by Feeling Great | Feb 28, 2025 | Weight Loss
Weight Loss and Shape Up
Is Weight Loss and Shape Up on Your Mind?
Most people believe there must have weight loss to get healthy, but in reality, it’s about weight loss and shape up, you need to improve your health first to lose weight naturally.
Many people feel unhappy with their body shape and size. They think about their weight throughout the day, stressing over food choices, exercise routines, and whether they are doing enough.
This ongoing mental struggle drains energy, lowers confidence, and impacts mood. But what if you could stop fixating on weight and start focusing on feeling strong, healthy, and energized?
Why Calories Aren’t the Only Factor
The idea that calories alone determine weight loss is outdated. Many other factors influence whether your body burns fat or stores it, such as:
- Stress levels
- Gut health
- Liver function
- Hormonal balance
- Insulin resistance
- Emotional well-being
When all these elements are in harmony, your body can naturally shed excess fat and maintain a healthy weight long-term.
Unlock Your Weight Loss and Shape Up Success
Understanding why weight loss feels difficult is the key to lasting results. Together, we can:
- Break emotional eating patterns
- Make food choices that nourish, not restrict
- Balance hormones to boost metabolism
- Ditch unsustainable diets
- Create a long-term plan for success
True transformation doesn’t come from guilt or punishment. Instead, kindness, knowledge, and consistency will lead you to the results you desire.
Let’s Begin—For Free!
As a special gift, I’m offering a FREE 15-minute consultation to see how I can support your journey.
📅 Click here to book your session today!
You don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right guidance, you’ll feel supported, motivated, and ready to reach your goals. For more information about weight loss, you can read the next blog about 4 Things That Can Block Your Weight Loss.
To Your Health & Happiness,
Julie xx
by Feeling Great | Aug 20, 2023 | Body, Mental Wellbeing, Mind, Weight Loss
10 Things You Should Know About Your Microbiome
If you had to name one of the most groundbreaking medical discoveries, what would it be? As a health practitioner, my answer is clear—the microbiome.
This vast community of trillions of bacteria lives in your gut, mouth, lungs, nasal passages, skin, and even brain. While we’ve known about these bacteria for years, we now understand their crucial role in nearly every aspect of our health.
Here are 10 key facts about your microbiome and why it matters:
1. Your Body Has More Bacteria Than Cells
Believe it or not, bacteria outnumber your cells 9 to 1. Even more surprising, the genes in your microbiome outnumber your own DNA by 150 to 1!
2. Your Microbiome Controls Essential Functions
Friendly bacteria help:
- Digest food and absorb nutrients
- Regulate metabolism and appetite
- Boost immunity and fight infections
- Enhance mental sharpness and mood
- Support heart and bone health
Without them, your body struggles to function properly.
3. Not All Bacteria Are Bad—Many Are Your Allies
Bacteria often get a bad reputation, but most are beneficial. They help restore gut health, combat fatigue, ease anxiety, improve skin conditions, and even reduce pain.
4. A Healthy Microbiome Affects Weight Loss
Your gut bacteria influence digestion, metabolism, and cravings. Some bacteria encourage inflammation and sugar cravings, while others support weight loss. A balanced microbiome keeps you energized, lean, and strong.
5. Rebalancing Your Microbiome Helps Burn Fat
Scientific studies confirm that a well-balanced gut boosts metabolism and fat loss. This is something I’ve seen firsthand in my naturopathic practice—when patients improve gut health, weight loss follows naturally.
6. Your Microbiome Impacts Mental Health
Your gut and brain are connected. If your microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to:
- Anxiety and depression
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Memory issues and mood swings
7. Stress Can Damage Your Gut in Just 24 Hours
Bacteria have short lifespans—about 20 minutes. That means a single day of stress can alter your gut balance drastically. However, you can restore it quickly with the right foods and probiotics.
