All posts by Lily Edwards

Food & Nutrition, Healthy Diets and Nutrition, Healthy Recipes, Supplements and Superfoods, Trending

Potassium Rich Foods for Bloating: 7 Surprisingly Chill Fixes That Saved My Gut

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Potassium Rich Foods for Bloating: 7 Surprisingly Chill Fixes That Saved My Gut

Potassium Rich Foods for Bloating 7 Surprisingly Chill Fixes That Saved My Gut

I Used to Think “Potassium Rich Foods for Bloating” Was Just Wellness B.S.

Not gonna lie — I used to roll my eyes hard whenever someone brought up potassium as a bloating fix. Like… okay Brenda, go eat your bananas and manifest away your puffed-up belly.

But then there was that week. You know the one. The jeans-don’t-button, stomach-feels-like-a-basketball, “how am I still bloated?!” week. I tried peppermint tea, gut yoga, lemon water — hell, I even gave up dairy (and I love cheese).

Nothing worked. Until I accidentally — yep, accidentally — stumbled into potassium.

So Wait — How Does Potassium Help With Bloating?

Okay, short nerdy moment (but I promise it’s quick).

Potassium helps balance sodium in your body. Too much salt = water retention = bloating. Potassium kinda swoops in and goes, “Yo, let’s drain this swamp.”

Think of it like your body’s internal bloat bouncer. And I didn’t know how real that was until I cleaned up my snacks and added some of these bad boys to the mix.

The Foods That Actually Helped My Bloat Go Down (and Stay Down)

Here’s what made the biggest difference for me — not overnight, but honestly? Pretty dang fast.

1. Bananas (Duh, but Hear Me Out)

I know, basic. But bananas became my late-night snack. I paired them with almond butter (because plain felt too healthy and I’m not a monk), and boom — no bloat the next morning.

Bonus: They’re easy on the stomach and a good source of magnesium too. Double win.

2. Avocados

Creamy, filling, and packed with potassium. I started smashing half an avocado on toast every morning, and I swear my waistband felt looser by noon.

Also — they make you feel fancy. I don’t care if I’m eating it off paper plates.

3. Sweet Potatoes

These were a game-changer for dinner. I used to grab pasta or something heavy at night (comfort food vibes), but swapping that for roasted sweet potatoes helped me wake up with way less puff.

Pro tip: Sprinkle cinnamon + sea salt. It slaps.

4. Spinach

I was so not a salad girl. Still not, honestly. But throwing a handful of spinach into smoothies made it painless. Also, Popeye had a point — it keeps things… moving.

If you get what I mean. 💩

5. Coconut Water

This one’s tricky. I drank too much once and ended up in the bathroom a lot. But sipping 1 cup post-workout? Feels like magic. Way better than Gatorade, and without the sugar bomb.

Heads up: Get the no-added-sugar kind or your bloating will high-five you right back.

6. White Beans (Yep, Really)

Honestly shocked me. I made this soup with white beans and kale — full-on adulting — and noticed I didn’t feel like a balloon afterward.

Also they’re cheap AF. Like, $1-a-can cheap. Bless.

7. Oranges

Something about juicy citrus just feels cleansing. I swapped my usual “quick fix” granola bar with an orange, and within 30 minutes, my stomach was less tight.

Plus, it’s like sunshine in fruit form. Happy belly = happy brain.

The Stuff That Didn’t Help (or Made It Worse)

Now for the plot twist.

❌ Too Many Potassium Foods at Once

I thought I’d get fancy and do an “all potassium” day. Banana smoothie. Sweet potato lunch. Avocado toast. Coconut water chaser.

Big mistake. I felt like I swallowed a balloon filled with other balloons. Turns out, balance still matters. Who knew?

❌ Processed “Healthy” Snacks

So many “fit girl” snacks are loaded with sodium. Even the ones that say “low carb” or “keto” or whatever. They made me feel like I was retaining tears. And water.

Check the labels, folks.

❌ Timing is Everything

I once had a bean-loaded meal right before a date. Don’t do that. Ever. You’ll regret it halfway through appetizers.

