As a faith-based wellness writer focused on developing wholesome, plant-forward recipes and intentional wellness content, I firmly believe our health is the foundation upon which we are best able to live out our life’s purpose.
It’s a non-negotiable area where passivity cannot thrive. As women, we often lack in this area for a number of reasons—we’re too busy, we feel unheard so we’d rather say nothing at all, our health care is too expensive so we put it off just one more month which turns into six months and then a year has passed. Frankly, there have been times when I simply don’t have a team of physicians I trust have my best interest in mind. Finding new physicians and getting to know them, well, that takes time.
All of that said, I know this to be true: Advocating for our health, including personalized, comprehensive health data, is not unreasonable—it’s essential self-care.
Why Knowledge is the First Step to Power and Purpose
This year, I’m challenging the cycle of all the things that can stand in my way by choosing to be profoundly intentional about my health management, and I want to encourage you to do the same.
That’s why I recently joined Superpower.com. Those of you who know me well or have been reading this blog for a while know I’m a skeptic, and I won’t recommend a product or service I don’t absolutely love.
Superpower is a health intelligence company that tests more than 125 biomarkers for comprehensive, personalized health data paired with an action plan to help you make attainable changes in your overall wellness. This is biomarker testing at the cellular level, and I can’t express to you how glad I am that I know the state of my health as we begin the new year.
Out of the the biomarkers tested, most of mine were optimal, which I was so glad to hear. But those that weren’t were significantly out of range. Yikes.
Here are the knowledge-powered steps I’m taking to build a data-driven path to intentional wellness, plus more on those out-of-range results and how they’ll impact the types of health content and wholesome recipes you’ll see on Sweet New Roots moving forward.
7 Steps I’m Taking to Strengthen My Health … and Why You Should Join Me
These commitments are my roadmap for a year dedicated to deeper understanding, personalized action, and holistic self-care.
Step 1: Committing to Personalized Knowledge via Comprehensive Biomarker Testing
- My journey began with a detailed biomarker blood screening through Superpower. This was a critical step, especially as someone who struggles with needle anxiety; a wonderful third-party phlebotomist came directly to my home for the blood draw, making the process easier than anticipated. The convenience of at-home testing meant I couldn’t put off this vital step any longer. No excuses!
- I received a detailed report within a week, testing over 125 biomarkers. This level of detail goes far beyond a standard physical. The report provided a comprehensive review of how all the various parts of my health—hormones, vitamins, cardiovascular, metabolic markers, etc.—work together and impact one another. This detailed, multi-system analysis provided crucial insights into areas like inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and cellular function that my general practice never covered. It was the first time I felt like my body was being evaluated as one complete, integrated system. When I thought about it, I realized how odd it was that this was the first time … because the human body actually is one complete system of many parts working together. I learned so much about myself. The reasons behind certain symptoms I’d experienced suddenly made complete sense. The best news? Everything I’m facing is manageable with a few minor shifts in lifestyle.
Step 2: Planning Meals with Purpose and Precision
- Armed with my Superpower results, I’m no longer guessing about nutrition. As someone with a background in nutrition, I’m knowledgeable in this area. But I now have a clear, data-driven understanding of why specific macronutrients (protein, fats, carbs) matter to my unique physiology and genetic makeup. If you head over to the Recipe Hub, you’ll notice very few Breakfast recipes. I don’t like to admit it, but I’ve long struggled with eating in the morning. I know it’s important. That doesn’t make it easier for me. Now, I’ve learned exactly what I should eat to ensure my stomach doesn’t get upset. I can put together meals that will settle my stomach and give me energy while I adjust to my new regiment. My comprehensive health report also highlighted areas where my body might be struggling with nutrient absorption, offering a direct path to nutritional intervention through food as well as a few supplements to consider adding.
- My meal planning is now even more intentional than before, designed to support the needs revealed by my blood panel. This means choosing specific food sources at specific times to optimize energy levels and stabilize mood, rather than blindly following a calorie count or broad macros. This is about intelligent nourishment, using data to optimize energy, mood, and long-term health.
