Getting Your Hormones and Life In Order with Alisa Vitti

Hey loves!  If you are a woman, chances are you have experienced or been diagnosed with conditions such as PMS, PCOS, fibroids, infertility, mood swings, thyroid conditions or other hormone-related issues.

As a lot of you may already know, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) back in 2006 and I have experienced infertility in the past. This blog was created as a way for me to discuss everything I was learning about PCOS and infertility.  I started doing my own research after simply being prescribed a few meds and told that there was no cure for it.

It was like daggers to the heart at the time because more than anything I wanted a baby.  Here I was newly married and my doctor was telling me that when I was ready to start trying to conceive, I would have to start on fertility drugs.

Not the end of the world but, I was  beyond frustrated by the many unanswered questions I had.  Over the years, I have been coming across so much information about more simple, natural remedies  and how they could help the body become more in balance over time.

This morning I listened to a podcast on The Jess Lively Show at jesslively.com.  Featured on today's episode was Alisa Vitti, author of the book, Woman Code, and integrated nutritionist and hormone specialist.  I've never read the book (I will be picking it up now though!) but, I had heard about Alisa after seeing her on the Dr. Oz Show where she talked about her recommended 4-week plan for getting hormones in check. So....I jumped on the site to check out the podcast and I was ready to take notes!

Podcast on Jess C. Lively's site: http://www.jesslively.com/alisavitti/

Alisa went into detail about her personal experience with PCOS and how she used dietary and lifestyle changes to completely get her body in check.  Mrs. Vitti was even able to get pregnant naturally and gave birth to a baby girl a few months ago!

She started an online women's hormone health center named FloLiving, an online resource for women to go to complete with tips and an online program you can register for that will help you on the road to getting your life back!

I was very inspired after listening to Alisa's podcast.  Some days, living with PCOS can be downright depressing and isolating.  It felt good to get more clarification as to what is going on with my body and hear about effective options I can explore that will work by getting to the root of the issue....finally.

Are you experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance?  How has it affected your life?

PCOS Files: My Current Vitamin Stash

As a thirty-something woman with PCOS who thinks about being able to have healthy babies one day, I feel like I am always looking for new and better ways to get this body of mine in gear.  Honestly, some days it feels like it is all in vain but, I will not give up! I dream of times with regular cycles and that great day when a doctor will say, "Congrats! You're pregnant."  

I have been a little down recently because I didn't get the best news from the doctor last week and it seems like everyone and their mama is either preggo or have just had a baby.  Some days it's downright torture scrolling through social media but, I know that I can't just sit around feeling sorry for myself.  

In addition to eating a much "cleaner", organic diet, I have been throwing in some important vitamins and supplements.  There are currently three vitamins/supplements that I have started to take daily. Vitamin D3, Maca root, and a hair, skin, and nails vitamin are my must-haves every day.  These three are important for women's health especially for women with PCOS (according to my research).

-Vitamin D- this vitamin can help your body in so many ways it has been dubbed "the simple solution to many health problems".  Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones, health teeth, and a healthy immune system.  This vitamin is also thought to provide some protection against a number of diseases including cancer. 

-Maca root- this ancient herb is rich is vitamins B, C, and E. Also rich in magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc and amino acids, maca root aids in boosting libido in women and men.  It also helps to balance hormones and increase fertility (the main reason I'm taking). I can attest to the fact that it DOES boost libido so, if you are not lacking in that area I would advise that you proceed with caution! 

-Hair, Skin, and Nails vitamins-  the name of this vitamin says it all! Most of us could use more nutrients in our diets that would help with healthy hair growth, glowing skin, and strong nails.  There are many hair, skin, and nails vitamins on the market but, the brand I have been faithful to for the past ten years has been Futurebiotics.  When I take these vitamins regularly and eat a healthy diet, I definitely notice a great difference in my appearance.  

These vitamins contain so many essential vitamins and minerals that you would find in a multi-vitamin that I do not feel the need to take a separate multi-vitamin.  Yay! for one less pill to swallow.    

Monday Inspiration: Finding the Beauty In the Tragedy of Loss

I recently learned of a couple on Instagram who unexpectedly lost their baby boy a few days after birth.  My heart dropped immediately just reading about what they went through.  Amelia Kathryn had a normal pregnancy, labored for twelve hours and then had to have an emergency C-section due to the baby's heart rate suddenly dropping.  After birth, little Landon was placed on life support but, his organs were continuing to fail.  Amelia and her husband documented the entire journey through pics and words....on Instagram, as they were going through it!  From the time he was placed in the NICU and given a dim prognosis until the time that he was taken off life support and she could hold him while he took his last breath, they posted pics.  It was amazing to me that Amelia and her husband were able to share with the world what they were going through and look at the positive amidst such a traumatic circumstance.

