by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue
Reignite Your Spark: Overcome Exhaustion and Overwhelm
Feeling Drained? Here’s How to Restore Your Energy
Do you often feel exhausted, unmotivated, or simply burned out? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with low energy, relying on caffeine, sugar, or carbs just to make it through the day.
But here’s the truth—you don’t have to live this way. As a naturopath, pharmacist, and life coach, I help people every day who feel exactly like this. The good news? With the right approach, you can reclaim your energy, vitality, and zest for life.
Reignite Your Spark – What’s Draining Your Energy? Find the Root Cause
Low energy isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s often a symptom of deeper imbalances. To restore vitality, I assess key areas, including:
- Eating habits – Are you getting enough nutrients?
- Sleep quality – Is poor sleep sabotaging your energy?
- Stress levels – How well is your body managing daily pressures?
- Gut health – Is inflammation or imbalance draining you?
- Hormonal balance – Are shifts in hormones causing fatigue?
When we identify the underlying causes and make small but effective changes, the results can be life-changing.
Lisa’s Story: From Exhausted to Energized
Lisa, 44, felt completely drained. No matter what she tried, she couldn’t lose weight, her digestion was off, and her energy was at an all-time low. Frustrated and stuck, she reached out for help.
Her Personalized Treatment Plan
🔬 Comprehensive Blood Tests – Revealed low iron, B12, and hormone imbalances
🥗 Gut & Liver Reset – Improved digestion and reduced inflammation
🌿 Diet Adjustments – Eliminated food intolerances and focused on nutrient-dense meals
💆♀️ Lifestyle Shifts – Hydration, deep breathing, and stress management techniques
The Results? Life-Changing!
- Energy restored – No more relying on coffee or sugar
- No more bloating, PMS, or cravings – Balanced hormones made a huge difference
- Better sleep and focus – Waking up refreshed instead of exhausted
- Lost 5kg and regained strength – Exercise became enjoyable again
Lisa finally got her spark back, and so can you!
Ready to Feel Amazing Again? Let’s Get Started!
Your health and happiness matter. You only get one body—why not make the most of it? With the right guidance, you can feel energized, clear-headed, and in control of your health.
✨ Is it time to bring back your spark? ✨
Talking about spark? Read Lack of Energy Always Tired? 4 Ways To Thrive and share with us your thoughts!
Click Here to book your online or in-person consultation today. Appointments are available via Teams or WhatsApp.
💜 Julie xx
Naturopath | Life Coach | Pharmacist
📍 Feeling Great Naturopath
by Feeling Great | 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 | Drinks Recipes
Soothing Turmeric Tea – A Warming Wellness Drink
Turmeric Tea: A Comforting Brew for Health and Relaxation
This Soothing Turmeric Tea is the perfect blend of antioxidants and warming spices, making it an ideal drink for immune support and relaxation. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or need a natural remedy to ease discomfort, this golden tea is packed with benefits.
Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce aches, pains, and stiffness while also supporting brain health, digestion, and overall wellness. Studies suggest it may even aid in preventing chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, depression, and cancer.
Ginger further enhances the tea’s benefits, boosting circulation, improving digestion, and soothing inflammation. Together, these ingredients create a delicious, comforting drink that nourishes your body from the inside out.
Easy Turmeric Tea Recipe (Serves 1)
Ingredients
- 1 cup nut milk (almond, cashew, etc.), rice milk, or coconut milk
- ½ tsp finely ground or chopped fresh turmeric (or ¾ tsp powdered turmeric)
- Small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- Dash of organic cayenne powder (optional)
- 1 tsp honey, coconut nectar, or rice malt syrup
- Dash of cinnamon and cardamom
Method
- Gently warm the milk in a saucepan or blender with a heating function (like a Vitamix or Thermomix).
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Strain if desired, then pour into a cup.
- Sip and enjoy this nourishing, golden drink!
Final Thought
This simple yet powerful turmeric tea is a soothing, health-boosting beverage you can enjoy daily. Try it tonight for a cozy, comforting treat!
And if you want to read about A Cold Fight Remedies? Click Here and read it, it’s helpful.
Want to book a session with me? Book Here!
by Feeling Great | Dinner Recipes
Minestrone Soup – A Hearty, Nourishing Meal
A Simple, Flavorful One-Pot Dish
Minestrone soup is a versatile and nourishing meal that can be adapted based on the ingredients available. Each time I make it, I switch up the vegetables, making every batch unique and flavorful.
One of the best things about this soup is that it’s easy to prepare and lasts for several days, making it perfect for meal prep. Instead of using vegetable stock, I rely on the natural flavors of fresh vegetables, which infuse beautifully into the broth.
For an extra burst of flavor, I love stirring in a spoonful of pesto just before serving. This simple addition elevates the taste to a whole new level.
Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like fennel, carrots, beans, kale, and fresh herbs, this minestrone is as healthy as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe!
What Makes This Soup So Good?
This hearty minestrone is filled with nutrient-dense ingredients that support digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
- Carrots – Rich in antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
- Fennel – Aids digestion and helps reduce bloating.
- Beans – A great source of protein and fiber for stable blood sugar and gut health.
- Kale – High in vitamins A, C, and K, plus essential minerals for strong bones.
- Parsley – Contains anti-inflammatory properties and detoxifying chlorophyll.
- Garlic & Black Pepper – Boosts digestion and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Minestrone Soup Recipe
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 onions, diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
- 1 bunch Tuscan black cabbage (cavolo nero/kale), sliced
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 600ml pureed tomatoes (fresh or tinned)
- 1 x 400g can cooked beans (borlotti, cannellini, or black beans)
- 1 liter water
- Sea salt & black pepper to taste
- Pesto for serving
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Method:
- In a large pot, heat a little olive oil and sauté the onions, smoked paprika, fennel, garlic, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes.
- Wash and chop the kale, then add it to the pot.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes, beans, and water until the vegetables are covered.
- Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the soup thickens and the carrots are tender.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper, then stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Customization & Serving Tips
- Add extra protein by including more beans or chopped chicken.
- Experiment with different beans like black beans, edamame, or broad beans.
- Include seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, leeks, pumpkin, or broccoli.
- Spice it up with a dash of chili for extra heat.
Final Thoughts?
This nutritious, comforting soup is perfect for any season. Enjoy every spoonful and feel the warmth from within!
For more Soup Recipe, you can try the Spicy Tomato and Lentil Soup or Chicken Soup Immune Boosting! To Book Session with me, Book Here.
by Feeling Great | Cognitive Health, Gut Health
The Antidepressant Dilemma: Mood & Gut Connection – What Are Your Options?
Feeling Stuck? Let’s Explore Your Choices with Mood & Gut
Struggling with low mood, anxiety, or brain fog? Feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster? Maybe you’ve visited your doctor and now have a prescription for antidepressants in hand. But is that your only option?
After 20 years dispensing antidepressants, I saw firsthand that while they may help in the short term, they often don’t provide lasting happiness. That’s why I stepped away from the counter and now offer natural, long-term solutions to support mental well-being from the root cause.
Your Mood & Gut: The Connection You Need to Know
Before making a decision, consider this—your gut health directly affects your mood. Ever had a “gut feeling” or butterflies in your stomach? That’s because your gut and brain are constantly communicating.
Here’s something groundbreaking: 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut—only 10% comes from the brain! Yet many antidepressants work by recycling serotonin in the brain, rather than supporting the gut where most of it is made.
It makes sense to optimize gut health first, rather than applying a quick fix that doesn’t address the root issue.
6 Natural Ways to Support Mood & Gut Health
1. Cut Down on Sugar & Processed Carbs
- Swap biscuits for an orange, or cake for veggie sticks and hummus. Studies show high sugar intake can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and mood disorders.
2. Eat More Fiber-Rich Foods
- Load up on vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole foods. A good rule of thumb? One handful of protein, three handfuls of veggies per meal.
3. Increase Healthy Fats
Your brain thrives on good fats like:
- Avocados, eggs, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil
- Omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds
- Avoid fried foods and hydrogenated oils found in packaged snacks.
4. Move Your Body Daily
Exercise boosts brain health and energy. Try:
- 20 minutes of aerobic activity (walking, jogging, dancing)
- Keep your heart rate at 180 minus your age for optimal benefits.
5. Practice Gratitude & Stress Management
High stress damages gut bacteria and increases inflammation. Daily habits like:
- Gratitude journaling
- Meditation or deep breathing
- Forgiveness and compassion
can make a big difference in balancing emotions.
6. Minimize Gut Disruptors
Certain medications and lifestyle habits harm gut health. Reduce or avoid:
- Acid-reducing meds (Nexium, Losec, Ranitidine)
- Antibiotics unless necessary
- Processed foods and trans fats
Need Support? Let’s Create a Plan Together
If you’re looking for natural, sustainable solutions to support your mood, energy, and gut health, I can help! Book a consultation at my naturopathic clinic in Corowa or schedule an online video call.
I’ve helped thousands of clients regain their well-being, and they’ve never felt better. Supporting your body naturally beats a temporary fix every time!
Read about 4 Antidotes when Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed, and Depress? or you can also read the Mental Health Holistic Approach and if you find this is helpful, we love to hear your thoughts!
Book now for your personalized health plan.
Wishing you a healthy, happy day!
Julie xx (Naturopath, Life Coach, Pharmacist)
PS: Did you know you absorb the microbiome of those around you just by breathing? The human body is truly fascinating!
