Healthy Living

Why Does No One Talk About How Different You Feel Week to Week as a Woman?

Why Does No One Talk About How Different You Feel Week to Week as a Woman?
Have you ever wondered why some weeks you feel unstoppable and the next you just want to hide under a blanket with snacks and Netflix? It's not just you. It's not that you're "too emotional" or "lazy" or "overdramatic." It's your hormones doing exactly what they’re designed to do.

The truth is, you’re not supposed to feel the same every single day. Your body follows a beautifully complex hormonal rhythm throughout the month. And yet, no one really talks about it. No one pulled me aside in high school and said, “Hey, by the way, PMS isn’t mandatory—your body is just asking for support.”

Instead, we're taught to push through, to ignore the signs, to label ourselves as "moody" or "dramatic." But what if feeling tired, cranky, or bloated isn’t a character flaw—it’s simply your hormones shifting and asking for different support?

Take the luteal phase, for example—the week or so before your period. It can feel intense. You might notice lower energy, bigger emotions, and stronger cravings. But it’s not because you're "lazy" or "crazy." It’s because your body is literally working overtime to prepare for your next cycle. And it deserves real support… and yes, real snacks.

Another thing no one seems to mention? The way you eat can actually make a difference. Eating with your cycle—meaning adjusting your foods to match what your body needs in each phase—can help ease cramps, reduce bloating, stabilize your mood, and even boost your energy.

When you stop fighting your body and start working with it, everything starts to shift. You feel more grounded. More in control. More like yourself again.

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re on a hormonal rollercoaster every month, you're not alone—and you're definitely not broken. You’re just ready for real support that honors the rhythm your body was made for.

Want some simple, nourishing recipes to help balance your hormones in every phase? Click here to grab my hormone-friendly recipe book and start feeling the difference today!

Let’s Talk About It: What I’ve Learned (and Lived) About Hormone Health

Let’s Talk About It: What I’ve Learned (and Lived) About Hormone Health
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about hormones, nutrition, and how deeply they affect our day-to-day lives. But recently? I didn’t just learn these lessons—I lived them. And I had the honor of walking other women through these same shifts too.

Here’s what has stood out the most:

✨ Sugar impacts your hormones and gut more than you think.
Even "healthy" amounts of sugar can trigger inflammation, mess with blood sugar balance, and disrupt the delicate gut-hormone connection. Once I started paying attention to how sugar was affecting my energy, cravings, and mood—I couldn’t unsee it.

✨ What you eat during each phase of your cycle matters.
Your body has different needs during each phase of your menstrual cycle. Learning how to eat in sync with those shifts—like boosting iron during your period or healthy fats during the luteal phase—can be a game-changer for energy, mood, and hormone balance.

✨ Sleep affects everything.
Not getting enough rest doesn’t just make you tired—it impacts your hunger signals, hormone production, blood sugar regulation, and emotional stability. Prioritizing sleep became one of the most powerful tools for supporting my body.

✨ High cholesterol isn’t just about fat.
It’s often a sign of deeper imbalances—like blood sugar issues, inflammation, or hormone dysfunction. We’ve been taught to fear cholesterol, but the full picture is more nuanced than just cutting out butter.

✨ Postpartum hormones are wild—but manageable.
That season can feel unpredictable, emotional, and exhausting. But it doesn’t have to feel hopeless. With the right support—nutritionally and emotionally—your body can rebalance. You can feel like yourself again.

These are the reasons I created my hormone-supportive recipe book. I wanted to take the guesswork out of what to eat and how to nourish your body through all its changes—whether you’re cycling, postpartum, or just trying to feel more like you again.

If you're ready to start feeling more balanced, energized, and supported in your health journey, this guide is for you. No stress, no complicated tracking—just real food that helps you feel good.

💛 Because you deserve to feel supported—not overwhelmed—by your wellness. 

Grab my recipe book here and get started today!

Are You Running on 1%? How to Recharge Your Hormones (and Your Energy)

Are You Running on 1%? How to Recharge Your Hormones (and Your Energy)
You know that feeling when you’re totally drained, but you still have to mom, work, and keep up with life? So you reach for the caffeine, maybe a sweet treat, and push through. Again. And again.

But here’s the thing: your body isn’t just tired. It’s waving red flags at you.

📍 Fatigue. Brain fog. Cravings. Bloating.
These aren’t random symptoms. They’re your hormones trying to get your attention.

Your hormones are the behind-the-scenes bosses of your body. They control your energy levels, mood, metabolism, digestion—basically all the things. And when they’re depleted (hi, stress, sleepless nights, skipping meals), your body goes into survival mode.

The problem? Most of us aren’t actually recharging. We’re just plugging in for 5 seconds with a coffee or sugary snack and calling it good. But that’s like trying to run a marathon on a phone with 1% battery. Not gonna cut it.

📌 Here’s how to actually recharge your hormones:
✔️ Start your day with protein.
Skipping breakfast or reaching for a carb-heavy muffin only leads to a blood sugar crash by 10 a.m. A solid protein-packed breakfast helps stabilize your energy, reduce cravings, and keep your hormones happy.

✔️ Support your stress with magnesium and B vitamins.
These nutrients are like hugs for your nervous system. They help your body cope with stress, support sleep, and calm inflammation—basically, they’re essential when you’re feeling frazzled.

