14 Apr 2025
Vegan Fitness, Vegan Lifestyle
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Strength in the Setback: My ACL Injury, Radical Acceptance, and the Power of ‘AND’

acl re-tear

I was reminded this past week that the Universe often gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want… and I’m doing my best to embrace that reality after what happened last Saturday.

It was my first full day in Tulum, Mexico.

I had traveled there to spend time with my dear friend, Allison Melody (host of the Food Heals podcast), with plans for a week full of both work and play.

The play I was most looking forward to? Training at a badass outdoor Muay Thai gym.👊

It’s been 8 months since I had ACL reconstruction surgery, and I was heading into this trip feeling strong, mobile, and ready to—what they say in physical therapy—“return to sport.”

I brought all my gear… wraps, gloves, shin guards, mouthpiece… with the intention of training at Revolution Muay Thai daily.

I was also excited to dive into yoga (Tulum has no shortage of gorgeous studios), and to continue my taiji practice in the magical outdoor spaces there.

But the Universe had different plans.

I noticed that the only class available at Revolution that Saturday was a sparring class.

I debated.

This would be my first time sparring Muay Thai again since surgery.

Ideally, I’d ease back in with a skills-based class—bag work, light partner drills. But I was so eager, so excited to be back in my element, that I decided to go for it.

Saturday morning, I arrived at the gym and was greeted with a warm welcome from Magnus, the owner and head coach, and a crew of incredibly talented fighters. After warming up, it was time to spar.

Fourth round. I was paired with a highly skilled woman—the only other female there.

I threw a kick with my right leg. She caught it.

As I pulled away, my body turned—and my standing knee (yep, the surgical one) twisted.

POP.💥

I hit the ground, writhing in pain, yelling “Fck, fck, f*ck”—because the moment mirrored what happened the first time I tore my ACL sparring in Miami.
Only this time I caught it on camera.

After the shock and pain subsided, I waited for the class to be over and Magnus graciously gave me a ride back to my Airbnb.

I of course had waves of emotion the rest of the day—conversations with myself, challenging thoughts of regret, doing my best not to spiral into self-blame.

What’s wild is that in the mastermind I’m currently leading for past clients, our mindset theme of the month is “Positive Thinking” (I actually recommended the episode “Positive Thinking My Ass” from the Vegan Life Coach Podcast to them—it’s a good one 😉).

There’s such a fascinating dance between toxic positivity, the idea that we create our reality with our thoughts and energy, and the power of simply allowing ourselves the full human experience—including the so-called “negative” emotions.

(I’ve written about this topic a lot on my blog if you want to dive deeper.)

For me, what’s been most healing in moments like this is embracing the mantra:

“The goal is not to feel better—it’s to get better at feeling.”

And so, after some internal pep talks, chats with Fred, my mom, and trusted friends, and breathing through disappointment, I made the call to head back to Miami early and get an MRI.

I’m admittedly bracing for the worst (my intuition says my ACL is re-torn) while being open to the possibility that it’s more minor than that.

I’m also already exploring ideas about how I can make the most of this injury, like creating special yoga, strength, and mobility classes online for people who are dealing with knee injuries.

More updates to come!

AND

I still was able to have some fun with Allison in the days following the incident. Here are some pics…

 

 

I’ll leave you with this…

Whether it’s an injury, a breakup, a setback in your health journey, or a moment that leaves you on the floor (literally or metaphorically), one of the most empowering things we can do is allow it all to be there.

We live in a world that often tells us it has to be either/or…

Either you’re strong, or you’re struggling.
Either you’re grateful, or you’re grieving.
Either you’re positive, or you’re pessimistic.

But the truth is—and this is something I come back to again and again on my healing journey—it’s not either/or. It’s both/and.

You can be deeply disappointed and profoundly grateful.
You can feel sadness and still embody peace.
You can grieve the setback and trust the process.
You can fall apart and stay grounded in your worth.

This is the paradox of being human. And it’s also where the magic lives.

As Tara Brach says, “Radical acceptance is the willingness to experience ourselves and our lives as it is.” It’s not about fixing or escaping what we feel. It’s about expanding our capacity to hold it all—with compassion, curiosity, and presence.

Ram Dass puts it beautifully too: “Suffering is part of our training program for becoming wise.”

So if you’re navigating your own version of a pop💥… I invite you to breathe into the AND.