FAQs From My Group Chat (Real Ones)

Q: Can potassium-rich foods make bloating worse?
If you overdo it — yes. Especially beans and leafy greens. Start small. Rotate. Don’t go full rabbit.

Q: How long does it take to see results?
For me, like… 24 hours-ish. Some stuff works within hours. Others (like spinach and sweet potatoes) helped more long-term.

Q: Can I just take a potassium supplement?
I tried that once. Felt like I swallowed a rock. Whole foods are way easier on your stomach.

So What’s the Routine That Worked for Me?

Here’s what helped me consistently stay de-puffed:

  • Morning: Water + banana + coffee (don’t judge)

  • Lunch: Avocado toast or sweet potato salad

  • Snack: Coconut water or orange

  • Dinner: Lean protein + spinach or white bean soup

I kept sodium low-ish (no crazy restrictions), moved my body, and ditched processed junk as much as I could. And yeah, I still had chocolate sometimes. Balance, right?

No fancy gut cleanse. No 10-day challenge. No weird powders.

Just eating the right potassium rich foods for bloating — in a way that didn’t feel like punishment.

Bottom line? Potassium rich foods for bloating aren’t magic. But for me? They were the missing piece I didn’t know my gut needed.

Still bloated sometimes. Still human. But way more in control than before.

Try it. Don’t overthink it. And definitely don’t eat beans before a first date. 💨

Lifestyle, Lifestyle and Self-Care, Personal care, Trending

How Hair, Skin, and Nail Health Became My Quiet Obsession (And What Actually Helped)

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How Hair Skin and Nail Health Became My Quiet Obsession And What Actually Helped

I never really cared about my hair, skin, and nail health — not really. I mean, sure, I’d slap on some lotion when my hands cracked in winter, or freak out when a clump of hair fell out in the shower. But I chalked it all up to stress or hormones or “just one of those things.”

And then… things got weird.

One morning, I looked in the mirror and realized I’d been ignoring the small stuff for too long. My hair looked dull. My nails? Chipped, weak, borderline embarrassing. And my skin had this uneven, tired tone I couldn’t cover up — even with my favorite concealer and caffeine-fueled optimism.

That was the moment it clicked: something was off — inside me, not just on the surface.

So I started digging. Trial and error, way too many YouTube rabbit holes, conversations with my hair stylist and random beauty aisles at 11 PM. And wow, I learned a lot (mostly the hard way).

This post isn’t from some expert in a lab coat. It’s just me, figuring out how to not look like I’ve been surviving on iced coffee and stress alone. So if your hair’s thinning, your skin’s giving up, and your nails are peeling like old paint — let’s talk.

What No One Told Me About Nutrients (Until I Was Desperate)

First off — yep, your diet matters. I rolled my eyes too. I wanted a miracle serum or a magic pill, not “eat your greens.”

But when my doctor casually mentioned I might be low in iron and B12, things started making sense. I’d been skipping meals, living off protein bars, and pretending black coffee was breakfast. Oops.

Turns out, hair, skin, and nails are like the canaries in the coal mine. If your body's missing something important — like zinc, vitamin A, or biotin — they’ll be the first to show it.

What helped me:

  • Upping my protein intake. Lentils, eggs, Greek yogurt. Honestly, it wasn’t even hard once I got the hang of it.

  • Iron. I was borderline anemic and didn’t even know it. (Pro tip: don’t just pop iron pills — talk to someone first. Constipation is real.)

  • Swapping out sugary stuff for real food. Painful, but worth it.

Not gonna lie — I still crave fries and live for dessert. But once I started eating better, my nails stopped splitting and my skin got less… tired? Like it wasn’t mad at me anymore.

Sleep: The Skincare Step No One Can Sell You

Look, I hate being that person, but… SLEEP. MATTERS.

There was a stretch last year when I was pulling all-nighters for work, scrolling TikTok ‘til 3 AM, then wondering why I looked like a raccoon with adult acne.

Turns out, your body does most of its repair work while you sleep. Collagen production kicks in, stress hormones go down — basically, everything your skin, hair, and nails need to not revolt.

Now I aim for 7+ hours most nights. Not because I’m disciplined — because I got desperate.

When I started getting actual sleep?

  • My face stopped breaking out so much.

