We took a poll last week and the consensus was for a nutrition focused 1st challenge - so this is how it will work... Next week (starting Monday the 9th), the challenge, if you choose to accept 😁, is to share one healthy meal picture each day. Bonus if you also share a recipe with the group! When we say healthy, we are looking for meals free of processed ingredients (sugar, flours, seed oils) - so think quality protein, veggies and fruits, and healthy fats. No need to go Top Chef plating here, so don't overthink it (you know who you are 😆). All the top participants (posting daily) will be entered to win a prize. Options will include a private 1:1 coaching session or a gift card. Our team will be playing along, and sharing examples of our meals as well. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone is cooking up next week!

Just wanted to say welcome to our newer community members! Glad you are here. When you get a chance, be sure to check out the Classroom tab at the top of the community. There are some great resources in there, including a chance to meet the team and take a basic health assessment that can help identify focus areas. Let us know if you have any questions!

Back with another comic strip! As I often note, the comics can be funny because they hit so close to home - so close to real life. They get at our quirks and vulnerabilities, but in a broad enough way that we can giggle without feeling directly called out. I'll admit that once in a while, especially if dining out for a special occasion, I ponder what I'm eating with an eye on the dessert menu. What's that all about!? I'm continually surprised (not sure why, though!) at JUST HOW MANY comics hint at diet, food, stress, and exercise struggles. The world we live in does not match what our evolution says we should be doing for optimal health, and it's a struggle for many of us. Take today's for example. Little Jeffy (I think that's who this is! 😆) is worried about running out of room for his cupcake if he eats his meal (the sandwich) first. First of all, the longer you hang out here, the more you'll grow to appreciate that a sandwich is not your most ideal choice for a meal. But I digress... We are definitely dessert and sweet-obsessed! There may be some evolutionary remnants to this. Back in the hunter-gatherer days, something which was sweet was often associated with being calorie-dense and safe to consume, so it was a good thing, and often a crucial part of survival. Fast forward a few thousand years, though, and things have morphed considerably. You'll frequently hear me say that "the food industry is not your friend." They literally employ scientists in labs to conduct experiment after experiment to find the perfect sweet spot, whether that's sweet, salty, or crunchy, to get us coming back for the maximum number of portions. We. Are. Being. Manipulated. When you "can't eat just one," or when you feel like your nerves are going to crawl out of your skin if you don't eat something sweet, that is the food industry successfully having hijacked your brain with its chemically-laden Frankenfoods. It. Is. Not. Your. Fault. That's your Feel-Good Friday message (other than a cute comic)-- you can let of any shame you feel around eating.

Transformation is about the small changes, that over time become habits. Today I am asking you all to share your 'I used to ____________ but now I _____________' moment! I'll start! I used to back burner my own self-care regularly to focus on caring for others. Having a medically complex daughter really pulled me back down that rabbit hole at first. But now I prioritize my self-care so I can be the best me (for me and then for my family). This shows up for me when we have rough patches and hospital stays with Alex. During the last stay (and it was a rough one), I walked daily, ate healthy, and meditated in the hospital each day. It is never perfect, but it feels good to come home and not feel like my health suffered while we were focused on her. 💜 Your turn!

You made it! Welcome to Lifestyle Evolution! We're Dr. Steve Finch and Jeanna Finch, and we and our team are here to support your health journey, while creating this special health-minded community. Quick Tour: 📣 Community (you're here!) - Daily posts, discussions, support 📚 Classroom - Courses, recipes, and resources 📅 Calendar - Live hangouts and workshops 🏆 Leaderboard - Earn points by engaging (likes = 1 point!) Please keep in mind that some content is specific to which membership tier you are in. 👇 Complete these 5 steps to get started: 1. Introduce yourself in the comments: I am from ______________ and in my free time I enjoy _______________. And anything else fun you would like to share! 2. Browse the Classroom (Check out "Meet The Team") and community features 3. Mark your calendar for Wednesday's Wellness Hangout (12pm MT) 4. Read our Community Guidelines and Disclaimer 5. Post one win or question in the feed this week! Don't forget to download the app. Questions? Just ask! We're here every day. 💬 Let's do this! 🚀 — Jeanna, Dr. Steve, and Team