Health & Nutrition Archives - Rachel Hollis https://msrachelhollis.com/category/wellness/health-nutrition/ a better life in simple, achievable steps Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:15:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://msrachelhollis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cropped-site-icon-32x32.png Health & Nutrition Archives - Rachel Hollis https://msrachelhollis.com/category/wellness/health-nutrition/ 32 32 7 Easy, At-Home Immunity Boosting Hacks for Cold Season https://msrachelhollis.com/2025/12/16/easy-at-home-immunity-boosting-hacks-for-cold-season/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=52532 Nothing can stop you in tracks during the holiday season like a cold. There’s no worse time for a sore throat and stuffy nose to set in than when you have Q4 projects to wrap up, gifts to purchase, and planes to catch. Instead of rushing to your local pharmacy to get an over-the-counter medication, shop your pantry. Some of the most effective and cost-efficient immunity boosters are kitchen staples that you might already have. 

The best part is the quality control. You get to dictate what is going in your body and know precisely what ingredients you are digesting. No more confusing labels. Check out these seven at-home immunity boosting hacks perfect for cold season. 

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that make it great for warming and soothing a sore throat. It also helps alleviate congestion and nausea. If you’re feeling sick, try drinking two to three cups of ginger tea daily. For the best results, you can grate ginger directly into a cup of hot water. 

2. Saltwater Gargle

Simply add half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Repeat a few times for the best results. The salt is great for reducing inflammation and that sore, achy feeling in your throat. This at-home immunity booster is great to relieve sinus pressure and clear out all the gunk that is making you feel congested.

3. Hot Toddy Recipe

One DIY immunity booster that our founder, Rachel Hollis, swears by is the Hot Toddy. It’s perfect for soothing a sore throat and suppressing a bad cough. If you are looking to kick the common cold, this drink, which can be made with or without whiskey, might do the trick. The best thing is that most of the ingredients are likely in your kitchen cabinet.

Here’s the recipe: 

  • Hot water
  • Lemon juice (for Vitamin C)
  • Honey (to soothe a sore throat)
  • Cinnamon stick (known for anti-inflammatory effects)
  • Cloves
  • Optional: A shot of whiskey 

Here’s how to make it: 

  1. Boil water, then remove it from the heat.
  2. Add the lemon juice, honey, cinnamon stick, and cloves, and let the mixture steep for five to seven minutes.
  3. Serve warm with a lemon slice. 

4. Elderberry 

Research shows that black elderberry extracts and flower infusions can lessen the intensity and duration of the flu and sinus infections. Elderberries are also packed with  anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but you’ll want to be cautious with this powerhouse fruit. You should never eat elderberries raw. Keep in mind that only blue and purple elderberries are edible.

For an easy at-home immunity booster, grab some elderberries from your local market. Boil them with simmering water and sugar. Once you have a thick liquid consistency, strain the liquid to reduce it into a yummy syrup, perfect for breakfast.

5. Essential Oils 

Essential oils can be a game changer when it comes to nixing the common cold. Since they are derived from plants, they are powerful agents to attack cold and flu symptoms. Eucalyptus’ antiviral and antimicrobial properties make it a longtime staple for treating the common cold. Peppermint is ideal for reducing fevers and unclogging congested noses. 

You can use essential oils several different ways: by diluting it with water and applying it directly to your skin, inhaling it through a diffuser, or combining it with other natural ingredients to make a spray. 

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Tea 

It’s hard not to brag about apple cider vinegar considering all its health benefits. Not only is it good for boosting immunity and lessening the effects of a cold, but it’s also great for digestion and weight loss. You can make a simple apple cider vinegar tea at home. Beware, it has a strong taste, but the stronger the drink, the faster it will work.

