The large majority of individuals probably don’t need to worry about their hormonal health. If you are struggling with your hormonal health, that is absolutely an indicator to see an endocrinologist - not a trainer, nutritionist, or wellness influencer! What supports our hormonal health most are the basics that support our overall health: exercising sensibly, giving ourselves time to recover, managing stress levels, eating a balanced and high quality diet and not chronically dieting. Hormonal health is incredibly important, so this is not about minimizing that importants; rather, it’s a reminder that the “boring stuff” is often what we overlook when it should be our first priority.

Of the adults who overeat unhealthy foods when stressed, 33% say they do it to distract themselves from the stress. The survey finds that these behaviors are higher in women, who are more likely to report unhealthy eating behaviors as a result of stress. The percentage of those skipping meals due to stress is also higher in women, in teen girls, and in millennials.  When referring to stress here, we’re not just talking about a hard day at work. Stress encompasses feeling lonely or emotional turmoil, and then also work stress, relationship stress or caretaking, etc. There’s nothing wrong with eating foods that are less nourishing sometimes, but it can become problematic -- to our health, to our relationship with food, to our trust around food --  if we consistently use junk food as the way to regulate our emotions.

You're enjoying Sunday dinner with your family when your aunt comments, "Are you sure you want more mashed potatoes? You've already had two helpings!" This type of communication or commentary can have very detrimental effects on our self-esteem, body image, and overall relationship with food. It may contribute to the development of disordered eating patterns and a heightened focus on achieving unrealistic beauty standards that impact us in very negative ways as we age and grow.  

In the episode of the How to: Fitness podcast, Dr. Alyssa Olenick delves into her research on sex differences and metabolic response to exercise and shares her knowledge on menstrual cycle importance and its impact on training and nutrition. Alyssa also addresses misconceptions about 'cycle syncing' and offers practical advice for fitness and nutrition based on individual needs, urging against a 'one size fits all' approach.

We live in a society obsessed with eternal youth. The pressure starts early, with ads and messages telling us we need to “fight aging” before wrinkles and gray hairs even think about making an appearance. And while this pressure is not unique to women alone, anyone identifying as a woman most likely feels the pressure at a greater intensity, and starting at a younger age.

It’s a brand new year and we usually head into it with big aspirations and lofty plans for the year ahead. Sometimes our renewed motivation is paired with new challenges, and it seems like Dry January (or a self-commitment to no alcohol for the month of January) is often a common part of that. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Dry January (or any temporary pause in drinking) as it gives us an opportunity to assess if a short period of sobriety has us feeling any different - in mood, appetite, energy, or in any other area of life.

Gut health is an emerging field still being researched. For optimal gut microbiome, focus on diverse whole foods, managing stress, and lifestyle over hype around extreme diets or supplements. Work with qualified professionals for individualized gut health guidance, not unqualified online influencers peddling unproven hacks.

When we crave “junk foods.” it’s not because there is something wrong with us; that is the goal! Hyperpalatable foods are engineered to be extremely tasty and override natural satiety, fostering overconsumption. While not clinically addictive, these activate similar brain reward pathways and override our fullness cues. Learn more about HPFs and how to make these feel less powerful.

We're diving into the world of organic food which can be a quite overwhelming topic. People are drawn to the idea of organic food because they believe it offers superior health benefits and is better for the environment. In this episode, we dig deeper into the differences, pros, cons, and myths around organic vs. conventional foods so we can be educated consumers.

We explore the significance of integrating cultural foods into our sustainable approach to nutrition. By acknowledging the enjoyment and cultural importance of the foods we love, we can break free from restrictive dietary norms and embrace a more diverse and inclusive perspective on health.

Can trying to be too healthy have negative outcomes? Orthorexia is the product of taking health too far; when the pursuit of “clean” eating turns into disordered eating behaviors. Learn more about risk factors, statistics around orthorexia, and how we can bring awareness to our behaviors so we pursue our health in a safe and sustainable way.

Discover the Pros and Cons of Ozempic: Unveiling the Good and Bad Impacts. We delve into the world of Ozempic, examining its potential benefits and drawbacks. Learn how this medication can positively impact your health, aiding in weight loss and blood sugar control. However, we also explore the potential side effects and considerations to keep in mind. Gain valuable insights and make an informed decision about Ozempic's suitability for you.