Q&A w/ Me: The IVF Rules I’m Breaking, My Wellness Non-Negotiables, & Why I Hate Juice Cleanses
In this episode of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, host Mari opens up about her IVF journey. She shares details of her fertility process, including the emotional challenges of IUI, practices like acupuncture and affirmations, and dietary choices like pomegranate juice to support embryo transfer.
Mari also discusses her new Bloom Pop prebiotic soda line, summer travel plans to Colorado and potentially Long Island, working with an Austin interior designer, and how sharing her struggles online has helped her feel connected. The episode provides an honest look into Mari's wellness routines and mindset as she balances her entrepreneurial ventures, fertility journey, and personal life.
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1-Page Summary
Ivf and Fertility Journey
Mari shares details of her IVF process, including taking progesterone shots on vacation, practices like acupuncture and no cold drinks to support the uterus, per Mari. She found IUI emotionally challenging due to low success rates and feeling isolated, per Mari. Before embryo transfer, Mari does affirmations and meditation to visualize a positive outcome.
New Business and Product Updates
Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda Line
Mari unveiled the Bloom Pop prebiotic soda line at Expo West. The sodas use stevia, cane sugar, no preservatives, and apple cider vinegar for a healthier option, per Mari. With flavors like Shirley Temple and Classic Orange, Mari is confident in Bloom Pop's success.
Diet, Nutrition, and Wellness Tips
Pomegranate and Beet Juices for Fertility
Drinking pomegranate juice helped Mari's uterine lining thicken to 9mm, beneficial for embryo transfer, per Mari. She also believes beet juice boosts fertility.
High-Quality Dairy Is Nutrient-Dense
Mari now includes organic, grass-fed dairy like Greek yogurt in her nutrient-dense diet, after avoiding dairy in the past.
Home and Travel Plans
Summer in Colorado, Potential Long Island Visit
To escape Austin heat, Mari and Greg plan a month in Colorado, possibly visiting Greg's family on Long Island, a special place they'd love to own a summer home.
Local Designer for Home Decor
After a frustrating experience with a NYC designer, Mari hired local Austin designer Avery who understands her style for mixing vintage and modern pieces.
Personal Growth and Mindset
Sharing Life Online is Therapeutic
Discussing her fitness and fertility struggles online helped Mari feel less alone, connecting with others, per Mari.
Flexibility for Travel Wellness
For travel, Mari focuses on mental wellness through flexible self-care like swimming over strict routines.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Mari found IUI emotionally challenging, some individuals may have a more positive experience with IUI, finding hope and resilience in the process despite the low success rates.
- The success of the Bloom Pop prebiotic soda line, while anticipated by Mari, will ultimately depend on market reception and consumer preferences, which can be unpredictable.
- The health claims regarding Bloom Pop sodas being a healthier option due to their ingredients could be scrutinized by nutrition experts who may argue that soda, in general, is not a health-promoting beverage.
- The belief that pomegranate juice thickens the uterine lining and that beet juice boosts fertility may not be supported by robust scientific evidence, and individual results may vary.
- The inclusion of organic, grass-fed dairy in one's diet as nutrient-dense may be contested by those who advocate for dairy-free diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.
- The decision to escape the Austin heat by spending a month in Colorado is a personal preference and may not be a feasible or desirable option for everyone due to financial, work, or family commitments.
- The desire to own a summer home on Long Island may not align with sustainable living practices or considerations of local housing markets and community impacts.
- Hiring a local designer for home decor is a personal choice, and some may argue that a good designer should be able to adapt to any client's style, regardless of their location.
- Sharing life online can be therapeutic for some, but others may find that it exacerbates feelings of vulnerability or comparison, suggesting that the benefits of online sharing are not universal.
- The emphasis on mental wellness through flexible self-care during travel is a personal strategy that may not suit everyone's needs or preferences, as some individuals may require more structured routines to maintain their well-being.
Actionables
- You can explore the benefits of natural sweeteners by experimenting with creating your own healthy soda at home using ingredients like fruit juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey or agave as alternatives to stevia and cane sugar. This allows you to control the sweetness and nutritional content while enjoying a refreshing drink.
- Consider starting a personal wellness journey by incorporating a new nutrient-rich juice into your diet each week, such as carrot or spinach juice, to discover what positive effects different nutrients have on your body, similar to how pomegranate juice was beneficial for uterine health.
- Create a serene travel kit that includes items like a foldable yoga mat, noise-canceling headphones, and a journal to ensure you can maintain your mental wellness routine no matter where you are, drawing inspiration from the idea of flexible self-care while traveling.
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Ivf and Fertility Journey
Mari shares with her audience the personal and often challenging aspects of her IVF and fertility journey, touching on practices, emotions, and the importance of mental health support during the process.
Mari Shares Ivf Experiences
Mari discusses various aspects of her IVF journey, from traditional Chinese medicine practices to the emotional toll the process takes.
