Updates from Leah Negrin

Sheet Pan Chicken, Sweet Potato & Broccoli

Sheet Pan Chicken, Sweet Potato & Broccoli
This is one of those meals that makes me feel like I’ve got my life together—simple, nourishing, and actually delicious. The chicken breast brings in that protein punch, which helps with muscle recovery and keeps me full longer (bless). Sweet potatoes and broccoli are a vitamin-packed duo, loaded with vitamin A and C to support immunity, skin health, and energy. And thanks to a little drizzle of olive oil and all that fiber, it’s a win for heart health too—less inflammation, better cholesterol, and a happy gut. This one’s on repeat in my house—easy to prep, easy to love.

Ingredients:
  • 10 ozs Chicken Breast (sliced)
  • 1 Sweet Potato (medium, peeled and cubed)
  • 1 1/2 cups Broccoli (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsps Parsley (chopped)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken, sweet potato, and broccoli with the oil, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread everything on the baking sheet in a single layer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
  3. Divide evenly between plates and top with parsley just before serving. Enjoy!

The Sneaky Hormone Disruptors Hiding in Your Makeup Bag

The Sneaky Hormone Disruptors Hiding in Your Makeup Bag
For the longest time, I assumed that if a product was on the shelf—especially one labeled “natural” or “organic”—it had to be safe. Makeup, skincare, shampoo... all of it. I never thought twice.

But that all changed when I stumbled upon a study showing that many everyday cosmetics contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. And not just trace amounts—levels that have been directly linked to hormone disruption, irregular cycles, and fertility issues. (Yes, even your favorite lip balm or “clean” mascara might be part of the problem.)

So what’s the big deal with heavy metals?

Heavy metals are toxic compounds that can build up in your body over time. They don’t just pass through like other environmental toxins. They accumulate—in your organs, your tissues, and yes, even in your reproductive system.

Research has shown that exposure to metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can:

  • Disrupt hormone production
  • Damage reproductive organs
  • Contribute to irregular cycles
  • Interfere with fetal development
And here’s the kicker—they’re found in more places than you think:

  • Contaminated water
  • Some seafood
  • Old pipes
  • And yes, your makeup bag
Once I learned the truth, it was like I couldn’t unsee it. I did a full audit of my products, tossed the sketchy ones, and made the switch to safer, cleaner beauty brands. I also started using essential oils like cilantro, grapefruit, and lemon to support gentle detox and hormonal balance.

But I knew detoxing my makeup bag wasn’t enough. I had to support my body from the inside too—because what you eat matters just as much as what you put on your skin.

That’s why I created the Cycle Syncing Recipe Book.

Every phase of your cycle comes with its own unique needs—and your body is constantly working to detox, rebalance, and regulate. When you support it with the right foods (think: fiber-rich veggies, hormone-supportive fats, and natural detoxifiers), it can do its job so much more efficiently.

✨ If you’re ready to reduce your toxic load and give your hormones the support they’re craving—my Cycle Syncing Recipe Book is the perfect place to start.

It’s packed with simple, delicious recipes tailored to each phase of your cycle—because your body deserves more than just willpower and a multivitamin.

💛 Ready to ditch the overwhelm and start working with your body instead of against it? Grab the Cycle Syncing Recipe Book and give your hormones a reason to thank you.

Baked Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa

Baked Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa
This salmon + broccoli dinner is one of those meals that makes me feel like I’m actually doing something good for my body—without overthinking it. The salmon’s full of heart-healthy omega-3s and paired with olive oil, it helps lower bad cholesterol. Broccoli brings the calcium + Vitamin K for strong bones, and the salmon adds Vitamin D to help your body absorb it all. And bonus: the lemon + broccoli are loaded with Vitamin C, and the salmon has zinc—hello, immune support!

Simple, delicious, and sneakily powerful.

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/4 lbs Salmon Fillet
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 8 cups Broccoli (sliced into small florets)
  • 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 cup Quinoa (uncooked)
  • 1 1/2 cups Water
  • 1/2 Lemon (sliced into wedges)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 450ºF (232ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with sea salt and black pepper.
  3. Toss the broccoli florets in olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper. Add them to the baking sheet, arranging them around the salmon fillets. Bake the salmon and broccoli in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes with a fork.
  4. While the salmon cooks, combine the quinoa and water together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed. Remove lid and fluff with a fork. Set aside.
  5. Remove the salmon and broccoli from the oven and divide onto plates. Serve with quinoa and a lemon wedge. Season with extra sea salt, black pepper and olive oil if you like. Enjoy!


When Healing Your Hormones Feels Like a Full-Time Job

When Healing Your Hormones Feels Like a Full-Time Job
I remember what it felt like to be stuck in the spiral—Googling every symptom, listening to every hormone podcast I could find, piecing together bits of advice from strangers in comment sections and Facebook groups.

I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and still not feeling any better.

Every headline promised a fix. Every new routine felt like hope. But deep down, I was just trying to feel like myself again… and it felt like a full-time job.

The truth is, hormone healing isn’t always straightforward. And when you’re doing it on your own? It’s easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong, or worse—like nothing will ever work.

Here’s what I wish I had known earlier:

Healing your body shouldn’t feel like homework.

It’s not about adding a million things to your to-do list or achieving “perfect” health overnight. It’s about reconnecting with your body and understanding what it’s trying to tell you. Your symptoms aren’t failures—they’re signals. Your body isn’t broken—it’s begging for support.

The process gets lighter when you stop trying to do it all at once and start focusing on small, intentional shifts.

Things like:

  • Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods instead of restricting everything you love
  • Getting consistent sleep (yes, it really does matter)
  • Supporting your gut and liver—the unsung heroes of hormone balance
  • Learning how your cycle works and working with it, not against it
  • Most importantly? You don’t need to figure it all out alone.
Whether you're just starting to explore hormone health or you're deep in the process, know this: your body is working for you, not against you. And it’s absolutely possible to feel like yourself again—energized, clear, calm, and grounded.

So if you’re tired of the noise, the confusion, and the never-ending research rabbit holes… take a deep breath. You're not doing it wrong. You're just ready for something simpler, more supportive, and more sustainable.

Because healing your hormones shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.

It should feel like coming home to yourself.

Hormone-Supportive Protein Muffins (aka the snack that’s saving me right now)

Hormone-Supportive Protein Muffins (aka the snack that’s saving me right now)
These are quick to prep, blood sugar balancing, and loaded with ingredients your hormones love - think flaxseeds for estrogen metabolism, almond flour for healthy fats, and collagen or protein powder for stable energy. I’ve been grabbing them on the go between client calls and feeling so much better than when I used to reach for something sugary.

Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/2 cup collagen peptides or clean vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • Optional: 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped walnuts
Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, oil, syrup, and vanilla.
  3. Add in almond flour, flaxseed, protein powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
  4. Fold in any optional add-ins.
  5. Divide batter evenly into muffin cups (about 10-12).
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cool slightly and enjoy!
These muffins are hormone-friendly because:
  • Flaxseed supports estrogen metabolism and gut health
  • Protein balances blood sugar and supports ovulation
  • Healthy fats help regulate hormones + keep you full
Perfect for a morning snack, lunchbox addition, or 3 PM blood sugar crash prevention.

 
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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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