Topics
- News and updates from Diane & Liz [2:07]
- Shout out to Balanced Bites Podcast Facebook Group
- Shout out to Emily Schromm and her Body Awareness Project
- Update on Baby Making and Beyond
- Favorite workout move [8:20]
- Tanning beds, spray tan, and vitamin D [11:22]
- Establishing a routine once kids are gone [23:55]
- Looking forward to most for fall [35:20]
The episodes are also available in iTunes, Spotify & Stitcher.
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You’re listening to the Balanced Bites podcast episode 365.
Diane Sanfilippo: Welcome to the Balanced Bites podcast. I’m Diane; a certified nutrition consultant, and the New York Times bestselling author of Practical Paleo and the 21-Day Sugar Detox program and book series. I live in San Francisco with my husband and fur kids.
Liz Wolfe: I’m Liz; a nutritional therapy practitioner, and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Eat the Yolks; The Purely Primal Skincare Guide; and the online program Baby Making and Beyond. I live on a lake in the mystical land of the Midwest, outside of Kansas City.
We’re the co-creators of the Balanced Bites Master Class, and we’ve been bringing you this award-winning podcast for almost 7 years. We’re here to share our take on modern healthy living, answer your questions, and chat with leading health and wellness experts. Enjoy this week’s episode, and submit your questions at http://blog.balancedbites.com or watch the Balanced Bites podcast Instagram account for our weekly calls for questions. You can ask us anything in the comments.
Remember our disclaimer: The materials and content within this podcast are intended as general information only, and are not to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before we get started, let’s hear from one of our sponsors.
Diane Sanfilippo: Today’s podcast is sponsored by Kettle and Fire bone broth and soups. We’ve talked about bone broth before and the many benefits, but to name a few, it’s been shown to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and improve the quality of your skin. While I do like to make my own bone broth, I especially like making it in an Instant Pot; there’s not always time for that. Kettle and Fire is the next best thing. They use organic chicken bones, and a slow simmer time to extract as much protein as possible. Not to mention that they use chicken feet; yay! Which increases the collagen and gelatin. And you can store it directly on your shelf for up to two years. Which is pretty cool, considering they’re a fresh, never frozen broth with no added preservatives or additives. Check them out at www.KettleandFire.com/BalancedBites and use coupon code BalancedBites for 10% off, plus free shipping when you get six cartons or more. That’s one per customer. It’s 10% off, and free shipping on six cartons or more.
1. News and updates from Diane & Liz [2:07]
Liz Wolfe: Ok. So, Diane, what’s happening over by the Bay?
Diane Sanfilippo: Well, first I want to give a shout out to everyone that’s in our Balanced Bites podcast Facebook group. Because I feel like people are hopping in, supporting each other, commenting, engaging. I posted recently a couple of times, and I love seeing where people are from. I love hearing about their favorite episodes. It’s really, really fun to see you guys engaging in there. So shout out to all our Facebook people.
Oh; a reminder. If you are in the Facebook group, and you’re obviously somebody who loves the show. If you haven’t left us a review yet in Apple podcast; I guess it’s not just called iTunes anymore. But in Apple Podcast. If you’ve not left a review, we would absolutely love to have your reviews there, and recommend the show to other people. Because that is how we spread the word and get some new listeners coming over to the BBP crew. {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: The BBP crew.
Diane Sanfilippo: B-B.
Liz Wolfe: BBP-C. {laughs}
Diane Sanfilippo: And then, a quick shout out to the Body Awareness Project. You guys have heard me talk about it before, but this most recent installment is about adrenal health. I think it’s going to help so many people. So if you are somebody who is curious about adrenal health, we have lots of episodes of the podcast over the past 7 years where we’ve talked about it. Actually, we were talking about it within the first, probably year. So check out the archives at www.blog.balancedbites.com. There are archives by topic that you can check out around adrenal health.
But the Body Awareness Project, Emily Schromm has put it together. And I think the adrenal health module that she just released within the last little bit; you guys are going to love it. I think it’s going to help a lot of people. It’s going to open a lot of people’s eyes to things that are going on with your health that feel confusing or stalled out or plateaued. Getting your stress in check, and that’s really what this adrenal health topic is all about will really go a long way. So definitely check it out.
What about you, Liz? What’s going on over by the lake?
Liz Wolfe: Oh, golly. It feels like I already told you, like, 47 minutes ago.
