This newsletter is dedicated to supporting you with nutrition tips, hormone balance insights, metabolism-boosting strategies, weight loss advice, mindset tools, and guidance on integrating it all so you can wake up every day feeling like your most vital self. Plus, I’ll be sharing recipes and details on upcoming live and virtual events!

Hi Reader,

Happy New Year!

We begin this new year under the glow of the Wolf Moon, the first full moon of January. Traditionally, (I did a little research about this one) the Wolf Moon marks a time of deep winter, when the nights are long, instincts are sharp, and we are invited inward to listen, reflect, and reconnect with what truly sustains us. It’s a moon associated with resilience, intuition, and community, wolves howling not from scarcity, but from connection. Is there really such a thing as a lone wolf?

That feels like a fitting way to step into a new year.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how I gather inspiration, and for me, music is definitely a portal.

There are musicians I’ve loved over the years, sometimes from afar, and then something clicks. A song opens a doorway, curiosity takes over, and suddenly I’m down a rabbit hole of albums, interviews, and old live performances. (Thank goodness for YouTube.)

My most recent deep dive has been Peter Gabriel. After revisiting his music and story, I signed up for his mailing list, and his recent note about this January 3rd Wolf Moon felt perfectly timed, an invitation to pause and reflect.

And reflect I have.

Looking back on 2025, I feel a deep sense of gratitude.

• ​The Vitality Club 2.0 received a meaningful upgrade, including new content and the creation of the Circadian Habits Success Path, which has become a true cornerstone, and what I consider the “secret sauce” for vitality, longevity, and sustainable change.
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• Together, clients released hundreds of pounds this year, especially through my Small Group Weight Loss Mentorship (which will likely return in 2026).
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• I helped crack open some truly complex autoimmune, SIBO and histamine cases, guiding people back toward digestive resilience and restored health. And supported others along the way with other complex health conditions.
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• I taught a few day-long retreats here in Sonoma County, focused on bone health and hormone balance, that were truly magical, forging new partnerships with Breathe Diversity Pilates and Dragonfly Floral Farm.
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• My beloved Better YOU classes at Dr. Wilkinson's in Calistoga have given me so much joy to connect with the Napa Community, and soak in the healing mineral waters of Calistoga. Stay tuned for my upcoming class schedule for 2026!
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• We cooked together in the Vital YOU cooking classes, from kitchens all over the world, creating dishes that many of you have since told me have become beloved household staples.
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• I reimagined and rebuilt Blood Sugar Reset into the Blood Sugar Reset Bootcamp (BSRB), earning a new acronym, a strong foundation and powerful delivery.
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• And I’m so grateful for the incredible support of my assistant, Julie Saalsaa, whose presence and help behind the scenes has meant more than I can fully put into words.
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As you’re reading this, I’ve just arrived in Mexico, where I’m hosting the Vitality Live Retreat alongside my dear friend and colleague, Marcella Friel. It feels like a beautiful way to cross the threshold into a new year.

It’s been a full one. A meaningful one. And I feel deeply grateful that I get to do this work, serving, teaching, learning, and walking alongside so many of you.

Looking ahead, my intention for 2026 is to host more in-person gatherings while continuing to teach online. There’s something uniquely magical about being together, sharing space, food, conversation, and transformation.
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For 2026, I’m open to more magic, more connection, and more growth, for myself and for all of you who feel called to continue this journey toward vitality.

Wishing you a nourishing start to the year.

May this Wolf Moon remind you of your inner wisdom, your strength, and the power of community.

With warmth and gratitude,
Mary Sheila

​www.occidentalnutrition.com​

P.S. If you'd like to watch a beautiful Peter Gabriel Song - BIKO - Songs for Change, you won't be disappointed.

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