Blog

  • Going Tiny to Live Bigger

    Ever thought about going tiny?
    Tiny homes, I mean 😊

    Lately, I’ve been pivoting—not just in my health journey, but in my life journey. And that’s led me to rethink my living situation in a big way… by going small.

    I’m choosing a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle so I can reclaim something priceless: time, energy, and peace of mind.

    One of my biggest goals is to reduce the hours I spend cleaning, organizing, and managing a home that no longer supports the life I want to live. I want more time outdoors. More hikes. More national parks. More fresh air. And honestly? Less stress.

    Goal number two: stop bleeding money on things I don’t even use.

    I currently live in a lake community with a pool, beach, golf course, playgrounds—you name it. Sounds dreamy, right? Except I don’t use any of it. And the POA dues required to maintain all those amenities add up to the equivalent of a couple extra mortgage payments every single year. That’s a serious money drain for a lifestyle that no longer fits.

    On top of that, the community has become overcrowded and no longer feels like the peaceful, park-like setting it was when we moved there 20 years ago.

    This next chapter looks different—and it feels right.

    I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet someone amazing who’s helping me design and build a tiny home that works for real life: a cozy, welcoming space for me and my dogs, and a place my daughters will actually enjoy coming home to and spending time in.

    After starting over more than once, and going through divorce, I truly believed retirement might never be possible for me. But now— with my youngest off to college and my oldest mostly out of the house—I’m downsizing in a major way. Not just my home… but my life.

    I’m letting go of the things that stand in the way of living my best life so I can finally pursue my dreams.

    Because here’s the truth: it’s never too late.

    I recently heard a quote that stopped me in my tracks:
    “I want to be rich in people and experiences—not in material things.”

    Yes. That.

    I want to wander… and wonder.
    I want to live my life—not live in a cubicle.
    I love nature. I love light. I love fresh air.

    And it’s just not natural for me to spend eight hours a day closed in behind a computer with no sunlight.

    Going tiny isn’t about having less—it’s about making room for more of what actually matters.

    And this next chapter?
    It’s already feeling lighter. 🌿

    This is just the beginning.

    If you’re curious about tiny living, simplifying your life, or what it really looks like to design a home—and a lifestyle—that supports your health and happiness, I’d love for you to follow along my journey.

    I’ll be sharing progress, details, and plenty of photos as this tiny home comes to life.

    Curious to learn more? Stay tuned… there’s so much more to come. 🌿

  • Creating Space for Growth Starts with What You Let Go

    Direct your energy toward who you want to become—not who you think you are right now.

    There’s a higher version of you waiting. Growth may feel uncomfortable at times, but that’s usually a sign you’re moving in the right direction.

    Feeling burned out before the day even starts? Try filling your cup first.
    And no… I don’t mean coffee (even though it’s tempting ☕).

    Start your morning with something just for you:

    • Visualize how you want your day to flow
    • Stretch to wake up your body
    • Try rebounding to boost energy
    • Practice meditation or breathwork
    • Write down every thought that pops up first thing in the morning

    Then pause. Challenge the thoughts that keep you stuck, and lean into the ones that move you forward.

    You can’t make progress while staying in your comfort zone.
    And staying “humble” sometimes just keeps us quiet when it’s time to grow.

    Want to try something new? Make a to-DON’T list instead of a to-do list.

    Ask yourself:
    What can I remove to make room for who I want to be—and how I want to show up?

    Negativity.
    Doom scrolling.
    Alcohol.
    Ultra-processed foods.
    Clutter.

    Less of what drains you.
    More of what energizes you.

    ✨ If this resonates, start with just one small shift this week—and notice how it changes your energy.
    And if you’d like support creating habits that actually stick, you know where to find me.

  • Running on Empty? Check Your Power Source

    I’ve been learning about off-grid power sources—specifically solar energy and how battery banks work. One thing really stood out to me: you can’t mix and match battery cells of different ages, brands, or capacities. A mismatched bank will only perform as well as its weakest cell. Using the cheapest or incorrect charger causes uneven loading, and poor connections can even destroy the entire system.

    Now… how does this relate to your health?

    Think about your last meal. How did it make you feel afterward—heavy, tired, and weighed down? Or light, energized, and ready to take on your day?

    Food is our power source.

