Wellness is something I’m truly passionate about.
My health journey has had its share of ups and downs, and I’ve worked hard to support and improve my overall well-being. Now that I’m in midlife, that desire to feel good and stay strong is more important to me than ever.
I want to feel good as I get older—not just okay, but strong and capable. I don’t want to struggle to get off the couch. I don’t want to feel unsteady on my feet. I want to kayak, hike, travel, and enjoy making memories with my family without my body holding me back. That’s why I’m making intentional choices now—not to chase a swimsuit body, but to invest in my old lady body. Because what I do today will either support or limit what I’m able to do tomorrow.
Read more...My Personal Journey Toward Nontoxic Living
In the first post of this series, I shared how I used to believe that being healthy was all about diet and exercise. But as I learned more, I realized that the everyday products I was using—things I never even questioned—were filled with harmful toxins that were burdening my body. That discovery changed everything. I swapped out my toxic candles for a diffuser with high-quality essential oils, replaced chemical-laden cleaners with plant-based alternatives, and switched to nontoxic body products and makeup. The results were undeniable—our home felt fresher, the air was cleaner, and my body felt healthier. My body wasn’t fighting itself anymore and my autoimmune disease went into remission. Looking back, I only wish I had made these changes sooner.
How to Start Reducing Toxins in Your Home
Switching to nontoxic products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small with these simple steps:
- Swap plastic containers for glass or stainless steel (mason jars are a great food storage option)
- Choose personal care items that are scented with pure essential oils
- Use plant based household cleaners for cleaning instead of chemical sprays
- Buy organic when possible to reduce pesticide exposure
- Open windows regularly for better indoor air quality
Where Are Toxins Hiding?
Toxins are commonly found in:
- Personal Care & Beauty Products (makeup, lotion, shampoo) - remember, your skin is your largest organ. Whatever you put on your skin, absorbs into your bloodstream.
- Cleaning Supplies (air fresheners, laundry detergent, disinfectants, glass cleaner) - we inhale the chemicals and touch these surfaces that have been cleaned with these products.
- Food & Food Packaging (pesticides, BPA in plastics) - these absorb into our foods whether we like it or not.
- Home Goods (candles, furniture, children’s pajamas with flame retardants) - we’re breathing these chemicals in on a daily basis.
Read more...Toxins are so prevalent in our household products. I was shocked at the chemical load found in things I used to use every day! So I started looking for safer products. Unfortunately, I found it to be more difficult than I thought. Many companies use clever marketing tactics, known as “greenwashing” to make their products seem natural and safe when they’re anything but. Words like “biodegradable,” “plant-based,” and “all-natural,” along with packaging covered in leaves and nature scenes, can be incredibly misleading. The truth? Many of these products are just as toxic as those that don’t even pretend to be safe. So how can you tell the difference? Let’s break it down.
Read more...Meal planning and cooking healthy meals can feel overwhelming, but small steps can make a big difference. Here are ways I simplify the process to stick to my plan.
STOCK UP ON STAPLES
When making my grocery list, I include staple items if they fit my budget, even without a specific plan. These essentials—like sweet potatoes, canned green chilis, frozen veggies, ground meat, and almond butter—help me throw meals together quickly.
SIMPLE MEAL PREP
Within a day or two of shopping, I do small meal prep tasks that save time later:
- Cook ground meat with onions
- Chop veggies for salads and recipes
- Make and freeze burger patties
- Roast veggies for easy sides
COOK ONCE, EAT TWICE
I double recipes like soup, taco meat, or pulled pork and freeze extras. Even minimal prep—like chopping an onion—makes cooking easier on busy days. Having pre-cooked meals in the freezer helps me stick to healthier eating without stress.
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