Yuka App – What’s Actually in My Food and Products?

Let’s start with this little gem. The Yuka App is a free tool that scans food and personal care products and gives them a health score based on their ingredients. It’s surprisingly fun and easy to use.

I started using it to cut out some of the hidden junk I didn’t even realize I was consuming, whether it be through my skincare or food. I’ve swapped out products based on Yuka’s scoring system and have honestly felt better since, I have less inflammation, better digestion, and peace of mind.

Why I love it:

• No more guessing what’s in your food or lotion.

   

• Quick scans = smarter decisions.

   

• Encourages more mindful purchases, not perfection. (Which I am all about not always being perfect!)

   

Cooking My Own Meals (Even Though I’m Not The Best At It)

This one’s simple but powerful. I am by no means a chef but I have been trying to look on Instagram for any odd looking and healthy meal. It gets my creative spirit going and it has been so fun! I really am loving paying attention to what I eat, knowing what went into it and the journey to get better at it. It also helps grocery shopping too. You end up getting more for your buck, and you only have to hit the outer circle of the store! 

There’s something about slowing down to chop, stir, and season that reminds me I’m a human. Cooking forces me to pause and eat intentionally, instead of skipping meals or relying on a cold tea and hope.

Why it helps:

• Saves money (so I can invest more in my biz).

   

• Supports better focus (no afternoon crashes).

   

• Adds some creativity into my day.

   

Pro Tip: I keep go-to meals on Instagram so I’m never left asking, “What should I make?”

My Favorite Podcasts (for Growth, Encouragement, and Real Talk)

I’m a podcast girl through and through. Whether I’m working out, driving into town, or cooking, I’ve always got one queued up. They’ve become a daily source of inspiration and insight. It is basically mentorship available to you whenever!

Here are a few I love:

• Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett: Steven gets into everything mindset, marketing, biz stories and anything you’ve ever thought about but never truly dove into. 
• The Mel Robbins Podcast: Mel wants to help you change your life for the better. She gives science backed tools to make a difference in your life to change it. And I love that she is so down to earth and real. 
• What Now? With Trevor Noah: Fascinating behind the scenes into how well-known celebrities, thought leaders, business owners, athletes and friends that dives into topics we’re all thinking about.

   

Why I rely on them:

• Instant energy boost.

   

• Reminds me I’m not alone in the ups and downs.

   

• New ideas come when I least expect them.

   

Intentional Time With My Phone (Yes, Really)

We’re overstimulated all the time. Between screens, notifications, and the constant scroll, our brains rarely get a break. So I started making small moves to have less phone time. Things like; listening to classical music during workouts, removing Instagram off my phone so I have to search for it to use it, and aiming to pick up DuoLingo App instead of social media when I have the itch to look. 

Why it’s worth it:

• Gives your nervous system a reset.

   

• Reconnects you to your intuition.

   

• Creates space for creativity to return.

   

It doesn’t need to be a lot, but some intentional time makes a difference. 

Sleep, Stretching, and Saying No

These don’t get their own apps or hashtags, but they matter just as much:

• Sleep is my secret weapon. 8 hours is the goal. But the more the merrier.

   

• Stretching keeps my body from tensing up at my desk. Or I try to stand a lot!

   

• Saying no to the things that I just don’t want to do. It protects my energy and I ultimately end up feeling better.

   

I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that nothing is worth sacrificing my health or sanity.

Your business runs better when you feel better. It’s easy to put your own needs at the bottom of the to-do list, but when you prioritize your energy, everything else flows more smoothly; your ideas, your productivity, your client work, your creativity. These tools and habits keep me grounded (especially when I am traveling), curious, and aligned, and they just might do the same for you.