My Philosophy

I approach life with curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep respect for both science and tradition. My life has taught me that the best answers often are found where research intersects experience. I believe in learning from the past, questioning the present, and staying open to new perspectives in order to create the best future. Here’s how I navigate the world and the topics I investigate on this blog:

The best answers are often found where research intersects experience.

I love experimenting and understanding through data.

I have always carefully assessed patterns and experimented in order to uncover meaningful insights in my life. It is what led me to a PhD and career in epidemiology and data science. At any given time I am running several experiments in the kitchen, garden, or on myself, sometimes informally and other times carefully logging my data for my own analyses. And of course, I am always searching Google Scholar and reading papers on whatever new topic has grabbed my interest. Additionally, I’m often the first to translate theory to practice. When all established methods fail, leave it to a mother to try something new based on theory or preliminary experimental evidence.

I explore all evidence, even when it challenges my current understanding.

I believe in questioning everything. When I come across new information that contradicts what I thought I knew, I carefully re-examine the evidence. Sometimes it leads me to change my perspective, and other times I find the claim does not hold up. Interestingly, I often find that seemingly conflicting theories actually complement each other. My goal is to always continue learning in order to get gradually closer and closer to the truth.

Lived experience matters.

I have found that while formal research provides invaluable insights, what works in theory doesn’t always translate perfectly to practice. Real-life experience often highlights its limitations, such as a tendency to ignore unintentional consequences or a focus on only a few very specific risks. The best hypotheses come from listening with curiosity to others’ experiences and consolidating them with your own, paying close attention to patterns and observations that we may not have a full explanation for yet, or that have not been formally studied. I will always indulge my inner UChicagoian - “That’s all well and good in practice, but how does it work in theory?” - perhaps developing a new theory.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

What works for me may not work for you, therefore what is right for me may not be right for you. Each of us has a unique combination of genetics, life stage, lifestyle, goals, resources, and personal preferences. I believe in learning from others while also honoring our individual wants and needs.

I prefer the most self-sufficient options when possible.

Whenever I can, I choose the path that fosters independence, whether that’s growing my own food, fermenting foods, or making my own hand salve. That said, I also believe in balance and practicality. It is important to keep in mind, though, that what may feel practical today may not be an option tomorrow, for one reason or another.

When something is not functioning, I look to the past.

Many of the best solutions to modern problems have existed for centuries or even longer. So much wisdom has been lost or dismissed in favor of convenience or due to misunderstanding, and I find value in rediscovering and reviving this traditional knowledge. While these practices can often feel complicated at first, they become easier with practice. And in my experience, they usually work better than what we are accustomed to. Fascinatingly, I find that many traditional practices are supported by modern scientific data, and those that aren’t often simply have not been formally researched.

Holistic solutions are key. There is no single magic fix.

Whether it’s health, parenting, or sustainability, I believe in addressing problems from multiple angles. The vast majority of health issues are shaped by numerous things. Thus no single food, supplement, habit, or philosophy will be the answer. The key is finding the right combination to uniquely support your own wellness and that of your family.

This philosophy shapes everything I write about, from Food and Nourishment and Non-toxic Living to Health, Regenerative Gardening, and Motherhood. My goal is to share knowledge, be curious, and encourage thoughtful, intentional living with an open mind and a respect for both science and tradition.