I get asked all the time:
👉 “What do you actually do?”
Not the theory.
Not the long explanations.
Not the long explanations.
Just real life.
So this is it.
This is what I come back to over and over… because it helps my body.
First—How I Eat
I follow a ketovore way of eating.
Not because it’s trendy.
Because it works for me.
Because it works for me.
👉 When I stay here, my inflammation is minimal.
For me, that looks like:
- mostly animal-based foods
- simple meals
- lower carb without overthinking it
When I drift away?
👉 I feel it.
When I come back?
👉 my body settles down again.
Morning: Water, Sunshine, Then Coffee
Before anything else…
👉 I go outside with my water.
- 15–30 minutes of morning sunshine
- mineral-rich water in hand
This helps:
- wake up my system
- support hormones
- hydrate the right way
Then I have my coffee.
But not just plain coffee.
I add:
- butter
- collagen
- creatine
So instead of a spike and crash…
👉 I get steady energy and support for my body.
Opening My Lymphatic System
Still in the morning, I do this daily:
👉 open my lymphatic points with a little of my essential oil infused massage oil.
Then:
👉 10 minutes on a low-speed vibration plate
This helps:
- move fluid
- reduce that “stuck” feeling
- support circulation
Hydration + Minerals (All Day)
I don’t just drink water.
👉 I drink mineral-rich water 3–4 times a day
And I:
- salt my food to taste
Because this supports:
- lymph movement
- proper hydration
- overall balance
Protein (Very Intentional)
I aim for:
👉 about 0.8 grams per pound of ideal body weight in protein
Because:
- muscle supports metabolism
- protein supports repair
- helps keep me steady
Movement: Daily Flow
Every day I keep it simple:
👉 100–200 rebounding “health bounces”
Just enough to:
- move lymph
- keep things flowing
I also do self lymphatic massage regularly.
Nothing complicated.
Just helping my body move what it already needs to move.
Afternoon: More Active Movement
Later in the day, I’ll get back on my vibration plate…
But this time it’s more active:
👉 squats
👉 arm movements
👉 using my upper body as much as I can
👉 arm movements
👉 using my upper body as much as I can
This helps:
- circulation
- muscle engagement
- moving lymph from the arms and upper body
Strength + Resistance (At Least 2x a Week)
This has become really important for me.
👉 at least 2 times a week, I focus on strength and resistance training
Nothing extreme.
But intentional.
Because:
- muscle supports metabolism
- helps with structure and stability
- supports long-term health with lipedema
Hormone + Nervous System Support
This is part of my daily rhythm.
Morning:
- SclarEssence
Night:
- Progesterone
This supports:
- hormone balance
- nervous system
- overall stability
Magnesium + Calm Support
I also use:
- magnesium
- GABA
Because:
👉 calming the nervous system helps calm inflammation
Liver Support
Before bed:
👉 Longevity oil over my liver
Supporting:
- detox pathways
- hormone processing
Evening: Gentle Movement + Worship
At night, I slow things down.
Sometimes:
👉 gentle vibration plate
Nothing intense.
Just light movement…
And honestly, this is also my time to:
👉 praise Jesus
Arms up.
Gratitude.
Letting my body settle.
Gratitude.
Letting my body settle.
Weekly Support
Sauna (At Least Once a Week)
👉 helps circulation
👉 supports detox pathways
👉 helps me relax
👉 supports detox pathways
👉 helps me relax
And I feel the difference when I stay consistent.
My Hydration Guideline
I aim for:
👉 about half my body weight in ounces of mineral-rich water daily
What I’ve Learned
This isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about:
👉 doing the right things consistently
👉 doing the right things consistently
When I stay in this rhythm:
- inflammation stays lower
- my body feels less tender
- energy is more steady
- things flow better
If You’re Overwhelmed
Start simple:
👉 clean up food
👉 add minerals
👉 move your body
👉 add minerals
👉 move your body
Then build from there.
Final Thought
This is what works for me.
Not perfect.
Not complicated.
Not complicated.
Just consistent.
And that consistency?
