Episode 70: Being healthy - more than what you eat

Check out our latest episode above or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Below is our first-ever full-length blog post, giving you a synopsis of the episode and external links to the companies and products we discussed. Make sure to subscribe to the newsletter and get all this info sent right to your inbox. If that isn’t the “easy button.” Enjoy.

This week we dive into a new way to think about health. There's more to living a healthy, intentional, lifestyle than what goes in your food. We talk about a few of the things Katie is doing to be more intentional about what is in her home and what products she uses on her body.

Setting Intentions for 2025: Beyond Water Bottles and Workout Plans

Welcome to the first official blog post with episode notes and links, Ditto fam! 🎉 We’re so excited to kick off this journey with you. Here’s to new beginnings in every sense of the word (you know, because we are still celebrating Katie (with the blonde hair) getting engaged!

If you caught our latest episode, you know we dove headfirst into the idea of setting healthy intentions for 2025. But we didn’t stop at the usual suspects like drinking more water or hitting the gym. No, this week we went deeper—into the products we use daily and the chemicals we might be unknowingly exposing ourselves to. 🛁🍎

Why It Matters

Have you ever stopped to read the ingredient labels on your skincare, cleaning supplies, or even your favorite snacks? If you’re like us, it’s probably something you didn’t think much about until recently. But then, headlines like the FDA’s decision to ban Red 3 in foods hit, and suddenly, the products we trust don’t feel so trustworthy anymore.

It’s not just about being "clean" or "organic"; it’s about knowing what we’re putting into and onto our bodies—and the bodies of the people we care about most.

What We Learned

Here’s a quick recap of the eye-opening facts we shared on the podcast:

  1. Red 3 and Beyond: While the FDA is finally removing this chemical from some products, many others are still in circulation. Food dyes, preservatives, and synthetic additives can sneak into more items than you might expect.

  2. Personal Care Pitfalls: From parabens to phthalates, the beauty industry is packed with terms that sound more like a chemistry lesson than a product label.

  3. Small Changes, Big Impact: Swapping out just one or two products in your home can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals significantly.

Katie’s Journey into Product Swaps

One of the highlights of this journey has been Katie’s deep dive into switching up her personal care and household items. Here are some of the swaps she’s made and the companies she’s trying:

  • Laundry Solutions: Clean People laundry sheets, dryer sheets, and dishwasher tablets. These eco-friendly options reduce waste and deliver effective cleaning power.

  • Cookware: GreenPan ceramic pots and pans. By eliminating “forever chemicals,” these pans make meal prep safer and healthier.

  • Natural Deodorant: Curie natural deodorant has become a go-to after navigating the detox phase and finding a formula that works.

  • Hair Care: Trying out The Earthling Co. shampoo and conditioner bars. Katie will report back on whether these solid options live up to the hype!

These changes might seem small, but they’re part of a larger commitment to reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and living more intentionally. Have you tried any of these products? Let us know your thoughts!

Practical Tips for Making Changes

We’re not here to overwhelm you (or ourselves) with a complete lifestyle overhaul. Instead, here are some small steps you can take today:

  • Food: Look for products labeled “no artificial dyes” or “clean ingredients.” Bonus points if you recognize every item on the label!

  • Skincare: Apps like Think Dirty or EWG’s Skin Deep can help you assess how clean your products really are.

  • Cleaning Supplies: Try switching to vinegar-based cleaners or brands like Seventh Generation that prioritize transparency.

  • Laundry Solutions: Consider detergent sheets for a low-waste, space-saving alternative to traditional liquids.

What’s Next?

We’re keeping the conversation going by exploring more topics like these in upcoming episodes. Have you made any swaps recently? Are there certain products or chemicals you’re curious about? Drop us a comment below or send us a DM—we’d love to hear from you!

Why Intentions Matter

Intentions aren’t about perfection; they’re about mindfulness. By taking small, intentional steps toward reducing harmful exposures, we’re investing in our future selves—and the next generation.

Listen to this week’s episode [link to episode above] to hear more about our journey into product swaps, ingredient deep dives, and a few laughs along the way.

As always, thank you for being part of this community. Let’s make 2025 our healthiest year yet—inside and out!

Stay curious and stay kind,
Katie & Katie

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Episode 71: What’s in a Name?

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Episode 69: Cheers to 2025