Let your joy and pain coexist. Let your strength and softness dance together. Let your inner warrior cry and keep showing up with an open heart.

And know this: I’m right here with you, doing the same.

With fierce compassion and a whole lotta love,
Ella 💗

P.S. If you’re not following me on Instagram, you can find more pics and videos of my experiences there.

14 Apr 2025
Holistic Health, Traveling Vegan, Vegan Fitness, Vegan Lifestyle
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Travel, Tai Chi, and Lessons About Replacing Force with Flow

tai chi practice

Right now, I’m writing this from Miami International Airport, sipping on a matcha latte with soy milk (I managed to find one with unsweetened organic soy… WINNING!).😋

I’m headed to Tulum, Mexico for the week to visit my dear friend and soul-sister, Allison Melody (you may know her from the Food Heals Podcast). She’s living and working there for a few months.

I’m super exited that I found a badass outdoor Muay Thai gym that I plan to train at all week (I think my knee is ready now as I’m headed into month 8 post-op surgery and feel strong and mobile!).

I’ll also be doing a bunch of yoga, while continuing to work with my virtual coaching and personal training clients. (Expect a full Tulum download in next week’s email.)

Leaving Fiona is always the hardest part—she’s such a bundle of love in a small package!

Knowing she’s in good hands with my mom certainly makes the goodbye a little easier. 🐾💗

After so many years of traveling while staying true to my vegan lifestyle and movement practices, I feel like I’ve really cracked the code on how to stay aligned while on the go.

If you’ve got any travel plans coming up—whether it’s spring break, a long weekend, or a summer adventure—I’d love to support you in staying centered and strong while you explore, so I wrote a blog post that shares my favorite tips to help you feel your best wherever you roam.

Remember, alignment isn’t about rigidity—it’s about self-awareness, using compassion as your compass (for both yourself and others), and staying connected to your deep, meaningful “why.”

 

My Taiji Journey Continues

In case you missed it, I’ve been diving deep into the internal art of tai chi (taiji) since December.

It started as a prescription, really—after an Ayurvedic consultation revealed that my vata dosha (air element) is out of balance. No surprise there… I’ve been dealing with insomnia for over 20 years.

The recommendation?

Grounding practices.

So, I committed to taiji a few hours a week under the guidance of Sifu Fred Holt (@trainkungfu)—and let me tell you, it was not love at first stance.

At first, the slow, deliberate movements felt… well… borderline torturous. 😅

But I approached it the way I do with anything I’ve committed to that will uplevel my health holistically: with curiosity, compassion, and discipline (you can read about my take on discipline in this blog post).

And before long something shifted.

Bit by bit, week by week, I started to crave the practice. What began as two sessions a week has become nearly a daily ritual.

I believe it’s medicine for both my nervous system and my soul.

 

Lessons from Push-Hands (and Life)

Last weekend, I road-tripped with Fred and fellow student Peter to Lakeland, Florida for a Push-Hands retreat hosted by the Tampa Bay Martial Arts Group.

If you’ve never heard of push-hands, it’s a partner practice within taiji that teaches you to stay grounded, relaxed, and responsive—even when someone’s literally trying to throw you off balance.

I’ve only been practicing push hands for about 6 weeks, while many people at the retreat had decades of experience.

And although I managed to push some people, I often felt like a dead leaf caught in the wind as I was tossed around with ease by partners whose grounded power felt both humbling and awe-inspiring… A reminder of what’s possible when energy, strength, and presence are fully embodied and connected.

The big takeaway?

🌱 True strength doesn’t come from resisting or forcing—it comes from learning how to flow, to connect and work with energy, to expand, and to respond calmly and with purpose.

Whether you’re on a path of healing, traveling somewhere new, or just trying to stay rooted in your day-to-day routine, I hope this serves as a reminder that slowing down, leaning in, and choosing presence over perfection is a powerful path forward.

P.S. If you’ve been curious about starting a grounding practice like tai chi or want help staying aligned with food and fitness during travel or transition, hit reply—I’d love to hear what you’re working on or moving through. 💌

17 Jan 2025
Empowerment, Holistic Health, Vegan Lifestyle
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The Highs, the Lows, and Finding Peace in the Pause

It’s been 6 months since my ACL reconstruction surgery, and let me tell you, healing is no straight line—it’s a messy, winding road full of detours (and the occasional tumble).