    When we consistently choose the cheapest or fastest options instead of foods that truly nourish our bodies, we create disruption at the cellular level—especially in our mitochondria, where energy is produced. Over time, this can lead to low energy and a cascade of health issues, from diabetes and heart disease to depression and anxiety.

    So pause for a moment. Put a little thought and intention into what you’re using to fuel your body.

    👉 Eat real, whole foods.
    👉 Support your energy at the cellular level.
    👉 And don’t forget the water—hydration matters more than you think.

    Your body is your power system. Treat it like one.

  • “Bounce Back from Holiday Overindulgence—No New Year Required!”


    Hey all!
    Thanksgiving is officially behind us… so now what? If you’re feeling a little meh, a little sluggish, or like you mayyyybe had one (or three) too many holiday treats, you’re in good company. This stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas can feel like holiday limbo—but it’s actually the perfect time to reset, reboot, and refresh a few habits. We don’t have to wait until January to feel good again.

    If you’ve been riding the sugar-and-starches rollercoaster, your system might be feeling out of whack. Your gut microbiome could be calling the shots—and trust me, those gut bugs LOVE sugar. They can create cravings so real it feels like anxiety, irritability, or mood swings (I know… I’ve sooo been there!). Wild, right? So let’s cut the crap—literally. As you reset and come down that steep hill, you might notice some brain fog or headaches as your blood sugar stabilizes. Stick with it—those symptoms usually fade in about a week. And then? Food tastes better, your energy steadies, and you feel like yourself again.

    Here’s an important reminder: there’s no one-size-fits-all diet. Paleo, carnivore, vegan, Mediterranean… they all work for someone. But they all agree on one thing: if you want to feel vibrant, calm, and energized, ultra-processed and super-sugary foods can’t be running the show. Even if you used to “get away with it” when you were younger—how did you feel? Was your skin glowing? Were your moods steady? Or were you relying on sugar and caffeine to keep the wheels turning?

    Your body is always whispering information—little nudges, hints, and patterns. The sooner you listen, the easier everything becomes. Lately, I’ve noticed that longer fasts are not my friend. Anything over 14 hours and my body starts throwing anxious, stressed-out vibes. So what do I do? I listen. I experiment. And I land where I feel best—which right now is a 12–14-hour eating window.

    For me, that looks like wrapping up dinner around 7pm (leaving 2–3 hours before bed so my body can focus on sleep, not digestion) and having breakfast around 9am. I’ve also realized I feel way better eating my bigger meals earlier in the day and keeping dinner on the lighter side.

    During your fasting window, keep it simple: water, herbal tea, black coffee, or green tea. Skip the sweeteners—yes, even the “natural” ones—as they can still poke at your insulin and keep your body out of its fat-burning, repairing groove.

    One last thing:
    Food isn’t just fuel—it’s information.
    Every single bite is talking to your cells, your hormones, your gut, your brain… your whole system.

    So as we move toward Christmas, let this be your reminder: your body is talking. Let’s pay attention, make gentle adjustments, and feel amazing going into the New Year—starting right now.


    Let’s talk! I help clients uncover simple lifestyle shifts that support deep, restorative sleep—naturally.
    👉 Visit www.wildrootsvitality.com or DM me on Instagram @WildRootsVitality to start your journey.
    💬 Found this post helpful? Share it with someone you care about—it might be exactly what they need.
    📩 For regular tips, tools, and inspiration, subscribe at www.wildrootsvitality.com or email me at janice@wildrootsvitality.com.
    👋 Need personal guidance? I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you create sustainable, science-based changes that truly stick.

  • Stop Feeding the Sugar Burner & Unlock Your Fat-Burning Superpower

    Remember our ancestors—the cave dwellers?
    Where would we be if they hadn’t discovered fire? Probably toast. Or…not even toast, because toast didn’t exist yet. Either way—not ideal.

    The point is: progress only happens when we stop clinging to old habits. Your health works the same way. To grow, you’ve got to try new things and release what’s holding you back—including what you eat and drink.

    Ask yourself: Do you feel energized after a meal?
    And no, I don’t mean that buzzy, jittery “boost” from sugar or refined carbs like bread, pasta, and pastries. That’s a trap—a quick high, quick crash, and a whole lineup of problems you don’t need.

