Graced Health: Perimenopause and Menopause Wellness for Christian Women

5 Kitchen Systems That Make Healthy Eating Easier

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode What if I told you that five simple kitchen systems could make healthy eating feel automatic instead of exhausting?In this episode, I share five practical kitchen systems I use daily to make healthy eating easier and less overwhelming.  My friends started sharing their organization systems on Marco Polo, and it made me realize something surprising about myself— I actually DO have helpful kitchen/food prep routines!Today, I walk you through my simple, actionable strategies for staying hydrated, getting adequate protein, and having healthy food ready when I need it. These systems work for me right now, but may change—and that's okay. The goal is to find what works for YOU and start with just ONE system at a time. Main points discussed: 1. My morning hydration system2. My protein coffee system3. Tips for prepping protein (my fav ways to do this)4. Mindsets to help you not get overwhelmed but rather make healthy living easierLinks:Join Moving Forward Together! Applications are open now, learn more at gracedhealth.com/smallgroups My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Mental Health: Finding Your Path to Thriving with Carla Arges

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeWhat does it look like to navigate mental health struggles while living out your faith?It’s a question many of us carry—sometimes silently. And it’s one I was honored to explore in this week’s conversation with Carla Arges.Carla’s story isn’t neat or easy. She experienced childhood trauma, homelessness at 14, misdiagnoses for years, and eventually received an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder just six years ago.But here’s what moved me most: Carla talks about thriving, not just surviving. And she does it in a way that’s gentle, honest, and deeply rooted in partnership with the Holy Spirit.Carla Arges is a mental health coach, podcaster, and writer who helps Christian women navigate trauma and mental illness with grace and truth. After experiencing childhood trauma, homelessness, and a journey through misdiagnoses, Carla was accurately diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder six years ago. Through partnering with the Holy Spirit, therapy, medication, and holistic healing practices, she has moved from surviving to thriving—and now equips other women to do the same.Carla is the host of the Affirming Truth podcast and a content writer for the Bible app, where she creates bite-sized, accessible devotionals for women struggling with mental health. She offers courses on nervous system regulation and biblically based boundaries, and provides one-on-one coaching to help women integrate faith, healing, and practical tools for everyday thriving.In our conversation, you’ll hear:Why a diagnosis is information, not identityThe role of medication and therapy in faith-based healingHow to regulate your nervous system in practical waysWhy thriving isn’t about living on the mountaintop all the timeHow God doesn’t waste our pain—He redeems it for purposeConnect with Carla:Website: carlaArges.comPodcast: Affirming Truth (available on all podcast platforms and YouTube)Bible App: Search for plans by Carla ArgesMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

The Crucial Pre-Workout Question

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeOur episode today explores how the same physical activity can serve completely different purposes depending on your intention behind it. We challenge the wellness industry's constant pressure to "go harder" and achieve maximum intensity every single day, suggesting it's time to release that mentality. Instead, let's go after a grace-based approach rooted in freedom rather than legalism. We are wired for freedom by God!By pre-deciding your intention before exercise—whether that's challenging your cardiovascular system, gently moving for mental health, building strength, or simply clearing your head—you can stay focused on what you truly need rather than falling into comparison or guilt. The key is being honest with yourself about what you need while giving yourself permission to adjust when necessary, recognizing that backing off isn't failure—it's listening to your body with wisdom and discernment.Main points discussed:1. Macro Why vs. Micro Why2. Examples of Micro Whys 3. Saying Goodbye to "Go Harder" 4. Freedom Through Grace (Drawing from Galatians 5:1)5. Examples of Micro Whys 6. Protecting yourself from falling into old comparison patterns Links:Strong and Vibrant at Home: Strength Training and Wellness for Christian Women in Perimenopause and BeyondMoving Forward Together: 4-Week Small Group CoachingMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Gut Health 101: Why You're Doing All the Right Things But Still Don't Feel Well with Tiffany Giganti

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeThis is a insightful conversation with Tiffany Giganti, a certified functional nutrition counselor, discussing gut health and overall wellness. Tiffany shares her journey from struggling with her own health issues to becoming a practitioner who helps women understand their bodies through a functional health approach. Your body isn't broken or working against you—it's communicating with you. Learning to understand and respond to those signals through a functional health approach creates lasting vitality rather than just treating symptoms.  Main Points: 1. Why Doing "All the Right Things" Isn't Enough2.  Gut Health = Overall Health3. The Big Three Non-Negotiables4. The Supplement Problem5. Listening to Your Body6. The Gut Harmony Program7. Simple Action StepsLearn more about Gut Harmony HereUse code AMY for $50 offLinks and Episodes discussedSimple ways to increase your sleep quality 😴 and quantity 🛌 with holistic sleep coach Morgan AdamsThe Wellness Industry Has Lots Its Mind. Here's How to Navigate It.Should I Wear a Weighted Vest?5 Things You Need to Know Before You Take SupplementsImportant Note:I participated in Gut Harmony last fall to understand my own gut better as well as preview the program for you. I learned so much from Tiffany and highly recommend it if you are in a place to strategically participate in food-elimination. Tiffany's approach is gentle and warm but this program does guide you to temporarily eliminate certain foods. If you are healing from or working through an eating disorder or disordered eating, I do not recommend this for you and suggest you work directly with a Registered Dietitian certified in Eating Disorders. (Need one? Hit reply and I'll help connect you.)Bristol Stool ChartConnect with Tiffanywww.tiffanygiganti.comInstagram: @tiffanygigantiMy latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell

Season 24 Recap – Highlights, Lessons, and Looking Ahead

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's EpisodeCan you believe we’ve wrapped up 24 seasons of the Grace Health Podcast?! The journey has been nothing short of incredible. For those new here, I typically run three seasons a year, each with its own flavor—sometimes focused, sometimes a bit more “loosey-goosey,” but always with the goal of bringing you value, encouragement, and practical health wisdom.I love doing these season recaps for two reasons. First, if you’re new, it’s a great way to get a high-level overview of what we’re about. I know when I discover a new podcast, I look for recap episodes to get a sense of the content and see if it’s a good fit. Second, even my most loyal listeners can’t catch every episode. Life happens! These recaps let you see what you might have missed and revisit topics that resonate.We’re about to hit a major milestone—500 episodes! I’d love your ideas on how to celebrate. If you have thoughts, please use the “click to text” feature in your podcast player or episode description. And as we head into the holidays, remember: the best gifts aren’t always wrapped. Sharing an episode with a friend is a wonderful way to show you care.My latest recommended ways to nourish and move your body, mind and spirit: Nourished Notes Bi-Weekly Newsletter Be Strong and Vibrant! Online Strength Training Course for Christian Women in Perimenopause and Beyond 30+ Non-Gym Ways to Improve Your Health (free download)Connect with Amy: GracedHealth.com Instagram: @GracedHealthYouTube: @AmyConnell