Here’s the recipe: 

  • Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • One to two tablespoons of honey
  • A squeeze of lemon
  • Hot water (fill up as much as you want to dilute)

7. Epsom Salt 

If you want to detoxify your body from germs, run hot water for a bath and add some Epsom salt. The minerals in the salt actually work to purge your body of toxins that are released into the bath. Not only is it relaxing, an Epsom salt bath is good for you. It will boost your immunity and have you back on your feet in no time. Pro-tip: Add lavender oil for increased relaxation.

]]>
4 Ways to Choose Joy RIGHT NOW https://msrachelhollis.com/2025/11/13/4-ways-to-choose-joy-right-now/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=51233 Many people think that focusing on joy during difficult times is inappropriate or even unattainable. I couldn’t disagree more. Right now is the time to make up your mind that you get to decide how to view this season. If you pick to see everything through a lens of joy and gratitude, you will see the blessings that come with it. You can still choose joy in the midst of pain, hardships and trauma. 

If you let the world choose your narrative, you’re in trouble. But. What if you decided to live out the rest of this year as your very best? What would that future version say to yourself today? That holds clues to how you should be living today. That version tells me to fight for joy, fight for laughter, fight for family time, fight for those moments of joy because they will root me in the present. We can’t predict the future, but we can be present today. Even in the hardest of seasons, it’s possible to find joy. You know what it means to find both pain and joy simultaneously? It means you are human

If you’re struggling to find joy in this season, start with these four ways to choose joy right now: 

1. Create a Daily Gratitude Practice

There’s a reason why this is so important. Look for small moments in the past 24 hours and write them out by hand. Every freakin’ day

2. Make a Joy List

Do you know what fills your cup? Make a list of items that make you super happy and things you know you can always reach for. I even made lists of best moments ever, favorite songs ever, and continue to add to these lists.

3. Schedule Joy Into Every Single Day

If you have a list of things that make you happy, then you can plan for them. 

4. Find Joyful Accountability

When you’re having a hard moment, have someone to turn to. 

Here’s the thing. When you experience hardships, stop wishing for things to “get back to how they were. Because the truth is, we don’t emerge from hard situations the same. We’ve already been changed. The faster you can come to accept these existing terms, the sooner you will be joyful in what is. It’s okay to grieve what was and what’s being missed, but don’t cling desperately to what was.

Start practicing joy in the present because we only have today. I say practice because it’s not what comes naturally to us. Our bodies are programmed to reach for things that make us feel not great. But once you start to practice what it means to choose joy and see blessings around you, you train your brain to do it automatically. It becomes a habit instead of a forced afterthought.

]]>
Our Guide to Healthier Snacking https://msrachelhollis.com/2025/10/21/our-guide-to-healthier-snacking/ Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=52427 Having healthier snacking options is crucial to help us stay on track with our nutritional goals– they also keep us from getting too hangry when our blood sugar starts to dip. Unfortunately, most commercial snacks are loaded with unnecessary sugars, additives, preservatives, AND artificial flavors. We hate the idea of blowing all our plans on garbage that will likely make us feel worse after we eat. Instead, here are seven ideas for healthier snacking that you can feel good about.

1. Fresh Fruit (With a Protein Boost)

Got a little bit of a sweet tooth? Fresh fruit offers the natural sweetness you crave, but they’re also packed with vitamins and fiber. Rach always keeps fresh fruit stocked in her home for a healthy and simple snack. To up the ante, pair it with protein to keep blood sugar steady.

  • Apple slices with a tablespoon of almond butter
  • Berries with Greek yogurt, Skyr or Cottage Cheese
  • Banana with a packet of almonds or pistachios 

2. Nuts and Nut Butter Packets

Grab a handful of your favorite nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts. You can also try a single-serve packet of  nut butter. Either option delivers healthy fat and protein to keep you satisfied. Just remember, while nuts and nut butters are fantastic they’re also pretty high in calories so paying attention to your portions will keep you on plan.

  • Try brands like Justin’s Almond Butter or Rx Nut Butter for grab-and-go packets.

