The Allianna Moximchalk Podcast

In this week's episode, I sit down with Dara, founder of Designed by Nature—a mission-driven formula company. Dara's journey began when her daughter, Ella, experienced recurring skin issues from birth. After extensive research, Dara began to question whether her daughter's symptoms could be linked to what she was eating. Unable to find a formula on the market that met her standards, Dara decided to create her own. She was surprised by how quickly her daughter's skin improved. As word spread, other families began reaching out—and even healthcare providers started referring clients to her. What started in her kitchen eventually grew into Designed by Nature. Today, Dara is helping families across the country navigate infant nutrition with more intention and transparency. In this episode, we discuss how to better understand formula ingredients, why some more thoughtfully formulated options are labeled "12 months and up," and key differences between European and U.S. formula standards.

In this episode, I sit down with pediatrician Dr. Joel Gator, MD, to discuss topics that are top of mind for many parents striving to make informed decisions for their children. We explore the role of nutrition and gut health in supporting the immune system, as well as food allergies and sensitivities. We also have a thoughtful conversation about the current vaccine schedule—addressing common questions parents have and reviewing considerations from multiple perspectives. This episode is not intended to promote a particular viewpoint, but rather to encourage open, respectful dialogue so parents can feel informed and empowered in their decision-making. One of the things I appreciate most about Dr. Gator is his willingness to engage in meaningful conversations with parents—something that can sometimes be missing in traditional pediatric care relationships.

In this episode, I sit down with nutritionist Lisa Robinson to discuss homeopathy. For many people interested in alternative approaches to health, this is not where their journey begins—and that was certainly the case for me. I was first introduced to homeopathy while babysitting for a family in college who regularly used it. At 19, I found myself at a low point in my health, taking over a dozen prescription medications daily. Despite this, my symptoms continued to worsen, and I experienced side effects that led to additional medications. This experience prompted me to begin exploring other approaches, including homeopathy. Homeopathy differs from conventional medicine in that it uses highly diluted natural substances with the aim of supporting the body's own healing processes, rather than relying on higher-dose interventions to directly target symptoms. It takes a more individualized approach, focusing on a person's unique symptom picture rather than a standardized diagnosis alone. Over time, it has become a tool I regularly incorporate into my own wellness routine and for my family. In this episode, Lisa and I discuss how homeopathy is used, its underlying principles, and how it may support overall balance in the body.

I was so excited to have one of mine and my husband's dear friends, Trey Douyon, on the podcast this week. Trey was the videographer for our wedding, and we immediately vibed — his energy, creativity, and heart are truly unmatched. In this episode, Trey shares his powerful healing journey with ulcerative colitis and how he used the GAPS protocol to completely transform his gut health. From former party boy to wellness leader in his Miami community, his story is raw, inspiring, and full of hope. We also talk about how the same gut-healing principles that helped Trey go into remission are the ones I use when introducing solids to my baby — because a sick gut and a developing gut actually have a lot in common. If you or someone you love struggles with gut issues, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune symptoms, this episode is a must-listen. I know his story will encourage and inspire so many. You can follow along with Trey's journey on his personal Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/treydouyon/

This week, I was so excited to have Kelsey Botti from KB Physical Therapy join me to share her story about living with Celiac disease and managing POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). POTS has been on the rise since COVID, yet so many people still struggle to get a proper diagnosis — something Kelsey knows firsthand. What I love most about her story is how she turned her biggest challenges into her purpose. Through her own healing journey, she was inspired to open a physical therapy practice that specializes in helping POTS patients regain strength, stability, and confidence. Not only does she have a location here in Pittsburgh, but she also designed an app to help people with POTS all over the world. You can learn more about her incredible work here: https://linktr.ee/kbptwellness

In today's episode, I'm joined by Adam Lutz from Steel City Medical Center, where they specialize in comprehensive wellness, hormone health, and preventive care. Adam shares his personal journey with pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining) — and how switching to a gluten-free diet completely transformed his health. We also dive into the rise of low testosterone and anxiety/ depression in younger men, how vasectomies may play a role, and what men can do to support their hormones naturally. It's an eye-opening conversation about the power of nutrition, lifestyle, and proactive health. Learn more about what Steel City Medical Center offers: steelcitymedicalcenter.com Mention my name when you book an appointment and save $50!

About 3 months out when recording and will be 4 months or so when this is live. Prioritizing low effort, high impact tasks that make me feel good like making sure all the dishes are done before I go to bed, making my bed everyday, wearing clothes that make me feel good and setting aside the stuff that currently doesn't fit me. Working out, yet prioritizing sleep. Ensuring I eat nutrient dense meals, and taking my supplements. We still need prenatals even when we are postpartum. I love the company WeNatal. I am incorporating organ meats in my diet as well as taking an organ meat supplement to help my energy and replenish nutrients. I love this supplement! Keeping an open calendar on the weekend.

Episode 35-how to stay on track with your goals during the summer. Start NOW! Pick out one goal and break it down into baby goals. Once you feel confident with one goal, move to the next one. Plan out your meals ahead of time. I love using my Pittsburgh based meal prep company for all of my meal needs. Right now we have our subscriptions on sale where you can save over $20 by using the code SUMMERREADY on our ordering website. Our subscriptions allow you to forget about needing to plan out your meals since we do all the planning and picking for you. You also have the option to select your meals if that is your thing.

