In my last blog, we talked about starting your day right and other simple changes. Here are a few more:

1. Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Dehydration can make you feel tired.Many formulas for ‘enough’ exist. However, it’s pretty well-recognized that we can lose up to 8 cups of fluid per day through normal metabolism. Therefore, I usually suggest 64oz. to up to 3/4oz. per pound of body weight depending on your activity level.
2. Sugary foods, high fat processed foods and other junk can stress your system far more than you may know. Clean up your diet by cutting out prepared foods with large numbers of ingredients.
3. Instead of sugary snacks for your afternoon pick-me-up, try a piece of fresh fruit with a few nuts (operative word here; a few; less than one ounce. Nuts are very rich in calories and fat and while they ARE fairly nutritious, they DO pack on the calories and fat very quickly) and a glass of water.
4. Winding down from the day in a less stressful way can produce better sleep patterns & help with energy levels. Some suggestions: take the TV and computer out of your bedroom. Set up the ‘do not disturb’ function on your cell phone for nighttime and keep it at least 3 feet from your head or preferably on the other side of the room or elsewhere while you sleep.  Shut off electronics an hour before bed. Create a wind-down routine: Have a relaxing cup of herbal tea. Use a journal to assist you; writing down positive remarks about the day’s accomplishments and quick notes about tomorrow that might affect your sleep if not acknowledged. 
5. Adding some relaxing music, a meditation routine or some relaxing blends of essential oils in a diffuser can also be helpful. I enjoy Ameo’s Gentle Repose, Calming Breeze and Pure Tranquility Blends.

Any or all of the above can be a good start.

Looking for Optimal Health? Watch for announcements about my upcoming programs starting in the fall.

The post 5 MORE Simple Answers to More energy NOW appeared first on Dr Leslie K. Empowered Wellness.

The three topical applications one can use are: Detox baths, body wraps and massage. Any of these methods are applicable for any of the oils I’ll discuss.

Using oils topically is a great adjunct to your weight loss program as it’s something simple & relaxing that can also help pull toxins out of your tissues, help get rid of cellulite, increase metabolism and more. To use oils in a detox bath, start out by adding Epsom salts to the bath water (start with about 1/4-1/2 cup but you can work up to using up to about 2 cups), add your oils to 1-2 tbsp. of fractionated coconut oil and add that to the bath water. Optionally, you can also add apple cider vinegar (1/3-1 cup). Soak for 20-30 minutes. (Always use caution in how long you stay in if your physical condition warrants it.)

Here's a recipe that has earned the name of "skinny dip": 
1-2 cups Epsom salts
7 drops each: Frankincense, grapefruit, peppermint, true lavender, Ameo Trim & Tone
4 drops each orange, tangerine
3 drops Ameo Cell Therapy
Mix oils in 1-2 tbsp. fractionated coconut oil and add to bath.
Follow with internal detox:
Zija Premium Detox tea, add 1 drop peppermint, 3 drops lemon

These oils will help to pull toxins out, decrease cellulite and more. As you can see by the accompanying picture, the results can be quite dramatic. These oils can be purchased at a substantial savings by purchasing the Ameo “Slim &Tranquil” combo pack available here.

Please contact me with questions or comments.

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We all know that healthy eating and exercise are long term keys to maintaining weight. Still, as we get older, we find it more & more difficult. Most of us have heard of things like the grapefruit diet and many others; some healthy, others; not so much. Well, it turns out that grapefruit is just one of many essential oils known to have a positive effect on metabolism and therefore, weight loss. Today, I’m going to talk about several of these oils, how they work and how you can incorporate them into a healthy weight loss program. In my next blog, I’ll talk more about detoxification and the use of oils that you can use in a bath or diffuser. While most therapeutic or clinical grade oils should not be consumed orally without proper supervision, these are all food-based substances and are reasonably safe.

Grapefruit Oil:

Grapefruit has long been known for its ability to curb cravings, boost metabolism and reduce abdominal fat. It turns out that it contains a compound (nootkatone) which increases production of AMPK, an enzyme important in homeostasis & energy production. (It also turns out that evidence shows both viruses and cancer cells down-regulate AMPK!) Research shows grapefruit oil increases endurances, decreases weight and body fat and more. Diffuse this oil or add a couple drops to drinking water.

Lemon Oil:

Known for enhancing mood and numerous other functions, lemon oil, when combined with grapefruit oil, has been shown to increase lipolysis (the breakdown of fat). Physiologically, it increases norepinephrine which helps with mood, cognitive function & increases muscle metabolism. Use this similarly to and along with grapefruit oil.

Peppermint Oil:

Peppermint has been shown to increase the flow of bile through the digestive track and decrease tension on abdominal muscles. It has also been shown to decrease appetite and in a study significant decreased caloric intake in a population that inhaled it every 2 hours. Use in a diffuser.

Cinnamon Oil:

Cinnamon has been shown to increase the body’s ability to utilize Insulin, thus helping decrease the tendency to store fat. It also has some anti-inflammatory qualities. Use caution with Cinnamon oil as it can burn mucous membranes. It’s safest to dilute it with olive oil or coconut oil as a carrier or to use it in food.

Sweet Fennel Oil:

Fennel has been shown to enhance Melatonin production and thus help with overall metabolism and with the body’s wake/sleep cycles. It was also used on fasting days in ancient cultures. Modern day animal studies showed that test animals ate less food when given fennel.

Order any of the oils above or get more info on oils by contacting me or clicking here.