👉 that’s where the change happens
💛
— Tracie
Tidbits with Tracie: Getting to root issues one tidbit at a time
Tidbits with Tracie: Getting to root issues one tidbit at a time
Part
Let’s talk about something that is finally getting more attention… but still widely misunderstood.
Lipedema.
If you’ve been told:
- “just lose weight”
- “you need more willpower”
- “it’s just fat”
I’m going to be very clear…
👉 That’s not accurate.
What Lipedema Actually Is (Science, Not Opinion)
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive fat disorder that primarily affects women.
It involves:
- abnormal fat accumulation (especially in legs, hips, and sometimes arms)
- increased inflammation in the tissue
- changes in the microcirculation (tiny blood vessels)
- lymphatic system strain over time
This is not the same as general obesity.
Research shows lipedema fat behaves differently:
- it is more resistant to traditional calorie restriction
- it has increased fibrosis (thickened connective tissue)
- it is often painful, tender, and prone to bruising
👉 In simple terms: this tissue is metabolically and structurally different.
What’s Happening Under the Surface
Let’s break it down simply but accurately.
1. Inflammation Is a Core Driver
Lipedema tissue shows chronic low-grade inflammation.
That inflammation:
- disrupts normal fat metabolism
- increases fluid retention in tissues
- contributes to pain and sensitivity
This is why many women feel:
👉 swollen
👉 tender
👉 worse after inflammatory foods or stress
👉 swollen
👉 tender
👉 worse after inflammatory foods or stress
2. Microcirculation + Capillary Fragility
The small blood vessels (capillaries) in lipedema tissue are more fragile.
This leads to:
- easy bruising
- leakage of fluid into surrounding tissue
- increased pressure and discomfort
3. Lymphatic System Overload
Over time, the lymphatic system can’t keep up.
Not because it’s “failing”… but because it’s overwhelmed.
This creates:
- fluid stagnation
- tissue congestion
- heavier, more fibrotic areas
👉 This is where lipedema can progress toward lipo-lymphedema.
4. Hormonal Influence
Lipedema often shows up or worsens during:
- puberty
- pregnancy
- perimenopause
This points to hormonal signaling playing a role, especially estrogen-related pathways.
5. Metabolic Signaling (This Part Matters)
This is where many people miss the mark.
Even though lipedema is not “caused by obesity,”
metabolic dysfunction can still worsen it.
metabolic dysfunction can still worsen it.
Things like:
- insulin resistance
- poor satiety signaling
- chronic elevated blood sugar
👉 can all increase inflammation and fat storage signals
So… What Actually Helps?
This is where we shift from fear to action.
Because while lipedema isn’t something you “fix overnight”…
👉 You can support your body in meaningful ways.
1. Lowering Inflammation (Foundation)
This is not optional. This is step one.
Focus on:
- removing ultra-processed foods
- eliminating inflammatory seed oils
- reducing excess sugar + refined carbs
And leaning into:
- whole, nutrient-dense foods
- quality protein
- healthy fats
👉 Many women (myself included) find relief with a lower-carb, anti-inflammatory approach—often keto or carnivore-leaning.
Not as a trend… but because it reduces inflammatory load.
2. Supporting Metabolic Health
Even though lipedema fat is different…
👉 your metabolic signals still matter.
Support this by:
- stabilizing blood sugar
- eating enough protein
- not under-eating (this backfires)
When metabolism is supported:
- inflammation tends to decrease
- energy improves
- the body becomes more responsive
I have been using several support herbs and natural peptides
3. Lymphatic Support (Critical)
The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart.
It relies on movement.
Support it with:
- walking
- rebounding
- vibration plate
- manual lymphatic massage
- dry brushing
👉 Gentle and consistent is key.
4. Mineral + Hydration Support
This is a big one that often gets overlooked.
Proper hydration is not just water.
It requires:
- sodium
- potassium
- magnesium
These support:
- fluid balance
- lymph movement
- cellular function
👉 Low minerals = poor fluid movement.
