Natural digestion support • mindful eating • gut wellness habits
Digestive struggles have been part of my story since my teens.
Back then, I dealt with constant burning, discomfort, and pain — enough that doctors thought I might have an ulcer. After an upper GI ruled that out, my doctor suggested I start with one simple thing: change what I was eating.
And while that felt overwhelming at first, making a few thoughtful choices with food and supplements made a life-changing difference.
Today, I can honestly say:
My digestion feels strong, comfortable, and predictable — and I can enjoy food again without the fear of discomfort.
My digestion feels strong, comfortable, and predictable — and I can enjoy food again without the fear of discomfort.
If you deal with bloating, burning, or general digestive irritation, keep reading. These small habits might help you the way they helped me.
The Power of Chewing: The Simplest Step for Better Digestion
When it comes to supporting digestion, one of the most powerful tools is one we usually overlook: properly chewing your food.
Slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and eating mindfully allows your body to break down food more efficiently — reducing the strain on your gut and easing discomfort.
It sounds too simple, but friend… it’s a game changer.
Food Combining: A Gentle Way to Support an Overworked Gut
When your digestive system feels taxed or irritated, the way you combine foods can matter.
Food-combining principles help lighten the workload on your gut. You don’t have to follow them forever, meal after meal — but understanding the basics can make mealtime so much easier.
I share more about this in my book 31 Days to Fit, including how food combining played a role in my own health journey.
Today’s Tip: Support Digestion Before & After Meals
Especially during the holidays — when meals are heavier, richer, and more frequent — your digestive system needs a little extra love.
You don’t need to commit to long-term supplementation, but giving yourself a few strategic supports over the next two months can make a huge difference.
(And yes, you might actually want to hug me after you try them… 😜)
Here are a few options that can help support balanced, comfortable digestion:
Natural Supports for Healthy Digestion
✔ Essentialzyme-4™
A blend formulated with plant-based enzymes to help break down proteins, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates. One capsule is time-released to support digestion where it's needed most.
✔ Digest & Cleanse™ Softgels
Designed to be taken before meals to support comfortable digestion and overall gut wellness.
✔ AlkaLime™
Think of it as the “pop-pop fizz-fizz” of the essential oil world. It offers a gentle, refreshing way to support healthy digestion — especially helpful if occasional acidity is your struggle. Plus, it tastes like a treat.
These products support general wellness. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Why We Love Digestive Enzymes & Gut Support
✓ Supporting your digestive system can help you feel more comfortable after meals
✓ Gentle enzyme support may help you maintain steady energy
✓ When your digestion is happy — you feel good
✓ Gentle enzyme support may help you maintain steady energy
✓ When your digestion is happy — you feel good
The 14-Day Reset: A Simple Way to Support Gut Wellness
If your gut feels like it needs a full reset… this 14-Day Routine is for you. It’s easy, doable, repeatable, and totally gentle.
When my kids complain of a tummy ache, the first thing I hand them is NingXia Red®. They’d choose a yummy supplement drink over a capsule any day — and I don’t blame them!
Every month, people share their results from the 14-Day Reset, and the stories are incredible. While everyone’s experience is unique, here are some of the benefits participants often report:
- Better daily comfort
- More balanced energy
- Improved sleep
- Reduction in occasional bloating
- Support for balanced wellness
- Healthier-looking skin
- Feeling lighter and more refreshed
(These experiences are anecdotal and vary from person to person.)
A Favorite NingXia Recipe
🍒 NingXia Spritzer
- 2 oz NingXia Red
- 1 can berry sparkling water
- A couple drops of Orange Vitality™ oil
- Serve over ice
Refreshing, delicious, and supportive!
Want More Information?
If you’re interested in the 14-Day Reset, reply and I’ll send you everything you need.
Blessings,
~Terri
Simple, Time-Tested Ways to Help Kids Stay Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
I overheard a handful of moms bemoaning the fact that their kids were getting sick too often during this cold and flu season. I understand. It’s a real problem. I’ve been there and have learned a few simple strategies for avoiding “the bugs” throughout the years. So here’s my two cents from raising 11 kids…
The Power of “An Apple a Day"
The old proverb, An apple a day keeps the doctor away, has earned its place for a reason. Do you know the benefits of apples?
Apples are bursting with… immune-boosting antioxidants. Quercetin is the fancy name for the antioxidant found in these sweet and sometimes tart treats, but you don’t need to know the name in order to reap the benefits. Just remember: Apples are a powerful antioxidant.
