By Jennifer Tardy
You are committed to your health—but sometimes it can feel like you are playing catch-up. You do many of the right things, but often only after something goes wrong.
The truth is that some of the most powerful shifts in energy, hormone balance, and immune resilience do not come from dramatic interventions. They come from simple, foundational habits practiced consistently—before the body starts sending distress signals.
Habits such as eating in alignment with your circadian rhythm, getting morning light exposure, building muscle, and replenishing minerals work best when implemented proactively. Prevention is not just long-term—it is present tense.
Rather than overhauling everything at once, start with one small upgrade this week. Not out of discipline or pressure, but because consistency compounds and creates a sense of internal safety in the body.
Simple Habits That Create Big Returns
- Eat a protein-rich breakfast within 90 minutes of waking
- Take a 10-minute walk outside before 10 a.m.
- Add a pinch of mineral-rich salt to your water
- Set your phone down during meals to support digestion and vagal tone
- Replace nighttime scrolling with a 10-minute guided NSDR or relaxation practice
If you are ready to stop waiting until your body is “yelling,” now is the time to create a plan that supports long-term vitality.
Book a free discovery call to begin building a personalized strategy for glowing up in 2026.
Supplement of the Week: Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium plays a role in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including blood sugar regulation, muscle relaxation, nervous system balance, sleep quality, stress response, and hormone support. Despite its importance, many people—especially women experiencing chronic stress, gut dysfunction, perimenopause, fatigue, or stubborn weight changes—are deficient.
Not all forms of magnesium are created equal.
Many commonly available forms, such as magnesium oxide or citrate, are poorly absorbed and often cause digestive distress before the body can benefit. That is not therapeutic—it is simply irritating.
Magnesium glycinate, which is magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine, stands apart because it is:
- Gentle on the digestive tract
- Highly bioavailable
- Naturally calming to the nervous system
- Supportive of sleep, muscle relaxation, heart rhythm, and stress hormones
This form is especially helpful for individuals dealing with:
- Anxiety or “wired-but-tired” fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping or racing thoughts
- Muscle tension, cramps, or restless legs
- Hormonal imbalance or perimenopausal symptoms
- Blood sugar instability and cravings
A frequently recommended option is Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate, chosen for its:
- Hypoallergenic formulation (free from gluten, dairy, soy, fillers, and artificial additives)
- Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients
- Independent testing for purity and potency
For individuals with autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities, thyroid disorders, or gut issues, supplement quality is critical. This is one of the few brands consistently associated with improved calm, sleep quality, and muscle relaxation without unwanted side effects.
Bottom line:
If you are going to invest in one foundational supplement to support stress regulation, sleep, hormones, and nervous system health, magnesium glycinate is an excellent place to start—and quality matters.
Tool of the Week: Morning Red Light Therapy
For those who wake before sunrise or live in low-light environments, 5–10 minutes of red light exposure in the morning can help reset circadian rhythms, support a healthy cortisol awakening response, and reduce inflammation.
Progress, Not Perfection
As 2026 approaches, let this be the year you release the pressure to do everything perfectly. Sustainable health is not about overnight transformation—it is about small, consistent steps taken day after day.
Those small choices add up. Over time, they create resilience, confidence, and lasting change.
Your health journey does not need to mirror anyone else’s. This year is about discovering what works for you, building momentum, and celebrating progress at every stage.
Jennifer Tardy, CHN, FNC, IHC, is a multi-certified nutrition and wellness practitioner and the founder of Eating for Healing Nutrition and Wellness. Her work focuses on personalized, functional nutrition approaches designed to support long-term health through root-cause strategies and science-backed care. Services are HSA/FSA authorized.
For more information:
Eating for Healing Nutrition and Wellness
Phone: 803-556-2593
Email: jennifer@eatingforhealing.org
Website: eatingforhealing.org
