Hi Reader,

I love planning for a new year. 🌟

It's like a clean slate to make fresh goals and put to rest what didn't work in the previous year.

Health is always on my list. Yep, I'm a health practitioner, but I'm constantly working on the next level of health for my own body.

Sure, I've refined a lot, but there's always more to focus on. (In 2023 I did a parasite cleanse - it sounds SO gross, but was totally worth it, I'd rather have those buggers out than in lol, tested my thyroid, had my first colonoscopy - which most likely saved my life, had breast thermography for the first time, did DNA genome testing that I'm still waiting on results for - but can't wait to share, and re-tested my hair analysis to check my progress)

These days, I'm getting lots of emails about "how to be" healthy in 2024. Trends, new modalities, new supplements..there are a plethora of options.

You may even be thinking to yourself already...

• I'm going to try going gluten-free!
• I'm definitely getting back to the gym!
• I think I'll try stopping processed sugar.
• Dry January? I'm in!
• Meatless Mondays...sounds good!
• Magnesium? I bet I need some!
• Ooh, vitamin D... add to cart!
• I'm pretty sure I've got insulin resistance, I better check online for what to do about that!
• Whole 30...I think I'll try that, it worked wonders for my friend!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these options, but trying any one of these can feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something will stick!

What if the option you pick to try isn't actually what YOUR body currently needs?

How much time will you spend trying one more thing?

How much money will it take?

I'm being bold today because I talk to countless women, who by the time they've come to me, they've tried every diet, all the shakes, been to multiple doctors, and yet, they still feel like crap, or have been told it's all in their head.

I feel for them, it's incredibly frustrating.

The bottom line is that they are still guessing at what is going on.

It's not their fault, they just don't know what other options are available, because most doctors focus on treatment and not prevention.

For 2024, I want you to know that you DO have options to find out exactly what YOUR body needs.

All of my clients go through 5 foundational tests:

1. A food sensitivity test to find out which foods are creating inflammation in their body (yep, I've seen broccoli, strawberries and other foods show up that we consider "healthy", but may not be for your body).
2. A GI Map test for gut health, which looks at good vs bad bacteria levels, and for viruses, pathogens and yeast that can really create havoc on your whole GI system, plus a whole bunch of extra immune and digestive markers. "Everything starts in the gut" is a common saying, and it's SO true.
3. A Dutch hormone test that looks at all of your sex hormones, plus cortisol, DHEA and most importantly how your body is processing estrogen (there's a protective pathway and a carcinogenic pathway). Having hot flashes, gaining weight around your middle, being constipated, not sleeping well and enduring brain fog are all symptoms of a hormone imbalance.
4. A Hair Trace Mineral test that looks at your mineral and heavy metals levels which give us insight into your blood sugar regulation, thyroid activity, adrenal health and stress levels. Feeling no emotions, gaining weight, having hair loss, cold hands and feet, slow metabolism and fatigue? This test can help tell us why.
5. An advanced thyroid panel which tells us how well your thyroid is operating. The thyroid is your master hormone in charge of metabolism. If your thyroid is struggling, it will be harder to lose weight, you'll be more constipated, you may notice your hair falling out, and as with most other imbalances, you'll be tired.

These are the essential things we ned to know in order to find out what YOUR body needs.

With this information we can then:

• Dial in your food to exactly what will help your body thrive.
• Rebalance your gut so you aren't bloated and you are regularly going to the bathroom.
• Make sure your body has what it needs to break down your food so that your body can get the nutrients that will help you feel more energetic and alive.
• See where you are with your hormone levels and make sure you are processing estrogen in a protective way.
• Make sure you are exercising in a way that best supports your body (ie if you're exhausted and running to Crossfit, you may do more harm than good).
• Boost your metabolism so that the scale finally starts to move.
• And so much more!

Let 2024 be the year you finally get the answers you've been desperate for!

I'm taking on new clients January 1st, so be sure to get on my list by booking a free call here where we can chat further about what is going on for you.

Wishing you a very happy holiday!

Christa 😊

Christa Lyons, FDN-P, HHC ​
​Functional Health Practitioner

Phone 617-281-7271 Website ahealthyoption.com​

Email christa@ahealthyoption.com​

Download my free tips: "The Top 5 Ways to Banish Belly Bloat"​