by Feeling Great | Sep 26, 2023 | Body, Hormones
Hormones and Weight Loss: Why Diets and Exercise Alone May Not Work
Hormones and Weight Loss connection? Struggling to lose weight despite dieting and exercising? You’re not alone. Many women find that traditional weight loss advice—“eat less, move more”—doesn’t deliver results. The missing link? Hormones.
Metabolism, fat storage, and energy levels are all influenced by hormonal balance. When hormones are out of sync, shedding excess weight—especially stubborn belly fat—can feel nearly impossible.
Statistics show that hormonal imbalances contribute to weight gain in 75% of women. While factors like diet and exercise matter, they’re only part of the equation. Understanding how hormones impact metabolism, fat storage, and energy levels is key to achieving long-term weight loss success.
7 Signs Your Hormones Are Affecting Your Weight
- Stubborn belly fat that won’t budge, no matter how much you exercise
- Feeling tired and irritable more often than usual
- Frequent bloating and digestive issues
- Increased stress, even over small things
- Dependence on caffeine to stay energized
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
- Lower libido and mood fluctuations
How Does It Impact Weight Gain
Hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, thyroid disorders, menopause, and PMS can contribute to weight gain. However, digestive health, inflammation, and toxins also disrupt hormone levels, slowing metabolism and increasing fat storage.
Additionally, Adiposopathy (Fat Cell Sickness) can cause fat cells to produce hormones that further slow metabolism—even while you sleep!
Genetics, Hormones and Weight Loss Struggles
Some women have a genetic predisposition to hormone-related weight gain. Conditions like MTHFR gene mutations affect metabolism, while food intolerances and environmental toxins trigger inflammation, leading to insulin resistance and slow fat burning.
Understanding your unique hormonal and genetic profile is key to achieving lasting weight loss results.
How to Break the Hormonal Weight Gain Cycle
The good news? Balancing hormones naturally can help you lose weight—without extreme diets or excessive workouts. A personalized plan that includes hormone testing, gut health assessments, and targeted nutrition can restore balance and improve metabolism.
At Feeling Great Wellness Solutions, we take a science-backed approach to weight loss. Through expert testing, monitoring, and tailored solutions, we help women reverse hormonal imbalances and achieve sustainable results—without restrictive dieting.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
Break free from hormonal weight gain and start feeling great again. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you!
Need your hormones checked? Book here.
by Feeling Great | Aug 23, 2023 | Hormones
Finding Your Way Out of Hormonal Chaos: Balance Your Body & Feel Your Best
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance
Balancing hormones is possible, but the journey can feel overwhelming. Did you know that 75% of women experience mild to severe symptoms as they approach menopause? Additionally, 50-80% of women deal with PMS regularly. Hormonal imbalances affect most women at some stage in life.
What Are Hormonal Imbalances?
Hormones function in tiny amounts, influencing various body processes through complex cycles and feedback systems. This complexity makes it difficult to pinpoint exact causes, but recognizing symptoms is the first step toward relief.
Common Symptoms & Conditions
Many women experience occasional hormonal shifts, such as mild cramping or irregular cycles. However, persistent symptoms indicate deeper imbalances that need attention. Some of the most common conditions include:
- PMS – Fluid retention, mood swings, food cravings
- Painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea) – Cramping that disrupts daily life
- Heavy periods (Menorrhagia) – Excessive bleeding affecting energy levels
- Irregular or absent periods – Signs of hormonal disruption
- PCOS – Cysts, irregular cycles, and hormonal imbalances
- Endometriosis – Severe pain and fertility challenges
- Fibroids & Adenomyosis – Heavy bleeding and discomfort
Addressing these concerns requires understanding what triggers them in the first place.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalances occur when something disrupts the body’s natural cycles. Two key hormones—oestrogen and progesterone—play a central role in female reproductive health, but other hormones, like thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol, also impact balance.
- Oestrogen – Supports egg maturation and uterine lining growth
- Progesterone – Works alongside oestrogen for reproductive health
Hormone levels naturally fluctuate, but external factors can worsen imbalances, including:
- Inflammation – Increases oestrogen, reduces progesterone
- Toxins – Endocrine disruptors linked to early menopause & PCOS
- Gut Health Issues – Impacts oestrogen detoxification
- Chronic Stress – Affects brain function and mood
Finding the Root Cause & Restoring Balance
Achieving hormonal balance requires more than just treating symptoms—it involves identifying underlying triggers. Since every woman’s experience is different, working with a natural healthcare practitioner ensures a personalized approach tailored to your needs.