8. Probiotics Help Restore Balance
Probiotics are live bacteria that replenish your gut. You can find them in:
- Supplements
- Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
9. Prebiotics Feed Your Good Bacteria
Prebiotics are fiber-rich foods that nourish healthy bacteria. Some top sources include:
- Asparagus, garlic, onions, leeks, carrots, and radishes
- Turmeric and cinnamon
10. The Future of Medicine Is Rooted in the Microbiome
Experts predict that gut health research will reshape modern medicine. The Mayo Clinic has even called microbiome science as important as genetics and germ theory.
Final Thoughts: Support Your Microbiome Today
Your microbiome is your hidden health powerhouse. By nourishing it with probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-friendly foods, you can improve digestion, boost energy, sharpen focus, and even enhance your mood.
Start prioritizing your gut health—your entire body will thank you!
Book Here if you need help with your microbiome? Fatigued, stressed, anxious, depressed, overweight, headaches, acne, eczema, colds, infections, joint and muscle pain….
by Feeling Great | Aug 3, 2023 | Weight Loss
Intermittent Fasting – Why and How?
Intermittent fasting is a hot topic in the health and wellness world. You might even be tempted to dismiss it as just another trend. But before you do, consider this—I’ve seen incredible transformations in clients who struggled with weight loss, inflammation, high blood sugar, and poor liver function, despite making all the “right” lifestyle choices.
Fasting has been part of human history for thousands of years. Many cultures have practiced it for spiritual, survival, and health-related reasons. Today, however, we eat constantly—not just for nourishment but also for comfort, socializing, celebrations, and emotional relief.
Could taking a break from eating be the key to better health? Let’s explore what intermittent fasting is, how it works, and why it might be exactly what your body needs.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting (IF) is not a diet—it’s an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. Rather than focusing on what you eat, IF focuses on when you eat.
During fasting periods, you give your digestive system a rest, allowing your body to focus on repair, detoxification, and fat burning. You can still drink water, herbal teas (like peppermint, chamomile, or lemongrass and ginger), and black coffee—just avoid anything with calories or sweeteners.
Why Intermittent Fasting Works
Your body is constantly processing food, which takes a lot of energy. Every time you eat, your insulin levels rise, making it difficult to burn stored fat for energy.
However, once you’ve been fasting for 8–12 hours, your insulin levels drop, and your body switches into fat-burning mode. This process, known as metabolic flexibility, allows you to use stored energy efficiently.
On a deeper level, fasting activates survival mechanisms. When food is scarce, your body repairs itself, removes damaged cells, and boosts longevity. It’s a natural process designed to keep you healthy and thriving.
Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
1. Weight Loss & Fat Burning
Many people struggle to lose weight even when they eat clean, exercise, and manage stress. If this sounds familiar, intermittent fasting could be the missing piece.
In my clinic, I’ve seen consistent and sustainable weight loss with the 16:8 method (fasting for 16 hours, eating within an 8-hour window).
Pro Tip: Exercising at the end of your fast—before eating—can accelerate fat loss and boost energy levels.
2. Gut Health & Digestion
Your gut works hard to process food. By giving it a break, you allow your body to focus on healing, detoxifying, and rebuilding.
Intermittent fasting also improves gut bacteria balance, reducing bloating, inflammation, and food cravings. Many people notice a reset in their appetite, making it easier to eat intuitively.
3. Blood Sugar & Insulin Sensitivity
If you struggle with blood sugar spikes, cravings, or energy crashes, fasting can stabilize glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
This makes IF highly beneficial for people with prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver disease.
4. Reduces Inflammation & Supports Healing
Chronic inflammation is linked to aging, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Fasting activates your body’s repair mechanisms, reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammation throughout your body.
5. Boosts Longevity & Anti-Aging
Studies on long-living populations show that eating less may extend lifespan. Many centenarians report eating one meal a day or having periods of fasting throughout life.
There’s truth in the old saying:
“The less you eat, the longer you live.”
