With endless diet trends promising to be the one, how do you know what's actually right for you? In this episode of Are You Awake Yet?, we break down the myth of the "perfect" diet and why it's not that simple. Your metabolism, genetics, environment, and even stress levels all influence what foods will truly support your health. I'll also dive into food sensitivity testing, metabolic markers, and other functional tools that help uncover the best approach for your unique body. If you're tired of diet fads and want real answers, this episode is for you!

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Are You Awake Yet?, I sit down with my sister, Taylor Rickrode, RD, to explore her unique journey as a registered dietitian, mom, and spiritual seeker. Together, we dive into how she's navigated nutrition with her kids—balancing the needs of one in the low percentile for body fat and another in the high—while creating a positive, loving environment for them to thrive.

Taylor shares how releasing control and trusting in the bigger picture has been transformative, not only as a mom but also in her work with patients. We talk about the challenges many women face, feeling like they have to "be all the things," and how her journey to let go of perfectionism has helped her step into the best version of herself.

With deep spiritual insights and a beautiful reminder to return to our essence, Taylor explains how reconnecting with her playful, silly side has brought more joy into her life and made her work more meaningful. As someone who's always felt different in her field, Taylor's story shows how embracing those differences can be a gift—to ourselves and others.

This episode is for anyone who needs a little lightheartedness and a reminder of how loving and joyful life can truly be. Don't miss this uplifting conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and inspiration.

To contact Taylor directly, email her at [email protected]

This episode of Are You Awake Yet? dives into the intricate connections between dental health and nutrition, hosted by MaryKate with special guest Ashley Beels from Rooted Dental Wellness. Building on Ashley's expertise in holistic dentistry, the conversation explores the effects of diet on oral health from two perspectives: Ashley addresses jaw development, oral structure, and myofunctional therapy, while MaryKate delves into how nutritional choices—particularly for those on plant-based diets—impact dental well-being.

Throughout the episode, Ashley offers professional insights into myofunctional therapy, explaining how chewing, jaw development, and proper tongue posture are essential for long-term dental health. They also discuss how certain lifestyle trends and water additives, while popular for health, can sometimes negatively affect oral health.

MaryKate complements this discussion with essential tips on avoiding deficiencies common in plant-based diets, focusing on critical nutrients like vitamins A, D, K2, and B12 that support gum and tooth strength. She emphasizes strategies for improving mineral absorption, such as pairing foods and supplementing when needed, to promote strong enamel and healthy gums.

Resources:

Name of pH strips you can buy online

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Testing-Alkaline-Monitor-Accurate-Seconds/dp/B01GFSEB00/ref=sr_1_1?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.R76MBS0Holhh2dBHJUTD1AWN9TPr3cw4LdbUH3G8JUbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.dgXhPq7jfC3p6sK3ITBO6djDUjqExs9lT_WJKc_ua4E&dib_tag=se&keywords=pH+Test+Strips&qid=1730139968&refinements=p_89%3AJust+Fitter&s=industrial&sr=1-1&ts_id=3013605011

Fact Check - Yes, you do want to wait 30 minutes after having acidic drinks/food to allow your saliva to neurtalize the acid before you brush your teeth. You can swish your mouth with water right away

For those of you who want to Switch LMNT electrolytes because they contain citric acid and likely are causing lots of acid in the mouth. Consider switching to Paleovalley electrolyte (specifically the watermelon flavor was the one tested in this instance by Ashely and Ask the Dentist.

https://paleovalley.com/store/essential-electrolytes?srsltid=AfmBOorUlv8PXvp-SxVOeVt_IkOEj5TRohpem2kWYMYUuOtTLon_l32q

Root Dental Website - https://rooteddental.com

Hydroxyappatite tooth paste - https://fygg.com

In this episode of the "Are You Awake Yet?" podcast, host MaryKate welcomes her special guest and dear friend, Naida Monk, a therapeutic chef with a passion for healing through food. Together, they explore Naida's journey from her French-American upbringing and love for food to her transformation into a certified Natural Chef who uses food as medicine.