Through comprehensive assessments and functional testing, you can uncover hidden imbalances and receive targeted solutions to restore harmony in your body.
Take the Next Step Toward Balance
If you’re tired of feeling out of sync, it’s time to take control of your health. Let’s work together to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and create a clear plan for lasting wellness.
📅 Book an appointment today and start your journey toward hormonal balance and vitality! You can read more from this blog Hormonal Imbalance for more helpful information, and you can read my blog about Female Hormones Weight Loss too! If you find these helpful share your thoughts with us!
by Feeling Great | Aug 4, 2023 | Hormones
Female Hormone Specialist
Are Hormones Causing Your Fatigue, Weight Gain, or Mood Swings?
Do you feel like your hormones are out of balance? If so, you’re not alone. Hormones act as chemical messengers, influencing everything from energy levels and mood to digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being. When they become imbalanced, a range of symptoms can arise, impacting your quality of life.
As a Female Hormone Specialist, I help identify and address these imbalances through natural solutions. Functional and naturopathic medicine focus on finding the root cause, using methods like salivary hormone testing to measure the active hormones affecting your body. This allows for precise treatment using herbs, nutrients, and natural hormone therapy.
Mainstream medicine often relies on blood tests, which measure both bound and unbound hormones, sometimes missing key imbalances. If your symptoms aren’t reflected in your test results, you might be told it’s just aging—when in reality, a deeper issue may be at play.
Let’s explore common hormonal imbalances, symptoms, and how to regain balance naturally.
7 Hormone Imbalance and Symptoms
1. Progesterone: The Balancing Hormone
Progesterone helps counteract excess estrogen, which can contribute to growths, cancers, and other health issues. Maintaining the right balance is essential for both men and women.
Symptoms of Low Progesterone:
- Swollen breasts
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Anxiety or depression
- Brain fog
- Low libido
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone profile (most accurate) or blood test.
2. Oestrogen: The Key to Hormonal Harmony
Both men and women require a balance of three oestrogen forms—Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to prostate issues, heart disease, and hormonal cancers.
Symptoms of Low Oestrogen:
- Sleep disturbances
- Memory lapses
- Vaginal dryness
- Depression
Symptoms of Excess Oestrogen:
- Water retention
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Heavy or irregular periods
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone testing or blood tests.
3. Testosterone: Vital for Strength and Vitality
Both men and women need healthy testosterone levels. Low levels are linked to heart disease, low libido, and muscle weakness, while excess levels may cause acne, hair loss, or hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Low libido
- Muscle weakness
Symptoms of High Testosterone:
- Acne
- Irritability
- Excess facial hair (women)
Best Testing Method: Salivary hormone testing or blood test with SHBG.
4. Thyroid: The Metabolic Regulator
Thyroid hormones control energy levels and metabolism. Many thyroid issues go undetected in standard blood tests, leading to misdiagnosed fatigue, weight gain, or depression.
Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function:
- Constant fatigue
- Weight gain
- Hair thinning
- Feeling cold
Best Testing Method: Comprehensive blood test, including TSH, fT3, fT4, and thyroid antibodies.
5. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a key role in stress response. If levels are too high or too low, adrenal fatigue can occur, leading to disrupted sleep, weight gain, and anxiety.
Symptoms of High Cortisol:
- Sleep issues
- High blood pressure
- Mood swings
Symptoms of Low Cortisol:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sugar cravings
- Feeling low or unmotivated
Best Testing Method: Salivary adrenal profile to track cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day.
6. DHEA: The Hormone Precursor
DHEA is crucial for testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone production. When levels drop, it affects stress adaptation, energy, and immune function.
Symptoms of Low DHEA:
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Depression
Best Testing Method: Salivary adrenal hormone testing.
7. Insulin: Regulating Blood Sugar and Energy
Insulin resistance can develop years before diabetes is diagnosed, affecting metabolism, energy, and weight management.
Symptoms of Insulin Resistance:
- Sugar cravings
- Weight gain (especially around the waist)
- Low energy and frequent hunger
- Irritability
Best Testing Method: Fasting blood glucose or HbA1c test.
Take Control of Your Hormones
Your body is a complex network of hormones, working through feedback loops that affect every aspect of health. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them! Testing and personalized support can help restore balance, energy, and overall well-being.
