Why ‘Reset’ Doesn’t Mean Restrict

I’ve been hitting the reset button hard this month and in just two weeks, feeling and seeing the difference. It’s wild how your body can respond to subtle, intentional changes over a short period of time. 

I find many people are trying to get back on track this month but resetting isn’t about punishing yourself. It’s not about doing detoxes or cleanses. It’s about realigning with some baseline habits that can jump start that feeling of progress, energy and routine.

Deprivation is a Red Flag, Not a Reset

The wellness industry can make you think that you need a “cleanse” or “detox” to reset your health. But extremes rarely deliver what they promise, perhaps in the short-term but never for the long haul. And isn’t the long game what we’re all here for?

I’m personally not a fan of complete restriction. Restriction is a band-aid - short term, unsustainable and can potentially cause guilt and shame, and in some cases, disordered eating. 

Quick fixes like detoxes, cleanses, extreme dieting can cause energy crashes, stress, increased cravings and that yo-yo effect of weight loss.

These types of approaches can especially harm midlife women’s hormones, metabolism and their long-term resilience. 

Reset = Reconnection 

A true reset is a return to what works. Habits you know will make you feel better both physically and mentally. 

What works for me and what most of my clients and I focus on together usually fall into one or more of these pillars:

• Nourishment. Real, whole foods and balanced meals that fuel energy and mood—not restriction or guilt.

• Movement. Daily activity you actually enjoy and will do.
  Mindset. Dropping the all-or-nothing thinking and giving yourself permission to start small (but also be comfortable with slow progress.

• Sleep. Getting enough of it because it drives the three pillars above.

• Connection. Leaning into the people and communities that support you.

Sorry to say, these aren’t fancy and it’s not rocket science. They don’t promise overnight results. But they’re what actually work—and they’re the foundation for resilience.

My September Reset

Here’s what’s been working for me this month thus far:

 ✨ Meal prep Instant Pot creamy oatmeal chia for quick morning pre-workout/breakfast (add a little vanilla protein, banana, peanut butter, cinnamon)

 ✨Workout water bottle: mineral salt, creatine, amino acids, collagen

 ✨ Post-workout protein smoothie: protein powder of choice, collagen, psyllium husk, frozen banana, almond milk

• Lunch and dinner balanced w/ protein, healthy fats, vegetables, fruit

• Workout split including 2 upper body days, 2 lower body days, a HIIT day sprinkled in with cardio bouts

These are small shifts, but they help me feel like myself again.

Wellness Is a Career Advantage

This isn’t just about feeling good personally—it’s about how we show up professionally.

The food you eat, the sleep you prioritize, the stress you release—it all drives your energy, focus, and leadership presence. Resetting your habits isn’t an indulgence. It’s an investment in how you show up for your work, your people, and your future.

Reflection Prompt

💭 What’s one habit you can reset this month that would help you feel more grounded?