5. Tissue + Fascia Support
Lipedema tissue can become fibrotic (thickened, tight).
Support this with:
- massage
- fascia release
- movement that encourages circulation
6. Nervous System Matters More Than You Think
Chronic stress = chronic inflammation.
Support your nervous system through:
- rest
- prayer
- time in low-stress environments
- simple rhythms your body can rely on
👉 You cannot heal in a constant stress state.
7. Strategic Supplement Support
This is where I personally layer in support—not as a replacement for food, but to enhance what I’m already doing.
Things that can support:
- antioxidant load
- metabolic signaling
- inflammation balance
- energy production
This is where I add in a few natural supports in peptides orally from plants, and herbal support
8. Where Essential Oils Fit In (Support, Not Magic)
This is a piece I’ve personally leaned on for years.
Not as a fix.
Not as hype.
Not as hype.
But as support for the systems already under stress.
Because when you understand what essential oils actually are…
👉 highly concentrated plant compounds with real biochemical activity
…it makes sense why they can be helpful when used correctly.
What They Can Support (From a Physiological Standpoint)
Certain essential oils contain compounds like:
- monoterpenes (often associated with anti-inflammatory and lymph-supportive properties)
- sesquiterpenes (linked to tissue support and cellular signaling)
- esters (commonly associated with calming the nervous system)
These compounds can interact with the body through:
- the olfactory system (brain + nervous system)
- topical absorption (skin + local tissues)
How I Use Them for Lipedema Support
Again—this is not about doing everything.
It’s about layering simple support into what I’m already doing.
👉 For lymphatic + circulation support:
- oils like grapefruit, cypress, juniper, ledum
- applied diluted over legs or arms
- paired with light massage or after shower
👉 For inflammation + tissue comfort:
- oils like frankincense, copaiba
- used topically or inhaled
- especially when areas feel more tender
👉 For nervous system support (this matters more than people think):
- oils like lavender, peace & calming, stress blends
- used at night or during high-stress days
Because remember…
👉 stress increases inflammation
👉 inflammation worsens symptoms
👉 inflammation worsens symptoms
So calming the system is not “extra”… it’s foundational.
Why This Matters
When you’re dealing with something like lipedema…
You don’t need more overwhelm.
You need:
👉 simple tools
👉 consistent use
👉 support that works with your body
👉 simple tools
👉 consistent use
👉 support that works with your body
Essential oils are just one piece of that for me.
Not the whole picture.
But a meaningful one.
But a meaningful one.
My Personal Approach
I don’t overcomplicate this.
I:
- use them daily in small ways
- pair them with habits I’m already doing (like after shower, before bed)
- choose quality over quantity
Because like everything else…
👉 consistency beats intensity every time
What I’ve Personally Learned
Looking back…
Everything I had been doing intuitively:
- eating anti-inflammatory
- supporting minerals
- choosing real food
- moving my body gently
👉 was already supporting lipedema
I just didn’t have a name for it yet.
Final Truth
Lipedema is real.
It’s complex.
And it’s often misunderstood.
It’s complex.
And it’s often misunderstood.
But here’s the part I want you to hold onto:
👉 Your body is not working against you
👉 It is responding to what it’s been given
👉 And when you start supporting it properly… it does respond
👉 It is responding to what it’s been given
👉 And when you start supporting it properly… it does respond
Not perfectly.
Not instantly.
Not instantly.
But progressively.
From My Heart
I don’t share this as someone who has it all figured out.
I share this as someone walking it out.
Learning.
Adjusting.
Listening.
Adjusting.
Listening.
And choosing daily to:
👉 support my body instead of fight it
👉 support my body instead of fight it
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone in this.
And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
— Tracie
Tidbits with Tracie: Getting to root issues one tidbit at a time
Tidbits with Tracie: Getting to root issues one tidbit at a time
I finally got a diagnosis.
And honestly…
it didn’t feel shocking.
it didn’t feel shocking.
It felt like…
“well, that makes sense.”
“well, that makes sense.”
When I heard the word lipedema, I didn’t spiral.
I paused.