A few weeks ago, I got a little too ambitious. 

Picture me, deciding it would be a great idea to practice pushing into a handstand from a headstand. Spoiler: it wasn’t. I fell (hard), and let’s just say my knee was not amused. It set me back a couple of weeks.

Fast forward to this week, and I’m thrilled to report that for the first time in 7 months, I hit pads with my boxing coach and even did some light sparring—punches only, no kicks, and a knee brace firmly in place. 

And WOW… the high I got from that session? Better than any street drug. 

The Highs, the Lows, and Everything in Between

But here’s the catch: chasing that high, whether it’s from boxing, running, or hitting a big life goal, is like trying to hold onto water—it slips through your fingers. 

Ram Dass (one of my all time favorite spiritual leaders) spoke to how, whether it’s psychedelics, exercise, food, or achievements, the constant chase of the high keeps us stuck in cycles of craving, creating suffering.

“This too shall,” pass applies to the highs as well as the lows.

Softening Into the Hard Stuff

Many years ago, I found peace around food cravings and emotional eating—a journey that’s now the foundation of the Cravings Cure Challenge (if you haven’t signed up yet, I invite you to join me for free here).

So my main work the last few years has been around connecting with peace in times of stillness.

My word of the year is soften, and trust me, it’s not about going easy on myself. 

It’s about finding peace in stillness, and embracing movement that doesn’t necessarily provide that “high” I get from intense training sessions.

And that is hard for me! 

I share this because maybe you’ve felt it too—the urge to push, to chase, to do more, even when your body or mind is crying out for rest. 

So, here’s my invitation: what would it look like for you to find peace in the pause? To let go of the “high” and just be with what is, no matter how uncomfortable that is?

Your Move

We’re all on this winding road, learning as we go. For me, it’s about balancing movement with stillness, action with intention, and leaning into the moments that challenge me most.

For you? Maybe it’s something else entirely. But whatever it is, I hope this story reminds you to honor your body, your mind, and your journey—messy, non-linear, and beautiful as it is.

Because true badassery? It’s not just about hitting the pads or sticking the handstand. 

It’s about showing up fully with curiosity and fierce compassion, and letting that be enough.

07 Jan 2025
Empowerment, Holistic Health, Vegan Lifestyle
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Fierce Compassion: Guide to Grieving, Celebrating, and Living Fully

fierce compassion

Before I talk about FIERCE COMPASSION, I want to wish you a Happy New Year from me and Fiona!

We were gifted a gorgeous New Year’s Day in Miami (don’t hate😜… come visit!) and I had the fortune of taking Fiona to Bark Beach with the guy I’m dating (I can hardly believe I’m dating, as I was NOT looking to do so anytime soon, but that’s a story for another day).

I also took some time to reach out to people I care about this week.

I was touching base with a client turned friend, and she mentioned that she typically finds the holiday season to be “performative and annoying,” as well as challenging when it comes to eating healthfully.

She also mentioned that this year she was feeling a heaviness in her heart… a sense of grieving from the election perhaps… that was weighing on her.

As I was contemplating what words I could offer to be helpful to her, I put some energy into checking in with how I was feeling, and came up with the following message that I thought could be helpful to her and many of you reading this right now…

As we step into 2025, I’m reflecting on the idea of living with fierce compassion.

It’s a guiding force for me—a way of being that holds space for the full spectrum of emotions that are all a part of this human experience. 

I feel deep sorrow for the unbearable suffering of animals and humans alike… 

AND

I feel immense joy for the love, beauty, and wonder that still exist in this world.

It’s not either/or. It’s both.

I can grieve AND celebrate.

I can feel pain AND embody gratitude.

I can acknowledge the darkness AND shine my light.

This is what fierce compassion looks like.

It’s about being awake to the suffering around us while staying grounded in hope, love, and purpose.

Every moment offers us an opportunity to raise our vibration and contribute to the relief of suffering—for ourselves, for others, and for the planet.

Every action we take has the potential to do good or harm, to heal or to hurt.

Hogs and kisses farm sanctuary Ella and RubiaSo, as we move through this new year together, let’s ask ourselves:

How can we cultivate peace within, so we can ripple that peace outward?

How can we dance through life with loving awareness and intention?

Let’s make 2025 a year of fierce compassion, grounded in kindness and connection.

