Have you ever considered how much the stress you're carrying might be affecting your physical health, not just your mental well-being?Chronic stress is something so many of us live with every day, often without realizing just how much it's taking a toll on our bodies. And sometimes, the everyday habits we turn to when life feels overwhelming can make things even harder on our health.In this episode, I'm sharing some of the changes Bill and I have been making after realizing just how closely stress, blood pressure, and our everyday food choices can be connected.We'll talk about why I believe what we eat matters when we're dealing with chronic stress, why we've been making the switch to better-quality grass-fed beef, how we're moving away from processed lunch meats, and some surprisingly simple ways to add more antioxidant-rich foods into everyday meals.You'll also get practical ideas for making healthier choices easier, from batch-cooking chicken and freezing homemade soups to adding freeze-dried kale and antioxidant-rich blueberries to foods and drinks.My hope is that you'll walk away encouraged to take a few simple steps toward supporting your health, even in the middle of a busy and stressful life.Because improving your food and simplifying your life doesn't have to happen all at once. Sometimes the smallest changes are a really good place to begin.And this conversation isn't over! I'll be sharing more of the changes we've been making and the things we've been learning in upcoming episodes.This episode's sponsors:https://soulyrested.com/soap/ https://soulyrested.com/coffeehttps://soulyrested.com/teasGrab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources:Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvqLearn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundzLooking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)comIf you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

What if holiday gift giving could feel meaningful instead of overwhelming?If you've ever spent hours scrolling for the perfect Christmas gift, only to feel like nothing is quite right, this episode of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy is for you!Michelle Visser shares five simple ways to make holiday gift giving more thoughtful, intentional, and less stressful.You'll learn how to choose gifts around the things your loved ones genuinely enjoy, create meaningful gift bundles without spending a fortune, and give experiences that help someone explore a skill they're excited about. Plus, discover how everyday items can become surprisingly thoughtful gifts and how planning ahead can help you avoid last-minute shopping stress.By the end, you'll have a simpler approach to choosing gifts that make the people you love feel truly seen and appreciated — without overspending or endlessly searching for something better.Because the best gifts aren't about impressing people. They're about showing them how well you know them.🎁 Ready to simplify your holiday shopping? Visit the holiday gift guide at soulyrested.com/holiday for ideas organized around the interests of the people on your list.This episode's sponsors:https://www.hearthandhomesteadstore.com/shop Use Code SOULYRESTED to save $$https://soulyrested.com/coffeehttps://soulyrested.com/teasGrab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/FREE resources:Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvqLearn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundzLooking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)comIf you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

Your grain mill can do more than grind wheat berries.In this episode we explore 2 lesser-known grains that can bring new flavor, variety, and protein to your homemade kitchen: field pea flour and fresh-milled cornmeal.You’ll learn how to turn whole, dried field peas into a protein-rich flour, how to use it to thicken soups and gravies or add protein to your favorite baked goods, and why you shouldn’t try baking with it as your only flour. Michelle also shares practical tips for protecting your grain mill when grinding larger seeds and removing the tough outer hulls from pea flour.Then, discover why freshly milled corn tastes so different from store-bought cornmeal, how to choose the right corn for milling, and simple ways to use it in cornbread, tortillas, pizza, and English muffins.If you love making real food from scratch, this episode will encourage you to look beyond wheat, experiment with ingredients you may not have considered, and discover new ways to make your everyday homemade food even more delicious.This episode's sponsors:https://www.hearthandhomesteadstore.com/shop Use Code SOULYRESTED to save $$https://soulyrested.com/coffeehttps://soulyrested.com/teasGrab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources:Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvqLearn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundzLooking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)comIf you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

In this episode, herbalist and plant medicine maker, Shannon Mayernik of Mayernik Kitchen, joins Michelle to explore the often-overlooked world of medicinal culinary herbs.Discover the traditional herbal uses of 3 familiar favorites: sage, basil, and oregano. Shannon shares how she works with these plants, discusses the differences between common Italian basil and Tulsi, and explains how everyday ingredients can become herbal teas, infused oils, vinegars, and much more.You'll also learn practical tips for harvesting your herbs, encouraging healthier growth, and making the most of the plants you already have.You don't need an elaborate herb garden or a complicated collection of supplies to begin exploring traditional herbal practices. This conversation will inspire you to look at familiar plants in ways you never have before.Discover how to bring a little more herbal wisdom into your everyday life!This episode's sponsors:https://soulyrested.com/trueleafhttps://soulyrested.com/coffeehttps://soulyrested.com/teasGrab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources:Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvqLearn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundzLooking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)comIf you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

