The Health Detective Blog
Welcome to Strength and Shield Coaching’s Health Detective Blog!
At Strength & Shield Coaching, we help high-performing, health-conscious women to be your best, healthiest selves so that you can be authentic, energetic, productive, and fully present at work and at home.
As a Health Detective, I investigate the underlying root causes of health issues.
With functional investigation and consultation, I design customized protocols for relief, healing, issue-correction, and real, long-term health so that you can be your best, healthiest self.
I hope you find these articles insightful, enlightening, and empowering!
Featured Post:
Six Steps to Your Aligned Life - Part 2
When you live aligned, you’ll have the energy and clarity you need to do what is truly important to you. You’ll be your happiest, most fulfilled, most productive self. This alignment process is for YOU if you…Feel drained, burned out, or…
Health Detective
National Thyroid Month is January!
National Thyroid month is here! Time to show some love to this rad endocrine organ…
How Does Support Influence Your Healthy Habits?
It’s true! While commitment, discipline, and mental toughness play a role in how successful you…
All Disease Begins in the Gut
“All disease begins in the gut.” - Hippocrates Your gut is where all the diseases…
How To Be Present in Life and Healthy
For years I struggled with a constellation of seemingly unrelated symptoms and issues in my…
4 Actions To Boost Your Immune System
Want to boost your immune system? Here are four actions you can take! 1 -…
Missing holiday sweet treats?
Anyone missing those sweet holiday treats? Just me? I love the holidays. I love the…
We all need to rest and restore!
Ah, Daylight Savings. When 5 PM feels like the middle of the night, you wonder…
Why we crave when stressed?
When we experience stress, we crave the “happy” chemicals produced in our brains and guts.…
Celebrate That You Are Loved!
I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is originally a saint’s day…
Optimal is Possible!
For high-performing and health-conscious women struggling with exhaustion, stress, and chronic health issues, “optimal is…
Choose an Opt-In Self-Care Model
Now is the time to Opt-in for a self-care model! I used to have chronic…
Gut Healing Supplements!
Why supplement? While your food should be your primary source of nutrients, supplements help restore…
I Want You To Just Be Happy!
What kind of Mom would I be if I didn’t want my children to be…
Run to Win Part 2: First CrossFit Competition
“I think you can do it. You totally should do it,” said Alexys, my friend…
Running to Win Part 3: Run w/ Chaplain Camp
On Tuesday, September 15th, the Reverend Dr. Richard P. Camp, Jr., the longest-serving Chaplain at…
Eight obstacles to overcome for your goals
I read a post the other day about how resolutions are a waste of time…
Are you "getting through" life?
“Mom, you’ve been saying that for years. ‘We just need to get through this.’ I…
Fact: Sugar makes you tired
When I was in high school, I gave up sweets for long periods every year. …
God Heals Exhausted Bodies
The past year has been exhausting. So many of us are exhausted from the stress,…
Rest in God and Forget the Lies
The week of Easter in 2017, I worked a six-day, 92-hour week. I had inevitably…
Who done it?! The Health Detective
Becoming the Health Detective So maaaayyybe I read too many Nancy Drew novels as a…
Are you a dial-up or high-speed brain?
Remember dial-up modems? Remember that screeching, high-pitched noise they made when connecting to the internet?…
Science of Stress | The Health Detective
If you are tired all the time, stress could be the reason. Let the science…
Garlic: Immune Health and Bad Breath
I mean, who doesn’t love garlic breath?! Not only is it fantastic for you, but…
I just want an energized life!
How many times have you said out loud or in your head, "I just do…
Come rest with my cat and me!
This sweet cat is Edith. Edith’s superpower is that she is a powerfully persuasive lap…
Are your energy drinks making you tired?
When I was chronically exhausted, I felt like I was missing my life. I spaced…
Is high-intensity exercise a good idea?
A few years ago, I was in the middle of my high-intensity exercise at the…
Feeling unheard by your doctor?
“Your labs all look normal, Laura. Listen, you’re getting older. Feeling tired is just a…
Connection-Deprived and Chronically Fatigued: the Loneliness - Low-Energy Link
No one wants to admit that they’re lonely. There’s sort of a “what’s-wrong-with-you?” stigma around…
Why We Need It, Why We Don’t Do It, and How To Do It Better
Is there a thing in your life that you tend to overdo? For me, I…
"Don't You Care?!"
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 1: Resentment Burned out? There’s a reason! If you’re burned…
“Tell Her to Help Me!”
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 2 of 5: Ownership & Responsibility Burnout - It’s Not…
Focus...only one thing is needed!