Apples Help Detox the Body
Apples detoxify the liver and keep the bowels moving. The body is like a river and if part of the river is built up with refuse, then the rest of the river is toxic too. In order to keep the body clean and healthy, the bowels must move daily.
An apple is a GREAT way to do this. Keeping the bowels regular with these crunchy treats also helps to neutralize irritable bowel syndrome, beat diarrhea, and obviously constipation which are all dreaded sicknesses. I buy apples by the case and require my kids to eat one daily. I rarely have to nudge them in this direction, rather I usually find myself repeating… “Slow down on the apples, this case needs to last a few weeks!”
I bet if the only tip you take away from this article is to add one organic apple a day to your child’s diet, you would see an improvement. I challenge you to try it.
Give the Body a Break From Junk Food
Another immune booster is to give the body a break! Artificial ingredients, dyes, and fake foods weaken the immune system. A strong army needs the right weapons in order to fight. Packaged food does NOT have the nutrients the immune warriors need to form their weapons.
We can help our warriors by giving them the tools they need to fight, rather than disarming them with poor nutrition. Clean out your pantry and refrigerator. Keep fresh foods — real foods — in the house and watch your kids get stronger and healthier.
Know Your Child’s Food Sensitivities
Some of us have kids with allergies. Gluten intolerance is a big one these days. These kids tend to have stuffed-up noses more than other kids, even when they are avoiding gluten. This comes from secondary irritants.
During the cold and flu season it’s super, duper important to guard these children against secondary irritants. Sugar is ALWAYS on the list. Dairy is second. Peanut butter can be a biggy, too. Know your child. Watch the reactions (s)he has to the foods (s)he eats.
When Fever Strikes, Don’t Panic
When the fever strikes, don’t panic. The immune fighting warriors are killing as many bad guys as possible and the heat is on. The fever makes a person tired and for a reason; rest will help these guys work.
When we medicate the fever we prolong the problem. Of course, a high fever is NOT safe, so watch that. But don’t panic when your child feels hot. Stir up a pot of homemade chicken soup, and snuggle up on the couch with your little one. Love boosts the immune system too… It’s proven.
Essential Oils for Immune Support
I also HIGHLY recommend essential oils. I rub oils on my kids daily with great results.
Sickness cannot always be avoided, but we moms can do everything possible during the seasons of sniffles in order to boost our kids’ immune systems.
Terri’s Simple Immune-Boosting Checklist
So…
- Add an apple a day to your kid’s diet.
- Clean out the pantry and refrigerator of fake, packaged foods with artificial ingredients.
- When fever strikes, don’t immediately disarm the fighting warriors.
- Give lots of hugs and kisses.
- Learn about essential oils.
We Moms Need Each Other
Even though I’ve been raising kids for years and years and years and have learned a few simple strategies for avoiding “bugs”… I still seek other moms’ wisdom and I benefit from their personal experiences. We moms need each other.
If you’re looking for more “Dr. Mom” wisdom then just text HEALTH to my number 281-747-8467 and I’ll walk you through my favorite tips on natural living for optimal health and wellness!
Happy Health to You!
~Terri
Where Did I Put My Keys? Simple Support for Memory and Brain Health
Have you seen my keys? Will you call me? I can’t find my phone. What is that guy’s name on that show??? Pass me the whatchamacallit so I can fix this thingy.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And it might leave you wondering…
So Where Does Our Brain Hide Information?
Stress eats it.
Caffeine deletes it.
Children erase it.
Caffeine deletes it.
Children erase it.
Over time, all of these little daily stressors can take a toll on memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. This calls for a change in maintaining good brain health—unless you enjoy asking these types of questions all day, of course.
Natural Ways to Support Brain Function
If not… Young Living has plenty of oils that support brain function, like Brain Power & Clarity!
But there is also a supplement called MindWise™, which is a supplement that PACKS A PUNCH when it comes to feeding the brain what it needs for cognitive function. (That’s just a big term for maintaining a sharp memory.)
Try adding 1 tablespoon of this to your morning regimen if you are a coffee drinker. Your brain will thank you and you will stay focused, clear, and sharp! And I bet you’ll even remember where you put your phone and keys.
What’s Inside This Super Brain Serum?
Here are just a few of the power-punching ingredients:
- Water
- Pomegranate
- Acai Purée
- Proprietary MindWise Oil Blend: Sacha inchi nut oil, Fractionated coconut oil, Peppermint leaf oil, Fennel seed oil, Anise seed oil, Lemon peel oil, Lime peel oil
- Proprietary MindWise Memory Blend: Pomegranate Extract, Rhododendron Extract, CoQ10, Turmeric, Vitamin D3
- And more…
These ingredients are known for supporting brain health, mental clarity, and overall wellness, making MindWise a powerful addition to your daily routine.