  • My hair felt thicker, like it wasn’t falling out in clumps.

  • My nails stopped bending like paper.

Honestly, better than any serum I’ve bought. And cheaper.

At-Home Fixes That Actually Worked for Me

Alright, real talk. I tried a LOT of things. Some were dumb. (Looking at you, overpriced collagen water that tasted like regret.) But a few? Game-changers.

For Hair:

  • Ketoconazole shampoo — weird name, but it helped with my scalp issues and weird thinning spots.

  • Rosemary oil — yeah, TikTok was right. I mixed a few drops with jojoba oil and massaged it in before washing. Took weeks, but worth it.

  • Biotin — works for some, didn’t do much for me unless I also ate better.

Avoid sulfates like they’re drama at a family reunion. My scalp stopped itching once I ditched the bubbly stuff.

For Skin:

  • Facial cleanser (nothing fancy, just gentle).

  • Retinol — scared me at first, but after a few weeks? Smoother skin, less unevenness.

  • Oil-free SPF — daily. Yes, even when it’s cloudy.

And I stopped using face oils. Controversial, I know. But I break out like clockwork when I do.

For Nails:

  • Cuticle oil — sounds boring, changed my life.

  • Nail breaks — I stopped doing back-to-back gel manis. Letting them breathe? Game-changer.

  • Collagen powder (a good one, not the sketchy cheap ones). It didn’t make me 10 years younger, but my nails did grow faster and stronger.

Salon Treatments: Worth It or Nah?

Sometimes, I splurge. My stylist suggested a keratin treatment once, and wow — my frizz said bye. It wasn’t permanent, but it helped me stop frying my hair with a straightener.

I tried microneedling for my skin (yep, needles 😬), and honestly? It wasn’t as scary as it sounds. My skin felt firmer and a little glowy afterward. Would I do it every month? No. But once or twice a year? Maybe.

For nails, I discovered medical pedicures. Expensive? A bit. Worth it? Definitely. Especially when your feet have been through it.

Things I’ll Never Do Again

  • Skip meals and wonder why my hair’s falling out.

  • Sleep 3 hours and expect to look fresh.

  • Buy into every skincare “hack” without checking if it works for my skin type.

  • Leave nail polish on for weeks. RIP, my sad, yellow nails.

  • Ignore the signs my body is screaming at me through breakouts or shedding.

Real Talk: It’s All Connected

I used to treat my skin, hair, and nails like separate things — like I could fix each with the right product.

But truth? They’re part of the same system. What you eat, how you sleep, how stressed you are — it all shows up eventually.

Some days, I still feel gross. Stress zits happen. Hair gets greasy. Nails break. But overall? I feel like I’m working with my body now, not against it.

So if you’re in that spot where your body feels… off? Start small.

Eat better. Sleep more. Read the ingredient label. Massage your cuticles. Laugh more. Hydrate. Take breaks.

Your hair, skin, and nail health won’t change overnight — but give it time, and it will. Promise.

Bottom line? If loving a good night’s sleep, a protein-packed breakfast, and some rosemary oil is wrong — I don’t wanna be right.

And hey — if you're on this journey too, mess and all, you’re not alone. 🧡

(P.S. This is the post that finally convinced me retinol wouldn’t ruin my face. Might help you too

Food & Nutrition, Healthy Diets and Nutrition, Supplements and Superfoods, Trending

Creatine Monohydrate for Women: 7 Surprising Truths That Changed My Life

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Creatine Monohydrate for Women

Creatine Monohydrate for Women: 7 Surprising Truths That Changed My Life

“Wait… am I gonna grow a beard?”

That's what I asked—half-joking, half-horrified—the first time I considered taking creatine.

Because for years, I thought creatine was only for bros named Chad who live at the gym, scream during deadlifts, and guzzle protein shakes like water.

I was dead wrong.

And honestly? I wish I had known sooner. Because this little white scoop? It changed everything—from my workouts to my mood to (weirdly) how I saw myself.

So yeah, let’s talk. For real. No fluff. Just my messy, emotional, skeptical, totally real experience with creatine monohydrate for women.

I Didn’t Start Taking Creatine To Be “Strong”

I started because I was tired.