Episode Highlights:

• Food & Hormone Event Announcement: MaryKate announces an upcoming event on September 28th for reproductive-aged women, focusing on syncing with their cycles and featuring food prepared by Naida.

• Naida's Journey: Naida shares her personal health struggles that led her to become a certified Natural Chef and how her time at Bauman College shaped her approach to therapeutic cooking.

• Wild Dandelion Meal Prep: The story behind Naida's Wild Dandelion Meal Prep Company, its evolution, and how she balances therapeutic benefits with flavorful meals.

• Therapeutic Cooking Misconceptions: Common myths about therapeutic cooking and how Naida addresses them in her work.

• Client Success Stories: Naida shares powerful examples of how her clients have experienced transformative healing through food.

• Emotional Connection to Food: Discussion on how emotions and belief systems impact health, and how Naida helps clients navigate their relationships with food.

• Advice for Beginners: Naida provides practical tips for those interested in using food as medicine but feel overwhelmed by dietary restrictions or conflicting information.

• Future Goals: Naida discusses her vision for the future of Wild Dandelion and her ongoing mission to impact health through therapeutic cooking.

Listeners can find more about Naida and her work, as well as details about finding good food sources and what to look for when choosing healing foods.

https://www.wilddandelionmeals.com

Instagram @wilddandelionmeals

Resources:

Harvestly.co

Joe Dispenza

In this episode of Are You Awake Yet?, MaryKate dives deep into the world of hormones, offering valuable insights for women looking to understand and balance their bodies. From estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to cortisol and insulin, she breaks down the crucial roles these hormones play in overall health. MaryKate highlights the importance of the Dutch Hormone Panel and explores the four phases of the menstrual cycle—Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal, and Menstruation—emphasizing how each phase impacts behavior and well-being. Additionally, she sheds light on the vital role adrenal health plays in hormone balance and the importance of high-quality protein, vitamin C, and B vitamins for optimal adrenal function. Tune in to learn how to harness your hormones for better health!

The Femtuition Course:

https://femtuitionnutrition.thinkific.com/courses/femtuition

Welcome to "Are You Awake Yet?" I'm your host, MaryKate Smith. In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between stress and digestion.

Understanding Digestion: Digestion is a vital and energy-intensive process. Drawing from Chinese medicine, we can think of our digestive system as a transforming fire, breaking down and absorbing nutrients to fuel our body. Each of us has a unique constitution, which can be influenced by various factors. I share my personal journey, highlighting how being the fifth of six children may have impacted my digestive health. Through functional medicine, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs, I've strengthened my digestive system.

Stress and Its Impact on Digestion: Stress significantly affects digestion. When we're in a constant fight-or-flight mode, our body diverts energy away from digestion, leading to issues like low stomach acid, bile, and pancreatic enzymes. I recount my experiences of struggling to digest protein and fat, and how stress exacerbated my symptoms.

Behavioral Patterns and Coping Mechanisms: We explore how stress responses are often learned in childhood. Reflect on when you first felt stressed and how it manifested in your body. Identifying these patterns can help you find ways to feel present and reduce stress.

Functional Approaches to Healing: We discuss various strategies to support digestion and manage stress. Techniques like breathing exercises before and after meals, chiropractic adjustments, digestive supplements, nervous system work, and acupuncture can make a significant difference.

By addressing these root causes, we can prevent issues like leaky gut and other stress-related diseases. True healing is possible, and with the right tools, you can transform your digestive health and overall well-being.

Tune in to learn more about the intricate dance between stress and digestion, and discover practical steps to start your healing journey today.

Find me at Instagram: marykatesmith__

Book and appointment at holistichealingnutrition.net

In this episode of Are You Awake Yet?, we delve into the profound journey of feeling your emotions and discovering your true inner peace. Join MaryKate as she explores the transformative power of embracing emotional chaos, understanding that it is an essential step towards experiencing genuine joy and inner essence. We'll discuss how facing and feeling your emotions can lead to a deeper connection with yourself, bringing about a sense of calm and fulfillment. Tune in to learn how to navigate this emotional landscape and emerge stronger and more at peace than ever before.