3. Protein-Packed Bars

When it comes to protein bars, it’s important to know what to avoid. Many are heavily processed and contain large amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors. It can feel like a game of chess sifting through protein bars that are masquerading as healthy, but are really not better than a candy bar. Look for ones with at least 10g protein and minimal sugar.

  • Rachel’s favorite: David’s Bar (high protein and low calories)
  • Other good picks: RXBar, Aloha Protein Bar

4. Jerky (Yes, Really)

Skip the gas station versions—choose clean brands with minimal additives. This high-protein, low carb snack is a good source of iron and helps with muscle repair and growth. 

  • Try Maui Nui Jerky or Epic Venison Jerky or for protein you can throw in a bag.

5. Protein Powder in Water or Almond Milk

When you need quick fuel: shake and go. This convenient source of protein helps with weight management, muscle growth, and improved athletic performance.

  • Rachel’s favorite: Momentous Protein—clean, high-quality, and easy to digest.
  • Pro tip: Add cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa for variety.

6. Veggies + Hummus or Guacamole Cups

Single-serve hummus or guacamole cups make raw carrots, cucumbers, or peppers taste more exciting—and keep you fuller than veggies alone. Hummus is packed with a ton of nutrients like fiber, protein and healthy fats, and guacamole also contains antioxidants, heart healthy fats, fiber, and potassium.

7. Hard-Boiled Eggs

An old-school classic: portable, filling, and packed with protein. Keep a handful in the fridge like Rachel does when she meal preps. Sprinkle it with “everything bagel” seasoning for flavor. Whether you start your day with eggs or eat it as a midday snack, this high-protein bite improves the health of your eyes, brain, and heart.

8. Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt Cups

Protein-rich dairy makes a great base for fruit, chia seeds, or even a drizzle of honey. Say hello to strong bones with this calcium- and protein-rich snack.

]]>
My Favorite Resources to Heal Your Hormones https://msrachelhollis.com/2024/03/06/my-favorite-resources-to-heal-your-hormones/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:33:08 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=52130 About 4 years ago, I thought I was having a mental health crisis.

I was constantly inside of wild mood swings: from anxiety to rage to sadness. When I did feel more “normal” I couldn’t stay focused on anything. The brain fog was so discouraging.

Unsure of what else to do, I had every kind of test run: saliva, urine, blood work, brain scans… you name it! I got the results and I was thrilled to have some kind of answer. But I was also totally blown away by what it was.

My sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) were wildly unbalanced with estrogen dominating everything. This was causing emotional side effects that were completely ruling (and ruining!) my life.

I was 38 at the time and had never head anyone talk about emotional / mental health being affected by hormones.

resources to heal your hormones

With the help of a naturopath doctor and a change in nutrition I was able to balance myself again. But the thing about hormones is, they shift and change with life and it’s stressors. Which means I am (you are too if you’ve got a uterus) very susceptible to another imbalance in my body. Those imbalances can wreak havoc on my life.

Learning as much as I can about my hormones and women’s health has become a passion of mine. I’ve shared how I balanced my hormones, but would love to share some additional favorite resources to heal your hormones.

My first conversation with my naturopath doctor

From my experience, if your hormones are funky or out-of-whack, it can affect EVERYTHING. In this episode of the podcast, I’m talking to Dr. Julie Brush, a Naturopathic Doctor who works at the Amen Clinic, which is focused on brain health. It’s all about an integrated approach, meaning care medicine like medications, but with a preference in utilizing a holistic approach. The Naturopathic approach seeks to identify and treat the cause of what could be wrong, and to empower you with information, which you know I am ALL about.

This woman changed my life. Before I started meeting with her, I had no idea that my hormones were unbalanced and no way of understanding what role that could be playing in my mental health. If you’ve been looking to answers as to why you feel a certain way at different times (probably in your cycle), or why you can’t pin your finger on what feels just…off, then I think this conversation might be for you. I hope this gives you the lightbulb moment it gave me and puts you on a journey of understanding your body – ALL of it – a little better.

