The Power of Community in Health: Tess Masters on Learning and Thriving Together

Tess Masters returns to Small Changes, Big Shifts for a powerful, heart-centered conversation on redefining health, nourishment, and self-trust as we step into a new year. As the creator of Skinny 60, Tess shares why sustainable wellness isn't about restriction or perfection, but about personalization, grace, and learning how to work with your body instead of against it. Together, the discussion explores strategic eating through different life phases, the gut as the foundation of whole-person health, and the emotional patterns tied to food choices. With an emphasis on community, compassion, and the "good, better, or best" mindset, this episode reminds listeners that health is a puzzle—not a problem—and that small, intentional choices can unlock confidence, vitality, and lasting change at any age.  Key Takeaways:   Sustainable wellness comes from personalization and strategy, not restrictive or one-size-fits-all approaches.  Gut health is foundational, influencing metabolism, hormones, mood, energy, and overall well-being.  Progress is built through grace and flexibility, choosing good, better, or best instead of perfection.  Food can become a powerful tool for self-awareness, helping reveal emotional patterns and habits.  Community, compassion, and shared stories create accountability, healing, and long-term success.  About Tess Masters:  Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, coach, podcaster, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend published by Penguin Random House. You can find hundreds of easy recipes at theblendergirl.com.   Through the Skinny60® health programs, Tess and her team of dietitians have helped thousands of people get healthy using science-based food and lifestyle strategies and personalized nutrition solutions.   Tess and her health tips and recipes have been featured in the L.A. Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Clean Eating, Yoga Journal, the Today show, Home & Family, and other media outlets.   As a spokesperson, presenter, and recipe developer, Tess has collaborated with brands including KitchenAid, Vitamix, Williams-Sonoma, Four Seasons, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and many others.   On her podcast, It Has To Be Me, she interviews trailblazers about how they act on the things they're dreaming about.  Connect with Tess Masters at:  https://www.skinny60.com/60-day-reset/    https://ithastobeme.com/    https://www.theblendergirl.com/   https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Girl-Super-Healthy-Drinks-100-Gluten-Free/dp/1607746433/    https://www.amazon.com/Blender-Girl-Smoothies-Gluten-Free-Paleo-Friendly/dp/1607748932/    https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Blend-Blender-Energize-Revitalize/dp/160774645X/    https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/    https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/    https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/   Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com  [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts  https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts  https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco  Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.  Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.