Karla Walsh

Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, freelance writing coach and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness (or tries to, at least!) She has over 12 years of experience covering health, food, fitness, psychology, beauty, and beyond. Her writing has been published in Allrecipes, Runner's World, BHG.com, EatingWell.com, Shape.com, ReadersDigest.com, TheHealthy.com, Prevention.com, WomensHealthMag.com, and more.

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How to Eat for Pleasure and Finally Let Go of Restrictive Food Rules

Too many of us have guilt and shame around eating. Try these 6 dietitian tips to release yourself from the grip of food rules and tap into the joy that comes from eating.

By Karla WalshNov 18, 2023

A woman standing in front of a purple flower bush, smiling happily as she eats pizza and drinks a pink milkshake

Clean Your Space, Boost Your Mood: 10 Stress-Free Ways to Declutter

You gain much more than a tidier space when you declutter your home. Discover the mental health benefits of cleaning house, then read on for 10 tips from experts to help you get — and stay — organized.

By Karla WalshNov 10, 2023

Photograph of a sunny living room with furniture in brown, yellow, and orange.

7 Wellness Retreats to Recharge, De-Stress, and Nourish Your Body and Mind

From menopause to meditation, wellness retreats are trending. Here’s what health and travel industry experts say about the benefits of a retreat, and what to look for if you’re booking one.

By Karla WalshAug 15, 2023

Participants in a group yoga class at a wellness retreat

Take Melatonin Every Night? These 10 Melatonin Alternatives Will Help You Reduce Your Intake

Melatonin supplements are booming in popularity, but they’re not always your best bet for long-term sleep success, some medical pros say. Instead, try these melatonin alternatives and natural sleep aid strategies to help improve sleep quality.

By Karla WalshJul 11, 2023

Chamomile tea, an alternative to taking melatonin before bedtime for better sleep

The 6 Best Plant and Animal Proteins to Add to Your Diet

Dietitians dish up their picks for the best plant-based proteins and animal proteins, so learn how much protein per day to aim for, then fill your cart with the healthiest proteins on the planet.

By Karla WalshJun 23, 2023

A nutritious and delicious protein-packed meal of broccoli and egg with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Plant Protein vs. Animal Protein: Is One Healthier Than the Other?

Find out how our bodies utilize animal proteins and plant protein sources and whether one form of protein is better for you than another.

By Karla WalshJun 22, 2023

A bowl of plant-protein-packed lentil soup with vegetables

5 Ways to Reparent Your Inner Child and Heal From Old Wounds

Low self-esteem, challenges expressing your needs, and ruminating over an experience from childhood are some signs that your inner child might need reparenting. Here’s how to process, learn, and heal from those buried emotions.

By Karla WalshMar 20, 2023

Child sitting by themself on the window seat on airplane

5 Steps to Turn Your Pain Into Purpose

While we don’t wish for traumatic events, they’re some of life’s best teachers. Discover how to turn pain into purpose using these five expert-backed tips.

By Karla WalshMar 14, 2023

Sunset beach landscape with wooden path to the sea

How to Set a Self-Growth Goal to Make Real Change

Find out why self-growth is a better way to view behavior change than a resolution, plus learn how to select a self-growth goal that’s tailored to the change you want to see in the world.

By Karla WalshJan 9, 2023

Woman with medium-length straight blonde hair stands near a blue wall, her face lit by the sun and her eyes closed, looking peaceful and content.

What Is Self-Growth? Plus, Why Psychologists Recommend It Over Resolutions

Discover how to harness the power of self-growth to create change that will actually enrich your life — and be something you can stick with long term.

By Karla WalshJan 6, 2023

Photograph taken from behind of a backpacker in hiking boots and other hiking gear walking on a trail through a peaceful forest setting.