Because deep down, I already knew something about my body was different.
Not broken.
Just… different.
Just… different.
Looking Back, It Was Always There
If I’m being real with you…
I’ve spent most of my adult life just trying to take care of myself the best I knew how.
Not from a place of perfection.
From a place of:
👉 “I need to feel better so I can keep going.”
👉 “I need to feel better so I can keep going.”
Because life hasn’t exactly been slow or easy.
There’s been stress.
Serving others.
Giving more than I had at times.
Walking through health stuff.
Still showing up for my family.
Serving others.
Giving more than I had at times.
Walking through health stuff.
Still showing up for my family.
So I started paying attention.
I Didn’t Follow a Plan—I Followed My Body
Way before I ever heard the words keto or carnivore…
I noticed something:
When I ate certain ways, I felt worse.
When I kept things simple, I felt better.
When I kept things simple, I felt better.
So I leaned into that.
- more real food
- less processed stuff
- lower carbs without even trying to “be low carb”
- foods that didn’t leave me inflamed, exhausted, or foggy
I didn’t call it anything.
I just kept choosing what worked.
Then the Diagnosis Put Words to It
When I started learning about lipedema…
It wasn’t like learning something brand new.
It was like reading a description of something I had already been living.
The tenderness.
The inflammation.
The way my body holds weight.
The bruising.
The fatigue that doesn’t always make sense.
The inflammation.
The way my body holds weight.
The bruising.
The fatigue that doesn’t always make sense.
And I remember thinking:
👉 “So this is why my body responds the way it does.”
Here’s the Part That Gets Me
All those years…
I thought I was just trying things.
But I wasn’t.
👉 I was already supporting my body
👉 I was already reducing inflammation
👉 I was already doing things that helped lipedema… without even knowing it
👉 I was already reducing inflammation
👉 I was already doing things that helped lipedema… without even knowing it
That hit me.
Because it means…
Your body will guide you if you’re willing to listen.
This Was Never About Dieting
I want to be really clear about this.
I wasn’t chasing weight loss.
I was chasing:
- energy
- relief
- the ability to keep showing up for my people
- the ability to live the life God has put in front of me
The way I eat now?
It’s not strict.
It’s not perfect.
It’s not perfect.
But it works with my body.
And that matters more than anything.
There’s an Emotional Side to This Too
Nobody really talks about this part…
But when you realize your body has been dealing with something for years…
You feel it.
Some days it’s:
- relief
- validation
Other days it’s:
- frustration
- “why didn’t I know sooner?”
But where I keep coming back to is this:
👉 God didn’t mess this up
👉 My body isn’t failing me
👉 It’s been communicating with me all along
👉 My body isn’t failing me
👉 It’s been communicating with me all along
I just had to learn how to listen.
If You Feel Like This…
If you’ve ever thought:
“Why does my body not respond like everyone else’s?”
Or…
“Why do I have to work so much harder just to feel normal?”
I want you to hear me:
👉 You’re not crazy
👉 You’re not broken
👉 And you’re not doing it wrong
👉 You’re not broken
👉 And you’re not doing it wrong
You might just have a body that needs a different kind of support.
Where I’ve Landed
I don’t do extremes. At least to me not extreme when it makes me feel better.
I don’t chase every new thing.
I come back to what works:
- real food
- lower inflammation
- supporting my body instead of fighting it
- minerals, hydration, movement
- and paying attention
That’s it.
Simple… but not always easy.
I used to think I was just figuring things out as I went.
Now I see it differently.
👉 I was being led
👉 I was learning my body
👉 I was doing what I needed to do… even without a name for it
👉 I was learning my body
👉 I was doing what I needed to do… even without a name for it
And now I have the name.
But more importantly…
👉 I have the understanding.
If this sounds like you… I’d love to hear your story.
Because this journey?
It’s a whole lot easier when we don’t walk it alone.
— Tracie
Tidbits with Tracie
Make sure to read the next blog post for more info
Let’s be honest…
Do you ever feel like you’re carrying a weight no one can see?