    According to nutrition expert JJ Virgin, too much sugar can lead to cravings, weight gain, fatigue, bloating, poor gut health, and an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Sugar overload can also throw off your hormones—messing with satiety, fueling acne, and wreaking havoc on your mood and sleep.
    (So if you’re wondering why you feel blah…hello, sugar.)

    Does giving these foods up feel dramatic? Like life might not be worth living without them? Trust me—I get it. But here’s the secret: food actually tastes BETTER once you reset your sweet tooth. Your taste buds wake up again.

    Give it 30 days.
    That’s all it takes to reset your system. You’ll start feeling changes around day 10, but by day 30 you’ll be thinking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
    I dare you to prove me wrong.

    You’ll feel better. Look better. Sleep better. Think clearer. You’ll basically upgrade to the deluxe human version of yourself.

    When I first ditched my morning toast…my Friday Mountain Dew…my “pasta counts as a meal, right?” habit—it was tough. Your body craves these things because they give a quick dopamine hit. But once your system resets, you stop needing them just to feel okay.

    Same goes for alcohol.
    You might think you’re fine, but you have no idea how good you can really feel until your body gets a break. Your body is a powerhouse—it wants to heal. Remove the junk, add the good, and let it do what it was designed to do.

    Soon you’ll notice you’re smiling more…snapping less…maybe even letting that person who cut you off in traffic survive the day, lol.

    And here’s another truth bomb:
    Your body has two main fuel systems—fat burner and sugar burner.
    If you snack all day or constantly sip sweet drinks, you’re feeding the sugar-burning system nonstop. Which means…

    You never dip into your fat stores. Not even a little.

    To activate the fat-burning system, your body needs breaks from food—sweet drinks included. The easiest time to do this? While you sleep. Try finishing your last meal 2–3 hours before bed and waiting 8–12 hours before eating again.

    And despite the old saying, breakfast isn’t automatically the most important meal of the day. What is important is listening to your body. Sometimes it needs nourishment…and sometimes it needs a rest.

    Refined carbs also spike insulin, which signals your body to store fat. Your muscles and cells can only hold so much. When they’re full, the overflow gets pushed into fat cells—your body’s way of protecting your organs from excess sugar.

    As Dr. Jason Fung says:
    “When your fridge gets full, you move food to the deep freezer.”
    But when you’re hungry…which one do you raid first?

    Exactly.


    Ready for the next step?

    If you’re curious, overwhelmed, or ready for guidance on cutting sugar, balancing insulin, or resetting your body’s fuel system, I’ve got your back.

    📩 Email me: janice@wildrootsvitality.com
    🌿 Visit my website: Wild Roots Vitality
    💬 Or schedule a free consultation—let’s create the healthier, happier version of you together.

  • Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Redefining What It Means to “Treat Yourself”

    Do you ever feel like you’re living in a vicious cycle? You finally get back on track with your healthy habits… you’re feeling great… and then—boom—the weekend rolls around.

    Suddenly that little voice whispers, “You’ve been so good—you deserve it!”
    And before you know it… wine, bread, ice cream—it’ll be fineeee, right?

    Then Monday hits. You’re back to promising yourself that this week you’ll get back on track. Sound familiar?

    I’ve been there too. It’s such a strange loop—we want to love ourselves, yet we often “reward” that self-love with things that make us feel awful afterward. Why is that?

    Part of it isn’t even our fault. The relentless marketing from alcohol, restaurant, and processed food industries tells us that “cheating” is part of living. They sell indulgence as joy—but the truth is, it’s a trap. Because when we “cheat,” we’re the ones who end up feeling cheated… tired, bloated, and low-energy.

    Now don’t get me wrong—sometimes a treat is worth it. Your favorite homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven, or a single scoop of Graeter’s ice cream—those can be moments of real joy. But what if we reimagined what “comfort food” really means?

    What if comfort wasn’t about the food at all—but about the comforting moments?
    💛 The laughter at the dinner table.
    💛 The cozy evening with loved ones.
    💛 Cooking a fresh, farm-to-table meal together with friends.
    💛 The memories made—not the calories consumed.

    What if true nourishment came from vibrant, real food that fuels your body—and deep connection that feeds your soul?

    So next time you feel like “treating yourself,” try something different:
    💆‍♀️ Book a massage.
    🚶‍♀️ Take a hike with friends.
    👩‍🍳 Cook a farm-fresh meal together.
    🌅 Watch the sunrise and breathe it all in.