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: Right? We are still putting the finishing touches on Baby Making and Beyond, but it looks really, really good. We’re going to release it to betas in September and get a ton of feedback and work on expanding the program. We’re going to find out from our betas where they think it needs to go. I think originally my plan was so ridiculously ambitious, and I don’t have; I have wonderful resources, but we really are the little engine that could, here. I am a mom with my child by my side 100% of the time {laughs}. And it’s tough. It’s just tough to work it in. Especially for me, when writing is really my talent. And synthesizing what our researchers have put together and actually sitting down and writing, I need 6 to 8 hours. That’s just how I work best. And that’s tough. Especially with a husband that is gone quite a bit of the time, even though I do have a good amount of help.
I’ve got these amazing researchers who have just been so dedicated and committed to what we’re doing, because they really believe in it. They believe that we’re bringing something to people that no one else is doing. And I whole-heartedly believe that too. And I’ve got the amazing Diane Evans, who is my project manager, operations manager, keep Liz on task manager. And she has been amazing. Thank you for finding her for me, Diane.
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: I just keep thinking of ourselves; I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. We’ve been working on this so long, it’s been hard not to lose sight of a lot of the gumption and the guts that we started with in putting this together. But we’re keeping at it, and we’re going to do it. And this is going to provide something that I think is not findable anywhere else. It’s not going to be sleek and fancy at the beginning. It’s just going to be information. And I think it’s going to be information that really needs to get out there, especially within our community. Because we can get so tunnel vision about certain things.
Diane Sanfilippo: Mm-hmm.
Liz Wolfe: I don’t know if it’s aired yet, my episode with Jessie Mundell, who is incredible. She’s absolutely incredible. She’s a woman’s health and fitness expert out of Canada. She also has a podcast. And we talked about a lot of things that have been really, really taboo, especially in our community. And it was really, really therapeutic. And really cathartic to have that conversation.
I think the bottom line is; this program is here to support everybody, no matter what stage or phase you're in. So I think it’s important work. And I have to continue to remind myself of that, and ask you to remind me of that as we just continue to be like; why is this taking so long?! But there are people out there that need it. So it will be worth it, and I hope people are looking out for it.
Diane Sanfilippo: Totally. Look, it took us many years to get the Balanced Bites Master Class from when you and I recorded; to the tune of, we look a little different in those videos.
Liz Wolfe: {laughing}
Diane Sanfilippo: Than we look now.
Liz Wolfe: So true.
Diane Sanfilippo: That was before your kid was a glimmer in your eye. It took us a long time to get that produced. And this stuff takes time. If you want something that’s really high quality, it doesn’t come out overnight. Where can people find out about becoming a beta; or do you already have that list of people who can check it out first.
Liz Wolfe: We are still deciding. We have a really good list of people right now. And what we’re trying to decide is how small. How much of a mastermind we want to make this beta release. How many really detailed conversations we want to have with people; or if we want to make it a little bit of a wider beta release. Where we might be able to get less feedback from each individual person. So it’s worth it just to go to BabyMakingandBeyond.com. To pop your email in the little box there. Because if we decide to go a little bit broader with it, we will be reaching out to people, and that’s how you're going to find out about it.
Diane Sanfilippo: Awesome.
2. Favorite workout move [8:20]
Liz Wolfe: Alright, Diane. Now you need to tell me, what your favorite workout move or routine is.
Diane Sanfilippo: Ok. I’m going to have to go with lunges of any kind. Or walking lunges. The lunge is all encompassing. I’m going to say this is one of my favorites because, first of all you can do it anywhere. You can totally do body weight lunges. If you do enough of them, you will have trouble getting on and off the toilet the next day. {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: {laughs}
Diane Sanfilippo: Plus you really feel it. I think they really hit your legs where you want an exercise to hit. And if you want to make them harder, you can always add a barbell, add dumbbells, kettlebell, etc. So I’m going to say that right now, lunges are my favorite. What about you?
Liz Wolfe: I hate this question, because everything is awful. It’s all terrible.
Diane Sanfilippo: Well; I was kind of saying it a bit…
Liz Wolfe: What makes you feel that sense of…
Diane Sanfilippo: That did something.
Liz Wolfe: That did something. So the individual move; and I haven’t done these in quite some time. But I always am like; wow, I cannot believe how quickly I feel this. Is a Bulgarian split squat. So, so intense.
Diane Sanfilippo: Yes! Not too far from a lunge.
Liz Wolfe: Exactly. That’s totally, had that little flag pop up in my head when you were saying lunges. There’s just nothing like doing some of the Olympic lifts. In my ollie shoes. So good.
