Let us get to the good stuff! But first I must tell you I love sharing products that I have found to add value to my life and help me succeed along this journey. So in this blog post, you will find some links and this is what I need to tell you:

**Affiliate Disclosure**
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe in. Thank you for supporting my work!

If you’ve been following my journey or read my book, you’re probably familiar with how I lost 115 pounds in 563 days. That accomplishment still feels incredible to me, and the physical and mental transformations I experienced were remarkable. However, as any journey of this magnitude unfolds, there are always surprises—things you didn’t expect or anticipate. As much as losing the weight was a monumental victory, I soon realized that there were other issues arising with my body that I hadn’t considered when I started this transformation.

Today, I want to share some of the challenges I faced during this journey, the solutions I found, and how they led me to collagen supplements and greens, which have had a tremendous impact on my health, hair, skin, and overall well-being.

The Unspoken Side of Weight Loss: What Really Happens to Your Hair, Nails, and Skin

Losing over 100 pounds was one of the most transformative experiences of my life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The changes to my body shape and size were expected and, in many ways, celebrated.

But what I wasn’t prepared for were the lesser-known side effects—especially the impact it had on my hair, nails, and skin.

Hair Loss After Weight Loss: The Unexpected Reality

I’ve always had thick, full hair, so hair thinning was never something I thought I’d experience. But as the number on the scale dropped, so did the volume of my hair.

At first, I assumed it was stress or temporary shedding, but the thinning persisted. As I dug deeper, I learned that hair loss after significant weight loss is actually quite common—particularly in women and those who experience rapid or dramatic changes in diet. Nutrient deficiencies, shifts in hormones, and reduced caloric intake can all contribute to telogen effluvium, a condition that causes hair to shed more than usual.

Key takeaway: Hair loss is a normal (but frustrating) part of many weight loss journeys, and often a sign that the body is adjusting to a new nutritional baseline.

Brittle Nails and Nutrient Deficiency

I’d always had strong, healthy nails. So when they became brittle, thin, and prone to cracking, it was another curveball I didn’t see coming.

Like with hair, nail health is deeply tied to nutrition. Rapid weight loss can sometimes mean you’re unintentionally missing out on essential nutrients like biotin, protein, iron, and zinc. Without them, nails can weaken and lose their resilience.

Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to focus on whole foods, supplement wisely, and hydrate more. It’s a slow process, but it helps.

Loose Skin After Weight Loss: The Truth No One Tells You

When you lose 115 pounds, your skin doesn’t just bounce back like a rubber band. I wish it did. In reality, I was left with loose, sagging skin—particularly around my stomach, upper arms, thighs, and more subtly, my eyes, neck, and jawline.

Skin elasticity is influenced by factors like:

• Age
• Genetics
• Hydration
• Length of time you were overweight
• Speed of weight loss

While I’ve seen improvements through hydration, strength training, and skincare, some areas may always have excess skin—and that’s okay. It’s part of my story.

Finding Confidence Through the Changes

Here’s the honest truth: I’m so proud of the body I’ve worked hard for—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. There are days I struggle with the reflection in the mirror or the changes I didn’t expect.

Weight loss is often celebrated, and it should be—but it’s also okay to grieve the side effects, the surprises, and the sacrifices that come with it.

If you’re on your own journey, know this: you’re not alone. Hair thinning, brittle nails, and loose skin are rarely talked about—but they’re real. You can be proud of your progress and still feel overwhelmed. Both can exist at the same time.

Give yourself permission to feel it all. Growth comes with growing pains—literally and emotionally.

Final Thoughts

Weight loss is about more than just a number on the scale—it’s a full-body transformation that touches every part of your life. From the physical changes to the emotional rollercoaster, the journey is real, raw, and incredibly personal.

The more we share these unspoken challenges, the more we normalize them—and empower others to feel seen, supported, and informed.

Seeking Solutions: Consulting My Doctor

After losing a good amount of weight, it was time to find some solutions that would start to address some of the side effects I was experiencing. I reached out to my doctor to get to the bottom of what was happening. My body was going through so many changes, and I needed to understand why these particular issues were arising. I wanted to know what steps I could take to help slow down the hair thinning and how I could strengthen my nails to get them back to their healthier state. I knew the skin was going to be a more difficult process. So, I thought I would start with my hair thinning and my nails.

