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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Let it sit for six to eight minutes or until the noodles are tender. Enjoy!
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.
These were delicious! My mixture was pretty wet and goopy - maybe because my lentils were still very warm from cooking? I added almond flour and two tablespoons of coconut flour to the processor and they came out wonderful :)
Ingredients:
- 2 2/3 cups Green Lentils (cooked, drained and rinsed)
- 1/3 cup Tahini (divided)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sea Salt (divided)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt
- 1/4 cup Water
- 8 cups Mixed Greens
- 1 cup Sauerkraut
I also like to add: avocado, mushrooms, sliced peppers, cucumbers, tomato, capers and/or olives.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the lentils, 2/3 of the tahini, cilantro, cumin, apple cider vinegar and half the salt.
- Form the mixture into balls using about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture for each ball. Place on the baking sheet and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until warmed through and firm.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together the yogurt, remaining tahini, remaining salt and water.
- Divide the mixed greens onto plates and top with the lentil tahini falafels, sauerkraut and tahini yogurt dressing. Enjoy!
Oh, but it absolutely does.
I used to think my thoughts were just... thoughts. Little whispers in my head that I tried to keep mostly positive, but honestly, I didn’t pay them much attention. Then, I learned just how powerful they really are—and how much they shape not just my emotions, but my physical health, too.
Your mindset is a game-changer. It’s not just a motivational quote on a coffee mug—it’s science. Studies show that your thoughts can literally influence your gut health, mental health, and overall well-being. If that sounds a little out there, take a look at Joe Dispenza’s work on mindset and healing. He dives deep into how beliefs and emotions can affect the body on a cellular level.
Here’s why this matters:
Your Mindset Affects Your Stress Response. When you’re stuck in a negative thought loop, your body doesn’t know the difference between a real threat (like a lion chasing you) and an imagined one (like worrying about a meeting). This keeps you in fight-or-flight mode, which wreaks havoc on your hormones and immune system.
Your Beliefs Shape Your Habits. If you believe you’re “too busy” or “not disciplined,” you’ll act accordingly. On the flip side, if you believe you can make small changes toward a healthier life, you’ll start noticing opportunities to do just that.
Your Thoughts Influence Healing. Research has shown that optimistic patients recover faster from surgery, and people who practice mindfulness often report fewer symptoms of chronic conditions. Belief isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a major piece of the puzzle.
So, if you’re rolling your eyes thinking, It’s not that deep, I get it. I was there, too. But the more I paid attention to what I was feeding my mind, the more I saw changes—not just in my mood, but in how my body felt.
Here’s my challenge for you: start small. Notice your thoughts. When a negative one pops up, ask yourself, Is this really true? Then flip it. Because what you believe doesn’t just stay in your head—it shows up in your life, your health, and even your happiness.
