As another transformative year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting with immense gratitude and awe at the incredible journey we’ve shared. This past year has been a vibrant tapestry of challenges, triumphs, hard work, and exhilarating growth. For Unbound Wellness, a venture still in its foundational stages, 2017 truly marked a monumental leap forward, and I’m absolutely thrilled to unpack these pivotal developments with you, our amazing community.
Before diving into the detailed review of the year’s milestones, it’s imperative to acknowledge that none of this remarkable progress would have been possible without your unwavering support. Your dedication – whether through reading the blog, experimenting with my healthy recipes, engaging on Instagram, tuning into the podcast, or simply offering words of encouragement – fuels this passion project every single day. Thank you for your incredible friendship and steadfast support; it means the world to me.
Now, let’s journey back and explore the significant happenings of this memorable year.
Unbound Wellness: A 2017 Year in Review – Milestones in Holistic Health and Wellness
Transformative Growth at Unbound Wellness
UnboundWellness.com Experiences a Staggering 724% Increase in Traffic
Yes, you read that correctly – a phenomenal seven hundred and twenty-four percent surge in website traffic from 2016 to 2017. This incredible growth wasn’t just a number; it represented a profound expansion of our community and mission. My primary ambition for Unbound Wellness in 2017 was simply to grow – to reach more individuals seeking solutions for autoimmune conditions, gut health, and a holistic lifestyle. I wanted more eyes on our healthy recipes, more lovely readers engaging with our content, and ultimately, a broader platform to spread my message of healing and empowerment. This extraordinary traffic increase is a testament to the focused effort we poured into content strategy, search engine optimization (SEO), and creating genuinely valuable resources that resonate deeply with those on a wellness journey. It’s truly humbling to see how many people found solace and inspiration through the pages of Unbound Wellness.
Unveiling 69 Brand New, Healing-Focused Recipes
If you’re curious about the engine driving that impressive traffic surge, a significant part of the answer lies right here: the relentless dedication to creating and sharing high-quality, delicious recipes. In 2017, I invested an immense amount of time, creative energy, and meticulous research into elevating my recipe development process. The goal was not just to create dishes, but to craft nourishing, accessible, and incredibly flavorful meals that adhere to specific dietary protocols like the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), Paleo, and gluten-free/dairy-free guidelines. From the initial conceptualization to food photography, styling, and the detailed process of sharing these creations online, every step brought me an immense amount of joy. It’s been profoundly rewarding to witness the impact these healing recipes have had, becoming staples in countless kitchens and demonstrating that restrictive diets can still be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
The Launch of the 30 Day Gut Healing Diet Plan & Guide: A Community Favorite
January 1st, 2017, marked a momentous occasion: the official release of the 30 Day Gut Healing Diet Plan & Guide to the world. As someone who has intimately navigated the complexities of various gut issues, I meticulously crafted this guide out of a deep personal understanding and a desire to provide the exact resource I wished I had when I embarked on my own healing journey. This comprehensive e-book offers a meticulously planned 30-day journey of gut-healing meals, complete with vibrant photos for each day to ensure ease of use and maximum clarity. Beyond the daily meal plans, it includes exclusive recipes, practical tips, and invaluable insights designed to support individuals in restoring their digestive wellness. The overwhelming positive response and popularity of this guide have been truly inspiring, solidifying its place as a cornerstone resource for anyone committed to improving their gut health naturally. Rest assured, you can anticipate more transformative resources like this in the future!
Surpassing 10,000 Followers on Instagram: Building a Vibrant Community
With a professional background rooted in social media, I’m acutely aware that sheer follower counts don’t always equate to meaningful engagement. The pursuit of vanity metrics, such as purchasing followers, often proves to be a futile endeavor. However, reaching the significant milestone of 10,000 followers on Instagram in 2017 was different; it unlocked crucial features that vastly enhanced our ability to connect and share. Starting the year with approximately 1,000 followers in January, ending December at a robust 10,700 represented organic, authentic growth. This achievement was less about the number and more about the thriving community we built – a space for daily inspiration, quick healthy tips, and real-time interaction. It’s been incredibly rewarding to cultivate such a supportive and engaged audience on this visual platform. You can join our growing community here.
A Dream Realized: Speaking at Paleo f(X)
Speaking at Paleo f(X) was an absolute highlight of 2017 and a major check off my personal and professional bucket list. Public speaking is one of my deepest passions, and the opportunity to share insights on business growth within the vibrant and influential community at Paleo f(X) was truly an incredible experience. My presentation focused on strategies for effectively growing your email list – a foundational aspect of any successful wellness business that I, too, plan to prioritize even more intensely in 2018. It was an honor to contribute to such a respected event and connect with fellow wellness entrepreneurs and enthusiasts.