Step 3: Committing to a Personalized Exercise Protocol
- My Superpower data helped me understand how my body handles stress and recovery. Instead of mindlessly following general workout routines, I am now committed to an exercise protocol that is specifically designed to support my metabolic and muscular health based on my unique markers. For example, if my cortisol markers were high, the data advised prioritizing recovery over high-intensity training to prevent burnout. This ensures every sweat session is high-impact for my goals. It’s about working smarter, not just harder, and respecting my body’s current physiological state.
Step 4: Embracing the ‘Knowledge is Power’ Mindset
- This is perhaps the most important commitment: continuous learning. I already live by this philosophy. We fear what we don’t understand, so knowledge truly is power. Now, if I don’t understand a marker or a recommendation, I commit to asking questions. I utilize Superpower’s always-on AI tools and their helpful concierges. The AI tool is a fantastic starting point for basic questions, and the human concierges provide a crucial layer of clarity and guidance. I also dedicate time to researching reputable sources myself. We have the responsibility to be active, informed participants in our care. This commitment to education is how we elevate ourselves from passive patient to proactive health manager.
Step 5: Delving Deeper with Advanced Cholesterol Panel
- High cholesterol runs in my family, so a standard lipid panel isn’t enough. My next step is an advanced cholesterol panel to better understand my personal risk and management strategy. This next-level testing provides details on particle size and concentration (e.g., LDL-P), which offer a far more accurate picture of cardiovascular risk than traditional markers.
- I will take these detailed results to a cardiologist specializing in familial hypercholesterolemia. This intentional step ensures I am seeking advice from a true expert who understands my genetic predisposition and can formulate a targeted prevention plan. This focused step is an example of strong, targeted self-advocacy. Thanks to my detailed health data, I’ll be more informed than the majority of patients when they visit a cardiologist for the first time. This is truly a blessing, and among the many miracles of modern advancements in health management.
Step 6: Establishing a Benchmark and Committing to Retesting
- Now that I have a clear benchmark, I am committed to retesting again in 9-12 months. Without retesting, you can’t truly measure the impact of your efforts in nutrition and exercise. It’s the only way to know if my new meal plan and exercise protocol are positively moving the needle on critical markers. This retest will provide objective proof that my intentional choices are translating into positive physiological changes. It transforms my health plan from a temporary diet into a scientifically tracked, long-term lifestyle strategy.
Step 7: Focusing on the Holistic Foundation of Wellness
- Health isn’t just about biomarkers; it’s about the foundation upon which everything else rests. I’m not big on resolutions, but I can’t help but re-commit to being better about foundational, healthy habits—consistent sleep, drinking more water, and tending to my holistic health: mind, body, and spirit. I recognize that cortisol management and cellular repair rely heavily on prioritizing seven to eight hours of quality sleep nightly, and hydration is essential for every bodily function. This is where true, sustained transformation happens. By nurturing these basic parts of my health and healing, I can ensure the actions taken based on my test results are truly built on a solid spiritual and physical platform.
How Superpower.com Aligns With the Sweet New Roots Approach to Intentional Wellness
For anyone seeking this level of health data-driven insight, here’s what made the process so effective for me personally:
- Comprehensive Data: The sheer volume of information provided for those of us who genuinely want to understand the mechanics of our bodies.
- Accessible Support: The availability of AI tools 24/7, combined with the helpfulness of their concierges, means I never feel lost in the data.
- Anxiety-Friendly Process: The ability to get my blood drawn at home made the entire experience stress-free and accessible.
- Trustworthy Partners: The third-party lab partners Superpower uses in my local area were wonderful, ensuring a smooth and professional experience.
This year, I’m not just hoping for better health; I am actively, intentionally, and knowledgeably building it. I encourage you to seek the data you need to be Nourished for Purpose and step into your strongest, most informed self.
Choosing intentional health is choosing purpose. It’s time to stop waiting for clarity and start confidently seeking the knowledge necessary to truly nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
Clarity Can Be Hard to Come By, But It’s Worth Seeking.
Medical misinformation is everywhere, particularly when it comes to health and nutrition. Everyone has an opinion. For every research study that tells us a certain food or product should be limited, another study claims there are countless benefits to consuming more of it. As a former healthcare communicator, I know how discouraging medical misinformation can be. I created the following guide to help families navigate through the noise.