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Uncategorized  /  June 30, 2017

Fit Tip: Correcting “the Slouch”

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Most of us are guilty of it… Horrible posture. Rounded shoulders, relaxed back, and a slouched stance. In today’s society, proper posture is a thing of the past.

I used to be so good about maintaining correct posture, mostly when I was working as a personal trainer every day. Now that I sit behind a desk more often than not, alike the majority of the population, my posture is taking a hit. A big hit. I’ve become aware of this at the end of the day (when my neck aches), in photos (when my slouched shoulders make a regretful appearance), and during my workouts (when my form suffers). Sound familiar?

Growing up, my mom would always tell me, “pull your shoulders down and back.” I have never forgotten it. And when I went through my personal training education, it was emphasized once more. Now, it’s time to put my momma’s good advice and fitness training to good use!

Take a look at the photos below (ignore the sleep eyes, makeup less face, and bedhead):

incorrect posture

correct posture

Do you see the difference? Can you tell which stances are right and wrong?

One way to assess your upper body posture is by noticing the placement and direction of your palms. Here’s what you do: stand up naturally, as you would any other day. Look down at your hands. Are they in front of you or beside you? Are they facing towards your back or facing each other?

If you have proper posture, your palms should naturally lay at your side, facing each other. Unfortunately, if you take a look around, that’s not the case for the majority of people.

correct posture

So, in a long-overdue effort to correct my own posture, I dug out my dusty personal training books. I wanted to share my findings, here, with you, too! Below are simple exercises* that you can do daily to help improve your posture, all by yourself:

  1. Prisoner Rotations – Start in a kneeling position and interlock hands behind the head without pulling head forward. Engage core muscles to stabilize lumbar spine. Exhale and rotate arms to the right until a point of resistance is reached (no bouncing or rotating the hips). Hold for 15 seconds and then [bend at the waist], pointing the right elbow toward the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, and then return to upright position. [Bend at the waist] in the opposite direction before returning to upright position and allowing the trunk to rotate further into the movement. Perform 2-4 repetitions on each side.
  2. Bird Dog – Start in a hands and knees position on a mat, with knees underneath hips and the crease of wrists underneath shoulders, fingers pointing forward. Engage core, keep spine in a neutral position and avoid sagging hips. Lengthen left leg, engage quadricep, and lift your left leg off the floor until parallel with the mat. Do not lift above hip height. Slowly raise and straighten right arm so that it’s parallel with the floor and head is aligned with spine. Do not allow shoulders to tilt upward. Shoulders and hips should stay square or parallel to the mat throughout exercise. Hold for no more than 7 seconds, then slowly lower back to starting position.
  3. Table-Top Kneeling Lat Stretch – Kneel facing a low table, couch or chair, bending forward to place both extended arms on the object (rest forearms). Engage core to stabilize spine and prevent lordosis. Start with arms internally rotated, thumbs pointing inward. Exhale and gently collapse trunk and head toward the floor, maintaining a neutral spine while externally rotating the arms. Hold for 15 seconds, and then perform a series of slow anterior and posterior pelvic tilts. Relax and repeat 2-4 times.
  4. Shoulder Packing – Start lying on the back with knees bent 90 degrees and feet flat on floor, aligning the anterior superior iliac spine with knee and second toe. Position arms at sides of trunk with palms facing upward. Engage core to stabilize lumbar spine. Exhale and perform 2-4 repetitions of scapular depression and scapular retraction, holding each for 5-10 seconds. Using passive assistance from the opposite arm, gently push down on the shoulder without losing lumbar stability. Hold for 15-60 seconds. Relax and repeat 2-4 times on each shoulder.

*These exercises were found on Ace Fitness. Click on the link to see video demos of each exercise.

Join me in doing these easy movements, daily! Trust me, your body with thank you!

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Kelsey, FNTP, CC
Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhe Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhelmed and burdened by running a small business?! 

As a FNTP, who previously ran my own nutritional therapy practice, I know what it’s like to wear many hats. And let’s face it, small business owners can’t do it ALL. 

I‘ve personally experienced the overwhelm that comes with running your own business.

That’s when I decided to change directions and pursue content creation full time. Because I immediately saw the need for content creation in the nutrition sphere. Why?

Because as a nutrition professional, you want to share content that is accurate and original. Who’s better qualified to help you create content than a trained nutrition professional??

See where I’m going here? 🙃

I love combining my two passions: content creation and nutrition. Better yet, I love using these skill sets to better your business!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent
#nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practi As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I have a unique advantage in my work as a Content Creator. 

My #1 goal is to create original, niche-focused, attention-grabbing digital content for my fellow nutrition professionals. 

My skill set includes creating content for the following:
• Social media platforms 
• Blogs
• Email campaigns
• And more!

Do you want more information about how I work 1:1 with nutrition professionals and business wonders? Send me a DM!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner 
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging 
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth 
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent #nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 I’ve Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 

I’ve taken an unintentional (yet, very long) hiatus from this social media account and my blog. But, I’m back for a good while (I think 😅). Here’s what’s been going on lately..

