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So many women with Iron Deficiency Anemia have accepted that they have to suffer forever, that this is just how things are going to be now. But I’m here to tell you that that isn’t true. Is recovery possible? Let’s dive in with a story about my client and friend, Marva. In this episode, I share Marva’s “before and after” story. Marva is a mom who didn’t have enough energy to spend time with her daughter. She was a social worker whose job was greatly impacted by her lack of energy. And she had big dreams that IDA was hindering her from working towards. Fast forward to today, Marva is living her dreams with more energy than she ever thought possible. Listen on to find out what she wanted and how, with the support of a coach and community, experienced the changes she needed on her healing journey.   Show Notes: [1:40] - This is a story about one of Asia’s favorite clients and her journey. [2:19] - Marva is a mom and was a social worker. IDA impacted her ability to give her all and everyday was a struggle. [3:42] - IDA was impacting her ability to spend quality time with her family. She wasn’t able to do the things she wanted to do. She knew she was ready for a change. [4:24] - Marva knew three things: she wanted a coach, she wanted nutrition to be a major part of her recovery, and she wanted lifestyle support. [6:38] - Watching women go from no energy to tons of energy is one of Asia’s greatest joys. [7:20] - In addition to physical symptoms, IDA comes with a lot of emotions, particularly guilt and shame. [8:57] - Guilt and shame can become very overwhelming and debilitating. [9:42] - Energy is just the beginning.  [10:34] - After recovery, Marva has more energy than she ever thought possible.   Want to become a founding member of The Nourish Way Community? Simply click the link to DM me on Instagram @asharifclark and say "yes." I'll share the link to join and answer any questions. Our deeper purpose: We're bringing together an amazing group of women struggling with Iron Deficiency Anemia who want to boost their energy with our holistic health, nutrition, and lifestyle approach, and gain support, so they can stop dragging and start living with more energy, passion, and joy. Can't wait to support you!

It is so good to be back for episode 16 and I am so glad you are here. I have so much to share and cannot wait to connect with you. We’re going to kick off this new season of Iron Deficiency Anemia Podcast with 3 reasons you need a personalized health and nutrition plan. Let’s be sure to put the emphasis on personalized. Grab something to write on because these tips will change so much for you. Thank you for being a part of the IDA Podcast and The Nourish Way Community. Be sure to listen all the way to the end to learn all about upcoming programs and free resources to connect you with other women like you, create a personalized plan, and to help you find and maintain your energy on your unique journey.   Show Notes: [2:10] - As Asia was talking to other women, she saw the need for personalized health and nutrition plans. [3:30] - The first reason to have a personalized health and nutrition plan is that you focus on your unique needs. [4:42] - You focus on your own unique journey and you don’t compare it to the journey of others. [5:30] - The third reason is to focus on your own recovery rather than thinking about it as something you’ll suffer forever. It is possible to recover. [6:31] - Asia shares questions to ask yourself in designing your plan. [7:20] - The personalized health and nutrition plans connect you with your support and most importantly with yourself. Asia shares what you receive. [9:27] - Get ready to get on the waitlist on Monday, May 23rd for the new updated version of The Nourish Way. [10:23] - The deeper purpose of The Nourish Way is to bring women together to boost energy naturally, maintain it, and to gain the support you need.   You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Click here to Get Your Free Personalized Health + Nutrition Plan Click here to Get On the Waitlist! The Nourish Way Community OPENS May 23rd!

