It’s been a full week since I started Balance & Burn, and I wanted to share an honest check-in. I did my weekly measurements yesterday and here’s where I landed: down 1 inch, weight stayed the same. And honestly? I’m pleased.
This week was full of Christmas celebrations, family meals, rich foods, and a few extra sweets. And I don’t apologize for that one bit. I never want a wellness plan that makes me sit on the sidelines during traditions or turns food into stress. Life is meant to be lived, celebrated, and shared around the table.
A Little Backstory on Food & Healing
Back in 2012, I started learning the truth about food additives, fake ingredients, and how deeply they’re tied to inflammation. That education changed everything for our family. Over the last decade, I’ve focused on cleaner versions of the foods we already love, not deprivation, just better choices. Those healthy swaps have played a huge role in our healing journey.
And here’s the encouraging part: with leaders like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushing for transparency and accountability at a government level, making better food choices is slowly getting easier for all of us. That matters.
How I’m Using Balance & Burn
I’ve been intentional with how I’m taking this system so I can really listen to my body.
Morning (fasted): Balance & Care powder
This is the stick pack I take first thing in the morning. Its role is foundational, supporting gut health and metabolic signaling.
This is the stick pack I take first thing in the morning. Its role is foundational, supporting gut health and metabolic signaling.
What it supports:
- A balanced gut microbiome
- GLP-1 production for blood sugar metabolism
- Healthy body composition signaling
- Butyrate production (a powerful short-chain fatty acid that supports gut and metabolic health)
What’s inside:
- Akkermansia postbiotic to support GLP-1 and microbiome diversity
- Prebiotic fibers from wolfberry polysaccharides, agave inulin, and soluble tapioca fiber
- Allulose that doesn’t spike blood sugar
- Mineral-rich French gray (Celtic) sea salt
- Grape extract packed with polyphenols to support beneficial gut bacteria
Late Morning (10–11am, when I break my fast): Burn & Control capsules
I like starting new supplements with food, so this timing works well for me.
I like starting new supplements with food, so this timing works well for me.
- Burn capsule:
Supports metabolic activity, body composition, and vitality- Plant-derived caffeine
- Citrus polyphenols and guarana for lipolysis support
- Green tea polyphenols (EGCG)
- Black ginger extract
- Grapefruit, Bergamot, and Cinnamon Bark essential oils
- Control capsules (2):
Support healthy blood sugar balance, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic flexibility- Phytosomal berberine for enhanced absorption
- Ginger essential oil
Evening:
I continue taking Life 9 probiotic at night to support ongoing gut repair and balance.
I continue taking Life 9 probiotic at night to support ongoing gut repair and balance.
The Science That Matters
I’m a big believer in understanding why something works.
- Akkermansia muciniphila:
In an 8-week randomized controlled trial, supplementation increased GLP-1, a hormone linked to appetite regulation and metabolism. - Berberine (phytosomal):
Designed for improved bioavailability and absorption compared to standard forms. - Citrus polyphenols:
Clinical trials showed reductions in body weight, body fat mass, and waist/hip circumference without loss of lean muscle over 12 weeks, with markers suggesting enhanced fat metabolism.
Why the Source Matters
One detail I truly appreciate: the Cinnamon Bark essential oil in this system comes from a fifth-generation partner farm in Sri Lanka. They use herbicide-free practices, protect pollinators, support a local school with scholarships and technology, and provide free medical care and food distribution to families. Wellness should always care for people and planet.
What I’m Pairing It With
This system works beautifully alongside:
- Life 9
- Daily Prebiotic Fiber
- Whole Body Cleanse
- NingXia Red
Foundational support still matters.
No Magic Pills, Just Better Support
I’ll always say this clearly: there is no magic pill for weight management or blood sugar balance. Real change comes from clean food, consistent habits, and supporting the body the way it was designed to work.
If clean eating feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, I recommend the Balance & Burn Build A Better Meal that focuses on simple, realistic swaps. I’ll link it here for you.
