Wellness Mama®
Simple Answers for Healthier Families
I’ve written before about the health benefits of collagen and how it’s the most common protein in our bodies. I try to consume collagen powder on a regular basis because we know it boosts our body’s internal collagen production. This protein is especially important for us women because of its anti-aging effects on skin, ligaments, …
Years ago, I started making my own personal care products because I couldn’t find ones with clean ingredients that worked well. I made natural toothpaste, DIY natural shampoo and conditioner, and even soap. As I shared these recipes, many people asked if it was possible to buy them instead of making them. These homemade versions …
Sometimes I struggle with side dishes. I feel like I’ve already put enough effort into planning the main dish, so sometimes the vegetable sides become a minimal-effort afterthought. Fortunately, Real Plans has helped with the planning part a lot. These quick and easy sweet potato fries are on Real Plans. I love that they are …
Tattoos have become a very popular (yet still controversial) beauty statement in recent years. At the same time, many of us wonder whether they are good for our bodies. Is there such a thing as natural tattoos? The answer is yes! There are natural and non-toxic options. You can join in on this popular body …
I love few things more than a basket full of colorful Easter eggs. Easter is important to our family and one of our favorite times of the year, but I often find myself annoyed with the over-commercialization of what I consider a religious holiday. I also get peeved when Easter gets turned into an excuse …
Summer is coming, and with it, strawberry season. Nothing beats the flavor of fresh-picked berries. And since summertime also means warmer weather, I like to have a few dessert recipes on hand that don’t require heating up the kitchen with the oven. That’s one of the reasons I created these chocolate coconut no-bake cookies. This …
I am so thankful I discovered duck eggs. They’re one of my favorite chicken egg substitutions for baking and cooking. Ever since I realized my son was sensitive to eggs, I try to make sure I have them on hand so he can also enjoy what everyone else is eating. They taste as great in …
Magnesium is an essential mineral that your body needs. While calcium gets a lot of talk for bone health, you need magnesium every bit as much! Magnesium is one of those nutrients that you don’t really notice until you don’t have enough—then you can feel it everywhere in your life. From your ability to sleep …
I really love the ease of cooking a whole chicken. Sometimes I cook it in the slow-cooker, and other times I make a rotisserie-style chicken. And I always use the bones to make really good broth for soups. But on days when I have a little more time, I like to use chicken breasts to …
Humans need oxygen to survive. In elementary school, we all learned that the air we breathe contains 21% oxygen. Our bodies use oxygen for energy production. In the blood vessels, red blood cells carry oxygen and bind it to hemoglobin. It then dissolves in the plasma and flows out to the body tissues through the …
I use my homemade all-purpose cleaner on almost everything around the house, but it doesn’t work for every surface. Our home has granite kitchen countertops, and since granite can be a little fickle depending on what you use to clean it, I decided to test out a homemade granite cleaner. After several attempts, I found …
I’ve picked up some of my favorite recipes while traveling. I tried strawberry gelato in Europe and had to try making it when I got home. I first encountered boba tea, also called bubble tea, last year while traveling and was immediately intrigued by the idea. Despite what the bubbly name might imply, this isn’t …
You probably already know that oral health is one of my passions. I’ve had several dentists on the podcast to discuss common dental health questions, and one reoccurring topic is how to prevent tooth decay and cavities. What’s the big deal about cavities and amalgam fillings? Well, besides the pain, expense, and annoyance of getting …
I love herbs for their ability to enhance any dish and to support optimal health. Rosemary is no exception. Rosemary has many amazing benefits, ranging from boosting hair health to even having some anti-cancer properties. Rosemary: Dew of the Sea Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is Latin for “dew of the sea.” It’s often found growing naturally along sea …
In my college days, I loved eating Chinese food. Once I switched to a wellness lifestyle and realized what was in most restaurant foods, I stopped eating regular Chinese food. I decided to recreate some of the same flavors with real food ingredients. Sweet and sour chicken was one of my favorites, so I decided to come …
Obesity in the United States continues to rise each year. Many people are looking for ways to stick to a diet and attain a healthy weight once and for all. The problem is, weight issues are not simple. There are lots of reasons that people struggle to lose weight and there are lots of reasons …
Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) is a powerhouse ingredient for fighting inflammation and signs of aging. One of the best ways to harness its skin benefits is with a niacinamide cream. This lightweight face moisturizer glides on smoothly and leaves skin feeling nourished. Niacinamide Moisturizer Skin Benefits Here’s a quick overview of niacinamide’s benefits. …
Having some Louisiana roots, Cajun Gumbalaya (also spelled gumbolaya) is a family favorite around here. It combines the flavors of gumbo and jambalaya for an intensely flavorful recipe. As they say: “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll!). What Is Gumbalaya? I’ve also always been somewhat of a rule-breaker, so while gumbo …
Many of us moms struggle with digestive issues. We’re busy, we’re eating on the run, and there’s barely even time to run to the bathroom on a good day! The tricky part is incorporating good eating habits while juggling all the things family life throws at us. It can be a circus sometimes! While eating …
Looking for smoother, fresher feeling skin? This Himalayan salt scrub DIY is easy, simple, and great for exfoliating away dead skin cells. Body scrubs like this are just one of the homemade beauty products that are a staple in my home! Why Make a DIY Salt Scrub? Just the act of rubbing the skin helps …
New muffin recipe time! My kids love muffins. After a while, they get tired of eggs for breakfast and are always excited for muffins. And they love them at all times of the day. They make a great snack mid-morning, after school, or after sports. Apple cinnamon muffins are a fall favorite, but when spring rolls around, …
If you’ve already tried some of the typical diets or had food sensitivity testing and you haven’t improved, you may want to explore histamine intolerance. It can be the root cause of tricky health problems like migraines, skin irritation, and digestive upset. Histamine intolerance symptoms can mimic other conditions, so it’s crucial to rule out …
As a mom, I’m always looking for the safest herbs and essential oils to use for everyday ailments. Lemon balm is an amazing herb I always keep around, and it’s a staple in my natural remedy recipes. It has many benefits and uses, as you’ll find out below! What Is Lemon Balm? This lemony herb …
Most of my younger years were spent in Texas, where I developed a love for all things Mexican food. Even now I often make Mexican recipes and Tex-Mex food for my family that feature healthier ingredients, like my homemade taco seasoning. This gluten-free version of homemade enchilada sauce tastes great on enchiladas (and a lot of other things!) and is the …
