Rooted & Rising

Lamisa Wellness Collective

5.0 (1)
Health & Fitness
Updated Weekly

A weekly podcast where we tackle the stuff that actually weighs you down. From managing stress to fitness plans that fit your life, eating well, expanding your money mindset, and so much more. It's time to start setting your roots and rising. **Setting, not planning.** lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com

4d ago

What is the 'Organic' Label Actually Selling?

Have you ever felt like you were ‘doing the right thing’ by buying organic, but cutting corners if you weren’t? Honestly, the organic label has become a moral compass, guilting people into paying extra for the exact same produce—and frankly, I’m over it. According to USDA Pesticide Data Program testing, for most produce, pesticide residue on washed conventional food falls well within established safety limits. However, marketing has led us to believe otherwise. The wellness industry built that confusion deliberately. This episode is where we dismantle it. The EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen are two frameworks that changed how I approach organic versus conventional grocery shopping. The Clean Fifteen The Clean Fifteen is a list of 15 produce items that have the least amount of pesticide residue, according to EWG’s analysis of the most recent USDA data. This year on the Clean Fifteen, in order, are: * Pineapples * Sweet Corn * Avocados * Papaya * Onion * Frozen Sweet Peas * Asparagus * Cabbage * Cauliflower * Watermelon * Mangoes * Bananas * Carrots * Mushrooms * Kiwi The Dirty Dozen According to the EWG’s most recent analysis, the following 12 fruits and vegetables are most contaminated with pesticides, aka the Dirty Dozen: * Blueberries * Potatoes * Pears * Blackberries * Apples * Cherries * Peaches * Nectarines * Grapes * Strawberries * Kale, Collard/Mustard Greens & Spinach Buying organic is much more expensive than buying conventional groceries, but you don’t always have to reach for the organic option, especially because those are not free of pesticides either. Remember: eating more fruits and vegetables, organic or conventional, is almost always better than eating fewer because organic felt too expensive. Being well means eating well, moving your body, and making informed choices that leave you feeling connected with yourself. Quantity and variety move the needle far more than the label does. Next week we're going somewhere even more eye-opening, inside the supplement drawer. If the grocery store is a marketing environment, the supplement aisle is where that marketing gets most expensive. See you there. Did you see the last LWC newsletter? Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 7

The Hidden Price We Pay for Wellness

Last week, I announced The Real Cost of Wellness series, a series meant to pull back the curtain on the real economics of eating well and living well in midlife, and here we are. Today's episode, The Real Cost of Wellness: The Wellness Tax, is where it actually starts. I've paid this tax more times than I'd like to admit. The wellness industry quietly charges every time we buy something out of fear instead of fact, and now, the global wellness industry is worth $5.6 trillion. Of course, there are products that are genuinely beneficial for health and wellness, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the thousands of supplements, detox kits, powders, and other products aimed at women navigating hormonal changes. Yes, some products really do earn their prices. But many products sell a feeling, rather than a result. That is the wellness tax. And I’m here to help you spot it and make informed decisions. In this episode, we’ll walk through the 3 tricks the industry leans on: * The urgency of marketing language * The identity we're really buying when a label says "clean" or "toxin-free” * The way a confusing market keeps us reaching for products to feel like we understand our bodies Then I hand you the one question that's saved me more money than any budget spreadsheet ever has: is this nourishing something real, or is this reassuring something real? Here’s something else to sit with: think about your last three wellness purchases and ask (and answer) yourself: Did this nourish or reassure me? There are no right or wrong answers. This week, we’re starting with an essential, foundational step: building awareness. If this resonated with you, please leave a comment to let us know you liked it. If you know someone who could benefit from this information, share it! We’ve got four more powerful episodes in store, so make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss a thing! Did you read last week’s newsletter? This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 23

