Melissa Urban Is Someone We Really Like
Photo Courtesy of Melissa Urban
by The Candidly Team
You might’ve heard of a little thing called the Whole30. And by “little,” we mean, “a massive food movement that has changed the lives and cooking habits of literally millions of people.”
And for that, you can thank Melissa Urban.
Melissa co-founded the Whole30 in 2009 after blogging about a month-long dietary experiment that changed her relationship to food. Since then, she’s written multiple bestselling cookbooks filled with healthy, approachable, delicious recipes, many of which we have cooked. Multiple times.
She’s also a CEO, podcast host, and creator of these truly excellent workout videos that we binge on Instagram.
We like Melissa.
She’s pretty much the expert on all things wellness, so we were sort of beyond thrilled to ask her about her favorite recipes, wellness products, and kitchen tools.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s something you really like about yourself?
My self-confidence.
2. What is your biggest challenge?
Energy expenditure, mostly on social media.
3. What kitchen or house tool do you use daily that’s changed your life?
GoPure Pods. They’re tiny personal water filters and my gym water bottle has never been fresher.
4. When do you feel most confident?
When I’m talking about the Whole30.
5. Are essential oils anything?
They are if you believe they are.
6. How do you create boundaries?
Direct communication, remembering self-care is not selfish, and knowing that holding the boundary is the real battle.
7. How do you dampen self-critical thoughts when they get too loud?
Using Byron Katie’s “work” and asking myself, “Is it true?”
8. Describe the most “you” outfit of all time.
Crop top, bright yoga tights, white Converse, hair down.
9. What meal can you make the hell out of?
Breakfast. Like, any breakfast.
10. What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
Loving What Is, by Byron Katie.
11. Apart from family, what woman do you deeply admire?
Glennon Doyle, for speaking her truth and empowering us to do the same.
12. Which Insta account is creating the greatest content and why?
@nedratawwab. She’s a therapist based in North Carolina and every post speaks straight to me.
13. What quote or phrase has really stayed with you?
Whose business are you in? It’s another Byron Katie line, and it reminds me that I hold no power unless I’m in my own business.
14. What’s your most effective form of therapy?
It’s not therapy, but I gain a ton of peace, grounding, and insights from God when I hike in the mountains.
15. What’s your approach to mending conflict with people you work with?
Owning your shit. (Can I say that?) If you make a mistake, own it fully, apologize effectively, and don’t do it again.
16. How do you feel about cilantro?
It’s delicious.
17. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
Clean kitchen, floss, waterpik, brush, twist up hair, think about washing my face but don’t, read for 20 minutes, fall asleep resisting the urge to check Instagram one more time.
18. What’s the best thing you’ve ever read on the internet?
“Trump Defeated with Landslide Voter Turnout” (a girl can dream).
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
Need them. Love them. Trim them myself.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Fatco Fat Stick moisturizer.
Lip balm: See above.
Jeans brand: Good American.
Mascara: Don’t use it.
Robe: The $25 one from Amazon.
Sex product: Silicone lube.
Last-minute gift: Book.
Bra: Are we really wearing bras right now?
Shampoo: Any brand with sulfites.
Comfortable shoes: Converse.
Splurge skincare: Don’t have any.
Drugstore skincare: Neutrogena wipes.
Everyday bag: Cotopaxi fanny pack.
Guilty pleasure TV show: The Great British Baking Show (not even guilty).
Drink: Blue LaCroix. Yeah, the unflavored one.
At The Candidly, we recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love. Sometimes, our friends recommend their favorite things, too. All details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
We have to eat.
