The Live Lightly Centre

27/02/2026

It's NEVER just about the sock. 🤣🤣🤣

26/02/2026

✨ Appointments Available tomorrow Friday 27th February! ✨

Hi all, a few appts have become available tomorrow between 11.15 and 2.30 for initial consultations and follow ups.

To book either call 6355 6246 or use the online booking link in the comments. 🙏💕

26/02/2026

Okay now this is what I would say falls into the "functional exercise" category that I was speaking about yesterday, it is a balance test! 😫

Now this is not "functional" in that you wouldn't do this in real life but when you realise that the greatest mechanical risk (for want of a better term) to our elderly are trips and falls then balance (and strength) becomes one of the single most important exercises you can do.

For what its worth, the link in the video says that the majority of over-50's are lucky to do 10 seconds on one leg (whaaaaaatttt) and I managed to do 32 on my left leg (holding right leg out) and a very hard fought 16 on my right leg (holding left leg out).

This was after exercise too so my legs were a little shaky anyway. This is one of the simple things that you could do (and I will be doing) just to check my progress daily.

Its quick (especially if you can't do it 🤣), free, portable and can help you improve something pretty important.

Video in the comments. Let me know how you go! 🙏💕

25/02/2026

As I spend more time in this industry, I’ve realised something vital: no matter how perfect your diet, supplements, or workout plan are, they won't work if your nervous system doesn't feel safe.

When we live in a constant state of "fight or flight," our bodies stay "tightly wound" to protect us.

This creates a loop of chronic stress, pain, and a level of exhaustion that sleep simply cannot fix. If your body doesn't feel safe, it won't let go of tension, and true healing becomes impossible.

Because of this, I’m shifting my approach. I’m encouraging my clients to move away from high-intensity training and "talking through" problems, and instead focus on somatic and gentle practices.

This means:

💫 Somatic therapies to release trauma stored in the body, not just the mind.

💫 Fascia release, lymphatic drianage/clearing and fluid movement over heavy weights or static stretching.

💫 Functional exercise that supports how the body actually moves.

💫 Self-compassion to lower stress levels and improve digestion, focus, and heart health.

This doesn't mean I don't see a vital place for high intensity training, talk therapy with a trained therapist and more intense forms of treatment, not at all.

It just means that I don't feel they give "best bang for buck" for my style of clientele, who are usually so burnt out by the time they get to me that we need to start everything slowly with love, focus and intention.

I’m officially entering my "gentle era," and I’m taking my clients with me. 😂

It’s time to stop pushing and start being kind to our bodies, hearts, and minds.

We get far better results if our bodies are in a state to accept what we are asking them to do, not just asking more of an already overwhelmed system. 🙏💕

24/02/2026

In society we often hear "don't worry, that's just normal" but just because something is common doesn't mean it’s normal - and it certainly doesn't mean it's "right" for your body.

Being "within normal limits" on a lab test often just means you're at the average of a population that is increasingly burnt out, inflamed, and sleep-deprived.

Here is why we need to look beyond the "average":

Common vs. Normal: It is common to feel exhausted by 3 PM, to have painful periods, or to live with constant bloating. However, these are often "warning cries" from your body indicating an underlying imbalance, not a state of health.

The "Gold Zone": While conventional medicine is vital for identifying disease when you are "in the red," naturopathy focuses on the "gold zone"—the narrow range where you actually feel vibrant, not just "not sick". We want you in a state of wellness, not just the absence of diagnosed disease!

The Power of Prevention: By the time a symptom becomes "clinically significant," an imbalance has often been brewing for years. Addressing the root cause now prevents your body from having to "scream" later.

Bio-Individuality: Your "normal" is unique. A holistic approach considers your genetics, environment, and stress levels to determine what optimal looks like for you, not a statistical average. And your normal may be very different to Mary's down the road!

Stop settling for "fine" just because everyone else is struggling too. Your body was designed to thrive, not just survive.

