Wellness As A Way of Life Megan Swan

In today's episode, our guest, Ale Forero, a transdisciplinary artist and researcher, discusses the unique health benefits of cacao for women and the importance of incorporating it into a wellness routine.
Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:
Health Benefits of Cacao: Cacao is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vital nutrients such as magnesium and iron, making it a superfood for both men and women.
Cacao and Women's Health: Cacao plays a vital role in supporting women's health, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, where it helps balance hormones, reduce stress, and support serotonin production.
Importance of Ovulation: The podcast highlights the significance of ovulation for women's overall health, including its role in bone health, cognitive function, and immune system support, advocating for a holistic approach to women's wellness.
Intentional Consumption: Emphasizing the significance of intentional and mindful consumption, the discussion encourages women to create a nurturing ritual around consuming cacao, embracing its sensory and embodied experience.
Harmonious Recipes: Jangala incorporates additional harmonizing ingredients such as lavender, cardamom, reishi, and patashte into their cacao products, aiming to create a blend that supports gut health and overall well-being.
TLDR:
This episode delves into the transformative impact of cacao on women's health, emphasizing the need for intentional consumption and the incorporation of harmonizing ingredients to enhance overall wellness. Join us as we explore the profound benefits of cacao as an essential component of women's health and wellness.
 
Ale Forero is a transdisciplinary artist and researcher on cacao & women's health. 
https://jangala.mx
https://www.instagram.com/malejafura?igsh=dmltengzZGJ6Y2hn
https://www.instagram.com/jangalamx?igsh=ZXIzZDl6bWcxcWR4
 
Keywords
cacao, women's health, Jangala project, Mexican chocolate preservation, fermented cacao, health benefits, superfood, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols, flavonoids, magnesium, iron, hormonal balance, luteal phase, menstrual cycle, serotonin production, cortisol levels, fertility, ovulation, mesoamerican cosmovision, feminine polarity, holistic wellness, birth control, hormonal wisdom, intentional consumption, cardamom, lavender, reishi, patashte
 
Connect with Megan
http://www.meganswanwellness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/
 
 
 

Welcome back to Wellness As A Way of Life, where we delve into the world of holistic wellness, featuring knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration for female leaders and founders. In this episode, we explore the unique Fall in Love with Cacao series, offering insights into sustainable cacao production, the journey from cacao to fine chocolate, and the vision for creating a regenerative culture.
 
Cacao Regenerative Culture: We discuss the creation of agroforestry systems with cacao farmers, fermentation workshops, and the production of fine flavored cacao, chocolate bars, and drinking chocolate.
 
Ethical Sourcing: The importance of direct trading, balanced relationships, and the avoidance of exploitation in the cacao industry is emphasized, with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
 
Cacao Fermentation Process: The craft of fermentation as a pivotal step in decoding the aroma and flavor complexity of cacao, leading to the creation of various cacao-based products.
 
Future Research and Education: The project's long-term vision involves conducting research, spreading knowledge, and creating a bridge between rural and urban contexts, with a focus on social and environmental justice.
 
Impactful Self-Care: The podcast identifies the ripple effect of purpose-driven sustainable wellness practices and the significance of self-care as a tool for sustainable energy, confidence, and holistic wellness.
 
TLDR: Through sustainable cacao production, ethical sourcing, and a vision for regenerative culture, this episode sheds light on the holistic benefits of cacao, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption and ethical trade in the wellness journey.
 
Ale Forero is a Women’s Health Researcher, 4th generation of cacao farmers working in the field of education currently working on her Masters in Rural Development while focusing on education for the Jangala Cacao Project. 
https://jangala.mx
https://www.instagram.com/malejafura?igsh=dmltengzZGJ6Y2hn
https://www.instagram.com/jangalamx?igsh=ZXIzZDl6bWcxcWR4

 
Keywords
wellness, cacao, chocolate, Chiapas, Mexico, ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, women's health, rural development, origin cacao, fermentation workshops, agroforestry systems, direct trading, regenerative agricultural practices, agroforesty agricology, trustability, fermentation process, direct sourcing, organic farming, holistic wellness, cacao bean, cacao butter, ethical sourcing, minimal ingredients, small batch, social innovation, environmental justice, health benefits, women's health, natural gynecology, research
 
Connect with Megan
http://www.meganswanwellness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/
 
 