How to Make Money While Traveling in 2026

What if your income didn’t have to be tied to one city, desk or timezone? Let’s break down the most practical, tested strategies that real travelers are using to make real money on the road. No massive following required, no trust fund, and no new degrees, just you, your assets, and skills you already harbor. By the end of this guide, you’ll have at least two or three ideas you can start researching today. Part One: Work With Your Assets Assets are things that you own or control that hold monetary value. For example, your home, vehicle(s), and things of that nature. Here’s how people are doing it: 1. House Sitting Sometimes, homeowners going on vacation need someone responsible to stay in their home, usually rent-free, in exchange for caring for the property and sometimes pets. You pay a small annual membership to platforms like TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, or Nomador, and then apply to sit worldwide at no additional cost. Pro tip: try exploring smaller cities first to gain authority on the site and find hidden gems more easily! What makes a great profile: Clear photos of yourself, genuine references (past neighbors, employers, pet owners all count), personalized application messages, and any pet care experience you have. Income potential: Eliminating rent entirely for months at a time. 2. Rent Your Own Space You can list your home, apartment, or even a spare room on Airbnb or Vrbo while you're away on vacation or for any extended stays you have planned. Pro tip: Hire a local co-host or property manager (they take 15–25%) so you earn passively while you’re away. Put valuables in a locked closet. Test it for one trip before committing long-term. Income potential: In a mid-size U.S. city, even a modest one-bedroom can bring in $80–$150 per night. Six weeks of bookings could cover your entire trip. 3. Rent Your Vehicle Outdoorsy and RVshare let you rent vehicles while you're not using them. Income potential: Camper vans can earn $150–$350 per night in peak season. Even a regular car on Turo can bring in $40–$80 a day. If your van sits in a driveway for three weeks while you're traveling, that's potentially $3,000–$7,000 you could be making. Part Two: Work With Your Skills The remote work revolution has genuinely changed what's possible. It allows you to work for yourself on your terms wherever you happen to be. 4. Freelance Your Skills If you have a marketable skill: writing, design, development, video editing, social media management, bookkeeping, translation, you can sell it online, from anywhere. Popular platforms to find clients are: * Upwork — Great for longer-term client relationships * Fiverr — Packaged services at fixed prices * Toptal — Elite-tier, highly vetted site * LinkedIn for direct outreach Before you travel: Build a small portfolio. Do a couple of projects for small businesses or nonprofits. Get testimonials. By the time you leave, you’ll have proof you can do the work. 5. Teach Online Teaching English (or any skill you have) online remains one of the most accessible income streams for travelers. Platforms like Cambly, iTalki, and Preply connect you with learners worldwide. Cambly lets you log in and take calls on your own schedule with no lesson planning required. Outschool (creative classes for kids), Skillshare and Udemy (pre-recorded courses that earn royalties), and Maven (live cohort courses with premium pricing) all work for any skill you have. Income potential: Pay ranges from $10–$30+ per hour depending on the platform and your reviews. 6. Remote Work The number of companies hiring fully remote roles has exploded (even with layoffs), and not just in tech, but in marketing, operations, finance, project management, HR, and more. Where to look: We Work Remotely, Remote.Co, FlexJobs, LinkedIn (filter by ‘Remote’), and Wellfound for startup roles. Pro tip: If you’re currently employed, consider simply asking your manager about a remote arrangement. The worst they can say is no, and many people are surprised by a yes! 7. Content Creation Content creation is simply making social media content and publishing it. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, blogs, and newsletters can all generate income, but building a content business takes 2–5 years for most creators. That said, if you’re already traveling, you’re sitting on content. Even a modest following can generate affiliate income from day one. Pro tip: Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick one platform and document what you’re already doing. Consistency for six months beats perfection on day one. 8. Work Exchange & Holiday Visas For longer stays, local gig work and exchange programs are a great option. Workaway and Worldpackers connect travelers with hosts who need help (hostel front desk, organic farms, surf schools) in exchange for accommodation and sometimes meals. In countries with a lower cost of living, dramatically cutting expenses has the same effect as earning more. Working holiday visas: If you’re under 30 (or 35 in some cases), countries including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, and South Korea offer visas that let you work legally for up to a year. Task-based gig apps: TaskRabbit (U.S. & UK) and Airtasker (Australia) let you pick up one-off tasks like moving help, handyman work, or delivery wherever you land. The world doesn't get smaller when you start moving through it; it gets bigger, and so do you. Whether you're house sitting in Portugal next spring or freelancing from a café in Bali, the income to support that life is more within reach than you think. You're already rooted, now it's time to rise! Did you see the last Lamisa Wellness Collective post? This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 9