Diane Sanfilippo: Like a hang power clean is pretty much the best thing ever.
Liz Wolfe: It is. I’ve been really working on doing the full range of motion. {laughs} A real clean. Like, squat, clean.
Diane Sanfilippo: What crossfitters call a squat-clean but Olympic lifters just call it clean.
Liz Wolfe: A clean, yeah. So actually doing that. Because there’s that element of skill work in it, where you are really figuring out how to get under the bar with the right timing to really make it work together. So there’s that mental component, that skill work in it, and then there’s just also moving that weight. Which feels really good.
Diane Sanfilippo: Love it.
Liz Wolfe: And stomping. I like stomping.
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughs} Love it.
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3. Tanning beds, spray tan, and vitamin D [11:22]
Liz Wolfe: Ok. So today we’re going to answer a couple of questions. Per usual. You know; the us. This first question is about tanning beds from Tamara.
“Hi ladies! Thank you for always helping to navigate the complex world of health and wellness with your honest, educated, and relevant insights. My question is; is occasional use of a tanning bed healthy? You’ve talked on the show about how critical vitamin D is to human health. You’ve also explained that UVB rays are the ones that tan and burn your skin, while UVA rays are the ones that cause cancer.” *
*I’ll put a little asterisk there, by the way. UVA rays are the ones that cause that much deeper damage that is more prone to causing the aggressive cancers.
“If a tanning bed causes a stronger concentration of UVB rays, is a viable way to get vitamin D? And a follow-up question, is short term use of a tanning bed healthier than a spray tan? The mainstream message is that a spray tan is this safe alternative to a tanning bed. But are the chemicals in the spray tan formula actually more harmful than the UV exposure in the tanning bed; especially because the tanning bed offers the benefit of vitamin D. My sense is that sensible sun exposure is optimal, to both tanning beds and spray tans. But I’m curious to know how the options stack up when you're looking to get a quick glow. Thanks very much.”
This is a really interesting question, and we’ve actually tackled it several times on the podcast. And I really encourage people to go back. Diane, you’ve marked that these are episodes 61, 240, and 295. Listen to those, because I think what we said is valid and probably still makes sense.
I might add a layer or two, talking about this today, that maybe we haven’t talked about in the past. We’ve talked about how you have to choose the right bed. Because first of all, most tanning beds are basically UVA beds at this point. And that’s not good. When you walk in; well, I don’t know, because I haven’t been in a tanning place for years. And they’ll tell you; we filter out the burning rays. Which basically means they’re filtering out the UVB rays, which are the rays that are going to help you get vitamin D.
So, first of all, you basically want to pick the burning beds and go for like 2 minutes, so you don’t get burned. Because it is a really, really high concentration of rays. And I think there is definitely an argument for doing that, particularly if A, you don’t respond well to vitamin D supplements. Or B, you have a really tough time with seasonal affective stuff during the winter months. It could be something that you could try.
Now, the thing that I think could be a problem that I have not researched, and I’m completely speaking out of turn and uneducated about. And this is something that we haven’t talked about. Just the level of radiation that you're getting. Concentrated radiation that you're getting in that type of a machine. And I don’t know if it’s problematic or not. I think probably, hypothetically, it could be.
So at this point in my journey, I agree. My sense is exactly what Tamara’s sense is; sensible sun exposure is optimal to both tanning beds and spray tans. I think that’s probably true. But, I think a complete lack of vitamin D is probably a greater problem than any of those things. So I think vitamin D is protective in so many different ways, and it’s really important that you figure out a way to get it.
As far as spray tans; I’ve gotten a spray tan recently. Vacation, and I’ve got all these awkward tan lines from walking and tennis and all that. So I went in and got a spray tan. I think the formulations are a lot better now than they used to be. And I also don’t know that you actually have as much soaking into your skin as we think. Because these things are actually formulated to pretty much stay on the surface of your skin.
But at the same time, I also know people who have had allergic reactions to spray tans and what not. It’s just one of those things; maybe you want to go in and spot test or something like that. But I’ve done fine with them. They haven’t made me break out. They haven’t caused me any issues or anything like that. But I do think it just depends on how you're using these things. If you're using the spray tan as a means to completely avoid any kind of vitamin D in your life, I think that’s probably an issue.