Not like “I need a nap” tired. Like… soul-tired. The kind of tired that comes from being in your 30s, juggling work, adult friendships, periods, anxiety, and wondering if the scale is gaslighting you.

And working out? Ugh. I was dragging myself through the same workouts week after week. No gains. No progress. Just sweat and resentment.

My trainer (shoutout to Amanda, you're a beast) kept saying,

“You’re under-fueled. You need something like creatine.”

I rolled my eyes. Creatine?? Isn’t that the stuff that makes guys pee every 15 minutes and get all puffy?

But Amanda’s ripped and has the warmest vibe ever. Like, she could deadlift you and emotionally support you through a breakup. So I trusted her.

And after reading (okay, skimming) a few things, I gave in.

My First Week on Creatine Monohydrate 🥴

I’ll be honest, I expected fireworks.

Like, I thought I’d take this magical powder and wake up with abs. Instead, I got… bloated. And anxious.

Here’s how it actually went down:

  • Day 1: Mixed it into my water. It tasted like nothing, which weirded me out more than it should have.

  • Day 3: Looked in the mirror and thought, “Am I puffy or just imagining things?”

  • Day 5: Googled “does creatine make you gain fat” 14 times.

  • Day 7: Nearly quit.

But then—something shifted.

The Subtle, Sneaky Superpower of Creatine

By week 2, I noticed little things.

Like I could do 3 extra push-ups without collapsing like a soggy noodle.
Like I wasn’t as sore after workouts.
Like I actually looked forward to lifting weights (wtf?).

It felt like my body had backup. Like I wasn’t scraping the bottom of the energy barrel every damn day.

Then week 3 hit and… GIRL.
I hit a PR on squats. I legit started crying in the middle of Planet Fitness.

Not because of the PR (okay, a little).
But because for the first time in forever, I felt capable.

Let’s Clear Some Crap Up: Creatine FAQs (From a Woman Who Actually Uses It)

❓ “Will I bulk up like a bodybuilder?”

Short answer: nope.
Longer answer: Creatine helps your muscles work better, not magically turn you into the Hulk overnight.

I’ve been on it for 6 months now, and I’m leaner, not bulkier.

❓ “Will it mess with my hormones?”

I asked my OB-GYN this. Her answer? “Creatine is one of the most studied supplements in the world. For healthy women? Totally fine.”

Also, my cycle hasn’t changed one bit. Except maybe… I don’t curl up in a ball and die the day before anymore? Coincidence? Maybe. I’ll take it.

❓ “Will I gain weight?”

Truth: I gained 2 lbs in the first month.
Also truth: My jeans fit better.

Why? Water retention in muscles = more hydration = better muscle recovery = stronger you. Not fluffy weight. Just performance weight.

Things That Surprised Me (In the Best Way)

  1. My brain fog? Gone.
    I didn’t expect this at all, but I’m sharper. More alert. Like someone finally turned the brightness up in my head.

  2. My mood? Way less yo-yo.
    Creatine apparently helps with ATP production in brain cells. Didn’t know that until it literally helped me not cry in a Trader Joe’s parking lot last month.

  3. My metabolism? 🔥
    I can eat more now without gaining fat. Not because creatine is magic, but because I’m lifting heavier and burning more. Win-win.

Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

  • I skipped the loading phase.
    People debate this, but I didn’t want to mess with it. Honestly, I wish I had. It took 3+ weeks before I really felt a difference.

  • I didn’t drink enough water.
    BIG mistake. Creatine pulls water into your muscles. If you don’t hydrate, you’ll feel like a raisin.

  • I mixed it with coffee once.
    Don’t. Just… don’t. Tasted like regret and disappointment.

My Creatine Routine (Keep It Stupid Simple)

  • Type: Creatine monohydrate. Not ethyl-ester. Not HCL. Just plain, science-backed monohydrate.

  • Brand: I use the unflavored one from Bulk Supplements. Cheap. Pure. No drama.

  • Dose: 5g per day. Every single day. Even rest days.

  • Mix it with: My protein shake, almond milk, or just water if I’m lazy (which is most days).

Side Effects? Kinda.

Let’s be real.