The Beginner's Guide to Investing Before It's Obvious

A seed isn't something you sprinkle on yogurt. It's the very first dollar that starts an empire. We went deep on seed nutrition last episode. Now we're making the pivot from your plate to your portfolio. Seed capital, early-stage investing, the seed mindset for personal finance, and the legendary bets that changed the world. This one is for every woman who's ready to start planting for her financial future. New here? Check out the first part of the series, all on The Power of Seeds in the body (chia, flax, hemp, sunflower, etc.). Seed capital is the very first formal funding a startup receives. Like a seed in the ground. It takes a founder from an idea or prototype to a real operating business with a product, a team, and maybe even early customers.Startup funding moves through stages. Before seed, there's often pre-seed— the founder's own savings or money from friends and family. After seed comes Series A, B, C, and beyond. Each stage involves more money, more formal investors, and a more mature company. Seed is where the earliest believers show up. Seed Capital at a Glance * Seed capital is the very first formal funding a startup receives * Typical seed round size is $250,000 to $5 million (varies by industry and geography) * This money is used for: product development, early hiring, market research, and initial operations * Investors receive equity (ownership) in exchange for capital * Pre-seed is often informal; seed involves more formal term sheets and due diligence * Average seed investor holds equity for 7–10 years before a liquidity event What are Investors Looking For? At the seed stage, investors are primarily betting on the founder, not the product or the market. Do they (founder) have grit? Beyond the founder, they want: a large, addressable market (is this worth solving at scale?); evidence that you understand the problem deeply; and early signals, customer interviews, waitlists, beta users, any proof that real people want what you're building.Many investors prefer co-founding teams over solo founders because having a partner through the difficult moments matters. That said, exceptional solo founders get funding too! What Kills a Pitch? * Can't explain the problem you're solving within five minutes. If it's that hard to understand what you do, that's a signal. * Unrealistic financial projections with no basis in reality. Investors have seen real numbers — they'll know. * No clear understanding of who the customer actually is. * Arrogance. Investors at this stage are looking for coachable people willing to learn and pivot. The best founders are confident and humble at the same time. Can Everyday People Invest in Startups? Well, yes. Historically, early-stage investing was limited to accredited investors (people with a net worth over $1 million or income above $200,000). The JOBS Act of 2012 changed that significantly. Under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), anyone can now invest in startups through regulated platforms.Platforms to know: Wefunder, Republic, StartEngine, MainVest. Browse active campaigns, read disclosure documents, and invest from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.But hear the risks clearly: Most startups fail. Most seed-stage companies will never return your investment. This is high-risk capital, money you should be genuinely prepared to lose entirely. But there is no public market for your shares until the company is acquired or goes public, which can take a decade.Best practice: Invest small amounts across many companies. Treat it like the high-risk slice of your portfolio. Diversification matters here just as much as anywhere else. You have to plant something before you can harvest anything. That’s a wrap on The Power of Seeds: From Your Plate to Your Portfolio. If something in this series landed for you, I want you to sit with it. Then I want you to do one thing. Plant one seed this week; in your kitchen, in your finances, or in yourself. And if you want more of these mind, body, and money conversations that actually meet you where you are, hit the subscribe button right now! Did you see part one of The Power of Seeds? Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe
May 26