Weekly Check-Ins & Staying Connected
I’ll be sharing weekly updates as I continue this journey—wins, lessons, and real-life balance included.
And if you’re not on my email list yet, now’s a good time to join. One of my goals for the new year is sending a simple newsletter with education, encouragement, and practical wellness support. No spam. No pressure. Just helpful information you can actually use.
More to come next week.
If you’re a woman in midlife or postmenopausal, you probably know this story all too well.
You gain weight.
You lose weight.
You gain it back… sometimes with interest.
You lose weight.
You gain it back… sometimes with interest.
That’s been my reality more than once.
Add in postmenopause, fluctuating hormones, and a lifelong tendency toward low blood sugar, and things can start to feel frustrating fast. I try to be mindful of what I eat, how I move, and how I support my body naturally, yet there are seasons where things just feel harder than they used to.
As a holistic practitioner, I also see the other side of the conversation.
Over the last few years, I’ve watched many clients turn to prescription weight loss medications, including injectable GLP-1 drugs. While some see short-term results, I’ve also witnessed side effects that give me pause: digestive distress, muscle loss, nutrient depletion, energy crashes, and a general disconnect from how the body is meant to work.
Needles aren’t for everyone.
The cost isn’t realistic for many families.
And quick fixes rarely lead to long-term balance.
The cost isn’t realistic for many families.
And quick fixes rarely lead to long-term balance.
That’s why I was cautiously curious, and honestly excited, when I learned about the new Balance & Burn™ System from Young Living.
This is not a drug.
It’s not a stimulant-heavy crash-and-burn approach.
And it’s not about starving your body into submission.
It’s not a stimulant-heavy crash-and-burn approach.
And it’s not about starving your body into submission.
Balance & Burn is a plant-powered GLP-1 support system designed to work with the body, not override it. It focuses on supporting healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range, metabolic flexibility, and gut health, which is especially important for women navigating midlife changes.
One of the standout ingredients for me is Akkermansia postbiotic, a beneficial gut compound that research shows plays a role in GLP-1 signaling, metabolic health, and microbiome balance. Supporting the gut first is always where true change begins, especially when blood sugar regulation is part of the picture.
This isn’t about perfection.
It’s about support, balance, and sustainability.
If you’ve been looking for a more natural, thoughtful approach to metabolic health and weight support, stay tuned. We’re just getting started.
Curious how this unfolds? Join my email listand follow along with me.
This cranberry orange sourdough loaf has become one of those recipes I reach for when I want to bless someone without a lot of fuss. It’s bright, cozy, and just special enough to feel like a gift, especially during the holidays or anytime you’re showing up at someone’s table with a loaf in hand.
I love this loaf because it’s simple, forgiving, and made with ingredients I already (mostly) keep in my kitchen. The tart cranberries, warm citrus, and that gentle sourdough tang come together in a way that feels comforting and just a little fancy. It’s the kind of bread that makes people pause and say, “Okay… this is really good.”
I’m sharing this recipe along with printable gift tags for anyone who loves feeding their people well — whether that’s your family, a neighbor who needs a pick-me-up, a business connection, or a friend you’re visiting with a warm loaf wrapped in parchment and twine. No perfection required. Just real food, made with care, meant to be shared.
A Note on Ingredients
I’ll be honest, I don’t love zesting fruit. Between not always knowing what’s been sprayed on the peel and the extra time it takes, it’s just not my favorite step in the kitchen.
That’s why I often reach for Young Living Vitality essential oils instead. They give me consistent flavor without the fuss, and I always have them on hand even when I don’t have fresh fruit or herbs in the house. For me, it’s a simple, practical swap that just works.
For this recipe, I use:
- Orange Vitality Essential Oil – bright, sweet, and perfect for baking
- Lemon Vitality Essential Oil – adds a clean, fresh citrus note
(You’re always welcome to use fresh ingredients if that’s your preference — this recipe is forgiving like that.)
Free Downloads
Along with the recipes for the bread and a muffin option, I’ve also put together a couple of simple goodies to make sharing this loaf even easier.