✔️ Swap the extra coffee for more water.
Caffeine in overdrive = adrenal burnout. And when your adrenals are struggling, everything feels harder. Start by adding one extra glass of water before that second cup of coffee. Small shifts make a big impact.

✔️ Cycle-sync your meals.
Your body has different needs depending on where you are in your cycle. Fueling intentionally with the right nutrients during each phase can improve your energy, reduce PMS, and support overall hormone balance.

📚 Scientific fact: A study in Nutrients found that chronic stress and poor diet directly contribute to adrenal fatigue—causing energy crashes, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances. So no, it’s not all in your head. And no, more coffee isn’t the answer.

💬 Ready to feel more like yourself again? Grab my go-to recipe book full of hormone-loving meals.

You don’t have to run on empty. Let’s get you recharged—for real. 💛

Your Hormones Are Like a Car Engine—Are You Using the Right Fuel?

Your Hormones Are Like a Car Engine—Are You Using the Right Fuel?
Imagine your hormones as the engine of a high-performance car. When you give it the right fuel, it hums along smoothly, delivering energy, balance, and vitality. But if you’re constantly filling it with sugar, caffeine, and processed snacks? Well, let’s just say that engine isn’t going to run at its best. Instead, you’ll feel sluggish, bloated, and running on fumes.

Why Fueling Your Hormones Matters
Hormones control everything from your mood and energy levels to your metabolism and menstrual cycle. When your blood sugar is unstable, it sends your hormones into chaos. According to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, women with unstable blood sugar levels are more likely to experience PMS, intense cravings, and fatigue due to hormonal fluctuations.

So, how do you keep your hormones running like a well-oiled machine? It’s all about the right fuel.

✅ Healthy Fats for Stable Energy
Fats like avocado, olive oil, and nuts are essential for hormone production. They provide a steady source of energy and help regulate blood sugar. Without enough healthy fats, your body struggles to produce key hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to mood swings and irregular cycles.

🍳 Protein to Support Hormone Production
Protein isn’t just for muscle building—it’s a key player in hormone balance. Lean proteins like eggs, chicken, and fish supply amino acids that are the building blocks of your hormones. When your body gets enough protein, it helps balance blood sugar, reduce sugar cravings, and stabilize mood.

🥦 Fiber to Keep Digestion & Estrogen Detox on Track
Fiber-rich foods like veggies, legumes, and flaxseeds play a huge role in hormone health. They support digestion and help your body eliminate excess estrogen, preventing it from building up and throwing your cycle off track. Plus, fiber keeps your gut happy—an essential factor in overall hormone balance.

Ready to Fuel Your Body the Right Way?
If you’re tired of feeling drained and dealing with mood swings, it’s time to start giving your body the right fuel. Small changes in your diet can make a huge difference in how your hormones function.

💬 Click here to get some easy, hormone-friendly recipes to get you started!

By making these simple swaps, you’ll not only balance your hormones but also feel more energized, focused, and in control of your body. It’s time to stop running on empty and start thriving. 🚗✨

Foods I Avoid During My Period (And What I Eat Instead!)

Foods I Avoid During My Period (And What I Eat Instead!)
Let’s be honest—period week can feel like a rollercoaster. Between mood swings, cramps, and bloating, it’s easy to grab comfort foods that feel good in the moment but make things worse later. Over the years, I’ve learned that making simple swaps in my diet during that time of the month can make a huge difference in how I feel. Here’s a breakdown of the foods I avoid and what I eat instead to fuel my body and feel my best.

I know, I know… giving up coffee feels impossible when you’re already dragging. But caffeine spikes cortisol, which can increase inflammation and make cramps even worse. Plus, it messes with blood sugar, leaving you feeling drained after the initial energy boost. Instead, I reach for ginger tea or raspberry leaf tea—both of which work wonders for reducing inflammation and supporting uterine health. Bonus? They’re super soothing and help with relaxation, which my body desperately needs during that time.

White bread, pastries, and other refined carbs spike insulin, which can lead to bloating, mood swings, and even more cravings. Instead, I opt for complex, fiber-rich carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa to keep my blood sugar stable. These options provide slow-releasing energy and help keep my mood and digestion balanced. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins that support hormone health.

As tempting as chips and packaged snacks are, they’re loaded with sodium and preservatives that can make bloating so much worse. Instead, I reach for avocados and nuts—both rich in healthy fats that support hormone production and help keep inflammation in check. Avocados, in particular, are loaded with potassium, which helps balance sodium levels and reduce water retention.

Sugar is one of the worst culprits when it comes to period symptoms. It depletes magnesium, making cramps worse and leading to energy crashes. To satisfy my sweet tooth without the sugar spike, I go for dark chocolate (70% or higher) and berries. Dark chocolate provides magnesium and antioxidants, while berries give me a sweet boost with fiber and vitamins. Win-win!
When I nourish my body with the right foods during my period, I feel more balanced, my energy stays stable, and my cramps are way more manageable. Making these simple swaps has helped me feel more in control of my cycle—and trust me, it’s worth it! Give these swaps a try next time, and see how much better you feel!

Want recipes to support your cycle? Click here

 
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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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