For decades, we were taught that health meant building our diet on grains, limiting fats, and treating protein like an accessory. That food pyramid didn’t just influence school lunches—it shaped grocery stores, medical advice, and how an entire generation thinks about nutrition. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: That pyramid was never built around optimal human health. It was built around industry, convenience, and outdated science. Let’s break this down. The Old Model (That Many of Us Still Follow) - Base of the pyramid: breads, cereals, pasta, rice - Fats demonized - Protein minimized - Sugar quietly slipped into everything The result? - Blood sugar instability - Chronic inflammation - Hormonal disruption - Rising obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease—despite “following the rules” If the old advice worked, we wouldn’t be seeing worsening health outcomes year after year. The New (More Honest) Food Pyramid Modern nutritional science flips the script: 1. Protein as the foundation Muscle, metabolism, hormones, immune function—protein is not optional. It is essential. 2. Healthy fats are not the enemy Fats support brain health, satiety, and stable energy. Removing them created more problems than it solved. 3. Vegetables over refined carbs Fiber, micronutrients, and gut health matter far more than empty calories. 4. Carbs are contextual—not evil, but not unlimited Quality, timing, and individual needs matter. Why This Matters Most people aren’t lacking willpower. They’re operating off bad information. You can’t out-discipline a diet that is metabolically stacked against you. In my opinion, the real wellness breakthrough isn’t another workout plan or supplement—it’s unlearning what we were told and rebuilding from evidence, not tradition. Curious where you started questioning nutrition advice—or what change made the biggest difference for you. Let’s discuss.

I wanted to let you guys know about how the stress formula I got for the prize has been working. I wanted to give it time to really know if it would work before i gave it a review. I got the stress formula in the mail and I started it that day. It took a few days for me to notice a difference in my stress levels. It wasn't immediate but nothing good ever is. I have to say it didn't take more than a week to see a big difference though. At first I realized that I felt more calm than I had been. The husband didn't even get me upset over the ginormous mess he made on my freshly cleaned stove cooking bacon! Never mind that he doesn't clean up after himself lol. I think it was around day 6 that that happened when I realized I didn't even complain about it. That was the big one that I noticed. After that I realized that I was listening to my mom repeat the same story for the millionth time and I didn't float off thinking about other things to get through it. Now I love both my husband and my mother but after so much it gets really hard to get through these things for me. I don't get mean with them but I still would feel bad that I would either complain or not fully listen. Then I'd stress out about it. Yall, these great little capsules are just about a miracle worker! I have found myself more relaxed about everything. Not in a lazy way but a "I can handle it" kind of way. I think I've just stressed over things for so long that I didn't remember how good it felt to not be stressed. That formula has made such a huge difference in me that it's hard to explain. I know that there's ways or things I could do other than this formula but a lot of them was too difficult for me to make work on my own. And I've tried all kind of different ways. I think that this formula was the exact thing that helped me get past that hurdle and now I can handle it so much better. I actually would recommend this to everyone as a first thing to use. I use to think that I had nothing to cause me stress but one day someone said to me "why does that bother you so much". When my answer was it doesn't, I later realized that it actually did bother me because I actually was getting stressed instead of accepting the issue. So I started trying all kind of things to relax and just not worry. Most helped some but not enough. I just couldn't get past the point of truly letting stress go. I'm so happy I have finally gotten something that helped me do this. I'm really grateful to Patrick for knowing just what I needed. I may never have tried it on my own. Heck, it took me years before I even realized that what I was feeling and what was holding me back was even stress! I'm not sure if this formula is something that will be needed from now on or not but for now I'm not giving it up. It's made that big of an impact on me. Now I can say I feel great and not just because I'm not so badly stressed but because I can tell that it's helped in so many other ways also. I'm sleeping better. I'm more calm. I'm able to be in the moment more. I don't worry as much needlessly. I'm more friendly. I can think better. I'm more caring. More everything. I've had so much going on for the last month or so with having my grand girls and the holidays that I haven't had time to even spend time on this wonderful group and that's OK too. But now that all that is coming to an end and I will be going back to my everyday routines I know I can handle it with ease. And I'll miss all the restless time I've been having. My 3 girls are 10, 7, and 6 months. Plus all the family get togethers, the eating that's put some extra pounds on, all the cooking and cleaning, and staying awake much more than I should have. But I wouldn't trade it for the world and it was all wonderful and possible because of the stress formula. For anyone here, I think it's the best thing you can do for yourself. It's worth the money it cost. You really should try it! Here's a picture of my girls. You can see they are happy with the new me too!

Most people don’t realize there are two very different types of cinnamon on the market: Cassia and Ceylon. While they may look and taste similar, their effects on the body are not the same. Cassia cinnamon - This is the most common type found in grocery stores. - Stronger, spicier flavor. - Contains high levels of coumarin, a compound that can stress the liver when consumed regularly in larger amounts. - Fine for occasional baking or flavoring, but not ideal for daily wellness use. Ceylon cinnamon (often called “true cinnamon”) - Milder, slightly sweet flavor. - Very low in coumarin, making it safer for consistent use. - Traditionally used for its supportive benefits related to: Blood sugar balance Digestive comfort Anti-inflammatory support Antioxidant protection - From a wellness perspective, this distinction matters. If you’re adding cinnamon to coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, or supplements daily, Ceylon is the superior choice for long-term health. My opinion: Small ingredient choices, made consistently, add up. Switching from cassia to Ceylon cinnamon is a simple upgrade that aligns with a more intentional, body-friendly lifestyle. If you’re working on metabolic health, energy, or reducing unnecessary toxin load, this is one of those “quiet wins” worth making. As always, quality matters. Read labels, know your sources, and don’t assume all spices are created equal.

The start of a new year is a natural reset point—but real progress comes from choosing a clear priority and building consistent habits around it. If you had to focus on one main area over the next 90 days, what would it be? There’s no “perfect” answer. This poll helps guide future conversations, trainings, and support inside the collective. After you vote, feel free to comment: - What’s held you back in the past? - What would meaningful progress actually look like for you this year? Wellness is multi-dimensional—when one area improves, the others often follow.

As we step into a brand-new year, I want to say how grateful I am to be part of this wellness collective. A new year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a chance to recommit to taking care of ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally. As we move forward, be on the lookout for some upcoming happenings connected to what I’m building. These will include new resources, conversations, and opportunities not only around health and wellness, but also around creating additional income streams that align with a healthier lifestyle. True wellness isn’t just about how you feel in your body—it’s also about reducing financial stress and increasing flexibility in your life. In the meantime, here are a few simple but powerful reminders to start the year strong: • Focus on consistency over perfection. Sustainable habits beat short-term extremes every time. • Prioritize hydration, whole foods, and sleep before chasing advanced strategies or quick fixes. • Move your body daily, even if it’s just a walk—momentum builds confidence. • Manage stress intentionally; mental health and physical health are inseparable. • Take inventory of both your health and your finances—small improvements in either area can dramatically improve quality of life. This year is about building stability, energy, and options—physically, mentally, and financially. I’m excited about what’s coming and look forward to growing together with all of you. Here’s to a healthy, energized, and prosperous year ahead.