Matcha used to be my go-to drink. That first sip always hit just right. It was warm, earthy, and grounding. Nothing else compared. My husband and I were enjoying matcha long before it became trendy. About ten years ago, we were standing at Starbucks ordering it straight. No fancy milks, no sweeteners, just pure matcha powder shaken with water. We truly loved that bold, grassy taste.

For years, I felt good about choosing it. Every time I reached for a cup of matcha instead of coffee or soda, I believed I was making a better choice. It felt like something my body and mind would thank me for. But recently, I came across something that completely changed my view.

Matcha contains fluoride.

Let me just say—no one warned me. Not about the mental load, the random waves of pain, the “Is this normal?” panic, or how emotional I’d feel over a couple missing molars.

I had two upper molars pulled—one on each side—and that alone made things harder. You can’t really chew on either side, which meant every single bite (or attempt at a bite) became a full mental game. I wasn’t prepared for the kind of downtime this recovery would need. I thought I’d be up and feeling like myself in a couple days. Spoiler: I was very, very wrong.

Making healthy choices for your family doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. In fact, with a few practical habits and some smart planning, eating well and living well can fit beautifully into even the tightest budget.

Whether you’re navigating rising food costs or simply trying to make better choices without the overwhelm, here are some realistic ways to prioritize health without breaking the bank — and yes, it can be done.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity for its simplicity and potential health benefits. But what exactly is it, and how can it improve your daily life? Let’s break it down.

I’ve done my research, and I know what’s in sunscreen—harmful chemicals that claim to protect you from skin cancer but may actually be contributing to it. The very thing people slather on to prevent sun damage could be doing more harm than good.

I’ve always loved being in the sunshine—whether floating in a pool or sipping an ice-cold matcha on a breezy day. To me, the sun is a luxury, one that I want to soak in daily.

When I had my first miscarriage in 2022, I sank into a deep depression. It was a cold, snowy day in Colorado when I left the hospital after delivering my 16-week-old baby girl. I remember sitting in silence, staring out the window, feeling completely empty. Then, suddenly, the sun broke through the clouds and warmed my skin. In that moment, I felt her. I felt God. I felt this quiet reassurance that, somehow, I would be okay—eventually.

When it comes to staying healthy, sometimes the simplest things can make a big difference. Take nuts, for example. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews—they might seem like just snacks, but they’re actually packed with good stuff that’s great for us.

I decided to make nuts a part of my daily routine because of their incredible health benefits. It all began with two Brazil nuts each day for their selenium content. As I learned more about the benefits, I added walnuts to the mix for their numerous health advantages. Now, I enjoy a variety of nuts like cashews, almonds, and peanuts to give my body the health boost it craves.

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has gained widespread popularity for its numerous health benefits. Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are infused in water and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the whole leaf, maximizing its nutritional content. Matcha is not only a tasty beverage but also a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being.

Embarking on the journey of pregnancy is a transformative experience, and the choices we make during this time play a crucial role in the health and well-being of both us as mothers and our babies. One often-overlooked powerhouse in the realm of prenatal nutrition is the humble date.

Beyond its yummy sweetness, dates bring a ton of benefits to the table for expectant mothers. Packed with essential nutrients like iron, fiber, and vitamins, these small wonders contribute to a healthy pregnancy by aiding digestion, supporting bone health, and regulating blood sugar levels. Additionally, dates are known to be a natural source of energy, offering a wholesome alternative to processed sweets.