Microbiome Moment: 🔍 August Favs + What I'm Bringing Into September

August has felt like a whirlwind!! Am I alone in this?! We moved (again), soaked up the last bits of summer, and tried to keep up with the usual family chaos. To top it off, I caught a cold this week (thank you, first-week-of-school germs). However, the silver lining was having some downtime to rest and reflect, which inspired me to share a little round-up of what I've been loving lately, what I've been learning, and what I plan to carry into September.

Because here's the truth: gut health isn't just about supplements or testing. It's easy these days to get caught up in the wellness space online, where everyone is shouting about the next parasite cleanse or telling you that you need colostrum. Sometimes, we need to step back and remember what truly matters. It's about the little everyday rhythms (the glimmers!!), the tools, and the choices that make family life feel a little smoother and our bodies feel a little better. 

🌿 What I'm Loving Lately

• Immune support for the kids. With back-to-school germs starting to swirl, I've been extra mindful about keeping their immune systems strong. Our daily routine has included homemade meat stock and vitamin-C-rich foods (my kiddos' go-tos are kiwi, citrus fruits, strawberries, and red bell peppers in everything).
• My favorite immune supplement: Needed Immune Support. Safe for the whole family! I mix this with a little bit of orange juice, and it turns purple. My kids call it "yummy rainbow juice." Just search for it here on my Fullscript
• Nasal spray for colds. A simple staple, but such a lifesaver when those sniffles hit. My Fullscript is the best place to pick that up, just search for Kid's Xlear Nasal Spray here!
• Stainless steel lunch boxes. Who knew a lunch box could make me so happy? These have been a game-changer for packing balanced, gut-friendly meals on the go. They're durable, easier to clean, and don't leach chemicals into food the way plastic can, especially when you pack warm foods. You can find my personal favorites here!
• Trails. One of my favorite parts of our RV chapter this summer has been the chance to spend more time outside. The kids LIVE outdoors these days. Since we moved back into a home a few weeks ago and are transitioning out of RV life, hiking together has been a grounding experience for all of us. Movement, sunshine, and fresh air = nervous system reset + better digestion.
• Toddler placemats. I got these last week, and my kids love helping "set" the table. It also encourages them to slow down while eating, since they place their utensils back on the mat where they belong after taking a bite and really focusing on chewing more. Chewing is one of the first steps of digestion! Slowing down is one of the hardest things for kids to do, am I right?! But it makes such a difference for digestion and nutrient absorption. You can find them here!

📖 What I'm Consuming

• Simple meals. Summer always reminds me how delicious food can be when it's uncomplicated. A rotation of grilled proteins, colorful vegetables, and fresh fruit has been our staples. (If you missed last week's Berry Chia Pudding recipe, it's been a hit for keeping kids' digestion moving.)
• Mineral-rich hydration. I've been adding a pinch of Redmond's sea salt, lemon, or coconut water to keep hydration effective.
• The book The Body Keeps the Score. I've been reading this in the evenings, and wow, it's incredible to see how stress and trauma impact the body, especially digestion. I highly recommend this! You can get one here!
• Chicken soup. When in doubt, I come back to the basics. A big pot of homemade meat stock/chicken soup has been on repeat, gut-healing, kid-approved, and always nourishing. Please reply to this email or DM me on Instagram for the recipe!
• My at-home pumpkin cold brew. I'm making my own cozy drink at home with cold brew, ice, and Almond Malk Pumpkin Spice Creamer. Cozy fall vibes without the sugar crash! (Recipe below).

💡 What I'm Learning

I officially started the Restorative Wellness Solutions Blood Chemistry course this week, and my nerdy nutrition heart couldn't be happier. I've always believed in digging deeper than "Your labs look fine," and this training is giving me more tools to do exactly that. I'm eager to bring this into my client work this fall.

👉 I'll also be offering an early promo/beta package around blood chemistry and labs soon, so keep an eye out, or reply to this email if you're interested in promo pricing details!

🍂 What I'm Bringing Into September

September always feels like a reset month. The new routines, cooler air, and back-to-school vibes are the perfect chance to refocus. Here's what I'm prioritizing for our family (and encouraging my clients to do too):

• Routine reset. More structure around meals and snacks, earlier bedtimes, and daily rhythms.
• Immune support. Adding broth, fermented foods, vitamin-C foods, and gut-supportive meals so we're better prepared for the season of colds.
• Nervous system love. Meals at the table, pausing for a couple of deep breaths before eating, and after-dinner walks. These little things help us feel grounded, improve digestion, and regulate blood sugar after meals.

✨ Encouragement for You

I'm not overhauling everything, just choosing a few rhythms that will make this month feel calmer and more supportive for our family. You don't have to do it all either. Small, consistent shifts matter more than perfection. That's why I love the motto: "Wellness, Simplified." 😉

If you're looking for a simple place to start, my free 5-Day Gut Rescue Plan provides practical, doable steps to support your gut this week. 📥 [Grab it here].

Here's to a September that feels grounded.

Cozy Fall Recipes I'm Loving

(I know it's early in the season, but this is IT for me right now!)

🍂 My At-Home Pumpkin Cold Brew

You'll need:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee (or strong brewed + chilled)
• Ice cubes
• 2–3 Tbsp Almond Malk Pumpkin Spice Milk
• Optional: sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

How to make it:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in cold brew coffee.
3. Add creamer and stir (or shake in a mason jar for a frothy texture).
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a bit of luxury.

✨ Cozy fall flavor without the sugar crash, you're welcome! 

🎃 Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats

You'll need:

• ½ cup organic gluten-free oats
• ½ cup Almond Malk Pumpkin Spice Milk
• 2 Tbsp organic pumpkin puree
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I love Equip— use code RNW15)
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp chia seeds or ground flax

How to make it:

1. Mix oats, pumpkin puree, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and chia/flax in a mason jar.
2. Pour in pumpkin spice almond milk and stir.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. In the morning, stir and top with banana, nuts/seeds, or cinnamon.

✨ Gut-friendly fiber + protein with all the cozy pumpkin flavor.

I'm so grateful you're here and reading along. If this Microbiome Moments blog or my Microbiome Memo emails have been helpful, one of the best ways you can support my small business is by sharing it with a friend, forwarding the email, or following along with me on Instagram. Every share, comment, and kind word truly makes a difference and helps me more than you know! Thank you for being part of this community; it means the world to me.

XO
MaryRose
The Microbiome Mom

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_{Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is intended for inspirational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Nothing in this blog is intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes, and do not forego or delay seeking medical attention based on the information shared in this blog. Please always consider your personal situation and do your own research.}