What Would Actually Make America Healthy Again?

There’s been a lot of buzz lately around the idea of “Making America Healthy Again.” While on the surface that phrase sounds like a promising call to improve the nation’s health, I can’t shake the feeling that the focus has been placed entirely on the wrong issues.

Don’t get me wrong: it’s important to care about what’s in our food. I will always advocate for a minimally processed, nutrient-dense, and balanced way of eating. But blaming chronic illness and poor health outcomes on things like glyphosate and Red 40 feels like putting the cart before the horse. It’s like slapping a band-aid on a broken system and calling it a cure. These distractions pale in comparison to the more pressing, systemic health issues at play.

Let’s zoom out for a second.

Dietary fiber is crucial for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Yet over 93% of American adults don’t meet the minimum daily fiber intake! 93%! That’s not a typo. This deficiency alone is linked to various health problems including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Meanwhile, many live in areas where affordable, fresh produce is scarce. Over 6,500 food deserts exist in the U.S.—communities with limited access to affordable, nutritious food. And in 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity, meaning millions weren’t even sure where their next meal would come from.

We live in a country where most people work sedentary jobs, in communities that aren’t walkable, with minimal PTO and barely enough time to cook, move, or rest. The result? Rates of chronic disease are rising fast. Today, 60% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic condition, and 42% have more than one. These conditions account for a staggering 90% of the nation’s $4.1 trillion annual healthcare costs.

Of course these are huge, systemic issues I’m talking about. They are by no means an “easy fix.” But if we really want to improve nationwide health outcomes, these issues need to be prioritized over these buzzy, superficial “quick fixes” that really won’t make a dent in our nationwide health challenges.

You really want to make America healthy again? Subsidize fruits and vegetables to make them cheaper and more accessible. Reform paid time off and maternal leave policies. Design walkable, safe neighborhoods with access to recreation and active transport. Fund quality nutrition education to promote healthy eating habits and support community gardens that allow food access. Encourage strength training, moving your body, and community fitness. Teach people to cook, eat whole foods, and prioritize rest—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s foundational to our health. 

Let me be clear, I’m not saying chemicals and additives don’t matter. It’s important for us as consumers to know what’s in our food! But focusing on trace food dyes while ignoring the 60%+ of adults struggling with chronic conditions is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. If we’re skipping over the fact that so many people in this country don’t even have access to basic health-building habits, then we’re not solving anything. We’re just fearmongering.

If I’ve learned anything since starting my Master’s in Health Communication, it’s that we have a lot of work to do in this country. We don’t have a health care system, we have a sick care system. But that also means there’s room for transformation. People are getting informed. Communities are speaking up. And if we commit to solving the actual issues, we can change the narrative and fix our healthcare system for good.

Wellness doesn’t start with demonizing a food dye. It starts with going back to basics: real food, real movement, real rest. That’s how you empower people to feel better in their bodies, for the long term. And that’s how you build a healthier country to truly “Make America Healthy Again”.

Xoxo,

Amélie

Sources:

• CDC. (2022). Dietary fiber intake among adults. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition

• USDA ERS. (2021). Food Access Research Atlas. https://www.ers.usda.gov

• USDA. (2024). Food Security Status of U.S. Households in 2023. https://www.ers.usda.gov

• CDC. (2023). Chronic Diseases in America. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). National Health Expenditure Data. https://www.cms.gov

What Progress Really Looks Like (Hint: It’s Not a Straight Line)

In an ever-digitized world, especially in this health and wellness corner of the internet, we’ve all seen the transformation photos. The perfect progress shots. The “before” and “after” stories that make it seem like change is a linear, flawless journey with zero setbacks. But what we don’t always see (or talk about enough!) is everything that happens in between.

Because real progress? It’s messy. It can be emotional. And it’s far from linear. This past week reminded me of just how true that is.

I’ve been working hard in the gym, hitting four strength training sessions a week that leave me feeling stronger and more energized. I’ve been intentional with my meals, focusing on high-protein, whole food options. I even set up a walking pad and standing desk (hello, easy 15k+ step days!) and have been working to support my mindset just as much as my movement.

