Updates from Leah Negrin

Why Fasting Doesn’t Work the Same for Every Woman

Why Fasting Doesn’t Work the Same for Every Woman
For a long time, wellness culture pushed the idea that if something worked for one person, it should work for everyone.

Especially when it came to fasting.

The message was basically: just skip breakfast, push through the hunger, drink more coffee, and your body will adjust.

And for some women? Maybe it does feel good.

But I think the conversation around fasting often ignores one really important thing:

Women’s bodies are nuanced.

What feels supportive for one woman might feel incredibly stressful for another.

Because the truth is, so many women are already running on empty before they ever try adding another wellness β€œhack” into the mix.

They’re exhausted.

Overstimulated.

Under-eating without realizing it.

Living on caffeine.

Sleeping poorly.

Trying to juggle motherhood, work, stress, and everyday life while also feeling pressure to optimize every part of themselves.

And honestly?

I think our bodies feel that.

That’s why I’ve become so passionate about realistic hormone support instead of one-size-fits-all wellness advice.

Because sometimes the most supportive thing you can do for your body isn’t adding more restriction.

Sometimes it’s the opposite.

Sometimes it looks like eating enough protein throughout the day instead of skipping meals.

Supporting your blood sugar so you stop crashing by 3pm.

Getting better sleep instead of relying on caffeine to survive.

Learning how to slow down instead of constantly pushing harder.

Your body isn’t a machine that needs to be β€œfixed.”

It’s constantly responding to the environment you’re giving it.

And when your body already feels stressed, depleted, or overwhelmed, adding more stress in the name of health may not actually help you feel better.

That doesn’t mean fasting is bad.

It simply means wellness should be individualized.

There is no single habit that automatically works for every woman in every season of life.

The goal shouldn’t be to force your body into someone else’s routine.

The goal should be learning how to support your body in a way that actually feels sustainable, nourishing, and realistic for your life.

Because feeling healthy shouldn’t require you to constantly ignore your hunger, fight your body, or feel like you’re failing if a trend doesn’t work for you.

Sometimes healing starts when you stop trying to punish your body and start supporting it instead.

If you’re tired of overwhelming wellness advice and want realistic support for hormones, energy, and everyday health, follow along for simple strategies that actually fit into real life.

Crispy Tofu & Lentil Power Bowl

Crispy Tofu & Lentil Power Bowl
This Crispy Tofu & Lentil Power Bowl is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and colorful veggies to keep you satisfied and energized. Featuring crispy tofu, hearty lentils, and fresh ingredients, it's a nourishing meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something wholesome, filling, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:
  • 10 ozs Tofu (extra-firm, pressed, cubed)
  • 1/16 oz Avocado Oil Spray
  • 2 tsps Tamari
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Dry Green Lentils (rinsed)
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1/3 cup Quinoa (dry, rinsed)
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach
  • 1 tbsp Water
  • 2 tsps Tahini
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (205ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add the tofu cubes to a bowl and gently toss with the oil and tamari. Add the cornstarch and gently toss until the tofu cubes are well coated. Arrange the tofu on the prepared baking sheet. Cook in the oven for 20 minutes until crispy.
  3. Cook the lentils according to the package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Once cooked, add the spinach and cover for two to three minutes until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Divide the quinoa, spinach, lentils, tofu, and tomatoes evenly between bowls or plates. Drizzle with the tahini dressing. Enjoy!
2 servings

Let's Talk Hair!

Let's Talk Hair!

Summer Hair Survival: Sunshine, Swimming, and a Little Extra TLC β˜€οΈπŸŒΏ

Can we all agree that summer is amazing for the soul but not always amazing for our hair?
Between pool days, beach trips, extra sunshine, sweat, and all the fun that comes with spending more time outdoors, summer can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, frizzy, and just a little less vibrant than usual.
And while I'm never going to tell you to avoid the sunshine (hello, fresh air, movement, and vitamin D β˜€οΈ), it's worth remembering that our hair takes on a little extra wear and tear this time of year.
One of the biggest culprits? Chlorine. (it does a whole bunch of other not so great things as well, but we're focused on hair right here!)
If you've ever noticed your hair feeling dry, tangled, or straw-like after spending time in the pool, you're not imagining it. Chlorine can strip away natural oils that help keep hair moisturized and healthy-looking. Combined with sun exposure, it can leave hair feeling stressed and in need of a little extra support.
The good news? You don't need an expensive salon treatment to give your hair some love.
One of my favorite simple summer self-care rituals is a nourishing scalp and hair mask using Rosemary and Ginger essential oils.
Rosemary has long been used in hair care and is known for its fresh, invigorating aroma. Ginger brings a warm, stimulating scent that feels amazing during a scalp massage. Together, they create a simple treatment that encourages you to slow down, care for your scalp, and give your hair a little extra attention.

Simple Rosemary & Ginger Hair Mask

Mix:
  • 3-4 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2-3 drops Ginger essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons carrier oil (I love coconut, olive, or V-6)
Massage into your scalp and roots, leave on for 15-30 minutes, then shampoo as usual.
That's it.
What I love most about this isn't that it's some miracle treatment. It's that it encourages us to take a few intentional minutes to care for ourselves. Just like healthy skin starts with consistency, healthy-looking hair often does too.
If your hair has been spending plenty of time in the sun or pool this summer, consider adding a nourishing hair mask to your routine once or twice a week. Your scalp, your strands, and your future post-beach selfies may thank you. πŸ˜‰
Because summer should leave you with memories, not damaged hair. πŸŒΏπŸ’›β˜€οΈ

Why I Stopped Measuring My Worth by Productivity as a Mom

Why I Stopped Measuring My Worth by Productivity as a Mom
Recovering Type A mom over here. πŸ™‹‍♀️

For a long time, I measured my success by how much I could get done in a single day.