When I first started my healing journey I did a food sensitivity test and it came back I was sensitive to over 100 foods! What I found was that if you struggle with leaky gut (which most of us do) those tests will never come back completely accurate. In this episode I talk about what I did instead to figure out what I was truly sensitive to and guess what, it is free! I put together a FREE swap guide to with my top better for you swaps that are all dairy free, gluten free, soy free, and alcohol free. Those are always the 4 main food groups I suggest eliminating to start if doing all 8 is too overwhelming. You can get the free guide with the link below: https://www.alliannaskitchen.com/free-anti-inflammatory-guide/

The holidays are my favorite time of the year! For years it was also the most stressful time of the year because I always feared what I was going to eat at celebrations. The thing is when you make diet and lifestyle changes from a place of doing what you need to do to feel in alignment with how you want to feel, you do not want to jeopardize feeling good. I always pack food and treats to take with me and share with others when I am celebrating with friends or family. For me, it is not worth it to eat something that I know doesn't make me feel my best. In order for me to show up as my best, I have to give my body the best! On this week's episode we talk about how to navigate the holidays and how to feel your best during one of the best times of the year.

When it comes to making healthier choices it comes down to balance. There are absolutely some things I cannot be flexible with-I need to avoid certain foods because they make me so sick. But there are other things that I can still enjoy on occasion that do not make me sick and I allow myself to eat-like the occasional french fries when I am out. This week's episode is all about balance. Be sure to check out Thrive Market which is my go to place for all of my healthier swaps. Use my code ALLIANNA and save $$$ on your first order.

On this week's podcast I interview my good friend and someone I look up to-Tammy Holmes. Tammy is a psychic medium who has read over 60,000 people all over the world! She has been featured in People's Magazine after helping the Phoenix Police locate a missing piece of a puzzle for a tough case. On this episode we talk about how to tune into your intuition. You can read more about Tammy on her website. https://tammyjholmes.com/about/

Food sensitivities can manifest in odd ways. Over the years how my body copes with things I am sensitive to changes. Certain foods give me rashes, cause ringing in my ears, brain fog and so many other odd things. A few years ago I tried adding cheese back in my diet after years of avoiding it and I was shocked to find out how my body handled it. Check out episode 29 to hear all about food sensitivities and how they can manifest.

My Dad had always talked about personal development growing up but I didn't get into it until I was older. When I was in college, I started a job that was really big on doing a little bit of personal development daily. I was shocked to see how big of an impact that work had on me. Today, I strive to do 15 minutes a day. Whether it is reading a book or listening to a podcast I have found that it makes a big impact on both how I feel and show up. A few of my favorite people to listen to and follow are Brendon Burchard, Ed Mylett, Lewis Howes, and Jamie Kern Lima.

Are you a highly sensitive person? This episode is for you! As someone who feels things so deeply, I often feel the pain and hurt of others. It is a blessing in a lot of ways because it has given me the gift of empathy, but it can be exhausting too if I do not properly take care of myself. I remind myself that in order for me to serve others to my fullest extent, I first must serve me. Check out this week's podcast to learn more.

I remember when I first went to a holistic doctor, she kept reminding me that it was not my fault I was sick, but it was my responsibility to find a way to get better. The thing is when you take responsibility for one area of your life, it has a trickling effect. When you do the things you say you are doing to do, it builds confidence. Making changes that support you in feeling your best will create a whole new version of you. I am nowhere near the person I used to be nearly a decade ago and I attribute it to my daily habits.

Years ago when I worked as a paramedic, I used to work 24 hour shifts. That meant some nights I was working 24 hours straight. By the time I would get home, I would need time to unwind which meant, usually, I was up for 30 hours straight. During this time, I started eating better but still wasn't feeling my best. I ended up leaving my job as paramedic and dove deep into my self care. It was then when I realized how important it is to establish a nighttime routine. A few things that help me are magnesium, keeping a TV out of my bedroom and journaling before I go to bed. Hear this weeks podcast for more.

I am so excited to formally announce that the Gluten Free Goat is partnering with Allianna's Kitchen. When I first went GF nearly a decade ago, the Gluten Free Goat was one of the only bakeries in Pittsburgh. I would buy their baked goods in bulk and freeze them! As time went on, my body became sensitive to more than just gluten. Today, my body is super sensitive to dairy, soy, processed oils and sugar as well. When I got married two years ago, I realized that there was a huge need in Pittsburgh for cakes that aren't loaded with sugar and processed ingredients. I couldn't find anything. We ended up getting our wedding cake shipped from California because the last thing I needed was to be sick on my wedding day! When the opportunity came along to partner with the Gluten Free Goat, I knew I had to jump on it! My mission is to provide you with indulgent treats that not only taste good, but are better for you too.You can get access to our exclusive menu with the link here.

On this week's episode I interview Ronit Menashe one of the co-founders of WeNatal. WeNatal, a prenatal supplement company intentionally designed for women and men. WeNatal aims to change the narrative surrounding fertility and pregnancy, shifting the focus from "me" to "we." Supported by a team of industry-leading doctors and nutrition experts like Dr. Mark Hyman and Kelly LeVeque, WeNatal is committed to delivering an innovative prenatal option to the market, enabling couples and babies to thrive during the crucial growth stage of life. On this week's episode we talk about why we-natal is my go to pre-natal & multi-vitamin and the things you can do at home to boost fertility.

On this week's episode, I interviewed Addison from Organically Addison. Addison is the founder of the gluten free blog www.ogranicallyaddison.com She started her gluten free journey after struggling with compartment syndrome in her legs. It caused extreme pain and nothing seemed to help. When Addison discovered gluten free eating, her life was forever changed! On the podcast, we talk about how to eat gluten free while traveling and how to turn this into a lifestyle.