What does it actually look like to practice what you preach — when you have a baby, two teenagers, a toddler, a full patient schedule, and real life happening all around you?

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Mussar, ND (currently in the thick of postpartum with a baby under one) and Dr. Tracy-Lynn Reside, ND (mom of three, including two teenagers and a toddler) get completely real about the health habits that anchor their lives. Not the polished, perfectly filtered version. The messy, honest, works-for-us-right-now version.

This is the mom spin-off of the non-negotiables episode with Dr. Lauren and Dr. Alessandra — and it hits a little different.

Here's what they get into:

• Meal planning as a lifeline — why Sunday planning isn't about being rigid, it's about eliminating the decision fatigue that drains you by 5 PM. Plus: the shredded chicken hack that keeps protein on track all week.
• Movement that's actually sustainable — how Dr. Michelle rebuilt her relationship with exercise after a rough postpartum recovery, why she treks 25 minutes to a gym she has to pay for (on purpose), and what Dr. Tracy-Lynn does when a sleepless night blows up the 6 AM plan.
• The consistency vs. perfection trap — you don't lose six weeks of progress by missing one week. You only lose it if you don't get back up.
• Water, supplements, and the alarm trick — the low-tech strategies that actually make daily habits stick.
• Nighttime routines that aren't fancy but work — e-readers, app blockers, phone alarms set 75 minutes before bed, and why winding down needs more runway than you think.
• Gratitude that isn't corny — how Dr. Tracy-Lynn uses it to regulate, not toxic-positivity her way through stress.
• Capacity before habits — because if your thyroid, iron, or nervous system are tanking you, no habit stack is going to save you.

If you've ever felt like you're failing at self-care because your life doesn't look like a wellness influencer's — this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

Imperfect consistency beats perfect paralysis every single time.

📍 Resources & Links

• 🌐 Book a visit: advancedwomenshealth.ca
• 🆓 Free 50-minute consult available — reach out if you're on the fence or want to find the right fit
• 📲 Follow Dr. Sarah on Instagram: @drsarah_nd
• 🏥 Advanced Women's Health on Instagram: @advancedwomenshealth
• 🎙️ Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Lauren & Dr. Alessandra's non-negotiables episode — go back and listen if you haven't yet!
• 📱 App mentioned: Be Present (screen time blocker)

💬 Are you a mom trying to figure out your non-negotiables right now? DM us on Instagram — we want to hear what's working for you (and what isn't).