36 Ways to Have a Better 2023

Whether you’ve already set goals for the year or want some inspiration to do so, here are some of  my favorite resources, ideas, and products for a healthy, sane 2023!

If you’d like to:

Eat better (or get your kids to eat better)…

1. The easiest (albeit priciest) route to a super clean diet is a meal delivery service. Sakara’s 30-day reset program includes four weeks of organic, plant-based meals plus a bunch of other goodies. There are two start dates left and new clients can use XOMAIA for 20% off. I also love Provenance meals, which now ship nation-wide, and their dishes include eggs, fish, and meat options. Use GIMME35 for $35 off orders $75 and up.

2. Every January, I return to my mom’s advice on how to upgrade the types of sugar, fat, booze, etc. I consume (rather than avoiding the junk entirely). If you’re a little more ambitious, you might like this super simple three-step reset.

3. Try a legit multivitamin that contains only the nutrients you really need, in bioavailable forms your body can actually use. But frankly, the only way I consistently take vitamins is by choosing the ones that taste like candy–I take Llama Naturals vitamin D and probiotic because they don’t contain sugar.

4. Try this super easy, fairly healthful recipe that every kid I know loves.

5. Identify your picky child from these classic five types— and implement specific strategies to end mealtime battles!

6. Choose better bread since kids eat so much of it (and maybe better yogurt and cereal, too!).

7. Serve these 15 packaged snacks that are truly health foods.

Drink more water…

8. The only way I’ve been able to consistently increase my water consumption is by getting a huge water bottle and carrying it around all day.

9. If you’re like me and don’t love still water, you can invest in this to make seltzer at home–it doesn’t use plastic bottles!

10. My friend swears by this smart idea to keep her on track throughout the day.

Drink less alcohol…

11. I like the DrinkControl app on my iPhone for keeping track of how much alcohol I’m really consuming.

12. Dry Farm is offering low alcohol wine for January (all bottles less than 11.5%), so I am definitely ordering a box.

13. I’ve also fallen in love with hard kombucha. I like the Mama Bear ones that they sell locally–they contain only 4% alcohol!

14. If you want to try total sobriety, there are plenty of alcohol-free spirits available, but I have to admit that my go-to is Olipop root beer!

Start a fitness routine…

15. If you want to try an at-home workout, here is my experience with eight that I liked.

Be kinder to the Earth…

16. Here are 22 swaps I made last year to lower our environmental impact. (Three of the most effortless swaps for me: using this instead of jugged detergent, these instead of Q-tips, and these instead of plastic wrap or foil.)

17. If you want to lower your dairy intake for the sake of the planet, here is a guide for choosing healthy oat milk!

18. If you need more reasons to stop buying bottled water, here you go!

19. It’s never been easier (or cuter!) to cloth diaper.

Save money…

20. My family is so busy that we end up ordering in dinner too much (a blessing a curse of living in New York City!), and we’ve found that a couple nights a week of meals that essentially make themselves–from Sun Basket and Green Chef–save us money.

21. For more ideas on saving money in the kitchen, here is a recent post by my mom.

Rid your home of toxins…

22. I believe that you can make the biggest impact on your overall toxin exposure by investing in air and water filters. (Tips for getting the right one here and here.)

23. Focus on the things you do every day rather. Consider upgrading your coffee, since you drink it each morning, and (if budget allows) investing is a toxin-free mattress since you sleep on that every night.

24. Stop using bleach once and for all by switching to Force of Nature Cleaner, which turns salt, water, and vinegar into a natural all-purpose germ-zapper that kills the coronavirus and cuts grease (40% off and free shipping on bundles with code GIMMETHEGOODSTUFF40).

25. Our lineup on Safe Product Guides will help you find toxin-free options for every room in your house!

26. Make the five most important changes to clean up your indoor environment with these easy steps.

Get better sleep…

27. Easily reduce your blue-light exposure.

28. Sleep train your co-sleeping baby.

29. Try a truly effective sleep tincture that includes organic CBD (guaranteed free of THC) as well as traditional sleep-promoting botanicals like melatonin.

30. Switch to an organic down pillow, which is made of responsibly sourced feathers, and is wrapped in a 100% organic cotton shell.

Start your own business…

31. I’ve been an entrepreneur for more than a decade, and I feel that working for yourself is both the most rewarding and the most challenging career there is (kind of like parenting!). A few years ago, we created this series to share our best tips on starting your own business if you’d like so inspiration!

32. I know several women who have made real money with various direct sales companies–they are definitely not created equally, but don’t write off MLM as being all “pyramid schemes.” I have a friend who is somewhat of a wizard with with these types of businesses, and she is willing to speak to any of my readers, so feel free to email me if you’d like me to connect you with her.

Be a better anti-racist…

33. Support businesses that are run by people of color. Some of my favorite include Nopalera (body-care), White Lotus (mattresses and bedding), The Honey Pot (period supplies), Golde (skincare and teas), Axiology (beauty), Milly Mylk (plant milk), Nolaskinsentials (skincare), Provenance (meal delivery), Healthynest (baby and home items), Plant Apothecary (skincare), Our Place (cookware), and Garner’s Garden (body care). We are always looking for more Good Stuff from brands owned by Black or brown people, women, and other underrepresented groups. Comment below with your favorites!

Give back….

34. Spending time volunteering as a family has been so rewarding for us. If you’re in the New York area, I encourage you to join us one Saturday at the River Fund.

35. One of my favorite charities is Neema International, and we give to this every year on Giving Tuesday.

36. The Love Our Planet Activity Kit gives kids an opportunity to protect our oceans, trees, and land through fun activities. 

Stay sane,