Listen, friend. That bloating, exhaustion, mood swings, or breakouts? They’re not random. Your body is talking to you all the time—sending little (or not-so-little) signals about what’s happening inside. But most of us have been conditioned to ignore, push through, or just accept feeling “off.”
I’m here to tell you: you don’t have to live like this.
🚫 Stop ignoring your energy crashes.
If you feel like you’re constantly running on fumes, it’s not just because you’re “busy.” Those afternoon slumps? The urge to nap right after eating? That’s your blood sugar swinging up and down like a rollercoaster. It could also be a sign your adrenals are overworked from stress and lack of sleep. Instead of reaching for another coffee, try balancing your meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your energy stable.
🚫 Stop ignoring your painful periods.
Cramps so bad you have to cancel plans? That’s not “just part of being a woman.” Painful periods can be a sign your body is struggling with inflammation, estrogen dominance, or low magnesium. Upping your magnesium intake (hello, leafy greens and dark chocolate!) and reducing inflammatory foods like processed oils and sugar can make a huge difference in how you feel every month.
🚫 Stop ignoring your cravings.
Cravings aren’t just about “willpower.” Your body is literally telling you it needs something. Sugar cravings? It could mean blood sugar imbalances or a need for more protein. Craving salty snacks? You might need more minerals like sodium and potassium. Instead of beating yourself up, get curious about what your body is really asking for—and fuel it with nutrient-dense foods that truly satisfy.
🚫 Stop ignoring your gut health.
If you’re constantly bloated, dealing with irregular digestion, or breaking out along your jawline—it’s time to look at your gut. Your gut and hormones are BFFs, and if one is out of balance, the other will be too. Eating probiotic-rich foods, reducing processed foods, and managing stress can help bring everything back into harmony.
When I finally stopped ignoring my symptoms and started supporting my body with food, lifestyle shifts, and intentional hormone balance—it changed everything.
You don’t have to suffer through your cycle, deal with energy crashes, or feel like a hormonal mess every month. Your body isn’t working against you—it’s trying to get your attention.
Start listening. Support it. And watch how everything shifts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Mini Potatoes (halved)
- 1 1/2 tbsps Tahini
- 1/2 Lemon (juiced, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Coconut Aminos
- 1 tsp Raw Honey
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup Water (optional)
- 8 3/4 ozs Tempeh (cubed)
- 3 cups Asparagus (trimmed, chopped)
- 1/2 Zucchini (large, chopped)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (large, sliced)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the potatoes to a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring the pot to a boil and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the tahini, lemon juice, coconut aminos, honey, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water to thin out if needed. Add the tempeh, asparagus, zucchini, and bell pepper to the bowl. Toss to coat in the tahini sauce.
- Spread the vegetables and tempeh out evenly on the baking sheet. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the vegetables are browned and fork-tender.
- Divide the potatoes, tempeh, and vegetables evenly into bowls. Drizzle with additional lemon juice. Enjoy!
During your menstrual phase, the uterine lining is shed and bleeding occurs as estrogen and progesterone are low. It’s important to prioritize certain nutrients:
- Iron: Menstrual blood is rich in iron, so it’s important to replenish stores. Foods like lean meats, beans, lentils, and spinach can help prevent iron deficiency anemia and related fatigue.
- Magnesium: Magnesium promotes relaxation, which may alleviate menstrual cramps and support mood regulation. Good sources include whole grains, leafy greens, dark chocolate, edamame, and pumpkin seeds.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C boosts the absorption of non-heme iron from plants. Try pairings like Brussels sprouts with chicken, kale with beef, and carrots with hummus.
- B Vitamins: There are eight B vitamins, but vitamin B6 may be especially helpful in supporting mood, energy, and other common premenstrual symptoms. You can find B vitamins in eggs, fortified cereals, whole grains, and poultry.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate some pain associated with cramps. The best sources are fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna) but you can also get some from chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts.
Here's a yummy recipe to support your body during this phase:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Quinoa (dry, rinsed)
- 1 cup Broccoli (chopped into small florets)
- 2 cups Kale Leaves (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided)
- 1/2 Lemon (medium, juiced)
- 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups Lentils (cooked)
- 2 tbsps Fresh Dill (chopped)
- 2 tbsps Pumpkin Seeds (toasted)
Instructions:
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, set the broccoli and the kale in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for about five minutes or until tender. Set aside.
- Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Place the quinoa, lentils, broccoli, kale, dill, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl. Add the dressing and mix to coat.
- Divide onto plates and enjoy!
Let’s talk hormones—because if you’ve ever felt like your mood, energy, or cravings are all over the place, your hormones might just be running the show. The good news? Essential oils can be a simple, natural way to support hormonal balance.
I used to think hormone balance was just about food and supplements (which are huge, don’t get me wrong), but incorporating essential oils has been a game-changer! These little plant-powered wonders have made a noticeable difference in my mood, energy, and even cycle symptoms.
My Go-To Essential Oils for Hormonal Support:
🌸 Clary Sage – If there was an oil made for women, it’s this one. Clary sage supports estrogen balance, eases PMS symptoms, and helps with mood swings. Perfect for those days when emotions feel like a rollercoaster!
😌Frankincense – Not just for relaxation—this one supports overall hormone function and reduces inflammation. (Your body will thank you!) It’s also great for stress management, which is key for keeping hormones happy.
🩷 Geranium – This oil is amazing for balancing progesterone and estrogen. It’s also a skincare favorite, leaving your skin glowing while supporting hormonal harmony.
💨 Peppermint – Need a natural pick-me-up? Peppermint is my go-to for focus, energy, and even those mid-cycle headaches. A little on the temples or back of the neck can work wonders.
💛 EndoFlex (Young Living Blend)** – This powerhouse blend is a must-have for thyroid and adrenal support, which are *key* players in hormonal balance. If you struggle with energy dips or sluggish metabolism, this one’s for you.
How to Use Essential Oils for Hormonal Balance:
- Diffuse them** for stress relief and emotional balance. (Clary sage + frankincense is a dreamy combo!)
- Apply (diluted) to pulse points** like wrists and behind the ears for direct hormonal support.
- Massage onto lower abdomen** for PMS and menstrual cramp relief (geranium + clary sage is a lifesaver here!).
- Inhale deeply** for an instant mood boost—peppermint is my favorite for an afternoon pick-me-up!
Adding essential oils into my routine has been such an easy, natural way to support my body. Whether you’re dealing with energy crashes, mood swings, or cycle irregularities, there’s an oil that can help bring things back into balance.
The luteal phase is when your body shifts gears—your corpus luteum (what’s left of the follicle after ovulation) is producing progesterone to support the uterine lining. If fertilization doesn’t happen? Hormones drop, and your period begins.
This is the phase where bloating, cravings, and low energy can creep in, but the good news is that your food choices can help!
🫘 Fiber for Digestion & Blood Sugar Stability
Progesterone naturally slows digestion, which can lead to bloating or constipation. Plus, cravings for quick carbs tend to spike. Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds help keep digestion moving and blood sugar balanced.
🍗 Protein to Support Muscle & Energy
Did you know progesterone increases protein breakdown during this phase? That means your body needs a little extra to maintain muscle and keep blood sugar stable. Prioritize protein from poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, soy, and legumes.
🥬 Iron to Prep for Your Period
Since iron loss happens during menstruation, eating iron-rich foods before your period starts can help prevent fatigue. Great sources include turkey, tuna, leafy greens, and beef.
✨ Small shifts can make a big difference in how you feel during this phase. Supporting your body with the right foods now means a smoother transition into your next cycle.
Here's a yummy recipe to support your body during this phase in your cycle!
Cauliflower Rice Breakfast Hash
Ingredients:
- 4 slices Bacon
- 1 Yellow Onion (chopped, small)
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 3 cups Cauliflower Rice
- 4 Egg
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Chives (optional, chopped)
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until cooked through. Remove, chop into small pieces and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring as needed. Add the cauliflower rice and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Make space for the eggs and crack one egg into each hole. Cook the eggs until the whites are set and the yolk is done to your liking.
- Remove from the pan and divide onto plates. Top with bacon, sea salt, pepper and chives, if using. Enjoy!