  • Bloating: It’s real. Especially early on. Mine lasted maybe 10 days.

  • Peeing more: Also real. Especially if you hydrate like you should.

  • TMI alert: I did get a bit gassy in week 1. But that leveled out once I got consistent with my gut health.

Honestly? Nothing deal-breaking. Just things I wish someone had told me straight up.

Why More Women Should Talk About This

I kept my creatine use a secret at first.

Why?
Because even I judged myself for taking it. Isn’t that wild?

It felt like I was “doing too much.” Like I was stepping into a space I wasn’t allowed in.

But strength? Power? Resilience?

That belongs to everyone. Not just gym bros or fitness influencers or Olympic athletes.

And if a scoop of white powder can help me reclaim that without side effects, hormone chaos, or weird MLM vibes… I’m in.

6 Months In: What’s Changed?

  • I can deadlift 1.5x my body weight

  • I don’t crash at 3PM anymore

  • I like looking at my arms in tank tops (yeah, I said it)

  • I trust my body more

  • I show up for myself even on the days I don’t want to

It’s not just physical.

It’s a mindset shift.

I feel solid.
Not shredded. Not skinny.
Just… grounded.

Would I Recommend It? Hell Yes — But With a Few Warnings

If you're considering creatine monohydrate for women, here's my DM-style advice:

  • Don’t expect a miracle. It’s a tool, not a fix.

  • Be consistent AF. One scoop a day. Period.

  • Hydrate like your skin depends on it.

  • Ignore the bros. This isn’t about them.

  • Track your progress. Not your weight — your reps, your strength, your confidence.

You don’t have to be a fitness girlie to try creatine. You just have to be curious. Tired. Ready for something to change.

That was me.
Tired. Curious. Terrified.
Now? Empowered. Strong. A little sassier. A lot more self-loving.

And yeah—I still don’t have abs.
But I’ve got power. And I’m not giving it up.

Diseases & Conditions, Lifestyle, Lifestyle and Self-Care, Personal care, Trending

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Scratch: 7 Worst Things I Didn’t See Coming

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7 Alarming Signs and Symptoms of Cat Scratch Fever You Must Know

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Scratch: 7 Worst Things I Didn't See Coming

Honestly, if you'd told me a cat scratch could send me into a tailspin of medical visits, pain, and a weird obsession with lymph nodes — I'd have laughed in your face.

Because I love cats. Grew up with four of them. Always been the girl who'd volunteer to pet-sit, foster, or help strays off the street. Cat people? We're a tribe. But there’s a side of this life they don’t talk about.

The dark side of purrs and playful paws.

Yep, I’m talking about Cat Scratch Disease (or CSD if you wanna sound fancy). And the signs and symptoms of cat scratch? Not as cute as the furball who gave 'em to me.

Let me back up…

It Started With a Tiny Scratch — And a Lie I Told Myself

Her name was Pickles. She was a tabby rescue with big eyes and bigger attitude. One afternoon she freaked out during a thunderstorm, clawed at my hand while trying to leap off the counter, and — boom. Scratch right on the inside of my wrist.

It bled a little. Nothing wild. I cleaned it. Slapped on a Band-Aid. Went about my day.

But within 3 days, I wasn’t just dealing with a scratch.

I was googling things like:

  • “Why is my lymph node HUGE?”
  • “Can a cat scratch cause a fever?”
  • “Is it normal to feel exhausted after a scratch?”

Turns out, it’s not just the scratch. It’s what comes with it.

So here are the 7 worst signs and symptoms of cat scratch I experienced — the real stuff no one warns you about.

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes That Feel Like Marbles Under Your Skin

I kid you not — my armpit looked like it was hiding a golf ball.

I had no clue that lymph nodes could swell so dramatically, especially just from a tiny scratch. But the body reacts when Bartonella henselae, the bacteria behind CSD, gets in. My doctor did a quick feel under my arm and gave me the look.

“Classic cat scratch,” she said.

Classic?! Like it’s some kind of rite of passage?

2. Fatigue That Doesn’t Make Sense

I wasn’t just tired. I was done. Could barely sit through a Zoom meeting without zoning out or wanting to curl up and nap on my keyboard.