    Because waking up refreshed, clear-headed, and full of energy feels so much better than waking up to “Ugh… why did I do that again?”

    You deserve to feel wildly vital—not weighed down. 🌿


    Ready to start feeling your best? Let’s talk!

    I help clients uncover simple lifestyle shifts that support deep, restorative sleep — naturally.

    👉 Visit www.wildrootsvitality.com or DM me on Instagram @WildRootsVitality to start your journey.
    💬 Found this post helpful? Share it with someone you care about—it might be exactly what they need.
    📩 For regular tips, tools, and inspiration, subscribe at www.wildrootsvitality.com or email me at janice@wildrootsvitality.com.
    👋 Need personal guidance? I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you create sustainable, science-based changes that truly stick.
    ✨ Book your free clarity call today at www.wildrootsvitality.com.

  • 🌙 Sleep: The Unsung Cornerstone of Health

    Dr. Rubin Naiman, a leading expert on sleep and dreams, calls sleep one of the four cornerstones of health—right up there with nutrition, movement, and emotional wellbeing. And he’s absolutely right.

    What many people don’t realize is how deeply connected our sleep and eating habits are.
    What and when we eat affects how we sleep — and how we sleep affects what we crave and how our metabolism functions.

    Think about the last time you slept poorly…
    Were you more likely to grab a donut or a slice of pizza instead of something nourishing? 🍕🍦
    I know I am! When I’m overtired, my willpower takes a nap of its own, and suddenly all I want is carbs and sugar.

    Here’s the truth:
    We’ve become a rest-less society. We confuse distraction with rest — things like binge-watching shows, scrolling, drinking, or using other substances to “unwind.” But these aren’t true rest. In fact, they often make it harder to get the restorative sleep our bodies crave.

    Sleep issues like sleep apnea are more common than ever and, like other chronic conditions (think diabetes or heart disease), they can often be improved — even reversed — through lifestyle changes:
    🌿 Eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods
    🏃 Getting regular movement
    🚫 Reducing toxins and inflammation

    And let’s talk about a few common sleep saboteurs:

    Caffeine – Even if you can fall asleep after that late-day coffee, it doesn’t mean it’s not disrupting your sleep quality later in the night.

    🍷 Alcohol – A double agent. It may help you fall asleep initially, but it tends to wake you up in the middle of the night and throws off your circadian rhythm.

    🌾 Gluten sensitivity – For those who are sensitive, gluten can cause fatigue during the day and restless nights. Pay attention to how your body feels after meals—it might be trying to tell you something.

    The takeaway?
    Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a biological necessity. Quality sleep is one of the most powerful ways to restore balance, regulate appetite, and support overall vitality.


    💤 Ready to Sleep Better, Feel Better, and Live More Fully?
    Let’s talk! I help clients uncover simple lifestyle shifts that support deep, restorative sleep — naturally.
    👉 Visit www.wildrootsvitality.com or DM me on Instagram @WildRootsVitality to start your journey.
    💬 Found this post helpful? Share it with someone you care about—it might be exactly what they need.
    📩 For regular tips, tools, and inspiration, subscribe at www.wildrootsvitality.com or email me at janice@wildrootsvitality.com.
    👋 Need personal guidance? I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you create sustainable, science-based changes that truly stick.
    Book your free clarity call today at www.wildrootsvitality.com.

  • 🌿 The Past Is in Your Head, the Future Is in Your Hands

    Hey all!

    As you may know (or maybe not 😊), I work out most mornings—or at the very least, I walk the dogs. It’s my way to get moving, get my blood flowing, and start the day with positive energy.

    During a workout the other day, Autumn Calabrese said something that really stuck with me:

    “The past is in your head, but the future is in your hands.”

    And then, right on the heels of that, she added:

    “What you aren’t changing, you are choosing.”

    BAM. Such truth, right? I literally said out loud, YES!

    I’m all about making positive changes and getting out of our own way. At the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, we learned that the past is just a present moment that has already happened, and the future is a present moment that hasn’t happened yet.

    I’ve always been a bit of a ruminator—a worrier. What if this? What if that? Lately, I’ve been working hard to stay grounded in the present. Honestly, it’s not easy! For me, it’s much harder than saying no to processed food and yes to foods that truly nourish your body, mind, and spirit (yep—had to throw that in there 😉 Eat real food. It supports every part of YOU).