27 Dec 2024
Vegan Lifestyle
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Your 30-Second Health Hack for the New Year: “Greens Insurance”

health hack greens supplement

If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know how passionate I am about helping people break free from unhealthy habits and create a sustainable, vibrant lifestyle. For me, it’s all about getting to the ROOT of why we feel stuck—whether it’s emotional eating, yo-yo dieting, or patterns that prevent us from becoming the healthiest versions of ourselves.

That said, sometimes it’s the small, consistent habits that make a big difference. And today, I’m sharing one of my favorite health hacks—something so simple you can incorporate it into your routine in just 30 seconds a day.

It’s what I consider my “Greens Insurance,” and have nicknamed it “Magical Morning Mud.”

Why this Health Hack is Legit

There’s a bunch of different super foods/greens powders out there, but there is ONE that absolutely stands above all the rest, which is why I’ve been using it myself for around eight years.

It’s Live Ultimate’s Ultimate Elixir.

It’s packed with whole foods, adaptogens, probiotics, and enzymes, ground into a powder.

It contains ZERO sweeteners (not even stevia or monk fruit extract) which means YES – it does taste VERY GREEN, and it’s a bit of a challenge to get down I’m not gonna lie (and I happen to LOVE the challenge)

AND

My clients who use it and I are addicted in the best way possible!

We can literally feel it doing such good once inside our bodies, with a noticeable hit of sustainable energy and mental clarity throughout the day.

More on Why Ultimate Elixir Is My Go-To

This isn’t just another trendy greens powder. Here’s what makes Ultimate Elixir so special:

  • USDA Organic: Packed with 25 whole-food ingredients, including adaptogens, probiotics, enzymes, and superfoods.
  • No Sweeteners: No stevia, monk fruit, or artificial sweeteners—just pure, plant-based goodness. Yes, it tastes VERY GREEN, but trust me, it’s worth it!
  • Sustainable Energy: It provides a noticeable boost in mental clarity and energy without the crash.
  • Gut Health Support: The probiotics and enzymes help support digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Trusted Quality: Based in Miami, I know the team behind the products, have been using it myself for years, and recommend it to my clients with confidence.

How I Make It Work (Hint: A Lot of Lemon Juice Goes a Long Way!)

If you’re used to sweetened beverages, it might be an adjustment. But I’ve found that adding a generous squeeze of lemon juice balances the flavor beautifully.

Here’s my simple recipe, which I share in THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO:

  1. Mix 1 scoop of Ultimate Elixir and 1 scoop of Ultimate Shrooms (optional) with 10+ oz water.
  2. Add lemon juice to taste (I put in a big splash of organic lemon juice)
  3. Stir rapidly, and CHUG!

I call this my “magical morning mud” because it sets the tone for the rest of the day. It’s the perfect way to start your morning feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever’s on your plate (literally and figuratively).

The Power Couple: Ultimate Elixir + Ultimate Shrooms

While the Ultimate Elixir is my daily staple, I also love LiveUltimate’s Ultimate Shrooms. This adaptogenic mushroom blend is great for immune support, mental focus, and overall vitality. Together,  they’re called the “Power Couple.” If you’re looking to supercharge your health routine, I highly recommend incorporating both into your life.

Why I’m an Affiliate for LiveUltimate

I only partner with companies I genuinely trust, use personally, and believe in 100%. LiveUltimate checks all the boxes for me. Their commitment to quality and sustainability aligns perfectly with my values, which is why I’m proud to recommend their products.

Your Invitation to Try at a Huge Discount

If you’re ready to make this part of your daily routine, I’ve got great news! You can get 25% off your first order and free shipping when you subscribe using this LINK and use the coupon code LU2022 (cancel anytime).

Curious about the Ultimate Shrooms? Check out my Power Couple “recipe” HERE for an extra health boost.

A Simple Habit for a Healthier You

Incorporating Greens Insurance into your routine is one of the easiest ways to kickstart a healthier lifestyle. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and setting yourself up for success with small, sustainable habits.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Start your day with Greens Insurance for the next 30 days and see how it transforms your energy, focus, and overall well-being. You just might become addicted in the best way possible. 🥰

Here’s to a vibrant, healthy New Year—cheers! 🥂

27 Dec 2024
Vegan Lifestyle
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Manifesting Your Best Year: The Art of Setting Soulful Intentions

setting intentions for the new year

Happy almost-New Year, friends! 🎉 I hope this finds you in the midst of a soul-aligned holiday season, savoring the magic of these moments.