After discussing everything with my doctor, she recommended I try a supplement called Viviscal. Viviscal is a supplement designed to help combat hair loss. So, I started taking it right away, hopeful that it would help reverse some of the damage. While it did show some improvement, I still felt like I wasn’t getting the results I was truly hoping for regarding my hair. It is an excellent option for hair growth. So if this is something you are struggling with this is a great option and you can find it here: https://amzn.to/3RdpxWF

Realizing the Power of Small Changes

As frustrating as it was not to see immediate results, I reminded myself, as I often do, that real change takes time. I’ve shared with you all before that small, consistent changes over time lead to big, impactful transformations. This approach was a cornerstone of my weight loss success, and I knew I needed to bring that same mindset to my hair, nails, and overall health.

Despite Viviscal helping a bit, I still wasn’t seeing the results I wanted, and I knew I had to explore other options. So, at my next visit when I spoke with my doctor, I asked if there were any other options that could possibly help me. My quest to find a solution led me to something I had heard about but never really paid attention to—collagen.

Collagen: The Game Changer I Didn’t Expect

I had recently heard about the amazing benefits of collagen, particularly when it comes to improving hair, skin, and nail health. Collagen is a protein that our bodies naturally produce, but as we age, we lose the ability to produce it efficiently. This leads to visible signs of aging, like wrinkles, sagging skin, and thinning hair. Collagen plays a crucial role in strengthening hair, nails, and skin, so I decided to do some research to find out if collagen could be the missing piece of my puzzle.

I learned that there are several types of collagen supplements available, and after doing some deep research, I found that marine-based collagen is one of the best types for improving hair, skin, and nails. In liquid form, collagen is more easily absorbed by the body than in powder or pill form, making it an ideal option for me.

Little did I know, a company I already loved and trusted had a collagen supplement that fit my criteria perfectly. After doing my research and confirming that it was a good quality product, I decided to give it a try. I started taking the marine-based liquid collagen about two weeks before my Florida trip with my family, and I made a commitment to stick with it.

Collagen’s Impact: More Than Just Hair and Nails

I didn’t expect the results to be immediate, but as I stayed consistent with taking the collagen every day, I started to notice improvements in my hair and nails. Although it took a little while for my hair to become thicker and my nails to regain their strength, I also experienced some unexpected benefits in other areas of my health.

One of the biggest improvements I noticed was in my digestive system. As I mentioned earlier, my body had been struggling with digestive issues as a result of both the weight loss and some of the medications I had been on. One of the side effects of the medication was digestive distress, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to shake it. I had to take a probiotic, fiber supplements, and a host of other things just to try to manage my digestive issues.

When I started taking the collagen, I didn’t expect it to help with my digestive system, but it was a game changer. The collagen I was taking had added apple cider vinegar and aloe vera, both of which are known to support healthy digestion. Within a few weeks, I noticed that the digestive issues I had been dealing with for so long were significantly reduced.

During our Florida trip, I realized just how much the collagen had improved my digestive health. Typically, after a flight, I’d experience digestive issues for a few days, but this time, I felt different. I told my husband, Gary, that I hadn’t experienced the usual discomfort, and he reminded me that I had started taking collagen just before the trip. It was amazing to see that the consistency was paying off not only in my hair and nails but also in my digestion.

The Continued Benefits of Collagen

To this day, I still take collagen every morning, and I genuinely believe it has made a huge difference in my daily life. The benefits have been tremendous. My hair is thicker, my nails are stronger, and my digestion has improved. While my skin, particularly around my belly, arms, and thighs, still has some loose skin due to the significant weight loss, I feel much better overall.

It’s important to note that no product can work miracles overnight. The results take time, and consistency is key. Collagen has become an essential part of my routine, and I’m so grateful for the positive impact it has had on my health.

If you are interested in trying out the collagen, you can click this link to go to my page: https://www.youniqueproducts.com/ashleyfeldewerd/products/view/US-16304-40

Greens: A One-Stop Shop for Nutrients

Now that I had found a solution for my hair, nails, and digestion, I turned my focus to another aspect of my health—nutrition. For the longest time, I knew I probably wasn’t getting all the vitamins and nutrients I needed, but I wasn’t sure how to fix that. As I’ve mentioned before, I didn’t want to be taking a handful of pills every day. I had already been dealing with digestive issues and taking multiple supplements just to manage those, and I was really tired of the whole process.

