Updates from Leah Negrin

Sweet Potato Rounds with Cabbage and Beef

Sweet Potato Rounds with Cabbage and Beef
This is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory richness of tender beef and crisp cabbage.  This comforting meal is a perfect balance of textures and flavors; earthy, sweet, and savory all in one. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this dish is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients 
  • 2 Sweet Potato (medium, cut into 1/2 inch rounds)
  • 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt (divided)
  • 1 lb Extra Lean Ground Beef (from the farm or you can use ground chicken, turkey or even tofu!)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Aminos
  • 3 cups Green Cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 Lime (juiced)
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. Place the sweet potato rounds onto the baking sheet and drizzle the oil all over. Season with half of the salt and toss to combine. Spread out into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until browned and cooked through, flipping halfway through. 
  3. While the potatoes are in the oven, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with the remaining salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Stir in the coconut aminos. 
  4. Cook the beef for seven to eight minutes or until cooked through. Stir in the cabbage and cook for another three to four minutes or until the cabbage is cooked to your liking. 
  5. Divide the cooked sweet potato evenly between bowls or plates. Top with the beef and cabbage mixture. Drizzle lime juice and top with cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes: 
  • Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
  • Serving Size: One serving is approximately two cups.
  • Additional Toppings: Top with avocado.
  • Short on Time: Use a pre-chopped coleslaw mix instead of cabbage.
  • No Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead.




Peppermint: The Secret Weapon for a Happy Gut

Peppermint: The Secret Weapon for a Happy Gut
Let me let you in on a little secret: peppermint isn’t just for freshening your breath—it’s a gut health hero!

Here’s the deal: peppermint contains compounds like menthol, which work to relax the muscles in your GI tract. This helps food move more smoothly through your digestive system and can ease bloating, cramping, and that uncomfortable, too-full feeling we sometimes get after a heavy meal.

Think of peppermint as a gentle, natural digestive aid that supports your body’s process of breaking down fats and other rich foods. It doesn’t force anything; it simply gives your digestive system the boost it needs to feel better faster.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to work peppermint into your daily life:

  • Sip on peppermint tea after a meal for a soothing digestive reset.
  • Add a drop of peppermint essential oil to a glass of water (make sure it’s high-quality and safe for consumption!).
  • One small change can make a big difference in how you feel. Just remember, everyone’s digestive system is unique, so listen to your body and see how peppermint works for you.
✨ When it comes to ingesting essential oils, I only recommend Young Living. Their oils are marked safe for consumption, so you can use them confidently.

Ready to feel lighter and support your digestion? I’ve got just the thing for you! Grab my FREE Gut Health Guide packed with simple changes you can start making today.

Your gut (and your whole body) will thank you! 💚

Why Gut Health is Easier (and More Fun) with a Supportive Community

Why Gut Health is Easier (and More Fun) with a Supportive Community
Imagine this: You’re starting your journey to better gut health, but it feels like you're piecing it all together on your own. There’s no guide, no one to answer the questions that keep popping up, no friend who truly gets the ups and downs of trying to feel better from the inside out.

That’s exactly how I felt when I started working on my gut health. I was completely on my own. There was no roadmap, no one to ask about all the confusing symptoms, and no one who understood the endless trial and error. I was overwhelmed by all the information out there, unsure what to trust, and constantly second-guessing myself.

I honestly wish I’d had a group back then—a supportive space where I could ask questions, celebrate small wins, and get that extra nudge to stay on track. It would have saved me so much frustration (and Googling!).

But here’s what changed everything: I realized I wasn’t alone. Once I found a community of people who understood the struggles of gut health, everything shifted. These were people who got it—who wanted to talk about probiotics, inflammation, and those little daily habits that actually make a difference.
Suddenly, I didn’t feel so isolated. Having a group of like-minded individuals made all the difference. Together, we could share tips, cheer each other on, and even laugh through those awkward, TMI gut-health moments. It wasn’t just me tackling this huge goal by myself anymore; it was us, working toward healthier, happier lives.