Period Power by Maisie Hill

Period Power is my absolute favorite book to recommend on this subject. It’s wild how many of us women (myself included just years ago!!) know almost nothing about our periods, different phases of our cycle and how it all affects our emotional health. This book is a great place to start in learning more!

My conversation with hormone hero, Dr. Taz

Faced with personal health challenges as a medical resident in her twenties and a health care system that didn’t make her feel better, Dr. Taz turned to adding Eastern medical wisdom to her medical quiver. What she found was a wealth of information not yet taught in conventional medical schools. These systems of medicine including Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil ultimately helped her heal herself.

Passionate to share this new knowledge, she opened CentreSpring MD, a nationally recognized medical and wellness practice focused on health transformation. Dr. Taz and her team prescribe personalized lifestyle, diet, exercise, self-care and relationship strategies to help women uncover their own “superpowers” using integrative, functional, Chinese and holistic medicine.

My favorite cycle tracker app

If you’re not using a cycle tracker yet, it will CHANGE your life! My personal favorite is called Clue and it tracks ovulation, your period and PMS. Tracking my cycle really helped me to notice patterns that I wouldn’t have picked up on without it. There are plenty of other apps and free options out there, but this was the one that worked for me!

You guys know I am so passionate about how to heal your hormones and I hope these resources are as helpful for you as they have been for me!!

]]>
How I Balanced My Hormones https://msrachelhollis.com/2023/10/09/how-i-balanced-my-hormones/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:13:17 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=51959 I’ve spoken a ton on the podcast about getting diagnosed with estrogen dominance and yet I still get tons of questions on how I balanced my hormones. I thought I’d share the full story here in case any of you are experiencing the same thing I was and looking for next steps.

For years I suffered from unexplained symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, wild mood swings, headaches and brain fog. As it got progressively worse I worried that it might be a sign that my mental health was deteriorating. I couldn’t seem to get myself under control or maintain the same mood for more than a couple of hours at a stretch. My focus at work –always something I could rely on– was non-existant.

I ended up seeing a neurologist because I thought something was wrong with my brain– turns out, I had something called estrogen dominance which was to blame for every symptom I listed above. My hormones were wildly unbalanced which made me feel emotionally unbalanced. I’m not the only one. Studies show that at least 80% of women suffer from some kind of hormone imbalance which result in both physical and mental health challenges.

Hormone imbalance affects a ridiculous number of women, including myself. I did a ton of research and found the right medical professionals and I learned what my body was doing and why. I’ve spent the last few years really taking care of myself and working toward balanced hormones to rid myself of these symptoms that dragged me down every day.

This process didn’t happen overnight for me and it’s not something you can do once and be done with it. I had to totally change the way I eat, sleep and care for myself but I can’t recommend it enough. It was a life saver!

Here are some things I did to balance my hormones.

Here’s What I Did to Balance My Hormones

1. I Found a Female Doctor I LOVE

No shade to male doctors because I know many of them are fantastic. But when it comes to female hormones and the female body, no one understands better than another female. Once I realized my issue was hormonal, the very first step I took to figure out what was going on with my body was to find a female doctor. 

I actually took it a step further by locating a female naturopathic doctor because I believe that health and wellness should be approached holistically. Naturopaths are all about healing the body from the inside out through natural remedies, which is exactly what I wanted to learn. I absolutely love my doctor– so much so that I invited her to be on the podcast! It remains one of the most popular episodes we’ve ever done if you want to listen to it here.

My advice to you: Take the time to find a female doctor you truly resonate with. One who really listens to you, makes you feel comfortable, and has your best interests at heart. 

2. I Got Comprehensive Lab Work 

I knew I found the right doctor when she jumped right into getting everything figured out. First on her list was requesting a full lab panel for me so she could dig into the nitty gritty of what was causing my symptoms. It was because of that lab work that I learned for certain that I was experiencing estrogen dominance, giving a name to all those awful symptoms I’d been having.