Progesterone Shots on Vacation; Acupuncture, Foot Soaks, No Cold Drinks for Uterine Support
Preparing for her IVF transfer, Mari follows her acupuncturist’s advice to keep the uterus warm, avoiding ice-cold beverages; this is in line with the Chinese medicine belief that a warm uterus is more conducive to pregnancy. She adds that she does foot soaks nightly because Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the feet are connected to the womb. Mari is also slated to begin taking progesterone injections during a vacation in Mexico, where she’s attending a wedding. Despite not expecting to feel her best due to the injections, she still wishes to support her friends.
In line with her IVF preparation, Mari commits to several other practices, including drinking pomegranate juice, avoiding ice water, donning fuzzy socks, and refraining from caffeine and alcohol.
Mari Found Iui Emotionally Tough Due to Low Success Rates and the Isolation of Ivf
Mari admits that the hardest part of going through IVF isn't the medication, the injections, or the multiple appointments, but rather the feeling of isolation and how consuming the process becomes. She speaks of the need for patience, relinquishing control, and the reality that most people do not understand the struggle. Mari also addresses the loss of experiencing a "magical" journey to conception, one that involves a surprise discovery rather than meticulous planning and medic ...
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Ivf and Fertility Journey
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a personalized relaxation playlist to ease into sleep, combining soothing nature sounds, gentle music, or white noise to help transition your mind from the day's worries to a state of calm before bedtime. This can be a mix of your favorite calming tracks that you play as you prepare for sleep, helping to signal to your brain that it's time to wind down.
- Start a small, themed garden or indoor plant collection that represents growth and new beginnings, such as a 'baby's breath' garden, to nurture while you're on your fertility journey. Caring for plants can be therapeutic, and as they grow, they can serve as a living metaphor for the growth and nurturing you're aspiring to in your own life.
- Develop a custo ...
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New Business and Product Updates
Mari Unveils Bloom Pop Prebiotic Soda Line
Mari recently shared insights regarding the announcement of the new Bloom Pop prebiotic soda line, which was unveiled last week at Expo West, a significant event in the health and supplement industry.
Stevia and Cane Sugar Sodas Offer Prebiotics, No Preservatives, a Healthier Option
Bloom Pop is revolutionizing the market for healthier beverages with its prebiotic soda that is sweetened using stevia and organic cane sugar, completely foregoing preservatives and incorporating apple cider vinegar. As people continue to seek out healthier alternatives to traditional sodas, Bloom Pop is positioned as an attractive new option.
Mari Is Sure the Bloom Pop Line Will Succeed
With her finger on the pulse ...
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New Business and Product Updates
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Clarifications
- Prebiotic soda contains ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These ingredients are not digestible by the human body but serve as food for probiotics. Prebiotics are known for their potential health benefits, such as improved digestion and enhanced immune function. The concept of prebiotics aligns with the growing interest in gut health and overall well-being.
- Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is much sweeter than sugar and has zero calories. Stevia is commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. The taste of stevia can have a slower onset and a longer duration compared to sugar, with some extracts having a slight aftertaste.
- Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It is commonly used in various culinary applications like salad dressings and marinades. The fermentation process involves converting the sugars in the ap ...
Counterarguments
- While Bloom Pop sodas are sweetened with stevia and organic cane sugar, some consumers may still be concerned about the sugar content and its health implications.
- The inclusion of apple cider vinegar might not appeal to everyone's taste preferences, potentially limiting the product's market appeal.
- The term "healthier alternative" can be subjective, and some nutrition experts may argue that consuming any form of sweetened soda may not be conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
- Mari's confidence in the success of the Bloom Pop line is speculative and the actual success will depend on market reception, which can be unpredictable.
- The variety of flavors is a positi ...
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Diet, Nutrition, and Wellness Tips
Mari shares insights into how certain foods and beverages can contribute to overall wellness, with a special focus on fertility and dietary choices.
Mari on Benefits of Pomegranate and Beet Juices for Uterine Lining and Fertility
Pomegranate Juice Supports Uterine Health and Hormonal Balance
Mari has incorporated pomegranate juice into her diet because of its potential benefits for uterine health. She explains that a healthy uterine lining, which is crucial for embryo transfer in fertility treatments, should be at least seven millimeters thick. Mari notes that her uterine lining measured nine millimeters after she began drinking pomegranate juice.
Mari Recommends Beet Juice for Its Fertility-Boosting Properties
While no further details are provided, it's clear that Mari is also considering the addition of beet juice to her regimen, indicating her belief in its fertility-boosting properties.
Mari Believes High-Quality, Organic Dairy Is Nutrient-Dense
As a part of her diet, Mari now ...
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Diet, Nutrition, and Wellness Tips
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While pomegranate juice may have health benefits, there is limited scientific evidence directly linking it to improved uterine health or hormonal balance.
- The thickness of the uterine lining can be influenced by various factors, and while nutrition plays a role, it is not the sole determinant of uterine lining thickness.
- Personal anecdotes about the benefits of pomegranate juice for fertility are not a substitute for rigorous scientific research.
- Claims about beet juice's fertility-boosting properties need to be substantiated by peer-reviewed studies to be considered reliable.
- The term "nutrient-dense" is subjective, and while organic dairy may have certain benefits, it is not necessarily superior in nutritional content compared to conventional dairy.
- The reintroduction of dairy into one's diet should be based on individual tolerance and health needs, as dairy can ...