If you’re feeling stuck or alone in your gut health journey, I want to encourage you to find your people. Whether it’s an online group, a local meet-up, or even a friend who’s interested in improving their health, having a supportive space can completely transform your experience.
Gut health isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, but it’s one that’s so much easier (and honestly more fun) when you’re not doing it alone. Let’s build each other up, share what works, and remind ourselves that we’re all in this together. Because feeling good from the inside out? That’s something worth celebrating—together.

Mason Jar Vermicelli Tofu Soup

Mason Jar Vermicelli Tofu Soup
This quick, wholesome, and portable meal is perfect for busy days when you need something comforting but light. Packed with tender vermicelli noodles, silky tofu, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful broth, this soup comes together in minutes. Layer everything in a mason jar for an easy grab-and-go lunch—just add hot water when you're ready to eat. It's the ultimate mix of convenience and nourishment, with a touch of cozy that feels like a hug in a jar! 

Ingredients: 
  • 4 ozs
 Tofu (diced)
  • 
1/2
 Carrot (medium, finely chopped or cut into ribbons)

  • 1/4
 Red Bell Pepper (medium, diced)

  • 1/4 cup 
Broccoli (chopped into florets)

  • 1 stalk 
Green Onion (chopped)
  • 
1 tbsp 
organic tamari 
  • 
2 tsps
 Miso Paste

  • 1/2 tsp
 Everything Bagel Seasoning

  • 1 oz 
Rice Vermicelli Noodles (dry)

  • 1 1/2 cups
 Water (boiling)
Instructions:
  1. In a mason jar, layer the tofu, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, green onions, soy sauce, miso paste, everything bagel seasoning, and noodles. Secure the lid and store in the fridge until ready to eat. 
  2. To serve, pour boiling water into the jar, covering the ingredients. Secure lid and shake carefully or use a spoon to gently push the noodles into the water. 
  3. Let it sit for six to eight minutes or until the noodles are tender. Enjoy!



The Role of Interventions During Labor: Why I Chose to Birth at Home

The Role of Interventions During Labor: Why I Chose to Birth at Home
Did you know that sometimes interventions during labor can lead to more risks? This was one of the biggest factors in my decision to have a home birth. I didn’t want to find myself in a situation where I had to fight for the kind of birth experience I wanted. Instead, I wanted a calm, peaceful environment where my birth could flow naturally, surrounded by supportive, loving women (and, of course, my husband).

Now, before I go further, let me say this: I know women who have had absolutely beautiful hospital births. Their experiences were filled with attentive care and respect for their choices. But I also know women who, post-birth, have expressed that something felt off—like their voices weren’t heard, or they didn’t feel like they could or should express their preferences.

It’s not uncommon. Hospitals often have protocols to follow, and while those policies can save lives in emergencies, they can sometimes lead to interventions that cascade into more risks. For example:

  • Pitocin Use. While Pitocin can help speed up labor, it can also lead to stronger, more painful contractions, which may increase the likelihood of needing an epidural.
  • Epidurals. While they’re a godsend for pain relief, epidurals can sometimes slow labor, leading to additional interventions like assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum) or even a cesarean.
  • Continuous Monitoring. While it’s important to ensure baby is safe, being tethered to monitors can limit movement, which can actually help labor progress more smoothly.
For me, avoiding this domino effect of interventions was key. I wanted to trust my body, my baby, and the natural process of birth as much as possible. At home, I felt in control. I could move freely, eat if I wanted to, and labor in a space that felt completely safe. The midwives by my side were there to support, not dictate.

That said, I recognize that home birth isn’t for everyone. And it shouldn’t be—there are so many factors that go into making the best decision for you and your baby. My advice? Educate yourself. Learn about the potential risks and benefits of interventions, so that whatever birth setting you choose, you feel empowered to advocate for the experience you want.

Birth is a transformative moment, and every woman deserves to feel respected, heard, and supported—no matter where or how it happens.

 
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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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