Ally Z CNP

I plateaued 6 months into taking my anxiety medication 💊

I made the life-changing decision to go on Cipralex in June 2020. My mental health was at an all-time low, and I had lost the capacity to take care of myself. I knew that what I was experiencing was not sustainable. Something had to change.

It took a while before I experienced any noticeable changes. But sure enough, for the first time in YEARS, I was starting to feel better. Taking this medication helped me to feel safe in my body again.

👉 I had less feelings of nausea, especially in the mornings.
👉 I was experiencing SIGNIFICANTLY less frequent panic attacks.
👉 It was easier to focus (could actually read books again!!)
👉 I was sleeping through the night again, and I had more energy.

As amazing as it felt to finally have some relief, it wasn’t enough. I was physically feeling better, but depression was still weighing heavy on my spirit. I tried to increase my medication, but it didn’t seem to help. Just made me feel spacey and numb.

It was then I realized I needed to shift. Nothing changes if nothing changes. So I used my newly found energy to commit to my own personal development.

I invested in therapy.
I cultivated a deeper sense of community.
I invested in self-education.
I pursued my passions.
I read books.
I listened to podcasts.
I journaled often.

Just like the medication, it took some time before I noticed any real changes. But sure enough, with consistent effort, discipline, and patience, the depression began to lift. I no longer experience deep feelings of hopelessness. I no longer feel numb. I’ve regained my capacity to experience JOY.

None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for my commitment to personal development.

Are you feeling the call to shift your self-care to better serve you? Stay tuned, a new offering is coming soon ✨

Have you tried the Silent Night Face + Body Whip? 🎄✨

Infused with White Fir, Lavender, and Vanilla essential oils, this luxurious lotion smells like a Christmas tree and sugar cookie combined! This product is designed to nourish dry, thirsty skin from the outside-in, with omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and more.

This product is seasonal, so get yours while supplies last! Find this product and more on my website, nurturenaturallywellness.com (link in IG bio). Local pickup and Canada-wide shipping available. Be sure to order before December 15th to ensure your order arrives for the holidays 🎁

- I've struggled with my mental health for most of my life, but didn't start taking a medication until nearly a DECADE after my diagnosis.

When I was first prescribed an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), I told myself I was broken. I didn't want to rely on a medication, because it meant that something was “wrong with me”.

And then when I studied to become a nutritionist, I believed I was a failure if I couldn’t manage my mental health without the assistance of pharmaceuticals.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I know that I’m not the only one that has felt this way before.

My friend, if you have been struggling to manage your mental health, know that it is okay to reach out for help. It's okay to take a medication. It's okay to seek therapy. It's okay to put yourself first.

You can take your medication, AND continue to build your toolbox of self-care strategies.

You can take your medication, AND help others to feel better in their bodies.

You can take your medication, AND be a light that inspires others.

You are not broken. You are not a failure. You are simply human ❤️

When the going gets tough, the tough practices self-care 😎✨

Seriously though!

When responsibilities pile up, our self-care is often the first thing get chucked out the window. After a few days of neglecting our needs, we feel like s**t, and then wonder why we can’t seem to manage our s**t 🤯

Sound familiar?

If this is YOU, then you need my latest ebook: INHALE THE GOOD SH*T:
A NO NONSENSE GUIDE TO STRESS MANAGEMENT.


In this resource you’ll learn the physical signs of stress in the body, and how to manage your stress with simple and effective tools and practices. Plus, you’ll take a deep dive with journal prompts to help you discover which practices resonate best with YOU.

Some of the topics we cover in this ebook are:

👉 Stress: The Basics
👉 The Power of Mindfulness
👉 Meditation 101
👉 Stress & Nutrition
👉 Stress & Digestion

And so much more.

Ready to dive in? Head to www.nurturenaturallywellness.com to shop my lineup digital downloads + wellness tools (link in IG bio) 🌱

I’m one week away from hosting my first ever team training with , and I want YOU to come learn with us ✨

In this FREE SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING, you’ll learn all my tips and tricks for doing social media, your way. We’ll be covering topics like…

👉 Social selling + building trust
👉 Why + how to create batch content
👉 Tools and programs for creating unique slides and posts
👉 My favourite apps for photo editing
👉 Tips for making effective reels

Want to come check it out? DM me for details! 😘

This past year has been transformative.

I learned how to trust myself again. I learned how to advocate for myself again. I began to shed the layers upon layers of self-doubt that had built up over time. I’ve connected with who I am, and let go of what I’m not.

And now, I can feel myself expanding in a way that I never have before.

No more procrastination, because my dreams are worth showing up for.