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 4 of 5: Focus Exhausted, Foggy, and Unfocused: Burned Out…
How Do You Define Distraction?
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 3 of 5: Defining Distraction Over-Tasked and Under-Valued If you're…
Choose What Is Better For You!
“...chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away.” Heal Your Inner Martha…
What Are Your Physiological Tendencies?
Who’s ready to nerd out 🤓 on some nutritional science? 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ To feel your best…
3 Common Obstacles That Stand Between You And Your Goals
I have a client who has wanted to commit to a Whole30 for years. But she…
In Honor of Mother’s Day, Here Are Five Life Lessons I Learned From My Mom
I have been so blessed to have an amazing Mom. Huge-hearted and high-performing, Mom set…
3 Steps to Sanity for Working Moms
The other day I saw a post that one of my fellow West Point Women…
What Do You Want?
When we live, behave, and make decisions in alignment with our highest selves, our dearest-held…
Who’s In Charge Here?
Getting clarity on who you are and who you need to be to achieve your…
Living Aligned: What do you need to DO to create your vision?
Once you’ve identified what your vision is, and you’ve considered the traits and characteristics of…
What do you need to STOP doing…and why?
In your pursuit of an aligned life, there are not just tasks and actions that…
Want to be Free? Live Aligned.
American Independence Day celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the freedom that I am…
Your Safety-Seeking Self Gives Zero F**ks About Alignment
Sometimes seeking safety will cause you to behave in a way that is out of…
3 Steps to Reframe Failure and Create Alignment
Take a moment to consider the high-impact events in your life. Reflect on (or write…
Six Steps to Your Aligned Life - Part 1
When you live aligned, you’ll have the energy and clarity you need to do what…
Six Steps to Your Aligned Life - Part 2
When you live aligned, you’ll have the energy and clarity you need to do what…
Diet
Missing holiday sweet treats?
Anyone missing those sweet holiday treats? Just me? I love the holidays. I love the…
Eight obstacles to overcome for your goals
I read a post the other day about how resolutions are a waste of time…
Fact: Sugar makes you tired
When I was in high school, I gave up sweets for long periods every year. …
Eat To Balance Your Body!
I finished my lunch and waited for the inevitable wave of intense desire to sleep.…
What Are Your Physiological Tendencies?
Who’s ready to nerd out 🤓 on some nutritional science? 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ To feel your best…
3 Common Obstacles That Stand Between You And Your Goals
I have a client who has wanted to commit to a Whole30 for years. But she…
Exercise
How Does Support Influence Your Healthy Habits?
It’s true! While commitment, discipline, and mental toughness play a role in how successful you…
5 Reasons Why You Should Exercise
Why Exercise? It makes you happier. All you need is a little exercise. Have you…
5 Unexpected Obstacles Stop Your Exercise
Why don’t we exercise? Unexpected obstacles! So, we know that exercise is good for us,…
Run to Win Part 2: First CrossFit Competition
“I think you can do it. You totally should do it,” said Alexys, my friend…
Running to Win Part 3: Run w/ Chaplain Camp
On Tuesday, September 15th, the Reverend Dr. Richard P. Camp, Jr., the longest-serving Chaplain at…
Eight obstacles to overcome for your goals
I read a post the other day about how resolutions are a waste of time…
Is high-intensity exercise a good idea?
A few years ago, I was in the middle of my high-intensity exercise at the…
3 Common Obstacles That Stand Between You And Your Goals
I have a client who has wanted to commit to a Whole30 for years. But she…
Faith
Do Your Accomplishments Define You?
Do your accomplishments define you? In your own eyes, does your performance determine how worthy…
I Want You To Just Be Happy!
What kind of Mom would I be if I didn’t want my children to be…
God Heals Exhausted Bodies
The past year has been exhausting. So many of us are exhausted from the stress,…
Rest in God and Forget the Lies
The week of Easter in 2017, I worked a six-day, 92-hour week. I had inevitably…
Don't need to be enough. You are.
Have you ever felt like you scarred someone for life? I have. I attended…
"Don't You Care?!"
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 1: Resentment Burned out? There’s a reason! If you’re burned…
“Tell Her to Help Me!”
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 2 of 5: Ownership & Responsibility Burnout - It’s Not…
Focus...only one thing is needed!
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 4 of 5: Focus Exhausted, Foggy, and Unfocused: Burned Out…
How Do You Define Distraction?
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 3 of 5: Defining Distraction Over-Tasked and Under-Valued If you're…
Choose What Is Better For You!