I started journaling years ago and as I continued the habit, I started noticing patterns. That’s when it hit me that journaling can be extremely powerful. In today’s episode, I share my journaling experience and why I call it “data with a story.”   But where do you start? If you’ve never journalled before, that’s okay! In this episode, I give you three main topics to write about, even if they are just jotting down notes. The thing to remember about journaling is that every physical feeling and emotion is important. Nothing is too small to write about and when used the right way, you’ll notice patterns like I did. Empower yourself to find these patterns and continue on your journey towards more passion, energy, and joy.   Show Notes: [1:31] - Journaling can have a powerful impact on your healing journey. Asia calls it “data with a story.” [1:58] - Asia started journaling about feelings, food, and being grateful years ago. This is when she started noticing patterns. [2:40] - The journaling was not only giving Asia useful data, it was telling a story about her journey. [3:03] - The first thing Asia suggests journaling about is writing down physical sensations. [3:26] - The second thing is to write down treatments and food, especially new foods. [3:48] - Asia’s third journaling prompt is to write down how you feel. This is the most important thing. Always consider your emotions. [4:53] - Asia is working on an online experience called The Nourish Way 2.0. As she’s writing, she is noticing how journaling is prominent throughout. [5:57] - Journaling is a powerful tool for your personal self but is also empowering when shared with doctors. [6:38] - Save the date, June 15th, for the exciting The Nourish Way. It is a personalized health, nutrition, and lifestyle experience to help you boost your energy naturally and start living with more passion, energy, and joy. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website Iron Deficiency Anemia Podcast Facebook Group

Sometimes it is hard to advocate for yourself when you don’t have all the information you need. That is the story of a wonderful woman I spoke with who shared her experience with me. In today’s episode, I share her story and the blame and pressure she placed on herself.   Ultimately, you deserve kindness and grace. That includes from yourself as well. If you ever find that you are blaming yourself, in this episode I provide three phrases to hold on to because you have the right to be the patient.   Show Notes: [1:30] - Asia had a recent conversation with a woman named Kim who had a lot of pressure put on her and she blamed herself for what she didn’t know. [2:08] - Leaving her doctor’s appointment after being diagnosed with Anemia, Kim didn’t know that she had a prescription supplement sent to an online portal and it sat there for months. [2:33] - Don’t put pressure on yourself to be the expert. It was Kim’s doctor’s responsibility to communicate. [3:42] - Don’t blame yourself for anything, especially for things you just didn’t know. [4:14] - Asia gives phrases to say to yourself when you find yourself in that position: “I have the right to be the patient. I deserve kindness and grace. I give it to others, here I am giving it to me.” [5:15] - Instead of saying that you will give yourself the right in the future, Asia encourages you to say that you are giving to yourself now. [6:00] - The Nourish Way is a new lifestyle experience to help you boost your energy naturally and maintain it. [6:29] - The Nourish Way is personalized support coming in June. Asia dives deeper into advocating for yourself. [7:25] - You are worth the kindness and grace you can give yourself. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website Iron Deficiency Anemia Podcast Facebook Group

Welcome to Part 2 of the Ripple Effect of Your Energy! We started this topic last week and in today’s episode, we talk more about why moving from no energy to full of energy will completely change your life.   I am passionate about helping women end pain and suffering around Iron Deficiency Anemia. I lived for so many years as the Exhausted Anemic. But now that I know what it is like to be the Energized Adventurer, I just have to share. Your energy is worth so much more than you think. Listen on to find out how your family, work, and community are impacted by your lack of energy and what increasing that energy can do to change your life.   Show Notes: [1:31] - What Asia is deeply passionate about is helping women to end pain and suffering around Iron Deficiency Anemia. [1:56] - Why is more energy important? For more quality time with your family, more creativity at work, and to do the things you love to do. [2:38] - While the Exhausted Anemic struggles to get through the day, the Energized Adventurer knows that energy and vitality allow her to accomplish more. [3:10] - When you don’t move from Exhausted Anemic to Energized Adventurer, your family suffers. It hurts those relationships and time spent with them. [3:45] - Work suffers. Instead of impacting your industry, you are just trying to get through the day. [4:05] - All the things you want to give to, whether it through time or volunteering, will never feel your impact. [4:34] - It is immeasurable to know that energy will impact your relationships, work, and community. [5:33] - If you are ready to go from exhausted to energized, join Asia’s free IDA Podcast Facebook Group. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website Iron Deficiency Anemia Podcast Facebook Group