Learn more about essential oils including how to make specific sprays, roll-on oils, body butters and more at my “Make & Take” Program at the SLOMakerSpace on August 1st form 7-9PM, SLO MakerSpace is located at 81 Higuera St; Suite 160, in SLO. PLease RSVP by contacting me. ($20 fee covers admission & includes one product; retail value $8-15)

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Today, I want to tell you a couple of quick stories of people who made small changes that helped address chronic inflammation and how these changes changed their life. (All names have been changed.)

Beverly is a client that, despite being obese had an active lifestyle that including skiing, tennis and other sports. But throughout the years she had had numerous injuries that resulted in chronic pain. Still, she was committed to maintaining her lifestyle and finding a way to diminish pain & inflammation without the potential negative effects of medication. I suggested a program that included Ameo’s Frankincense Essential Oil, various supplements and detoxification & weight loss. Bev decided to go with the Frankincense alone. (She didn’t want to give up any of her favorite foods & was convinced she actually felt better at her current weight.) Amazingly, just that, by itself made enough of a change that, although she wasn’t able to ski or play tennis, she had less pain and was able to be more active than she had been in the recent past .

Melinda is a young adult (mid-20’s) that was having some health challenges as a result of her poor diet and lack of exercise throughout her teenage years and into young adulthood. Blood tests revealed she was pre-diabetic. She had constant digestive distress, pain in many joints, possible gall bladder issues and knew she had to make a change. Adding Zija’s Smartmix, AGX Digest and making better food choices made an incredible difference. In a matter of just a couple of months, her digestive and gall bladder issue were resolved, her blood tests returned to a healthy range, pain was gone, she had more energy & felt healthier and she lost about 20 lbs.

Michael was a morbidly obese middle aged man who was diabetic, had fatty liver disease and was in constant pain. He knew his very life hinged on the need to make some major changes. He added Zija’s Supermix, Premium Detox tea and more fresh fruits and veggies to his diet. He has eliminated junk food, most dairy and some meat. He has lost almost 60 lbs and is now able to be a little more active. His blood tests have shown improvement after just a few months. Michael still has a long way to go to undo the damage caused by years of toxicity and inflammation. At this writing, he is still, unfortunately, in some pain but as he continues to build muscle, lose fat and decrease inflammation, he is beginning to see more positive changes. He is optimistic that he will be able to resume many activities soon.

These 3 clients illustrate  how making changes that decrease inflammation can result in quick improvements in people’s lives and in their health profiles.

To learn more about any of the products mentioned here or Dr. Leslie’s Lifetime Wellness Coaching Services, contact us.

The post Chronic Inflammation: Stories of Change appeared first on Dr Leslie K. Empowered Wellness.

Sunburn Spray: 5 drops each Lavender and Tea Tree oils, 2 drops Peppermint oil. Add these to a pint or 1/2 liter spray bottle filled mostly with distilled water and 1-2 ounces of Aloe Vera gel. Shake. This cooling spray can be applied as often as needed. (Never use oils on a physical burn unless it has been cooled for several minutes first)

Healing Blend for minor wounds: 10 drops each Lavender, Frankincense & Tea Tree, 1.5oz Witch Hazel, Aloe vera gel to fill 2 ounce spray bottle. Spray on wound.

Muscle or Joint Pain (simple over-use): 5 drops each Muscle Mend, Relaxing Touch, Eucalyptus and Marjoram in a 10ml roller bottle. Add carrier oil (fractionated coconut, sweet almond or avocado oil) to fill. Apply to sore areas & massage in.

Ameo essential oils are highly purified Clinical Grade essential oils. Each oil is subjected to Ameo’s “certi-5” standards; a combination of testing and certification that assures you that the oils are both pure and efficacious. Order your oils today: http://drfrankincense.com or call or message me to discuss specific needs.

The post Warm Weather “Farmacy” Part 2: Essential Oils for Sunburn & “Oww-ies!” appeared first on Dr Leslie K. Empowered Wellness.

Warm weather and springtime bring an array of fun outdoor activities for most of us. Whether you like to hike, go bicycling, play sports, sail or surf or just lay on the beach or by the pool, most of us find SOME time to get away for the work doldrums, maybe even shut off social media and get out in the fresh air.

But along with having fun come the adverse consequences: sore muscles, mosquito & bug bite, sunburns, scrapes and potentially even tick bites that can lead to more serious problems.

Today we’ll address the bug issues using Ameo Essential Oils:

Bug Repellents:

Commercial bug repellents are loaded with chemicals like DEET that can cause rashes and even neurological symptoms. Many are known to cause cancer and disrupt hormones as well.

• Bug Repellent Spray:

Choose from: Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Cinnamon and Cedar.                                    Fill an 8oz. spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled water. Add witch hazel til almost full. Add 30-50 drops of essential oils. Shake well before applying.

• Tick Repellent:

10 drops Lavender, 10 drops Lemongrass, 10 drops Eucalyptus.     Add oils to a 4 oz spray bottle filled with 1/2 distilled water & 1/2 witch hazel. Spray on shoes, sock pant legs & skin.

• Tick Repellent Part 2

Carry a lint roller that has been sprayed with the above solution.  Roll it over your pant legs & socks periodically. You may be shocked what you pick up!

• Bug Bite Itch Relief 

25% Tea Tree oil, 25% Lavender oil, 50% carrier oil (sweet almond, fractionated coconut or avocado oil are all good choices) Mix this in a 10ml roller bottle. Apply just a dab to bug bites.

Purchase your essential oils by clicking on ‘Ameo Essential Oils’ at the bottom of this page:Then choose the wholesale option. (Or use your personal login & password here if you have one.)

Call or message me to find out how to become a wholesale member with NO initial startup fee

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