Let's check in.
We're two weeks into January. Did you make resolutions this year? Have they stuck? Did you skip them entirely because... been there, done that?
Wherever you land, you're in good company. And honestly? I think we're all a little over the pressure of January 1st being some magical reset button.
Here's what I know for sure: you don't need a dramatic overhaul to feel better this year. You need things that actually work with your life. So let's talk about that.
What You'll Find in This Edition:
🗣️ Real Talk: Why I'm done categorizing food as "good" or "bad"
🍽️ Food: 2026 might be the year of protein—but don't forget your vegetables
🧠 Mindset: The tiny shift that actually creates change
💪 Energy: Why muscle matters more than you think
🗣️ REAL TALK: Can We Retire "Eating Clean"?
Can we retire the phrase "eating clean" in 2026?
Because here's my question: why is pizza "dirty" and an apple "clean"? They're both just... food. And I'm so over categorizing what we eat as good or bad, like every meal is a moral decision.
Food isn't good or bad. It just is. Some of it makes us feel energized and some of it makes us feel like we need a nap. Some of it nourishes our bodies and some of it nourishes our souls. Most of the time, we need both.
What if, instead of labelling and restricting, we just started paying attention to how food actually makes us feel? Not in a guilt-spiral way—in a curious way.
No rules. No "I was bad today." Just information.
🍽️ FOOD: The Year of Protein (But Don't Forget Your Vegetables)
If you've been anywhere near wellness content lately, you've heard it: 2026 is the year of protein. And yes—protein matters. It keeps you full, supports your muscles, stabilizes your energy.
But in all the protein talk, let's not forget about vegetables.
You can eat all the protein you want, but if you're not getting enough fibre, your digestion is going to let you know. Fibre keeps things moving, feeds your gut, and helps balance blood sugar. And most of us aren't getting nearly enough.
So yes, get your protein. But make sure there's something green (or orange, or red) on that plate too.
This week, try one meal that brings both together—a sheet pan full of whatever vegetables are in your fridge with some chicken or chickpeas, olive oil, salt, and 25 minutes in the oven.

🧠 MINDSET: Why Micro Habits Are Different
Here's why most resolutions don't stick: they're too big.
"I'm going to work out every day." "I'm cutting out sugar." "I'm waking up at 5 a.m. to meditate."
These aren't goals—they're punishments. And our brains are really, really good at avoiding punishment.
Micro habits are different.
They're so small they feel almost silly. But that's exactly why they work. When something seems nibble sized, you don't need motivation. You don't need the perfect morning. You just... do it. And then you do it again. And suddenly, you've built something real.
I've created a free 2-week micro habits challenge to help you build actual momentum this year—without the pressure, without the guilt, and without overhauling your entire life. It's easy to follow, and I'll be leading live sessions where I answer all your questions.
Because you CAN do this. Not the "new year, new you" version. The real version. The one that fits into your actual, messy, busy life.
Put me on the waitlist
💪 ENERGY: Muscle Matters

Quick PSA: Muscles matter. Especially as we get older.
We start losing muscle mass in our 30s. Less muscle means slower metabolism, less energy, and a harder time doing everyday things like carrying groceries or keeping up with kids.
The good news? Building muscle doesn't have to be complicated (and no, it’s not too late). You need some resistance—weights, bands, or your own body weight. You need consistency—two to three times a week. And you need protein to help your muscles rebuild.
If you've got time, the gym might be exactly where you want to be. It's social, there are classes for every level. Bonus, the only motivation you need is to get yourself through the door. Once you're there, someone else tells you what to do, there's energy in the room, and you've got built-in support.
If that's not your thing, 10–15 minutes at home counts too.
Before You Go:
Need some recipe inspiration? Love What's On Your Plate is now available in softcover and ebook—gorgeous enough for the coffee table, practical enough for weeknight dinners.
This year doesn't need a perfect start. It just needs one small thing.
It’s not too late to join the Micro-Habits challenge —I think you're going to love it.
Here's to starting where you are.
Steph