Bloodwork, when looked at holistically, gives your doctor the insight they need to put all the puzzle pieces together and see the big picture. I know it can be scary to get labs drawn (I freaking HATE it!) but for me, it was so worth it to finally get some answers.

3. I Started Tracking My Cycle

Did you know that I was 37 years old before I knew that I could track my cycle? Not kidding. I wasn’t taught this stuff as a kid, so I didn’t learn what every female should know much earlier until I balanced my hormones. That’s when I realized how much the female cycle plays a role in all these other body functions.

Tracking my cycle has become one of many life-changing habits for me. It’s helped me learn so much about myself and why my body is doing certain things on certain days. It’s so easy just to keep a note on my phone, jot down how I’m feeling each day of my cycle, and use that information to get more in tune with my body. I now know which days of my cycle I feel most confident, energetic, and ready to tackle anything and which days I might need a little more self-care than usual. 

There were a bunch of other things I did to get closer to balanced hormones so if you want to get more ideas listen to the full episode by tapping the link below.

Tune into the full episode of The Rachel Hollis Podcast, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes.

]]>
Daily Practices to Raise Your Vibration https://msrachelhollis.com/2023/09/26/daily-practices-to-raise-your-vibration/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:15:38 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=51925 Ever heard people talk about vibration? Your vibe attracts your tribe. Good vibes only. Raise your vibration. This concept weaves its way into everything from bumper stickers to coffee mugs. But how much do you know about your personal vibration? And more importantly, how good are you at elevating it’s levels?

At it’s most basic level, vibration is a fancy way of describing mood. When you raise your vibration, you raise your mood, outlook and ability to see more possibility. It’s also one of the major determining factors for the kind of people, opportunity and experiences you attract into your life.

That’s why I have a few things I do at the start of each day to help me raise my vibration. Consider tapping into one of these the next time you need a boost.

My Top 3 Daily Vibration-Raising Practices

1. Praying or Meditating Before Starting My Day

We’ve all had them: those mornings you wake up and just think, “Nope. I can’t today.” Been there, done that. But have you intentionally worked toward changing this mindset? I’m telling you, it’s life-changing. 

Every day, as soon as I begin waking up, I pray. In fact, I start praying before I’m even totally conscious. It doesn’t require an intense amount of effort or mental capacity to do, so it’s perfect for a sleepy morning state. Side note: I’ve dug through a ton of research showing that we’re most connected to the universe when falling asleep and waking up, and I believe it. 

If you’re not someone who prays, meditate instead. This is simply quiet time with your own thoughts to prepare yourself for the day ahead and raise your vibration from the jump.

I use this time to call in God and my guides, ask for guidance and help throughout the day for myself and my family. I encourage you to use your time for anything that resonates with you personally, like deep breathing to control your anxiety or thinking about how you can improve a relationship.

It’s your time to connect with your higher power and control your mindset as soon as you wake, so make it your own.

2. Being Mindful of What I Eat and Drink 

It’s not up for debate: What you put into your body every day matters. Certain nutrients are necessary for overall health, but they can also make you feel better, give you more energy, and raise your vibration. Meanwhile, other ingredients make you feel tired, cranky, and sluggish. Not sure which is which? Start paying attention to the way food makes you feel about 20 minutes after you eat it. Try and add more foods that give you energy instead of taking it away.

I love starting my day out right with a light, nutrient-filled meal, like my green smoothie.

I’ll be transparent here. This smoothie doesn’t taste good but what it does do is help me start my day off on the right foot. I feel satiated, grounded and energetic when I put the right nutrients in my body that give me vitality instead of taking it away.

3. Journaling for Gratitude

I’ve talked endlessly about the importance of journaling in my life, so if you’ve tuned into any of my previous podcasts, blogs, books, etc., you could probably already guess that this would be here! 

Journaling is a must for me. It’s why I created my own journal all those years ago, sharing my love for planning and journaling with others who want to shift their mindset and raise their vibration. 