Ready to Support Your Brain Naturally?
Give yourself the gift of health.
Text HEALTH to my number 281-747-8467 and I’ll walk you through my favorite tips on natural living for optimal health and wellness!
Text HEALTH to my number 281-747-8467 and I’ll walk you through my favorite tips on natural living for optimal health and wellness!
~Terri
A Day Filled With Chaos (and Poopy Diapers)
The stench of multiple poopy diapers hung in the air. Yes, poopy, and the worst kind of poopy at that: OTHER kids’ poopy, not my own little darlings.
Last week, I was away from the house ALL DAY in a volunteer situation working with little children in a cramped nursery surrounded by stinky diapers. I had what my family calls “A DAY!” I love children, but I don’t necessarily love their poopy and the lingering smell just about unraveled me. At the end of the day, I rolled into the driveway dreaming about a hot bath and cuddles with my kids and hubby on the couch when…
The Unexpected Emotional Plot Twist
One of my oldest daughters greeted me with, “Oh good you’re home! I need to talk to you. Let’s go on a date NOW!”
The last thing I wanted to do was leave the house, get back in traffic, and deal with emotional drama. Seriously! Hormonal drama after a day of toddler poop? I don’t think so!
I came home totin’ a “tude.” I wanted a…
…bubble bath and my way…NOW! I needed my day to end. To halt. To be over.
Choosing Connection Over the Mood
However, being the very mature mother that I am, (insert rolling eyes), I stuffed my feelings and agreed to take said daughter on this spur-of-the-moment date in my harried condition. In the car, this daughter poured out the issues of her heart and what God was doing inside of her. It was as if she had been reading my prayer journal and was speaking the very prayers I had been praying for her back to me. We drove around town for 2 hours and I listened in awe at her desire to KNOW God and relinquish her rights to Him. My heart overflowed at His faithfulness to my daughter (and me.)
God’s Answers Don’t Always Arrive When It’s Convenient
But here’s a funny thing, I could have easily missed the opportunity to hear God’s direct answer to my specific prayers. Honestly, His answers whisper at the most inconvenient times.
Why does He do that?
Doesn’t He know I like a neat, reliable schedule where answers come when I’m rested and can focus?
Learning to Hear His Whisper in the Chaos
God has been teaching me to run to His calm in the middle of my storm, for there I can survive anything because it is there that I hear His voice. Learning to refresh myself within the context of the intense schedule He has called me to, rather than tote a ‘tude that will only cheat me from hearing His Voice, is the most important discipline I practice. This can only be achieved if I tuck His Word in my brain like shown in my last two posts.
God doesn’t follow our schedule and He’s outside of our time. If we really want to hear from Him, we must be prepared to recognize His answers when we least expect them. Ask God to help you press into Him for refreshment in the midst of the intense work He has called you to so that You can hear His whisper over your own ‘tude.
~Terri
Choosing the Hard Way in Marriage is Worth It
Do you have the kind of marriage that actually requires God?
(Truth: every marriage does.)
But we still try to be self-sufficient. We think if we just had more savings… if the kids were grown… if we had less stress… life would finally become easier and then we’d be happy.
The Journey Requires God
Marriage was never designed to be done without Him. We need His direction, His restraint, His wisdom, and His resources.
He guides us through conflict.
He sustains us in struggle.
He supplies what we cannot manufacture.
He sustains us in struggle.
He supplies what we cannot manufacture.
Easy Does Not Equal Happy
A life without challenges will not produce deep joy, connection, or resilience.
If you are considering running from your marriage because it is hard… pause.
Hard is not bad. Hard is often the place of breakthrough.
Hard is where God grows us — and grows our marriage.
Hard is where God grows us — and grows our marriage.
The Greater the Struggle — The Greater the Reward
Give generously in marriage.
Give generously in family.
Give generously in the work God has asked you to do.
Give generously in the areas that require stretching.
Give generously in family.
Give generously in the work God has asked you to do.
Give generously in the areas that require stretching.
Comfort isn’t the goal.
Eternity is.
Eternity is.
Pain Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing
Childbirth was terrifying for me with my first — but if I would have avoided future pain — I would have missed the ten children I treasure today.