Their courage and strength really touched me and I cried and prayed for this couple as if I knew them personally.  Although our situations are not the same, I still know the pain of suddenly experiencing the loss of a baby and it is the most terrible feeling ever.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about what could have been.

To all of the mothers who have experienced the loss of a child, you are not alone and your child's spirit is with you always.  To learn more about Amelia's story, you can follow her on Instagram @ameliakyoga.

A Ladies Only Giveaway

Hi, loves!  I have been gradually changing out some of my household products and personal care items for more natural, organic ones.   I figured that I place so much emphasis on watching what I eat, what about what I put near my lady parts?

I found out about Veeda tampons recently and they were kind enough to send some to me to try out.  These tampons are made from organic, bleach-free cotton and are free of any chemicals or additives typically found in other feminine care products.

*Now here's your chance to be kind to your lady parts and try Veeda tampons!

Just comment below and leave your email address.  I will pick 2 winners on Saturday, July 19th. Good luck!

Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this post. This product was sent to me by Veeda for review.

The PCOS Emotional Rollercoaster

I really despise this 'ish some days. Dealing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is for the birds! I spend all this time and effort busting my @s$ doing weight training, yoga and whatever else, researching, reading all of these books, juicing, cutting out sugar from my diet (for the most part), and most of all praying to God to make my body  'normal' and I feel like nothing is working anymore. 

Aunt Flo is now four months late, I have weird headaches, these crazy abdominal pains, and I have no earthly clue as to why. I decided to take a test at home and it was negative but when I was feeling nauseous this past weekend, I decided to take another. Another big fat negative. Relief and deep disappointment all at same damn time.

 Just the decision to buy a test and take it has me feeling like I need a mental health eval. I made an appointment last week to go to the doctor then cancelled the morning of and drove past the pharmacy three times trying to decide if I should actually go in and buy a freakin' test or not.  Yes, it's that serious.

One part of me wants to have a baby but, I don't want to be risk spiraling into a bad, dark place if  I'm not.  Another part of me knows that it's best if I wait a little longer. Ideally, I would like to be married first, done with grad school with some more loot in my savings account and a pretty, red brick house but, my heart hurts for a little brown baby to hold and love now. Why can't I be where I want to be in life now and get surprised with a little miracle right now?  

My back story:

Some of you may or may not know that I was married before and during this time I took fertility drugs for about two months hoping and wishing to get pregnant. Needless to say, I did not get pregnant and I was so stressed out that I decided to just get off of the fertility drugs and let it happen. My situation was a little more complicated though.

On top of being in a crazy marriage, finding out I had PCOS and fighting to get pregnant, I was dealing with  a ton of guilt and shame. A few years prior to getting married, I had an abortion.

I was 5 months pregnant by the time I found out ( I know what you're thinking and I have PCOS so, no the absence of Aunt Flo was NOT a clue to me) and ol' boy was not trying to hear about having a baby at that time. Hell, I wasn't either.  I was a junior in college with plans of becoming a doctor who had grown up in a super religious household.  I didn't want to be pregnant at 21 with no degree and no ring but, it happened.  I was so confused and shocked by how sure he was about not having it.  Jerk. Then, we broke up and eventually got back together but I don't think my heart ever really trusted him completely again.  I felt like he had up and left when I needed him the most.  How could he just leave after getting rid of the child WE made together?

Fast forward a few years, I'm married and I find out I have PCOS. I immediately thought this was my punishment for what I had done.  God wanted me to pay for getting rid of the baby he had placed in my womb.

The diagnosis brought back all of those feelings I had buried amidst getting engaged, buying a house and trying on dresses for my wedding.  I was right back to crying every day and feeling so alone.  I didn't think I could grieve or talk about it like women who had miscarriages or experienced stillbirths because ultimately I was the one who got rid of my baby.  So, I  had just went on with my life. I smiled, worked, finished school and eventually got married thinking it would have just went away. 

I became very depressed and wanted to get pregnant even more now because I wanted to make up for what I had done.  If I'm honest with myself, even my decision to marry him was an attempt to make it all right.  Almost every day, all of the events of that day and night continued to replay over and over. The words of the ultrasound tech telling me how far long I was. The complications I had that night. The pain and emptiness I was left with that night when I no longer felt any little fluttery movements. I really wanted to just die.  I had taken my baby's life and I was left feeling like it should have been me instead who wasn't around anymore.