Starting my day by journaling is a practice I’ve developed for myself to express my gratitude, focus on my blessings, and get myself into a state of abundance. It brings me to the positive place I need to be in to be more intentional throughout the day. 

If you want to try journaling but don’t have a journal, grab a piece of paper. Start there. Write down what you’re grateful for in this moment, but make sure you truly feel it. Sit with your thoughts for a few minutes, so you can tap into whatever it is that’s going to lift your mood and carry you through what lies ahead.

Want more easy hacks to feel happier and have better energy or would you rather hear this conversation than read it?

Go check out the full episode of The Rachel Hollis Podcast, and be sure to subscribe to catch all the latest episodes.

]]>
Five Best Daily Habits https://msrachelhollis.com/2022/01/03/five-to-thrive/ Mon, 03 Jan 2022 15:03:00 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=50929 If you’ve hung out with me on any social platform for basically any length of time now, you’ve probably heard me talk about these five best daily habits.

These are the habits that drastically changed my life, amped my energy level and set the foundation for me to be joyful and wildly productive. At first glance, they’ll probably strike you as super simple. And maybe you’ll think that nothing so basic could ever have profound results in your life but dude, it’s the simple things, done consistently that change everything. Trying adding even one to your daily routine for a month and see what happens.

Here are the five daily habits that changed my life:

1 // WAKE UP ONE HOUR EARLIER

This habit came in response to really crappy mornings. Seriously. I was a young mother and every single day was a battle to get the kids out the door for school. We started each and every day as one giant stress ball. To counteract that feeling (for me and for them) I started getting up earlier to get organized before they woke up. That little extra time worked wonders, so, I added a little more time and used it to journal. When that made me feel great, I added some more time and eventually my early morning habit was born. Over a decade later and I still wake up before my 6AM alarm every morning because I’m genuinely so excited to start the day.

Want to try this one? Get up one hour earlier than you normally would and use that time for morning routine and self care. Use it to work on that book you’ve always wanted to write. Use it to workout, read a great non-fiction book, meditate, exercise, or just have a cup of coffee in peace while you journal.

Two important caveats with this one. If you have a new baby or if you work crazy middle-of-the-night kind of hours, please be smart about this. Sleep is essential, so in order to pull this one off you’ve got to go to bed earlier and be in a season of life that can accommodate this habit.

2 // START A DAILY GRATITUDE PRACTICE

If you decide to choose only one of these habits to incorporate into your day, please let it be this one! A daily gratitude practice will fundamentally change your life. Gratitude helps to ground us and keep us calm. Gratitude is antidote for anxiety, fear, stress and anger and the key to living more joyfully. It’s easy to access at any time of day and will reframe the way you see every single part of your life. You can do a gratitude practice inside a guided meditation, as part of prayer or if you’re like me, you can write down what you’re grateful for each and every morning in your Start Today journal.

My best advice for this habit is to really focus in on little blessings. Many people will list out massive things (I’m thankful for my house, my job, etc) and those are wonderful but they can become a bit stale. Instead, try and focus on little blessings, moments of serendipity and special moments within the last 24 hours. They’re always around us but can be hard to see if we don’t look for them.

If you’re not already journaling and writing out your gratitude, we highly recommend you listen to THIS where I talk all about why you need a journaling practice in your life!

3 // DRINK ALL THE WATER

Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day (I actually drink my full body weight in ounces of water but it took me years to work up to this point). Hydration is so essential for health, it’s great for your body and your skin and it’s totally free. Also, I always think it’s easier to add something into our lives than to remove something, so this one is usually where I tell people to start if they’re beginning a health journey.

Whenever newbies to our community hear this they always say something like, “Oh my gosh! That’s a lot of water. That’s way more than I’m drinking now. Doesn’t that make you have to pee every five minutes?”

In a word: yes. Of course, it does. But it’s also flushing toxins out of your system, helping your skin to look better, and getting rid of headaches before they have a chance to irritate you. So grab a reusable water bottle and start chugging!

