When you’re burdened by low energy and fatigue, it’s hard not to reach for quick fixes like coffee and sugary treats. A part of you probably knows these things aren’t actually giving you the energy you want—but you have no idea where to start to get lasting energy.

Before you know it, you’ve become Lorelai from Gilmore Girls, desperate for a coffee IV (if you know, you know). But here’s the thing about energy—there is one powerful structure in your body that plays a major role, and you’ve probably heard of it before.

If this sounds familiar, chronic inflammation might be the uninvited guest causing all this digestive drama and low-energy chaos. Let's unpack how this sneaky culprit is likely at the root of both your stomach struggles and energy dips—and what you can do about it.

The biggest issue I faced with coffee? That first sip made me feel unstoppable—until an hour later, when I crashed and needed a nap in the middle of my workday. Sound familiar?

If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. So, what’s the real deal with coffee? Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Stride Forward is a full-body, full-life transformation that goes way beyond exercise. It's a program designed to help women feel stronger, more energized, and more self-assured through expert-led discussions on nutrition, menopause, mindfulness, and confidence-building—all wrapped up in a supportive community. Oh, and did I mention it ends with an in-person retreat? (Because who wouldn’t want a getaway with like-minded women?!)

Ever feel like your body is just messing with you? Like every meal is a gamble where the odds are against your sanity?

One minute, you feel fine. The next, you're bloated, exhausted, and questioning your life choices. All because you dared to eat a salad or a sandwich.

Welcome to the world of blood sugar.

If you’re bloated after meals, constantly tired, or catching every cold in sight, your gut might be trying to tell you something.

You see, your gut isn’t just a food processor—it’s basically your body’s command center. It’s where nutrients get absorbed, waste gets evicted, and a whopping 70% of your immune system lives. Even your brain checks in with your gut regularly (fun fact: they’re so tight, they text each other more than teenagers). When your gut’s unhappy, your whole system can go off the rails.

Let’s talk carbs. I know, I know—it’s one of those topics that feels like it could start a nutrition debate. You’ve heard the “carbs are bad” mantra, and it’s probably left you feeling a little confused. Are they good? Are they bad? Should you be eating them or avoiding them like the plague?

Here’s the thing: carbs are actually pretty awesome, as long as you understand how to treat them.

You’re probably like me—raised to think fats were public enemy #1, right?

Walking through the grocery aisles, you’d grab low-fat everything, thinking it was the “healthy” choice. Or maybe you’d pick up a stick of butter, feel that pang of guilt, and then set it down like it might explode into heart disease on the spot. And yet, in the back of your mind, you know you need omega fats, so there you go, buying an omega supplement.

There are a lot of information out there around nutrition, things like calorie counting, restricting foods, eating less, and the list goes on and on. But most of the strategies actually make you feel more tired, more exhausted, and more confused about what the heck to actually eat. If this is you, I have a solution. It is not a quick fix, not a fad diet, and may be something you have heard before. Enter into the conversation, protein.

Symptoms are actually a sign from your body that one of the processes it needs to function is struggling. Symptoms like digestive issues (bloating, constipation, heartburn, etc) acne, skin rashes, low energy, sleep disturbances, and more are your body’s cry for help.

Carol did her best each day—juggling her job, her kids, and her social life. She was a rockstar mom, friend, employee, and person.

But underneath, she was exhausted, anxious, and frustrated by her persistent symptoms, feeling as though her body was working against her.

I get it—poop isn’t exactly dinner table conversation. But, as uncomfortable as it may seem, talking about poop is essential. Your bowel habits are one of the strongest indicators of your overall health, yet they're often overlooked.