Are there any specific symptoms you've been told are "just part of getting older" or "normal" that you'd like to investigate further? Are you sick and tired of having your bloods done only to find nothing?

Do you actually want to feel "well"? The power is in your hands. 🙏

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, well, you know where I am. And stop putting up with everyone else's normal! 😉

Call now to connect with business.

23/02/2026

When should you see a naturopath? 🤓

If you understand the fact that naturopaths aim to “treat the whole person” rather than supress symptoms of pain or disease then to be fair, any time is a good time to see a naturopath! 😀

Seriously though, there are some obvious cases where we really come into our own:

Ongoing chronic gut issues.

Dealing with reflux and coming off PPI’s. As you know, there is a worldwide class action against Nexium at the moment over allegations that long-term use causes serious side effects like kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, and stomach cancer. Why are we taking them??? 😳

Hormonal issues if you don’t want to go on the pill or HRT – we are exceptionally good at helping with these such as endometriosis, PCOS, perimenopause and menopause.

Type 2 diabetes management and prevention.

Pre-conception care. PLEEEEAAASE preconception care!

Weird symptoms or disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic aches and pains that people can’t find an answer to, post viral fatigue or long Covid.

Basically any autoimmune disease. There is SO LITTLE understanding of how even small dietary or lifestyle changes can help manage, prevent and even put into remission autoimmune diseases.

Thyroid disorders - under, over or thyroid removed. There is SO MUCH MORE that the thyroid does than just produce thyroxine, which is why you’re never the same after the thyroid removal (or even just going on thyroxine once diagnosed with underactive thyroid or Hashimoto's). Even though your bloods are supposedly schmicko. 😏

If you want to wean off any medications (with GP’s approval and support of course 😉) If you haven’t sorted out the underlying reason as to why you needed the meds in the first place, it will be very difficult to come off them. If you do manage however you may most likely end up back on them again.

Recalcitant skin disorders.

Weight management.

Sleep disorders.

Anxiety and depression if meds aren’t helping, or you don’t like the side effects.

Managing cholesterol naturally in the aim of avoiding statins.

Managing side effects of medication if you have to take it.

Osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

Any number of childhood issues.

If you want an open and honest discussion about what your options are if you have been told you have to go on medications or have been diagnosed with a chronic disease. We are not experts in those diseases or medications per se, and we most certainly would not be steering you away from urgent medical care, but we are pretty good at telling you the questions you should be asking, what your medical and natural options most likley will be and how you can integrate them if desired. I am not anti-medication by any stretch, I am anti over medicating, medicating for the wrong reasons, polypharmacy and not trying to avoid them if you can. Often one leads to another and you’re on the roundabout for life. ☹

Any underlying issues that you haven’t been able to get a medical answer to.

One might ask how we can help with such a wide and disparate range of symptoms and diseases when mostly, there are specialists for each and every one in the medical field.

That is a great and worthy question, I direct you back to my opening statement, we treat the whole person and as a result the body is given space to do the healing it should be doing by itself.

I’m not naïve enough to think we can “fix” everything but my goodness, we are pretty good at helping with all of these issues and more. 💫

The body is the most amazing instrument - it wants to heal, it wants to work efficiently, it wants to survive, we just have to find ways to support it. 🙏💕

Call now to connect with business.

22/02/2026

I love making salads this way and I learnt this trick from ol mate Jamie!

