We've been on a cabbage kick right now, think repairing my sister's gut after a hospital delivery and supporting my family's immune system with the BIG difference in weather from living in Florida, Little Rock and then to COLD, way less sun, Chicago.
So why cabbage?
Eating cabbage, whether raw, cooked, or fermented, can nourish your gut and help your immune system stay strong! It is rich in prebiotics to support the good bacteria in your gut, which plays a role in maintaining your overall health and we all need that right now during cold/flu season!
A healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and plays a key role in maintaining overall health. Additionally, fermented cabbage (like sauerkraut or kimchi) contains probiotics that directly add beneficial bacteria to your gut, enhancing digestive health and gut resilience.
Cabbage is a great source of vitamin C too, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps support the production and function of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Green Cabbage (sliced thick)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.
- Place the cabbage slices on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, and pepper and garlic powder
- Using a brush or your hands, coat the cabbage slices in the mixture. Add to both sides making sure they are well coated.
- Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through until browned around the edges and crispy. Serve and enjoy!
* you can also just throw the oil and spices on and not mix it in a bowl - totally up to you!
As a busy mom, my days are full! Between taking care of my son, managing work, staying on top of house tasks, and (if I’m lucky) squeezing in a moment for myself, it feels like I’m always on the go. But I’ve found a little secret weapon that keeps me feeling grounded, energized, and ready to take on the day—essential oils.
Essential oils are such a simple way to bring in moments of self-care and support my body and mind. They’re not just about nice smells; they actually support everything from my immune system to my emotional health. Here are some ways I incorporate them into my daily routine that you can try too!
1. Peppermint Oil Wake-Up Call
If I need an extra boost in the morning (and let’s face it, I always do!), I add a few drops of peppermint oil to the shower. The steam from the hot water mixes with the peppermint, creating a refreshing, spa-like experience that wakes me up and leaves me feeling alert. It’s the quickest way to kickstart my day.
2. Citrus Oils for Energy in the Kitchen
I love popping a diffuser in the kitchen or living room with a few drops of citrus oils, like lemon or orange. These oils are known for their uplifting and energizing properties, and they help give me a natural energy boost while I’m preparing breakfast or running around the house. Plus, they make the whole space smell fresh and inviting!
3. On-the-Go Support with a Rollerball Blend
For moments when I need a quick reset on the go, I keep a rollerball of my favorite essential oil blend in my bag. Whether I’m sitting in traffic, at the grocery store, or taking my son to the park, a quick swipe on my wrists or neck gives me a boost and keeps me grounded.
4. Immune-Boosting Fall Cleaner
Young Living’s fall-scented cleaner has become a household favorite! It not only keeps my home smelling like autumn (yes, please!), but it’s also made with oils that help support our immune systems. So, while I’m tackling housework, I know I’m also helping keep us healthier.
5. Lavender for a Calm Night
After a long day, winding down can be a challenge for everyone in the family. I like to end our day by diffusing lavender in the bedroom to create a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The soothing scent helps us all relax, making bedtime routines a little smoother and helping me get the rest I need.
These small, intentional tweaks fit seamlessly into my packed schedule, offering moments of calm, energy, and wellness when I need them most. So, if you’re looking to add a little more balance to your busy day, try adding essential oils into your routine! Which one will you try first?
Ever feel like taking care of yourself always ends up at the bottom of the list? Between chasing toddlers around the house, constant diaper changes, and squeezing in work during nap time, it’s easy to let your health slide. You might think, "I’ll get to me later." But here's the truth I’ve learned: gut health is everything. And it doesn't have to be complicated.
I used to feel like I was constantly running on empty—exhausted, foggy, and short-tempered. You know the feeling, right? That overwhelming tiredness that just makes everything harder. I felt like I wasn't showing up as the best version of myself, either for my family or my business. But after I started focusing on simple, nourishing foods and supporting my gut health, I noticed a huge difference. I had more energy, felt clearer, and, honestly, was way more patient.
Here’s the thing—prioritizing your gut doesn’t mean overhauling your entire life. It’s all about small, manageable changes that fit into your busy mom life. I want to share three super easy, gut-friendly tips that have worked wonders for me, and I bet they’ll help you too.
1. Start your day with warm lemon water
Before the day even gets crazy, start with a little something just for you. Warm lemon water helps with digestion and can set a calm tone for the day. It’s like a mini reset button before all the chaos kicks in.
2. Swap one processed snack for a gut-boosting option
I get it. Grabbing something quick is necessary when you’re juggling a hundred things at once. But small swaps can make a big impact. Try something like apple slices with almond butter and chia seeds. It’s super easy, takes seconds to prep, and will leave you feeling nourished instead of sluggish.
3. Take a few deep breaths before meals
We’ve all been there—eating in a rush while multitasking. But taking just a few deep breaths before a meal can help your body shift into “rest and digest” mode, making it easier for you to absorb nutrients. It’s a small moment of mindfulness that can do wonders for your digestion.
You don’t have to overhaul your whole life to feel better. Small, intentional shifts make a huge difference. You deserve to feel amazing while being the supermom you are. Start with these three simple changes and see how much better you feel—not just for yourself, but for your family and your goals too.
I seriously love potatoes. When I'm on my game I focus on consuming purple and orange sweet potatoes but when I'm just really wanting a potato, I love one like this!
Ingredients:
- 2 Russet Potato (medium)
- 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
- 1 Garlic (clove, minced)
- 2 tbsps Tahini
- 2 tbsps Water
- 1/2 Lemon (juiced)
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF (205ºC). Scrub your potatoes and pierce them all over with a fork. Place on a pan and bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about five minutes or until browned. Add the spinach and garlic, stir, and cook for another minute.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Add more water if necessary to reach sauce consistency.
- Remove the potato from the oven. Once it is cool enough to handle, cut the potato down the middle and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Top the potatoes with the mushroom mixture and drizzle the tahini sauce on top. Enjoy!
This recipe is adapted from https://minimalistbaker.com/ and I cannot wait to eat it!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium delicata squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, cut into 1/2-inch slices (1 squash yields ~3 cups or 300 g sliced) -you can definitely use other types of squash with the skin on, in case you have another handy etc.
- 1/3 cup gluten free breadcrumbs (finding some of these without nasty ingredients isn't always easy, but it's for a holiday, gotta let some things go a little 😉)
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, very finely minced (you can use dried, just won't be as flavorful)
- 1 ½ Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 3/4 tsp dried rosemary (or sub fresh, minced)
- 1/2-3/4 tsp sea salt
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set nearby.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, nutritional yeast, rosemary, salt, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined, then taste and adjust, adding more salt as needed. To a separate bowl, add the olive oil.
- Place a slice of squash into the olive oil, flip to evenly coat, pick up, and let excess oil drip off before dropping the squash into the breadcrumb mixture. Flip to evenly coat, pressing lightly so the breading sticks. Add the breaded squash to the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining slices.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the squash is fork tender. Serve immediately!
- Best when fresh. Leftovers keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator but note that the breadcrumbs will lose their crispiness.