In this deep dive into glyphosate and atrazine, we discuss why these chemicals are used in modern agriculture, and look at the foods that are deeply affected. But this isn't an episode designed to leave you scared of your food.In fact, the biggest takeaway is the opposite: you have more control than you may think.You'll walk away with practical ways you can begin changing what you bring into your kitchen, and you don't have to do it all at once.If you're trying to feed your family better, reduce processed foods, learn more about where your food comes from, or simply make one healthier change at a time, this episode will give you both information and practical next steps.Dive into the resource page created specifically for this episode, with additional information and sources for you to continue researching and making changes at a pace that works best for you: https://soulyrested.com/organic This episode's sponsors:https://soulyrested.com/trueleafhttps://soulyrested.com/coffee/ https://soulyrested.com/botanicalsGrab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources:Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvqLearn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundzLooking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com

What if you could keep your morning coffee—but make a few simple changes to make it a better choice?If coffee is part of your daily routine, you’ll want to hear this conversation with women’s functional medicine practitioner Dr. Lori.She breaks down what to look for when choosing your coffee, including mycotoxins, oxidation, pesticides, organic certifications, sourcing, freshness, and storage.You’ll also learn why “organic” may not tell the whole story, why grinding your beans fresh matters, how to store your coffee, and how your caffeine intake may affect you differently than someone else.Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical ways to make better coffee choices—without necessarily giving up the morning ritual you love.This episode's sponsors:https://soulyrested.com/trueleafhttps://soulyrested.com/coffeehttps://soulyrested.com/teas/Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com

If you never thought cover crops were for small backyard gardens, this episode is for you.Dive into the FREE Soil Challenge I created for you: https://soulyrested.com/cover/ Michelle shares what she's learned after experimenting with 3 different ways of using cover crops in her own garden over the past 6 years—including what worked beautifully, what she didn't love, and the method she's currently using.You'll learn how cover crops can improve soil health, add organic matter, support the living organisms in your soil, and help set your garden up for a more productive growing season.And if you live somewhere with a short growing season, don't assume cover crops aren't practical for you. Michelle talks specifically about the challenges of gardening in a colder climate and how she's adapted her approach.Most importantly, this episode will help you see that you don't need a huge garden, acres of land, or a complicated system to start improving your soil. Even a small garden—or containers on your back deck—will benefit when you start thinking differently about your soil.****. ****. ****Use code FALLBAKING to stack 50% off the current sale price of Fresh Flour University: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/ykg2mfgxyx ****. ****. ****This episode's sponsors:https://soulyrested.com/trueleafhttps://soulyrested.com/coffeeGrab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com

This episode is a little different from the discouraging food-industry news we often hear. This is an encouraging story about what happens in real world examples of replacing ultra-processed food with fresh, whole foods.You’ll hear what several military bases are doing differently, why soldiers are actually lining up to eat the new food, and the surprising numbers showing that feeding people better may actually cost less, not more.If you've ever thought that real food is too expensive, too complicated, or impossible to serve on a large scale, this episode offers a powerful real-world example that may change the way you think about real food forever.And perhaps most encouraging of all, it's a reminder that real food can win when we make it delicious, accessible, and worth choosing.This episode's sponsors:I love Grand Teton Ancient Grains. Find out my favorites and how I use them:https://soulyrested.com/wholegrainhttps://soulyrested.com/trueleafAbout Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/My podcast: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com

This episode of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy is for anyone who feels like they're carrying too much, thinking too far ahead, or struggling to find gratitude in a difficult season.Two very different stories uncover a surprisingly simple lesson about gratitude.Sometimes we need to step back and see the bigger picture. Other times, looking too far ahead only makes us feel more overwhelmed, and we need to focus on the one simple step directly in front of us.As you listen, you'll be encouraged to look closer about the season you're currently in.You'll walk away with a simple mental framework you can return to whenever life feels overwhelming—and hopefully a renewed awareness of the small, beautiful things that are already happening right in front of you.This episode's sponsors:soulyrested.com/whole-grainsoulyrested.com/coffeeGo here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/FREE resources:Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvqLearn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundzLooking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)comIf you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

What if milling your own flour is only part of the story?If you're going to the trouble of buying a grain mill and making fresh-milled flour for your family, have you ever stopped to wonder where those wheat berries came from and how they were grown?In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of a regenerative organic family farm with sixth-generation farmer Jade Koyle of Grand Teton Ancient Grains in Idaho.Jade shares what actually happens in the fields where your wheat is grown—and I think you're going to look at your flour very differently after this conversation.You'll come away from this episode with a better understanding of your wheat, your flour, regenerative farming, ancient grains, and why knowing your farmer might be one of the most important steps you can take when you're trying to improve the food you're feeding your family.Your flour doesn't begin in your kitchen.It begins in the soil.And once you understand what happens there, you may never look at a wheat berry the same way again.This episode's sponsors:https://soulyrested.com/wholegrain/https://soulyrested.com/coffeehttps://soulyrested.com/trueleaf/Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources:Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvqLearn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundzLooking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/About Michelle VisserHi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.👋Find me in all the places:My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8PuMy website: https://soulyrested.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrestedPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisserCONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)comIf you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase