a few thoughts and a promise tonight this last moment before February. I promise to keep writing. Sharing the journey. Part of accepting that life may never get “back to what it was” but focusing on what is still precious and great.

There’s no cost to meet and learn how I may help you achieve Your Comfort For Life. www.ElizabethAnthonyGronert.com

Science Says Keep Clean Skin Simple

It’s been powerful helping people feel better these last five years. It really started over three decades ago as a licensed cosmetologist – helping people with looking and having their best skin while owning my salon/spa. This last year I have been partnering with people one-on-one to help them investigate alternative options for their best life – reviewing their meal plans, skin care and learning about choices that impact their wellness. In this article, let’s look at how we go about keeping things clean – especially our skin and things that we use each day.

First, let’s look at how frequently you are washing your skin with a soap or cleanser. People are power washing their skin – not just their hands! This can strip away your natural layer of protection. Lots of research today identifying not only the natural oils our skin needs but also the microorganisms that are part of our skin’s first layer of defense. Our skin is not only our largest organ but it also is host to a community of cooperative microbes that protect us called our skin microbiome.

Try washing your skin and bathing only when the skin needs it. Many just need a refreshing rinse in the morning – I keep a mist bottle with filtered water and a fresh washcloth for my face. Consider the soapy wash or shower after a workout, a sweaty day and before bed to remove cosmetics and the daily grime. Plus limit the use of antibacterial soaps – most of us only need an antibacterial soap for hand cleansing after working with raw meats or if exposed to someone sick. One container in the kitchen is usually all you need – maybe a second for the bathroom when a flu bug is making the rounds of your home.

Second, when we do cleanse, use a washcloth to help the dead skin cells shed off the skin. This is called exfoliation which helps the skin stay healthy and it is anti-aging. I want to emphasize is it is very important to use a fresh , clean wash cloth each day. Have at least seven washcloths – that way you will always have a freshly laundered one to use each day. If you want a bit more exfoliation try some of the plastic loopy puffs or exfoliating gloves. But again – you need a fresh one for each day – launder them after use. I have a spot in my laundry room to hang my used washcloths and puffs to dry until they are washed.

Third recommendation is to not immediately towel dry when you exit the shower. Best if you can apply your lotion or body cream over your damp skin. Helps keep your skin hydrated longer – brush your teeth and dry your hair while allowing the rest of you to air dry. If you have problem skin issues, I would love an opportunity to discuss some simple steps to encourage natural skin healing after bathing.

Fourth just follows having a clean wash cloth each day – use your own personal bath towel, nail clippers and razor. If you share these items, your family may share more than love. Something like pink eye will quickly spread with common towel use. Ever have a difficult time eradicating simple athlete’s foot. Bet you were cleaning the tub between uses, keeping shoes on till in tub, no barefoot running around the house….when simply st getting each person their own $2 nail clipper probably is the start to getting that under control.

If there are a number of people using the same bathroom, everyone having their own color towel helps. If people are doing a good job of using their own bath towel, then usually you can keep that towel for a few days since you are supposed to be clean when you use it…and letting it dry completely after each use.

Fifth, use laundry products that you know are not only safe for the environment, but are safe for you! Laundry soaps that rinse completely out of your clothing, towels and bedding so you don’t have any allergens, toxins, or irritants next to your skin. Our family knows the difference everytime we stay at a hotel. When traveling, I have to bring my own pillowcase and wear jammies or my skin and hair suffers. I am a very sensitive person but absorbing toxic laundry products next to your skin all night when you are sleeping is bad for everyone.

And when I was younger, I lived most of my life feeling just okay because that was as good as it got. Now I know the difference. Now I live with my healthiest skin and best wellness plan every day. If you would like to learn more about how to create a plan for your best life, I would love an opportunity to strategize with you. Plus, we can discuss how I can help you stay accountable to that plan!

I am only a phone call or text away. (847) 502-8394. Or pop me an email at elizabeth@elizabethanthonygronert.com

Be well!

The Hand Towel Did It!

People don’t realize how sneaky that innocent little hand towel can be. That little hand towel and a few other items around the house can impact your health. And once you are aware, it is a simple fix. Much of this information is the same as I taught years ago with the benefit that today we have many more studies to help us make better, safer choices.

WARNING 😉 What I am about to share is “sticky” – once you are aware of this, hard to ignore! If you don’t want to know or learn about common “daily germ sharing” or cross-contamination…stop reading now!

Okay, for those of you who are brave – and curious about how the hand towel did it, let’s start with a bit of history. I was a pre-med college student that transitioned to a spa salon owner. (Yes – lots more story there…for another time!) The salon environment is very much like a medical office. People, surfaces, implements and linens being used from person to person – that needed to be clean – Not necessarily sterilized but clean. My salon clientele was very fond of how clean and safe things were in our environment. My reputation and business grew from this one simple strategy – keep people aware of our sanitation procedures (clean and safe) when they received professional spa and salon services. 

Word of our “clean space” got around and exciting things began to happen. First, I was asked to teach Sanitation & Disinfection at professional conferences for the spa & salon market. Second, I was invited to coauthor sections in the Professional Cosmetology, Esthetician and Nail Technology Textbooks! It was very exciting speaking on stage at the big US shows in Chicago, New York and California….where I learned other techniques that led to writing my first solo book. Which ultimately blessed me to travel nationally and internationally teaching salon professionals how to work smarter and safer!

During this time, I became a consultant that partnered with salons to educate their staff to provide sanitary professional services….and it was helping these other salons get clean that I learned many powerful stories that left a memorable impression – which encouraged the salon staff to be meticulous in their sanitation and disinfection. No one wanted one of these stories to be about them or their salon!

Before I start the story telling – let’s review definitions:

Antiseptic – product used to remove or kill microorganisms safely on skin. Examples would be a hand sanitizer or an alcohol wipe. These products could be used on a surface with no harm but are designed to clean skin.

Disinfectant – product used to kill microorganisms on surfaces. Disinfectants are to be applied to non-living surfaces like tools, a counter or sink. These products may harm skin – read label for proper handling.

Sanitation – is simply to clean something. We can sanitize skin, surfaces and fabrics (towels, clothing & bedding.)

Sterilize – procedure for things that kills all microorganisms. One cannot sterilize skin or anything that is living, was living (like wood, pumice, natural sponge or loofah) or if it is porous (has little holes in the surface where microorganisms can hide from the sterilization process.)

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but the reality is they are not at all the same. Which is very important to understand when keeping things clean or germ-free for tools and surfaces that contact multiple people.

First story occurred at a salon that was part of a large chain. One of the stylists’ kids had pink eye (conjunctivitis.) The stylist missed her morning appointments attending to her child and sorting out childcare. She did come to do her afternoon appointments. She was primarily a nail technician but also had a few facial waxing services that day. Unfortunately, either she was unaware how contagious conjunctivitis was or was just too busy catching up, that she was careless. Plus, she was unfortunately quite vocal all afternoon about how her daughter had pink eye and what a great inconvenience it had been to her that day. Two days later, a third of the staff had pink eye and the salon was receiving calls from clients that had contracted it. This was a BIG, dreadful problem for management. A financial and marketing nightmare! A totally avoidable situation with some routine habits of sanitation and disinfection.

The salon was required to close their doors to have it properly sanitized with documented procedures. They also had to arrange for the affected staff members to get treatment and address their loss of income while unable to be at the salon. Talk about a huge motivator to have the staff trained on proper hand washing/sanitation, tool and surface disinfection. Luckily, conjunctivitis or pink eye is completely treatable. Most people are able to use an over the counter natural treatment. But for some, it required a prescription to clear the infection – especially people with someone with autoimmune disease or a compromised immunity.

Second story happens to me all the time. I watch a young parent with children in a public restroom. They are usually very careful that the children enter and exit the toilet area safely. Next they help the children wash their hands with soap. When the hands are dry, the kids are excited to be done so they race to the door and grab the door handle. Unfortunately, the child likely leaves the restroom with more germs on their hands than when they entered. Let’s face it – the statistics are pretty grim on public handwashing after using the restroom. The studies are especially high if people use the restroom alone compared to if others are in the restroom with them – more handwashing occurs if two or more are in the restroom. The good thing is today, many restrooms are being designed with a no-door entryway or having a push surface to exit which you can use a forearm or foot to do. But having a paper towel is always a great habit to instill to prevent bringing anyone’s else’s bugs from the restroom home with you. (Bet you have seen the TV commercial that follows a person using a restroom, then sneezing, blowing his nose and all the surfaces he touches in just a few minutes.)

The third story is the situation in most of our homes. We have beautiful, fabric hand towels in the bathroom and kitchen. Which is fine for normal use. Change them often and grab a new one if they get wet. Fabric hand towels that “everyone” uses only becomes risky when someone is sick, or you have little or big people who don’t wash their hands but still use the towel….the famous rinse the hands but “forget” to use the hand soap. Wet “unsoaped/unwashed” hands deposit all that they have encountered that day into the hand towel for the “unsuspecting” users after them. Everyone who contacts the hand towel after that person, will receive the bacteria, viruses (like the flu) or fungus that may be growing in the moist, dark folds of the towel. People don’t do this because they are mean….we just all don’t believe that “we are dirty” or that we could be carrying something. That only happens to “other people!”  So PLEASE – if you aren’t going to use soap then just leave the restroom – skip rinsing and drying your hands on the communal towel because we don’t want your bugs – okay?!

And that, my friends, are just a few ways that the hand towel did it! The towel is not the bad guy…it really is an innocent. But trust me it will share whatever has been placed on it…..the flu, a cold or pink eye! Beware and protect your precious peeps young and old!

Make a commitment to change your hand towels frequently….have plenty available when you have guests or consider simple paper napkins! And remember to keep the paper towel in your hand if there is a door handle when exiting the restroom!

These are only three stories….but I think you have the idea. And if you want to be savvier at avoiding things (or you are immune compromised) I can help you learn Survival Habits that will help you stay clear of things that may affect you and your family. I have three classes to coach you you may appreciate attending: Everyday Hidden Ingredients Revealed and Survival for Sensitive & AutoImmune Skin.

There are classes scheduled online (check my Events Tab!) If you don’t see a time that fits, please contact me with times that work and let’s get a new date on the schedule for you. These classes may also be customized for a group or for your business…they are a great way to invite clients to visit with you to attend as a customer appreciation or as an employee benefit.

Let me know how this information helped you and your family. If you would like to learn more about how I may help, I offer 30 minute complimentary consultations to get to know one another and see where we may have synergy!

Be well!

Health Support For Our Busy Life

People ask me frequently “how do I keep up with my busy life?” Many of us have health issues that can hold us back at times while we watch the world seem to “go on without us”……and “busy” is the new normal for so many of us. Whenever I ask someone how they are doing…..the answer is frequently “busy!” How do we support our health and manage our busy life?

A few years ago, I developed some new symptoms and they really were scary. It changed my life – most of us go to bed each evening planning the next day. But this experience changed my perspective – I became aware of how precious each day is on this earth. And that tomorrow is not promised. Now when I go to bed each night I review my blessings and pray for the people that are on my mind/in my heart. I thank the Lord for the abundance in my life and I pray for the opportunity to have another day to serve all those that I love!

Elizabeth Anthony Gronert meeting with new friends!

Yep – things have changed. I have learned how quickly things can change. In an instant, life may never be quite the same as it was before. It has helped me be far more intentional with my wellness. When I wake, first thing I offer God a prayer of thankfulness. Then I focus on my self-care and pray that my day will be full of value!

Each day I now have to make decisions on what will be my choices for the day. There’s always more to do, see and help than I am able…..I have to decide what amount of activity will be manageable. Then start about my self-care. Exercise, supplements, food choices, brain stimulation and meditation! Staying in communication with all that I love and serve!