No more hiding beneath the glass ceiling and limiting beliefs I created for myself.

I’m here to be unapologetically me. And I’m not going to stop.

Look out world, because here I come 🔥

Only two more days to sign up for my 3 week yoga series starting this FRIDAY DECEMBER 3RD at Elite Danceworks in Barrie🧘‍♀️✨

In this series we will be focusing on GROUNDING into the body with movement, and guided meditation. We will also be exploring various mindfulness techniques to learn how to cultivating a sense of calm with you wherever you are 🙏

Investment is $45 + taxes for all three classes, or $20 per class. Head to www.nurturenaturallywellness.com to register (link in IG bio) 🌱

See you there!

💫

Did you miss your chance to shop with us in person this weekend? Have no fear, local pickup is here! 🎁

My lineup of handcrafted products is available for local pickup, and delivery across Canada 🇨🇦

Be sure to place your order before December 15th to ensure your orders are arriving in time for the holidays! Head to www.nurturenaturallywellness.com (link in bio) to shop my lineup of handcrafted body butters, lip balms, essential oil blends, and more 🌱

Thanks again to my loyal customers for your continued support. It’s purchases from lovely humans like yourself that makes this creative dream of mine a reality ✨

I’ve been practicing yoga for 10 years.

This practice has always been something I can come home to. Every time I return to my mat, I return to my body. And when I return to my body, it’s like everything else feels easier.

Easier to notice the emotions as they come up.
Easier to slow down and RESPOND instead of reacting.
Easier to observe my place in this ever-changing world.

My yoga practice has supported me through my darkest hours, and lifted me up at my highest highs.

And now I have the honour of sharing this life changing practice with you ❤️

Join me for the next three Friday mornings at Elite Danceworks in Barrie for my first yoga mini series. We will be focusing on grounding into the physical body, and exploring movement, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to cultivate calm wherever you are!

Spots are limited! $45 + tax for the series, or $20 per class. Register at www.nurturenaturallywellness.com (link in IG bio) ✨

I’ve been practicing yoga for 10 years.

This practice has always been something I can come home to. Every time I return to my mat, I return to my body. And when I return to my body, it’s like everything else feels easier.


Easier to notice the emotions as they come up.

Easier to slow down and RESPOND instead of reacting.

Easier to observe my place in this ever-changing world.

My yoga practice has supported me through my darkest hours, and lifted me up at my highest highs.

And now I have the honour of sharing this life changing practice with you ❤️

Join me for the next three Friday mornings at Elite Danceworks in Barrie for my first yoga mini series. We will be focusing on grounding into the physical body, and exploring movement, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to cultivate calm wherever you are!

Spots are limited! $45 + tax for the series, or $20 per class. Register at www.nurturenaturallywellness.com (link in IG bio) ✨

Have you tried our all natural face & body whip? ✨

This best selling product is handmade with organic shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, and coconut oil, and infused with therapeutic grade essential oils. And starting TODAY we have a brand new aroma available for the holiday season! Introducing… 


🍪🎄SILENT NIGHT 🎄🍪

Infused with White Fir, Lavender, and Vanilla essential oils, this luxurious lotion smells like a Christmas tree and sugar cookie combined! This product is designed to nourish dry, thirsty skin from the outside-in, with omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and more.

This product is seasonal, so get yours while supplies last! Order online at nurturenaturallywellness.com (link in IG bio), or come stop by Elite Danceworks today from 1pm-4pm TODAY for their first Holiday Market 🎁

Looking to support local this holiday season? 🎁

Join me at Elite Danceworks in Barrie tomorrow, Sunday November 28th from 1pm - 4pm, for the first ever Elite Holiday Market! Come and shop the local vendors, and spread some holiday cheer ✨

You’ll find me sporting my epic lineup of personal care products made with local, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Essential oil blends, body butters, natural deodorants, and more! All hand made with good vibes 🌱

Will I see you there? Tag a friend in the comments to let them know about this amazing event! 👇

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to be unapologetically you?

For me, it was today.

As I stood awaiting my train on this beautiful morning, I chose to have some fun.

I whipped out my lil tripod, found the good light, and worked my magic ✨

Were there people around? Oh yeah.

Did I give a f**k? HELL NO.

I’m no longer afraid to be seen, because I’ve done the inner work to accept myself for who I am, and what I have to bring to this world.

I’m no longer withhold from myself the things that bring me joy - even if that means taking selfies in front of a bunch of strangers.

People can watch. People can judge.

But IDGAF.

I’m not afraid of being THAT GIRL anymore.

And you shouldn’t be either 💃🏻

F**K YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES 🖕

This is for the women who have been told to shrink themselves.