“...chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away.” Heal Your Inner Martha…
Rest
We all need our REST!
Ah, Daylight Savings. When 5 pm feels like the middle of the night, you wonder…
We all need to rest and restore!
Ah, Daylight Savings. When 5 PM feels like the middle of the night, you wonder…
Rest in God and Forget the Lies
The week of Easter in 2017, I worked a six-day, 92-hour week. I had inevitably…
Come rest with my cat and me!
This sweet cat is Edith. Edith’s superpower is that she is a powerfully persuasive lap…
Are you too available?
Email is such a great thing, right? We can get work done essentially anywhere, and…
False beliefs: let's check them!
When I never had any energy and felt tired all the time, I felt like…
Clean Beauty To Restore!
Yup. You read that right. If you’re a high-performing woman who struggles with low energy, the…
Want to feel awake, energetic, and fully alive?
How many times have you thought to yourself, “I just want to not be so…
Why We Need It, Why We Don’t Do It, and How To Do It Better
Is there a thing in your life that you tend to overdo? For me, I…
"Don't You Care?!"
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 1: Resentment Burned out? There’s a reason! If you’re burned…
“Tell Her to Help Me!”
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 2 of 5: Ownership & Responsibility Burnout - It’s Not…
Focus...only one thing is needed!
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 4 of 5: Focus Exhausted, Foggy, and Unfocused: Burned Out…
How Do You Define Distraction?
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 3 of 5: Defining Distraction Over-Tasked and Under-Valued If you're…
Choose What Is Better For You!
“...chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away.” Heal Your Inner Martha…
3 Common Obstacles That Stand Between You And Your Goals
I have a client who has wanted to commit to a Whole30 for years. But she…
3 Steps to Sanity for Working Moms
The other day I saw a post that one of my fellow West Point Women…
Who’s In Charge Here?
Getting clarity on who you are and who you need to be to achieve your…
Living Aligned: What do you need to DO to create your vision?
Once you’ve identified what your vision is, and you’ve considered the traits and characteristics of…
What do you need to STOP doing…and why?
In your pursuit of an aligned life, there are not just tasks and actions that…
Want to be Free? Live Aligned.
American Independence Day celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the freedom that I am…
Your Safety-Seeking Self Gives Zero F**ks About Alignment
Sometimes seeking safety will cause you to behave in a way that is out of…
Stress Reduction
We all need to rest and restore!
Ah, Daylight Savings. When 5 PM feels like the middle of the night, you wonder…
Why we crave when stressed?
When we experience stress, we crave the “happy” chemicals produced in our brains and guts.…
Celebrate That You Are Loved!
I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is originally a saint’s day…
Eight obstacles to overcome for your goals
I read a post the other day about how resolutions are a waste of time…
Are you "getting through" life?
“Mom, you’ve been saying that for years. ‘We just need to get through this.’ I…
Science of Stress | The Health Detective
If you are tired all the time, stress could be the reason. Let the science…
Clean to destress your brain!
I appreciate a good cardboard box. Maybe it’s because, as an Army brat and Army…
Why We Need It, Why We Don’t Do It, and How To Do It Better
Is there a thing in your life that you tend to overdo? For me, I…
"Don't You Care?!"
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 1: Resentment Burned out? There’s a reason! If you’re burned…
“Tell Her to Help Me!”
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 2 of 5: Ownership & Responsibility Burnout - It’s Not…
Focus...only one thing is needed!
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 4 of 5: Focus Exhausted, Foggy, and Unfocused: Burned Out…
How Do You Define Distraction?
Heal Your Inner Martha Part 3 of 5: Defining Distraction Over-Tasked and Under-Valued If you're…
Choose What Is Better For You!
“...chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away.” Heal Your Inner Martha…
3 Common Obstacles That Stand Between You And Your Goals
I have a client who has wanted to commit to a Whole30 for years. But she…
3 Steps to Sanity for Working Moms
The other day I saw a post that one of my fellow West Point Women…
What Do You Want?
When we live, behave, and make decisions in alignment with our highest selves, our dearest-held…
Who’s In Charge Here?
Getting clarity on who you are and who you need to be to achieve your…
Living Aligned: What do you need to DO to create your vision?
Once you’ve identified what your vision is, and you’ve considered the traits and characteristics of…
What do you need to STOP doing…and why?
In your pursuit of an aligned life, there are not just tasks and actions that…
Want to be Free? Live Aligned.
American Independence Day celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the freedom that I am…
Your Safety-Seeking Self Gives Zero F**ks About Alignment
Sometimes seeking safety will cause you to behave in a way that is out of…