The Launch of the Unbound Healing Podcast with Anne Marie Garland
Having my own podcast had been a long-held dream, a vision that began to materialize when I met the incredible Anne Marie Garland of Grassfed Salsa. Anne, with her personal journey through autoimmune issues and her expertise as an AIP-minded nutritionist, immediately resonated with me. Our alignment on so many aspects of holistic health and healing was instantaneous, and I quickly realized that Anne’s strengths beautifully complemented my own. She has become not only a cherished friend but also a highly respected collaborator, whose insights and support I deeply value. Together, we launched the Unbound Healing Podcast, specifically designed as a beacon of hope and practical guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of autoimmune and chronic illness. Through our weekly discussions, we delve into actionable strategies for managing these conditions through diet, lifestyle adjustments, and a holistic approach to well-being. We invite you to subscribe and join our conversation on both iTunes and Stitcher!
The Most Celebrated Content on Unbound Wellness in 2017
1. Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers: A Viral Sensation
The Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers have truly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of our community. With over 230,000 repins on Pinterest, this recipe consistently proves its immense popularity. I’m tagged in photos of your delicious creations almost daily on Instagram, showcasing its versatility and widespread appeal. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a crowd-pleasing, healthy meal that fits seamlessly into various dietary needs, including Paleo, AIP, and Whole30. It’s a testament to the power of delicious, nourishing food!
2. Baked Veggie Nuggets: A Healthier Take on a Classic
My love for nuggets is undeniable, and it appears many of you share that sentiment! These Baked Veggie Nuggets quickly became one of my all-time favorite recipes to develop and enjoy. They offer a fantastic, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional nuggets, making healthy eating fun and accessible for both adults and children. Crafted with care to be Paleo, AIP-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free, they demonstrate that even comfort food classics can be reimagined to support your wellness goals without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s always a joy to see your families enjoying these healthy, crispy bites!
3. How I Reversed Hashimoto’s: A Journey of Hope and Healing
This “real talk” blog post, titled How I Got My Hashimoto’s Under Control, resonated deeply with countless readers seeking to understand and manage their own autoimmune conditions. In it, I openly shared my personal journey and the comprehensive strategies I employed to reduce my Hashimoto’s disease thyroid antibodies and bring my condition into remission. This detailed account covers the pivotal roles of diet, targeted lifestyle changes, profound focus on gut health, and other holistic approaches that collectively contributed to my healing. It serves as a powerful testament to the body’s incredible capacity to heal when provided with the right support, offering practical insights and a beacon of hope for those navigating similar health challenges. This post underscores the core philosophy of Unbound Wellness: empowering individuals to take an active role in their own health transformation.
Personal Milestones and Adventures in 2017
Embracing Entrepreneurship: Leaving My Full-Time Job
This was, without a doubt, one of the most monumental decisions and transitions of my life. In January of 2017, I took the courageous leap to leave my full-time corporate job to fully immerse myself in new opportunities, particularly growing Unbound Wellness and pursuing freelancing in the health and wellness space. This wasn’t an easy decision, fraught with uncertainty and requiring immense trust in my vision and capabilities. However, looking back, it has been unequivocally worth every challenge and every moment of doubt. This transition allowed me the freedom and flexibility to pour my heart and soul into building a business that truly aligns with my values and passion for helping others. You can delve deeper into the narrative of my transition and entrepreneurial journey here.
Significant Strides in My Personal Health Journey: Mercury Detoxification
2017 was a deeply personal year for my health, primarily centered around an intensive focus on mercury detoxification. After discovering I had significant mercury toxicity in late 2016, this past year became dedicated to diligently working to bring those levels down and achieve greater overall health. The process was challenging, requiring consistent effort, specific protocols, and unwavering commitment, but the results were profoundly rewarding. I successfully reduced my mercury levels significantly and made several other substantial strides in my ongoing healing journey. Sharing my experience with heavy metal detoxification has been an important part of empowering others to explore root causes of their own health challenges. You can read all about my mercury detox journey, including the methods I employed and the positive outcomes, in this detailed update.
A Year of Enriched Experiences Through Travel
While Daniel and I didn’t embark on any grand international vacations, 2017 was nonetheless filled with an abundance of enriching travel experiences. We enjoyed a blend of smaller trips, purposeful work trips, and spontaneous weekend getaways. Highlights included three visits to Austin (two for work, one for pure enjoyment – read one of my recaps here), a productive work trip to Vegas, a delightful combination of Key West and Orlando piggybacking on Daniel’s work, a memorable family trip to Port Aransas, a cherished friend reunion in DC, and another wonderful family trip and reunion in New York City (recap here). The flexibility afforded by working for myself has been a game-changer, allowing me to work remotely from various locations and embrace more travel, which continually inspires and invigorates my work.
Finding Our Spiritual Home: A New Church Community
Since our marriage, Daniel and I had been searching for a church community where we both felt truly at home. We often found ourselves driving considerable distances to attend churches from our past, struggling to find a nearby congregation that resonated with us both. After purchasing our house in 2016, we explored various options for several months before deciding to try a church close to our new home in late winter of 2017. It has proven to be the perfect fit – a church we both genuinely love and where we feel deeply connected and accepted. This newfound spiritual home has brought a wonderful sense of grounding and community to our lives, and I am incredibly grateful for it.
