By Rockland News Staff
STONY POINT, NY – As winter sets in and the holiday season gains momentum, many Rocklanders are seeking ways to stay grounded, healthy, and mindful during a time often dominated by stress and indulgence. Jennifer Lima, a nationally certified health and wellness coach and founder of Bella Vita Alchemy, recently joined AM Rockland News’ livestream podcast to offer timely advice on “seasonal reset” strategies for wellness.
A longtime North Rockland resident and former Columbia University grant researcher, Lima is known in the community for her past work running the Stony Point Farmers Market and her growing impact as a wellness guide. On the show, she spoke candidly with hosts Mike and Tom about simple, cost-effective approaches to healthier living that emphasize mindfulness over restriction.
Wellness Doesn’t Have to Cost More
“There’s a misperception that healthy living has to be expensive, and it’s just not true,” Lima explained. “A bag of apples can cost less than a bag of Cheetos. Cooking healthy meals doesn’t mean you need a gourmet kitchen.”
Lima advocates for practical, real-world changes that make nutrition and wellness accessible. She encourages habits like meal prepping, eating seasonally, and involving family in the kitchen. “It’s about being prepared and having the ingredients,” she noted. “Sunday meal prep helped me when I was commuting and raising a young daughter.”
The 90-Day Seasonal Reset
A cornerstone of Lima’s practice is her “90-Day Winter Wellness Reset,” a structured program running from the winter solstice to the spring equinox (December 20–March 19). Participants receive daily prompts to reflect on sleep, stress, hydration, nutrition, and other aspects of their well-being through a short, mindful self-check-in.
“It’s not about perfection,” Lima emphasized. “It’s about observation—tracking your habits so you can see patterns, like poor sleep before a stressful meeting, and then make small, meaningful changes.”
The reset includes weekly themes (like sleep or metabolism), a supportive community, and a personalized end-of-program report that analyzes trends based on participant input—right down to lunar phases and weather conditions.
Navigating the Holidays Mindfully
With Thanksgiving approaching, Lima offered grounded advice for managing food temptations. “Enjoy the food you love,” she advised, “but be aware of how it will affect you tomorrow. It’s not about denial—it’s about intentionality.”
For those managing food allergies or specific dietary needs—like Lima herself, who has celiac disease—cooking at home can be both a necessity and an opportunity for empowerment. “It’s more cost-effective and you know exactly what’s going into your meals,” she said.
Redefining Moderation and Self-Awareness
A theme throughout the conversation was the importance of self-awareness. Lima discussed her work with Moderation Management (moderation.org), a nonprofit that helps individuals reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. She reflected on her own journey toward reducing alcohol intake and how replacing wine with sparkling water helped her stay sharp and present.
Breathing—literally—also plays a role in Lima’s philosophy. “Breathing is free,” she reminded listeners. “When you’re stressed, take three deep breaths. That moment of pause can help you make better choices.”
Looking Ahead
Lima’s approach resonates as both scientific and deeply human. Her background in clinical research—specifically in substance use disorders—adds depth to her holistic coaching. She is set to return to the AM Rockland News podcast for future discussions on herbalism and fermented foods, topics that support wellness especially during the cold, food-scarce months of winter.
To learn more about Lima’s coaching and her seasonal reset program, visit BellaVitaAlchemy.com or follow her on Instagram at @bellavitaalchemy.