4 // MOVE YOUR BODY FOR 30 MINUTES

Move your body for 30 minutes… every single day. Around here we believe that when you “move your body, you change your mind” so we commit to 30 minutes of good-feeling movement each and every day. Depending on your level of fitness, 30 minutes a day for you might be time at the gym, a Zumba class, cardio kickboxing, or working out with a trainer. For others, maybe you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey. So 30 minutes might just be an easy walk outside in nature, playing in the backyard with your kids or dancing around in your kitchen as you make dinner. 

5 // RELEASE SOMETHING

Choose one category –something you know is keeping you from being your best self– and give it up. Some members of the community choose a new item to release each month. They choose things like alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, junk food, social media, etc.

We’ve seen the most incredible stories of transformation come out of these experiences. But however you choose to pursue this habit, know that what you remove from your life is often just as powerful as what you add to it.

]]>
How I Got So Much Energy https://msrachelhollis.com/2020/09/07/how-i-got-so-much-energy/ Mon, 07 Sep 2020 12:22:40 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=51488 Health has often been defined by outward appearance. When we think of health, we probably envision an idealized body—but I don’t believe that’s how it’s meant to be. Health should be a feeling. It should be about your energy and focus. I’ve been on my health journey for 12 years, and something you need to know right away is this: There’s no quick fix or shortcut. It’s about staying consistent and showing up every day. I’m the opposite of who I used to be when it comes to health. You can be, too. 

I want to share 7 things I did that helped me get from there to here. But I’m going to give it to you straight: Not one of them was a diet. Keep reading below for what helped me!

1. A Physical Challenge 

I had to change my perception of health and my body. Guys, I was not an athletic child— not even close—and am not athletically gifted in any way. I HATED running. Like, times 1,000 hated it. My partner at the time signed up for a half-marathon, and there was something about it that intrigued me. I couldn’t even run a quarter of a mile at that point, but I signed up for a race of my own. I built up my stamina in increments and signed up for a 5k during my training for the half-marathon. When I completed my first 5k I couldn’t believe what I’d done. I was so proud of myself. It showed me my body was capable of more than I knew.

2. Establishing habits and routines

The biggest difference in my life now is that it’s built around great habits and routines. It all started with a morning routine. I suggest you come up with a routine that feels so natural to you that you don’t have to think about it. By establishing good, easy-to-do habits, your routine will keep you right side up when life gets crazy.

3. I learned to focus on MY progress, not theirs

If you’re on a health journey and aren’t confident in yourself, one of the most dangerous things you can do is compare yourself to others. Focus on your own progress and journey, as everyone has their own path and timing. I promise you will feel more confident that way.

4. Having a green smoothie every single day

I know it sounds silly, but a green smoothie is a big part of my life! I have it every. single. day. Learning to make this smoothie was the first time I saw food as fuel. No, I don’t think it tastes delicious, but it does bless my body. Food used to be my comfort, and now it brings me life, energizes and strengthens me. I still have the occasional indulgence (I can never turn down guac), but my approach now is to see food as something that powers me, rather than soothes me.

5. Editing my media

Are you consuming content on social media from someone you don’t know, and something about the way they look makes you feel badly about yourself? No one is telling you that you HAVE to follow anyone. If you get a negative feeling from following someone, unfollow them. You need to be inspired on social media, not made to feel less than!

6. Finding fitness that I love

We tend to do what we see other people do when it comes to a health journey. We think, if it works for them, it should work for me! If you want to do something consistently and keep it up for the rest of your life, ask yourself what you enjoy, not anyone else. 

7. I learned to love my body

I love the body I have now, as it is. I believe we can pursue optimum health every day by loving ourselves. Pursue the route that tells you you’re enough; you are worthy; and you’re loved. I used to struggle to find things I thought were beautiful about my body, but I forced myself to find beauty in what was. I began to find love when I began to find beauty. Even if you can only name one thing (I named my eyes—I love that they’re a cool hazel), start where you feel comfortable, and work your way up. 