You know how the Universe loves to serve us up what we need rather than what we want? Well, that’s been my theme since my sudden (and let’s be honest, strange) break-up two months ago. While it wasn’t the plot twist I had in mind, it handed me an unexpected gift: the space to focus on my work (hello, Cravings Cure Challenge on January 13!), dive deeper into self-care (thanks to insights from my Ayurvedic consultations with Eran), and cherish extra snuggles and playtime with my fur baby, Fiona. 🐾💕

Of course, life isn’t all green smoothies and wagging tails. In all honesty, I’m still working through some lingering anger toward my ex.

But here’s the thing: I’m putting into practice all the mental and emotional tools I coach my clients on—and you know what? They work. Grace has been my guide, even as I navigate the messy middle of grief and growth.

Just last Sunday, I spent time with someone I’ve known in passing, someone I deeply respect. And wouldn’t you know it? In one afternoon, a conversation revealed blind spots from my past relationship that I hadn’t yet uncovered. These realizations helped me let go of a big chunk of that lingering anger. It’s funny how the Universe sends people into your life at exactly the right moment, isn’t it?

And no, I’m not about to start a blog series called Sexy Fit Vegan Dating Diaries. (Though if I weren’t such an introvert who prefers animals to humans, maybe I’d consider it. 😜) Instead, I’m channeling my energy into aligning my inner world with my outer world. Because, friends, the Law of Attraction? It’s a scientific certainty, not some woo-woo fluff.

A Single Word to Set the Tone for 2025

As we roll into a new year, I have no expectations, no rigid resolutions. Instead, I’m stepping into 2025 with one simple, soul-aligned intention:

To BE more in balance.

For me, this means balancing the yin and yang, the masculine and feminine, the doing and being.

And since I am prone to over-doing (over-working and over-training specifically), and am most comfortable with yang/masculine energy, the single word for the year that I will use to remind me of my intention is “SOFTEN.”

Here’s how I plan to embody this intention:

  • Meditating at least five days a week. 🧘‍♀️
  • Releasing tension stored in my body through energy-moving practices like Tai Chi (which I started a few weeks ago!).
  • Laughing more—because joy is medicine.

An Invitation for You

What about you? What’s your vision for the year ahead? Instead of the same old resolutions (we know how those play out), I invite you to try something different:

  1. Choose one word or phrase that captures the essence of who you want to be this year.
  2. Create a few actionable commitments to bring that intention to life.
  3. Focus on being rather than doing—set an intention that reflects your inner transformation, not just external outcomes. (Hint: “Lose 10 pounds” is out; “Cultivate strength” is in.)

Need some inspiration? Here’s a quote I adore:

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” – Andrew Carnegie

What’s your word for the year? I’d love to hear it—drop it in the comments!

21 Dec 2024
Holistic Health, Vegan Lifestyle
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The Power of Collective Compassion: Prayers for Chef AJ

collective prayer for chef aj

The following is an excerpt from from my December 22nd, 2024 Soul-Aligned Sunday newsletter.

*Sign up to receive this weekly heart-felt, inspiring newsletter HERE.

A REQUEST FOR PRAYERS

I had planned on sharing about how I’m dealing with the disappointment I’ve been feeling about my ACL surgery recovery having some hiccups…

And to tell you all about taking up Thai Chi, in my quest to fulfill the prescription for “slowing down” that was assigned to me by my Ayurvedic practitioner, Eran.

But all of that seems, well, unimportant and irrelevant at the moment.

What keeps coming up for me is that my friend, Chef AJ, recently came out about her diagnosis of lung cancer (watch on YouTube)…

And what I would rather share about, is her request for our prayers. 

My heart broke when I heard the news…

Not only the fact that one of the most genuine, generous humans on the planet has cancer…

But also the fact that she had felt the need to hide it for almost 2 years because she was afraid of the backlash it might cause… 

That people would attribute her diagnosis to a plant-based diet “not working…” and that trolls would have a field day.

In reality, epigenetics DOES prove that a huge percentage of disease can be prevented by “turning off” disease-causing genes through diet and lifestyle choices. And what great news that our genes do not necessarily determine our destiny!

Not only that, the research is clear that a whole foods plant-based diet can even reverse many diseases (most of you reading this are well aware of this fact).