I start the day with supplements that require an empty stomach. Then I blend a smoothie from organic fruits and vegetables – there are required items like lots of greens, cucumber, a banana or avocado plus citrus and berries. I will add in fresh herbs from the garden, fruits/veggies that are on the counter or in the fridge/freezer.

Snacks and lunch will contain a serving of my Bone Broth Soup or the addition of Bone Broth to meal items (potatoes, vegetables, sauces, gravies) is an everyday requirement – 12-24 ounces of my special recipe that supports my immune system and keeps my gut healthy! Besides giving me energy and strength, it has visibly improved my skin, hair and nails!

Citrus water (half a lemon, lime or orange with 16 ounces of water) helps me detox and stay hydrated. And even being around many people each week, I have managed to stay remarkably “cold” free even though I am challenged by autoimmune.

When I am physically more active – like attending a conference and speaking, traveling or visiting the grandkids (one always seems to have a runny nose!) – I boost my smoothie with a liquid probiotic called Bio-K and an immune system supplement! Plus I will be sure to have 32-48 ounces additional citrus water. Since I have bone broth each day – I may have both chicken and beef bone broth. When traveling, I bring frozen containers of the Bone Broth Soup (includes lots of veggies and bits of meat) and have 16 ounces or more for breakfast. Then a cup of broth or soup with dinner or as my evening snack. I am always inspired by how much better I feel after giving my body the fuel it needs!

Love to learn what practices help you be your best self each day. Let’s chat about creating your wellness plan or staying accountable to your strategies; I am only a phone call or text away to support you!

Be well!

Elizabeth Anthony Gronert – email is elizabeth@elizabethanthonygronert.com

Nourished Festival Education & Sampling

The next six weeks are full of opportunity for us to connect in person at three different Nourished Festivals and a Hacking Your Health event in Denver! Would love your support sharing this information with your friends and family who would be blessed by these events! Here are the dates for your calendar – and watch the events page for virtual classes to follow up each event. Can’t wait to see you!

May 4: 10-4 & 5: 11-4 Nourished Festival – Salt Lake City/Sandy, Utah

              May 4: 12PM – Survival for Sensitive & Autoimmune Skin*

May 5: 11:30AM – Bone Broth Meals – More than a Pot of Bones!*

May 18 & 19 10-3 Nourished Festival – Denver, Colorado

May 18 5-7PM Hacking Your Health – Denver, Colorado

              5:15PM Survival for Sensitive & Autoimmune Skin*

June 1 & 2 10-4 Nourished Festival – Schaumburg/Chicago Area, Illinois

              June 2: 10:30AM Bone Broth Meals – More than a Pot of Bones!*

*Go to my events page for the seminar descriptions and current schedule! elizabethanthonygronert.com/events

Are You Really Gluten Free?

What a variety of answers this one gets! I have been privileged to have had this conversation with many people at conferences across the nation. And it breaks my heart how many people believe that they are really gluten free……only after a few questions it becomes clear that they are only having less gluten each week than they used to. Usually, they feel they are living a gluten free diet if they only a sneak a regular flour (wheat, rye, barley or spelt) cookie or slice of bread once a week. Many tell me that they feel a little bit better but get frustrated since still have inflammation or pain even with the “sacrifice” they are making being “almost always” gluten free. I wish I could share that look on their faces when they learn that they have never been gluten free yet in their life. But what great hope if they feel better reducing gluten that they will feel much better when eliminating it completely.

The scientific limit for unacceptable amount of gluten in food is 20 parts per million – just a crumb of gluten….which for a celiac or gluten intolerant person is enough to make them sick for a couple weeks. According to many experts like Dr. Terry Wahls, Dr. David Perlmutter and Dr. Peter Osborne this “crumb of gluten” can cause destructive inflammation and may cause harm for up to a few months. With that said – people are unique. Firstly, the amount of time the gluten ingested may affect each person may vary. Secondly, if you are celiac or gluten intolerant, then being 100% gluten free is required – there is no such thing as being “almost” gluten free.