Actionables
- You can track your dietary intake with a focus on uterine health by using a food diary app to monitor the consumption of pomegranate juice, beet juice, and dairy, noting any changes in your well-being or symptoms. By doing this, you'll be able to see patterns and possibly correlate them with your hormonal balance or skin condition, allowing for more informed dietary choices.
- Create a personalized smoothie recipe that includes pomegranate and beet juices, along with other fertility-supporting ingredients like spinach or flaxseed, to make a nutrient-dense drink that's easy to incorporate into your daily routine. This can be a convenient way to consume the recommended juices while also getting additional vitamins and minerals.
- Experiment with a 30-da ...
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Home and Travel Plans
Mari Llewellyn discusses her upcoming summer plans with Greg, which includes escaping Austin's heat and enhancing her home décor with the help of a local designer.
Mari and Greg Plan a Summer Month In Colorado to Escape Austin’s Heat, Possibly Visiting Greg's Family On Long Island
The couple plans to spend a month in Colorado during the summer to avoid the sweltering heat of Austin, particularly considering the possibility of Mari's pregnancy. They are also contemplating a visit to Long Island at the end of summer to be with Greg’s family. Mari describes Greg's family's location on the North Fork of Long Island as a very special place for them since they have been going there for a long time. The couple has dreamed of owning a summer home there, imagining raising their children part-time on Long Island and part-time in Austin. They have debated between purchasing a mountain house or a Long Island house, but the significance of Long Island and proximity to Mari’s family on the East Coast make it the preferred choice.
Couple Considered Buying Long Island Summer Home
For Mari and Greg, Long Island holds a dream of owning a summer residence where they can raise their kids for part of the year. They cherish the idea of eventually having a place there, as it’s special to both of them and would bring them closer to their families.
Mari Collaborates With a Designer to Complete Her Home Décor
Mari Llewellyn had a troubling experience with a New York City interior designer whose choices clashed with her taste. This frustration led her to seek out a local Austin designer who better understood her aesthetic preferences.
Designer Choices Clash ...
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Home and Travel Plans
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Actionables
- Explore local vacation spots to find a personal retreat that resonates with your history or family connections, similar to how Mari and Greg cherish Long Island. By visiting these places, you can assess the emotional value and practicality of investing in a property there, ensuring it's a place that brings joy and is accessible for family visits.
- Collaborate with a local designer or decorator who aligns with your aesthetic for any home projects, taking inspiration from Mari's positive experience with Avery. Start by visiting local design studios or seeking recommendations from friends to find someone whose style resonates with yours, which can lead to a more satisfying and personalized outcome.
- Attend local m ...
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Personal Growth and Mindset
Mari Finds Sharing Her Life On Social Media Therapeutic and Fulfilling, but It Raises Privacy and Unsolicited Comments Challenges
Mari Llewellyn finds a sense of therapy and fulfillment in sharing her life struggles and triumphs on social media. By discussing her fitness journey, particularly during her low points, she connected with people facing similar challenges, which made her feel less isolated. Her openness about her transformative experiences online has helped her to connect with others who could relate to her struggles, fostering a sense of community and support.
Vulnerability in Fitness and Fertility Helped Mari Connect With Others
Mari Llewellyn's vulnerability, especially concerning her fitness and fertility struggles, resonated with many. However, Mari admits that her journey with IVF has been mentally taxing, which has influenced her ability to prepare for expert guests on her podcast. Determined not to do things "averagely," she is committed to providing her full attention and energy to interviews. She plans to take a short break from having expert guests on her podcast, giving herself the necessary space during her IVF process before returning to her usual routine.
Mari on Flexibility In Maintaining Wellness During Travel or Life Changes
...
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Personal Growth and Mindset
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Counterarguments
- While sharing on social media can be therapeutic, it can also lead to oversharing, which might compromise personal privacy or safety.
- Connecting with others online can be beneficial, but it may also create a dependency on external validation rather than fostering internal self-worth.
- A sense of community online is valuable, but it cannot fully replace the depth and accountability of in-person relationships.
- Vulnerability can be powerful, but without proper boundaries, it can leave individuals exposed to negative feedback and emotional harm.
- Taking a break from podcasting for personal reasons is understandable, but it could potentially disappoint listeners who rely on regular content.
- Flexibility in wellness routines is important, but some individuals may require more structure to maintain their health and well-being effectively.
- Focusing on mental well-being is crucial, but neglecting physical health aspects, such as nutrition and exercise, can lead to an imb ...
Actionables
- You can start a wellness journal to track your emotional and physical health, noting down activities that boost your mood or energy levels. Keeping a journal allows you to identify patterns in your well-being and adapt your self-care practices accordingly. For example, if you notice that reading before bed improves your sleep quality, you can make it a regular part of your routine.
- Create a personal hashtag and use it to document your health journey on social media, connecting with others who use or follow the same hashtag. This can help you build a support network and find motivation from people with similar experiences. For instance, if you're training for a marathon, using a hashtag like #MyMarathonStory could help you connect with fellow runners and share tips and encouragement.
- Develop a 'wellness toolk ...
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