Maybe you’re reacting more than responding. Snapping when you want to stay calm. Crying, but unsure why. Maybe you’re running on empty—physically present but emotionally spent.
Friend, hear me clearly:
You are not broken.
You are not failing.
And you are absolutely not alone.
You’re simply a soul navigating the chaos of life with a nervous system that’s likely been in overdrive for far too long.
And the good news? God didn’t leave you without tools.
This post is an invitation. Not to fix yourself, but to heal forward—with compassion, grace, and faith-filled steps using the beautiful gifts God gave us through plants, presence, and peace.
Let’s explore how emotions work, why they matter, and how essential oils can help you reconnect, reset, and restore.
🌬️ You Were Made to Feel
Emotions aren’t a flaw in your design.
They’re a reflection of your humanity—and your holiness.
Joy, sadness, anger, peace, fear… every emotion is a signal, not a sentence. A message, not a mistake. They’re meant to help us process, protect, and connect—not to dominate or derail us.
But here’s what happens when we don’t process them:
They don’t just disappear—they get stored.
In our thoughts. In our breath. In our belly. In our posture. In the way we react when life pokes an old wound.
And this is why we don’t just need coping tools—we need transformation.
Transformation that honors the way God designed your brain.
Transformation that works with your body, not against it.
🧠 Your Brain, Your Nose & the Path to Peace
This part is truly awe-inspiring.
Deep in your brain lies a tiny region called the limbic system. It’s responsible for emotions, memory, and behavior—and guess what connects directly to it?
👃 Your sense of smell.
This is why just one inhale of lavender can bring peace. Why the scent of cookies can take you back to Grandma’s kitchen. Why a specific aroma can break tension in an instant.
When you inhale an essential oil, you send signals directly to your emotional brain.
It’s not wishful thinking—it’s neuroscience.
Two key parts of the brain—the amygdala (where you process fear) and the hippocampus (where you create new pathways)—are both wired to respond to smell.
Every inhale is an invitation to rewire and renew.
Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
This? This is part of how we do that.
⚡ Why You Feel the Way You Do: Your Nervous System 101
Let’s simplify something that often feels complex.
Your nervous system has three main states:
1.
Ventral Vagal
— Calm, connected, grounded
This is your ideal state. You feel safe. Present. Open to connection and peace.
2.
Sympathetic
— Fight or flight
Your body is alert and tense, reacting as if there’s danger—even when there isn’t.
3.
Dorsal Vagal
— Shutdown, numb, disconnected
This is the “freeze” state. You feel overwhelmed, checked out, or stuck.
Life, trauma, and stress can shift us into Sympathetic or Dorsal—and we often stay there far too long.
But we were created to dwell in peace, not panic.
Here’s the hope:
With consistent support—like essential oils, truth-telling, prayer, movement, and breath—we can gently guide our bodies back into that safe, grounded space.
💧 Why Essential Oils Help (and Why Simplicity Wins)
God created plants with purpose.
We distill those plants into oils.
And when we use them with intention, we tap into God’s design for healing.
Here’s what oils can do for emotional health:
- Support the limbic system and calm the mind
- Cross the blood-brain barrier and rewire stored emotional memory
- Ease the nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-receive
- Help interrupt toxic thought loops
- Anchor truth and peace into daily rhythms
And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Try this:
- Inhale Peace & Calming or Valor
- Name the emotion you’re feeling
- Speak a truth aloud: “I am safe. I am loved. I am held.”
- Visualize Jesus stepping into that painful memory
- Repeat daily—gently, without pressure or perfection
🖊️ Daily Practices to Rewire + Reconnect
Want to build emotional resilience over time? Start here:
- Breathwork with Raven or Peppermint
- Journaling with Frankincense or Sacred Mountain
- Detox baths with Lavender + Epsom salts
- Movement (walk, stretch, dance, worship) while applying oils to pulse points
- Mirror truth work: Write affirmations like “Peace, be still,” or “Change brings growth,” and speak them daily
Remember: these aren’t to “fix” you.
They’re to support the worthy, wonderful you that God already sees.
