I took a $12-an-hour job at Whole Foods after losing my job in higher education. It changed the trajectory of my life.
Being let go from a job is not always a surprise. Sometimes, there are whispers before the door slams shut, small signs that your time is winding down. That's how it was for me.
In 2010, I was an academic counselor at a community college in Washington, DC. I had also volunteered to develop the tutoring center, believing I was stepping into a dream role. For over a decade, I'd worked in community education as a GED writing teacher, a tech training program manager, and an ESL teacher.
I didn't just help students pick a major — I asked them to connect their education to who they wanted to become in the world. I took my job personally, and I found myself drowning in responsibilities.
The tutoring center had no budget or staff. I was expected to build something from scratch, relying on volunteers on top of my full-time advising load. It wasn't sustainable.
Starting a new life in a new job
Eventually, complaints about the tutoring center's limitations reached leadership. When my one-year contract ended, it wasn't renewed, and I was laid off.
The long hours and low pay had worn me down. I was making $42,000 a year with a master's degree, and I woke up anxious and in tears, dreading Monday mornings. Getting let go gave me the breathing room I desperately needed.
With six months of unemployment benefits and temporary health insurance, I had just enough to survive. I decided to follow a long-held curiosity: food.
I'd always been drawn to Whole Foods
I loved the hot bar, soups, salads, and desserts, which actually looked homemade (because they were).
At this time of my life, the stress of my previous job, the death of my mother, and a failing marriage all contributed to significant weight gain. I decided to get divorced while simultaneously navigating my job situation.
I threw myself headfirst into learning how to heal my body with food. Though I once dreamed of culinary school, I couldn't justify taking out more debt on top of what I already owed for my master's degree. I sought out other ways to satisfy my culinary interests, like completing the ServSafe food handler certification.
I took a leap of faith and applied for a job in the Whole Foods kitchen
I had amassed a wealth of culinary knowledge after years of watching my favorite chefs on the Food Network, YouTube, and PBS. I read cookbooks like novels and took countless in-person cooking classes in raw food preparation, fruit pie baking, and making handmade pasta. Whole Foods took a chance on me, and I fell in love with being in a professional kitchen.
I was hired as a cook for $12 an hour. The drop in pay required me to make some adjustments in my lifestyle. I moved from a one-bedroom apartment into a single rented room in a house that was shared with five other adults. I sold my car, couch, and all my other worldly belongings. I had no real plan — I was just excited about the possibility of engaging an interest I had held for years.
I learned how to filet a 30-inch salmon, perfectly grill a steak with crosshatch marks, properly arrange the deli salad display for visual appeal, and properly scrub down every greasy kitchen surface each night. My muscles ached in ways my old desk job never asked of me, but this work was creative, and I felt alive.
Finding my creative rhythm
I stayed at Whole Foods for six months. Food service moves fast, and I learned I wasn't built for that pace.
But something had awakened in me. I started teaching healthy cooking classes in the Whole Foods community education program. I watched people recreate those recipes at home and come back surprised by their own success. That joy sparked my writing.
I began documenting recipes on my health blog and pitching food stories to small publications. I worked for a year in an after-school program teaching kids to cook healthy meals while learning STEM. I noticed how the kids were excited to talk about their country of origin and the foods they made with their mom at home that were similar to what we had prepared in class.
After being dismissed from my job at the community college, I felt like a failure. I discovered that talking about food, culture, and science fed my soul in ways that teaching did not.
Transitioning to a new life abroad
I knew that the after-school program would only last for one year, so I looked for an opportunity that would allow me to build a career in writing, food, and health.
In 2013, I took another leap of faith and moved to Orlando with my fledgling freelance writer business, starting with food and then branching into writing for wellness brands and the tech industry. Over the course of five years, I built a foundation for a freelance business I could take anywhere in the world.
I wrote blog posts, ebooks, white papers, customer case studies, and more. After watching hours of YouTube videos of other freelance writers who moved to Southeast Asia, I decided to do the same.
I booked a one-way ticket from Florida to Thailand. I was drawn to Thailand for its affordable living and access to traditional healers who could support my weight loss journey. While there, I lost 60 pounds.
Since 2018, I've lived in 10 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and now Mexico. I continue to explore what it means to sustain vibrant health while building a business that blends freelance writing with author coaching.
I now live in Playa del Carmen
I'm deepening my knowledge of healing herbs, local chile varieties, and the region's rich culinary traditions. In January 2025, I ran my first half-marathon, a milestone that reflects just how far I've come in my health journey.
Looking back, I realize I wasted too much time feeling like a failure after losing my job in higher education. I now see the experience very differently. It wasn't a failure so much as a freeing of my soul.