In several episodes now, I’ve mentioned the need for more energy. I promise you will find that energy, but what can that energy affect? More than you realize! It isn’t just about the quality of your own life because your energy has an impactful ripple effect.    In today’s episode we discuss three of the ripple effects your energy will have on others and the world at large. I have gone from “The Exhausted Anemic,” to “The Energized Adventurer,” and I know you can, too. Join me for support, connection, and community as we move through this journey together.   Show Notes: [1:33] - Asia has three core values: energy, vitality, and joy. Those are three of her top values as they apply to living her life. [2:21] - The Exhausted Anemic struggles getting through the day while The Energized Adventurer knows that energy and vitality allow her to accomplish more than she ever thought possible. [3:14] - Think a moment about a small stone dropped into a pond. That is you and your energy. [3:44] - The first ripple effect is you building deeper relationships with your family. Imagine the impact your energy has on them. [4:07] - The second ripple effect is you at work. Your energy impacts your industry and your impact on the community your work has. [4:23] - The third ripple is more energy for causes and community you love. What can you do with more energy? [5:01] - The biggest impact is that it is not just about you. You become this beacon of hope, light, and inspiration. [5:30] - Asia shares the story of when she was The Exhausted Anemic. She could only ever think about herself and her energy. [6:19] - As Asia began to transform into The Energized Adventurer, she had the idea of this podcast. Her energy has rippled into a cause she is passionate about. [7:02] - Join the Iron Deficiency Anemia Facebook Group to see that you are not alone. [7:32] - Having more energy, vitality, and joy will allow you to accomplish more than you ever thought possible. Join for support, connection, and community. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website Iron Deficiency Anemia Podcast Facebook Group

Now that we know how to advocate for ourselves in a doctor’s appointment, we need to take a step back and know how to trust our instincts. That’s a tricky one because it feels like we’re going against what we’ve been taught. But ultimately as women, we become numb to our pain because we don’t trust our instincts enough to advocate for ourselves. And that’s a problem.   In today’s episode, I give you three actionable steps to take and to continue doing as you work on trusting your instincts. This is a work in progress, but together, we can achieve this. Remember that you are the expert on you and your feelings deserve to be honored.   Show Notes: [1:23] - Asia reminds us of a story shared in the previous episode of a 45 year old college professor who felt that her excessive bleeding wasn’t taken seriously. [1:57] - A lot of women are becoming numb to our pain because we stop talking about it. It isn’t being acknowledged. [2:54] - The previously mentioned college professor didn’t trust her instincts and today’s focus is on that. [3:31] - You are the expert on you. Doctors are experts, but you know yourself better. [4:05] - Step 1 in trusting your instincts is to have a journal handy and to write down how you feel. When you have a feeling of discomfort or pain, write it down. [4:49] - Step 2 is to never dismiss step 1. Honor your feelings and know that nothing is silly and nothing is just in your head. [6:01] - Step 3 is to share it with your doctors and don’t stop. This is where the numbing comes in. If you have felt that you’ve shared with your doctors and it wasn’t acknowledged, Asia shares that this is where women normally stop and become numb. [6:34] - If you share it with the right doctors, you will save yourself years of pain and suffering. [6:57] - Trust your instincts enough to know if you need to change and find a different doctor. [8:42] - Trusting your instincts is a work in progress. It is something that we will work on together and remind ourselves that we need to speak up about these important things. Honor your feelings. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website