And I grapple with this whole vitamin D thing. Because I’m vain, in some ways. Especially now at 35, I’m looking for ways to prevent aging. And it is absolutely true that UV rays cause aging. It’s what they do. And we live a heck of a lot longer than cave people did. So we’re seeing the effects of that into our 80s and 90s. And I’d like to have as good as skin as possible for as long as I possibly can.
So there are reasons I want to avoid too much sun exposure. Yet at the same time, my gut tells me that there’s never a free lunch. I don’t think vitamin D supplements alone are probably the best solution long-term. The book that I read to do a lot of research about vitamin D for my book, for Eat the Yolks, was by Michael Holick. And it talked about these photo products, is what they called them. These other substances that are generated in our body through exposure to the sun. These different, diverse photoproducts that may also have a positive impact on our health. And we don’t get those with a vitamin D supplement, that I know of. Or, at least, logic would indicate that we wouldn’t.
So I think there’s a point at which maybe you’re using both. Maybe you're using a mix of different things. You're just figuring out what’s best for you in the moment. I don’t think at this point I would recommend 2 minutes a day, every day, for three weeks in a vitamin D tanning bed. I think that might be a little bit much, unless it’s doctor’s orders. Which; what doctor is going to do that these days.
So I think my view now is a little more nuanced than it was in episode; and I think we have a correction here. 61, 295, and 240?
Diane Sanfilippo: Not 240.
Liz Wolfe: Not 240, ok.
Diane Sanfilippo: But it should have been back in 61 and maybe 295.
Liz Wolfe: OK, don’t listen to episode 240.
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: It doesn’t have anything about tanning in it. So it’s a little bit more nuanced, but I haven’t completely reversed my stance on that. Which is why I can never become friends with a dermatologist, because it would just. I mean, it could be a disaster.
Diane Sanfilippo: Because they’re anti-tanning, no matter what?
Liz Wolfe: No matter what! Which I understand, I get it. And you know what’s interesting to me, too. I would love to discuss; it’s so funny. I went to the dermatologist recently. And he was this incredibly tall, incredibly skinny, incredibly pale bald man. {laughs} And I was just like; you know when you just meet people, and they’re kind of like a caricature? And I was like, god love you, buddy. You really walk the talk. This is really something here.
Diane Sanfilippo: Yeah. Nary a wrinkle in sight.
Liz Wolfe: Exactly. Not a single one.
Diane Sanfilippo: Or a sunspot.
Liz Wolfe: {laughs} It was pretty phenomenal. But I would love to have this conversation. What I think is really interesting is all of the places that I have to pay more attention to. Or that end up being a mole removal when I go to the dermatologist. Are the spots that not have had consistent sun exposure every day over the years. So my arms, my legs, face. Whatnot. It’s always the spots; like my stomach and back. That are more prone to burning, because they get less regular sun exposure on a daily basis. They’re covered all the time. They don’t get that regular exposure to the sun’s rays. And when they do, those parts are much more likely to burn because they have not developed any kind of; I hate the word base tan, but it is what it is.
So it’s just interesting to me. I would imagine a dermatologist would say; well, yeah. You end up with more suspicious moles in those areas, because those are the areas you’ve probably burned over the years. I’m just not entirely sure that’s true, because I’ve always burned my shoulders and upper back many, many times. But those are not the spots that end up becoming concerning to my dermatologist. At least not thus far.
So, stomach and back. Those areas that are never exposed, are always the ones that were like; we’re going to take a second look at that one. We’re going to go ahead and remove that. And I just find that really interesting. And it’s something that I’d like to understand better.
Diane Sanfilippo: Yes. All of the moles I’ve had removed recently; no where near getting much sun exposure. Random middle of my back, near the bra strap. Not getting any exposure.
One other thing I want to throw in regarding sunlight exposure in general, is that we can’t dismiss the benefit of having that sunlight exposure also in relation to circadian rhythm health. Which I know we’ve talked about this on the show many times. We’ve talked about your summer sleep experiment many years ago. And this is also part of; I mentioned the Body Awareness Project recently with adrenal health.
But the impact of sunlight on your skin, especially earlier in the day. I think there are a lot of people. I remember reading something from Chris Masterjohn recently about his daily habits and routine. Getting outside for X amount of time. Really, first thing in the morning. I definitely see the impact of not doing that. We typically will go for a dog walk with Harper in the morning. And on the days that we don’t, I think my sleep just isn’t as good that night, because I did not get that exposure to the sun that said; hey, this is morning. And then that cortisol can kind of be elevated and then taper off throughout the day.
