While I take supplements because I aim to avoid prescription drugs at all costs because I am terrified of their side effects, the "au naturel" things can come with their own baggage and cons as well. But, there's also so much good. In this episode, "SUPPLEMENT JUNKIE" I'm telling tales about my journey of relying on a supplement as if it were a magic pill to understanding the positive and negative effects and learning to listen to my body. I share the supplements that I've taken, what's worked and hasn't and what I'm currently taking on my journey to PHAT-dom.

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Having PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) has caused me to deal with unwanted facial hair ever since I was a freshman in high school. I knew I was a Carnie folk in a past life, I just didn't want to be The Bearded Lady. Then, I was asked to audition for the role of The Bearded Lady...twice. And instead of focusing on the craft, the acting, being in the moment, I allowed being called "Sideburn Lady" in high school take precedence over being in the moment. I learned my lesson and am still dealing with unwanted facial hair. Hell, I'm still actually learning all the lessons.

Being someone who used to be 100 pounds heavier, one of the FAQ's I get is : HOW DID YOU LOSE THE WEIGHT? HOW CAN I LOSE WEIGHT? There's no magic answer. There's no magic pill (and, in fact, beware the magic pills, y'all.) The most important thing is to approach it from a gaining your health and adding in nutrition standpoint, from a positive perspective as opposed to something that society tells us you SHOULD do. And to LISTEN to your body and mind. This is my trajectory told in a somewhat timeline standpoint.

Tales about how a lil magical medicinal mushroom tincture is saving my life (or at least, helping me live with less anxiety and lowering my blood pressure). If you've ever been interested in mushroom tinctures but hesitant to try, here I am, your Phat Girl Guinea Pig talking about my experience and results.

May is Mental Health Month as many of us know. And, when there are months dedicated to things, I'm always like, "But no, it should be every damn day!" HOWEVER, it is good to have a dedicated time and space to bring awareness. I've dealt with anxiety and depression for a while. Much of it is related to PCOS. And, I have family members who suffer from mental illness. And, in order to keep my mental health stable at times, I need to take a step back from pushing myself and "do, do, doing" (doo-dooing? pooping?!?!) and even take a break from this here podcast. We all do. (Wait, no, don't take a break from the Who's Dat Phat Girl? Podcast. Just take a mental health break from your to-do list.)

Usually I have an outline for my episodes but in this one, I'm going ROGUE and full on adult ADD and I do NOT have an outline. My brain farts are real. My general annoyance with the mental health industry is real, too (and I'm telling tales about my own struggles and journey). But, still, my hope in the progress of where we CAN and WILL go with mental health awareness in the future is real, too, y'all.

So, if you want to ride this random roller coaster and here me tell some tales and vent some vents, come along with me. Maybe we'll help each other out.

I should note that on my website CLICK HERE I have mentioned the SAMHSA website before but I will post it right here after this here sentence if you or your loved one needs immediate health with mental health and/or substance abuse. (Click here for SAMSHA.GOV) While they say help is out there and help is available, in my journey, it's out there but is it always quality? NO. Is it always affordable? NO. Is it always easy? NO. Is this at all fair or helpful for someone who is currently struggling with a mental illness? HELL NO. But, help. Is. Out. There. And, we are treating mental illness with a lot more severity and respect than even 15 years ago, so there's that, y'all. THERE. IS. THAT.

Remember, being PHAT (pretty hot and tempting) isn't just about your physical self, it's about your mental wellness too.

I'm a sucker for wellness products. Since 1980 something I've probably tried all the products. But, these are my tried and true, some of them for over a decade. A Shakti mat, a Gua Sha stone, Plastic Cups, a Handheld Massager (used in an unconventional way - don't worry, it's G-rated!) and my make-shift Eye Mask are on my line-up.

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Throwing together a last minute Halloween costume (a baby) teaches me a valuable lesson that sometimes "your good", NOT your best is more than good enough.

I have no WILLPOWER !!! Do you ever find yourself saying that after practically swallowing a whole jug (tub? container?) of Kirkland brand chocolate covered almonds? Well, what if I told you it was time to say F*$# the concept of beating ourselves up for having "no willpower" and instead taking the power back to eat the feeds (even the "bad" feeds) without the judgment and the antiquated concept of constantly beating ourselves up. It'd leave us freer to make more nutrient-rich choices, embrace indulging and let go of the baggage of having to punish ourselves when temptation strikes. Because maybe making something so off-limits is what tempts us in the first place? Why are we SO tempted to berate ourselves? Let's gain back our POWER and tell WILLPOWER where to go.

Downloadable transcript available here!

To most 6 year olds, waking up to your momma making pralines for three Australian men who were in a car crash with your dad the night before MIGHT seem a little odd. For me, it was just another Tuesday morning. I'm telling tales about how we Cajun peeps have a knack for making the best out of nothing and turning anything into a festivity.

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To each their own, but growing up in a bigger body, learning that cleanliness was even Godlier than Godliness and with diet culture being shoved down my throat, I am personally grossed out by anything involving a food mess. From food fights (especially with condiments) to food fetishes (especially with salty food) and especially when society depicts a person in a slender body with food in a sexy or cute way while poking fun at people in bigger bodies eating, I'm so over it.

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