]]>
Journey With Nutrition https://msrachelhollis.com/2020/05/29/journey-with-nutrition/ Fri, 29 May 2020 15:45:50 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=51466 Maybe you eat healthy for the most part, or maybe you’ve never looked at a nutrition label in your life. Maybe you eat all plant-based. Wherever you may be, there’s always room for growth. Growth starts with one step and then another and another. That’s exactly what it will take to change your health. You need to push past fears, insecurities and expectations and simply begin. 

Here are some very important fundamentals of eating well: 

1. Give up one category of food

Everyone’s got something. Diet Coke, ice cream after dinner, one too many chips. Identify it and name it. Now, give it up for thirty days. You can do anything for thirty days. Yes, it will be tough at the beginning, but we promise it will get easier. 

2. Eliminate empty calories

Sometimes we fall into a habit of adding empty calories when we could definitely go without. No need to count calories, but be mindful of empty calories you could be adding. Once you spot some (such as three pumps of creamer vs. one or none), you’ll be able to spot these sneaky calories other places and start to cut.

3. Add in foods to bless your body

The key is food that blesses you. When you listen to your body, you will know what it needs. Start by adding in greens to your meals. Make fruit your snack. Look into the nutrient values these foods bring and make gradual changes. You don’t have to eat three salads for your meals everyday. In fact, sometimes it may just be a cookie that blesses you and that is totally ok!!

Learning how to implement small, simple changes will be key in your journey with nutrition.

]]>
The New Target Line is HERE!! https://msrachelhollis.com/2020/05/21/the-new-target-line-is-here-2/ Thu, 21 May 2020 15:26:21 +0000 https://msrachelhollis.com/?p=51427 Y’ALL! The countdown is over and our Start Today Mexico City Collection is FINALLY here! I’m so proud and excited to introduce you to our new Start Today Journals, Priority Planners, and the addition of our Start Today Notebook! Yep that’s right – a completely new product! 

I hope that it will not only give you the space to prioritize goals, track habits, and produce results, but give everyone the power to dream big, stay visionary, and keep their futures bright! Long before the Start Today journal came into existence, I was writing all of these things out in a plain notebook. I believe in these products so much because the habits they encourage have changed my life. 

With the vivid colors, geometric patterns, and fun, floral designs, this collection is inspired by the beautiful Mexico City. Mexico City is one of my absolute favorite places in the world and each product’s design has a significance that speaks to my journey and growth. 

I want to show them off to you and explain what they all are! 

Start Today Journals

We designed three new, amazing cover designs: ‘Embrace Your Ambition’, ‘Still Growing’, and “Go All In’. Each is equipped with guided prompts for you to practice gratitude and intentionally set your goals every day. Over a three-month period, these daily tools will help you grow closer to becoming your best self! 

Watch our tutorial to learn more about our practice that goes along with this product if you’re new to the Start Today Journal. You can also learn how other people have accomplished their dreams in our #STJDreamCatcher blog series or browse through the #StartTodayJournal and #STJDreamCatcher hashtags on Instagram.

Start Today Priority Planners

There are three new covers in this collection: “I Am Enough”, “Chase the Dreams”, and “The Future Is Yours”.  These Priority Planners were made to help you achieve your goals by setting priorities and organizing daily tasks through its weekly and daily planning pages, a 3-month overview with checkpoints, and quarterly and weekly reviews. 

If you’re new to the Priority Planner or you’re wondering what the difference is from the Start Today Journal, feel free to watch our Priority Planner how-to videos.

Start Today Notebook

This product is the perfect addition to the collection. It’s divided into three sections: Big Plans, Big Dreams, and Big Actions. While organized by section, it has 150 blank pages that give you the chance to write down those messy ideas, map-out, brainstorm, create lists, or even reflect. With this notebook you now have the space to manifest the vision of your dreams however you know best; there’s no right or wrong way to use it!

]]>