Have you ever had a doctor’s appointment that left you feeling defeated, guilty, or even angry? Sometimes our fears are being dismissed and there’s a lot you can do to make sure you are heard and that your concerns are being taken seriously.   In today’s episode, I offer three actionable steps to take before and during a doctor’s appointment. Remember, an average doctor’s appointment is only 20 minutes long with the doctor so you need to take advantage of every minute with them. Ultimately, you deserve to be heard and your concerns deserve to be taken seriously. I can help you take the steps to advocate for yourself during these important appointments. Let’s go. Show Notes: [1:34] - This episode is all about how to advocate for yourself when going to a doctor’s appointment. Asia shares the story of a professor who was struggling with communicating with her doctor. [2:19] - The woman in the story felt that her fears were being dismissed and it left her feeling unheard and misunderstood. [3:06] - When we feel like our fears are being dismissed and our concerns are not being heard, it leaves us feeling guilty, defeated, and angry. [3:55] - Asia gives three steps to take to advocate for yourself during a doctor’s appointment to make the most of the time you have with him or her. [4:42] - The first step takes place prior to the appointment and that is to keep a journal. [5:42] - When writing in your journal, Asia advises to be specific about how you feel using the sentence “I feel ___ when I take or use ___.” [6:51] - The second step is to take the journal with you to the appointment. It will help with focus and support. [7:12] - The third step is to start the appointment with your concerns from your journal. Asia walks us through this. [8:22] - If you ever feel that it is rude to just start right in with your concerns, Asia advises to put that aside. You are not rude to go all in. [9:03] - If you have a doctor who is not very receptive and your concerns are not being heard, confirm to the doctor that they are not hearing you and repeat your specific concern. [10:09] - There is a difference between a doctor who is being dismissive and a doctor who is being distracted. Repeat yourself and be specific. [11:32] - When you go in with these three steps, you are advocating for yourself. Have a sense of urgency when you begin a doctor’s appointment by starting with your concerns. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website

I am honored to share, connect, and reflect with you on your journey. I truly am and I am thrilled to get to share with you in Episode 9 today, the fifth stage in my five step process: The Power of Reflecting. In the previous episode, we discussed the power of listening to your body and I hope that through the journaling exercises I provided in that episode that you are feeling empowered and confident and more in tune with your unique body.   Now that you’ve listened to your body, it is time to reflect. This is not always an easy step, but it is the most powerful in not only getting things under control, but also in maintaining that control. Reflecting allows you to look back so you are not constantly reinventing the wheel. And reflecting gives you the power and the confidence to do more of what is working and less of what is not.   Show Notes: [1:52] - Each stage plays a key role on this journey: Discovering, Exploring, Nourishing, Listening to Your Body, and now stage five is all about reflecting. [2:45] - What reflecting gives you is the confidence to look inside, monitor results, and make changes if necessary. [3:27] - All five stages in Asia’s process are all interconnected. Throughout the entire process, you are learning so much about yourself and your body. [3:50] - Asia admits it is hard to reflect. It is difficult to take a step back. [5:07] - One question to ask yourself when reflecting is: What adjustments have I made? [5:53] - The next question to consider is: What foods are working for me? You don’t have to recreate the wheel. If these foods are working for you, keep them on rotation. [6:15] - Another question Asia suggests reflecting on is: What foods aren’t working for me? This is just as powerful. [6:35] - And the final reflection question is: How am I feeling now? Compare how you felt at the beginning of this process and how you feel now. What do you notice? [7:42] - Asia encourages you to reach her through her website, through email, or on Facebook. Send her a note to let her know how you’re feeling and do more of what is working and less of what is not. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website

Has this ever happened to you? Imagine, a friend tells you something that is working for them and you excitedly try it. Then you discover that it is not working for you but you keep doing it anyway. Remember, you have your own unique and beautiful body and what works for your friend may not be the right thing for you.   So how do you know what works and what doesn’t? Listening to your body is so powerful and in today’s episode, I offer actionable steps to take in order to begin the next step in my five step process. Join me today and learn just how empowering listening to your body is and why it is an important step on your journey to a healthy and joyful life.   Show Notes: [1:39] - So far in this podcast, Asia has discussed her 5 step process and the three we have broken down so far are: Discovering, Exploring, Nourishing. [2:25] - Step 4 is all about listening to your body. When you listen to your body, you learn to trust yourself and develop a keen sense of what is working for you. [3:10] - Sometimes we see something working for someone else and we want to jump on that bandwagon. But it may not work for you. [4:50] - Asia shares a story about her experience with eating dried apricots without knowing that they tend to make people very gassy. [6:20] - This experience led Asia to run through her day in her mind to find the culprit and through the power of listening to her body, she cut apricots out and never had the problem again. [7:00] - A quick and easy actionable step to take that helps you listen to your body is to journal three things when you’re eating: What do I notice? How do I feel? What adjustments do I need to make? [8:13] - Take a few moments in the afternoon or evening to jot these things down and when you realize a problem, it is so empowering to be able to make a switch. [8:48] - Through this process, you will develop the confidence to tell others that you have found what works for you. You know your body. [9:15] - Don’t forget to download your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally! You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website