Want to read more about Hormones? Read this Hormones and Weight Gain After 40 and share your thoughts with us! Click here to book your hormone test and start your journey to better health today!
by Feeling Great | Aug 3, 2023 | Hormones, Weight Loss
Natural Remedies for Insulin Resistance
Tired, Hungry, Gaining Weight? Here’s How to Stop It for Good
Do you often feel exhausted, constantly hungry, or notice unwanted weight gain? Are your afternoons filled with energy crashes, or do you find yourself waking at night to use the bathroom? Maybe you’re feeling thirstier than usual?
These symptoms could be signs of insulin resistance—a condition affecting an estimated 500,000 Australians who don’t even realize they have it. Many people assume it’s just part of getting older and dismiss it. But here’s the truth: you can absolutely do something about it!
When your blood sugar is unbalanced, your body is at risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain, hormone imbalances, and more. The good news? Insulin resistance can be reversed naturally! Let’s break it down and explore simple, natural remedies that can help you regain your energy, balance your hormones, and feel amazing again.
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps your body absorb glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy.
But when you have insulin resistance, your cells stop responding to insulin properly. This means your body needs more insulin to do the same job. Over time, your pancreas works harder and harder—until it can’t keep up anymore.
When this happens, blood sugar levels rise, and you might start experiencing:
- Fat accumulating around your waist
- Constant tiredness and irritability
- Sugar cravings for biscuits, pasta, and sweets
- Achy joints and hormonal imbalances
- Higher risk of prediabetes, diabetes, and chronic health issues
Many people think insulin resistance appears suddenly. It doesn’t. It develops over time, often going unnoticed for years. The key is early awareness and taking action now!
What Causes Insulin Resistance?
Several factors contribute to insulin resistance, including:
- Eating too many sugary foods and refined carbs (cakes, pasta, bread, sweets, alcohol)
- Chronic stress that keeps blood sugar levels high
- Poor sleep that disrupts hormone balance
- Lack of physical activity
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Excess belly fat that increases inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances affecting your thyroid, adrenals, and sex hormones
The question is—can it be reversed? Absolutely!
Menopause & Insulin Resistance: The Hidden Link
Women going through perimenopause and menopause have a higher risk of developing insulin resistance due to fluctuating estrogen levels.
As estrogen shifts, it affects the entire endocrine system, making blood sugar levels harder to regulate. When combined with existing hormonal imbalances, this can create a perfect storm—leading to weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, and poor concentration.
But the great news is: balancing insulin naturally can help stabilize your hormones and relieve these frustrating symptoms!
Natural Remedies for Insulin Resistance
1. Balance Blood Sugar With Smart Eating
The best way to fight insulin resistance is through your diet. Focus on:
- Protein-rich meals (chicken, fish, eggs, tofu) to stabilize energy
- Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts) to keep you full longer
- Fiber-packed vegetables to slow blood sugar spikes
- Low-glycemic fruits (berries, apples) instead of sugary snacks
Avoid processed foods, white bread, pasta, sodas, and sugary treats!
2. Reduce Inflammation Naturally
Chronic inflammation makes insulin resistance worse. Combat it with:
- Turmeric & ginger—natural anti-inflammatories
- Omega-3 fatty acids—found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts
- Green tea & herbal teas—reduce oxidative stress
By cutting down inflammation, you help your body absorb insulin more effectively.
3. Prioritize Sleep & Stress Management
Lack of sleep increases stress hormones, which drive up blood sugar levels. Try:
- 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night
- Daily relaxation practices—like deep breathing, journaling, or meditation
- Cutting back on caffeine—especially in the afternoon
The more relaxed your body is, the better it can regulate insulin.
4. Move Your Body to Boost Insulin Sensitivity
Exercise forces your muscles to use glucose, making it one of the best ways to fight insulin resistance.
The best workouts include:
- Strength training (weights, resistance bands)
- Cardio (walking, cycling, dancing)
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Pro tip: Exercising before eating can increase fat-burning and improve insulin sensitivity even faster!
5. Try Intermittent Fasting for Insulin Control
Fasting gives your body a break from constantly processing food, allowing insulin levels to drop naturally.
Best fasting methods for insulin resistance:
- 16:8 method—Eat within an 8-hour window, fast for 16 hours
- 5:2 diet—Eat normally for 5 days, reduce calories for 2 days
- 24-hour fasts—Done once or twice a week for a deeper reset
Many of my clients have seen dramatic improvements in energy and weight loss by adding intermittent fasting to their routine.