Most people never stop to ask if what they're doing still fits who they are and what they want to experience as they get older. I was given that opportunity, and it changed the trajectory of my life.
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Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Business Insider
I took a $12-an-hour job at Whole Foods after losing my job in higher education. It changed the trajectory of my life.
Being let go from a job is not always a surprise. Sometimes, there are whispers before the door slams shut, small signs that your time is winding down. That's how it was for me. In 2010, I was an academic counselor at a community college in Washington, DC. I had also volunteered to develop the tutoring center, believing I was stepping into a dream role. For over a decade, I'd worked in community education as a GED writing teacher, a tech training program manager, and an ESL teacher. I didn't just help students pick a major — I asked them to connect their education to who they wanted to become in the world. I took my job personally, and I found myself drowning in responsibilities. The tutoring center had no budget or staff. I was expected to build something from scratch, relying on volunteers on top of my full-time advising load. It wasn't sustainable. Starting a new life in a new job Eventually, complaints about the tutoring center's limitations reached leadership. When my one-year contract ended, it wasn't renewed, and I was laid off. The long hours and low pay had worn me down. I was making $42,000 a year with a master's degree, and I woke up anxious and in tears, dreading Monday mornings. Getting let go gave me the breathing room I desperately needed. With six months of unemployment benefits and temporary health insurance, I had just enough to survive. I decided to follow a long-held curiosity: food. I'd always been drawn to Whole Foods I loved the hot bar, soups, salads, and desserts, which actually looked homemade (because they were). At this time of my life, the stress of my previous job, the death of my mother, and a failing marriage all contributed to significant weight gain. I decided to get divorced while simultaneously navigating my job situation. I threw myself headfirst into learning how to heal my body with food. Though I once dreamed of culinary school, I couldn't justify taking out more debt on top of what I already owed for my master's degree. I sought out other ways to satisfy my culinary interests, like completing the ServSafe food handler certification. I took a leap of faith and applied for a job in the Whole Foods kitchen I had amassed a wealth of culinary knowledge after years of watching my favorite chefs on the Food Network, YouTube, and PBS. I read cookbooks like novels and took countless in-person cooking classes in raw food preparation, fruit pie baking, and making handmade pasta. Whole Foods took a chance on me, and I fell in love with being in a professional kitchen. I was hired as a cook for $12 an hour. The drop in pay required me to make some adjustments in my lifestyle. I moved from a one-bedroom apartment into a single rented room in a house that was shared with five other adults. I sold my car, couch, and all my other worldly belongings. I had no real plan — I was just excited about the possibility of engaging an interest I had held for years. I learned how to filet a 30-inch salmon, perfectly grill a steak with crosshatch marks, properly arrange the deli salad display for visual appeal, and properly scrub down every greasy kitchen surface each night. My muscles ached in ways my old desk job never asked of me, but this work was creative, and I felt alive. Finding my creative rhythm I stayed at Whole Foods for six months. Food service moves fast, and I learned I wasn't built for that pace. But something had awakened in me. I started teaching healthy cooking classes in the Whole Foods community education program. I watched people recreate those recipes at home and come back surprised by their own success. That joy sparked my writing. I began documenting recipes on my health blog and pitching food stories to small publications. I worked for a year in an after-school program teaching kids to cook healthy meals while learning STEM. I noticed how the kids were excited to talk about their country of origin and the foods they made with their mom at home that were similar to what we had prepared in class. After being dismissed from my job at the community college, I felt like a failure. I discovered that talking about food, culture, and science fed my soul in ways that teaching did not. Transitioning to a new life abroad I knew that the after-school program would only last for one year, so I looked for an opportunity that would allow me to build a career in writing, food, and health. In 2013, I took another leap of faith and moved to Orlando with my fledgling freelance writer business, starting with food and then branching into writing for wellness brands and the tech industry. Over the course of five years, I built a foundation for a freelance business I could take anywhere in the world. I wrote blog posts, ebooks, white papers, customer case studies, and more. After watching hours of YouTube videos of other freelance writers who moved to Southeast Asia, I decided to do the same. I booked a one-way ticket from Florida to Thailand. I was drawn to Thailand for its affordable living and access to traditional healers who could support my weight loss journey. While there, I lost 60 pounds. Since 2018, I've lived in 10 countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and now Mexico. I continue to explore what it means to sustain vibrant health while building a business that blends freelance writing with author coaching. I now live in Playa del Carmen I'm deepening my knowledge of healing herbs, local chile varieties, and the region's rich culinary traditions. In January 2025, I ran my first half-marathon, a milestone that reflects just how far I've come in my health journey. Looking back, I realize I wasted too much time feeling like a failure after losing my job in higher education. I now see the experience very differently. It wasn't a failure so much as a freeing of my soul. Most people never stop to ask if what they're doing still fits who they are and what they want to experience as they get older. I was given that opportunity, and it changed the trajectory of my life.
