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carol@inkwellcoaching.com

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November 19, 2025

Sip Smart: Healthier Holiday Beverages

The holidays are filled with delicious drinks — peppermint mochas, mulled cider, sparkling punch, eggnog — and while they’re fun to enjoy, they

November 13, 2025

Holiday Prep with More Joy Less Stress

You’ve planned ahead, stocked the pantry, and maybe even tucked a few casseroles in the freezer. Now comes the real challenge — keeping calm once

November 5, 2025

Holiday Prep Made Easy Part 1

November marks the beginning of the holiday season — that cozy, colorful stretch between gratitude and celebration. What’s meant to be joyful can

October 30, 2025

🎃 Candy, Cravings & Finding the Sweet Spot

When it comes to Halloween, even the healthiest among us have a soft spot for something sweet. Whether it’s plain M&M’s (Mr. Non-Compliant’s

October 23, 2025

Your Autumn Reset Guide

It’s almost that time again — when we fall back an hour and suddenly, the evenings feel longer and darker. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, No

October 16, 2025

Good Friends, Good Health, Great Life

Some people call it “girl time,” others call it “guy time.” You may even call it a party. Whatever you call it, spending time with friends doe

October 9, 2025

🥣 Warm Foods to Take the Chill Off Fall

As the Midwest air turns crisp and daylight fades earlier, it’s natural to crave warmth — both in what we wear and what we eat. Fall invites us to

October 2, 2025

A Star Ingredient for Flavorful Meals

In last week’s blog, I wrote about a variety of spices that add warmth to fall dishes. I had a question from a reader about how to use star anise. S

September 25, 2025

Fall Spices That Warm the Season

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to scatter the sidewalks, many of us automatically think of pumpkin spice. It seems to be in everything from l

September 18, 2025

When Healthy Habits Don’t Add Up

You exercise regularly. Your plate is full of colorful fruits and vegetables. You’ve swapped fried foods for lean protein, cut back on sugar, and ev

Your Autumn Reset Guide

It’s almost that time again — when we fall back an hour and suddenly, the evenings feel longer and darker. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2 at 2:00am when clocks are set back one hour. 

While that extra hour of sleep sounds dreamy, the time shift can leave us feeling a bit sluggish or out of sync for a few days. The good news? A few small tweaks can help you reset your rhythm and feel more energized as we head into November.

With just over a week to prepare, you can ease into the change, so it doesn’t throw you off balance. Try heading to bed and waking up about 15 minutes earlier each day. It’s a simple way to help your body adjust to the new rhythm.

Next, soak up some morning light. Sunlight is your body’s natural wake-up call — it helps regulate your sleep hormones and boost your mood. Step outside for a few minutes first thing, even if it’s chilly. A brisk walk or a few deep breaths in the fresh air can make a big difference in how alert you feel all day.

Movement, of course, is another secret weapon. Get outside and move — rake leaves (there’s always plenty of them), walk the dog, or take a quick stroll through your neighborhood. Regular exercise, even in shorter bursts, helps reset your internal clock and keeps your energy steady. Plus, fall is a perfect time to enjoy the crisp air and colorful scenery.

As the days cool down, warm yourself from the inside out. Cozy, nourishing meals — think soups, roasted vegetables, and herbal teas — help you feel grounded and satisfied. Try sipping a mug of chamomile or cinnamon tea in the evening to signal that it’s time to wind down. 

And don’t forget to reset your space. Swap lighter summer décor for soft throws, warm lighting, simmer a small pot of water with orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a brief, natural scent boost. Creating a cozy environment can make those darker evenings feel comforting instead of dreary.

Finally, use this seasonal shift as a moment to reflect and refocus. What habits are helping you feel your best? What can you release before the holidays rush in? The time change is nature’s gentle reminder to slow down, rest well, and find your balance again.

With gratitude for the pause,
Health Coach Carol

“The great benefit of slowing down is reclaiming the time and tranquility to make meaningful connections – with people, with culture, with work, with nature, with our own bodies and minds.” ~ Carl Honoré

Good Friends, Good Health, Great Life

Some people call it “girl time,” others call it “guy time.” You may even call it a party. Whatever you call it, spending time with friends does something magical for your mood — and maybe even your lifespan.

Think about it: laughter, movement, and connection all rolled into one. Whether you’re walking the neighborhood trail, meeting for a workout, or catching up over coffee, there’s something powerful about being with people who just get you. 

Friendship feeds us in ways no supplement or medication ever could. A long chat with someone who’s known you for decades, or a spontaneous phone call that turns into a deep conversation, can lift the weight of a stressful day. There’s a reason it feels so good. Our brains release feel-good hormones like oxytocin when we connect. We literally feel better when we spend time with people we care about.

And here’s a fun fact: research shows that people with strong social ties are about 50% more likely to live longer than those who feel isolated. Can a supplement promise that?

The longest-running happiness study from Harvard found that close relationships — more than money or fame — are the key to living a good life. That simple truth puts things in perspective: what really nourishes us might be less about what’s on our plate and more about who’s sitting across from us.