But then life, like it always does, got a little chaotic. Between a 10-hour road trip, overstimulation at my childhood home, emotional triggers, and that weird "off" energy that makes everything feel out of sync, it all just… caught up with me.

Old habits crept in. I felt ungrounded, anxious, and drained. I found myself turning to food for comfort, trying to soothe something emotional with something tangible. And for just a moment, the voice in my head screamed, “You ruined your progress.”

But this time, I knew better.

Because I’m learning that progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s about returning to yourself—over and over again.

I can be a very all-or-nothing person, so it often feels like one missed workout or late-night snack session means starting from zero. But as I’ve grown on this journey, that harsh voice in my head that used to scream those thoughts now sounds more like a whisper. And I don’t always listen to it anymore.

What progress has looked like for me lately:

• Finishing a low-energy workout when every part of me wanted to quit, and being proud I showed up anyway.

• Eating a nourishing meal after a tough night, not to “fix” anything, but to support my body like it deserves.

• Choosing long walks in the sunshine over punishment cardio, because I’m learning that more isn’t always better.

• Resting fully and without guilt when my body tells me it needs it.

• Reminding myself that one snack, one skipped step goal, or one imperfect day doesn’t define me.

The old me would’ve spiraled. And truthfully? I almost did. But now, I pause. I reset. I keep going. And that is what real progress looks like.

It’s not about being 100% on every day. It’s not about willpower or rigid routines. It’s about treating yourself with compassion. It’s about tuning in instead of checking out. It’s about building a life that feels good, not just one that looks good.

I used to think that progress meant constantly moving forward. Now, I know it also means slowing down, breathing, and trusting the process. Sometimes you fall off track. Truthfully, it happens to all of us. But you get back up, and keep going. So if you’re in a season where your goals feel far away, or like you’ve taken a few steps back… this is your reminder: you’re still making progress.

It won’t always show up on the scale or in your reflection. Sometimes, it shows up in your resilience, your self-talk, and your ability to keep showing up when it’s hard. You don’t have to be perfect to move forward. You just have to keep going. Softly. Slowly. Intentionally. I promise, you’re doing so much better than you think.

Xoxo,

Amélie

Strong, Not Small: Why Strength Training Changed Everything for Me

Up until just a couple of months ago, I thought a good workout meant sweating as much as possible, pushing myself to the brink with cardio, and feeling completely wiped after. I spent hours on the treadmill despite HATING running, took endless HIIT and cycling classes, and hopped on every new fitness trend that promised results.

It wasn’t until I started incorporating strength training into my routine that I began to question everything I thought I knew about fitness. And what I’ve learned? Lifting heavy has not only changed my body, but also the way I feel in my body. I’ve never felt more energized, confident, or grounded in my fitness routine.

Why Strength Training Wasn’t Always on the Table

Despite strength training gaining traction on social media, it’s still often misunderstood​​—especially by women. Historically, strength training was marketed almost exclusively to men. Think old-school gym bros, bodybuilders, muscle magazines, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. While guys were encouraged to lift heavy, women were told to “tone” with light weights, stick to the treadmill or group classes, and avoid anything too intense for fear of getting “bulky.” The fear of getting “bulky” or “too masculine” has done much more harm than good (and it’s wildly outdated!)

But that fear? It’s been deeply ingrained in us.

We were told to be smaller. Lighter. And that belief bled into the way we moved our bodies. Group fitness classes were seen as a “safe” space for women, a place where intensity could be wrapped in choreography and community. And don’t get me wrong, I still love a good Pilates burn or a cycling session on the Peloton. But chasing calories burned through endless HIIT classes or running myself into the ground never gave me the results I actually wanted.

It’s no wonder why so many women hesitate to pick up heavier weights. We weren’t raised to feel powerful in our bodies, we were raised to always find ways to shrink them. But the truth is: strength training is one of the most empowering things we can do for our bodies. It supports metabolism, mobility, hormonal health, and longevity—and it’s about time we as women reclaim it.

