Hi, Cleanish Squad!

I've got a short and sweet newsletter today as I'm prepping for a birthday trip to Big Bend National Park with the family—I can't wait!

I wanted to discuss something I've noticed on social media and the news more and more that's gotten me concerned.

Does it feel like, lately, you can't do anything right for your health, even when you're trying so hard? Like, you keep hearing...

You can't use aluminum foil because it leaches heavy metals into your foods...

You can't buy Banza chickpea pasta because it's full of pesticides...

You can't use nonstick skillets because they contain harmful chemicals...

You can't use slow cookers because of the heavy metals...

You can't drink bottled water because of the microplastics...

I know I've felt this a lot lately, and it often has me questioning whether I'm doing enough to protect myself and my family. A fear sets in that I'm not, and I should know better.

But, then I remember the source of all this "can't" "can't" "can't" talk, and I realize it's coming from influencers and news stations using fear tactics to gain more views. (Now, I'm not going to name names here, but I know we all see them.)

And, while I think could certainly be some validity to these claims, and we should be looking further into each one, approaching your life and the lives of your family with a black-and-white "throw everything that's cancerous out the window immediately or die" attitude isn't sustainable, and it's just another way to approach a fad diet.

Instead, if we can focus on being better than yesterday in some way each day, we can enjoy a cleanish lifestyle and not go crazy.

Eat whole foods most of the time, get outside, and get daily steps in. Maybe even add in strength training a few times a week.

It seems so common sense, but it's not as sexy.

Hopefully, this helps calm any fears you may have right now that even your healthy choices are awful.

I know it's hard to quiet out that noise, but I encoruage you to focus on the issue, not the fear tactics. Those claims don't get views if you're not scared, which is a sad truth nowadays, but it is.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this -- feel free to reply to this email and share the crazy claims that are worrying you or even how you've found a way to handle the fear tactics on your own.

As always, I truly appreciate you being part of the Cleanish Squad. Since you're here, I know finding a healthy path that is sustainable is important to you, and so I'd love to help in any way I can.

Talk soon!