In this episode, our host Megan Swan sits down with the incomparable James "Fish" Gill, exploring the complex dance of emotions and perspectives that shape our relationships. Diving into the depths of conflict communication, they unravel the threads of connectivity and the heart's role in emotional wellness.
Understanding Beyond Accusations: Discovering the veiled emotions beneath aggressive words and learning to acknowledge the feelings of being unappreciated or unsupported.
Emotional Safety and Mutual Understanding: Stressing the critical importance of validating each other's experiences to foster a nurturing and safe emotional environment.
Evoking Openness Versus Closedness: James discusses the human resistance to openness in relationships, paralleling it with larger scale resistance seen in international conflicts.
The Power of Recognition and Validation: Sharing insights on how identifying and acknowledging someone's pain, even in minor interactions such as with a supermarket cashier, can transform their behavior.
Communicating with Loving Awareness: The need to hold space for both parties' experiences and the benefit of growing new neural pathways to respond to potential conflict with understanding and compassion.
 
TLDR: In this heart-opening edition, Megan and Fish delve into the richness of interacting with love and intentionality, proving that seeking connection triumphs over being right. Embrace the challenges of empathizing and validating in all relationships and grow towards a life filled with harmony and understanding.
Fish is a Heart Coach and yoga teacher. He is committed to sharing conscious communication practices that give all beings the experience of love in all their relationships, even in the moments where love seems to have gone missing.   
www.leadbyheart.com
Previous Conversation: 
https://meganswanwellness.com/podcast/james_fish_gill
 
Connect with Megan Swan
https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/
http://www.meganswanwellness.com
 
 
Keywords
conflict resolution, emotional wellness, relationship repair, communication in relationships, emotional safety, mutual understanding, malintent in communication, openness in relationships, international conflicts, personal growth, group coaching program, validation in relationships, empathy, self-compassion, behavior change, neural pathways, defensiveness, seeking connection, face-to-face communication, loving awareness, wellness podcast, listener engagement, blaming behavior, worldview on connection, fear of exclusion, threat response, evolutionary psychology, perspectives in conflict, acknowledgment of pain, unmet needs in relationships
 

Welcome to the Wellness As A Way of Life podcast. In this episode titled "Alternate Nostril Breathing," our host Megan Swan takes you through the practice of alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana. She shares the history and benefits of this ancient breathing technique and encourages you to make it a part of your daily wellness routine. Megan explains the symbolism behind breathing through the left and right nostrils, and how it can help balance energy and promote relaxation. Join us as Megan guides you through the steps of this calming practice and encourages you to integrate it into your daily life. Whether you're new to breathing techniques or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode provides valuable insights and a practical demonstration to help you find calm and balance - particularly helpful for women going through hormonal changes, perimenopause, and menopause. 
 
Connect with Megan Swan
https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/
http://www.meganswanwellness.com
 
 
 
Keywords
breathing technique, alternate nostril breathing, wellness toolbox, meditative practice, yoga practice, pranayama, energy balance, feminine energy, masculine energy, lunar energy, solar energy, cognitive senses, consciousness, inward nurturing energy, outward moving force, breathing exercise, breath awareness, breath control, hormonal balance, central nervous system, relaxation, mindfulness, yoga, seated position, relaxation technique, breathing practice, energy flow, parasympathetic, breath rhythm, breathing cycle

In this episode, host Megan Swan and certified holistic nutritionist Hope Pedraza unravel the complexities of nutrition and wellness for women experiencing perimenopause. Let's delve into the conversation that covers a range of insightful topics:
1. Protein Intake: The importance of adequate protein consumption is paramount in perimenopause, where maintaining muscle mass is crucial. Hope Pedraza recommends aiming for 25 to 35 grams of protein per meal, with a daily goal of at least 120 grams, whether from plant or animal sources.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation: Megan and Hope discuss the significant role of stable blood sugar in perimenopause. Dysregulated blood sugar impacts adrenals and estrogen production, magnifying perimenopausal symptoms.
3. Adrenal Care: The health of your adrenal glands takes center stage, with discussions on managing stress, the necessity of completing stress cycles, and the role of good minerals and hydration in supporting adrenal function.
4. Exercise for Aging: The dialogue touches on the importance of functional movement and the combination of strength training with flexibility activities like pilates and yoga to uphold an active, healthy lifestyle as we age.
5. Mindful Consumption: Strategies to replace ingrained habits with healthier choices emerge as both Megan and Hope stress the value of intentional choices. They recommend sustainable approaches to reducing caffeine and reevaluating one’s relationship with habits and consumption patterns.
In short, this episode is a powerhouse of insights on longevity through balanced nutrition and holistic health practices. Ideal for women charting the seas of perimenopause, it's a call to mindful eating, stress management, and a proactive stance on wellness that reverberates into all facets of life. Join us as we embrace self-care and empower ourselves through every transition.
 