What’s Changed Since I Started Lifting

While yes, my body composition is changing in ways I love, the shift didn’t just happen physically. I’m seeing and feeling strength in places I never had before. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• My mood is more stable throughout the day. Lifting has genuinely become a form of therapy.

• I have more energy, especially when I strength train in the morning.

• I feel less pressure to “burn off” food because my mindset has shifted to building, not shrinking.

• My confidence is higher—not because of how I look, but because of what I can do.

• I’m more in tune with rest and recovery, as I’ve learned that not every workout has to be a sweaty calorie-burn fest to be effective.

And the best part… (drumroll please) I can now lift my big suitcase by myself! Which is saying something as someone who once packed a 140lb bag for a two-week trip (no I’m not kidding).

What the Research Says

I am by no means a personal trainer or expert, just someone who’s been reading, listening, and learning a lot. Some of the research that stood out to me:

🧠 Strength training helps preserve muscle mass and metabolic function. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass over time. This loss of muscle mass contributes to weight gain, fatigue, and a slower metabolism. Regular resistance training slows this decline and supports long-term metabolic health as we age (Source: Harvard Health).

💪 It improves bone density, which is especially important for women! Us women are more prone to osteoporosis as we age, and strength training has been shown to help maintain and even increase bone mineral density (Source: Mayo Clinic). So strength training isn’t just about physical appearances, it’s also about safety and longevity.

🧬 Better overall health outcomes. One study found that women who strength trained just twice per week had significantly lower body fat percentages and improved physical function compared to non-lifters (Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research).

🩸 It supports hormonal health and insulin sensitivity. One of the most interesting benefits of strength training is its impact on hormone regulation, especially insulin, which plays a huge role in how your body uses and stores energy. Increased insulin sensitivity = better energy levels, less inflammation, and reduced risk of chronic disease. According to a study in Frontiers in Physiology, strength training also positively influences estrogen and testosterone balance, which can impact mood, energy, and even reproductive health! How cool!

So when random influencers with aggressive vocal fries and zero qualifications start preaching about “balancing your hormones,” this is what they should be referring to. Not seed cycling, not vaguely Pilates-ish moves they renamed for clicks, and definitely not mystery supplements they conveniently have discount codes for. Honestly? I’d love to see them name three hormones and explain what “balancing” them even means.

What My Current Routine Looks Like

Right now, I aim for 4 strength training days a week. I structure my week as follows:

Monday - Lower Body (Glutes + Legs)

Tuesday - Upper Body (Back and Triceps)

Wednesday - Abs and a long walk

Thursday - Upper Body (Shoulders and Arms)

Friday - Lower Body (Glutes + Legs)

Weekends - Active rest/movement that just feels good, like pilates or a long walk

I prioritize progressive overload (gradually lifting heavier over time, which is the key to seeing results!) and fueling well afterward. I’ve started focusing more about how I want to feel, which has been such a game changer.

Strength doesn’t have to mean deadlifting 500lbs and grunting while sweating profusely. It can be quiet. Consistent. Steady. It’s not about lifting the most, it’s about putting in the reps and getting better over time.

This shift has been so healing for me. It’s challenged years of internalized beliefs about what moving my body is “supposed” to look like. And while I’m still learning and evolving, one thing’s for sure: I’m not afraid of being strong anymore. I crave it. Watching myself get stronger both physically and mentally has been the most rewarding feeling of all.

If you’ve been curious about strength training, take this as your sign. Start small, start slow, but just start. You deserve more than anything to feel powerful in your own skin.

Xoxo,

Amélie

⚠️ Disclaimer

I’m not a certified personal trainer (although one day I might like to be!) I’m just sharing my personal experience, what works for me, and what I’ve found based on the research I’ve come across. Make sure to talk to a personal trainer before starting something new, and listen to your body first and foremost ALWAYS!