Updates from Leah Negrin

Why Every Woman Should Learn About Hormones Before She Graduates High School

Why Every Woman Should Learn About Hormones Before She Graduates High School
Most of us left school knowing how to solve the quadratic equation, but very few of us graduated with a basic understanding of our own hormones.

We weren't taught how our menstrual cycle works.

We didn't learn why our energy naturally changes throughout the month.

No one explained why certain weeks bring more cravings, why stress can affect our periods, or how our hormones influence everything from mood to sleep and digestion.

Instead, many women grow up believing their symptoms are simply something they have to live with.

By the time many women reach their 30s or 40s, they're searching for answers about fatigue, painful periods, PMS, mood swings, or irregular cycles—questions they should have had answered years earlier.

One of the biggest gaps in women's health education is understanding that hormones are designed to change throughout the month. These fluctuations aren't a sign that something is wrong. They're part of how the female body is meant to function.

When we understand what's happening inside our bodies, we can begin supporting them instead of constantly feeling frustrated by them.

Unfortunately, many women are only offered hormonal birth control as a solution without ever being taught how their natural cycle works in the first place. While birth control may be an appropriate option for some women depending on their circumstances, it doesn't teach us how to understand the signals our bodies are giving us or address the lifestyle factors that can influence hormone health.

Imagine how different women's health could look if we learned these things at 16 instead of 36.

Imagine entering adulthood knowing how nutrition, stress, sleep, movement, and your menstrual cycle all work together.

Imagine recognizing early signs that your body needs more support instead of assuming your symptoms are "normal."

Education gives women the confidence to make informed decisions about their health. It helps us advocate for ourselves, ask better questions, and understand the incredible body we're living in.

If you're ready to start learning how to work with your hormones instead of constantly feeling like you're working against them, my free Cycle Syncing Guide is a great place to begin. It breaks down each phase of your cycle in a simple, practical way so you can better understand your body, support your energy, and start making choices that align with your hormones. Download your free guide today and take the first step toward feeling more connected to your cycle.

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter & Chocolate

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter & Chocolate
When people hear "support your hormones," they often think they have to give up chocolate.

Thankfully, that's not the case.

One of the biggest things I teach is that supporting your hormones starts with supporting your blood sugar. 

Instead of eating carbohydrates on their own, pairing them with healthy fats and protein can help create steadier energy and keep you feeling fuller longer.

That's exactly why I love this simple snack.

The rice cake provides carbohydrates for energy, while the peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Top it with dark chocolate (because yes, chocolate can absolutely fit into a healthy lifestyle!) and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and you've got a delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while supporting more balanced blood sugar.

Remember, hormone health isn't about eating perfectly, it's about making small, consistent choices that help your body feel supported.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!

Ingredients:
  • 4 organic rice cakes
  • 1/4 cup organic peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (I use the enjoy-life dairy free brand usually)
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
  • Flaky sea salt
Directions:
  1. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or in 30-second intervals in the microwave (I just melt these in a small sauce pan, so many things work!)
  2. Spread the peanut butter evenly over each rice cake.
  3. Spoon the melted chocolate over the peanut butter.
  4. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  5. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.
  6. Enjoy!




Why Understanding Your Hormones Is More Powerful Than Following Another Wellness Trend

Why Understanding Your Hormones Is More Powerful Than Following Another Wellness Trend
One of the biggest problems I see in women's health is this: We've been taught to ignore our own bodies.

Instead of learning how our hormones work, we've learned to look outside ourselves for every answer. We wait for someone to tell us what's wrong, what supplement to take, or what diet to follow.

And somewhere along the way, many women stopped trusting what their bodies were trying to tell them.

The truth is, your body is communicating with you every single day.

Low energy.
Mood changes.
Cravings.
Poor sleep.
Painful periods.
Digestive issues.

These aren't signs that your body is working against you. They're often signals that something needs your attention.

The problem isn't that women aren't trying.

Most women are doing everything they can to feel better. They're reading articles, listening to podcasts, buying supplements, and trying the latest wellness trends.

But without understanding why their body is responding the way it is, it can feel like throwing darts in the dark.

That's why I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for supporting hormone health.

When you understand how your menstrual cycle works, how stress impacts your hormones, why blood sugar matters, and how daily habits influence your health, you can start making decisions with confidence instead of confusion.

You stop chasing quick fixes.

You start working with your body instead of constantly fighting against it.

Supporting your hormones doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require understanding the foundations of how your body was designed to function.

