I used to LOVE candles. I’m talking borderline obsession here—I had so many going at once it’s a miracle I didn’t burn down the house! But now, looking back, I can’t believe what I was doing to my health. I’m just grateful my body survived it all
The thing is, most candles out there aren’t as harmless as they seem. In fact, many of them are straight-up bad for you. I had no clue at the time, but once I dug into what’s actually in the candles I was burning daily, I knew something had to change.
Here are just a few of the issues most candles cause:
- Paraffin Wax – Most candles are made from paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct (yikes!). When burned, it releases harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene—both known carcinogens. Not exactly what you want floating around in your home, right?
- Artificial Fragrances – We all love that cinnamon spice or vanilla bean scent, but those artificial fragrances can emit chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution. These can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and who knows what else.
- Wicks with Metal Cores – Some candles have wicks that contain metal, which can include lead. When burned, they release toxic particles into the air—definitely not something you want your family (or yourself) breathing in.
Making the Switch to Essential Oils
When I realized what I was doing to my body (and the indoor air quality of my home), I knew it was time to ditch the candles. That’s when I discovered the magic of diffusers. Let me tell you, it was a total game-changer!
Now, I’ve definitely gone a little overboard with my collection of diffusers—I might have more than one or five 😂. But hey, they’re way better for my health, and a lot of them have a candlelight setting that mimics that cozy glow I used to love.
Why Essential Oils Are Better
Essential oils give me the same amazing seasonal smells I loved from candles—without the toxins. Plus, they come with health benefits! Whether it’s lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for clearing the airways, or orange for a mood boost, essential oils do way more than just make your home smell nice.
So, if you’re still clinging to your candle obsession (no judgment, I get it!), maybe it’s time to give essential oils a try. Your body—and your indoor air quality—will thank you.
As a mom, you’ve got a million things on your to-do list. Between school drop-offs, snacks, tantrums, and running your business, it’s no wonder your own needs often take a backseat. But here’s the thing: when your gut isn’t happy, everything feels off. I’m talking brain fog, low energy, mood swings—the whole nine yards. And if you’re running on empty, how can you expect to keep the household (and everything else) running smoothly?
Why Your Gut Health Matters
Our gut does way more than just digest food. It’s like the control center for our overall well-being, impacting everything from our immune system to our mental health. When it’s out of balance, you can feel it everywhere—physically, emotionally, and mentally. But before you roll your eyes and add “gut health” to your long list of things you don’t have time for, I promise, it doesn’t have to be complicated!
What Can You Do to Improve Gut Health?
Good news—getting your gut back in balance doesn’t require hours of meal prep or drastic diet changes. Small, manageable tweaks can make a big difference.
- Add More Fiber to Your Diet – Fiber is like a gentle scrub for your insides, keeping things moving and your gut happy. Load up on veggies, fruits, whole grains, and seeds. It’s a simple, everyday way to nourish your body while chasing after those kiddos.
- Embrace Fermented Foods – Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir are packed with probiotics (the good bacteria) that help balance your gut. Even adding a serving or two a day can make a difference.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate – We hear it all the time, but water is essential for gut health. Make it a point to sip water throughout the day—especially after that third cup of coffee!
- Cut Back on Processed Foods – I know, sometimes frozen pizza is the only thing that makes sense at the end of a chaotic day. But try to swap out processed meals for whole foods when you can. Your gut will thank you!
- Consider a Probiotic – Adding a probiotic supplement can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, improving digestion and boosting your mood. Think of it as an easy win for your overall wellness.
Small Changes, Big Results
Taking care of your gut doesn’t have to be another overwhelming task. It’s about making small, intentional changes that can fit into your everyday life. By nourishing your gut, you’ll notice a shift in your energy, your mood, and your ability to tackle the day like the supermom you are.
So, let’s get those guts (and moods) back in check so you can feel more like YOU again!
Halloween (and the entire holiday season, really) means an overload of candy, not just for kids, but for us adults too. I’m not here to preach perfection because, believe me, I’m not perfect when it comes to sweets either. But there’s a difference between reaching for a candy bar full of questionable ingredients and opting for something that’s a little bit better for your body.
I’ve found that some of the sweets I do enjoy are either homemade or made with more mindful ingredients. While they’re still sugary, the difference lies in the quality of the ingredients—because let’s face it, not all sweets are created equal.
Here are some of my go-to “better” candies
- 🥜 Justin's Organic Dark Peanut Butter Cups – While they aren’t perfect (hello, palm oil and sugar), they’re a better option and taste amazing!
- 👩🍳 Hu Kitchen Gems – Beware! These are dangerously delicious. But ingredient-wise, they’re one of the better choices when you’re craving something sweet.
- 🍫 Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars – I’m obsessed with everything Unreal makes. They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and contain less sugar than your average candy bar, making them a decent option when you need a treat.
- 🌎 Yum Earth – This brand never disappoints! Everything I’ve tried from them has been delicious, and they use more natural ingredients.
