​1. Implementing Health-Boosting Changes in the New Year
I’ll be honest: I’ve never been a firm believer in waiting for the new year to make changes. My philosophy has always been that when you decide to take action, the time to start is right then and there. However, it just so happens that this year, my self-reflection coincided with the holiday season, giving me the perfect opportunity to plan my health goals for the new year. Perhaps it’s fate, or maybe just good timing, but I’m embracing the coincidence and using this as a fresh start.
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2. Realizations During the Holiday Season
The holiday season gave me much-needed time to reflect. Despite being a nutritionist who prioritizes home-cooked meals, daily walks, workout classes, and maintaining an average stress level, I’ve noticed some subtle but persistent changes. My metabolism has slowed over the years, and with it, my weight has crept up, my energy levels have dipped, and my sleep quality has deteriorated. These changes have motivated me to reassess my approach to health and make intentional, science-backed changes to reclaim my vitality.

I sometimes get the feeling that people assume just because I teach about healthy eating and gut health, that I have everything figured out and don’t need to worry about my own well-being. While it’s true that most days are pretty good and I’ve developed a solid plan to support my digestion, I still have to work for it. Like anyone else, I’ve faced my share of health challenges—one of which used to trouble me every year like clockwork.

When I was 17, I developed a seasonal allergy to grass pollen. Every year, from mid-May to mid-July, I suffered from puffy eyes, a stuffy, runny nose, and overall misery.

If you’ve ever had a seasonal allergy, you’ll understand how uncomfortable it can be. Some might say it’s not a huge deal since allergies are common, but for me, it significantly affected my quality of life. I didn’t want to stay indoors during the beautiful summer months just to avoid the grass pollen, nor did I want to rely on antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays for two months every year.
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More importantly, I realized my allergy was my body’s way of signaling that something was off balance. I knew if I ignored it, other issues could develop over time. So, I started looking for answers.

​​Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects around 7–15% of the world’s population, leading to uncomfortable and often debilitating digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. The Monash University Low-FODMAP Diet is a scientifically supported approach designed to help individuals manage these symptoms and improve their quality of life. By targeting specific food groups that can trigger IBS symptoms, this diet has proven to be effective for many who suffer from the condition.

Digestive discomfort can be a significant disruption to daily life. Bloating and diarrhea are common symptoms that many people experience, often resulting from diet, stress, or underlying health conditions. Fortunately, there are simple nutritional changes you can make to help alleviate these symptoms and promote better digestive health. Here are three essential nutrition tips to combat bloating and diarrhea.

1. INCORPORATE PROBIOTIC-RICH FOODS
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. They help strengthen the gut microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet can help reduce bloating and diarrhea by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

There is a wide variety of probiotic-rich foods made by fermenting either dairy or plant-based ingredients. You can choose a few and rotate them throughout your weekly meal plan.

Various herbs, those green leafy plants, are used worldwide as seasonings, adding unique flavors to our meals depending on the type of herb used.

Did you know that herbs have been valued for centuries not only for their flavor but also for their health benefits? Their healing properties are increasingly appreciated today, as evidenced by the growing number of dietary supplements made from them.

My herbs and spice cabinet is filled with a variety of organically grown dried herbs, which I love adding to my meals, especially during winter. However, the flavor and aroma of fresh herbs are incomparable to their dried counterparts. ​