Why Your Plate Matters More Than Pills
I used to think that keeping my gut happy required stocking up on an arsenal of supplements and pricey pills. Every wellness aisle and social media ad seemed to scream that a healthy gut was only one purchase away. I bought into the trend, thinking more bottles meant better health. But after years of trial and error (and some wasted money), I discovered an eye-opening truth: your plate can be your gut’s best friend.

Turns out, nature knows best. The secret to supporting your digestive system doesn’t lie in capsules or powders; it’s in real, whole foods. Think about it: your body was designed to thrive on what comes directly from the earth. When I shifted my focus from supplements to my meals, I noticed an incredible difference in how I felt day to day.

So, what does gut-friendly eating really look like? Let’s break it down:

1. Fiber-Rich Veggies: Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes are powerhouses for your gut. They’re packed with fiber, which helps keep things moving smoothly in your digestive system. Plus, fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, creating a happy and balanced microbiome.

2. Probiotic-Packed Yogurt: A good-quality yogurt is more than just a tasty snack—it’s a source of live cultures that replenish your gut flora. Those little active cultures can help support digestion, boost your immune system, and keep that gut-brain connection on point.

3. Fermented Favorites: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha might sound trendy, but they’ve been staples in various cultures for centuries. Fermentation adds beneficial bacteria to your diet, helping keep your gut’s ecosystem diverse and thriving. And hey, they’re flavorful too—an easy way to add a tangy kick to your meals.

When I started making these changes, I realized that not only did my digestion improve, but I also felt more energized. Plus, leaning into whole foods meant that my meals were naturally more satisfying and nutritious. No more endless searching for the next supplement trend—just simple, delicious, gut-friendly eats.
So next time you’re planning your meals, think about how you can nourish your gut with real, whole foods. Look at your plate and ask, “Is this fueling my body with goodness straight from nature?” Your gut (and wallet) will thank you for it.

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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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