To cover their bodies.

To hide parts of themselves that they never asked for.

For the women who have been told what to wear, and how to wear it.

Your body is beautiful.

No matter what the “community guidelines” have to say about it 🖕

Y’all know I’m using some next-level skincare products. But did you know that diet and lifestyle can also contribute to the development of skin issues?

Our skin is our largest organ, and plays an important role in detoxification and elimination. When our bodies are experiencing an internal imbalance, eventually it will be reflected in the skin.

From acne, to eczema, dandruff, and more. Our skin is like a mirror, reflecting our internal environment.

Want to glow from the inside out? Try these practical tools + tips 👇

✨Stay hydrated! Drink 3-4L of water per day in the form of filtered water, or herbal teas.

✨Use a copper or silver tongue scraper. Our digestive system eliminates toxins in various organs, including our tongues! Tongue scraping is an Ayurvedic practice that removes the white / coloured film that can appear on our tongues. According to Ayurveda, this film is called ama - the sticky substance that is formed in our bodies and is the root of all disease. Think of ama like mucous - the more you have, the more your body is going to try to detoxify. I've been *consistently* tongue scraping since 2016, and my acne has significantly improved since.

✨ Consume lots fresh and/or frozen fruits and vegetables. The wider the variety, the better! Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to thrive. Need some inspiration? Check out my smoothies highlight!

✨ Sprinkle 1-2 tbsp of freshly-ground flaxseed to your soups, smoothies, and salads to improve your intake of dietary fiber. Flaxseed also contains a special fibre called lignin - this fibre helps to eliminate excess estrogen in the body and supports healthy hormone balance.

✨ Move your body in ways that feel good. Our lymphatic system - which carries metabolic waste in the form of lymph - exists just below the skin alongside the circulatory vessels. Unlike our veins, muscles, and capillary beds, lymphatic vessels require movement in order to move the lymph to it's detoxifying system - the lymph nodes.

Do you have any skincare goals that you want to make happen? Head to my website and book a discovery call to see what products or services will work best for you 😘

Did you know that we continue to grow new neurons into adulthood and throughout our life?

https://youtu.be/B_tjKYvEziI

You can grow new brain cells. Here's how | Sandrine Thuret Can we, as adults, grow new neurons? Neuroscientist Sandrine Thuret says that we can, and she offers research and practical advice on how we can help our bra...

Ally Z CNP updated their address.

Hey, friend! Ally here👋

We have lots of new faces in this community, so I’d like to take a moment to (re)introduce myself 😎

🌳 I love the sound of the wind in the trees, the waves on the rocks, and the smell of campfire.

🍋 I’m a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, who loves to create traditional comfort foods with a holistic twist!

🗣 I’m an advocate for those who struggle with mental health, and speak openly about my experience with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and disordered eating.

☕️ I take my coffee bulletproof, but at you’ll usually find me rocking a grande soy latte with honey blend (did you know the soy milk is organic!?).

🧘🏻‍♀️I’m currently training to become a yoga instructor, and I’m so excited to be able to share this life changing practice with you soon!

🎶 I have an eclectic taste in music. Lately you can find me jamming out to Duca Lipa, Sol Rising, and a whole lot of Emancipator.

🛁 Healing ritual baths are my happy place.

✍️ I love to write, and believe it’s one of my greatest gifts I can offer to this world.

Now it’s your turn! Tell me about who you are (becoming) in the comments 👇

With love,

Ally Z CNP

I’m breaking up with my therapist today.

Not because she isn’t amazing. Not because I don’t want her services and support anymore. But because it’s another expense that my pocket can no longer afford at the moment.

I’m not sharing this with you for sympathy (I’m okay, I promise 💛). I’m sharing to highlight the harsh reality we are currently facing in this global mental health crisis.

Mental health services are essential. But they are expensive. And while there are platforms and public health services that are working to make mental wellness more accessible, it just isn’t enough.

Imagine what our health might look like if the government subsidized therapy, energy medicine, naturopathy, and other holistic modalities the same way they subsidize the farming of GMO corn and soy.

Imagine if therapy was covered under OHIP, without a year long wait-list.

Imagine if allopathic practitioners were trained to work alongside alternative wellness practitioners for a balanced approach to optimal health.

Mental health services should be priority, not a health care commodity.

It’s happening!!! Ya girl is going for her dream and training to become a certified yoga teacher with 🔥

I was first introduced to yoga in high school, but it wasn’t until my second year of university where this practice truly began to change my life.

At 19 years old I began to struggle with chronic anxiety and depression. And I can say with confidence that my yoga practice was one of the few things that pulled me through that time.

Year after year.
Class after class.
Pose after pose.
Breath after breath.