Business Upturn
a day ago
- Business Upturn
Nitric Boost Ultra Issues 2025 Update on Nitric Oxide Support, Clean-Label Ingredient Trends, and Non-Synthetic Circulation Supplements for Men
Austin, June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With a growing demand for nitric oxide–supportive supplements and clean-label performance products, Nitric Boost Ultra has released a 2025 formulation and ingredient transparency update. The brand's approach reflects the surge in consumer searches related to non-stimulant circulation support, amino acid-based energy formulas, and plant-aligned men's wellness tools. This release provides insight into how Nitric Boost Ultra's profile matches evolving expectations around ingredient sourcing, educational positioning, and lifestyle supplementation for vitality and endurance—without reliance on synthetic additives or prescription frameworks. Introduction: Nitric Oxide Awareness and the Shift Toward Clean Supplementation The concept of nitric oxide (NO) as a biological messenger has entered the mainstream health discussion in recent years, particularly among those interested in stamina, circulation, and performance. In 2025, a growing number of individuals are exploring natural, over-the-counter strategies that align with broader wellness values rather than clinical interventions. This shift is evidenced in rising keyword searches for terms like 'best nitric oxide booster for men,' 'natural ways to support blood flow,' and 'plant-based supplements for stamina.' As a non-synthetic, soy-free, and stimulant-free formulation, Nitric Boost Ultra exists at the intersection of this modern movement. It offers a well-structured ingredient lineup with public-facing transparency, educational framing, and compatibility with plant-forward daily wellness goals. In an increasingly competitive market for male vitality products, this announcement reinforces the brand's commitment to clarity, not hype—providing the public with access to meaningful ingredient breakdowns and clear positioning within the non-clinical wellness sector. Consumer Search Trends in 2025: A Spotlight on Nitric Oxide and Natural Circulation Support Consumer behavior online continues to demonstrate heightened interest in nitric oxide-related supplements, especially those positioned as natural, stimulant-free, and part of a broader approach to energy and endurance. Google Trends and other search analytics tools show increased volume in queries such as: 'natural nitric oxide booster' 'non-stimulant pre-workout powder' 'amino acid powder for circulation' 'plant-based energy supplement for men' 'nitric oxide blood flow support stack' This trend aligns with broader shifts in male consumer health preferences, where individuals seek to avoid synthetic stimulants or pharmaceuticals in favor of options rooted in clean nutrition and proactive self-care. Platforms like Reddit's r/Supplements, TikTok fitness commentary, and wellness-focused YouTube channels frequently feature discussions around nitric oxide–supportive ingredients, emphasizing circulation, performance, and confidence through natural strategies. Nitric Boost Ultra was formulated to reflect—not lead—this shift. Rather than claim innovation, it offers clarity and transparency about ingredients already dominating the wellness conversation, such as L-Arginine, Beet Root, and L-Citrulline. As public search behavior continues to drive formulation decisions, brands that embrace user curiosity and platform feedback without promotional overreach are gaining increased traction. 2025 Formulation Overview: Nitric Boost Ultra's Plant-Aligned, Stimulant-Free Ingredient Structure Nitric Boost Ultra's 2025 formulation profile includes a blend of amino acids, botanicals, and nutritional compounds selected for their roles in supporting nitric oxide production, energy metabolism, and circulatory health. The formula is stimulant-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and dairy-free—meeting consumer preferences for clean-label, transparent products. Key Ingredients Beet Root Powder: Known for its naturally occurring nitrates, beet root has gained popularity in endurance communities and among health-conscious consumers for its supportive role in vascular tone and oxygen efficiency. Its presence in NO-boosting formulations is both well-documented and increasingly requested in product reviews. L-Arginine: As a direct precursor to nitric oxide in the body, L-Arginine is one of the most searched and studied amino acids in the performance support space. It plays a foundational role in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway and is regularly featured in user-built supplement stacks. L-Citrulline DL-Malate: This combination merges the NO-boosting potential of L-Citrulline (which converts into L-Arginine) with malate, which is associated with energy metabolism. The blend is known for supporting sustained performance, and its inclusion reflects search-driven preferences in both fitness and longevity supplements. Horny Goat Weed (Icariin): Often mentioned in traditional wellness systems, Horny Goat Weed contains icariin, a bioactive compound that appears frequently in men's vitality formulations. Online interest in this botanical remains high, particularly in the context of circulation, confidence, and performance alignment. Ginkgo Biloba: With a long-standing reputation for supporting blood flow and cognitive alertness, ginkgo continues to rank among the top-searched plant-based compounds in wellness communities. It is often noted for its antioxidant properties and synergy with other circulatory support ingredients. The Nitric Boost Ultra formula is produced in a U.S.-based facility operating under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The brand does not make medical claims or offer clinical guidance but emphasizes full ingredient transparency and responsible product labeling for lifestyle supplementation. Aligning With the Clean Wellness Movement: Lifestyle Support Without Clinical Claims 2025 has seen a broad consumer push toward non-medical, non-stimulant solutions for endurance, energy, and confidence. As part of the broader clean-label movement, Nitric Boost Ultra was formulated to fit seamlessly into daily routines focused on long-term well-being, not instant transformation. Unlike traditional performance supplements that lean heavily on caffeine or proprietary blends, Nitric Boost Ultra avoids masking its ingredient strategy. The formulation does not promise specific outcomes. Instead, it echoes the informational tone increasingly expected by supplement-savvy buyers: 'This is what's in it, here's how it aligns with your interests, and here's why it was chosen.' By positioning itself as part of a transparent wellness toolkit—rather than as a shortcut to clinical results—Nitric Boost Ultra supports the evolving self-directed supplementation culture. Ingredient Function Overview: How Each Component Supports Natural Nitric Oxide Pathways Nitric oxide plays a vital role in vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which in turn supports healthy blood flow, oxygen delivery, and muscular endurance. Ingredients in Nitric Boost Ultra were selected based on their relevance to the body's natural nitric oxide pathways and energy metabolism. L-Arginine supports the direct synthesis of nitric oxide through the eNOS pathway. This pathway is central to maintaining vascular tone and is commonly referenced in fitness literature for its endurance implications. supports the direct synthesis of nitric oxide through the eNOS pathway. This pathway is central to maintaining vascular tone and is commonly referenced in fitness literature for its endurance implications. L-Citrulline is converted into L-Arginine in the kidneys, offering a secondary NO-boosting route that some experts consider more effective due to its slower, sustained release. is converted into L-Arginine in the kidneys, offering a secondary NO-boosting route that some experts consider more effective due to its slower, sustained release. Beet Root Powder provides dietary nitrates that the body converts to nitric oxide via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. This route bypasses enzymatic dependence and has gained favor in athletic supplementation circles. provides dietary nitrates that the body converts to nitric oxide via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. This route bypasses enzymatic dependence and has gained favor in athletic supplementation circles. Ginkgo Biloba and Horny Goat Weed contribute to circulatory and cognitive support. Though not direct NO precursors, these botanicals are frequently included in stacks aimed at comprehensive vascular health. Together, these ingredients offer a multi-pathway approach to NO support without relying on synthetic enhancers or rapid-onset stimulants. The formulation offers an educational view of how common, well-researched compounds intersect with natural vitality. Consumer Use Case Narratives: How Online Communities View Powder-Based Circulation Support Discussions across Reddit, StackExchange, and social wellness groups increasingly show interest in powder-based supplements. Many users report supplement fatigue from daily capsules and prefer powders that dissolve into morning beverages or pre-workout routines. Nitric Boost Ultra, available in this format, reflects that preference without compromising on clean-label commitments. Public forums show consistent curiosity in formulas that combine amino acids and botanicals for generalized energy support, especially when free from added sugars or chemical additives. While anecdotal experiences vary, recurring themes include: Appreciation for non-stimulant energy options Interest in stacking beet root, citrulline, and ginkgo Questions around daily use timing and synergy with exercise Nitric Boost Ultra is not presented as a solution to any clinical need. Instead, it's discussed as a convenience-friendly powder that fits into user-built lifestyle strategies focused on clarity, self-regulation, and ingredient legitimacy. Search-Informed Formulation: How Public Curiosity Shaped the 2025 Ingredient Update Search data has shaped many aspects of the Nitric Boost Ultra development process. Rather than predicting what users want, the brand analyzed thousands of trending terms to identify existing interest clusters. Some of the fastest-growing queries include: 'best nitric oxide supplement 2025' 'beet root pre workout blood flow' 'natural energy powder for circulation' 'non-gmo nitric oxide stack for men' Rather than attempting to define what works best, the brand reverse-engineered a formulation around these phrases—incorporating ingredients already researched, reviewed, and requested across forums. Nitric Boost Ultra is not a novelty; it is a response to real, repeated consumer behavior without positioning itself as an authority. This transparency-over-innovation approach appears to resonate in an increasingly educated supplement marketplace. Access and Transparency: How the Brand Avoids Promotional Triggers While Educating the Market Nitric Boost Ultra maintains an informational website where individuals can verify the full ingredient profile, sourcing philosophy, and manufacturing details. There are no endorsements, quotes, or incentivized sales tools present on the platform. Pricing is not used as a conversion tactic, and there are no limited-time offers or urgency-based promotions. Transparency efforts include: Full ingredient list with sourcing background Clear dietary disclosures (non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free) No clinical claims or disease treatment language GMP certification details for manufacturing This content-forward, compliance-focused strategy prioritizes long-term brand trust over short-term conversions—positioning Nitric Boost Ultra as a reliable reference in the nitric oxide category. Industry Context: Responsible Formulation in a Crowded Nitric Oxide Market As regulation increases in the health supplement space, companies are under pressure to separate educational content from promotional messaging. Nitric Boost Ultra embraces this boundary by structuring its product as an option—not a solution. Its existence within the nitric oxide sector supports a responsible model for supplement disclosure: ingredient-based, user-informed, and publication-safe. Rather than adopting exaggerated claims, Nitric Boost Ultra fosters a climate of inquiry—where users explore, compare, and contextualize ingredients within their own routines. Public Commentary Summary: Search Sentiment Themes From Wellness Conversations Emerging positives: Appreciation for clean-label powder format Recognition of popular, stackable ingredients Favorable discussion of beet root and ginkgo synergy Cautionary trends: Desire for third-party user studies Emphasis on realistic expectations around lifestyle support Ongoing comparisons to conventional nitric oxide pills or pre-workout blends These themes are not endorsements but reflect the general sentiment from independent wellness audiences and communities seeking clarity in a complex supplement marketplace. About Nitric Boost Ultra Nitric Boost Ultra is a wellness formulation created by a U.S.-based team focused on plant-aligned innovation, transparency, and lifestyle-based performance support. The formula is designed for adults seeking stimulant-free circulation and energy alignment without medicalization or prescription dependency. The brand does not diagnose or treat health conditions. Instead, it supports informational empowerment through ingredient transparency and clean manufacturing standards. Contact Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Yahoo
2 days ago
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Why cats prefer sleeping on their left side
Cats prefer to sleep on their left side to protect themselves from predators, a study has found. The pets sleep for up to 16 hours a day and often curl up or stretch out for a snooze in opportune places. But the way the animal settles down is not random, and there is an evolutionarily hard-wired logic underpinning it, according to a study from the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. Scientists found cats lie on their left side around two-thirds of the time, which shows that it was done deliberately. They looked at clips on YouTube of more than 400 sleeping cats and logged which side they were sleeping on. Data revealed that 266 of the cats (66.5 per cent) were on their left side, leaving scientists to conclude this was a survival trait from their history in the wild. Sleeping on their left side means when they wake, their left eye is able to see the local area unobstructed by the cat's own body. This visual information is then processed by the right side of the brain. This hemisphere is what processes threats and is responsible for escaping danger as well as knowing an individual animal's position. This puts the cat at an advantage compared to if it was to sleep on its right side – when the information is processed by the left side of the brain, which is less specialised to aid a swift escape. This leftward preference is just one of the many ways in which cats protect themselves. 'Sleep is one of the most vulnerable states for an animal, as anti-predator vigilance is drastically reduced, especially in deep sleeping phases,' according to the study. 'Domestic cats are both predators and prey (e.g. for coyotes) and sleep an average of 12–16 hours a day. 'Therefore, they spend almost 60-65% of their lifetime in a highly vulnerable state. To reduce predation risks, cats prefer to rest in elevated positions so that predators are more visible to them and the cats, in turn, are more visually concealed from predators. 'In such a spot, predators can access cats only from below. Thus, their preference for resting in an elevated position can provide comfort, safety, and a clear vantage point for monitoring their environments. 'We hypothesised that a lateralised sleeping position further increases the chances of quickly detecting predators (or to identify careless prey) when awoken.' Pregnant cows are known to prefer their left side while sleeping for a similar reason, experts believe. The scientists also found that the pawedness of a cat, whether it preferred its left or right side, is likely not to blame for the sleeping preference. A 2017 study found that male cats tend to prefer their left paws and females are more right-paw dominant. 'We are inclined to believe that the significant leftward bias in sleeping position in cats may have been evolutionarily driven by hemispheric asymmetries of threat processing,' the scientists add in their paper, published in the journal Current Biology. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
