TAKING ACTION: ✅ Do you often find yourself more motivated at the beginning of the year? Did you know this was a real thing before learning about the “honeymoon phase”? Let’s talk more about the honeymoon phase today, friends! You know I can’t help myself—I love to educate you on what’s really going on with your brain because when you’re aware of what’s happening, nothing will surprise you—and you can prepare for it! 💯 So, let’s talk about the good things happening right now—and why the New Year often feels motivational for many. When in the honeymoon phase, you experience what’s called the “fresh start effect”, and during this time, a sweet little brain cocktail is brewing. Let’s look at a few you might have heard of below ⬇️ 🧠Dopamine (feel-good chemical) increases due to novelty (something new), anticipation, and quick wins! 🧠Serotonin (happy chemical) increases with better sleep and blood sugar stability (hello, whole foods!) 🧠Endorphins (hormones that induce feelings of pleasure and well-being) increase due to more exercise. There are actually many other factors at play that make the honeymoon phase (or the “fresh start effect”) so effective; however, simply knowing that your brain is primed to take action—right now—is why the New Year is such a great time to lean in, friends. It isn’t miraculous. It’s just science. 😉 ⬇️OPTIONAL READING⬇️ Fresh Starts: The Psychology Behind New Year Motivation | Psychology Today

✅ What nutrient-rich food did you prioritize today (colorful veggies, quality protein, minerals, etc.)? ✅ Share your favorite meal or snack from today and tell us why it made you feel good 🍽️ We’re talking about the honeymoon phase this week in our small group—and we’ll dive deeper into that tomorrow—but since it’s Recipe Tuesday, I want to zoom in on why we focus on nutrients instead of calories! Let’s look at two people both eating 1,600 calories in a day: 🚫 Person One: Calories come mostly from ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and industrial oils → Low vitamins, minerals, fiber, and amino acids → Blood sugar swings, cravings, inflammation, and fatigue ✅ Person Two: Calories come from whole, nutrient-dense foods → Adequate protein for tissue repair → Fiber for gut health and hormone balance → Minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium → Vitamins that support energy, detox, and metabolism Same calories. Very different biological outcome. When people only focus on calories, they often miss what actually runs the body: 🧠 Micronutrients for brain and nervous system health 🦠 Fiber and phytonutrients for gut and hormone balance 🔥 Amino acids and minerals for metabolism and recovery That’s why we don’t obsess over numbers here. We prioritize food quality, nutrient density, and how your body responds. Although we don’t count macros and calories, here are still some good recipes for you to try: 25+ Macro-Friendly Recipes {500 cals or less!} - Slender Kitchen As we step into a brand new year—and ride that fresh start energy—this is your reminder: 👉 Focus on feeding your cells, not restricting your plate. 👉 Nourishment first. Results follow. 💫

TAKING ACTION: ✅ Who’s ready?! Comment LET’S GO below if you’re ready to crush goals in 2026! 💥🔥 It’s the first Monday of the New Year, and you know what that means—it’s time to get down to business! We’ve made it through the holidays, and now is the time to refocus. 🎉 I’ve said it before—nothing miraculously happens between December 31st and New Year’s; however, studies have shown that the New Year is a great opportunity to lean into your resolutions or goals. Why? Well, it’s a little something called “the honeymoon phase”. 🌙 That’s right! Just like you can experience a honeymoon phase in your personal relationships, this is also true for your health & wellness journeys. A brand-new year psychologically feels like a clean slate. Research on the “fresh-start effect” shows people are far more likely to pursue goals after temporal landmarks like January 1st because it creates a mental break from past failures. The important thing to note here is that the “honeymoon phase” must be done with intention. That’s the only way it works. The goal isn’t to go hard and heavy and burn yourself out within the first few weeks. The goal is to intentionally act out sustainable and healthy strategies that will move the needle slightly forward. In case you’re wondering—that’s exactly what we’re going to do. No drastic measures. No starving. No burning out.

Every letter in January has a message for you.

TAKING ACTION: ✅ What questions do you have before tomorrow? Where do you need more help or support? Comment below and let me know how you’re feeling! Alright, friends! It’s almost time—who’s ready?! 🔥 You know the details about what’s coming up this week. You know how to speak more kindly to yourself and begin changing your negative thought patterns. You’re ready. In fact, this coming week, you’re going to learn exactly why you should take advantage of the New Year—some of the information I found surprised me, and it might surprise you, too! I’m going to help you with the mindset piece, but it’s up to you to make sure you're prepared. Take inventory of your kitchens today, and make a grocery run if needed. Do you have some sort of nutritional plan for the week? Do you know what time you’ll work out each day? Light walking, yoga, etc.. These are questions you need to consider and answer before tomorrow, friends. Preparation will only help you be more successful! 💯 You have the tools, but you must use them. 🛠️