Today, we’re spotlighting Bianca, an inspiring member of our BodyTalks community, as she reflects on her health journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.

My Celiac Diagnosis That Forced Me to Rethink ‘Healthy Eating’

Growing up in Italy, I thought I had a pretty solid handle on health. I was surrounded by high-quality, fresh produce—healthy eating felt natural. But in reality, I didn’t grasp the deeper science of how my body worked. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with Celiac disease in my junior year of college that I realized I needed to look deeper. The diagnosis was a wake-up call, pushing me to learn more about functional medicine and the gut’s relationship with overall health.

An Unexpected Lesson on Health From ‘What’s the Juice’ Podcast

I definitely knew I wasn’t always the healthiest in college—I was just trying to enjoy being a college kid! But after my Celiac diagnosis, everything shifted. I found myself diving into functional medicine to address new food sensitivities that kept popping up. The real turning point came after college, when I stumbled upon What’s the Juice podcast.

I joke that there’s my life before What’s the Juice (B.WTJ) and after What’s the Juice (A.WTJ), because it opened my eyes to how interconnected the body is. I realized that wellness wasn’t just about eating whole foods or getting in a good workout. It was about truly listening to the signals my body was giving me and getting to the root of issues I’d been struggling with for years—like the cystic acne that had plagued me since my teenage years.

I’d spent so much time treating the symptoms—surface-level fixes like expensive skincare products or experimenting with eliminating possible food sensitivities—when, in reality, my acne was a sign of internal imbalances. That understanding shifted everything for me.

Losing Friends, a Cost of Wellness?

Something I wasn’t prepared for when I started my wellness journey was how it would affect my relationships. I don’t think we talk enough about how focusing on your health can cause a shift in your social life. As I started dedicating more time to my well-being and career, I noticed certain friendships began to feel out of sync. It was hard—some people just didn’t fit into this new, healthier version of me.

I noticed there were people in my life who only wanted to be friends with the version of me that I was when we had first met, rather than who I was working to become.

Journaling became my safe space during that time. I needed somewhere to process all the emotions that came with changing, growing, and sometimes feeling isolated. I had to accept that not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever. Eventually, I learned to nurture the relationships that felt aligned with the direction I was heading. Now, I’m very aware of how I feel after spending time with someone—do I feel drained and anxious, or energized and happy? That awareness has been a game changer.

Listening to My Body and Morning Non-Negotiables

After my Celiac diagnosis, I really started paying attention to my body’s signals. “I noticed how interconnected everything was—bloating, brain fog—when I eliminated certain foods.” My morning routine, once rigid, now follows my intuition. Some days, I meditate or do breathwork. Others, I just enjoy a quiet moment with my boyfriend. "I used to follow a strict routine, but now I let my body guide me."

But…there are some things that I keep consistent, no matter the day. I always will have a high protein breakfast with at least 30g of protein to fuel and energize myself while supporting my blood sugar (in terms of blood sugar regulation, they were right guys, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day). I also start my morning with some (filtered) water and electrolytes (I’ve been using the BodyBio Elyte lately) to hydrate myself. When we are sleeping it is (hopefully) the longest you will go without hydration all day, so rehydrating in the morning is key. And I will always get outside within 30 min of waking to get at least 5 minutes of sunlight to help set my circadian rhythm for the day - even when it is cloudy or raining. I love doing this either by eating my breakfast outside, or going for a quick walk. 

What Listening to ‘5 Hours’ of Podcasts Weekly Did For My Health

At times, the wellness journey can feel isolating. But I found community in the most unexpected places—through podcasts, for instance.  I’m sure I would listen to a minimum of 5 hours a week of podcasts. They’ve been life-changing for me. Podcasts like What’s the Juice have given me free, accessible knowledge about my body that I couldn’t find anywhere else. They’ve made such an impact on how I approach my health.

Eventually, I started my own Instagram account dedicated to holistic health, which has connected me with like-minded women from all over the world. It’s been such an amazing experience to share my journey and learn from others who are on similar paths. If you’re open to it, I highly recommend sharing your journey online. You never know who you might inspire or what connections you’ll make. Some of my favorites are: What’s The Juice, Are You Menstrual, LONGEVITY with Nathalia Niddam, and Quiet the Diet.

5 Easy Ways I Prioritize Rest Even When Busy

I used to pride myself on being a high achiever, constantly pushing myself to do more. But over time, I’ve learned that rest is just as important as hustle. For the longest time, I felt like I always needed to be doing something, but eventually, my body made it clear that it needed rest. If you don’t make time for rest now, your body is going to force you to rest later when you burn out or get sick. Some practices that I found that really help me are sauna, breathwork, listening to 528hz, taking epsom salt baths, and trying to allow myself at least 1 hour to wind down before going to bed. Now, I’ve embraced these practices. It’s all about honoring those signals from your body—knowing when it’s time to push forward and when it’s time to pause.

Looking Ahead: Wellness with Confidence

Looking back, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned on this journey. If I could share one piece of advice with others who feel overwhelmed on their wellness journey, it would be this: “Take it one step at a time. You don’t have to do everything at once. Be patient, listen to your body, and know that the best version of you is already within—you’ve got this.”

Bianca’s story is a beautiful reminder that true wellness comes from within. At Bodology, we’re here to help you along your own journey by offering natural, science-backed solutions to support your hormones, mood, and metabolism. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your wellness path, we’re here to decode it all with you. Join our BodyTalks community and learn from others who are walking a similar path.