Candy isn’t just a guilty pleasure—it can seriously mess with your gut health, leading to bigger problems down the line. Here’s how:
- High in Sugar: The refined sugar in candy feeds harmful bacteria in your gut, leading to something called gut dysbiosis. This imbalance in gut bacteria can cause inflammation, poor digestion, and a weakened immune system.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Candy is essentially empty calories—there’s no fiber or real nutrition, which can make it harder for your gut to function properly. Without enough nutrients, your gut struggles to maintain a healthy environment.
- Artificial Ingredients: Many candies are loaded with artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. These can irritate your gut lining, contributing to leaky gut and overall inflammation in the body. Over time, this increases your risk for chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases and even mental health issues.
A compromised gut can lead to issues far beyond digestion, like weakened immunity, mood swings, and hormone imbalances. So, while it’s tempting to dive into a bag of Halloween candy, it’s worth thinking about how those treats impact your body.
That said, none of us live in a sugar-free bubble. So if you’re going to indulge, why not choose options that are kinder to your gut? What’s your favorite “healthier” candy? Let’s swap ideas—because we all deserve a treat now and then!
After giving birth, your body has been through an incredible journey. You’ve grown, nurtured, and delivered a beautiful new life—but now it’s time to take care of you. I knew this after the birth of my little guy, and I was determined to prioritize replenishing my body with what it needed to recover.
During pregnancy and labor, your body uses up a lot of its essential resources. From the physical toll of childbirth to the emotional and hormonal shifts that follow, there’s a lot happening under the surface. That’s why, before I delivered, I made a plan to support my recovery. And one of the key things I had on hand was Mineral Essence from Young Living.
Mineral Essence is an amazing supplement packed with essential minerals that your body craves, especially during postpartum recovery. Think of it like giving your body a much-needed recharge after all it’s been through! It’s full of key minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium, which all play a huge role in helping you feel your best as you navigate those first few weeks of motherhood.
Why are minerals so important? Let’s break it down:
- Magnesium: This is a postpartum must-have! Magnesium helps reduce fatigue, supports muscle relaxation (hello, tight shoulders from all that baby-holding), and even boosts your mood. It’s essential for energy production, which can be a game-changer when you’re running on little sleep.
- Iron: After childbirth, your iron levels might be low, especially if you lost a lot of blood during delivery. Iron helps restore energy levels and combats that sluggish, exhausted feeling, so you can feel more like yourself again.
- Calcium: Not only does calcium support strong bones, but it’s also vital for hormone balance. Postpartum, your hormones are all over the place, so getting enough calcium can help regulate them and support your emotional well-being.
These minerals are the unsung heroes of postpartum recovery. They aid in everything from balancing your hormones to replenishing depleted energy stores. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to give your body the right nutrients after birth—because when you’re nourished, you’re better able to care for your little one.
So, whether you’re prepping for your baby’s arrival or already deep in the postpartum trenches, don’t underestimate the power of minerals! Your body deserves all the support it can get as you embrace the beautiful (and exhausting) journey of motherhood.
I talk a lot about hormones. Like a lot. They are the base of so much of what goes on in our bodies and many people don't entirely realize that. Before I got pregnant (think 2020, what a year that was), I knew I had to get a handle on my health. I was going from junk food vegan to incorporating specific foods with specific nutrients around specific points in my cycle. This was a huge change and one that I was excited to embark on!
To be honest growing up we didn't get much information (or at least that I remember) on the different parts of our monthly cycle - it was basically our bleed and maybe a tidbit about ovulation. So when I started to dive in and learn about 'the other two' I was floored! I could talk for many hours around the different hormone supporting foods and how that impacts so many parts of your life as women but let's first chat about caffeine! When I was a youngin' working in a high stress office in NYC coffee was MY BEST FRIEND, but not such a nice friend overall lol.
Caffeine has a powerful impact on hormones and stress, both positive and negative. On the upside, caffeine stimulates the release of adrenaline, giving you a quick energy boost and heightened alertness by activating your "fight or flight" response. However, this same adrenaline surge can elevate cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone—which can lead to increased stress and anxiety when consumed in excess. Studies show that long-term high caffeine intake may disrupt the delicate balance of hormones like estrogen and cortisol, potentially exacerbating stress-related symptoms and even interfering with sleep. The key? Moderation. Enjoy caffeine’s energy-boosting benefits, but be mindful of how it might be amping up your stress behind the scenes!
So I've gone through different parts of my life where I had cut coffee out entirely (for years and year) and then other parts in my life where it was something I couldn't do without. When I started my hormone balancing journey I knew that I had to begin watching my caffeine again but wasn't quite ready to go full on no caffeine so I turned to Zyng!! Zyng is a refreshing, lightly carbonated drink that combines Ningxia wolfberry, pear and blackberry juices, and essential oils with naturally occurring caffeine (from white tea extract) for a natural boost of energy. This little can contains vitamins A, B3, B5, B6,and E as well as lime and black pepper essential oils (sounds odd but it's so good and I don't even like pepper very much!)
As a mom, I currently reach for this drink when I'm dragging a bit in the afternoon because we didn't sleep so well or it's just been a meeting heavy day and I need that little pick me up!
