UPLEVEL is our way of saying: wellness isn’t just what you drink or eat, it’s how you live.
As we move into 2026 and beyond, UPLEVEL reflects a deeper commitment to nourishment in every sense of the word. Not extremes. Not quick fixes. But thoughtful shifts that compound over time and change how you feel, and how you show up, day after day.
That’s why UPLEVEL brings together Kroma and a small group of trusted wellness partners who share our belief that lasting health is built through consistent, supportive rituals. For the month of January, every 5-Day Reset includes over $100 in free Kroma gifts, meditation and fitness memberships, and access to an online community with expert-led guidance — giving you the tools, structure, and support to carry what you start far beyond five days.
Uplevel Your Nutrition
Mikaela Reuben embodies what it means to uplevel through food and mindful nourishment. Her Mikaela Reuben understands something deeply important: food isn’t just fuel — it’s information, care, and connection.
Her approach to nourishment is rooted in whole, seasonal ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the belief that eating well should feel good. Not rigid. Not intimidating. Just supportive, delicious, and sustainable enough to become part of real life.
We chose Mikaela as an UPLEVEL partner because her philosophy mirrors how we think about wellness at Kroma. Daily rituals around food don’t need to be complicated to be powerful. When you eat in a way that feels grounding and nourishing, it changes how you feel in your body, how you think, and how you move through your day.
To explore this more, we asked Mikaela to share her perspective on how food supports overall health, the nervous system, and long-term well-being — especially in busy, real-world routines.
We asked Mikaela to share his insights on how food supports overall health, the nervous system, and lasting well-being.
How does what we eat affect our overall health and wellbeing?
Food is one of the most constant signals we send to the body. Every meal communicates information to our nervous system about safety, nourishment, and stability. Blood sugar balance, mineral intake, digestion, and inflammation all influence how calm or reactive we feel. When food supports steady energy and reduces stress on the body, the nervous system has more capacity for resilience, clarity, and repair.
A big part of your story is how your dad transformed his health through food and nutrition after having a heart attack. Can you share more about his healing journey through food?
After my dad’s heart attack, food became a turning point. At first, it was confusing. He tried nearly every diet that was popular at the time, searching for the one thing that would fix everything. Over the course of a few years, what actually worked was not one rigid approach, but a balance. He pulled pieces from different philosophies and learned what his body responded to.
Watching that process taught me two important things. First, there is no single diet that works for everyone. Second, lasting health tends to come from consistent pillars rather than rigid rules, things like whole foods, balance, and consistency. That experience shaped how I understand healing and the role food can play in reclaiming health over time.
Are there specific foods or nutrients that help calm or balance the nervous system?
Yes, though context always matters. Foods that support blood sugar stability, such as balanced meals with protein, fiber, and fat, are foundational. Minerals like magnesium and potassium support nervous system signaling. Omega 3 fats support brain and nervous system health. Fermented foods and fiber rich plants support the gut, which plays a major role in nervous system regulation. Often it is less about a single superfood and more about creating steady, nourishing patterns.
How can someone integrate these foods into busy, real-life routines?
Simplicity is key. I encourage people to focus on a few anchors. A nourishing breakfast that includes protein and fiber. One grounding meal each day that feels warm and satisfying. Simple add-ons like sauces, soups, or roasted vegetables that can be used throughout the week. You do not need perfection. You need rhythm. Even small, consistent choices can reduce stress on the body and support the nervous system over time.
Can you share a meal or recipe that is particularly effective for supporting healing, calm, focus, or resilience?
Soups are one of my go-tos. Something like a lentil or squash based soup with warming spices, greens, and good fats. They are easy to digest, grounding, and naturally supportive of blood sugar balance. They also encourage slowing down, which matters. A meal that is nourishing, warm, and easy to absorb often supports both the body and the nervous system at the same time.
How does mindfulness around food enhance its effect on the nervous system?
Mindfulness helps shift the body out of fight or flight and into a state where digestion and repair can happen. Our nervous system needs clear cues that it is safe to slow down and that it is time to digest. Chewing is one of the first and most important steps in digestion, yet many of us rush through meals or eat on the go, which keeps the body in a more activated state.
When we slow down, chew our food, and give ourselves even a few moments of presence, we support the early stages of digestion and signal safety to the nervous system. Eating without rushing, noticing flavor and texture, and allowing meals to feel supportive rather than stressful helps the body do what it is designed to do. It is not about being perfect or meditative at every meal. It is about creating moments where food feels like care, not another task to complete.
The Takeaway with Mikaela Reuben
Nourishment isn’t about restriction or getting it “perfect.” It’s about showing up consistently and choosing foods that support your body — again and again.
UPLEVEL and Mikaela Reuben share the belief that mindful eating is one of the most powerful forms of self-care. When meals are balanced, intentional, and enjoyable, food becomes something that supports your energy, steadies your nervous system, and helps you feel more resilient over time.
That’s what upleveling looks like.
Choosing food that works for you.
Building habits you can actually maintain.
And honoring your body — every single day.