S03E42. Balancing Health and Wellness: How to Make Informed, Sustainable Choices Without Perfectionism

If the internet had its way, none of us would even be allowed to drink water without someone calling us out. In this episode, Katie and Cris have an honest (and hilarious) chat about the reality of “balanced health” and why perfection doesn’t belong in wellness.They open up about their own not-so-perfect habits and the things they refuse to give up, even as nutritionists. From MAC lipstick to oat milk, from Alexa running the house to dogs eating better than humans, this episode reminds you that balance is what really matters.Here’s what you’ll hear:The beauty and skincare “rules” we happily breakThe cleaning products we secretly still useWhy tech boundaries are easier said than doneHow we eat at home versus when we go outThe little things we let slide to stay saneLet's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

Perimenopause can feel overwhelming, but it is also a powerful transition that can be approached with clarity and confidence. In this episode of Keep It Clear, Katie and Cris sit down with Bria Gadd to explore how women can move through perimenopause feeling strong, supported, and energized.Bria shares her expert insights on shifting from “health debt” to “hormonal wealth” by focusing on key pillars like nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement. Instead of battling symptoms, she encourages women to see perimenopause as a chance to build a new foundation for long term wellness.This episode is full of practical tools and mindset shifts to help you feel empowered in this stage of life and embrace perimenopause as a season of growth and vitality.In this episode, you will learn:How to understand perimenopause as a natural life transitionThe steps to move from health debt to hormonal wealthSimple ways to increase energy through nutrition, sleep, and stress managementThe role of functional testing for personalized insightsWhy resistance training is the best fitness focus during perimenopauseMeet Bria:Bria Gadd is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner, holistic health coach, and certified personal trainer, who specializes in female hormones, helping women with weight release and energy gain in pre and post menopause, and finding clarity in hormonal chaos. Her podcast The Period Whisperer is a top 1% wellness podcast in the world with an instagram following of over 17,000. Bria has been featured in Fox News, Women's Health and top women's podcasts such as The MidLife Makeover Show to name a few.ResourcesInstagram: @bria_period_whispererPodcast: The Period Whisperer PodcastFree Daily Hormone ChecklistLet's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

Kicking off our rebrand to Keep It Clear. This episode is your gentle reset to simplify your wellness routine, cut the noise, and focus on what actually moves the needle for clear skin and a calmer mind. Katie and Cris spill the backstory on the name change, talk wellness fatigue, and unpack the idea of wellness debt so you can stop buying gadgets that collect dust and start building sustainable habits.We walk through the five foundations you can start today food, water, sleep, movement, stress reduction plus real-life, non-negotiable routines that fit a busy season. If you’re craving authenticity over algorithm culture, practical tips over pricey trends, and a simple path to clear skin, this one is your permission slip to simplify your wellness routine and keep it clear.In this episode:Why we rebranded to Keep It Clear and how this shift will help your health overall.What the wellness recession is and how to tell if you are feeling it too.The sneaky wellness debt you might be paying without realizing it and how to break free.The five foundations that actually move the needle for clear skin, energy, and sanity.Katie and Cris’s real wellness routines what they use every day versus what just collects dust.Let's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

Ready to finally make perimenopause fitness fun (and actually work for you)? In this episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles, Katie and Cris chat with Brian Keane about strength, sleep, mindset, and nutrition. Brian gets real about his own health journey and shares practical, no-fluff strategies to help women feel stronger, healthier, and happier during perimenopause without the overwhelm.What You’ll Learn:Why sleep is your ultimate “superpower” for energy and hormonesHow lifting heavy can fire up your metabolism in perimenopauseEasy food tweaks to balance hormones and beat cravingsStress hacks that matter as much as your workoutsThe mindset shift that flips self-doubt into confidenceLaugh, learn, and leave with real tips you can use today. Press play now and start rocking your strongest, happiest self!Meet Brian Keane:One of UK’s leading thought leaders on all things health, fitness and nutrition, Brian is the author of four best sellers. On top of his ever-growing social media platforms, with over half a million followers, he also hosts one of the world’s top health podcasts which is regularly featured #1 on the iTunes Health Charts. He has spoken at major wellness events around the world such as Wellfest Ireland, Mefit Dubai and was a Keynote speaker at Google HQ in Dublin for their 2018wellness event.Resources:Brian Keane PodcastFollow Brian on Instagram: @brian_keane_fitnessCheck out Brian’s WebsiteLet's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