AND

There are no guarantees. Especially in this day and age, when our world is as polluted, and full of toxins, as it is. 

Simply by living in society – wearing clothes, using soaps and lotions, breathing the air, drinking the water, and eating food from the grocery store, we are exposed to disease-causing chemicals.

“Well that’s depressing, Ella!” you may be thinking.

Yes AND…

Being depressed and anxious obviously doesn’t help – in fact, it just adds stress and exacerbates the problem.

So…

We do our best, within reason, to align our lifestyle with compassion and health, for ourselves, other people, animals, and the planet…

AND practice LETTING GO of the rest. 

Side note: One of my favorite Tara Brach talks is called The Three Steps of Letting Go, which has helped me through some really tough times (Apple podcasts / YouTube).

Back to Chef AJ…

I think it was in her latest YouTube live that she recorded when she got home from a lung biopsy, where she said just how comforting it was knowing that people were praying for her.

And no wonder! 

It’s not just about religion or faith in the traditional sense of praying.

According to the HeartMath Institute, “numerous studies have shown that group or collective meditation, prayer, and focused intention directed towards a specific positive outcome can have increased beneficial and measurable effects. Every individual’s energy affects the collective field environment.”

So, if you could hold Chef AJ close in your heart, and send out your version of a prayer for her daily, I would be incredibly grateful, as I know she will be as well.

01 Dec 2024
Holistic Health, Vegan Lifestyle
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How to Navigate the Holidays with Emotional Resilience and Gratitude

navigating the holidays as a vegan and dealing with grief

The holidays can bring joy, connection, and a sense of gratitude—but they can also be incredibly challenging.

For some, this time of year is marked by grief, sugar cravings, or navigating complex family dynamics. And for those of us who are vegan, the sight of a turkey on the dinner table can evoke a deep sense of sadness.

Before diving into my thoughts and tips for moving through the season, I want to acknowledge the painful history tied to the Thanksgiving holiday.

For many, it’s a somber reminder of the devastation colonization brought to Indigenous peoples and cultures. I choose to hold space for this reflection while also focusing on gratitude, growth, and the ways we can cultivate kindness and compassion in our lives.

Holidays can be an opportunity to realign with our values—honoring the resilience of those who came before us while committing to living in harmony with all beings.

A Holiday of Connection, Reflection, and Grief

This year, I had a low-key Thanksgiving Day, starting with breathwork and yoga, followed by a park workout with my V3Perform family, and an afternoon outdoors with my sister’s family in Miami.

The weather was stunning, and I’m so grateful my sister’s family is fully vegan, making our time together about sharing stories and laughter rather than centering the day around food.

But this holiday season isn’t without its challenges.

A month ago, I experienced the sudden and surprising end of my relationship with Quinn after a year and three months together (and believing he was my forever partner).

Moving through grief is never easy, but since adopting a mantra I swear by, I’ve been able to approach this experience with a healthy perspective:

The goal is not to feel better, it’s to get better at feeling.

This mindset has been life-changing for me. It’s freed me from the pressure of trying to “get over” emotions quickly and instead has encouraged me to lean into them with curiosity and compassion.

Tips for Getting Better at Feeling 

If you’re struggling with emotions this season—whether due to cravings, grief, or family stress—know you’re not alone. Here are my favorite tips for “getting better at feeling”:

  1. Step Into the Role of the Observer
    Treat your thoughts and emotions with curiosity and compassion instead of judgment. Imagine how you’d comfort a loved one—now offer that same support to yourself.
  2. Allow Yourself to Feel Fully
    Whether it’s crying, screaming, dancing, or punching a pillow (or heavy bag), let your emotions breathe and move through you. Suppressing them only prolongs the struggle.
  3. Express Yourself
    Share your feelings with a trusted loved one who can listen without trying to “fix” things. Alternatively, write your thoughts in a journal—it’s an incredibly therapeutic outlet.
  4. Meditate Daily
    Start with just five minutes a day to center yourself. The way out of emotional overwhelm is through it—and meditation provides a powerful pathway inward.
  5. Practice Gratitude
    Keep a gratitude journal or simply reflect on what you’re thankful for each day. Gratitude shifts your perspective and helps you focus on the good, even in challenging times.
  6. Reconnect with Nature and Animals
    Spending time outdoors or with animals is grounding and restorative. They remind us of life’s simple, beautiful truths.

