What It Really Takes to Be Healthy: Simple Habits That Work

So far this year I’ve made significant progress healing my digestive issues. After removing foods I discovered I was intolerant to (more details here), completing multiple weeklong sugar detoxes, and finding true balance in my life, I feel better than ever.

I didn’t grow up eating as healthfully as I do now. Back then my diet was mostly cinnamon rolls, Cheez-Its, nachos, and mac ’n’ cheese with hot dogs. I was very active and played several sports as a kid, which masked the immediate effects of those foods.

It has taken years—including formal nutrition studies—to reach a place of balance and contentment with food and with my body.

Verdict:
– Being healthy isn’t all or nothing. It can be simple. Avoid overcomplicating things with strict calorie counting or measuring; focus on whole foods that come from the earth and minimize packaged or artificial items.
– Health isn’t only about food—build time into your routine to do something you enjoy.
– Social time doesn’t always have to involve alcohol. Invite friends to an activity like a yoga class, an evening walk, or a holiday 5K.
– There’s no single diet that works for everyone. What helps someone else might not suit you. It took me years to discover what helps my body thrive.
– When in doubt, load your plate with color. Aim for half your plate to be vegetables—#eattherainbow.
– Move and be active every day.
– Appreciate your body for all it does; it’s remarkable when you stop and think about it.
– When reading labels, focus on the ingredient list. Ideally you should be able to pronounce each ingredient and choose packaged foods with fewer items.
– Finally, fuel your body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods to support overall health.

One of my favorite parts of my work is showing people that healthy food can be undeniably delicious. I do this by sharing familiar recipes with healthier ingredient swaps and by teaching balance and mindful indulgence.

I partnered with REBBL this year because their approach to a healthy lifestyle aligns with mine, and because their products are a thoughtful way to indulge. They also commit to donating 2.5% of profits to Not For Sale, supporting regions vulnerable to exploitation and human trafficking.

REBBL Elixirs and Proteins are crafted from high-quality, earth-grown ingredients. They use organic components for optimal nourishment and avoid gums, artificial flavors, and thickeners. REBBL incorporates herbal adaptogens—super-herbs that help calm the adrenals and reduce stress hormone surges.

To me, these elixirs taste like a rich, indulgent smoothie or shake. They’re dairy-free and coconut milk–based, providing healthy fats and adaptogenic herbs, which makes them a convenient, nourishing treat on the go. My favorite is the Dark Chocolate Protein: it delivers 16 g of plant protein and includes maca to support hormone balance, reishi for liver support and detoxification, and ashwagandha to promote sustained endurance and relaxation.

Find REBBL super-herb elixirs and proteins at retailers near you—see availability here.