The child I had already started to feel move around was gone. There was no funeral, no baby showers, no name, no ultrasound pics to look at....nothing.   

Things went downhill quickly between me and ol' boy  and we went our separate ways so, I am thankful that I did not have a baby when I wanted to but it doesn't make it hurt any less.  I still pray that God will be able to bless me again one day despite the abortion and this crazy thing called PCOS.

Of course the one million and one articles on how PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and can cause miscarriage and  the doctors all saying, "You will have to take fertility drugs once you decide you want to start trying for a baby" does not help either.  Combine that with the fact that I am approaching my mid-30's and every other week someone I know is sending me a baby shower invite in the mail, it can really be too much for me to deal with sometimes.  I just need there to be some hope. That's what I pray for every day, a chance to be healed emotionally and to have a healthy baby one day despite my past and the present.

Moving Forward

After going back forth about sharing this, I decided to post a little bit about my story here because I realize that keeping it in has not helped me. I was angry, depressed and just not living right. Maybe someone reading this will be able to get the courage, strength and the voice I did not have for so many years.

So, I'm not pregnant, I have PCOS, and I am still dealing with my decision to have an abortion. It really blows not knowing what will happen in the future but, it will get better and there is still a purpose and plan for my life.  I must believe that.

A Special Mother's Day Wish

Happy Mother's Day to all of the hardworking, sacrificing, unconditionally-loving mothers out there! Today is your day and I hope that you are made to feel loved and appreciated.

I want to take a moment to also recognize the women who so desperately want to be moms, have been dealing with infertility, miscarriage or loss of a child.  I know that  when Mother's Day approaches, I feel that 'no-so-good' feeling coming on--the one where I want to binge on junk food and get all in my feelings, turn my ringer on my phone off and cry a little, which is what I did last night.

I could not help but feel some type of way seeing all of the mothers talk and post about their children and how blessed they were.  It is the most isolating feeling to want to experience motherhood and still not know why it has not happened for you yet. Or, in my case, to be living with the thoughts and memories of the baby that could have and should have been here today but, he/she is not.  At times, I feel silly about bringing it up because I don't want to be the Negative Nancy casting a dark cloud on what should be a joyous day but, I know that there are other women who feel forgotten and alone every Mother's Day.  So, here's to a day that makes you have good feelings about where you are in life and to feeling like you are enough without being a mother yet.

Be encouraged today, you are loved!

On My Way to Having Healthy Babies (and other PCOS banter)

I came across probably THE most helpful, informative site ever!(In regards to natural ways of managing PCOS that is.)  Most of you may already know that I was diagnosed with PCOS some years ago and have been on a rollercoaster journey to find ways to balance my hormones naturally and one day have cute, little healthy babies!  In fact this blog was created as a place to share information I have found, natural remedies and other tips I have tried.

Dealing with PCOS has been one of the most emotionally wrenching things I have had to deal with. All of the frustration, contradicting information, doctors that are not really that helpful except to tell me a list of medications I need to take and just feeling like less of a woman some days.  When I was first diagnosed, I was beyond devastated.  My first thought was that I would never have a baby--which was like a death sentence for me.  I was newly married and wanted desperately to be a mother.  I am no longer married but, my dream of being a mother is still something that I pray about every day.  I am determined to get my body in check and really get a handle on these symptoms.

So what's the name of the site?, you ask.  It is PCOS Diva and it has really been an answer to my prayers!

When I found PCOS Diva, I was in amazement at all of the information that was contained on this one site.  The founder, Amy Medling , is a woman living with PCOS who went on to have three beautiful children.  She covers all aspects of PCOS (diet, emotional, physical) and has tons of resources to help.  The PCOS newsletters, detailed meal plans, meditation links, supplement recommendations, etc. have really helped me in the few weeks that have passed since stumbling across PCOS Diva.  I especially love the testimonials of past and current readers.  A lot of times, I feel so alone in a world where it seems that everyone else around me is having babies and not dealing with any of this PCOS-related craziness but, PCOS Diva has really given me inspiration, encouragement and direction.  For that I am so grateful.

If you have PCOS or know someone who does, this site is just want you need! 

PCOS Files: Maca Root Benefits

via source

I stopped talking about my bout with PCOS (or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) here because frankly I was feeling depressed about it and I thought that talking about it too much would somehow make it all worse (sounds crazy, I know).  Plus dealing with the excess body hair in certain places (chin hair is really not cute!) and other crazy symptoms, has been annoying and I just didn't want to discuss it here out of fear of sounding like a whiner.

However, my traumatic past experience with infertility and my now increasing obsession with having a baby in the near future has made me want to revisit ways in which I can help my body regulate itself naturally.  My doctor has suggested going on birth control until I am really ready to try to conceive but, I really don't want to go that route.