I knew that I could always come home to my practice. I could always create the strength + space within myself to carry myself through this life.

My yoga practice has been an essential part of my healing journey since before I even knew I was on one. And I am SO incredibly grateful to be able to share this life changing practice with you all soon ✨

4 STEPS TO FEELING LIKE A QUEEN 👑

🌈 Change up your hair.
💅Put on some makeup.
💃🏻Get in your favourite dress.
☀️ Take pictures in the sunshine.

And shine on, my queen, shine on ✨

For real though! I’ve been feeling insecure about my weight gain, and the warm weather has me reevaluating my wardrobe. So today, I decided to meet myself halfway. Instead of staying in my comfort zone outfit (aka leggings + a tshirt), I decided to dress myself up! I found my favourite stretchy dress, changed up my hair, and ACTUALLY put on some makeup.

Sometimes, it’s the little acts of self-care that make all the difference ❤️

Now, I’m feeling like a fairy princess, tummy, curves, and all 🧚‍♀️😎✨

This weekend was one for the books ☀️

Time well spent with loved ones around the pool, playing skip-bo, basking in the sun, taking forest walks, enjoying movie nights. Big laughs. Big love. Big joy.

But I think what really did it was realizing how far I’ve come with my relationship with food.

This weekend I ate foods a past version of myself wouldn’t even THINK about eating. Marshmallows, pre-made margaritas, and the best BBQ lunch. Cheesy homemade lasagna, Caesar salad, and white dinner rolls.

It wasn’t that my past self didn’t enjoy these things. It was that I had brainwashed myself into thinking of absolutes.

I would either refuse to eat anything that didn’t suit my particular dogmatic diet I was choosing to follow, or shame myself if I did.

I would plan my outings based on what types of foods might be there, and if I was able to eat anything on the table.

I would worry about my loved ones, and berated them when their diet didn’t align with my picture of health.

And I would restrict myself of the little acts of joy, like a spot at Timmies on a road trip, a traditional family meal, and making s’mores by the fire.

I’m so grateful for choosing to unlearn my misguided beliefs about wellness, and find a way of living that makes sense for ME.

Do I still practice eating whole foods?

Absolutely.

But now, I choose joy FIRST 💛

I love a good face mask ✨

Today’s DIY creation is a PROBIOTIC face mask that features FIVE simple ingredients - some of them you probably have in your cupboards!

🌸 Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to minimize pores

🍏 Apple cider vinegar cleanses the skin + is a natural source of probiotics to support the skins microbiome

🪨 Bentonite clay draws out impurities + stimulates blood flow

⚛️ Magnesium to support the skins ability to maintain moisture

💧Rejuvenique Oil + Lemon Essential Oil to cleanse and nourish the skin

Get the full recipe on my website (link in bio) in my Sensual Self-Care blog post ✌️

- I’ve been feeling a lot this week.

A lot of joy.

A lot of uncertainty.

A lot of gratitude.

A lot of anxiety.

When I start to feel more, I start to eat less.

Sometimes, this manifests as more fruit, later breakfasts, lighter dinners, and lots of smoothies.

Other times, this manifests as withholding food from myself when I know should be eating. I’ll shift my focus to anything but food - often without even realizing until my body is screaming at me to eat. It’s often not until I’m feeling burnt out, closed off, anxious, or depressed before I even become aware of the pattern.

Yesterday I realized I had been falling into that pattern. And today I’m choosing to take a step in a different direction. A step back into alignment with my body and mind. I’m choosing to remember how much brighter and grounded I feel when I’m nourished. And how much bigger my impact can be when I’m truly caring for my self.

If you struggle with disordered eating, remember that you’re not alone. You’re worth taking care of 💛

MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE ✨

This morning I looked at my calendar with grateful eyes.

A year ago, I barely had the energy to pull myself out of bed to brush my teeth.

And now, my days are filled with joy, passion, and excitement for what’s ahead.

So what has changed?

I started to fill my cup.

I committed to unlearning the limiting beliefs + stories I carried about myself.
I started investing in myself.

I sought therapy.

I went on a medication.

I read books.

I listened to podcasts.

I released my dogmatic approach to wellness, and started to find my balance.

I got real with myself.

I lost myself.

I came home to myself.

I expanded my community, and immersed myself in a community found on gratitude.

I recognized that the only one responsible for creating a different experience for myself is ME.

And that the happiness I had been longing for had been within me all along. I just needed to give myself permission to listen to do what it takes to feel it 💛

Shop 25% off cruelty-free, clinically-tested, and naturally based hair + skin care until midnight! DM me your hair + skincare concerns to get yours ✨