After doing some research on greens powders and their benefits, I decided to try a greens supplement to see if it could provide the nutrients I needed without adding more pills to my daily routine. I’ve tried several different greens powders, and I’m still in the process of determining which one works best for me.

It’s been a trial-and-error process, but I’ve found that a good greens powder can provide an easy way to get a broad range of nutrients. I’ve been carefully testing each one, paying attention to how my body responds and how I feel after taking it. Once I’ve narrowed down my favorite green powder, I’ll be sure to share the results with you, along with a detailed review. I am on my third trial right now, I have tried each one for two months. I am a week away from the two-month mark on my third option. Once I have confirmed my favorite, I will share that recommendation with you!

Taking Stock of What Works

One thing I’ve learned throughout this entire process is the importance of taking stock of the supplements and products you’re putting in your body. It’s crucial to evaluate whether what you’re taking is really working and if it’s worth the money. I’ve spent a lot of time testing different products, and I want to make sure that I’m getting the most benefit from whatever I put into my body.

As I wrap up this journey, I can confidently say that collagen and greens have been the two game changers for me. While my skin is still a work in progress (and will probably always be), the improvements I’ve seen in my hair, nails, digestion, and overall well-being have been incredible. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you might be able to find solutions that work for you, too.

Thanks for reading and joining me on this journey. If you have any questions or would like to know more about my experiences with collagen, greens, or anything else, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help and share what I’ve learned.

Let us get to the good stuff! But first I must tell you I love sharing products that I have found to add value to my life and help me succeed along this journey. So in this blog post, you will find some links and this is what I need to tell you:

**Affiliate Disclosure**
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe in. Thank you for supporting my work!

Our new Menu Planner is here! Ema and I co-authored a menu planner that is the exact format of what I used. https://amzn.to/4lbY8Cg

Embracing Family, Health, and Organization: A Journey of Balance and Efficiency

If you know me, or even if you just follow my journey from afar, you’re probably aware that my life revolves around the most important people in my world – my husband, our five children, and their significant others. Nothing brings me more joy than spending quality time with my loved ones, and of course, prioritizing our collective health and happiness. But let’s face it: life with a large family can get overwhelming! In fact, sometimes it feels like time slips away so quickly that by mid-week, I’m scrambling to accomplish everything on my to-do list.

Sound familiar? If you’re a parent, or someone who’s ever been responsible for a busy household, you probably understand the constant juggle. From kids’ schedules and family meals to errands, school projects, and everything else that life throws at us, it often seems like there’s never enough time in the day. However, over the years, I’ve found that the key to managing the chaos lies in one simple word: planning.

In this post, I’ll take you through my personal journey of becoming better at planning, share some tools and products I swear by, and dive into how planning and organization have become essential elements of my family’s life. Whether you’re balancing a large family or just trying to keep your own life in order, I hope you’ll find some useful ideas and shortcuts that will help you navigate your day-to-day life with greater ease and joy.

How Becoming Better at Planning Changed Everything

If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you might know that I wasn’t always a “planner.” In fact, I never used to consider myself particularly organized. But as our family grew, I quickly realized that the chaos of daily life was going to need some structure. Not only was it necessary to stay on top of our activities, appointments, and school events, but it became clear that staying organized was key to maintaining my sanity! This has helped me take the chaos out of everyday life and slow down and enjoy the moments. As parents, we are often the ones to make sure that all things are a go and work for our kids, and we miss the little moments. Some friends of ours who also have a big family recently wrote in their Christmas card, “Time is the only thing money can’t buy”. Boy does this hit home!

When we had our first few kids, the number of things to remember was manageable. But once we reached five children, with their extracurricular activities, school projects, doctor’s appointments, and playdates, the calendar started to look more like a jigsaw puzzle! As any parent knows, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of life, and before long, you realize that you can’t do it all without a plan.