Inbox cleared? Win.
Meal prepped? Win.
Laundry folded? Win.
House spotless? Bigger win.

I lived in constant productivity mode.

As a work-from-home mom running a business, it felt like there was always something else that needed my attention. If I sat down to rest, I thought about the dishes in the sink. If I played with my kids, I thought about unanswered emails. If I worked, I felt guilty about not being fully present at home.

It felt like I was doing everything… while also never feeling like I was doing enough.

And honestly? It was exhausting.

I was physically present in my home, but mentally I was always somewhere else—thinking about the next task, the next responsibility, or the next thing I needed to check off my list.

That constant mental load is something so many overwhelmed moms carry every single day.

But lately, I’ve been learning a different way to define success in motherhood.

Instead of asking myself, “What did I accomplish today?”

I’ve started asking:
Did I actually watch my son play instead of scrolling my phone?
Did I say yes to the museum trip even though the house felt chaotic?
Did I let him stop to explore instead of rushing him because I had a timeline in my head?
Did I allow myself to be present in the moment?

Those things matter too.

Actually, they matter more.

The dishes will still be there tomorrow. The laundry will always come back. My inbox will never magically stay empty forever.

But my son won’t always be this little.

I’m realizing that being a good mom isn’t about maintaining a perfectly clean home, checking every task off your to-do list, or constantly “doing more.”

Sometimes the biggest win is simply being present.

Choosing connection over constant productivity.

Choosing memories over perfection.

Choosing to slow down enough to actually experience motherhood instead of rushing through it.

And no, I’m not doing this perfectly.

But I’m learning that a peaceful life isn’t built through constant productivity.

Sometimes it’s built in the small moments where you decide to be fully present instead.

Can We All Agree That If Your Body Has a Drainage System, We Should Probably Be Talking About It?

Can We All Agree That If Your Body Has a Drainage System, We Should Probably Be Talking About It?

Because somehow everyone is talking about hormones, gut health, detoxes, supplements, and fertility. But almost nobody is talking about the system that helps move everything where it needs to go. I'm talking about your lymphatic system. And honestly? It might be one of the most overlooked pieces of the wellness puzzle.

If you've been feeling puffy, sluggish, swollen, dealing with stubborn bloating, or like your body is holding onto everything for dear life your lymphatic system might be asking for a little more support.

To keep is simple, your lymphatic system is basically your body's housekeeping crew.
It helps move excess fluid, cellular waste, immune cells, and other byproducts throughout the body so they can be processed and eliminated.
The interesting part?

Unlike your cardiovascular system, your lymphatic system doesn't have a pump.
Your heart pumps blood.
Your lymph relies on movement.
Which means if you're sitting all day, stressed out, under-hydrated, and running on caffeine and chaos (hi, welcome to modern womanhood πŸ™‹‍♀️), lymph flow can become sluggish.
And before anyone panics...
I'm not saying your lymphatic system is "toxic" or "clogged."

But I am saying that supporting healthy lymphatic circulation can help your body function the way it was designed to.
πŸ“– Fact #1: The lymphatic system plays a critical role in fluid balance, immune function, and the transport of cellular waste products throughout the body.
→ Nature Reviews Immunology
πŸ“– Fact #2: Movement, muscle contractions, deep breathing, and manual lymphatic drainage are some of the primary ways lymph moves throughout the body.
→ Journal of Clinical Investigation

Now let's talk about Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil for a second.
One of the reasons this oil has become so popular in the Young Living world is because many women use it during self-massage routines focused on supporting circulation and lymphatic flow. It contains essential oils like Cypress, Juniper, Grapefruit, and Cedarwood—oils traditionally used in massage blends designed to support healthy circulation and fluid movement.

But here's the part nobody likes to hear: the magic isn't necessarily the oil (although there is a lot of goodness packed into this blend, too). The real magic is what the oil encourages you to do. It's taking a few minutes to slow down, gently massage your body, support lymphatic flow, move stagnant fluid, and reconnect with yourself. It's the daily habit of creating space for movement, hydration, and intentional self-care. The oil simply becomes part of the ritual—a tool that makes the practice feel nourishing and enjoyable. And honestly, I love that, because lasting wellness rarely comes from a single product. It comes from the small things we do consistently that help our bodies feel supported day after day. πŸŒΏπŸ’›

Because when women start viewing wellness through the lens of daily support instead of emergency fixes, everything changes.

Some of my favorite ways to support lymphatic health naturally:
✨ Daily walks
✨ Rebounding (mini trampoline)
✨ Dry brushing
✨ Deep diaphragmatic breathing
✨ Staying hydrated
✨ Lymphatic massage
✨ Gentle movement throughout the day

Nothing about supporting your lymphatic system has to be extreme or complicated. In fact, your body is already designed with an incredible drainage and detoxification system built in. Most of the time, it isn't asking for another fancy supplement or a complicated wellness routine—it's asking for the basics. Consistent movement, proper hydration, nourishing foods, quality rest, and the support it needs to function the way it was designed to. Sometimes that also looks like taking a few intentional minutes each day for a lymphatic massage, dry brushing, or another simple practice that helps encourage healthy lymph flow. Because feeling lighter, less puffy, more energized, and more connected to your body isn't about chasing every new wellness trend that pops up on Instagram. It's about supporting the foundations that allow your body to thrive. And while those foundations may not be the flashiest part of wellness, they're often the things that make the biggest difference. 🌿

Have you ever tried lymphatic massage, dry brushing, or Cel-Lite oil? I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you. ❀️




Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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