A Special Resource for Holiday Cravings

If sugar cravings and willpower battles are taking a toll, don’t miss my Emergency Cravings Toolkit—you can download it for free here. It’s packed with tips and strategies to help you regain control and feel empowered.

Dive Deeper: My Interview on the Plant-Fuelled Podcast

For more insights into navigating cravings and emotional health, check out my recent interview with Callum Weir on the Plant-Fuelled Podcast. We delve into the emotional and psychological side of cravings and share actionable tools for reclaiming control over your relationship with food. You can listen to the episode here.

Closing Thoughts

As I move through my own grief this season, I remind myself that we’re here to dance through life together, raising our collective vibration for the benefit of all beings.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Your commitment to creating a kinder world inspires me every day. Let’s hold space for gratitude, reflection, and connection—and continue to align with the values that guide us toward a more compassionate future.

💖 Wishing you a season of emotional resilience, joy, and harmony.

29 Oct 2024
Going Vegan Tips, Traveling Vegan, Vegan Lifestyle
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Flying Vegan: How to Stay Healthy and Aligned with Your Values While Traveling

flying vegan travel tips

As I write this I’m on an airplane, flying across the country to speak at the SoCal Vegfest, eating my salad with a smile on my face because the hummus that I also brought along with carrots made it through security (it doesn’t always). #thingsonlyaveganwouldsay 😆

Here’s a vegan travel tip: I always opt for bringing a hearty salad that I make at home and put in a collapsible container, rather than bringing “snack” foods like trail mix.

This goes along with my philosophy of eating in a way that gives you the most bang for your caloric buck (high nutrient to calorie ratio), which helps me maintain a strong, lean body without walking around feeling hungry or deprived.

I’m pumped to see some old friends at the festival (Shabnam Islam, Allison Melody, and James Wilks to name a few), and to meet some of the amazing people I’ve interviewed for the Rise & Thrive Podcast in person for the first time (like Chef Babette Davis, whose Rise & Thrive interview just came out!). I’ll be sharing all about the experience in next week’s newsletter.

Speaking of travel… 

It’s so interesting, I was having a catch-up call with Christina Pirello (host of the PBS show, Christina Cooks) the other day, (hers is one of my favorite interviews EVER on the Rise and Thrive Podcast).

We were chatting about chatting… Both of us find ‘small talk’ challenging – even a bit painful and exhausting if I’m being totally honest!

Our conversation then gravitated toward the topic of contemplating our own impact in this world… both positive and negative. For example, right now, I’m flying across the country in an airplane.

I’m making this trip to speak at a festival that is all about inspiring people to go vegan/eat plant-based, with reducing our carbon footprint as one of the reasons to do so. (I’ve seen recent studies that report that a vegan’s carbon footprint is typically 50-75% less than that of a meat-eater.)

According to good ol’ Google, a flight across the United States emits about 0.62 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per passenger.

That said, I think it’s fair to ask myself, “Am I doing the “right” thing here?”

To answer this question, I think about my intention of moving through the world doing the most good and the least harm.

Is this trip aligned with my intention?

I believe it is – so here I am, on my way!

While we’re on the topic of travel…

Even with the healthy relationship I enjoy with food now, I still sometimes get thrown off a bit when I travel.

London in September was tougher than I imagined in that salads that are up to my standard (I am admittedly a salad snob) were much less accessible than I had expected. And a simple green vegetable juice was surprisingly hard to find.

I mean, can you believe that at the popular Joe & the Juice, they put olive oil in their green juices? I mean, their argument is that it keeps the juice from separating and helps the fat soluble vitamins absorb better. But when I’m craving a green juice, I personally don’t want oil in it. (Blending the juice with a little avocado would be a preferable way to add fat to a juice.) I found this very annoying!

For someone who eats salad as my first meal of the day because it makes me feel so damn good, missing out on my greens rocked my world a bit, and when I got home, I found myself struggling a bit with cravings.

And do you know what helped me get back on track?

Drum roll please…

WATER.

Yup, plain ol’ (filtered) water. A lot of it.

I upped my water intake to over 100 oz a day for a week.

I also made sure that I did not drink water in the 30 minutes following eating, as it does not lend well to the digestion process.

The results felt magical! Within just a few days I felt detoxed, and I was so full of water most of the day, and so busy running to the bathroom to pee, that I didn’t have the desire or time to eat foods that weren’t aligned with feeling my best.