Passions and Inspirations in 2017
Reigniting My Love for Vintage Clothing
My fascination with vintage clothing began in childhood, evolving from an early appreciation for old music into a full-blown love for retro fashion during my teenage years. I spent countless hours scouring thrift stores and online marketplaces for unique vintage-inspired pieces. However, truly developing a distinctive personal style can be challenging as a teenager. My style adopted a more “sterile” and conventional aesthetic to suit the corporate office environment during my twenties. It was only after I transitioned from my full-time office job that I was truly able to re-indulge my profound love for vintage fashion. Embracing vintage clothing isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a sustainable and ethically conscious choice that aligns with a more thoughtful approach to consumption. Vintage pieces don’t have to be expensive or difficult to find, and they offer unparalleled individuality. I’m excited to dedicate a future blog post to my tips, favorite finds, and my personal collection, but for now, here are a few standout pieces from 2017:
This stunning 1970s maxi dress, a true vintage gem.
Photography by Karla Janneth, and dress from Vintage Tex.
A charming 1960s jumper dress – a wonderfully unique one-piece ensemble!
Photography by Karla Janneth, and dress from Ally Hoot Vintage.
This playful 80s Barbie dream jumper – pure nostalgic fun.
Photo by my husband, jumper from The Kissing Tree.
The Art and Science of Recipe Development
As evident from the sheer volume of recipes I released this year, recipe development is undeniably one of my profound passions. It’s a continuous, dynamic process of research – delving into cookbooks and online resources, constantly brainstorming new ideas, and experimenting with innovative flavor combinations. This creative pursuit perfectly blends all the artistic elements I adore: the hands-on joy of cooking, the technical skill of food photography, the meticulousness of editing, the aesthetic vision of food styling, and the critical thinking required to formulate delicious, healing recipes that adhere to stringent dietary restrictions (grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nightshade-free). It’s a challenging yet incredibly rewarding endeavor to transform dietary limitations into culinary triumphs.
Discovering “My Favorite Murder” Podcast: A Mental Oasis
Working independently, while incredibly fulfilling, can often lead to feelings of isolation. Despite being an introvert, I sometimes miss the camaraderie of being around colleagues. One of my go-to strategies to combat this solitude is immersing myself in podcasts. However, a constant stream of health-focused podcasts, while informative, can sometimes lead to mental fatigue, making it difficult to switch off from “work mode.” I yearned for more entertaining content and a fun community to engage with. It was in the spring of 2017 that I discovered “My Favorite Murder.” As someone with a lifelong interest in true crime, the premise immediately piqued my curiosity. MFM is a massive podcast with an incredibly passionate and thriving fan base, and I was instantly hooked. It’s a unique blend of true crime and comedy (a combination you truly have to experience to understand), hosted by two incredibly relatable and entertaining women. Listening to Karen and Georgia feels like having new, hilarious coworkers, providing the perfect mental escape. I even managed to convince Daniel to attend their live show in Dallas, and I would absolutely do it again! Give it a listen – at your own risk if you’re easily spooked!
Anticipating 2018: A Look Ahead
The Start of “Baby Conversations”
This January will mark Daniel and my fourth wedding anniversary, and as we celebrate this milestone, our thoughts are increasingly turning towards the exciting prospect of expanding our family. While we know that true “readiness” for parenthood is an elusive concept, we are committed to being as prepared as possible. This year, we’re eagerly anticipating engaging in many significant conversations and making crucial decisions together as a couple regarding this beautiful new chapter. It’s a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and thoughtful planning.
A Continuous Stream of New, Nourishing Recipes
Rest assured, my dedication to creating and sharing valuable, delicious recipes is not slowing down. In fact, my recipe development calendar is already meticulously planned out through March of 2018! I am committed to continuing to provide you with innovative, healing-focused meals that make healthy eating both enjoyable and sustainable. Expect even more diverse flavors, accessible ingredients, and fresh ideas to inspire your kitchen adventures.
Expanding Content: More on Gut Health, Podcasts, Vintage, and Faith
In the coming year, I will continue to deepen our existing content pillars, offering even more in-depth insights on gut health, engaging discussions on the podcast, and inspiring peeks into my vintage finds and sustainable fashion philosophy. Additionally, I am particularly excited to introduce more content exploring the intersection of faith and wellness – a topic that is deeply personal and foundational to my holistic approach to life and health. These additions aim to provide a more comprehensive and enriching experience for our community, reflecting the multifaceted nature of true well-being.
A Major Announcement on the Horizon…
Keep your eyes peeled! A significant and exciting announcement is coming your way very soon. Trust me, this is one you won’t want to miss!
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support, encouragement, and friendship over the past year. It has been an absolute dream to pursue my passions and share this transformative journey with each and every one of you. Wishing you all a truly Happy New Year, and I eagerly look forward to connecting with you much more in 2018!