https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal daily 0.75 2025-06-14 https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/my-pcos-story-2-month-update monthly 0.5 2021-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1616453709826-L5C6BWSFP4N2XRLEBVAV/Riv+photos-13.jpg Journal - My PCOS Story + 2 month update I don't think I ever liked my body. Regardless of its size, there was always something to pick apart. My skin, my love handles, my cheeks, my stomach. I criticized myself for as long as I can remember. Never satisfied. I grew up an athlete. A pretty good one. My competitive nature sparked my passion for sports, specifically soccer, & my life was pretty much that for 11 years. Freshman year of high school someone said I didn't look like I played soccer. I looked at her hurt & confused, "what? why?" I knew what she meant. She meant I looked too fat to play soccer. I was a size 4. I had a fucking 6-pack. That wasn't the first time someone commented on my weight. I was 13 years old. Fast forward to my 2nd semester of junior year, I was medicated for my depression. Over medicated. In less than a year I gained 30+ lbs. I lost my period. I had acne for the 1st time in my life. My emotions were gone. The weight kept rising over the next 2 years until I didn't recognize myself in the mirror. The medicine was supposed to be helping, but I felt further from myself than ever and I was too numb to care. After a year of playing college soccer, I decided to shift my focus. I broke my foot, the weight slowed me down, my game changed. I didn't love it anymore. I decided to transfer my sophomore year. At this point, I decided I was done with the meds... all except one. I was taking a high dose of Vyvanse to counteract the other meds. The Vyvanse alone quickly became a completely different experience. Days without eating, nights without sleeping, heart palpitations, anxiety attacks, & everything in between. Irregular af period. I was strung out. But I had lost almost all the weight from the other meds so I didn't care... I wanted to keep it off and I thought this was the only way I could. This lifestyle clearly wasn't sustainable. After my last prescription ended I would still find ways to take it. It felt like a necessity. I was scared without it the weight would come back. Until one night I was studying with friends and ended up in the hospital with a resting heart rate of 150 from an anxiety attack. This was my breaking point. I had to slow down.. & so I did. This was the first time I started to take my health seriously. I came back to my coping mechanisms from therapy, the holistic practices my mom taught me, and started thinking about food a little more. Slowly but surely my period came back but would come & go depending on my stress levels. My PMS each time would get worse & worse. My weight, despite my healthy eating, kept going up with no end in sight. But I was trying. It wasn't until after college I was able to stay consistent. A couple whole30s later I was eating a mostly paleo diet that quickly turned into an obsession of eating as healthy as possible. Anxiety surrounding bread and dairy would turn into self-deprecation when I did indulge. I was over-exercising and under eating. All the while having the most painful periods, intense mood swings, and weight gain. Cramps that would shoot down my legs and pulsate my feet. Mood swings that made me feel like I had a light switch in my head. Weight gain that protruded my stomach. I was obsessed with healing. I never worked so hard in my life and kept coming up short. I knew something was off. For the past 5 years I've been searching for the answers to my battle surrounding my reproductive, digestive, & physical health. In January 2021, I was finishing my 9th whole30 and was feeling like complete shit. I was tired, I was the heaviest I’ve ever weighed despite my dedicated workout schedule and paleo-ish diet. I was frustrated beyond words. I was planning my annual gynecologist appointment and wanted to come through with receipts. I was walking out of there with answers. I was exhausted. I was so angry, mostly with myself. It seemed as if we’ve ruled out everything else and this would be my answer to everything. A couple hours later, I walked out of the appointment formally diagnosed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1616453828122-NO7FW7UVKZOUHJT4W8MH/what+is+body+neutrality_.png Journal - My PCOS Story + 2 month update Polycystic ovarian syndrome - a hormonal, metabolic condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens which can cause cysts on the ovaries, insulin resistance, &/or