Notice I didn’t say people who want to lose weight. For the people I serve, being gluten free is a choice to eliminate inflammation or a negative effect from gluten. It’s not a fad diet to lose a few pounds. Actually, the opposite may happen unless one completely eliminates grains. Gluten free grains may have a higher glycemic impact on the body that one will want to monitor.

Lastly, there are those who really intend to be gluten free, feel better when they are but are not celiac. And do not have enough of a violent response to adhere to the 100% gluten free. They request a gluten free menu but grab a cracker or roll from the bread basket. Then they order a meal that “has just a speck of gluten” and they will just take an enzyme to be okay. At first, I earnestly try to educate but over time am learning that it is pointless. Until they decide that they want to feel better and it is a priority, they will remain “almost gluten free.”

I look forward to learning your story of your journey to being gluten, allergen, synthetic ingredient or toxin free. We would love to connect with you online, by phone or at one of our live events. Best ways to connect are by phone at (847) 502-8394, email Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elizabethanthonygronert

Upper Arm Skin Bumps & Pimples

People ask almost every week about upper arm skin bumps or pimples. You are not alone – it is a common problem. This is a method that may resolve this annoying and sometimes uncomfortable skin condition.

For most, attention to the upper arm when showering or bathing will improve the appearance and feel of the skin. Generally, it is a buildup of dead skin “glued” in place by oils coming from the pores. The buildup on dry skin may just feel bumpy, even get a little red. Others may experience pimples that get inflamed. Most of these conditions itch which is your body’s way to encourage you to “scratch away” the buildup. Here are the general directions we have found works for many to care for this skin:

  1. First select a gentle, hydrating cleanser or body wash that will aid to soften and cleanse the area. Need a suggestion for products that are effective and affordable – pop me a text or message.
  2. Next use a washcloth or exfoliating cloth/glove with the cleanser or body wash in a circular motion all over the affected area. Some start with the washcloth, then graduate to an exfoliating fabric – the more sensitive the skin, the gentler the fabric you want to use. First time go gentle on the skin. As you continue to do this daily, you can be more firm.
  3. Be sure to rinse the skin thoroughly from any cleanser or body wash.
  4. Some find benefit using their facial toner to normalize the pH of the skin to receive the lotion without further irritation.
  5. Do not dry the skin – rather immediately apply a nourishing lotion to the wet/damp skin to further hydrate and protect the skin.

Within a week or two, you should see the upper arm skin becoming softer and smoother with less upper arm skin bumps & pimples. If the steps above does not get the results desired, we have found applying a pure essential oil like Lavender, Frankincense, or Melaleuca/Tea Tree to the skin before step 5. This can take some experimentation on which essential oil or blend of oils will give you best results. Reach out and take advantage of our experience to help with this! Reminder – sensitive skins may need the essential oil to be diluted by a carrier oil like Sweet Almond Oil. Also, be sure you are using a “real” essential oil and not a synthetic! After you have massaged the essential oil in, massage your lotion over to protect and seal moisture in.

If these skin bumps & pimples appear elsewhere on the body, the condition may be from acne or sport garments which may improve with the technique above but may benefit from different products. You can use the same general treatment as above but using an acne wash for cleansing the face, back, upper legs or buttocks. Then using the acne astringent to follow the cleansing to remove any cleanser residue and gently exfoliate. Then finish with an oil free moisturizer. Melaleuca (also called Tea Tree) oil is an excellent treatment for acneic skin and could be used before the oil free moisturizer. Again if you need help – I have a few lines of products that are clinically proven results and affordable.

Please let us know if you found this helpful. we love hearing from you and learning about your testimonials! We are here to discuss essential oils that may work best for your situation. We are not medical doctors or professionals – rather a licensed cosmetologist & esthetician with over 40 years of experience to share! You can call/text at (847) 502-8394, email at Liz@elizabethanthonygronert.com or find me on Facebook (Elizabeth Anthony Gronert). Perhaps we can be Journey Partners!