The beauty of friendships is that they don’t have to be constant to be meaningful. You know those friends you can go months, or even years, without seeing, and when you finally get together, it’s like no time has passed? Those relationships remind us that real connection isn’t about frequency; it’s about authenticity. They ground us, reminding us of what truly matters and how much we’ve shared along the way.

And if you’ve ever worked out with a friend, you know the energy is different. You push a little harder. You laugh a little more. You show up because she (or he) is showing up. Movement becomes less of a “should” and more of a shared experience — something to look forward to instead of one more task on the to-do list. It can even by FUN! 

As we move through different chapters of life, friendships may ebb and flow, but they remain one of the most life-affirming investments we can make. So, call or write (yes, like on note paper) that friend you’ve been meaning to reach out to. Plan that walk, that lunch, that workout. Now is the perfect time.

Because in the end, the best kind of longevity might just come from laughing so hard with your friends that you lose track of time.

To good friends,
Health Coach Carol

“A friend is someone who helps you up when you’re down, and if they can’t, they lay down beside you and listen.” ~ Winnie the Pooh

🥣 Warm Foods to Take the Chill Off Fall

As the Midwest air turns crisp and daylight fades earlier, it’s natural to crave warmth — both in what we wear and what we eat. Fall invites us to shift from cool, refreshing foods to dishes that comfort, nourish, and ground us.

(For those of you reading this in warmer climates, perhaps when your days and nights get cooler, these ideas will be better received.)

This is the season to embrace warming foods like root vegetables, oats, and warming spices that balance the cool, dry air of fall. Think of it as nature’s way of nudging you toward the foods you need most right now.

Maybe start your morning with something hearty and soothing: a bowl of steel-cut oats topped with cinnamon, pears, and walnuts; or a warm protein latte with a dash of turmeric or pumpkin spice.

For lunch or dinner, swap out cold salads for roasted or simmered dishes. Try roasting a sheet pan of sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with thyme. Or simmer a pot of lentil or chicken soup with garlic, ginger, and a splash of lemon — a simple, nourishing meal that delivers comfort and immune support.

I sometimes add Millet & Brown Rice Ramen Noodles to bone broth as a light lunch or snack. It warms me and satisfies my need for carbs (that seems to have increased lately).

Whole grains such as farro, quinoa, or barley provide the kind of slow-burning energy your body needs this time of year. Serve them warm in bowls with roasted veggies and a crumble of feta or drizzle of tahini-lemon dressing. You could also make your grain bowl with roasted root vegetables, chickpeas, and a dollop of hummus — finished with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of smoked paprika. These bowls are filling and nutritious, without being heavy.

And don’t forget, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cumin, and ginger don’t just add flavor — they gently warm the body. Even a sprinkle can transform an ordinary meal into one that feels like fall in a bowl.

🍂 Try This: Roast cubed sweet potatoes, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of cinnamon, and pinch of sea salt. Serve warm with quinoa or over greens for an easy, earthy fall bowl.

Eating with the season is one of the simplest ways to feel your best — and fall offers plenty of delicious inspiration. Here’s to good food and good health.

Be well,
Health Coach Carol

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” ~ Oscar Wilde

A Star Ingredient for Flavorful Meals

In last week’s blog, I wrote about a variety of spices that add warmth to fall dishes. I had a question from a reader about how to use star anise. Since I’d not used it, I did some research. I bought a jar of whole star anise because I am intrigued with this spice and am anxious to add a pod to a recipe. And, it has great eye appeal. 

As I dug into its story, I discovered that star anise has been used for centuries, especially in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. From Vietnamese pho to Chinese five-spice powder, this spice has traveled the globe and earned its place in kitchens everywhere.

The taste of star anise is similar to licorice, fennel, and anise seed, but more intense and slightly sweeter. A single pod can transform a dish, infusing it with warm, aromatic notes that are both soothing and exotic. Because of its strength, it’s best used sparingly—think of it as a supporting actor, not the star. (Pun intended.)

How to Use It

  • Soups & Stews: A classic in Vietnamese pho, star anise deepens broths and adds dimension to savory dishes. Use 1 pod when you are trying a recipe for the first time. Add pod early with other aromatics (like garlic, onions), then let the pot simmer gently so flavors release slowly. After 30–45 minutes, taste and remove the pod if the flavor is balanced or leave longer for deeper dishes like braises.
  • Baking & Sweets: Pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in cookies, breads, and poached fruit. Use ground powder for baked goods and rubs and think of it as a secret ingredient, using only about 1/8 teaspoon. Use only a pinch for poaching liquid for fruit.
  • Beverages: A pod (or two) adds depth to mulled wine, chai, and spiced cider.
  • Everyday Cooking Tip: Drop a whole pod into simmering dishes and remove before serving—like you would a bay leaf.

If you are adventurous and make a dish with star anise, I’d love to hear about it! Shoot me an email with the details.

Non-Dairy Banana Pecan Ice Cream 

I wrote about this in the spring and have been enjoying it on these beautiful summer-like days. When I talk about how tasty and satisfying my banana pecan “ice cream” is, I get questions on how to make it.

Here’s the link to the recipe and its many variations. It’s the perfect alternative if you love ice cream and are trying to avoid dairy.

Banana Ice Cream Link

Sending love,
Health Coach Carol

“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors—it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” ~ Wolfgang Puck