Hope Pedraza is a certified holistic nutritionist, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, certified Hair Tissue and Mineral analysis expert, Reiki Master Practitioner, Human Design guide, the founder of inBalance, a pilates based fitness franchise, and the host of the Hopeful and Wholesome podcast.
She is an expert mineral balancing as it relates to overall health and how balancing yours can completely transform your health
 and state of wellbeing. 
 
Previous Conversation: https://energeticallyyou.libsyn.com/why-you-might-need-to-eat-more-salt-and-how-stress-management-and-nutrition-is-more-powerful-than-an-supplement-and-other-mineral-balancing-wisdom-with-hope-pedraza
 
Connect with Hope
www.hopefulandwholesome.com
www.instagram.com/thehopepedraza
www.facebook.com/groups/livewholesomeandhealthy
www.facebook.com/hope.cowgill
https://www.tiktok.com/@hopepedraza
https://www.youtube.com/c/HopePedraza



Connect with Megan Swan
https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/
http://www.meganswanwellness.com
 
Community
https://wellness-as-a-way-of-life.mn.co
 
 
 
Keywords
protein sources, plant-based protein, amino acids, protein intake, blood sugar regulation, perimenopause, adrenal health, cortisol levels, chronic inflammation, muscle mass, strength training, pilates, yoga, functional movement, stress management, hydration, remineralizing the body, electrolytes, intermittent fasting, caffeine consumption, adrenal function, holistic nutrition, menopause wellness, protein allocation, sober curiosity, self-care habits, mindful consumption, corporate wellness, women's health, community wellness
 
 
 

Welcome to another episode of Wellness As A Way of Life with your host, Megan Swan. In this episode, Megan delves into the topic of menopause, offering insights on the changing landscape of menopause understanding and the implications for women's health and wellness. 
 
Here are 5 key takeaways from the podcast:
 
1. Menopause Has Evolved: Megan discusses the shifting perspectives around menopause, emphasizing the importance of embracing this stage of life as a natural transition and the need to reframe the narrative around the menopausal experience.
2. Options for Menopausal Symptoms: The episode explores a range of treatment options, including holistic approaches, hormone replacement therapy, and the considerations for using antidepressants, providing listeners with a comprehensive insight into the decision-making process for addressing menopausal symptoms.
3. Embracing Strength and Wellness: Megan underscores the significance of strength training and its impact on hormonal balance, emotional well-being, and self-confidence, highlighting the role of lifestyle changes in promoting overall wellness during menopause and beyond.
4. A Balanced Approach to Hormonal Therapy: The podcast encourages women to prioritize exploring holistic tools and lifestyle modifications as initial steps, followed by a thoughtful consideration of hormone replacement therapy and potential alternatives, positioning antidepressants as a secondary option for symptom management.
5. Personalized Self-Care Strategies: Emphasizing the individualized nature of self-care, Megan advocates for prioritizing sleep, mindful nourishment, physical activity, stress management rituals, and incorporating joy into daily routines as essential components of optimal wellness during menopause.
 
TLDR: The episode provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving understanding of menopause, offering valuable insights into embracing menopausal transitions, treatment options, holistic wellness, and personalized self-care practices, empowering listeners to navigate this stage of life with informed choices and a focus on overall well-being.

https://open.substack.com/pub/meganswan/p/menopause-dispelling-misconceptions?r=mxe0u&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

 
Connect with Megan Swan
https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/
http://www.meganswanwellness.com
 
Community
https://wellness-as-a-way-of-life.mn.co
 
 
menopause, symptoms, perimenopause, holistic treatment, hormone therapy, mental health, mindset, aging, strength training, hormone replacement therapy, breast cancer, antidepressants, lifestyle changes, hormonal balance, John Hopkins, menopausal symptoms, emotional symptoms, menopausal transition, moon cycles, women's health, medical advice, intersectional realities, genetics, preventative hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, holistic solutions, physical strength, emotional strength, aging gracefully, embracing menopause