How was your September?
I’m a summer girl. September is hard on me, especially a Seattle September. When Fall hits I try to work up a good sweat 4x a week. It helps me feel human again.
This brings me to my first September find. It’s an essential for any workout queen or king. Yes, I’m talking to you man bun.
#1 Towel Scrunchies! I come home from the gym late; I shower and I’m hungry. The last thing I want to do is blow dry my hair for 15 minutes. Hair wraps fall off and forget about a floppy towel. I’ve tried sprays, but they dried my hair out.
I toss my hair up in these magically thick, absorbent and adorable scrunchies right out of the shower. No dripping wet hair, less drying time and LESS FRIZZ! I also use them after a workout when I can’t shower to soak up the sweat. She’s gross; I know. 😉
#2 Reusable Cotton Pads! I’m saving my face and the earth! Am I a superhero now? You can use them with eye makeup remover, face wash or toner. I wash mine in the gentle cycle. Boom- Done!
#3 Tarte Party of Three Eyeliner Trio. Eyeliner is serious business around here. It’s the one thing I’ll slap on my face if I’m in a rush. I love the brown and burgundy. I have brown eyes and pink, purple and burgundy-toned colors provide a nice contrast without going to an extreme like a blue, teal or green liner would. One side is a liquid for a clean crisp line. The other side is a solid. These bad boys lasted through my spin class! No smudges; no mess.
#4 Tartest Pro Amazonian Clay Palette. These colors will take you from casual to a crazy night out. This palette is the only one I’ve touched in weeks! I have fully committed to this Tartest palette. I put a label on this relationship; we are going steady and I see a bright future with her. One tip, make sure your eyelids are dry since this product contains clay.
#5 Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole. If you’ve ridden the diet roller coaster, if you are sick of the guilt-trip that food has over you or if you’ve struggled with balanced eating, then stop reading this, and order this book now. Geez, she’s bossy too.
#6 Mood Balance Biotect! Alright we talked about my mood going into Fall. As much as my new towel scrunchies make me happy I need a little more support.
I take Mood Balance Biotect (2 a day, 2-3x a week) from late September until I see sunshine. Especially if my appetite is all over the place, if I’m under a high amount of stress or if I’m becoming more anxious. This product contains SAMe, Saffron and 5-HTP.
Ok, if you want to get more into the workings behind these ingredients and a little bit of science keep reading.
I have, what I call, a slow COMT. Hu, say what?!? Genetically I produce less of the enzyme known as Cachetol-O-Methyl Transferase (COMT). This enzyme helps break down catecholamines—epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It also plays a role in detoxifying estradiol. S-Adenosylmethionine or SAMe is a methyl donor for COMT.
What does this look like? Stress hits and here come those stress chemicals to answer the call. Now, the stress is over and it’s time for them to go. BUT they don’t go, or at least not fast enough. Leaving me stressed, mind racing at night, thinking the worst and anxious. #notfun
It’s still about balance. Dopamine helps us feel good; it’s associated with pleasure, learning and motivation. Overactive COMT activity could through this off.
My solution was to get tested. See where I fall genetically and support my body with proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements if needed.
Testing options?! I’d look into LifeCodeGx and the Oestrogen Balance Report, Nervous System Report, or the Detoxification Report.
I do not take a single amino acid based supplement like SAMe, NAC or 5-HTP for too long or at a high doses, as to not deplete the other amino acids. I’ve learned to take every supplement at the lowest dose possible and go from there.
More research on saffron can be found here, here, here and here .
5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin. Some research has shown that it can help with appetite and satiety (here, here, here), sleep (here), and fibromyalgia symptoms (here). It’s role might have more to do with the gut (here, here).
This was fun! Let me know if you try any of these September Favorites and what you think. Hope you found the information helpful, and if we are all wearing towel scrunchies next year I think my job here is done.
Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post are intended to cure, treat or prevent any disease. If you are having a emotionally challenging time it is important to see your doctor or seek immediate assistance. Before starting any supplement please see your doctor, especially if you are on a medication, pregnant or might become pregnant. Unless otherwise noted I have no affiliation with the products or companies mentioned in this post.
Apples and Paws 