    My goal right now is simple: pay attention and be thankful for what’s happening today.

    Just last week, I went out with my girls to celebrate my oldest’s birthday. We had sushi and matcha at this cute new spot in Covington, then grabbed gelato—so good! 🍣🍵🍨 Walking around, laughing, talking… just being together was such a gift.

    It reminded me: don’t wish these moments away by worrying about tomorrow or replaying yesterday.

    When I catch myself drifting into that negative headspace, I turn to meditation and breathwork—both powerful tools to bring your focus (and energy) back to the present.


    Want to Learn How to Stay Present & Create Positive Change?

    👉 DM me and let’s explore your next step toward healing.
    💬 Found this post helpful? Share it with someone you care about—it might be exactly what they need.
    📩 For regular tips, tools, and inspiration, subscribe at www.wildrootsvitality.com or email me at janice@wildrootsvitality.com.
    👋 Need personal guidance? I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you create sustainable, science-based changes that truly stick.
    Book your free clarity call today at www.wildrootsvitality.com.

  • ✨ Shift Your Thoughts, Shape Your Reality ✨

    Happy Friday, Friends! 🍂✨

    Are you ready for a beautiful fall weekend?

    I’ll be honest—yesterday wasn’t my best day. Some things in life aren’t unfolding quite the way I hoped, and it really had me feeling down. But instead of staying stuck in that energy, I decided to turn inward and give myself some much-needed self-care.

    I pampered myself.
    I meditated.
    I practiced Wim Hof’s breathing.
    And my favorite—I made a warm cup of herbal tea with raw honey, curled up with a great book, and snuggled with my dogs. 🐾📖

    As I shifted my focus to all the good things in my life, my mood lifted. This morning I woke up refreshed, grounded, and in a much more positive mindset.

    Here’s the truth: we all have the freedom to choose how we feel, how we react, and how we show up for others. Our choices and our mindset shape our reality—and while we’re not free from the consequences of those choices, we are free to begin shifting them at any moment.

    So I’ll leave you with this question:
    👉 What do you want your reality to look like?

    Start with your thoughts. And if you need support, stay tuned—I’ll be sharing tools and tips right here on the blog to help you strengthen your mindset and create a life you love. 💛

  • “Why Stress Might Be More Dangerous Than Sugar”

    I’ve always been fascinated by nutrition and how what we eat impacts every single system in the body. Food and water truly are the building blocks of your cells, muscles—your entire being.

    But one of the most eye-opening things I discovered while studying integrative nutrition is this: your thoughts and stress levels can affect your health just as much, if not more, than what’s on your plate.

    Think about it…

    • The placebo effect is real.
    • So is the nocebo effect.
    • What you believe—and how stressed you are—directly influences your body’s ability to heal.

    The reality is, today’s world bombards us with stress in ways past generations never faced. Work demands, constant notifications, the endless scroll of social media, and a flood of negativity at every turn—it’s no wonder so many of us feel anxious, tired, and stuck.

    But here’s the empowering part: we get to choose how we respond.

    We can create practices to calm the stress response and shift our energy:
    ✨ Meditation
    ✨ Breathwork
    ✨ Quality time with family and community
    ✨ Saying no when our bodies are asking us to

    Every single day, you have the opportunity to make choices that either support your healing—or keep you stuck.

    So let me ask you…

    • What do you truly need in order to heal?
    • What do you need to say “no” to?
    • And most importantly—are you willing to listen to your body and take action?

    Because here’s the truth: staying in the same rut leads to the same results. A few more pounds every year. A few more aches and pains. More medications. More doctor visits.

    But when you shift your thoughts, your habits, and your daily choices—you shift your life.

    💡 Ready to discover simple, powerful ways to bring more positivity and resilience into your days?
    👉 DM me and let’s explore your next step toward healing.

    💬 Found this helpful or eye-opening?

    Please share this post with someone you care about—it might be the missing piece they’ve been searching for.

    📩 Want tips, tools, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox?
    Message me at janice@wildrootsvitality.com or visit my website http://www.wildrootsvitality.com.

    👋 Need personal guidance?
    I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you implement sustainable, science-based strategies to reach your health goals. 👉 Book a free clarity call this week. Visit my website to learn more. http://www.wildrootsvitality.com