Strong and Steady

#21 Lock In: The Truth About Energy Drinks

Feeling tired and reaching for another energy drink? In this Lock In episode, we're taking a closer look at one of the most common "solutions" for exhaustion and asking a simple question: what are these drinks actually doing in the body? This conversation isn't about shame or telling you what you can and can't drink. It's about awareness. When we understand what's in our food and drinks, we can make more informed choices that support our long-term health. In this episode, we're breaking down: * How caffeine in energy drinks affects your body's natural energy signals * Common ingredients like artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives * How certain additives may impact gut health, cravings, and overall wellness * Why many people feel stuck in a cycle of exhaustion and stimulants * Simple ways to support energy naturally through sleep, hydration, nutrition, and stress management The goal isn't perfection. It's learning to look beyond the marketing and understand what your body may actually be asking for when you're feeling depleted. Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Episode Resources: - Ready to start taking care of you and getting to the root cause? Take our ⁠FREE⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOohXADNdp3JqoKYgj_4TYDyaqsVhqBee_JV-6P3IDtM2k5Q/viewform?pli=1] Strong & Steady Wellness Snapshot now!

#20 Low-Tox Ways to Support Energy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy exhaustion is real! But is there more you can do to support your energy naturally? In this episode, Jessica and Brittany continue the pregnancy series by talking through practical, low-tox ways to support your body during pregnancy — especially when it comes to energy, nourishment, hydration, and nervous system support. This conversation isn’t about “pushing through” exhaustion or trying to be productive all the time. It’s about learning how to better support your body during a season that requires so much physically, mentally, and emotionally. We talk through: * Why hydration and electrolytes matter so much during pregnancy * How blood sugar fluctuations affect energy levels * Nutrient-dense foods that support both mama and baby * The role of protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium * Why energy drinks and artificial ingredients can create more stress on the body * Supporting your circadian rhythm through sunlight, grounding, and rest * Practical low-tox swaps for personal care and household products * Simple ways to support your nervous system and reduce overwhelm * The importance of movement, nourishment, and consistency over perfection Whether you’re currently pregnant, preparing for pregnancy, or supporting your body postpartum, this episode offers simple, realistic encouragement to help you feel more supported through the journey. Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady]Episode Resources: - Listen to our Beginners Guide to a Low-Tox Home for Moms episode HERE [ https://youtu.be/_FIQ4vXTlJQ?si=VI8FLnpbvbJrGxXA] - Take our FREE [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOohXADNdp3JqoKYgj_4TYDyaqsVhqBee_JV-6P3IDtM2k5Q/viewform?pli=1] Strong & Steady Wellness Snapshot now!

#19 Preparing for a VBAC & Natural Birth (Part 2)

What actually helps support a successful VBAC… physically, mentally, and emotionally? In Part 2 of this conversation, Brittany and her sister Nicole continue sharing Nicole’s journey from an unexpected C-section to an unmedicated VBAC — along with the preparation, mindset, and support that helped her approach birth differently the second time around. This episode dives deeper into the practical side of VBAC preparation, labor support, advocacy, and trusting your instincts throughout pregnancy and birth. We talk through: * How to prepare your body for a VBAC before and during pregnancy * The role of nutrition, movement, positioning, and mindset * Finding supportive providers and advocating for yourself * Why hospital policies aren’t always the same as laws * Building a strong birth team and support system * Practical labor preparation techniques and comfort measures * Managing fear, disappointment, and mental preparation * Trusting God’s plan through pregnancy and labor * Why flexibility in your birth plan matters This conversation is a reminder that birth preparation isn’t about controlling every outcome — it’s about feeling informed, supported, and confident as you walk through the experience. Whether you’re considering a VBAC, preparing for birth, or simply wanting to better understand your options, we hope this episode encourages you. Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Don't forget to connect with and follow Nicole on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/mawoolbright?igsh=OTc0YmFld3B5bmly] too! **Disclaimer: This episode is based on personal experiences, research, and opinions and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy, birth, and health decisions.

#18 What to Know About VBACs & Natural Birth (Part 1)

Are you considering a VBAC… or wondering how to better prepare your body for birth? In Part 1 of this conversation, Brittany sits down with her sister Nicole to talk about VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), natural birth preparation, and the importance of feeling informed, supported, and empowered throughout pregnancy and labor. Nicole shares her personal journey from an unexpected C-section to an unmedicated VBAC, along with the physical, emotional, and mental preparation that helped her approach birth differently the second time around. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and a reminder that birth doesn’t have to be approached from a place of fear. We talk through: * What a VBAC is and why some women choose it * Nicole’s experience going from a C-section to an unmedicated VBAC * The importance of supportive providers and advocating for yourself * How nutrition, movement, and hormone health support pregnancy and birth * Mental preparation and mindset leading into labor * Pelvic exercises, positioning, and practical birth prep tools * Trusting God’s plan even when birth doesn’t go as expected * Why a C-section is not a failure Whether you’re preparing for birth, considering a VBAC, or simply wanting to feel more informed about your options, this episode offers practical encouragement and perspective for the journey — with even more coming in Part 2! Share this with a friend who’s preparing for birth or navigating pregnancy after a C-section 💜 Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Don't forget to connect with and follow Nicole on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mawoolbright?igsh=OTc0YmFld3B5bmly] too! **Disclaimer: This episode is based on personal experiences, research, and opinions and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy, birth, and health decisions.

#17 How to Support Your Body Before Pregnancy

Are you preparing your body for pregnancy… or just hoping everything falls into place? In this episode, Jessica and Brittany kick off a new series all about pregnancy — starting with what to focus on before you’re even expecting. They share both personal experiences and practical tips around how to support your body leading up to pregnancy, from gut health and hormones to nutrition, movement, and everyday habits. This conversation isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about building a strong foundation so your body is supported going into pregnancy and beyond. We talk through: * Why gut health and hormone balance matter before conception * Simple nutrition shifts to support fertility (without overcomplicating it) * The role of healthy fats, protein, and key nutrients like magnesium * How movement and exercise fit into this season * Reducing toxin exposure in your home and daily life * Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways * Listening to your body and adjusting as needed * Letting go of a one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy prep If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, currently trying, or just want to support your body well for the future, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters — without the overwhelm. Share this with a friend who’s in this season or thinking about it! Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Episode Resources:- Take our free ⁠⁠⁠Strong & Steady Wellness Snapshot⁠⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOohXADNdp3JqoKYgj_4TYDyaqsVhqBee_JV-6P3IDtM2k5Q/viewform?pli=1&pli=1]- Grab the book Fast Like a Girl [https://amzn.to/48Lr5Ad]by Dr. Mindy Pelz - Celtic Salt [https://amzn.to/49wO3LI] - The Lady Comp [https://amzn.to/3PjUtae] fertility tracker - Grab your first ButcherBox [https://www.butcherbox.com/discount/EGTB-8833-TPJD?referral] for just $20!*Affiliate Disclosure: Some links mentioned in this episode are Amazon or other affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely use and love!