I’ve always believed that organization isn’t just about keeping things tidy or making lists (though, don’t get me wrong, I do both of those!). It’s about creating systems that allow us to be more efficient with our time. It’s about carving out the space and energy for what truly matters: the moments spent together as a family. This evolution from “winging it” to “planning ahead” has been one of the most transformative aspects of our family life.

The Importance of Being Efficient

As our children grew older and started to have more of their own interests and responsibilities, I knew that efficiency was going to become more important than ever. At one point, we found ourselves in a constant rush, running from one event to the next without much breathing room. I knew something had to change. We needed a strategy to make our daily routines run more smoothly, so that we could not only keep up with the busy pace of life but also actually enjoy the things we love doing together.

Efficiency isn’t just about saving time—it’s about using time wisely. The more I embraced efficiency, the more I was able to create space for fun, relaxation, and meaningful moments with my loved ones. In the past, I might have looked at a busy day and felt overwhelmed. Now, I can look at a packed schedule and think, “We’ve got this!” because we have the tools and systems in place to handle everything.

This drive for efficiency has also taken on a new level of importance through my health journey in the last couple of years. As anyone who has ever faced health challenges knows, maintaining your well-being requires careful planning. Whether it’s preparing healthy meals, taking time for self-care, or staying on top of doctor’s appointments, health doesn’t just happen—it needs to be prioritized. I’ll share more about how I integrate health-conscious choices into my family’s routine later, but for now, I want to dive into the tools and products that have helped me along the way.

Tools and Products That Help Keep Us on Track

One of the most satisfying things about planning and organizing is finding tools that actually make a difference. Over the years, we’ve discovered several products and solutions that have become absolute game-changers for us. From cleaning supplies to food prep tools, here’s a list of some of the products I swear by in our daily lives:

1. Meal Prep and Planning Tools

Meal planning is essential for a large family like ours, and having the right tools makes all the difference. I’ve found that prepping meals ahead of time not only saves us money but also reduces stress during the week.

• Meal Planning Template: There are so many meal planning options out there, but I’ve found that if I stay consistent with what works for us, I have more success. Ema and I worked together to create a meal planner that you can use to plan your meals for the week. This is the exact template that I used to plan our meals over the last couple of years while I was on my journey to a healthier lifestyle and how I lost 115 pounds. It is available here: https://amzn.to/4j7DRM4
• Reusable Meal Prep Containers: These containers are a game-changer when it comes to storing prepped meals. I love the ones with separate compartments for different foods because they make packing lunches and snacks so much easier. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and help reduce waste. Here is my recommendation for amazing containers that help us have food ready to go: https://amzn.to/3QRwZXa
• Pressure Cooker: If you haven’t jumped on the Pressure Cooker bandwagon yet, you’re missing out! This magical kitchen tool can cook meals in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove or in the oven. From soups and stews to rice and even desserts, this is one appliance that gets a lot of use in our home. The best use I have found for mine, which is a time saver, is boiling hard-boiled eggs. AMAZING for this! I know pressure cookers can sound scary, but I promise, they are easy to use. My family needs a large-sized one that you can find here: https://amzn.to/3RdY9YF, and if you have a normal-sized family and don’t need such a large one, here is a great option: https://amzn.to/42hFfWV

2. Cleaning and Organization Products

A clean home is essential for maintaining order, especially when you’ve got a busy family running in and out. But cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge time-suck. I’ve found several products that make the process faster and more efficient. I find that if I clean throughout the week instead of trying to do it on the weekend, then I actually get to enjoy my weekend instead of spending an entire day cleaning. I usually vacuum, clean our wood floors, and try to keep up with laundry during the week. Then on Friday I clean all the bathrooms. By breaking in down, it isn’t so much at one time. I try to be consistent, our house stays pretty clean, and then when the weekend comes, we are ready to enjoy!