The Simplest Way to Fix Your Gut, Mood, and Energy at Once

Seeds are nature’s original multivitamin. Inside every single seed is everything a plant needs to survive, and when we eat them, we tap into that same concentrated power. Every few years, seeds start trending (chia seed pudding, adding hemp seeds to açaí bowls, etc.), but the truth is, humans have been eating seeds for thousands of years. Seeds are packed with nutrients that include anti-inflammatory compounds, heart and brain health agents, fiber, protein, healthy fats, and so much more. Here are our favorites with science to back them up. Flaxseeds: The Omega-3 Powerhouse Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, alpha-linolenic acid), which are critical for brain and heart health and help reduce inflammation. Flax is also the number one dietary source of lignans, phytoestrogens studied for reducing cancer risk and supporting hormonal balance, especially during perimenopause. Flaxseed Facts: * One of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) * Rich in lignans, among the highest of any food studied * High in soluble and insoluble fiber, excellent for gut health * Supports heart health, hormone balance, and inflammation reduction * Must be ground for optimal nutrient absorption * Daily suggested amount: 1–2 tablespoons of ground flax Reminder: grind the flaxseeds so you can absorb the nutrients inside their hard shells. Once ground, store them in the fridge. Chia Seeds: The Hydration Hero Chia seeds keep you full longer and slow digestion because they absorb up to 12x their weight in water. Two tablespoons deliver 10g of fiber and ~5g of protein, which naturally curbs appetite. One serving adds omega-3s, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus to your diet. Chia Seed Facts: * Absorbs up to 12x its weight in water, promotes satiety * ~10g fiber per 2 tablespoons, excellent for digestion and blood sugar * Complete source of omega-3 ALA * Rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus * No grinding required, easy to add to any meal * Fun fact: ancient Aztec warriors used chia as a primary fuel source Reminder: drink plenty of water with chia seeds. Sunflower Seeds: The Mood Booster Sunflower seeds are one of the best food sources of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and supports immunity. They're rich in selenium, magnesium, and B6 for mood regulation. They also contain tryptophan, the amino acid precursor to serotonin, which can actually affect your mood. Sunflower Seed Facts: * One of the highest food sources of vitamin E * Rich in selenium, supports thyroid function and immune health * Contains tryptophan, precursor to serotonin (mood support) * High in magnesium, important for sleep, muscle function, and stress response * Great nut-free, high-protein snack option * Sunflower seed butter: excellent alternative for those with nut allergies Hack: Sunflower seed butter is a great, nut-allergy-friendly alternative to peanut butter. More Seeds to Know Pumpkin Seeds —A zinc powerhouse for immune function, wound healing & testosterone, and high in magnesium Hemp Seeds — Complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids Sesame seeds — Contains sesamin & sesamolin for blood pressure support and has more calcium than dairy Poppy seeds — Solid source of calcium, manganese & magnesium, plus healthy fiber and unsaturated fats Now that you know the facts, here is how to build the habit. * Start with the seed you like most and make it easy to access. Keep flax, chia, or a seed that you like in a visible spot on your counter. * Week one: Add one seed to one meal a day. * Week two: Add a second seed or a second meal. * Keep consistent. You could be consuming 3-4 seeds daily within the month of this exercise. If you, or someone you know, benefits from any of this information, please do not hesitate to subscribe for more episodes every single week! Oh, and send me a message if you try my smoothie recipe! Did you see last week’s post? Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe
May 12

Your morning routine is a wealth strategy.

Mornings set your baseline Your mornings determine the feeling you carry throughout the day. Every meeting, meal, and money decision stems from this place. When you’re intentional about the way you nourish your body, even if it’s as small as starting your day with a warm glass of water, your cortisol levels stabilize faster. Your morning sets the trajectory for the entire day. It's about your baseline state. Try this four-minute practice to change the trajectory of your day completely: * Take two minutes to nourish your body intentionally ( warm water, tea, even fruit) * Take two minutes to look at your finances without judgment Meal planning is budgeting in disguise Meal planning is assessing what you have, anticipating what you need, and deciding in advance to avoid choosing from a place of hunger. That’s exactly what budgeting is. The muscle that keeps you from impulse buying is the same muscle that gives you the confidence to negotiate a raise. Don’t know where to start? Here is a challenge for you this week: * Decide on three dinners to make at home * Figure out the ingredients; only buy what you need * Watch other areas of your life change. Prioritize your sleep When you’re sleeping less than your body needs, your brain’s reward circuits become hypersensitive. You crave more, spend more, and take more shortcuts. Those who understand wealth know the significance of investing in their ability to think clearly. Three things to prioritize if you want to grow your wealth: * Sleep 7-9 hours every night * Add protein to your breakfast to aid in decision-making * Drink water before coffee Movement as a form of financial identity Committing to things, particularly movement, reminds your brain that you do what you say you’re going to do, even when things are difficult. Your financial identity is built the same way. Whenever you save money after telling yourself you’re going to save money, you reinforce the belief that you handle money well. The bridge between health and wealth is identity Remember: you have one nervous system, one set of habits, and one identity. All of your parts are integrated into your one life. A question to sit with: Where in my life am I feeding scarcity? Is it in my body, my bank account, or both? If you liked this information, this season of Lamisa Wellness Collective is all about diving deeper into the psychology of food and money, so please consider liking, sharing, subscribing, and joining the conversation by leaving a comment! Did you see last week’s post? This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 28