6. Brain Health & Mental Clarity
Fasting triggers the production of brain-protecting molecules, helping to prevent memory loss, improve focus, and slow neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Many people also experience enhanced mental clarity, productivity, and mood stability.
7. Heart Health & Disease Prevention
Intermittent fasting improves key heart health markers, including:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved cholesterol balance
If you have a family history of heart disease, fasting could be a powerful prevention tool.
Ways to Practice Intermittent Fasting
There are several fasting methods, so you can choose one that fits your lifestyle.
1. 16:8 Method (Most Popular & Beginner-Friendly)
- Fast for 16 hours, eat within an 8-hour window.
- Example: Eat from 11 AM – 7 PM, fast from 7 PM – 11 AM.
- You can adjust your window based on your schedule.
This method is flexible—you can do it daily, on weekdays, or a few times per week.
2. 5:2 Diet (Whole Food Fasting)
- Eat normally for 5 days.
- On 2 non-consecutive days, limit calories to 600 (men) or 500 (women).
- Focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods like vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins.
This approach works well for people who prefer structure but don’t want to fast daily.
3. 24-Hour Fast (Once or Twice a Week)
- Fast from dinner to dinner (24 hours).
- Example: Eat at 7 PM, then fast until 7 PM the next day.
- Ideal for experienced fasters looking for a deeper reset.
This method is great for reducing inflammation and enhancing fat-burning and cellular repair.
Tips for a Successful Fasting Experience
- Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and black coffee.
- Start Slowly – Begin with 12-hour fasts and increase gradually.
- Listen to Your Body – Some hunger is normal, but extreme fatigue or dizziness means you may need to adjust.
- Be Patient – Your body adapts over time. Stick with it, and you’ll notice changes in energy, appetite, and mood.
- Eat Whole Foods – Focus on nutrient-dense, unprocessed meals when breaking your fast.
Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You?
Intermittent fasting isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it’s definitely worth trying. Many people experience:
- Steady weight loss
- Better digestion & gut health
- Balanced energy & improved mood
- Sharper mental focus
- Long-term disease prevention
Have you tried intermittent fasting? What results have you seen? Share your experience in the comments!
Need Help Getting Started?
If you’re curious but not sure where to begin, let’s create a plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve digestion, or boost your overall health, intermittent fasting could be your game-changer.
Interested about the connection of Food and Emotions? You can read more about it and share with us your thoughts!
Book a consultation today! Book Here! Let’s find the best approach for you.
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 23, 2023 | Weight Loss
7 Reasons You Can’t Lose Weight No Matter How Hard You Try
Are You Struggling with Weight Loss? Here’s Why
When you step on the scale and see no progress, it can be discouraging. You’ve tried everything—eating less, exercising more, but the results just aren’t showing.
Many people follow the common advice of “80% diet and 20% exercise.” While this isn’t entirely accurate, it’s clear that what you eat plays a significant role in your weight loss journey. If you’re wondering why your weight isn’t budging, here are seven possible reasons.
7 Common Reasons Why Weight Loss Is Stubborn
1. Counting Calories, Not Nutrients
Focusing only on calorie counting might not be the best strategy. Low-fat foods often contain hidden sugars and additives, which your body stores in fat to protect your brain. These additives can slow down your progress.
Solution: Choose nutrient-dense foods that keep you fuller for longer. Opt for veggies, fruits, high-quality proteins (eggs, chicken, tofu), and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds). This will help curb hunger and allow you to eat less.
2. Lack of Essential Nutrients
When you’re low in key nutrients like iron, B12, magnesium, and zinc, your energy levels drop. This often leads to cravings for sugary, high-calorie foods like cakes and biscuits.
Solution: Book a health check with your local naturopath to address any deficiencies and get back on track.
3. Insufficient Sleep
Sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones, leading to overeating and poor food choices.
Solution: Turn off electronic devices an hour before bed, and aim for a bedtime of 10 pm or earlier. This will help your body follow its natural circadian rhythm.