• Robot Vacuum: If you don’t own a robot vacuum yet, I highly recommend investing in one. Our robot vacuum runs a couple of times a week and keeps our floors looking spotless without me having to lift a finger. It’s perfect for a family home where dust and crumbs seem to appear out of nowhere. This is my favorite of the three that I have owned: https://amzn.to/43uuPEz
• Wet/Dry Vacuum: If there was one household tool that I could not live without, it would be this amazing wet/dry vacuum cleaner! If you haven’t seen the Tineco vacuum, you are missing out. Some friends of ours had one, and they are a bit expensive, although they do go on sale often, and it happens to be right now! Let me just say, if you are a mom, you need this without a doubt. It vacuums and scrubs all at the same time and does a fantastic job! I mean, I used to do a good scrub every month to two months. Now I clean our floors weekly. I love this vacuum! You can get yours here: https://amzn.to/4c9f8og
• Cordless Vacuum: This vacuum is the catch-all in between my robot vacuum and my wet/dry vacuum. This one is great for everything in between, steps, rugs, and the quick tidy ups when you don’t need to scrub your floor. For the sawdust or straw that my family tracks in when they are done working for the day. You can find the one that I use every day and love here: https://amzn.to/3FLa0ux

3. Time-Saving Tips

Technology has been a huge ally in helping us stay organized. From family calendars to to-do lists, here are some of the tools we use:

• Shared Calendar Apps: I can’t stress enough how essential it is to have a shared family calendar. With everyone’s activities and appointments in one place, there’s less room for confusion and missed events. We use a digital calendar so everyone can add their events and tasks. Our favorite app that we use is the Cozi App, we use the lists on there as well for groceries and to-do lists. Each of uses our own color and everything goes on it. That way we all know where we have to be and when, and honestly, some days, it helps me know where everyone is; they are hard to keep track of some days.
• Grocery Pick Up Orders: Online grocery shopping has been a lifesaver. It saves me time and energy by allowing me to quickly order what we need without having to spend an hour walking through the store. It also makes me spend time planning to know what we need instead of just buying what I think as I am walking through the store. Life Hack: You can add a different pick-up person, if you live close to me, give your teenager some money for Caribou, and send them. I love not having to go to the grocery store, and my kids love driving and of course the Caribou!
• Time Management: This might seem like a no-brainer. But if I am taking the kids to the ortho for their appointments, or I am going to have downtime at a volleyball tournament, or if I am going to an appointment. The examples are endless, but I use this time to plan. I will make sure that no matter what I am doing throughout my week that I take the time to lay out our upcoming week. I will always have a planner and a notebook with me. This way, instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone, I am getting organized and planning to be prepared. I recently found this planner that I have ready by Sunday night of each week: https://amzn.to/4j5CA8f. This is the perfect size notebook, and I always have one close. Not too big, but the perfect size to make my “lists”: https://amzn.to/4iIwMBL and my sister recently recommended these pencils, and I love them! https://amzn.to/4c8EyTb

Conclusion: Finding Balance and Enjoying the Journey

Life with a large family is always going to be busy. But with the right tools, planning, and mindset, it’s possible to juggle everything without losing your sanity. By embracing efficiency and finding shortcuts that work for us, we’ve been able to spend more time doing what we love: being together, focusing on our health, and enjoying each other’s company.

I hope this list of products and strategies has inspired you to find your own solutions to life’s chaos. Whether you’re organizing your home, improving your health, or simply trying to make more time for the people who matter most, there’s always room for a little extra planning and a lot of love. Here’s to a balanced, happy, and organized life with the ones we hold dear.

Let us get to the good stuff! But first I must tell you I love sharing products that I have found to add value to my life and help me succeed along this journey. So in this blog post, you will find some links and this is what I need to tell you:

**Affiliate Disclosure**
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe in. Thank you for supporting my work!

The Balanced Plate Method: A Simple Approach to Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss

After receiving my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, it didn’t take long to realize how crucial nutrition was in managing my condition and achieving my weight loss goals. In fact, I quickly learned that understanding what to eat was just as important as the foods I was eating. This might sound simple, especially when we think back to our childhood days when we learned about healthy eating, but as an adult, it can feel overwhelming.

This blog post is all about the Balanced Plate Method—the approach I used to simplify my nutrition and make it easier to stick to my diabetes management plan. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking to improve your eating habits, this method can help you stay on track and feel confident in your food choices.

The Balanced Plate Method: What is It?

When I left the doctor’s office after my diagnosis, I met with a nutritionist and a diabetes nurse, and then went to the pharmacy to pick up my medications. As I walked into my home, I made a commitment to myself: I’m going to tackle this head-on. One of the first things my nutritionist taught me was the Balanced Plate Method, and it immediately helped simplify the process of eating healthier.