irregular periods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1616515391283-XJ7QY3XVT2HA1OH7OR22/AF91185E-1D1F-49DD-B6AB-BD1E2FEF3AEE.jpg Journal - My PCOS Story + 2 month update - Body Love by Kelly LeVeque So while I haven’t changed much of what I eat from a day-to-day, I try to be more mindful of my macronutrients to ensure I am getting enough fat and protein into my diet. I have been following Kelly LeVeque’s fab4 protocol when it comes to my morning smoothies and meals in efforts to stabilize my blood sugar. Our pancreas creates a hormone called insulin that is released into the blood steam to regulate blood sugar. However, this process becomes more difficult when you are insulin resistant. My body does not use insulin effectively and has a hard time keeping my blood sugar regulated, which causes a build up in my bloodstream. But increased insulin also causes weight gain in the abdominal area because the over production turns into fat. When we eat sugar (or other carbohydrate-rich foods that are quickly processed into blood sugar), the pancreas goes into overdrive to produce the insulin necessary for all the new blood sugar to be stored. This insulin surge tells our body that plenty of energy is available, and that it should stop burning fat and start storing it. So… there’s clearly a lot of confusion going on in there. To naturally balance my blood sugar, I try to avoid simple carbohydrates and hidden sugar while focusing on eating fat, protein and fiber-rich meals. My goal is to eat 25-35 grams of protein per meal, paired with 2 tbsp. of fat while focusing on fibrous green vegetables. I don’t count macros so I do this all intuitively. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1616515925950-5WA0YP08X5TRVQ398UQB/IMG_6955.JPG Journal - My PCOS Story + 2 month update - DISCLAIMER: Please consult your doctor prior to beginning any supplement programs. Inositol Powder: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon 2-4x daily in water, tea, or my morning smoothies Benefits: aids in blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity Phosphatidylserine: 1-3 capsules before bed Benefits: reduces cortisol levels and promotes mental health Iron Complex: 2 capsules daily for 3 months Benefits: supports energy and improves anemia symptoms B12: 1 tab daily Benefits: supports energy, improves anemia symptoms, and supports a healthy nervous system Vitamin D: 1 capsule daily Benefits: supports immune system and sleep, boosts energy levels, helps with calcium absorption https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/dear-self-love-letters monthly 0.5 2025-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607059637337-RI7Y3R3R1NXL9BSJ08J7/Riv+photos+-23.jpg Journal - Dear Self Dear self, Thank you for trusting me. Last month I felt connected to you because of my quiet moments alone in Joshua Tree. I learned how to intuitively listen without fear from this experience. In order to move forward this month, I need to let go of the idea that I am "behind" on my abstract timelines. I will do this by showing you ease and grace when I don't cross things off my go do list. I will focus on spending more quality time together in efforts to show myself love and self care. I appreciate your patience while I learn to love and communicate with you. I will continue to affirm my love for you. I am honoring my potential by doing one thing my future self will thank me for every day. I reserve the right to become emotionally smarter and stronger. Donating is one small way I am working towards becoming a better person this month. This months mantra is, "I will continue to grow even when setbacks present themselves" - @alex_elle December 2020 intentions look a little different. It's a letter to myself. I chance to really be face to face with what you want and need to say. When I was younger, I didn't know how to verbalize my fears and stress to my family. I wrote it down. When I can't find the words to speak, I always find them on paper. If you're struggling to connect with yourself, try writing a letter. Try this prompt. It's a guide that allows you to tap into your intuition. Read it every day. Notice how it makes you feel. Notice if it's easier to deliver on some of these action items when it's coming from a place of self love, abundance, and honesty rather than a place of insecurity and motive driven by ego. And know that it's ok if your letters don't start off nice. Be real, be honest. But always come from a place of love. Try it out with the template below: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607059729948-PW38RG3RQPLETZ9CZRIS/image-asset.png Journal - Dear Self https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/cinnabun-birthday-cake-protein-balls monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607058546724-PVCY1WZYI3W9CYBCLOJO/IMG_5401.jpg Journal - Cinnabun Birthday Cake Protein Balls - Recipe Details: * 3 tablespoons cashew butter * 2 tbsp maple syrup * 2 tbsp date syrup * 2 tsp vanilla extract⁣⁣⁣ * 1 tsp almond extract (this is what gives these the birthday cake flavor so don’t skip it!)