This, Not That: How Simple Swaps Are The Key to True Health
What will it take for you to take your health seriously? It’s a profound question—and for many, including myself, the answer comes when we face a turning point. For me, that moment was a diagnosis. By the world’s standards, it was something I’d simply have to live with for the rest of my life. But deep in my heart, I refused to accept it as my destiny.
Instead, I resolved to take control of my health, one small step at a time.
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly tempted by convenience—quick fixes and easy options that often come at the expense of quality. What we put on our bodies, what we eat, and even the products we use in our homes shape our overall well-being more than we realize. Small, intentional swaps were the key to my transformation, allowing me to reverse my diagnosis. For others, these changes have brought renewed energy, freedom, and the ability to live fully—whether that means being present as a parent or pursuing long-held dreams.
Every small choice we make contributes to the direction of our lives. Each decision matters.
Let’s explore four powerful “This, Not That” swaps you can start implementing today to create a healthier, more intentional life. These small changes can have a profound ripple effect—on your health, your happiness, and the world around you.
1. Body Lotions → Body Balms
Why Swap?
Conventional body lotions often contain water as a base, requiring preservatives and emulsifiers to keep the product stable. Many also include synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin. Body balms, on the other hand, are rich, water-free formulations packed with nourishing butters and oils that deeply hydrate without unnecessary additives.
How to Implement:
Ditch the pump bottle and embrace a body balm. After a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, apply all over your body and massage it into your skin. A little goes a long way, and you’ll notice your skin feeling soft, moisturized, and glowing all day long.
2. Processed Snacks → Fresh Fruit
Why Swap?
Processed snacks are often loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients that spike blood sugar and leave you feeling sluggish. Fresh fruit, especially locally grown from a farmers market, is bursting with natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish your body and satisfy cravings.
How to Implement:
Keep a bowl of fresh, in-season fruit on your counter or in the fridge for easy snacking. Plan a weekly trip to your local farmers market to stock up on fruits like berries, apples, or peaches. Not only will your body thank you, but you’ll also support local farmers and enjoy produce that’s fresher and more flavorful.
3. Store-Bought Food → Farmers Market Food
Why Swap?
Store-bought foods, especially pre-packaged or mass-produced items, often contain additives, preservatives, and lower nutrient content due to long shipping times. Farmers market food is fresher, minimally processed, and typically grown with more sustainable practices, meaning better flavor and more nutrients.
How to Implement:
Start small—replace one grocery trip per week with a visit to your farmers market. Focus on seasonal vegetables, pasture-raised eggs, or freshly baked bread. Build simple meals around these ingredients, and enjoy the difference in taste and quality.
4. Traditional Scented Candles → Beeswax Candles
Why Swap?
Traditional scented candles often contain paraffin wax, which releases potentially harmful chemicals like toluene and benzene when burned. They’re also scented with synthetic fragrances that can irritate respiratory systems. Beeswax candles, however, are a natural, toxin-free alternative that actually purify the air by releasing negative ions while burning.
How to Implement:
Replace your traditional candles with beeswax ones for a cozy, natural glow that’s safe for your home. Look for candles made with 100% beeswax and natural cotton wicks. Light one in the evening while you unwind—it’s a simple, beautiful way to create a healthier atmosphere.
These small swaps may seem simple, but their impact is anything but. By choosing natural, high-quality alternatives, you’re not just making healthier choices for yourself—you’re enabling your body to heal and flourish.
Which swap will you try first? Share your journey with us—we’d love to hear how these changes make a difference in your life!