The deep pain in my marriage seasons didn’t run us away from God’s plan. We didn’t flee. We walked through with Him — step by step.
Homeschooling Wasn’t the Easy Road Either
Two decades — and still choosing it today.
I see fruit now in my adult children.
And I keep choosing the work with my younger ones — even when it’s stretching.
I see fruit now in my adult children.
And I keep choosing the work with my younger ones — even when it’s stretching.
Where Are You Hurting?
Look beyond the immediate pain and ask God to give you eternal vision.
We get ONE life.
Easy should never be the aim.
Easy should never be the aim.
We usually hurt when comfort is challenged, when selfishness is exposed, or when time is demanded of us.
A meaningful life has struggle after struggle — and those who persevere with God will feel the deepest satisfaction.
Address the pain.
Lay down the selfishness.
Embrace the struggle.
Walk WITH your Creator through it.
Lay down the selfishness.
Embrace the struggle.
Walk WITH your Creator through it.
~ Terri
Prepare your arsenal for this season’s germs — because ain’t nobody got time for that!
Every Thursday evening, all my kiddos and grands pile in for Family Dinner Night. We share food, swap kisses, and — you guessed it — spread germs generously with each other! 😂
Getting sick occasionally is just part of being human, but avoiding it most of the time? That’s the goal.
And friend, after years of motherhood (and what feels like my own personal case study in family health), I’ve learned a few tricks that really work.
Why I Love My “Flu Bomb” Arsenal
Let’s talk about what’s in my mama medicine arsenal.
Certain essential oils are absolute powerhouses when it comes to supporting your body’s natural defenses and promoting a clean, healthy environment.
💥 Powerful cleansing properties:
Studies show that oils like oregano, tea tree (melaleuca), and clove (found in Thieves®!) have strong cleansing and purifying properties when used as directed.
And get this — one study found that diffusing Thieves essential oil reduced airborne bacteria significantly within minutes.
Pretty amazing for something that smells like Christmas cookies, right? 🎄
Build Your Mama Medicine Cabinet
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Don’t wait to order your oils until someone’s already sick!
Don’t wait to order your oils until someone’s already sick!
Be the prepared mama. Have your immune-support stash ready before the first sneeze of the season.
Here’s what I always keep on hand:
🌿 Thieves – immune-support powerhouse and surface cleaner
🌿 Oregano – strong and purifying, perfect for seasonal wellness
🌿 Frankincense – supports immune and respiratory health
🌿 Melaleuca (Tea Tree) – great for cleansing and purifying
🌿 Life 9 Probiotic – 17 billion live cultures to help maintain gut and immune balance*
🌿 DiGize – for daily digestive wellness support* (because sometimes germs show up in the tummy, too)
🌿 Oregano – strong and purifying, perfect for seasonal wellness
🌿 Frankincense – supports immune and respiratory health
🌿 Melaleuca (Tea Tree) – great for cleansing and purifying
🌿 Life 9 Probiotic – 17 billion live cultures to help maintain gut and immune balance*
🌿 DiGize – for daily digestive wellness support* (because sometimes germs show up in the tummy, too)
👜 Terri’s Tip:
I keep three bags ready to go — one for home, one for the car, and one in my “quick grab” emergency kit.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Diffuse Like a Boss
Diffusing oils isn’t just about making your home smell cozy (though that’s a huge bonus). It’s one of the most effective ways to freshen the air, create a clean environment, and boost everyone’s mood naturally.
Try this Flu Bomb Diffuser Blend when the sniffles start making the rounds:
✨ 3 drops Thieves
✨ 2 drops Lemon
✨ 1 drop Oregano
✨ 1 drop Frankincense
✨ 2 drops Lemon
✨ 1 drop Oregano
✨ 1 drop Frankincense
Diffuse for 20–30 minutes in the main living area — especially after family gatherings or school days when everyone’s been exposed to “all the things.”
Be the Prepared Mama
Now, I may have been a mom during Y2K (so yes, I’m slightly conditioned to be a prepper 😆), but trust me on this one — being prepared feels so much better than scrambling when someone spikes a fever at midnight.
Here’s what you can do today:
✅ Order your oils now — don’t wait until you need them.
✅ Create a shared “Health Tips” album on your phone with your husband — keep your favorite flu bomb graphic and recipes there.
✅ Set up an emergency cabinet with your go-to immune-support and natural wellness products.
✅ Create a shared “Health Tips” album on your phone with your husband — keep your favorite flu bomb graphic and recipes there.
✅ Set up an emergency cabinet with your go-to immune-support and natural wellness products.