4. Slow Metabolism Due to Thyroid Issues
Thyroid problems can slow your metabolism and affect your energy, gut function, and muscle recovery. If you’re gaining weight despite doing everything right, it might be thyroid-related.
Solution: Get a comprehensive thyroid test to check your TSH and thyroid antibodies. Correct any deficiencies in key thyroid nutrients such as iodine, B12, and zinc.
5. Food Intolerances or Sensitivities
Food intolerances can cause bloating, fatigue, and cravings. These sensitivities can disrupt fat-burning and lead to fluid retention.
Solution: If you suspect food intolerances, visit a naturopath for testing. This can help identify any allergies or sensitivities contributing to your weight struggles.
6. Constant Stress
Chronic stress can slow your metabolism as your body tries to conserve energy. This leads to insulin resistance, poor food choices, and weight gain.
Solution: Identify your stressors, practice deep breathing, and make time for activities that bring you joy. If stress continues to be a problem, consider speaking with a professional for guidance.
7. High Environmental Estrogen Load
Exposure to synthetic chemicals, like xenoestrogens in plastics and cosmetics, can mimic natural estrogen in the body. This disrupts hormone balance and leads to weight gain.
Solution: Switch to glass or stainless steel water bottles, and avoid microwaving plastic containers. This simple change can help reduce estrogenic effects and support weight loss.
Get On the Right Path to Weight Loss
If any of these issues resonate with you, it may be time to rethink your approach. By addressing the root causes, such as nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, or stress, you can start making real progress in your weight loss journey.
Ready to get started? Book Here and Consult a naturopath to create a personalized plan that supports your health and weight loss goals.
I have information about Foods NOT to eat when trying to lose weight read this Food to Avoid for Successful Weight Loss and you can also read Ketogenic Diet! If you found this helpful, feel free to share it!
by Feeling Great | Mar 23, 2023 | Weight Loss
Naturopathy Diet: How to Reduce Chemical Exposure
Understanding Chemical Exposure in Modern Life with Naturopathy Diet
In today’s world, chemical exposure has increased dramatically, outpacing our understanding of its long-term effects. While more research is needed, there are already strong concerns about how these toxins impact health.
With so many harmful substances around us, how can we truly assess the risks to ourselves and our families? The safest approach is to follow the precautionary principle—avoid exposure whenever possible.
At the same time, we should advocate for stronger environmental regulations and encourage companies to reduce harmful chemicals in their products.
Minimizing Chemical Exposure Through Diet
A simple yet powerful way to lower exposure is through mindful eating habits. Here’s how you can start:
- Reduce non-organic animal products – Animals accumulate toxins in their fat.
- Choose organic foods – This helps lower exposure to pesticides like glyphosate.
- Avoid plastic packaging – Chemicals from plastics can leach into food.
Studies show that people who eat organic foods have significantly lower levels of harmful pesticides in their bodies (Kruger, 2014).
Practical Steps for a Low-Toxin Lifestyle
Taking proactive steps can help remove toxins from your body and environment:
- Eat organic, local, and seasonal whole foods whenever possible.
- Avoid plastics, even BPA-free options, as their alternatives may also be harmful.
- Use natural personal care and cleaning products that are free from petrochemicals.
- Grow your own organic produce—but test your soil for contaminants first.
- Support your body’s detoxification through regular exercise and hydration.
- Boost nutrition with organic vegetables, turmeric, and other natural antioxidants.
- Filter your drinking water to remove heavy metals and toxins.
- Stay informed and spread awareness about the dangers of chemical exposure.
Embracing a Naturopathy Diet for Better Health
A naturopathic diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods to support energy, immunity, and long-term well-being. By choosing natural ingredients and avoiding artificial preservatives, additives, and toxins, you can take control of your health. Ready to make a change? Start small—every step counts!
You can also read this helpful information about Dirty Dozen Chemicals to Avoid in Your Skincare Products What are your thoughts? Share your experiences in the comments!
Book Now! I’m excited to hear from you!
