The word “self-care” has been stretched and spun into everything from luxury skincare routines to weekend getaways to $9 green juice. It’s often treated like a lifestyle brand more than what it actually is: a way to care for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being in real, sustainable ways.

Fitness is often sold to us in before-and-after photos, numbers on a scale, or workout “grind” reels. But ask anyone who’s stuck with movement long-term, and they’ll tell you—it’s not just about how you look. It’s about how you feel, how you think, how you cope, and how you carry yourself when life gets heavy.

You start the week with good intentions. You’ve got your water bottle, your sneakers by the door, a rough meal plan. But then Monday turns into Thursday, and suddenly it’s 8:30 p.m., you’re eating trail mix over your laptop, and your energy feels like it’s been run through a blender. We've all been there.

You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your mitochondria—and honestly, why would you? They’re microscopic, tucked away inside your cells, and not exactly the kind of thing that comes up during lunch. But here’s the twist: your energy, focus, longevity, and even how you age all trace back to these tiny powerhouses. And what you eat plays a major role in how well they function.

I’m not one to jump on wellness trends just because they’re trending. That said, I do keep my ear close to the ground for anything that blends science, sustainability, and a sense of bodily wisdom. Circadian rhythm fasting? It had been sitting on my radar for a while—low-key, intriguing, and science-backed. So, a few months ago, I finally gave it a real shot.