 My cycles are still irregular (usually appearing once every 3 months) but, I noticed that when I workout consistently every week Aunt Flo makes an appearance every other month or even every month sometimes.  I have also started juicing almost daily and I can really tell the difference in my body.  I'm in a better mood (most days), my skin is clearer and I'm not dealing with that annoying mid-day fatigue I used to get every day (it is such a great feeling!).   I will juice 3 times a day for forever if it means I can feel like this all the time!

I am thinking of going back to using maca root powder.  I was taking it about 3 years ago and stopped because of one side effect--increased libido.  Yeah, let's just say it was too much for me and I couldn't deal with it. Ha! What a problem to have, huh?

I have been researching natural remedies for PCOS and all signs point to maca root and its benefits.  They include:

Support proper hormonal balance in both men and women Encourage a healthy libido in both men and women Support normal egg health Promote normal sperm health Support normal FSH levels Encourages normal endometrium health May be beneficial in preparation for IVF Other facts about maca root: Maca is a nourishing food for the endocrine system, supporting the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.) Maca has the ability to assist the body in maintaining normal hormonal levels in both women and men without containing hormones itself. Maca is beneficial in supporting reproductive health prior to becoming pregnant. It can be taken daily all month long and combines well with other herbs and herbal formulas.  *Information from http://www.naturalfertilityshop.com/Fertility-Maca-Capsules-p/104721.htm

I was even watching a talk show the other day, Bethenny to be exact, and maca root powder was discussed as a supplement that every woman should take.  I've gotten all the confirmation I need! I am ordering my maca root powder this week and will just deal with the increased libido the best way I can *wink*.

If I want to get my body right to be able to have a healthy, beautiful baby one day then I will have to start doing what I can to make my body become capable of doing just that.  With the regular workouts, watching what I eat, de-stressing, and taking maca root I'm hopeful that this PCOS can be a thing of the past.  Ya'll pray for me!

Have you ever heard of maca root or taken it?

Monday Inspiration: Just Do It

After recovering from some type of 'bug' for the past week, I have been seriously struggling with working out again.  But, I have some goals I am trying to reach and I know how much exercise has helped my PCOS symptoms so I am looking for any forms of motivation to get me off the couch.

While doing my daily scroll through Instagram this morning,  I saw this pic of Lana Ector, one-half of the mother-daughter Black Girls Workout Too duo.....

source

..... and this quote on Pinterest (I'm really feeling this site!)

The pic of Lana alone had me sucking in my stomach on the couch.  This chick's body never fails to motivate me!  Then, this Nike quote was icing on the cake.  I had time to work out and really no excuse not to fit it in my schedule today.  So, I promptly got up, put in the Black Girls Workout Too dvd, and forced myself to get through the 45 minute workout.  I know that tomorrow I'll be glad that I did!

Tired and looking it!

What are you putting off that you can do today?  Taking that first step is all you need. 

7 Natural Remedies for Aunt Flo

That "time of the month" is not one that most women look forward to (unless, of course, you are waiting to see if you might be pregnant or hoping to NOT be pregnant).  The bloating, cramps, and mood swings can seriously put a damper on every day life activities.  Fortunately,  I do not get debilatating cramps like some people but, I do suffer from the swings sometimes and the bloating. So not fun.

One "good" result of having PCOS is that I do not see Aunt Flo every month but, now that I have been actively managing my PCOS symptoms more using exercise, natural remedies and medication, my cycles have become more regular.  So I'm back to dealing with these symptoms more now.

If you have read my blog for a while now, you already know that I am a huge advocate of poppin' pills for ailments.  I came across this video by Naptural85 (one of my favorite vloggers!) and wanted to share with you ladies.  She lists some great natural remedies for dealing with those crazy symptoms of your menstural cycle.

Check it out and feel free to leave comments on what works  best for you to get rid of those cramps, headaches, and mood swings.  

How Simplistic Chic was born

My name is Candice, a 30-something girly girl born and raised in NYC, now living in Atlanta, Ga. Natural health nut. Kinks & curls lover.  Living the fit life. Conquering PCOS one day at a time.

Simplistic Chic was born in 2009 as a place where I could share with other women my daily journey to balance my body, mind and spirit. This journey started after I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I was so confused and desperate for more answers so I began to do my own research on how to manage my symptoms and one day conceive healthy babies. Everything pointed to living a more natural lifestyle. 