⁣ * 3 tbsp almond flour * 1 scoop vanilla Gainful Protein * sea salt * cinnamon * sprinkles - optional but cute :) ⁣ White chocolate drizzle: * 1/4 cup white chocolate chips * 1/2 tsp coconut oil ⁣ mix all ingredients except protein powder, almond flour, and sprinkles in large bowl until well combined. then, gradually sift in protein and almond flour. roll into balls with your hands. you can add sprinkles directly to mixture, or roll the balls in them. let set in fridge for 10 mins while you make the white chocolate drizzle! Combine ingredients into a small bowl and microwave in 15-30 second increments until melted and mixed. Drizzle over bites then freeze for ~30 minutes then enjoy! store extra in fridge. https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/pumpkin-spice-matcha-bark monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607058407639-P050TBRZI5VUAWZVBKWO/IMG_4946_jpg.jpg Journal - Pumpkin Spice Matcha Bark - Recipe Details: * 1 bowl of melted dark chocolate chips * 3 bowls of melted white chocolate chips - add @organifi pumpkin spice gold into one, add @sunfood matcha into another bowl and stir until combined * Pour chocolate into pan and swirl with a knife to make the cute marble look * Dust with matcha powder * Put in freezer for 30ish minutes * Top with sea salt, break, + enjoy https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/bluebanero-chicken-n-waffles monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607058163017-22TBJ783SC0PJKPYR2Y1/IMG_4891_jpg.jpg Journal - "bluebanero" chicken n' waffles - Recipe Details: * 2 boneless chicken thighs * 2 eggs * 1/2 cup almond meal * 1/4 cup almond flour * 1/2 tsp salt & pepper * 1/2 tsp garlic powder * 1/2 tsp chili powder * 1/2 tsp paprika * 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper * ghee * 2 @birchbenders Paleo Waffles Heat ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Beat two eggs in a bowl and then make breading by combining flours and spices in a separate bowl. Coat the chicken in the eggs, then the breading mixture and place carefully in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes each side or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through. Place chicken on top of toasted waffles. "bluebanero" maple syrup: * maple syrup * habanero sauce * fresh or frozen bloobs * bluebanero jelly from the farmers market (made with fresh blueberries, sugar, vinegar, pectin, and habanero peppers) Combine ingredients together and heat in microwave for 45 seconds. Drizzle bluebanero sauce over chicken and enjoy! Makes 2 servings! https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/chocolate-cinnabun-dates monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607057874670-LRIYUSA6X9QAEMPRCMRY/IMG_4517_jpg.jpg Journal - Chocolate Cinnabun Dates - Recipe Details: Vegan Cinnamon Bun Spread * 1/4 cup cashew butter / nut butter * 1/4 maple syrup * 1 tsp cinnamon * 3 tbsp coconut oil * Dash of vanilla * Pinch of sea salt I didn't have chocolate on hand to melt so I made my own! Combined Organifi chocolate gold, cocoa powder, & ghee until smoothed. Topped with a pinch of sea salt and voilà https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/no-bake-vegan-mm-chocolate-cheesecake-bars monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607057739442-PSJPE5H2TUJWGHG0AWSV/IMG_3972.jpg Journal - No Bake Vegan M&M Chocolate Cheesecake bars - Recipe Details: Chocolate crust * 1 cup almonds * 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes * 1 cup soft pitted dates soaked in lukewarm water, drained * 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder * sea salt * 2 tbsp melted coconut oil * 1/2 tsp vanilla In a food processor, add all the almonds and coconut. Process on high speed until it forms a coarse mixture - about 1 minute. Stir in the rest of the ingredients until it forms a sticky dough that you can easily press into the pan to make a raw biscuit base. If it is too dry (this can happen if you used dry dates) add 1 tbsp of water, process 20 seconds until batter is sticky. Transfer mixture onto the pan with parchment paper and press firmly with your fingers