4 “Healthy” Habits That Might Be Messing with Your Hormones
Ever feel like you’re doing all the “right” things for your health, yet your hormones are still all over the place? Like no matter how hard you try, your body isn’t cooperating? Turns out, some so-called “healthy” habits might actually be throwing your hormones out of whack. Let’s break down a few common ones and what to do instead.

1. Over-Exercising & Undereating
We’ve been conditioned to believe that working out more and eating less is the key to results. But your hormones? They’re not on board with that plan. Over-exercising and undereating can spike cortisol (your body’s main stress hormone) and tank progesterone, which can lead to irregular cycles, fatigue, and overall hormone imbalance.

Instead of pushing your body to exhaustion, focus on strength training, rest days, and properly fueling your workouts with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Your hormones will thank you!

2. Running on Coffee Instead of Real Food ☕
If your morning starts with caffeine before food, you’re setting yourself up for a blood sugar rollercoaster. I get it—I used to do the same thing (throw in a sugar-free Red Bull, and I was really doing my hormones dirty). But when you rely on caffeine instead of nutrients, it spikes cortisol and messes with insulin, which can lead to energy crashes, cravings, and hormone chaos.

A simple fix? Eat a meal with protein and healthy fats before your first cup of coffee. This helps stabilize your blood sugar and keep your hormones happy.

3. Too Many “Hormone-Friendly” Seed Oils
For years, we were told that vegetable oils were the “healthy” choice, but the truth is, most processed seed oils (like canola, soybean, and sunflower oil) are highly inflammatory and can throw off estrogen balance. Chronic inflammation makes it harder for your hormones to function properly.

A better option? Stick to hormone-friendly fats like avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and grass-fed butter. They support hormone production and help reduce inflammation.

4. Ignoring Stress (Because, Mom Life)
You can eat all the right foods and work out consistently, but if stress is running the show, your hormones won’t cooperate. High cortisol (your stress hormone) steals from progesterone, which can lead to cycle issues, mood swings, and feeling constantly drained.

The fix? Find small ways to lower stress throughout your day. Deep breathing, morning sunlight, a quick walk, or even setting boundaries (yes, saying “no” counts as self-care) can make a huge difference in balancing your hormones.

The Bottom Line: More Balance, Less Burnout
Your hormones don’t need perfection—they need support. Instead of extreme diets or overloading your schedule, focus on nourishing foods, mindful movement, and stress management. Small, consistent changes will help your body find its balance again.

Because feeling good shouldn’t be a struggle—you deserve to have energy, stable moods, and a body that works with you, not against you. 💛

0 Comments

Leave a Comment

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.

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Leah Negrin, M.S. Nutrition, CHHC, CPBN.