Ever look at the ingredients on a bottle of store-bought mayo or ranch and think… “Wait, why is there soybean oil, sugar, and preservatives in something this simple?” That was me. So I decided to start making my own — and let me tell you, it’s one of those small switches that feels weirdly empowering. Here’s the deal: when you make it yourself, you’re in full control of what goes in your body. No seed oils. No additives. Just real, clean ingredients. 🥣 Homemade Healthy Mayo You only need a handful of things: - 1 whole egg (room temp) - 1 cup avocado oil or light olive oil - 1 tsp Dijon mustard - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice - A pinch of salt 👉 Put everything in a tall, narrow container. 👉 Use an immersion blender and keep it at the bottom. 👉 Blend for 10–15 seconds until it emulsifies and thickens into creamy perfection. That’s it. You’ve got mayo that actually fuels your body instead of inflaming it. 🌿 From Mayo to Ranch Once you’ve got your mayo, ranch is only a few shakes away: - ½ cup homemade mayo - ¼ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt or sour cream - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) - Garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste - Add a splash of water or milk if you like it thinner Mix it all together — and you’ve got a ranch dressing that tastes better than store-bought, without the junk. 💡 Why It Matters Little things like this add up. Every ingredient swap is a step toward higher energy, better digestion, and clearer focus. You don’t need to overhaul your diet overnight — just start with what you can control. And who knows? Once you taste this, you might never go back to the bottled stuff again. Have you made this before?!👇🏻

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that seems designed to test your discipline. The food, the family, the comfort—it’s a perfect storm for slipping into old habits. But staying healthy this time of year isn’t about saying “no” to everything. It’s about making smart decisions that align with your long-term goals while still letting you enjoy the moment. Here’s the truth: discipline isn’t punishment. It’s freedom with structure. It’s the ability to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without guilt, because you’ve made intentional choices. 🦃 1. Prioritize Protein and Real Food Start your plate with lean turkey, roasted veggies, and a side of sweet potatoes before diving into stuffing and pie. Protein helps control cravings and keeps blood sugar steady, so you won’t be searching for seconds out of habit. 💧 2. Hydrate Strategically Most people confuse thirst with hunger—especially during big meals. Drink a full glass of water before eating and another mid-meal. You’ll naturally slow down and feel satisfied sooner. 🚶 3. Move More Than You Eat You don’t have to hit the gym to stay on track. A morning walk before the big meal—or even a family stroll afterward—keeps your metabolism active and reduces that post-dinner sluggishness. 🧠 4. Practice Mindful Eating Thanksgiving is meant to be savored. Put down your phone, eat slowly, and actually taste what’s on your plate. The more present you are, the less likely you’ll overeat. ⚖️ 5. Use the “One Plate” Rule Pile what you want—once. When your plate is empty, you’re done. It’s a simple boundary that keeps you from grazing all day. 🥗 6. Think Alternatives, Not Deprivation If you’re the one cooking or bringing a dish, make a healthy swap: - Mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes - Coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream - Sparkling water with lime instead of soda or wine These little tweaks protect your energy, mood, and waistline without sacrificing the holiday feel. Smart discipline at Thanksgiving isn’t about skipping dessert or bringing your meal-prep container to dinner. It’s about staying intentional—choosing what matters most and owning your decisions.

Please welcome @Sarah Hoglund to Purely Rooted!