So definitely the effects and benefits of sun exposure on your skin. And that’s just not on your eyes; it is on your skin. The photo effect of that light. And then what you were talking about with the effects of light on your skin, as well. It kind of reminds me of when we talk about any type of supplementation in general when people are trying to take one or two nutrients in a pill or capsule or whatever it is, and we don’t know what we’re not getting when we’re not getting it from a food. Which is where we were meant to get it from.
The same thing when we’re taking vitamin D as a supplement in isolation. We just don’t know what we’re missing from the other positive impacts of the sun. So I definitely keep my face out of the sun, and shield it as much as possible to avoid all those advanced signs of aging as much as I can, at 40. But I think that we can’t underestimate the benefits that come from sun exposure. So I’m kind of with you; where if somebody is in a situation where they’re not getting it. You live in an area where there’s not a lot of sun. I think my stance on it is still kind of the same, where it’s that really short amount of exposure to getting that burning type of ray. But not really burning. Just getting that super light kiss of pink to your skin, and then you're done.
I think that the hermetic effects. The seemingly negative, but having a positive effect. I think those are probably going to outweigh the downsides. But when it comes to something like a spray tan. And I know she was asking about potential; is that more toxic, is it safer? I think the poison is in the dose. So if you're doing something intermittently, randomly now and then you just want to get a spray tan before vacation. Probably not something to worry about. But if you're doing this every single week, research ingredients, find products that are going to be safer and less potentially toxic would be a bigger deal.
If you're somebody with a compromised immune system, or have very sensitive skin, then getting a spray tan once might be something to take more seriously. But I do think it’s really more something to be considering if you're doing it all the time. That’s when you really need to dig in. What’s actually in this product, and is it something that could be harmful to my health.
4. Establishing a routine once kids are gone [23:55]
Liz Wolfe: OK, next question. Establishing a routine once the kiddos are out of the house. Jamie asks, “Lately there have been episodes on parenting, which have been great! I’m at the other end of the game these days. Once the kids are gone, how does the mom establish a new routine? Here’s why I pose the question. I’m a 42-year-old woman, works full time, travels for work. Husband also has a super demanding job, so I’ve been full-time, do it all mom for 20 years. Life goes by fast. I won’t bore you with the details. But seriously, I went from giving baths, bedtimes, driving to dance practice, football, basketball, high school activities, and we are now at a screeching halt. Both my children, boy 18, and girl 20, will head to college in the fall. My daughter attended Junior College, and will be transferring. They’ll both still have sporting events for us to attend. Football for him, basketball for her. But it’s simply my evening routine that I want to change. Please note that I’m beyond happy to have their physical items and general messiness that two adults contribute out of my house.”
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughs} Amazing. That’s my favorite line.
Liz Wolfe: Beware, they might move back three or four times before they’re actually fully out of the house, if they’re anything like me. “I also have a very strict, no cellphone or work after 7 o’clock. And I don’t want to change that. I don’t love my job that much. I have celiac, and I’m drinking the paleo Kool-Aid, with collagen added, of course. Here’s my routine. I’m an early to bed, early to rise person. I’m most productive in the a.m. I go to bed at 9, and rise at 4:30 or 5-ish. I commute about 3.5 hours a day for work, and at the end of the day I usually walk my dog, wait for my husband and kids to get home, and make dinner. While I make dinner, I drink wine. Then, of course, that makes me groggy. I know wine every once in a while is fine, but it’s stupid and I don’t need it. Just a routine I’ve become accustom to. What can I do different as I move forward? I’m an Obliger, so there’s that. Any suggestions would be helpful. I can’t seem to find a podcast anywhere about this. LOL. PS; I’ve listened since episode 1. It’s been a fun ride, ladies.” Aw!
Diane Sanfilippo: OG.
Liz Wolfe: I love this. I love you, Jamie!
Diane Sanfilippo: Yeah. I love our longtime listeners. They’re in as much for what you and I have been through in the last 7 years as they are the Q&A, you know.
Liz Wolfe: It’s crazy.
Diane Sanfilippo: I thought this was a really interesting question. I did talk a little bit about this on an episode with my friend, Robyn Youkilis, where she really talks about that time period after work, before the next whatever is happening. Before dinner. Before bedtime, etc. So if you want to check that episode out; I didn’t jot down the episode number, but the one with Robyn Youkilis. I think it could have been called thin from within, which I know is controversial. But if you’ve listened to every episode, then you probably heard that one.
And maybe you just didn’t identify yourself in it, because she was talking a little bit more about women with younger kids who are going through that; it’s like the 3 to 6 p.m. time frame, where it’s kind of like you’re wrapping up the day and moving into the evening.
But here are some ideas that I had for Jamie. Because of the way that she spoke about her wine consumption; I’m making a note to ditch the wine as an every day routine. I know it’s an unpopular point of view; but who am I, if not the one with unpopular points of view. {laughs} I think you can replace that with some herbal tea, or some sparkling water with something in it. Reserve the wine for; maybe you're having it with your meal with your husband. Or maybe it’s for the weekend. Or maybe it’s something a little more special. But when you're telling me that it makes you feel groggy, and you don’t feel good drinking it. Then swap that out, and replace it with something. Don’t just get rid of it. Because you do want to have something in its place.
I have become; I hesitate to use the word addicted, because I think that’s a bit extreme. But I’ve become extremely fond of sparkling water. Which I never was before. I was really a very; I did not like that spiciness of the sparkling water. But I’ve become really into it, and it’s helping me drink a lot more water. So I think if that’s something that might help you. I know some people like the flavored waters, whatever it’s going to be. Just something that replaces it.
Herbal tea is actually a great one too, because you can find herbal teas that have different benefits to them, and you may find that not only will you not feel groggy the next day, but you’ll feel even better. Even something like a ginger or a peppermint tea that can aid your digestion for the dinner that’s to come after. So that’s just a tip; something to swap. But it doesn’t have to be hot tea. You can ice it. Whatever you want to do. Just something probably without caffeine. So, on that front, that’s what I think.
And then, I know she was saying she doesn’t like to use her phone after hours. But I do think one idea could be to listen either podcasts or a book on Audible. And there’s a couple of thoughts here. One; when you do the dog walk, maybe if it’s typically only a 10, 15, or 20-minute walk. Maybe you extend that walk, at least when the weather is nice. And maybe it becomes an hour walk, where this is just time for you. You're out of the house.
I know for me, sometimes, if I want to take a walk where I actually want to go at a solid pace, sometimes walking with the dog doesn’t always do that. Because she’s pulling, or stopping everywhere. So maybe you walk the dog, and then kind of come back out and finish the rest of your walk. Maybe you have a certain podcast that you’ll listen to. Or something that will be just a little bit more enriching for your life in that time between work and dinner.
Maybe you throw some food in the oven, and do something outside. Gardening. Or maybe you’ve got some other hobby that you can take up. One note that I had was just learning a new skill. What if you pick up a book on; I don’t want to say knitting, but I feel like knitting is a thing. Something that you can do that will help you to make something so that you feel like you are accomplishing something in the day that’s a little bit different than just going to work, and coming home. Sometimes it feels like there’s nothing to show for that.
A couple of other ideas I had were signing up for something like a book club. Where maybe it’s just once a week or every other week, or however often. But it gives you something to do in the evenings. That might not be something that happens between when work ends, and when you're having dinner. But at least it would give you a way to reach out for community. Because I think at this point in time, if the kids are getting out of the house, I look back on what my mom has always done. My mom has always; she has more friends that I do. Let’s just be honest.
Liz Wolfe: {laughs} Marge!
Diane Sanfilippo: She’s really, really active. She’s just all over the place. But she has had friends through her yoga studio. She had friends for a while that she would go to quilting classes with. And she’ll go to dinner, or whatever. And she actually did meet a lot of them through her yoga class.
But keep in mind; this might be a good time to befriend some women like myself who don’t have kids, and are like; great. Your kids are out of the house, and I’m child free and I’ve got some time to spend. A lot of women my age really have young kids, so it is tough. Because I don’t have a lot of friends my age who have that free time. So it sounds like you started having kids quite young. So now here you are, still pretty young yourself. And can kind of get out there and do some fun, interesting things.
So as an Obliger, as you're saying you are, I would love for you to come comment on this episode. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, somewhere. And tell us what of those ideas you think resonate with you. Because I don’t know exactly what your cup of tea will be. But of course, my one last tip, honestly, since you don’t love your job. And you mentioned that. I think that those couple of hours in your evening are a perfect time to consider developing a side hustle. You know; something like Beautycounter. Wink.
Liz Wolfe: Ha, ha, ha. {laughs}
Diane Sanfilippo: Something that you are interested in learning about. Something you could be passionate about sharing with others that you can work on for the sake of just interest. That to me has been how a side hustle has always developed. Sometimes it was a hobby. I was making jewelry, I just had fun doing it. And then decided; now I’ve got 50 million bracelets here. I should probably sell them.
