5 FOODS TO NIX FOR HORMONAL + METABOLIC BALANCE AND TO SHIFT ABDOMINAL WEIGHT GAIN

  1. SUGAR 

Studies show that the consumption of added, or even naturally-occurring sugars increase inflammatory markers in the body and impact insulin sensitivity and how our body stores fat. Even honey, maple syrup and coconut sugar are beneficial to keep in moderation (depends on the individual).

Sugar is found in many foods and drinks that you might not expect like so check labels ✔️🙂

  • Sports drinks

  • Juices

  • Coffee and tea

  • Sweet snacky foods

  • Salad dressing and condiments

  • Sauces

  • Bread

  • Pizza

  • Soups

  • Energy bars 

  • Yogurt 

  • Alcohol

Tip: Consider not eating food with labels! 🥳Make it a habit to eat food items with five ingredients or less.

2. WHEAT

Wheat flour lacks the fiber, fat, and other whole grain nutrients. It has a high glycemic index (GI), which is a measure of how quickly and how much a food raises your blood sugar. This can lead to

Best ways to avoid wheat: Substitute wheat flour in recipes for other flours that are lower in carbs and have less impact on blood sugar levels. 

Some alternatives include:

  • Almond flour

  • Hazelnut flour 

  • Coconut Flour 

  • Chickpea Flour

  • Kassava Root Flour

Tip: Check labels! Make time in your weekly schedule for for healthy meal prep.

3. PROCESSED FOODS 

Natural, whole foods are a much better choice. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and buy organic whenever you can

Apparently over 70% of foods sold in U.S. grocery stores are considered ultra-processed.  Ultra-processed and bulked up with flours, fats, salts, and hidden sugars. Cheap fast food throws off the metabolism.

My three favourite hacks for increasing chance of having healthy meals is:

#1. Weekly meal prep and food planning, #2.Healthy Meals 30 min or less from www.downshiftology.com or #3. Pecans and almonds in the car (mason jar) to tie me over and get me to cleaner, more nutritious eating.

As you probably intuitively know processed foods aren’t the best but why?

  • Have little nutritional value and/or are full of fat, sugar, and sodium 

  • Have other additives and preservatives to enhance flavour or extend shelf life - hot dogs, deli meats, and bacon. Read the labels.✔️

These processed foods also have trans fats that from the way they are produced. Trans fats are dangerous to our bodies and can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancers. 

Tip: Eat whole foods! Shop the perimeter of the grocery store.

Pick foods with: 

  • No added sugar 

  • No trans fat 

  • Minimal sodium

  • Lots of vegetables  

4. REFINED VEGETABLE OILS AND REFINED SEED OILS

Linked to:

  • Insulin resistance 

  • Inflammation 

  • Increasing cardiovascular disease 

  • Weight gain and diabetes

Examples: safflower, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, soybean, sesame, peanut, and canola oils.

Cook/bake with olive oil, avocado oil or ghee. Get in a habit of checking the labels of your packaged foods - many ‘healthy’ and ‘natural’ food items still use these.

5. FOOD SENSITIVITIES

We are all unique and figuring out what feels best in your incredible body is key! There are metabolic reset and elimination diets that are designed to help you discover what is creating inflammation or metabolic stress. In my practice I support women in doing these and I also run Food Sensitivity testing and send it to the lab to help with this - generally tests run between $250 and $350 depending on the number of foods tested. 👍

Are you a heart centred woman whose energy is often focussed on supporting others to thrive? Is it easier for you to care for others than yourself at the deepest level? Do you have dreams you aren’t realizing yet?

I. am . here. to. support .you! ♥️ I am a naturopathic doctor, intuitive creative and health and happiness life coach with training in feminine power facilitation for awakening women. I work holistically with caring, wise women like yourself so you can lead your life from your most authentic self and do the beautiful, important work you are here to do while feeling your absolute best physically, somatically, mentally and emotionally.

We can’t become our whole self by ourself . I am here to support you in recharging and reseting and fostering an unshakeable connection with your truest self so you can share your unique gifts and shine your light with joy, energy, confidence and without burning out. My intention is that you live with a level of health, calm, confidence and vitality that allows you to stay aligned with your true north and create a life YOU are so proud of and nourished by. Reach out if you would enjoy some support! (403) 609-8385 👑


Monika HerwigComment