It didn’t feel like a cold. No runny nose. No sore throat. Just… fatigue. Deep, dragging fatigue that clung to me for a solid week and a half.

If you're thinking “it's just a scratch,” I was too. Until my body basically ghosted me.

3. Fever That Comes and Goes — and Then Comes Back Again

I’d wake up drenched in sweat. Like I’d just run a 10K in my dreams. Then I’d feel fine by lunch. Then bam — chills and burning up by dinnertime.

It was like my body couldn’t decide if it wanted to fight or flee. Spoiler: this bacteria messes with your immune system like a toxic ex.

4. The Actual Scratch Gets Worse Before It Gets Better

At first it looked like a regular scratch.

But then it got redder. Puffier. Itchy. And kinda crusty.

I kept showing my boyfriend like, “Does this look weird?” until he finally said, “Yes. It’s weird. Go to urgent care.”

Turns out, the scratch itself can become a small pustule or blister — mine didn’t ooze, thank goodness, but it looked gnarly for a few days.

5. Headaches That Felt Like Brain Fog Wrapped in Pain

This one threw me off. I kept thinking I was dehydrated or needed more coffee.

But the dull, heavy ache behind my eyes stuck around for days. And paired with the fatigue and fever? My brain felt like it was running on dial-up.

—

6. Low Appetite + Nausea = My Favorite Foods Becoming Gross

I couldn’t even look at tacos. That’s when I knew something was up.

Cat scratch fever (yep, that’s the nickname) can mess with your digestive system too. For me, it wasn’t full-on vomiting, but a gnawing nausea and total lack of appetite.

I legit lost 6 pounds in a week — which sounds great until your body feels like trash.

7. Anxiety Over “What If It’s More Serious?”

Okay, real talk. At one point, I spiraled.

I started reading forums. Saw words like “encephalopathy” and “neuroretinitis.” People talking about hospital stays and permanent damage.

Did I panic? 100%.

Was I being dramatic? Maybe. But when your body’s acting weird and it all started with a cat? The mind goes dark places.

And no one really tells you when it’ll pass — because symptoms can last weeks.

What Helped Me (Besides Panicking in My Shower)

Once I got the official diagnosis, things made way more sense. My doctor put me on a course of azithromycin (a common antibiotic), and told me to:

  • Rest (like, really rest — not half-assed couch scrolling)
  • Stay hydrated (coconut water was my MVP)
  • Keep the scratch clean and dry
  • Avoid more scratches — which meant temporary no-snuggle zone with Pickles 😿

Here’s what else I personally found helpful:

  • Warm compress under my armpit for the swollen node (weirdly comforting)
  • Loose clothing to avoid irritating the scratch area
  • Ibuprofen for the fever + body aches
  • Avoiding internet forums — seriously, just don’t

How Long Did It Take to Feel Normal Again?

About 2.5 weeks.

That’s how long it took before I felt human again. The scratch faded. The fever stopped. The lymph node took a little longer to go down, but it eventually did.

Would I go through it again? Hell no.

Would I give up cats? Also no.

What If It Doesn’t Go Away?

Here’s the kicker — sometimes, CSD can cause complications. Rare, but it happens.

If your symptoms get worse after antibiotics or if you start experiencing:

  • Vision problems
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Intense neck stiffness
  • Confusion or seizures

PLEASE run, don’t walk, to the ER.

Not gonna lie — I became hyperaware of every twitch and ache for weeks. But it passed. And now I know what to watch for.

TL;DR — Read This Before You Laugh Off That Cat Scratch

  • Scratches from cats — especially kittens — can carry Bartonella bacteria
  • Watch for swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, headaches, nausea
  • Antibiotics help, but rest and hydration matter more than you think
  • Don’t doom-scroll yourself into a panic — but don’t ignore it either

So no — signs and symptoms of cat scratch aren’t just some cute quirk of pet ownership. They can suck, hard.

But for me? It was a weird, frustrating wake-up call. I still love cats. Still have scars. But now I keep wound wash next to the treats.

And Pickles? She’s still around. Still spicy. Still my little bacterial landmine.

But at least now I know what I’m dealing with.

And you do too.

Stay safe out there, cat crew. 🐾