The principle is simple: divide your plate into three sections:

• Half of your plate should be filled with vegetables
• A quarter should be protein
• A quarter should be carbohydrates

By focusing on this method, I didn’t have to overthink every meal. Whether I was very hungry or just a little bit, I kept the balance consistent. If I felt hungrier, I would make my plate slightly bigger, but I would always make sure to stick to the same proportions.

Here is a link to some containers that are very useful to help you plan out and stick to the portions of the balanced plate: https://amzn.to/4btpVJQ

Carb Counting and Portion Control

Once I started following the Balanced Plate Method, I took things a step further and spent some time counting carbs. This was especially helpful early on, as it gave me a better understanding of what a balanced meal should look like. I used carb counting to identify the healthiest options for each section of my plate.

For the vegetable portion, I focused on non-starchy vegetables—these are packed with fiber and nutrients without raising blood sugar levels. For protein, I stuck to lean sources like chicken, beef, pork, and fish, while choosing healthier carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, rice, or berries.

I aimed for about 30-45 grams of carbs per meal and kept my snacks between 0-15 grams of carbs. I also made sure to stick to a list of foods I could eat to help me stay on track. At first, I kept things very simple—protein, veggies, and carbs—so I could really understand how these foods affected my body and blood sugar levels.

Understanding How Food Affects Your Body

One of the most important lessons I learned was how different foods made me feel. In the beginning, I chose simple, clean meals and repeated them for a few weeks. This helped me establish a baseline and see how my body responded. Over time, I added variety to my meals by experimenting with new food combinations. Tracking how I felt after meals became a game-changer. I paid close attention to how my blood sugar responded and, more importantly, how my body felt—whether I felt energized, sluggish, or satisfied.

A Focus on Vegetables First

Another crucial step in my journey was eating vegetables first. By eating the fiber-rich vegetables first, my body had time to digest and absorb the nutrients before moving on to the protein and carbs. This really helped stabilize my blood sugar levels and improved how I felt after meals. If I got full before finishing everything on my plate, I knew I had already eaten my vegetables and protein. The carbs would often be the last thing I left behind, which helped me stay within my carb goals.

Keep it Simple and Build from There

If you’re just starting out, don’t overcomplicate things. Begin with meals you know and love, then gradually swap out ingredients to experiment with new combinations. As you become more comfortable, you can build on your meals and find what works best for you.

Hydration and Beverage Choices

When it came to beverages, I stuck with water for the most part. I also found a few sparkling water options, like Bubblr or Fresca, to add flavor without the sugar. Having a good water bottle was essential, as it made it easier for me to track how much water I was drinking throughout the day. Staying hydrated played a key role in how I felt and helped me avoid unnecessary cravings.

Here is my latest favorite water bottle, https://amzn.to/3QI5kb4 if you are a traveler, here is a great option for when you need to fit a water bottle in the end of your carry-on. https://amzn.to/43h64LU

Changing My Perspective on Food

One of the most impactful shifts I made was in how I viewed food. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t eat, I started focusing on what I could eat. This mental shift was a game-changer! I stopped feeling deprived and began to appreciate the nourishing foods I could enjoy. The more success I had and the better I felt, the easier it became to stick with my new eating habits.

Meal Prep: A Key to Success

One of the most important tools in my journey was meal prep. I invested in some good containers and made a habit of preparing my meals on weekends. This helped me visualize and plan my meals for the week ahead, ensuring I always had balanced meals ready to go. Meal prepping removed a lot of the stress during the week, as I never had to worry about what to eat. Plus, it made it easier to stick to my vegetable portion and keep my meals balanced.

Conclusion: Stay Consistent and Be Patient

Adopting the Balanced Plate Method wasn’t a quick fix, but over time it helped me establish a sustainable way of eating that worked for my body. With each step, I learned more about my own nutritional needs and how to feel my best. If you’re just starting this journey, keep it simple, stay consistent, and be patient with yourself. By sticking to the basics, focusing on the foods that nourish your body, and planning ahead, you’ll start to see the positive changes that make it all worth it.

Take control of your health, one plate at a time!