In case you didn’t know, I started my own  business as a Content Creator in 2018, while I was in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a trained FNTP, my niche is specifically holistic health and nutrition. It’s a combination of my two expertise: nutrition + content creation!

As a FNTP with a strong passion for real food + balanced nutrition, I’ve always kept this account as an educational resource for you. And as a fun creative outlet for me, as well!

But, I’m here to say, it’s time for a new direction. As my content creation business continues to grow and as I become more invested as a Content Creator, it only feels right to bring a little bit of my profession to this space! 

So while I still plan to share nutritional tidbits and encouragement, I also want to use this platform as a resource for my content creation business.

Sound good?

If you’re a fellow FNTP or nutrition professional, feel free to reach out for content creation support! 

And, if you’re here for nutritional education, thank you for being here and participating in this awesome community!! 💛

#nutritonaltherapypractitioner #fntp #ntp #functionalnutritionaltherapypractitioner #contentcreator #contentcreation #contentmarketing #contentmarketer #nutritioncontent #nutritionresources
STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 🛑

*said with grace and love*

Seriously, I spent years sipping on black coffee before eating breakfast. But, not anymore. 

Here’s what happens when you skip breakfast and drink black coffee every morning:
👉🏼 The caffeine (AKA stimulant) spikes your blood sugar levels.
👉🏼 Your body moves into fight-or-flight mode, increasing stress hormones.
👉🏼 A couple hours later, the cravings and yawns kick in, so you binge on sugar and *more* coffee.

And in case you’re thinking, “I seem to feel just fine after drinking black coffee and skipping breakfast,” there’s a good chance your body is living on stress hormones and relies on the caffeine to keep your body functioning. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news 😬

Soooo, what should you do instead for a healthy metabolism & happy hormones?

Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, carbs, and fat, FIRST. Ideally, within an hour of waking up. Then, enjoy a cup of fresh coffee (preferably with high quality cream or milk) ☕️ 

TBH, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee with frothy, raw milk 🤩 what’s your coffee order?

And, yes, my shirt says “you’re the pumpkin to my spice” because ‘tis the season 🎃 *from @hannahmcmorrison 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #blackcoffee #coffeeorder #balancedbreakfast #healthybreakfast
When you’re trying to master the reel game, but When you’re trying to master the reel game, but have a constant shadow 🐾

Good thing he’s the cutest!

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#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #rhodesianridgeback #rhodie
I eat carbs at every meal! 🍎🥖🥔🫓🥛🍫

Here’s why…

Our bodies NEED carbohydrates for: 
• Physical energy
• Brain power
• Muscle repair and growth
• A healthy gut microbiome
• Metabolic efficiency 
• Healthy digestion 
• AND SO MUCH MORE

This is especially true when you’re exercising and strength training regularly!! 💪🏼

Some of my favorite carb sources are:
• Fresh sourdough bread 
• Sweet potatoes and red potatoes 
• Squash and carrots
• Seasonal fruit 
• Honey and maple syrup 
• Raw milk
• Cassava tortillas and pasta 
• Homemade baked goods with cassava flour
• Dark chocolate 

What are your favorite carbs?! 😋

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #carbs #glutenfreecarbs #healthycarbs #carbsbenefits
As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods a As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods as possible (and always GF), I’ve learned a thing or two about “healthy baking.” Here are the swaps I always make in my baked goods for healthy hormones, metabolism, and tastebuds! 👇🏼

• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
• @bobsredmill 1-to-1 GF flour instead of all purpose flour
• Raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar 
• Substitute a little bit of the flour with protein powder or collagen (usually about 10% of the total flour)
• Grass fed (raw, if possible) milk > nut milk
• Cassava, oat, or GF blend flour > almond flour

Save this post to refer back to this season! And, happy baking 🧁🍪

PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking
Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃 Alwa Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃

Always a Fall staple in my home! I usually double this recipe to share with others or put the freezer for later 😋

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose GF flour
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (I use @naked.protein)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1+ tbs pumpkin spice 
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
1 pastured egg
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey 
1/4 butter, melted and cooled
1/4-1/2 cup milk of choice (I use raw whole milk)
1/2+ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450F and grease muffin tin with coconut oil or butter.
2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix. Add wet ingredients and mix.
3. Fold in chocolate chips. 
4. Pour into muffin tin. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!!

*Recipe adapted from @fitmittenkitchen 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #pumpkinmuffins #proteinpumpkinmuffins #glutenfreepumpkinmuffins
5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE st 5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE stress in the body…

1. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
2. Working out fasted 
3. Limiting consumption of fruit and natural sugars
4. Opting for “low fat” foods
5. Drinking a gallon of water daily.

All of these habits add excessive stress to the body and can eventually lead to symptoms of burn out and physiological imbalances, like:
PMS
Weight gain
Acne
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue
AND SO MUCH MORE

Sometimes, our bodies need us to intentionally do LESS, not more. If you’re in a constant (physical or mental) state of stress, this means YOU!

Did you know these “healthy” habits could be detrimental to your health? 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #stress #healthyhabits #healthylifestyle
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