How To Lead A Hormone-Friendly Lifestyle Without Deprivation
Years after recovering from a restrictive eating disorder, I became more interested in ways in which I could move together with my body instead of against her. Of course, learning about hormones and women’s health had to cross my path eventually…
FOOD
First things first, this whole topic goes beyond food. However, supporting our physical vessels aka eating foods that enhance our overall health is important too. One aspect is gut health and how it is linked to hormone health — it is rather complex but our gut is in direct connection with our mental & skin health, inflammation levels, and immune system. It all goes hand in hand, one affects another (just like one life area affects another viewed through the lens of manifestation and Non-Duality).
Here are some royal food choices you can make:
pro- and prebiotics (Kimchi is your bestie!)
tea that reduces inflammation, such as Tulsi (also known as Indian Basilicum)
Pro Tip 1: Eat a high-protein breakfast (try at least having a protein-rich snack if you‘re not a breakfast person like me) which fires on the motor of your body & eat regularly to ensure stable blood sugar levels, especially as a woman; snacks are important —we‘re meant to be snackers, at least in my opinion ☻
Pro Tip 2: Supplements can be your friends (don’t use them as replacements tho!): I personally use Iron during my moon, Omega-3 (I use vegan capsules #animallover), and a Vitamin B-Complex with Magnesium before bed.
TRIGGERS, FEELINGS & EMOTIONS
To reduce stress and support a hormone-friendly lifestyle, it's essential to first identify your triggers. Once you know what tends to set off stress, you can develop personalized strategies to navigate those moments with greater ease. Whether it’s through mindfulness practices, setting healthy boundaries, or relaxation techniques, managing stress effectively can help maintain hormone balance without resorting to deprivation. This is not meant to be a job for the mind but rather first understanding logically what is going on and then turning your attention inward — the body keeps the score — tune into the feelings that are triggered, perhaps going red from something (i.e. shame or embarrassment) or feeling a knot in our tummy or throat & instead of trying to “fix” or do something about the feeling, we hold space for it.
Pro Tip 3: Breathwork! You don’t have to go to Wim Hof-like levels or Holotropic Breathwork (where you can induce nearly psychedelic experiences using your breath only! “Get high on your own supply!”). Nevertheless, becoming aware of your breath and more specifically of how you are breathing is very important and can be a game-changer. When someone pushes your buttons or you feel activated for whatever reason, pause and check in with your breathing: is it more shallow and short or deep and long? Adjust if it is the former. The speed of your breath can reflect your state, e.g. frantic and chaotic (hectic breaths), or calm, present, and grounded (long, mindful breaths).
Pro Tip 4: As long as we are in a human body, we experience the whole spectrum of human emotions (it’s completely normal!). Find balance by allowing emotions to exist without getting absorbed in them or dwelling on them. Practice observing, being the watcher of your emotions, which creates a gentle distance without resistance. The paradox is that by letting emotions float in the Divine space of Awareness that you are, they transform on their own. You can even take it further—I call it "Energy Transmutation." Drop the thoughts and stories attached to the emotion and use that raw energy to your advantage. Feel the emotion fully while affirming a truth, like "Hell yeah, everything always works out for me!" or "I'm a money magnet, I have more cash than I know what to do with!" (Feel free to curse, especially when experiencing fiery emotions — it's empowering!). But: Don’t overdo it, like it’s often suggested in the manifestation community (robotic affirmations…), say them once or twice as Statements of Truth (as the legendary Florence Shinn would call them), not as a trick in the hope of bridging a gap or to fill a void.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER (+ EXTRA TIP)
Here is also a nice way to communicate and collaborate with your body (I like to see her as my co-creator which helps to deepen the relationship, especially when having experienced an ED, body dysmorphia, or a rather poor self-image in general) — If you are open to exploring new things: How about integrating elements of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), like acupressure, into your routine? Combine it with deep, mindful breathing while repeating an affirmation like, “I have the skin of a Goddess, perfect and flawless. Every cell in my body is now aligned with my ideal body & vibrant health.” You’re not just massaging your body, but also massaging this message into your cells—a physical touch with a cosmic twist. Add in some herbal tea blends, and you've got yourself a beautiful, nourishing ritual (or whatever time of the day suits you)!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Here’s A Phase-By-Phase Guide For Supporting Your Body During Your Menstrual Cycle That You Can Download (For FREE!):
Remember are just suggestions, no musts: discernment first, don‘t blindly/rigidly follow it, test it out and see what fits you — tune into your body and ask: „What do I need right now?“ „What does my body crave right now?“ and let her guide you. See you and your body are not machines but intuitive beings, by tuning in and trusting your own wisdom first, you‘re having a way more effective approach than following any external teachings 100% 🙂↔️
Let‘s co-create: post your favorite snacks and meals for each moon phase in the comments down below, so that everyone can learn how to support their beautiful temple for this human experience ~
