19 Oct
Uncategorized

4 Reasons to Visit Sedona By Certified Health Coach Sofia Klof!

I recently got back from a road trip to Sedona, Arizona and when I say it exceeded my expectations I mean it REALLY did. Prior to my trip I was in a bit of a mental funk due to health problems, stresses of starting a business, and other personal reasons, so a trip to Sedona sounded like the perfect mini escape.

When I got back I felt refreshed, motivated, and at peace. Ready to take on any challenge that came my way!

So here are my 4 reasons as to why you NEED to put Sedona on your bucket list! 🙂

 

1.  Sedona is a Very Spiritual Place.  Native Americans hold many places around Sedona to be sacred. “Regarded by Native Americans as sacred, Sedona continues to be recognized as a place of healing and spiritual renewal,” Visit Sedona said. “Many come to experience the vortex energy centers of Sedona.”No matter what, you are bound to get some rest and relaxation there. Sedona is home to “mystical bazaars” with psychic readers, yoga studios and spas offering massages, reiki and other healing therapies.

2.  Endless Outdoor Adventure. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, four wilderness areas and two state parks, Sedona has so many things to do: hiking, biking, climbing, rafting, kayaking, you name it. With more than 120 trails in Sedona, there’s plenty to explore.

Here are some of my favorite National Parks and Trails:

  • Red Rock State Park
  • Boyton Canyon Trail
  • Devil’s Bridge Trail
  • Bell Rock

3.  Stay and Play Year-Round. Sedona is beautiful all year long, including in the winter when snow occasionally dusts the red rocks. One might argue Sedona is even more beautiful in the winter. Its far less crowded in the winter months. And visitors will enjoy ample sunshine, mild temperatures and might even get the chance to see the red rocks dusted by snow. After a brisk hike or bike ride, visitors can unwind in the city’s funky boutiques, galleries and spas.

4.  It’s Easy to Find Healthy Food Options. If you’re like me and plan your trips around cities that have healthy food options then Sedona is the place for you. I recently had a gastritis flare up before my trip and was anxious if I would find healthy food options for my anti-inflammatory, mostly plant based diet. Thankfully, there were SO many options. From plant based and organic eateries in Downtown Sedona to lots of healthy options at my hotel Enchantment Resort, I didn’t have to constantly be anxious trying to find food options that worked for me!

My favorite Eateries In Sedona:

  • Chocolatree
  • Che ah Chi
  • Natural Grocers
  • Local Juicery
  • Berry Divine Acai Bowls
  • Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen
  • Wildflower Bread Company
  • Thai Spices Natural Restaurant
  • Creekside American Bistro
23 Jul
Uncategorized

My Top 5 Favorite Immune Boosting Supplements!

Your immune system consists of a complex collection of cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly defends your body against invading pathogens, including viruses, toxins, and bacteria.

Keeping your immune system healthy year-round is key to preventing infection and disease.

Making healthy lifestyle choices by consuming nutritious foods and getting enough sleep and exercise are the most important ways to bolster your immune system.

In addition, research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances can help improve immune response and potentially protect against illness.

However, note that some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Some may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements.

Here are my top 5 favorite Immune Boosting Supplements:

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential to the health and functioning of your immune system.

Vitamin D decreases inflammation, which helps promote immune response.

Many people are deficient in this important vitamin, which may negatively affect immune function. In fact, low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and allergic asthma.

Depending on blood levels, anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D per day is sufficient for most people.

Vitamin D has been highly researched in connection with COVID-19 because of its effect on the immune system. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can expedite healing and stall inflammation in the respiratory system.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that’s commonly added to supplements and other healthcare products like lozenges that are meant to boost your immune system. This is because zinc is essential for immune system function.

Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response.

A deficiency in this nutrient significantly affects your immune system’s ability to function properly, resulting in an increased risk of infection and disease, including pneumonia.

According to research, 16% of all deep respiratory infections worldwide have been found to be due to zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency affects around 2 billion people worldwide and is very common in older adults. In fact, up to 30% of older adults are considered deficient in this nutrient.

Garlic

Garlic has been used as an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. It may help the body resist or destroy viruses and other microorganisms. It does this by boosting the immune system. Garlic is also claimed to fight infections.

Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It has been shown to enhance immune health by stimulating protective white blood cells.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have been used since ancient times to prevent and treat infection and disease. Many types of medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their immune-boosting potential.

Over 270 recognized species of medicinal mushrooms are known to have immune-enhancing properties

Cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, shitake, reishi, and turkey tail are all types that have been shown to benefit immune health.

Some research demonstrates that supplementing with specific types of medicinal mushrooms may enhance immune health in several ways as well as reduce symptoms of certain conditions, including asthma and lung infections.

Medicinal mushroom products can be found in the form of tinctures, teas, and supplements.

Camu Camu

Camu camu’s immune system support comes primarily from its vitamin C and antioxidant content. High doses of vitamin C can help reduce the length and severity of viral infections and strengthen the immune system, while antioxidants enhance the immune response by protecting your immune cells from oxidative stress.

However, since this wonderful superfood is also a rich source of polyphenols with antimicrobial properties, adding camu camu powder to your diet may support positive changes in the gut microbiome. Healthier populations of gut bacteria have been linked with healthy weight management, normal immune function, better heart health, and more.

16 Jun
Uncategorized

How I Quit My Job and Became an IIN Certified Health Coach!

Exactly one year ago, I found myself in a rut. We were amidst a global pandemic and I couldn’t feel more unstable in my life. One thing that the pandemic forced me to do was really take a hard look at who I was and what I wanted my life to look like going forward.

Some career background on me: I entered a pageant and was crowned Miss Malaysia at 16 years old. I then went to college to study Media Broadcasting and even interned at a local LA TV station. I decided I wanted to pursue acting, and took a leap of faith and went full speed ahead pursuing the career. Shortly after, I started experiencing chronic migraines which then led me down a dark hole of many chronic illnesses. After years of trying to self cure and going to hundreds of doctors, I found a preventive medication, diet, and lifestyle that worked for me and went from 25 migraine days a month to only 2. With my newfound health, I tried to find a career that was “work from home” friendly because I was anxious my health problems would come back. I then started working for a Digital Marketing company and then went on to work for a Fashion PR company which all leads back to last year sitting in my apartment contemplating my career.

As we started to see a tiny light at the end of the tunnel regarding COVID, our governor was finally allowing employees to come back to the office for work and my boss offered me the full time position. Something in me felt like that wasn’t the path that was going to lead me to happiness and fulfillment in my career. After self-curing and basically completely changing my life I had several people tell me that I should look into the wellness field. I always smiled and said thank you but that’s not what I want to do in life. Prior to COVID, my dreams consisted of entertainment, film, and marketing. After COVID I realized that I can use all the skills that I have learned and obtained through my various careers in life and put it into my own business, while helping others and creating a career that I had always dreamed of.

I researched for weeks trying to find the the perfect school that I could get an accredited certification from when I stumbled across IIN!

After reading various blogs of women who had graduated from the program and reading about how they were able to transform their lives and careers, I knew I found the perfect fit.

I enrolled in the 6-month accelerated program excited to learn and get started with my new career. I had the BEST experience at IIN, and I’m so incredibly happy that I decided to go with them for my certification! Not only did I meet so many like-minded women and created life-long friendships, I learned SO much and felt so confident in starting my new career as a Health Coach.

If you’re struggling like I was in finding your career path and have a love for health and wellness and helping people, I highly recommend checking out the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE IIN PROGRAM? Check out a Sample Class here!

Make sure to mention my name (Sofia Klof) when you enroll for a special discount!