Oh, but it absolutely does.
I used to think my thoughts were just... thoughts. Little whispers in my head that I tried to keep mostly positive, but honestly, I didn’t pay them much attention. Then, I learned just how powerful they really are—and how much they shape not just my emotions, but my physical health, too.
Your mindset is a game-changer. It’s not just a motivational quote on a coffee mug—it’s science. Studies show that your thoughts can literally influence your gut health, mental health, and overall well-being. If that sounds a little out there, take a look at Joe Dispenza’s work on mindset and healing. He dives deep into how beliefs and emotions can affect the body on a cellular level.
Here’s why this matters:
Your Mindset Affects Your Stress Response. When you’re stuck in a negative thought loop, your body doesn’t know the difference between a real threat (like a lion chasing you) and an imagined one (like worrying about a meeting). This keeps you in fight-or-flight mode, which wreaks havoc on your hormones and immune system.
Your Beliefs Shape Your Habits. If you believe you’re “too busy” or “not disciplined,” you’ll act accordingly. On the flip side, if you believe you can make small changes toward a healthier life, you’ll start noticing opportunities to do just that.
Your Thoughts Influence Healing. Research has shown that optimistic patients recover faster from surgery, and people who practice mindfulness often report fewer symptoms of chronic conditions. Belief isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a major piece of the puzzle.
So, if you’re rolling your eyes thinking, It’s not that deep, I get it. I was there, too. But the more I paid attention to what I was feeding my mind, the more I saw changes—not just in my mood, but in how my body felt.
Here’s my challenge for you: start small. Notice your thoughts. When a negative one pops up, ask yourself, Is this really true? Then flip it. Because what you believe doesn’t just stay in your head—it shows up in your life, your health, and even your happiness.
Before having a baby, your mind will likely race with all the “essentials” you think you’ll need. Do babies need shoes? (Nope! Their tiny toes are just for show at this point.) Will you need one of those donut pillows to sit on after labor? (For me, not at all—those things were not the lifesaver I imagined.) Should you plan on a home food delivery service? (Not if you have a partner who meal-preps like a champ. Shoutout to my husband for filling the freezer with meals that were lifesaving when sleep was nonexistent!)
But there’s one thing that often flies under the radar for expecting moms: how you’re going to recover and balance your hormones after giving birth.
Let’s be real: postpartum recovery isn’t just about catching up on sleep (though, yes, please). Your body has gone through an incredible, life-altering event. Blood loss, healing tissues, and hormone fluctuations are part of the journey. Focusing on the right foods during this time can make a world of difference.
Here are a few nutrient-packed powerhouses to keep on your radar:
- Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps fight postpartum blues and supports your brain (which needs all the love it can get during those foggy newborn days).
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale): These are rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium—key nutrients for rebuilding strength, aiding in milk production, and replenishing what your body has lost.
- Eggs: A simple, versatile food full of protein, choline, and vitamin D to help with healing and energy.
- These foods don’t just taste great; they work hard to help your body bounce back. They’re like little cheerleaders for your hormones, energy levels, and overall healing.
So, while you’re preparing for the arrival of your little one—stocking up on diapers and cozy onesies—don’t forget to think about you, mama. Your recovery matters.
We’ve all been there—those days when your mood is swinging like a pendulum, your energy is in the negatives, and “that time of the month” feels like it’s sneaking up on you, ready to wreak havoc. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like your body is running the show.
But what if I told you there’s a simple, natural way to support your hormones and take back some control?
Yep, I’m talking about essential oils.
I know, I know—essential oils can seem like a trendy buzzword. But hear me out. These plant-based powerhouses have been used for centuries for a reason—they work. When it comes to hormones, a few specific oils can do wonders for balance, stress relief, and overall well-being.
My Top 3 Go-To Oils for Hormone Support
- Clary Sage: This oil is a game-changer for hormone health. Clary sage is known to help balance estrogen levels, which can be a lifesaver if your hormones feel like they’re running wild. Whether it’s that time of the month or just daily hormonal ups and downs, this oil can offer some much-needed support.
- Lavender: If you’re feeling stressed (and who isn’t?), lavender is your best friend. Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, and lavender helps calm your mind and body, reducing cortisol levels. It’s also fantastic for sleep, which is essential for overall health.
- Frankincense: This oil is a multi-tasker! It promotes emotional balance, reduces inflammation, and supports hormone health. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together when your body feels out of sync.
You can diffuse these oils, apply them topically (diluted with a carrier oil), or even add a few drops to a warm bath for a relaxing, hormone-supporting soak.
If you’ve been looking for a way to feel more in control of your hormones—without turning to chemicals or invasive treatments—these oils might just be the natural solution you’ve been searching for.
Ready to try them? Trust me, they’ve been a game-changer for me, and I can’t wait to hear how they work for you!
PS - I only recommend using Young Living essential oils!
Traditional eggnog is made with eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream, which unfortunately won’t work for those of us avoiding conventional dairy. I’ve been wanting to make some that tasted good and even had some nutritional value, so we're giving this one a try!
Ingredients
- 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk, or dairy free milk of choice
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 tsp nutmeg, + more for garnish
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup Flor de Cana dark rum
- Dairy free whipped cream, for topping, optional
Instructions
- Add the egg yolk and maple syrup to a medium bowl and using a hand mixer, mix on high until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- To a medium saucepan over medium high heat, add the coconut milk, almond milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook while whisking often until the mixture just begins to simmer.
- Very slowly pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks and maple syrup while mixing with the hand mixer. It is important to go slow while continuously mixing to temper the eggs. We don't want them to scramble / cook!
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer back into the pot on the stove. Whisk constantly over medium low heat for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and add the vanilla and the rum. Whisk to combine. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Top with dairy free whipped cream, and garnish with a cinnamon stick, and more grated nutmeg. Enjoy!
Derived from Mary's Whole Life
I love buckwheat. I had it has a child with a yummy dish (Kasha Varnishkes) that is a traditional Eastern European dish (these were my Ashkenazi Jewish relatives) My aunt liked to add in beets which I also enjoyed! this recipe is more of a breakfast one but also super delicious! you can add in cabbage for some extra gut support or keep it simple like this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Buckwheat Groats
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 4 Eggs
- 2 cups Baby Spinach
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the buckwheat. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- While the buckwheat is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once warm, crack the eggs in the pan and cook until the whites are set and the yolk is cooked to your liking.
- Divide the cooked buckwheat and fried eggs between bowls. Top with spinach, salt and pepper. Enjoy!