I wanted to showcase these absolute BEAUTIES of home grown tomatoes from one of my besties so made a simple salad last night with them as the star performer. 🍅 🌟

Make your dressing in the bottom of a bowl (this one has salt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, some
mixed dried herbs and a big clove of finely chopped garlic) then pile your stuff on top of it, “solid” items first then softer items like leaves and fresh herbs on top of that. 🥗

It can then sit like this for as long as you need before eating as the dressing will only get more flavourful the longer it sits and the salad won’t wilt as you haven’t formally dressed it yet. (“formally dressed” like in a suit and tie? Sorry…. ) 🤵‍♀️ 🙂‍↔️

This does several things:

Gives the garlic time to develop its most potent health giving properties once chopped

The acid takes the rawness and heat out of the garlic whilst it sits in it

The other veggies help flavour the dressing as well, especially chopped onion (which I always put in first and swish around the dressing) and tomato which always give the most wonderful umami flavour. 🤤

Lets you pre-prepare meals as it can sit until you are ready to toss it without going soggy.

When you are ready to eat, toss the whole lot together and put on the plate. Bingo, job done. 👍

Thanks Jamie, “big loves” to you. 🙏💕

20/02/2026

Is this a healthy meal? Depends on who you ask. 🤷‍♀️

If you ask the paleo mob they’ll say no because of the spuds.
If you ask the keto mob they’ll say the same.
If you ask vegetarians and vegans they’ll say no because of the meat.
If you ask carnivores they’ll say no because of everything BUT the meat.
If you ask the lectin fearers they’ll say no because of the capsicum and tomatoes.
If you ask the FODMPAPPERS they’ll say no because of the garlic, onions and mushrooms.
If you ask a cardiologist they may say no because of the saturated fat in the meat and butter, plus the salt in seasonings.
If you ask someone on the autoimmune paleo diet they’ll say no because of the nightshades and spuds.
If you ask someone with histamine issues they’d say no because of the lemon juice, tomatoes and sauerkraut.
If you ask any rando on the internet they’ll say no for an absolute multitude of reasons, each one of them most likely to give me the sh*ts. 🤣

So, what makes a healthy meal?

One that YOU like that supports your health goals and takes your allergies, sensitivities and morals/ethics into consideration. 🙏

This meal here is home made from scratch using grass fed and finished meat, organic veg where possible, olive oil, fresh and dried herbs and spices, it has around 11 or 12 different plant based foods, it has sauerkraut for good bugs, it has olive oil and lemons to support digestion of the salad and fat soluble vitamins, it is not going to spike your blood sugars - particularly if eaten in the right order, it is filling, it covers off all major macronutrients, it won’t give you blood sugar crashes overnight and leave you starving in the morning, it will feed your good gut bugs, it has a full complement of easily digestible amino acids, it was cooked in a cast iron pan (not non stick) it was made with and by my family, for my family and eaten WITH my family around the table and it tasted bloody delicious. 🤤

So yeah, all in all I’d say this is a healthy meal. 😂

Let’s not get so bogged down in the minutia of every single detail in a food or macronutrient ratio or whatever and forget that the real benefit of food is being as wholefood as you can get, and the eating of it in good company. 🥰

Have a great weekend. 🙏💕

19/02/2026

Shared with permission from one of my beautiful clients who commented on my perimenopause post yesterday:

"I can honestly say Tracey saved my life - years of pain, brain fog, 😶‍🌫️ hot flushes and very bad depression. I wasted years at my GP 🧑‍⚕️ asking for help to be told lots of crazy things, I felt like I was going crazy 🤪 Thank you so much for your understanding, kindness and the tissues 😪🫶😊 you are are one in a million ❤️❤️"

I remember this case like it was yesterday (it was over a year ago) and I still get angry thinking about some of the things she was told and ways she was treated. 😡😡😡

I am truly blessed to be in a position to help people when they feel they have nowhere else to turn. 🥹

Thank you so much for letting me share this very personal bit of feedback. 🙏💕💕💕

19/02/2026

I think the biggest problem women have with perimenopause is the fact that so many people tell them they aren’t IN perimenopause!!! 😅

So many of my clients tell me their doctors say they are too young, their symptoms aren’t indicative of perimenopause, they are just tired/busy/anxious/depressed/making it up etc and the bloods say they are just “fine”. That’s because there isn’t a blood test that can definitively diagnose perimenopause! 🩸