Find MaryKate at holistichealingnutrition.net

Instagram - marykatesmith__

Today, we have a special guest joining us: Dr. Alexandra Andersson. Dr. Andersson is not your typical chiropractor. With a background in Animal Science and a passion for human movement and rehabilitation, she has carved out a unique path as a non-traditional chiropractor. Rather than simply 'cracking backs,' Dr. Andersson's approach focuses on empowering her patients to understand their bodies, improve their movement mechanics, and ultimately, take control of their own health and well-being.

Through her practice, she blends various techniques such as Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) to provide comprehensive care. Join us as we delve into Dr. Andersson's journey from studying Animal Science to becoming a non-traditional chiropractor, and the transformative impact she's making in the field of holistic health.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Dr. Andersson's unique journey and the inspiration behind her non-traditional approach.
• The influence of her background in Animal Science on her perspective on human movement and rehabilitation.
• An explanation of FRC and DNS, and how these methods enhance her care.
• The significant impact of her postpartum journey on her practice.
• Identifying and addressing faulty movement patterns in patients.
• Common misconceptions about chiropractic care and how Dr. Andersson's approach differs.
• Integrating traditional chiropractic techniques with an emphasis on movement and rehabilitation.
• A success story highlighting the benefits of focusing on movement and rehab.
• Advice for improving mobility and overall physical health.
• The role of breath and deep core activation in improving movement mechanics and physical performance.
• The influence of her certification to work on animals on her understanding of biomechanics and movement.
• Key considerations and challenges in postpartum recovery, rehab, and return to fitness.
• Enhancing body awareness and empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery and performance improvement.

We also dive deep into discussions about pelvic floor health, unhealthy spines like bulging disks, and how there's more you can do beyond surgery. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that might just change the way you think about your body and its capabilities.

Find Dr. Alexandra @ https://www.altahealthandperformance.com

In this episode of "Are You Awake Yet?", we delve into the intricacies of social media and its impact on our lives. As the digital landscape continues to shape our perceptions, we often find ourselves comparing our realities to the curated glimpses presented online. However, through genuine conversations with real people, we uncover a shared experience of struggle and introspection amidst the facade. This phenomenon speaks to the collective consciousness of our planet, as more individuals turn inward to examine their behaviors and beliefs. Delving into the transformative power of Osho's dynamic meditation, we explore my profound journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Through this practice, I have learned to peel back layers of conditioned thought, embracing vulnerability and witnessing emotions with compassion. Join me as we navigate the complexities of modern existence and strive for authenticity in an age of digital distortion.

Website - holistichealingnutrition.net

Instagram - marykatesmith__

Welcome to the Are You Awake Podcast? I'm your host, MaryKate, and today we have the pleasure of welcoming Heather Mills, an esteemed esthetician and holistic health educator.

Heather's journey into holistic skincare and non-toxic practices started at an early age where she loved to pamper others and eventually led to her becoming a makeup artisit. Eventually this shifted into skin care and holisitic health. We delve into her path to becoming a holistic practitioner, the inspiration behind her creation of Ritual Skin and Body Care, and the fundamental differences between holistic and traditional skincare approaches. Heather shares her holistic methods for addressing specific skin issues like rosacea or acne and dispels common myths surrounding skincare. From assessing clients' needs holistically to incorporating powerful nutrients and natural remedies into her treatments, Heather reveals the tools and techniques she uses at Ritual Skin and Body Care. We explore how she integrates mind-body wellness into skincare and the lifestyle factors crucial for maintaining skin health and vitality. Heather also shares a compelling success story demonstrating the transformative power of holistic skincare. For those curious about transitioning to a holistic skincare approach, Heather offers invaluable advice. So join us as we embark on a journey towards healthier, rejuvenated skin naturally.

Find Heather at ritualskinandbodycare.com and instagram - ritualskinandbodycare

Find products at Osmosisbeauty.com and check out their list of practitioners to find someone near you.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are based on personal opinions and experiences. Any negative comments made about specific brands are not intended to harm or defame the reputation of those brands. It is important to remember that individual experiences may vary, and listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and make informed decisions. This podcast is not sponsored by or affiliated with any specific brands mentioned.