Your future self (and your family) will thank you.
Final Thoughts from the Mom Trenches
Mama, you are the heartbeat of your home — and you deserve to feel empowered, not helpless, when sickness tries to sneak in.
Build your natural wellness kit, keep those oils handy, and remember: you’ve got this. 💪🏻
Now go mix up that Flu Bomb Diffuser Blend and show those germs who’s boss.
Big hugs and strong immune systems,
Terri
A Moment That Changed Everything
Thirty-six years ago my dad stood at the altar with my then-soon-to-be-husband and me. I was one of three daughters my dad gave away in marriage that summer, and now, having grown children of my own, I don’t know how my dad made it through that ceremony without blowing snot everywhere on stage!
Yes, this is a happy, wonderful transition, yet it is an emotional one.
The gravity of how fast the growing up years pass is surreal!
Children are a gift, a blessing, and occupy a temporary residence in our home.
It’s like one day you’re holding an infant and the next you’re giving them away in marriage.
The “in a blink” saying is true!
A Father’s Song and a Lasting Legacy
Knowing that time is fleeting, my dad summed up in a song what mine and Troy’s union should look like on a daily basis. He summed up what he and my mom had done for me. Don’t get me wrong, my parents aren’t perfect, like Troy and I aren’t (It runs in the family!)
But one thing they did was…
…make up for any imperfections they might have.
They gave me Jesus.
And for that, I am literally eternally grateful!
The Song That Says It All
Here is the song my dad sang at our wedding altar…
You can give your children houses
And you can give them lands
And the riches of your efforts
And all your best-laid plans
And you can give them lands
And the riches of your efforts
And all your best-laid plans
But of all that they inherit
Of all that you could will
Please include the unseen treasure of the life
That God has filled
Of all that you could will
Please include the unseen treasure of the life
That God has filled
Because the greatest gift a father can give
Is a life lived for Jesus
And the greatest gift a mother can give
Is the knowledge of the Lord
Is a life lived for Jesus
And the greatest gift a mother can give
Is the knowledge of the Lord
Pass Him on to your children
He’s the gift that keeps on giving
The greatest gift is a life lived for Jesus
He’s the gift that keeps on giving
The greatest gift is a life lived for Jesus
And someday the house will crumble
And time will turn the land to dust
And when all accounts are empty
Where will you invest their trust?
And time will turn the land to dust
And when all accounts are empty
Where will you invest their trust?
But of the riches that you give them
It’s the wisdom of His ways
Then the wealth you leave your children
Will last through all their days.
It’s the wisdom of His ways
Then the wealth you leave your children
Will last through all their days.
Passing On the Greatest Inheritance
Our marriage has not been perfect because we’re human, but this one thing we have strived for together above all others is to give our children Jesus.
His friendship. His love. His salvation.
The knowledge of Him IS the greatest inheritance we can pass on generationally.
What are you passing on to your children?
~Terri
When You’re Running on Empty
Just shoot me and call me dead. Because then I’d have a good reason to lay here!!! Have you ever felt like that? What do you do? Coffee? Energy drinks? These are the options we are most familiar with however, these “friends” of ours actually drain our energy reserves and damage long-term health.
Let’s face it. We all like a pick-me-up, but let’s be smart about it and think long-term! Life is non-stop and we need our bodies to fire on all pistons.
Energy is not an option!
It’s a MUST!
But coffee and energy drinks rev us up then drop us with a thud! These sugar-laced caffeinated drinks actually tax our adrenal glands in order to give that boost … and trust me, your adrenal glands don’t like being taxed as much as you do!! Get the picture?
The Truth About Coffee and Energy Drinks
I hear you, though! “Don’t mess with my coffee/energy drinks!” But let’s seriously consider our long-term health. Coffee will boost the ability to move through the day, but a high price is paid later when the caffeine wears off.
Eventually, the caffeine will not even give the boost it once boasted and this is when you know your adrenals can’t pay the tax collector. They have nothing left to give.
A Healthier Solution for Real Energy
Let me offer a solution to that need for energy.
It’s called…
It’s safe, health-building, energy giving and does not tax the adrenal glands like coffee! This essential oil blend also boosts mental alertness and increases circulation. It’s a win-win and way better than the long-term deficit coffee will give your body.
Choose Lasting Energy Over Quick Fixes
Take care of your body and use En-R-Gee when you need that extra boost to get you through the day.
And we won’t have to shoot you and call you dead so you have a reason to lay there!! :P
~Terri