The more you learn, the more empowered you become to recognize what your body needs and respond in ways that support long-term health.

The Bottom Line

You know your body better than anyone else ever will.

Learning how your hormones work isn't about becoming an expert overnight. It's about giving yourself the knowledge to make informed decisions, ask better questions, and feel more confident in your health journey.

Because when you understand your body, you're no longer guessing - you can begin supporting your hormones in a way that actually makes sense for you.

Cel-Lite Magic Oil

Cel-Lite Magic Oil
I absolutely love that this is called Cel-Lite Magic because, honestly, it kind of feels magical when I use it.

No, I don't think it's a magic potion that makes cellulite disappear overnight (wouldn't that be nice? 😂), but I genuinely love incorporating it into one of my favorite self-care rituals: lymphatic massage.

After I shower, I'll apply a little Cel-Lite Magic and spend a few minutes massaging my legs and hips. It encourages me to slow down, reconnect with my body, and gives me a moment to breathe before jumping into the next thing on my to-do list. Plus, my skin feels incredibly soft afterward, and I often notice I feel a little less puffy, especially during certain times of my cycle.

Lately, I've been spending a little extra time around my hips because they've been feeling tight ever since having Ben. It's become one of those little rituals that helps me feel cared for.

🌿 What's Inside?

💚 Clary Sage has a beautiful floral aroma and is one of my favorite oils to diffuse or apply (properly diluted) when I'm looking to support overall wellness and create a sense of balance.
🍊 Grapefruit smells bright, fresh, and uplifting. It also feels wonderfully refreshing during massage.
🌲 Cypress has a clean, woodsy aroma and is traditionally used in massage blends that support healthy circulation.
🌿 Juniper has long been used in massage oils and body care because of its cleansing properties and fresh scent.
🌳 Cedarwood is calming, grounding, and one of those oils that instantly makes me feel relaxed.
All of those are blended with nourishing carrier oils like coconut, almond, grapeseed, and olive oil that leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

🌿 Dry Brushing + Lymphatic Massage

Another habit I've been loving is pairing Cel-Lite Magic with dry brushing.
Dry brushing gently exfoliates the skin, increases circulation to the surface of the skin, and simply feels invigorating. I especially love doing it in the summer before hopping into the shower.
Afterward, I'll apply Cel-Lite Magic and spend a few extra minutes giving my legs and hips a gentle massage. It's become one of those small habits that helps me slow down and reconnect with my body.
If you've never dry brushed before, here's what I recommend:
✨ Use a medium-soft natural bristle brush.
✨ Start at your feet and use gentle strokes upward toward your heart.
✨ On your arms, brush from your hands toward your shoulders.
✨ Use light, clockwise circles on your abdomen.
✨ Be gentle. Your skin shouldn't feel scratched or irritated.
This isn't about scrubbing harder. Gentle, consistent strokes are all you need.

🌿 Why I Love Supporting My Lymphatic System

One thing I find fascinating is that your lymphatic system doesn't have its own pump like your heart does. Instead, it relies on movement to keep fluid flowing throughout the body.
Things like:
💧 Staying hydrated
🚶‍♀️ Walking
🌬️ Deep breathing
💪 Exercise
🤲 Gentle massage
all help support healthy lymphatic movement! 

That's one of the reasons I love making lymphatic massage part of my routine. It's a simple way to slow down, move my body with intention, and enjoy a little extra self-care.

As with so many things in wellness, I don't believe there's one magic product or one magic habit. But I do believe that small, consistent practices can add up over time, and this has become one of my favorite ways to support my body.

Sheet Pan Baked Salmon & Veggies

Sheet Pan Baked Salmon & Veggies
This sheet pan baked salmon and veggies is an easy, nourishing meal that's packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The salmon provides omega-3s to support heart, brain, and hormone health, while the sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Best of all, everything cooks on one pan for an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:
  • 2 Sweet Potato (small, peeled, cut into fries)
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided)
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 1/2 cups Asparagus (trimmed)
  • 1 cup Brussels Sprouts (halved)
  • 10 ozs Salmon Fillet
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 Lemon (juiced)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (205ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, toss the sweet potato with half of the oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the baking sheet and cook in the oven for 20 minutes until partially cooked.
  3. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the asparagus and Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with the remaining oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Season the salmon all over with the paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the salmon on the same baking sheet. Return to the oven and cook for 17 to 20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Divide the salmon and vegetables evenly between plates. Drizzle with lemon juice, and enjoy
2 servings



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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