So that could be something else to consider. Because as you move out of the role of mom in the same way that you were in the past, it’s nice to develop your own identity beyond that. And I think that having a side hustle, or having a hobby where you make something and produce a real thing. That builds a lot of sense of self that I think could be really fun and rewarding for you.
Liz Wolfe: One of my favorite side hustles that I’ve heard, of a woman putting together at this stage is professional organizer.
Diane Sanfilippo: Oh, I love that.
Liz Wolfe: Isn’t that awesome? I hate organizing my own stuff, but I really like organizing other people’s stuff. That’s way more fun.
Diane Sanfilippo: I love that. I want to know; Jamie, come tell us what you're good at. And I’ll find a job for you. I’ll find a side hustle for you.
Liz Wolfe: {laughs}
Diane Sanfilippo: I’m the side hustle whisperer.
Liz Wolfe: Yeah, she is. I love all of that. This is really, really interesting to me. You know what’s interesting to me, is that I will be 42 in 7 years. I will have a 10-year-old. I’m going to be like; dangit. I could be rid of you by now!
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughing}
Liz Wolfe: Just kidding. It’s just so hard! You’re just like, oh my gosh, I love you so much but can we just how long until. Take a deep breath and feel like I’ve done my job.
Diane Sanfilippo: When she’s in school, I think it will feel different.
Liz Wolfe: I know. You know what; even when she starts preschool in like 2 weeks, I’m going to probably ditch some of this deep reflection, where I’m like; parenthood is a vortex of love and pain all at the same time.
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughing}
Liz Wolfe: No. That will never end. This is really fun, though. And I love, love your insights, and the idea of a side hustle, and the idea of joining a community. Perhaps she could take up tennis. If you live in Kansas City, Jamie, I’m available to play tennis in the evenings.
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughs} I love that.
Liz Wolfe: Yeah.
Liz Wolfe: The Balanced Bites podcast is sponsored in part by the Nutritional Therapy Association. The NTA trains and certifies nutritional therapy practitioners and consultants (including me; Liz, I’m an NTP), emphasizing bio-individuality and the range of dietary strategies that support wellness. The NTA emphasizes local, whole, properly prepared nutrient dense foods as the key to restoring balance and enhancing the body’s ability to heal.
The NTA’s nutritional therapy practitioner program and fully online nutritional therapy consultant program empower graduates with the education and skills needed to launch a successful, fulfilling career in holistic nutrition. If you're interested in learning about holistic nutrition but don’t necessarily want to become a practitioner, check out their new Foundational Wellness course. To learn more about the NTA’s nutritional therapy programs, resources, and to enroll in their free course, Nutritional Therapy 101, visit http://www.NutritionalTherapy.com.
5. Looking forward to most for fall [35:20]
Liz Wolfe: Ok, Diane. What are you most looking forward to about fall? That is the question of the day.
Diane Sanfilippo: Blanket scarves. {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: Of course; I’m sorry. I don’t even know why I asked.
Diane Sanfilippo: It’s basically an inside joke to the five people who saw my periscope where I was trying to fold a blanket scarf, and it just was not happening.
Liz Wolfe: Is it like a fitted sheet?
Diane Sanfilippo: Kind of, yeah. People were all instructing me on how I was supposed to do it. I’m like; listen, if this were a square, that would work. And I had to tell people I knew how shapes worked. It was very strange.
Liz Wolfe: {laughs} Aren’t these basically like giant bandanas?
Diane Sanfilippo: Yeah, I was never good at bandanas.
Liz Wolfe: I don’t think you're supposed to be good at bandanas. I think they are strictly functional; period.
Diane Sanfilippo: Ok. I think partially I’m actually too short for a blanket scarf.
Liz Wolfe: {laughing}
Diane Sanfilippo: It actually looks like a blanket on me, and not at all like a scarf. I really do like a circle scarf even better than a blanket scarf. How do you feel about circle scarf? You like those?
Liz Wolfe: I do.
Diane Sanfilippo: I don’t know. I like them. And just generally bundling up more. I really like wearing layers of clothes. So I don’t know. I’m into it. We’ve already talked about the fact that it’s still cold here in the summer. So maybe just feeling more seasonally appropriate with my attire. That’s kind of something I’m looking forward to. What about you?
Liz Wolfe: Jeans. And my ankle boots.
