A Blog for Health Conscious Women

Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

Why Diets Keep Failing Moms (And What Actually Works)

Let me say this loud and clear:

You’re not failing the diets — the diets are failing you.

If you’ve tried everything — keto, low-carb, calorie counting, juice cleanses — and still feel stuck, exhausted, and frustrated… you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.

As a mom of two busy athletes, I know what it feels like to pour everything into your family and still end up at the bottom of your own priority list. I know what it’s like to try every plan under the sun and still feel bloated, tired, and totally disconnected from your body.

Here’s the truth that the diet industry won’t tell you:

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

This Mother’s Day, Prioritize You — Here’s Why It Matters

Mother’s Day is a beautiful time to celebrate the women who give so much of themselves to their families. But it’s also an opportunity to pause and ask an important question:

What if the best gift you could give your family… was a healthier, more vibrant you?

As moms, we tend to put ourselves last — juggling work, parenting, errands, and everything in between. I know that story well. For years, I was stuck in that cycle: running on caffeine and willpower, burning out, and wondering why I felt so depleted.

But everything changed when I decided to take my health seriously.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

Cravings Before Your Period: What Your Body Is Really Asking For

You know that week before your period when you suddenly want to eat everything in sight?

The chocolate. The chips. The baked goods.

You feel hungrier, moodier, and maybe even a little “out of control.”

First things first: you are not broken.

You’re not weak, undisciplined, or “bad” at eating healthy.

You’re simply in your luteal phase—the second half of your cycle when your hormones shift dramatically. And those cravings? They’re actually messages from your body. Today, we’re going to decode them and learn how to respond with nourishment, not judgment.

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Wholesome Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

If you’ve been craving something sweet but still want to feel amazing after eating it—this one’s for you.

These Wholesome Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of the goodness your body craves. No butter. No oil. No eggs. Just plant-based ingredients that love you back.

They’re perfect for after-school snacks, coffee dates on the porch, or late-night “I need something” moments. And yes—your kids (and your inner child) will love them too.

Made with oats, applesauce, coconut, and just the right touch of maple syrup, these cookies are more than a treat—they’re nourishment. I took inspiration from a classic oatmeal raisin cookie and gave it a Nourish to Flourish twist. They’re the kind of cookie you can feel good about making—and even better about sharing.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

The Essential 7: Daily Nutritional Must-Haves for Disease Prevention & Longevity

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: when we focus on what to add in—rather than what to take away—everything changes.

So often, we’re told to restrict, cut, eliminate, or deprive. But I believe the real magic happens when we nourish our bodies with the right foods consistently—without the stress, the extremes, or the all-or-nothing mentality.

That’s why I created the Essential 7: a simple, science-backed list of powerhouse foods and habits that support vibrant health, energy, and longevity. These are the daily must-haves that I teach inside my Nourish to Flourish program because they’re deeply rooted in evidence and deliver real results.

Let’s break them down:

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

Are You Getting Enough Iron? What Every Plant-Based Woman Needs to Know—Especially During Your Cycle

“You need to eat more red meat.”
That was my mom’s go-to advice whenever I felt tired, moody, or just off during my period.

And years ago? I was feeling off a lot. Exhausted, foggy, short of breath after climbing the stairs, hair thinning, and just not myself. I blamed it on the usual suspects—being a busy working mom, hormones, not sleeping enough.

But when I finally had my labs done, the results were clear: I was borderline anemic. My iron was low—and it was impacting everything.

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How I Reversed My PCOS Naturally — Without Dieting or Deprivation

For years, I felt stuck—trapped in a cycle of fatigue, bloating, weight gain, and hormone chaos. PCOS was running the show, and I didn’t know where to turn. But once I stopped dieting and started nourishing, everything shifted. I lost 35 pounds the healthy way, balanced my hormones naturally, and stabilized my blood sugar without restriction or deprivation. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I did it—with real food, a lot of fiber, and a whole new mindset around healing. If you’re ready to feel like yourself again… this one’s for you.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

Why I Stopped Chasing Protein Goals (And What I Do Instead)

For years, I believed I was doing everything right when it came to “healthy eating.”
Egg whites, grilled chicken, low-fat dairy, protein bars, protein shakes… I was constantly trying to hit my daily protein target, thinking it would help me stay lean, energized, and in control of my body.

And honestly, I get why.
We’ve been told over and over again—by diet culture, fitness trends, and even some health pros—that more protein equals more success. But what if that high-protein path is quietly working against us?