It is a new year and at the Iron Deficiency Anemia Podcast, we are feeling optimistic, reflective, and future-focused. What do you want this year to be like? My goal is to connect with you more and to help you on this journey to feeling more energy, passion, and joy.   Today’s episode is a part 2 to the last episode in which we talked about how to maintain normal iron levels. After all, that’s the main goal, right? This sequel episode is all about creating a wellness team. What is a wellness team? Who is on your wellness team? How do you choose who to put on your team? I offer you the first steps in creating such a team and a free guide to help you along the way.   Show Notes: [2:09] - The second part of maintaining normal iron levels is to create a wellness team. This is a personal choice you make. Who is going to be a part of this team that supports you? [2:51] - Asia admits that she had a difficult time creating a wellness team because she typically does things on her own and had a hard time asking for help. [3:29] - This your own journey and body and the decision on who to include on this team is all yours. Do they have your best interests at heart? [4:09] - The first step is to acknowledge and accept that you need help. Help helps you succeed and allows you to heal faster and easier. [5:11] - There are three parts of a wellness team. The first is to find a doctor you trust. [6:01] - Speak out into the world that you are looking for a doctor that you can trust. [6:19] - The second part is to find a specialist that you trust. [7:01] - The third part is to find a health coach. Asia describes what a health coach is and how they can help you plan, meet, and achieve your goals. [8:02] - As a health coach, Asia focuses on helping women meet their health and wellness goals through natural nourishment. [9:10] - A wellness team puts you in charge of this process. It is empowering to know that you make the choices. At the end of the day, this is all about your wellbeing. [9:56] - Taking care of your body and nourishment has a ripple effect into other areas of your life. [10:09] - Grab a free copy of The Nourish Guide to get started on creating a wellness team. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website

Happy New Year! I am so excited to start 2021 off with this episode of the Iron Deficiency Anemia Podcast. With a new year, let’s get started on a productive, hopeful, joyful high note. The big question: How do I maintain normal iron levels? That’s the ultimate goal, right? Well, in today’s episode, I share the three things that, when combined, will help you maintain normal iron levels and get you on your way to having more energy and feeling like yourself. I also have a free guide to get started with this plan, because you are not alone on this healing journey. Listen to find out what the hardest part was for me, how I was able to overcome it, and what you need to keep yourself healthy and nourished.   Show Notes: [1:48] - At the end of the day, maintaining normal iron levels is the ultimate goal. [2:15] - The reason Asia struggled for so long is because she didn’t have a strategy and she had no help. [3:08] - This is the third step in The Nourish Way. There is a three-prong approach to nourishing your body. [3:52] - Your doctor’s recommendation, your blockers and helpers strategy, and your nourishment ritual work together to help your body maintain normal iron levels. [5:08] - Your nourishment ritual includes iron-rich foods you add to your strategy. [6:01] - This is about trying a wide variety of foods to try. [6:12] - Start with The Nourish Guide for 7 steps to get started. [7:04] - Even though Asia has had a hysterectomy, she still needs to maintain her iron levels and has a nourishment ritual. [8:25] - The struggle with strategy and having help stops here. Asia can help you combine your doctor’s recommendation with a strategy and nourishment ritual. [9:47] - The nourishment ritual does not need to be complicated. It can be very simple to get the most bang for your buck. [10:21] - Grab the free Nourish Guide to help you on this healing journey. You are not in this alone. Come back for more stories, more support, and more joy as we go on this journey together.   Links and Resources: Get your free copy of The Nourish Guide: 7 Steps to Boost Your Energy Naturally Asia Sharif-Clark Website