Diane Sanfilippo: You mean leg prisons? And feet prisons?
Liz Wolfe: No, but feeling dressed up in a leg prison. Because right now; ugh! I don’t want to wear shorts, or shirt skirts, because then my thighs stick to everything. I’ve just completely worn out all of my knitty dresses. Just done. There aren’t a whole lot of dresses…
So I’m a ladybird fourth corner; #Ladybirdfourthcorner. If you guys want to follow Ladybird styling on Instagram. This is where I went to get styled last year or something. And it was totally life changing because they helped me realize that the way I move through the world; which sounds a little hocus pocus, but it’s very true. Was not aligned with the clothes that I was choosing. And I’ve talked about this before. Because I’ve always admired people’s style; but that style was not perfect for me.
So I found out that I’m a fourth corner.
Diane Sanfilippo: Is that where studio pants from Lululemon live, in the fourth corner? {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: I’m sure those are fifth corner, or negative first corner. I think athleisure wear is exempt. But I do have to tell you; it’s funny. Because there are different ways of wearing them that are more or less fourth corner.
Diane Sanfilippo: Hmmm.
Liz Wolfe: So it’s all very interesting. But I really feel best in black and white, never navy. So I’ll wear a black and white stripe all day long. But if I see a navy an white stripe; it’s not quite right to me. It has to be really, really correct and right for me to wear a navy and white stripe.
Diane Sanfilippo: It sounds like an existential crisis about navy and black. {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: Oh my gosh, I definitely do have a little bit of a crisis going on about that.
Diane Sanfilippo: I love navy.
Liz Wolfe: But I’m kind of a four-three. You love navy, and hunter green, and where I would choose a black boot, maybe you would choose a brown.
Diane Sanfilippo: I never wear black shoes.
Liz Wolfe: See!
Diane Sanfilippo: I hate black shoes.
Liz Wolfe: But I’m looking; I have a billion black shoes. That’s one place where I always kind of got my own; got it there. I forgot what I was even talking about. Oh, fashion. Right? So there are not a whole lot of dresses; casual dresses, of the fourth corner persuasion that I have found. So it’s just this dilemma, you kind of have to be in it to know what I’m talking about.
But this concept is just incredible. I can’t wait for them to build it out and make it even more accessible for people who don’t live in Kansas City. Because it really was just a life changing experience. And there’s a lot less confusion about what I’m covering my naked body with at this point, and it’s lovely.
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughing}
Liz Wolfe: So, jeans and boots and just fourth corner tops, I’m so excited about. And I had something else and now I forgot what it was. Oh! Here it is. Pumpkin spice; but not because I like pumpkin spice. I think maybe I’ve had two pumpkin spice lattes in my whole entire life. But I really like having something just to BS with people about. Like; hey, it’s pumpkin spice day! Yay! Because for me, it’s so awkward to just make polite conversation. Because like I’ve said before, I want to immediately, when I meet somebody, I want to talk about adverse childhood experiences. I want to get to the meat of it. Like, are we going to be best friends?
Diane Sanfilippo: {laughs} This is why we’re friends.
Liz Wolfe: Exactly.
Diane Sanfilippo: I hate small talk.
Liz Wolfe: I’m terrible at it!
Diane Sanfilippo: I just saw Kristen Beemer; Kristen and Mike. We went to dinner for her birthday. Mike secretly texted me and was like, hey.
Liz Wolfe: Aww!
Diane Sanfilippo: Do you want to come meet us for dinner? I’m like, sure. And it was those conversations, literally what you just said. It was all the things, and after the fact we were both like, #nosmalltalk. Don’t make me leave the house for small talk.
Liz Wolfe: Well; and it’s funny because you would think real housewives or reality TV would be small talk. But for me, first we talk about the adverse childhood experiences and become best friends. And then we can joke about reality TV.
Diane Sanfilippo: Yes. That’s why we talk about reality TV; because we’ve already gone through all of our trauma. {laughs}
Liz Wolfe: Yes. Exactly. So pumpkin spice gives you that whole; Hey, making a Starbucks run. Need anything? Pumpkin spice comes out today. That type of thing. So I like that.
Diane Sanfilippo: Love it.
Liz Wolfe: Yeah. Alright, that’s it for this week. You can find me, Liz, at http://realfoodliz.com/ and you can find Diane at http://dianesanfilippo.com. Join our email lists for free goodies and updates that you don’t find anywhere else on our website or on the podcast. While you’re on the internet, leave us an iTunes review. See you next week.