🌱 Why I Trust Young Living
When it comes to emotional support, purity matters.
Young Living’s Seed to Seal® promise ensures that every drop you use is free from toxins, fillers, or shortcuts. From farm to bottle, their sourcing, science, and standards are second to none.
You’re not just getting a product.
You’re receiving a promise of integrity, safety, and effectiveness—so you can feel confident stewarding your health and your home.
👉 Learn more at seedtoseal.com
🏠 Ready to Bring the Oils Into Your Home?
Healing begins with awareness—but wholeness begins with action.
The Premium Starter Bundle is your “easy button” to begin. It includes the core emotional support oils (like Peace & Calming, Valor, Lavender, Frankincense, and more), plus a diffuser to shift the entire atmosphere of your home.
And when you’re ready for consistency and savings, Loyalty Rewards is the next step. Think: free oils, points back, bonuses, and all the tools delivered to your door.
🛒 Explore it here: https://m.lfstps.com/wrR0/52CA
And if someone shared this blog with you—go back to them.
They want to help you.
You were never meant to walk this alone.
🕊️ Final Word of Encouragement
Your emotions aren’t a flaw.
Your healing isn’t out of reach.
And your nervous system isn’t beyond hope.
You were created to feel deeply, love freely, and live peacefully.
The journey back to that place starts now—with one breath, one drop, one truth at a time.
So grab the oil.
Inhale His peace.
Speak life.
And step forward.
I’m with you every tidbit of the way.
With love,
Tracie
Getting to root issues one breath, one oil, one truth at a time.
📖 “A good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children…”
— Proverbs 13:22
When most people hear the word inheritance,
they think money.
Property.
Something stored in a bank account.
Property.
Something stored in a bank account.
But Scripture doesn’t limit inheritance to dollars.
Legacy is what lives on after you.
And as a Marmie, I’ve realized something:
What I pass down spiritually matters far more than anything material.
It’s easy to choose convenience.
• To stay quiet instead of speaking truth in love.
• To scroll instead of pray.
• To avoid hard conversations.
• To just “let it be” instead of gently guiding.
• To scroll instead of pray.
• To avoid hard conversations.
• To just “let it be” instead of gently guiding.
But legacy requires intention.
Legacy says:
I will pray over my grandchildren by name.
I will speak life over their parents.
I will model repentance when I’m wrong.
I will live in a way that makes Jesus believable.
I will pray over my grandchildren by name.
I will speak life over their parents.
I will model repentance when I’m wrong.
I will live in a way that makes Jesus believable.
Proverbs 13:22 doesn’t say a wealthy person leaves an inheritance.
It says a good person does.
Goodness isn’t perfection.
It’s consistency.
It’s faithfulness.
It’s choosing long-term fruit over short-term comfort.
It’s faithfulness.
It’s choosing long-term fruit over short-term comfort.
My grandchildren may or may not remember gifts bought for them.
But they will remember:
• If Marmie prayed.
• If Marmie showed up.
• If Marmie loved their mama well.
• If Marmie trusted God when life was hard.
• If Marmie prayed.
• If Marmie showed up.
• If Marmie loved their mama well.
• If Marmie trusted God when life was hard.
That’s the inheritance I want to leave.
Not just resources.
But resilience.
But resilience.
Not just memories.
But faith.
But faith.
💛 Marmie Reflection
Ask yourself:
• What am I intentionally passing down?
• Do my daily choices reflect the legacy I want to leave?
• Where am I choosing convenience over calling?
• Do my daily choices reflect the legacy I want to leave?
• Where am I choosing convenience over calling?
Write it. Pray it. Adjust it.
🤍 Marmie Prayer
Lord,
Help me choose legacy over ease.
Make my life a steady example of faithfulness.
Let my grandchildren inherit a living faith — not just family stories.
Teach me to invest in what lasts forever.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Help me choose legacy over ease.
Make my life a steady example of faithfulness.
Let my grandchildren inherit a living faith — not just family stories.
Teach me to invest in what lasts forever.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