👉 Download the Cranberry Orange Sourdough Muffin Recipe (PDF)
👉 Download Printable Cranberry Orange Bread Gift Tags (PDF)
👉 Download Printable Cranberry Orange Bread Gift Tags (PDF)
Perfect for gifting, gatherings, or keeping tucked in your recipe binder.
Want More Recipes Like This?
If you enjoy real food, sourdough, and simple ways to nourish the people you love, you’re welcome to join my email list below. I share recipes, classes, and holistic kitchen tips as they come, no spam, just practical goodness.
(You’ll also receive these downloads straight to your inbox.)
A Little Encouragement Before You Go
There’s something special about slowing down and making food with intention. A loaf of bread doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful, it just has to be made with care.
If you bake this loaf, I hope it blesses your table and the people gathered around it 🤍
From my kitchen to yours - happy baking.
Have you ever battled brain fog, skin eruptions, bloating, or intense sugar cravings that just won’t quit? You might be dealing with candida overgrowth, a sneaky little yeast that naturally lives in our bodies but can quickly get out of control when the environment is right.
Let’s talk natural support
Thanks to recent research and my beloved Scholar GPT (yes, he does the digging for me), I’ve been diving into the powerful antifungal properties of Thyme and Coriander essential oils. When used together, these two oils create a potent, natural remedy for supporting the body’s return to balance.
Why Thyme?
Thyme essential oil (especially Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol) is known for:
- Strong antifungal effects - targeting Candida albicans in both its yeast and fungal form
- Supporting the immune system and gut environment
- Helping reduce biofilms that candida hides in
Studies show that thymol, the main compound in thyme, breaks down candida cell walls. That’s right, it gets in there and starts cleaning house. According to a study published in Microbial Pathogenesis (2021), thyme essential oil showed strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans, disrupting its biofilm and reducing viability significantly. That’s why it earned a top spot in my go-to candida protocol.
Why Coriander?
Coriander essential oil (from Coriandrum sativum seeds) offers:
- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties that support healthy gut flora
- Liver-loving support for detox pathways
- Gentle help with bloating and sluggish digestion (a common candida sidekick)
Coriander seed oil holds its own too. Research shows it’s effective against multiple fungal strains, especially when paired with other essential oils. When combined, Thyme and Coriander create a powerhouse duo that tackles both the root cause and the symptoms of candida overgrowth.
How I Use It:
Capsule Protocol (Internal Use)
Add the following to a veggie capsule:
- 2 drops Thyme or Thyme Vitality
- 2 drops Coriander or Coriander Vitality
- Top off with organic olive oil or avocado oil
Take once daily with food for 7–10 days, then pause for 5–7 days. Repeat as needed under the guidance of your practitioner.
Important Note: These oils are hot. Always dilute well and take with food.
Roll-On for Skin Support
If candida is showing up on your skin (eczema-like patches, rashes, redness), try this roll-on:
- 10 drops Thyme
- 10 drops Coriander
- Fill a 10 ml roller with a gentle carrier oil like jojoba or fractionated coconut
Apply 2x daily to affected areas. Patch test first and avoid broken skin.
Other Candida-Fighting Tips:
- Cut sugar and refined carbs
- Consider adding enzymes and/or binders if die-off symptoms hit
- Consider adding a probiotic to help balance the gut microbiota (I prefer Life 9 and I recommend taking it at night.)
- Drink plenty of filtered water to support detox
If you’re struggling with candida symptoms, you’re not alone. This protocol is part of what I share with clients who want to heal naturally. Want a custom plan? Let’s do a scan and see what your body is asking for.
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small thank-you commission, at no extra cost to you. I only share what I use, love, and believe in.
References:
- Nazzaro, F., et al. (2021). Antifungal activity of thyme essential oil against Candida albicans: A natural strategy to fight fungal infections. Microbial Pathogenesis, 150, 104710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104710
- Prakash, B., et al. (2014). Antifungal activity of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil: Its effect on membrane permeability of Candida spp. Industrial Crops and Products, 55, 172–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.02.033
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