Struggling with adult acne and the hit it’s taking on your confidence? You’re so not alone.In this episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles, Katie and Cris unpack why acne is a messenger—not the enemy—and how to decode what your skin is trying to tell you. They walk through The 5 Acne Clearing Pillars and show how these pillars overlap to create a truly holistic path to clear skin.From gut imbalances and sluggish bile flow to lymphatic stagnation, cortisol spikes, and barrier-wrecking routines, you’ll learn how “inside-out” fixes translate to calmer, clearer skin.Tips in this episode:Treat breakouts as signals from within: investigate stress, gut function, detox pathways, and hormone regulation—not just pores.Build the “clear-skin house”: foundation (gut), walls (detox pathways), roof (hormones). Don’t skip straight to hormones.Manage cortisol & blood sugar: both can drive sebum production and breakouts—balance meals, stabilize routines, breathe.Simplify skincare: pull back on over-exfoliating/actives; rebuild the barrier with niacinamide, squalane, ceramides, aloe, chamomile, hyaluronic acid, and skin-friendly probiotics.ResourcesShop My: https://shopmy.us/shop/katiestewartwellnessShop CLEARSTEM (Code KATIES saves 15%): https://clearstem.com/KATIESKSW Blog: https://katiestewartwellness.com/blog/Let's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

Struggling with acne and the emotional toll it takes on your confidence? You're not alone. In this episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles, Katie and Cris sit down with Laina to discuss her life-changing journey that transformed her skin and confidence through holistic healing. Laina opens up about her battles with severe acne and the emotional stress it caused, fueled by self-criticism and societal pressures. Discover how The Clear Skin Solution program helped her transform not just her skin, but her overall health and mindset. From diet and lifestyle to mindset shifts, Laina shares how addressing acne holistically also improved other health issues, like bloating and menstrual discomfort. If you're looking for practical tips on holistic skincare and personal transformation, this episode is for you.Tips in this episode:Focusing on internal health conditions to drive external skin improvements, moving beyond topical solutions.Having a community of like-minded individuals experiencing similar challenges provide validation and strength in her healing journey.Integrating dietary changes and personalized protocols based on mineral analysis helped address skin issues and hormonal imbalances and digestive health. Let's Connect Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

Struggling with acne and confused about what really works? You’ll want to hear these clear skin secrets.  This episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles with Katie and Cris brings in Danielle, co-founder of ClearStem skincare and the San Diego Acne Clinic, to cut through the noise.Danielle shares her expertise on why “organic” isn’t always the cure for acne, how pore-clogging ingredients could be sabotaging your skin, and why your usage habits matter more than chasing trends. She dives into listener questions on diet, treatments, and routines, offering practical and personalized approaches to skincare.If you’re tired of trial-and-error products and want expert clarity on how to truly support your skin, this conversation is for you.Tips in this episode:The effectiveness of organic and natural products for acne isn't as impactful as many expect. It's more crucial to focus on clean, non-comedogenic formulas.Dietary modifications, such as avoiding dairy and gluten, can significantly affect acne management; however, these should be reintroduced cautiously to understand unique skin responses.Personalized skincare is key. Understanding the ingredients and their effects on your skin can help identify and correct irritants or acne triggers.Back acne often has different triggers compared to facial acne, such as hair products or dietary choices, necessitating a unique approach.Resources:Shop CLEARSTEM (Code KATIES saves 15%)CLEARSTEM Pore Clogging Ingredients CheckerShop My: Acne Friendly MakeupLet's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