Because it was for me.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

10 Go-To Plant-Powered Meals (with Recipes!)

If you're ready to fuel your body with meals that are delicious, nutrient-dense, and 100% plant-powered, you're in the right place. These are my tried-and-true favorites that I come back to week after week. And the best part? They’re satisfying, protein-packed, and filled with fiber and flavor. I’ve also linked to some incredible recipes (mostly from Love & Lemons—a plant-based goldmine) so you can try them out today!

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Feeling Sick Around Ovulation? Here’s Why & How to Fix It Naturally!

If you’ve ever felt nauseous, bloated, fatigued, or just "off" around ovulation, you’re not alone. In fact, I know exactly how frustrating it can be because I’ve been there too!

For years, I struggled with headaches, mood swings, bloating, and fatigue during ovulation. I used to think it was just part of being a woman—but what I didn’t realize was that my hormones were shifting in ways that directly impacted how I felt.

And the worst part? Things like alcohol, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition made my symptoms even worse.

But once I learned how to support my body naturally, everything changed. If you’re tired of feeling sick mid-cycle, this post is for you! Keep reading to learn why ovulation can make you feel this way and how to balance your hormones with nutrition.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

Why Cheat Days Are Keeping You Stuck (And What to Do Instead)

We’ve all been there—spending the week eating “clean” only to reward ourselves with a cheat day packed with pizza, cookies, and everything else we’ve been craving. It sounds reasonable, right? Stick to a healthy diet most of the time and let loose once a week. Unfortunately, cheat days might be doing more harm than good, keeping you stuck in the cycle of cravings, inflammation, and stalled progress.

In this post, we’re diving into why cheat days can sabotage your goals and how going all-in—100%—can help you break free and finally see results.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

How to Order Healthy at Starbucks: Nutrition Coach Tips for Busy Moms

There’s something about a Starbucks run that feels like a mini escape, especially when you’re a busy mom juggling a million things. But let’s be real—the sugary drinks and pastries can add up quickly, making it tricky to stick to your health goals. As a nutrition coach and mom, I’ve mastered how to navigate that menu without sacrificing flavor or my well-being.

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite healthy Starbucks orders, including how I make it a fun experience for my daughter, Rosie—minus the sugar rush. Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go or a cozy drink for the car ride, these tips will keep you satisfied and on track.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

Exciting News! 🎉 Our Podcast You Had Me At Healthy is LIVE!

We have some big news to share—our brand-new podcast, You Had Me At Healthy, is officially LIVE! 🎙️

If you’re passionate about healthy living, family, and life in the Midwest (with a side of fun and real talk), this podcast is for you. My husband and I are diving into everything from nutrition and wellness to parenting, sports, and navigating life’s adventures together—all while keeping it real, relatable, and refreshing.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

The Protein Myth: Why More Isn’t Better & Why Plant Protein Wins

Protein has become an obsession in modern nutrition. Walk down any grocery store aisle, and you’ll see protein bars, protein shakes, and high-protein everything. We’ve been conditioned to believe that more protein equals better health, more muscle, and faster weight loss. But what if that’s not true? What if we’ve been misled about how much protein we really need—and the dangers of over-consuming animal protein?

Research from leading nutrition experts like Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Dr. Michael Greger paints a very different picture—one that challenges the high-protein dogma and reveals the real risks behind excessive animal protein consumption.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

A Salad That Nourishes: My Go-To Lunch for Energy & Wellness

If there’s one thing that’s a constant in my daily routine, it’s my big salad for lunch. It’s a staple in my nutrition plan—something I look forward to every day. But here’s the thing: salads should never be dull, bland, or unsatisfying. When built the right way, they can be a flavorful, nourishing meal that leaves you full, energized, and truly satisfied.

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Unexpected (But Amazing!) Changes I Experienced After Changing My Diet

When I first changed my diet, my main goal was to improve my health. I wanted more energy, better digestion, and to feel good in my body again. But along the way, something incredible happened—changes I never even expected!

From hair regrowth to stronger lashes and fuller brows, the transformation wasn’t just internal—it showed on the outside too! And the best part? It all came from nourishing my body with the right foods.

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Natalie Paul Natalie Paul

Recipe: Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins

If you love muffins but want a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor, you’re in the right place! These Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins are everything you want in a breakfast treat—soft, fluffy, and naturally sweetened. Plus, they’re packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, hearty oats, and ripe bananas.

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