to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. Place in the fridge while you make the filling. Chocolate filling * 1/2 cup soaked cashews * 1 tbsp cashew butter * 1/2 cup chocolate @lovvelavva plant milk * 3/4 cup maple syrup * 3/4 cup melted coconut oil * sea salt * 1/4 cup @organifi chocolate gold - has 9 superfoods that support rest & relaxation, a healthy immune response, and a healthy response to stress Blend all ingredients until it forms a creamy, thick chocolate batter with no lumps. Pour the chocolate filling onto the prepared crust and top with @unreal.snacks dark chocolate crispy quinoa m&ms. Freeze for 30 minutes until the filling is set then DIG TF IN!!! https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/cinnamon-roll-oat-pancakes monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607057562046-SPCPCHJ53CJULYDZE6FF/128868003_1540459676343711_8885811230244955633_o.jpg Journal - Cinnamon Roll Oat Pancakes - Recipe Details: 1 cup of @birchbenders pancake mix * 1/2cup of @onedegreeorganics sprouted rolled oats * 1 cup of @malkorganics oat milk * Cinnamon Topped with maple syrup & vegan cream cheese frosting: * @miyokoscreamery cream cheese * @malkorganics oat milk (to thin) * Cinnamon * Maple syrup https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/pms-cacao-smoothie monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607056716899-IE6XF1LW0G7MILTQ1L2G/128270336_1540454553010890_7188270926184713902_o.jpg Journal - PMS Cacao Smoothie - Day of Cacao Smoothie * 1 tbs cashew butter * 2 dates * 1 tablespoon raw cacao * 1 banana * 1/4 cup @onedegreeorganics sprouted rolled oats * 2 tbs flax seeds * 1 cup of @malkorganics oat milk * 1 scoop chocolate peanut butter Gainful Protein * 2 scoops @vitalproteins collagen * 1 scoop Organifi Chocolate Gold https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/lavender-honey-paleo-pancakes monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607056017931-I36TM7COKGA2LWBB4NG5/IMG_5790.JPG Journal - Lavender Honey Paleo Pancakes - Recipe Details: - 3/4 cup of @birchbenders paleo mix - 3/4 cup of @malkorganics oat milk - 1 drop of @youngliving lavender essential oil (be very sparing with this as it's very potent) - 1 tbsp of honey Mix together pancake mix with milk and add in a drop of EO and honey. Set aside in the fridge while you heat a pan on medium-low. Pour batter to the pan and sprinkle thyme on batter while it cooks. Let the pancake cook for 2 minutes, until set. Flip and cook for another 2 min. Topped with honey, thyme, and dried lavender https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/blueberry-goat-cheese-salad monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607055889354-79DR8NAXFBA2Q9UUB0PF/IMG_5448.jpg Journal - Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad - Recipe Details: @traderjoes cruciferous crunch, massaged with sea salt, pepper, & GTS Kombucha or lemon juice (recommend massaging with citrus vs an oil for this recipe) - 1/2 cup of pecans pieces - 1/2 cup of organic blueberries - @traderjoes goat cheese blueberry vanilla chèvre - 2-3 pieces of @wellshire sugar free bacon, shredded - 9oz chicken breast, shredded - 4 tbsp of @tessemaes balsamic vinegarette - Topped with kale microgreens https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/habanero-pineapple-bbq-tacos monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607055425370-P0AJGVTHFOY6FFV1YQ41/994C4B8A-EA1F-4F0C-9553-E705D8897D33.JPG Journal - Habanero Pineapple BBQ Tacos - Recipe Details: @sietefoods chickpea flour tortilla pork shoulder, simmered in @kettleandfire chipotle bone broth, pineapple, onions, and @sietefoods taco seasoning cilantro lime slaw (@traderjoes cabbage mix seasoned with cilantro, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, sea salt n' pepper, & evoo) Topped with Hak's habanero pineapple BBQ sauce and micro greens. https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/smoothie-101 monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607055334705-ZAJ47V8XCM8DHZNGVHIW/IMG_5683.JPG Journal - Smoothie 101 - AVO-MATCHA ACAI SMOOTHIE 1/4 avocado 1 pack frozen acai from 1/2 cup of cauliflower rice 1 tsp matcha 1 tbsp flax seeds 1 tbsp Pure Synergy Superfood powder 2 scoops collagen 1 serving of Gainful protein 1 cup coconut water with aloe Topped with cinnamon, cashew butter, & granola https://www.rivyourbestlife.com/journal/b35gbpcv6zdwzpcnzrclyqzhx5p36o monthly 0.5 2020-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0fb70115657a6aaa86b37b/1607060772651-QG2EF0Z4LOMEQX5AAJDX/what+is+body+neutrality_.png Journal - 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