How What You Eat Shapes How You Earn Money

For my entire life, I‘ve operated from a logical standpoint. As the oldest child and daughter, I was not granted the same level of freedom as my younger brothers. So when I became a mother, it wasn’t too difficult to create routines and set boundaries that would shape my new life—a life of financial stability and raising healthy daughters. Last week, I spoke about my gastrointestinal issues and how I learned to correlate food with feelings, as well as the financial impact I picked up from watching my mom get a credit card at every major department store. I knew that what I did would directly impact my children, so I had to figure out healthy systems to model for them. While mastering finances took me a bit longer, once I got it… I got it. And one thing that really helped me connect the dots at the beginning of my journey was meal prepping. To meal prep, you must: * Assess what you have * Anticipate what you’ll need * Make decisions on meals in advance to avoid hunger * Use what’s in the fridge (or in the budget) * Eat the food you’ve prepared, even if you’d rather purchase a meal Budgeting/planning your financial future follows the same steps. The people who understand this and stick to this are not more disciplined or have more willpower than you. They live by this rule: I decide ahead of time, and I honor that decision. In this episode, I’m discussing: * How discipline at the table transfers everywhere else * The reason we spike, crash, and overspend * Why we eat the way we eat Next week, we’re going to talk about how these exact metrics correlate to your bank account! If you liked this information, this season of Lamisa Wellness Collective is all about diving deeper into the psychology of food and money, so please consider liking, sharing, subscribing, and joining the conversation by leaving a comment! Are you in the San Antonio and looking to attend some upcoming Lamisa Wellness Collective events? Check out Cowgirls Blings & Things on Saturday, May 9th. We hope to see you there! Did you see last week’s post? Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe
Apr 21

Your Diet May Be Why You Have Chronic Pain...

For all of my childhood and much of my young adult life, I struggled with gastrointestinal issues and gut discomfort. My doctors and I couldn’t figure out why. At one point, I just assumed that would always be how my life would be. Until one day in 2017, I was introduced to the concept of plant-based dieting. I had no idea what that lifestyle entailed, nor did I expect any benefits. I just thought it’d be a fun, healthy thing to try—kind of like a juice cleanse. Within two days, my lifelong stomach issues began to subside. Within two weeks, my energy levels noticeably improved because my sleep quality had almost instantly improved. Within four weeks, my chronic aches and pains were completely gone, and I knew my fun little diet change was indefinite. What is a plant-based diet? A plant-based diet is a nutritional approach focusing on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and minimal to no animal products. Do you know what would happen to your body if you added 30% more vegetables to your diet? * Increased energy levels * Improved gut health, mood, and cardiovascular health * Better immune function * Reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol In sharing this part of my life, I hope it resonates or gives a boost to others looking to improve their health through their diet. Please continue to do your research and consult with a medical professional before making any major dietary shifts. This week’s challenge: * Make or buy a plant-based meal this week * Take a photo * Follow and tag Lamisa Wellness Collective on Facebook! Stay tuned for our post on Saturday! Did you see last week’s post? Get full access to Lamisa Wellness Collective at lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com/subscribe

A weekly podcast where we tackle the stuff that actually weighs you down. From managing stress to fitness plans that fit your life, eating well, expanding your money mindset, and so much more. It's time to start setting your roots and rising. **Setting, not planning.** lamisawellnesscollective.substack.com

Creator

Lamisa Wellness Collective
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

32
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Lamisa Wellness Collective
Show Website

Rooted & Rising