Take Control of Your Health—Starting Today!
Insulin resistance isn’t a life sentence. With the right strategies, you can balance your blood sugar, prevent diabetes, and feel amazing again.
If you’ve been struggling with weight gain, energy crashes, and sugar cravings—it’s time to take action.
💡 Need help creating a personalized plan? At Feeling Great Health Solutions, I specialize in holistic approaches to balancing blood sugar, improving energy, and optimizing overall wellness.
If you want to read about Intermittent Fasting and If you find this helpful we love hearing your thoughts!
📅 Book a consultation today and let’s get you back to feeling your absolute best!
You deserve to feel fantastic every day!
by Feeling Great | Jun 3, 2023 | Hormones, Mental Wellbeing
How to Stop Food Cravings Naturally
12 Weird & Effective Ways to Curb Food Cravings
Food cravings can feel uncontrollable, making it harder to lose weight and keep it off. Often, these cravings aren’t due to real hunger but rather emotional triggers, habits, or nutrient imbalances.
Highly processed, sugary foods are the most common culprits, but the good news is that cravings can be managed naturally.
Ready to take control? Try these 12 powerful and science-backed strategies to reduce food cravings and support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
12 Tips to Stop Food Cravings
1. Use Blue Plates for Meals
This may sound strange, but blue is a natural appetite suppressant! Studies show that eating from blue plates or using blue napkins reduces food intake.
- On the flip side, red, yellow, and orange tend to increase appetite, which is why fast-food chains often use these colors.
Try this: Swap your dinnerware for blue and see if it helps you eat more mindfully!
2. Smell Vanilla to Trick Your Brain
The sweet aroma of vanilla can reduce sugar cravings by fooling your brain into thinking it has already satisfied its sweet tooth.
Try this: Keep a vanilla-scented candle, essential oil, or vanilla bean nearby when cravings strike.
3. Wait It Out – Cravings Don’t Last Forever
Cravings typically last only 15-20 minutes. If you distract yourself, you’ll likely forget about the craving altogether.
How to tell real hunger from cravings:
- If an apple sounds appealing, you’re likely hungry.
- If only cookies, chips, or sweets sound good, it’s just a craving.
Try this: When cravings hit, go for a walk, read a book, or call a friend.
4. Add More Spices to Your Food
- Replacing sugar and salt with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger not only adds flavor but also curbs cravings.
Why it works:
- Cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar.
- Cloves reduce sugar cravings.
- Spicy foods boost metabolism and reduce appetite.
Try this: Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal, coffee, or smoothies!
5. Get Enough Sleep to Control Hunger Hormones
- Lack of sleep increases ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungrier. It also lowers leptin, which tells your brain you’re full.
- Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep to help regulate appetite.
Try this: Establish a consistent bedtime routine and avoid screens before bed.
6. Exercise to Reduce Hunger
- Regular movement balances hunger hormones and naturally reduces appetite.
- A study found that 30 minutes of exercise helps people eat fewer calories throughout the day.
Try this: Take a short walk before meals or add strength training to your routine.
7. Take Vitamin B3 for Sugar Control
Vitamin B3 supports blood sugar regulation, which can help reduce sugar cravings and even curb alcohol cravings.
Try this: Include B3-rich foods like turkey, chicken, salmon, and peanuts in your diet.
8. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners – They Make Cravings Worse
Artificial sweeteners trick the brain, making it crave more sugar rather than less.
Instead, choose:
- Natural sweeteners like honey or dates.
- Whole foods that offer natural sweetness without artificial chemicals.
Try this: Swap diet soda for sparkling water with lemon.
9. Eat Dark Chocolate to Satisfy Sweet Tooth
Dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) helps suppress cravings better than milk chocolate.
Why it works:
- The bitter taste reduces appetite.
- Stearic acid in dark chocolate slows digestion, keeping you full longer.
Try this: Enjoy two small squares of dark chocolate when cravings hit.
10. Try Tofu – It Contains a Natural Appetite Suppressant
Tofu contains genistein, a compound that helps reduce hunger.
🛠 Try this: Add tofu to stir-fries, smoothies, or salads for a plant-based protein boost.
11. Take a 15-Minute Walk to Reduce Cravings
Research from the UK found that a short 15-minute walk can cut cravings by 12%.
