Your Wins, Your Questions & What's Next

Hi Growing Friend,

Welcome to our special extended-month edition of Root & Rise!

A Quick Note

I heard your feedback—there was A LOT of information this month, and it might have felt overwhelming. I get it! I tend to get carried away when I'm passionate about a topic (oops! 😅).

Here's what I'm working on: Being more intentional and direct so these newsletters are quicker, easier reads. I'd love to write weekly and break things into smaller chunks, but that's just not realistic for me right now.

As always, your feedback matters! I'm always willing to switch things up to serve you better.

Monthly Challenge Check-In

Our challenge was to find one meal you want to consistently make more balanced—and I heard great feedback!

Reader win: One of you started adding chia seeds and fruit to your morning yogurt. This is SUCH a simple upgrade that's going to keep you fuller longer AND support your gut health. Love this!

What was your win this month? Hit reply and let me know!

Your Questions Answered

Q: "I'm doing everything right with my meals, but I still get an energy crash around 3pm. What am I missing?"

Great question! A few things to check:

• Breakfast timing: Are you eating within an hour of waking up? Skipping breakfast or eating too late can set you up for afternoon crashes (especially for women)

• Lunch balance: Make sure your midday meal has ALL four components (protein, healthy fats, fiber, complex carbs). Missing even one can trigger that 3pm slump

• Hydration: Dehydration mimics low blood sugar symptoms. Try drinking a big glass of water first or adding a hydration drink—you might be surprised!

• Stress levels: Cortisol from stress can mess with your blood sugar throughout the day, even when your meals are on point

Q: "Is berberine safe to take long-term, or is it just a short-term fix? What brand do you recommend?"

Research shows berberine can be taken long-term for most people, and many use it as part of their daily supplement routine for ongoing blood sugar support. That said, everyone's body is different, and I'm not a doctor!

When ordering supplements I always recommend to buy from a reputable brand, directly not through Amazon, and make sure it’s been third-party tested! I’m a big fan of Just Ingredients - but there are many options available!

Community Wins

You all shared some amazing feedback this month! Here's what stood out:

💚 "Really loving the content and action items each month. It helps keep me motivated!"

💚 "Focusing on just one thing at a time has been so helpful—I'm not overwhelmed anymore."

💚 "The insights and tips have been so useful. I feel like I finally understand what my body needs."

This is exactly why I do this! Celebrating your progress with you is the best part of my month. Keep those wins coming!

What's Next: November Preview

Next month we're switching gears and heading into the kitchen!

Topic: How do the pots and pans we use affect our gut health?

With the holidays approaching, we'll be cooking ALL those special meals—and with Black Friday sales coming up, it's the perfect time to evaluate your kitchen tools. I'm going to share:

• Which cookware materials support (or harm) your gut

• What to look for when upgrading

• Budget-friendly swaps you can make

• The sales worth watching

Maybe you'll find a great Black Friday deal or discover the perfect Christmas present to replace an item or two! 🎁

Before I Go

Thank you for being part of this community and for giving me grace as I figure out the best way to serve you. Your feedback, questions, and wins fuel everything I create.

Have something to share? Hit reply—I read every single message.

Rooted in Wellness & Rising Together,

Erica