I started learning that Mother Nature has given us all of the basics that we need to effectively feed our bodies and minds.  The demands of the modern day life have slowly taken us away from the natural simplistic techniques, remedies and products that our bodies crave to help us function at our best. Join me as I dish about natural hair, natural health, fitness, and PCOS in my quest to live the simplistic, good life!

I’ve been featured on:

Curly Nikki

The Clear Skin Truth

The Holbox blog

Questions, guest blogger opportunities, or business opportunities? Feel free to contact me at candice.selby@gmail.com

The Fertility Diet

from Getty Images

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have serious 'baby fever' from time to time.  Given the fact that I'm 30, I can definitely feel the tick tock of my biological clock. I have been doing all of my research on the natural ways to prepare my body for a natural, health pregnancy within the next few years. One of the areas I have been working on is my diet.  Here is a checklist I got from naturalfertility.com that helps me to keep track of what I should be eating every day.


Make sure to eat these foods everyday, here is a checklist to help you remember…

Dark leafy and cruciferous vegetables such as chard, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.

A large salad with a wide variety of vegetables.

Fiber with each meal to help keep the blood sugar levels balanced. Good sources of fiber are vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, and grains.

Make sure to get essential fatty acids every day.

Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, spelt, millet, amaranth, and buckwheat.

Eat at least three servings of fresh organic fruits a day to provide beneficial antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. I love to use fruit in smoothies with superfoods.

Drink a fresh juice daily. Drink one green juice every day. (If you are not able to get a juicer you can replace this step with one serving of UltraGreens or another organic greens supplement everyday.)

Fertility Specific Nutritional Supplements such as Baby and Me multivitamin, MorDHa omega 3, and others. To find out which supplements are right for you, please visit www.Natural-Fertility-Shop.com

Plenty of water

At least one superfood a day such as spirulina, maca, or royal jelly.

 All of my ladies who are trying to conceive now or in the near future, what are you doing to prepare your body for pregnancy?

PCOS Blog Talk Radio show

My good friend, Pru, of Photos by Pru, filled me in on a very informative radio show coming on today on Blog Talk radio as part of the PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Challenge. I was first diagnosed back in 2006 and have been searching for ways to deal with the sometimes frustrating symptoms naturally.(Find out more about PCOS here)

Donielle Baker from "Naturally Knocked Up" will be sharing strategies and tips for living a natural lifestyle and getting pregnant naturally.  She is a a Master Herbalist, student and  mother to two little ones after struggling with infertility.


To all of my fellow PCOS sufferers and those who just want to learn more about this condition, be sure to check it out.


Place: PCOS Challenge Radio Show at http://blogtalkradio.com/pcoschallenge
Time: 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 15th

Supplements and Vitamins- The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Most of the time when we think about supplements and vitamins, we think about all of the good things they can do for us.  You know, more energy, clearer skin, easier digestion and all that good stuff.  Well, have you ever experienced some very unexpected side effects from your supplements and vitamins?

I have been taking maca root off and on for the past two years after reading about how it could balance your hormones and give you clearer skin too.  I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and after I refused to go back on the birth control pills my doctor prescribed in an attempts to 'balance' everything out, I decided to give maca root a try.  I was very pleased with the benefits I was experiencing.  I felt more energized throughout the day and it helped somewhat to bring my non-existent periods back.


My one bad though is the increase in sex drive.  I know some of you might think, "why is that a bad thing?"  Well, I have never had an issue in the area to begin with and then pair that with the fact that I will be 30 in the next few months...let's just say it is too much for me sometimes!  I am constantly thinking about it and I can't seem to focus on the five hundred and one things that need my undivided attention right now.

At first, it was fun but as time went on it was unbearable to deal with. I felt like I wanted to climb the walls..TMI?  So, I said goodbye to my maca root a few months ago and I feel like I am back to my normal self. I will just have to find other ways of balancing out this wacky hormone levels of mine.

What are your good, bad and uglies that you've experienced from taking supplements and vitamins?

The Fertility Self Massage

If you have been a reader of my blog for some time you may have read my posts about my search for ways to curb my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).  I would love to have children in the next few years and I am working on natural ways to prepare my body from now. As it stands right now, Aunt flo only appears every 3 to 6 months, I have multiple cysts and a few other typical PCOS symptoms that I find quite frustrating.

I came across this video that shows how to give yourself a fertility massage. These massages are supposed to help with:

-Ovarian Cysts
-Regulation of menstrual cycles
-Regulation of ovulation
-Endometriosis
-Decreasing stress
-Healthy circulation
-Alleviation of cramps

Looks very interesting and I am willing to give anything a try that may be able to help me achieve optimal reproductive health.  I am already claiming healthy babies for the future!




Have you heard of fertility massages?