Try this: Next time a craving strikes, step outside, stretch, or do light movement.
12. Visualize Yourself Eating the Craved Food
Sounds odd, but a study found that people who imagined eating their favorite foods ate 61% less when they actually had them.
Try this: Close your eyes and picture yourself eating the food you’re craving. Your brain will feel more satisfied without overindulging.
Ready to Take Control of Your Food Cravings?
Food Cravings don’t have to control you! Try one or two of these natural strategies and see what works best for you.
Need personalized support? Book a consultation today—I’d love to help you achieve your health and wellness goals! 💚✨
I have a tips on how to stop feeling hungry all the time! Read This. Which of these tips will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
by Feeling Great | Aug 29, 2018 | Hormones
Dirty Dozen Chemicals to Avoid in Your Skincare Products
Protect Your Skin from Harmful Toxins – Chemicals to Avoid in Skincare
Every day, your skincare routine may be exposing you to harmful chemicals without you even realizing it. These toxins can disrupt hormones, trigger allergies, and irritate the skin. Some even contribute to long-term health issues, including immune system dysfunction.
While environmental toxins are everywhere, you have control over what goes on your skin. Choosing clean, toxin-free skincare products is one of the best ways to protect your health.
Did you know that the chemicals you use today could also affect future generations? Baby girls are born with a lifetime supply of eggs, meaning the toxins you absorb may impact your future grandchildren. With thousands of new chemicals introduced every year, it’s essential to be mindful of what you apply to your skin.
The Dirty Dozen: Chemicals to Avoid in Skincare
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These common foaming agents strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Over time, they weaken the skin’s protective barrier, making it more prone to damage.
2. Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, etc.)
Used as preservatives, parabens are found in 75-90% of personal care products. They mimic estrogen, disrupt hormones, and may contribute to skin irritation and long-term health risks.
3. Fragrance or Parfum
The word “fragrance” hides hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which can cause skin allergies, respiratory irritation, and hormone imbalances. Choose fragrance-free products whenever possible.
4. DEA, TEA, and MEA (Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, Triethanolamine)
These ingredients help products foam and stabilize pH levels, but they also trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions. Some studies link them to hormonal disruption.
5. Phthalates
Often hidden in fragrance formulas, phthalates mimic estrogen and have been linked to birth defects, infertility, and developmental issues. Avoid any products that list “fragrance” without clear ingredient details.
6. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, etc.)
These preservatives release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. They can also irritate the skin, impact the liver, and weaken the immune system.
7. Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Paraffin Oil
These petroleum-based ingredients clog pores and block the skin’s natural detox process. Some may even be contaminated with harmful toxins. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like beeswax or plant-based oils.
8. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
PEG compounds weaken the skin’s barrier, increasing chemical absorption. They can also cause irritation and sensitivity, especially on delicate skin.
9. Triclosan
Found in antibacterial soaps and skincare, triclosan is known to disrupt hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistance. It’s been banned in some countries, but it still appears in many personal care products.
10. Coal Tar and Coal Tar Dyes
Common in hair dyes and anti-dandruff shampoos, coal tar is linked to cancer and heavy metal contamination, which can be toxic to the brain.
11. Silicones and Siloxanes
Used in haircare and anti-aging products, silicones create a film over the skin that traps dirt and bacteria. Some types may disrupt hormonal balance.
12. BHA and BHT
These preservatives, commonly found in moisturizers and makeup, are potential carcinogens that can cause skin irritation and disrupt hormones.
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Switching to clean skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take small steps to reduce your exposure and make safer choices.
- Declutter Your Skincare Products – Check your labels and remove products that contain harmful ingredients.
- Make Gradual Swaps – Replace one product at a time with natural, toxin-free alternatives.
- Use Trusted Resources – Apps like Chemical Maze, Skin Deep Database, and Low Tox Life help you identify safer skincare options.
- Explore Eco-Friendly Skincare – Look for natural skincare brands like Ecology Skincare, which offers moisturizers and cleansers for sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts: Make Safer Skincare Choices
Choosing clean beauty products is a powerful way to protect your health. By avoiding the Dirty Dozen chemicals, you can support your skin, balance your hormones, and reduce exposure to toxins.
Share this guide with friends and family to help them make informed choices. Together, we can create a healthier future—one skincare product at a time.
Ready to Feel Your Best?
You can read List of Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products and share with us your thoughts!
CLICK HERE to book a session with me and start your clean beauty journey!