There are definitely tests that can test hormonal status however I tend to go based on symptoms rather than try and find a test that will tell me what I nearly always already know. 🤓

So, if you are between the ages of late 30’s onwards and are suffering from the following, I can bet my firstborn (sorry Ryan!) that you’re in perimenopause:

Starting with irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances (insomnia), brain fog, reduced libido, weight gain, joint aches, and hair changes as the most common, then we can move onto the less common but still very perimenopausal symptoms of painful s*x, increase of UTI’s, increased frequency or urgency of urination, irrational irritability, anxiety, depression, and "brain fog" (memory lapses/confusion) to name but a few.

Couple these with what seems like to be unstoppable weight gain, breast tenderness, fatigue, dry/thinning skin and hair loss or changes in texture, joint and muscle aches, headaches, heart palpitations, and tinnitus and you’ve got yerself a party ain’t nobody wants an invite to. 🥳

The good news is, even if you feel you’ve been left swinging in the breeze, I gotcha! This is my bag baby, I love helping women navigate their way through this “interesting” period (pun absolutely intended) because lifestyle changes and correct supplementation can make a world of difference to your symptoms.

You don’t have to go through this alone. 🥰🙏

Link to bookings in the comments. 📖

18/02/2026

A lovely client of mine sent this through to me the other day and I was beside myself with joy!!!

It appears her health fund is bringing back cover for Naturopathy as an elective so I'm hoping others will follow suit. If everyone could check with their funds and let me know so I can advise others that'd be great. I have tried to search but the answers are nothing if not shifty!!! I wouldn't have even been able to find this one if she hadn't snapped the pic for me.

I have already checked with mine (HBF) and they haven't yet so I'm firing off a letter to them after this.

They should NEVER have been removed, naturopathy is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing but because it covers off so many different "modalities" it's hard to lump them all under one heading and find evidence to support it.

Its your health fund and you are paying the premium so if you want these covers reinstated you should make your voice heard.

If people are serious about the state of health in this country they will be looking at making natural therapies, which aim to prevent disease, more affordable for everyone - and this is a great start. 🙏💞

Edit: the fund is mentioned in the comments, sorry about that! x

18/02/2026

As a naturopath even when I’m prescribing supplements I think WWND – what would nature do???

I have never been one to dose any nutrient highly or been in favour of high dose infusions like B12, D and iron (yes I know sometimes these things are needed but I will ALWAYS suggest the low and slow wins the race option first if people will take it) .

I say to my people, you don’t find a magnesium berry or calcium bush in nature where that is the only nutrient provided. Everything that the natural world has given us from food to herbs has been dosed appropriately, and with all of the co-factors to help our bodies absorb it.

And when nature hasn’t done it for us, ancient wisdom, preserving methods and cookery has, such as adding black pepper and olive oil or coconut oil to turmeric to enhance absorption for example.

We do not live in a vacuum, and neither does our nutritional intake. Everything needs other things for maximum absorption and utilisation - such as vitamin C, vitamin A, copper and vit B6/B9 and B12 for example for iron, and it is now common knowledge that dosing every second day may enhance iron absorption better than taking daily.

I find the old human instinct to “hit it with a big stick” and if it’s still not working "hit it harder" to be so offensive to my sensibilities (precious lil thing that I am ☺️) and absolutely 100% counterproductive to the way that things are meant to be done naturally.

This is pretty much why when someone comes to me on a bunch of supplements one of the first things I will do is take them off all of them, apart from what I might deem essential, then work from the ground up.

Most people say they feel no different, as in not worse, when they come off their box of goodies and start to feel so much better when we introduce simple, appropriately dosed, evidence based synergistic treatments (not just supplements).

People say seeing a naturopath is expensive. I say taking a bunch of random supplements or going back to the doc again and again and again looking for answers is so much more expensive. 💵

But that’s just me. 😏