I’m now back to drinking an average of 70-100 oz of water a day.

By the way…

At the risk of this being TMI, Quinn and I joke that I have the bladder the size of Fiona (my rescue chihuahua), so I still pee a lot, but it’s truly worth how great being fully hydrated makes me feel. 

If you’re into Ayurvedic medicine, my Vata dosha is off the charts, making me prone to dehydration. 

And last, speaking of Fiona, she is doing well… such a light in my life! I’ll fill you in more about her progress around her anxiety soon.

 

 

Interview to Check Out

I had such a fabulous conversation with Caryn Hartglass on her podcast, It’s All About Food, last week, and I’m excited to share it with you. We covered a lot of ground, but what I think may be most valuable was our deep dive deep into the topic of cravings.

Have a listen HERE!

 

 

New Freebie to Download

I recently created this Emergency Cravings Kit – A guide that helps you better understand your cravings and provides a super simple 5-step strategy to say goodbye to self-sabotaging snack attacks and hello to enjoying food without the guilt.

And guess what… It’s FREE!

 

18 Oct 2024
Vegan Lifestyle
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POV: You’re a Vegan Introvert at Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin City Limits Music Festival as an Introverted Vegan

If you’re an introvert, or a highly sensitive person, you’ll probably relate to what I’m sharing today. (I’m an introvert and consider myself toward the highly sensitive end of the spectrum.) And if you’re an extrovert, this may help you understand your introverted friends a bit better.

It’s funny, my friend Anne (founder of Hogs & Kisses Farm Sanctuary) is constantly sending me hilarious “POV: You’re an Introvert” memes and reels like this one on Instagram, and in all honesty, it brings me quite a bit of comfort… they make me feel understood😆!

What’s also interesting to me, is how many acquaintances I have (often in the professional vegan space) are surprised to find out that I’m an introvert, I think because I really put myself out there professionally, DESPITE my introverted nature.

Anyway, all this to say that I recognize that I am ever-evolving, and I find it fascinating to oscillate between challenging myself to experience life outside of my comfort zone, and honoring who I am and what sparks joy, and what triggers anxiety…. Know what I mean?

When it comes to training, I LOVE challenging my body in ways that build strength, increase mobility and flexibility, and improve stamina, which absolutely means being uncomfortable. But to me, that’s a valuable, even exhilarating, type of discomfort.

When it comes to going to festivals on the other hand, being in huge crowds is a whole different type of discomfort… and one that I am finding less and less valuable.

That said, I went to the Austin City Limits Music Festival last weekend for the second time with Quinn (and 90,000 other people). His company puts on the event, and it is one hell of a music festival, with an awesome line-up of some of my favorite artists and bands including Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Leon Bridges, and Norah Jones.

There’s honestly no other way I would go to ACL except hand-in-hand with my man, who is so attuned to my needs it’s ridiculous (I’m such a lucky woman!)🥰. We had access to backstage, the “artist village,” the “Boom Boom” area, and company trailers where we could go to get out of the crowded gen pop area.

I always enjoy meeting Quinn’s friends and colleagues. Since we don’t live in the same city, going to the festival together makes me feel more connected to him and his life.

My dear friend Mahala, long-time vegan chef and Tantra teacher (who I interviewed on Rise & Thrive Episode 46, which listen to here or watch here)  came too, which was awesome. Talk about a beautiful, fun-loving soul!

So even though there were moments where I questioned what the hell I was doing there, I’m grateful I made the trip, and I will carry the memory of the adventure of it all with a smile on my face.

On another note, navigating the festival as a vegan was both easy and difficult. Easy in that there were plenty of vegan options to choose from among the vendors. Difficult because in the Boom Boom area they feature a celebrity chef who was cooking up whole pigs on display, which brought me back to a memory I have of being in elementary school, going to a Fourth of July barbeque where there was a pig roasting. I remember the horror I felt as I literally ran as far away as I could in tears.

Now, I get to practice both being connected to the pig’s suffering/death (along with the billions of other land animals who suffer and die each year), while also not only maintaining my composure, but also giving myself permission to stay connected to joy.

So there you go!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you’re signed up to receive my Soul-Aligned Sunday weekly newsletter for your weekly dose of me sharing my latest discoveries and updates as related to Sexy Fit Vegan, holistic health and fitness, veganism, and playfully navigating this adventure we call life.