What if the secret to clearer skin wasn’t about perfection—but about balance?In this lively episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles, hosts Katie Stewart and Cris Brown sit down with special guest Paige Fursman for a fun yet insightful conversation that blends personal stories with wellness wisdom. Katie and Cris share how they’ve learned to ditch restrictive rules, embrace imperfections, and build wellness practices that actually feel sustainable. Paige brings thoughtful questions and perspectives on balance, parenting, and navigating the ups and downs of everyday life.If you’re on a journey to clear your skin and want to learn how embracing balance—not rigid health dogmas—can support your healing, this episode is for you.Tips in this episode:Embrace imperfection in your health and wellness journey, and make lifestyle choices that align with your personal values and preferences.The importance of balance between work, family, and self-care, rather than modeling life after Internet influencers.Personal anecdotes on parenting highlight the need for follow-through and creating boundaries that nurture and guide children effectively.Wellness doesn't need rigid adherence to trends; it’s about finding personal routines and practices that foster genuine wellbeing.Let's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

Ever wonder why your skin struggles even when you’re “doing everything right”?In this episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles, Katie and Cris dive into the overlooked connection between your nervous system and skin health. They break down how everyday lifestyle choices influence detoxification, mitochondrial function, and even your circadian rhythm—shaping not only your energy, but also the clarity of your skin.From simple nervous system hacks like humming and singing, to the role of CoQ10, red light therapy, and nutrient-dense ancestral eating, Katie and Cris reveal how true skin healing goes far beyond supplements. They also share practical strategies for light hygiene, environmental detox, and living in tune with your body’s natural rhythms.If you’ve been frustrated by surface-level fixes and are ready for lasting, inside-out results, this episode is for you.Tips in this episode:Supporting the nervous system is crucial for healing and can be done through simple activities such as singing and laughing.Mitochondrial support can be enhanced with practices like red light therapy and nutrients such as CoQ10.Ancestral eating involves consuming nutrient-dense, seasonal foods, departing from processed modern diets.Proper management of circadian rhythm and light exposure can significantly affect hormonal and metabolic health, contributing to clearer skin.Resources:Red Light Panel (code KATIE10 saves 10%): https://www.orionrlt.ca/?ref=katieLet's Connect (Podcast)Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear

What if the key to transforming your skin wasn’t in a product—but in your mindset, your gut, and your beliefs?In this episode of The Clear Skin Chronicles, Katie and Cris sit down with Jaidyn, a young woman who went from battling deep acne and self-doubt to glowing with confidence and clarity—inside and out. She opens up about the emotional toll of chronic skin issues, what finally shifted her healing journey, and how working with Cris and Katie helped her find real answers through a holistic, root-cause approach.If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you’ve tried everything for your skin, this episode will show you what’s truly possible when you heal from the inside out.Also in this episode:Skin wellness is a reflection of internal health, emphasizing the importance of gut health, liver function, and hormone balance.Adopting a positive mindset and exhibiting self-compassion can significantly enhance the healing process.Long-term dedication and consistency in a comprehensive skin care regimen lead to success.Transition from desperation to desire can fuel personal growth and health achievements.Overcoming complex skin challenges can foster confidence and spark new passion, like Jaidyn’s upcoming pursuit of a career in nutritional therapy.Let's Connect:Book a free call and let’s chat about how we can help:  here.Download The Gut Loving Cheat Sheet, here.Follow Katie on Instagram, here. Tired of trying random IG and TikTok hacks that only give you a quick band-aid fix for your skin? Your skin deserves more than trends.The Clear Skin Solution is your step-by-step path to glowing, healthy skin — no gimmicks, no fads, just real results backed by science.✨ Clear, glowing skin starts here: www.katiestewartwellness.com/clear