By Clare Broderick, Founder of Greener Cleaner LIVING, LLC
As we enter the month of September and headlong into the back-to-school season, let’s use what I call the “Weed, Seed & Feed” approach to keep our health on track while juggling the demands of our busy lives. This 3-part method is all about 1.) reducing toxins, 2.) supporting our gut, and 3.) nourishing our bodies—all essential for staying energized and balanced as we dive into the new seasonal routine! Here is how it breaks down.
Weed: Let’s kick things off by tackling those hidden chemicals in our everyday items. Best tip here for back-to-school routines? Swap out conventional cleaning products (including laundry) for natural, low-tox alternatives. When I switched out the store brands for safer, natural cleaning solutions, I noticed my home felt fresher and my family’s indoor air quality improved. Gone were the bleach-induced headaches and irritated skin rashes my older son would get. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference for both your health and your home environment.
Seed: Next, let’s nurture our gut health. Consider adding a serving of prebiotic-rich foods like bananas, onions, or garlic to all your meals. These foods help feed the essential, good bacteria in your gut. During especially busy times, I found that making a quick prebiotic-packed morning smoothie (check out some of my favorite recipes here) and adding these gut-healthy foods to my meals really helped support my digestion and overall well-being. It’s a great way to keep your gut in check and support your health amidst the chaos.
Bonus – make a breakfast smoothie for your kids too! The gut-brain axis working its best is fundamentally important for optimal learning and keeping everyone’s immune-system strong all throughout those long, busy school days.
Feed: Finally, let’s fuel our bodies with nutrient-dense snacks. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit handy to keep your energy levels steady. I started keeping fruit out on the counter and preparing these snacks in advance, and it made a huge difference for me and my kids. I felt more energized and less tempted by less healthy options. Plus, it’s a great way to stay on top of your family’s nutrition while managing a busy schedule.
By focusing on these three steps: weeding out toxins, seeding your gut with prebiotics, and feeding your body with nutritious snacks—you’re setting up yourself – and your family – for a healthier, more balanced back-to-school season. Here’s to making this fun, busy time of year a little easier and a whole lot healthier!
Clare Broderick is the Director of Partnership Development at the WEforum Group and is the founder of Greener Cleaner LIVING, LLC, a sustainable home and lifestyle consultancy. Clare uses her extensive professional experience in healthcare environment & building design to help women learn to live a more natural, non-toxic lifestyle & make changes to detox your family’s home & health. Want to create a healthier kitchen with sustainable swaps? Download my Healthy Kitchen Guide here.
