Hormones Archives - Trish Tucker May

How to Balance Blood Sugar

Written by trish on September 8, 2023. Posted in Blog, Blood Sugar, Health, Hormones, inflammation, Tips, Women's Health.

Balanced blood sugar levels are crucial to a healthy and prosperous life. Balanced blood sugar levels prevent disruption of your body’s functions and help your overall health. Here are a few foods to add to your diet to help balance your blood sugar:

Greens:

You can never eat too many greens. For the best blood sugar benefits, go for nutrient-dense, low-carb greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli. These greens are also very rich in protein and calcium, which help your body in multiple areas. You can toss these greens in salads with olive oil and chunks of salmon. Studies have shown that these three vegetables contribute to dramatic improvement in patients who are constantly battling with their blood sugar.

Low fructose fruits:

Fruit is always a must, but for blood sugar-specific management, choose fruits that are low fructose, such as cantaloupe, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and blackberries. You can snack on them throughout the day, or toss them in your salad, smoothies, or acai bowls.

Protein:

Protein is essential for slowing down glucose absorption in your body, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Add foods to your diet that are packed with protein, like wild salmon and other types of fish, beef and other types of lean meat, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs. Make your diet interesting; try snack ideas like celery sticks dipped in all-natural peanut butter. This snack is rich in protein and only contains the good kind of fat.

Remember everything in moderation, however. Too much protein actually can become sugar in your blood, creating a condition called gluconeogenesis; 40 to 70 grams of protein is enough for a day.

Herbs and Spices:

Herbs and spices are natural supplements for balancing your blood sugar levels. They not only add flavour to your dishes, but they may also help your hormone’s lower your blood sugar. Some spices, like turmeric, contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help in balancing out your sugar.

Low-calorie drinks:

Cut out sugary, high-calorie drinks from your diet. Add drinks like cinnamon tea, lemon water, and cucumber juice in your daily routine.

Whole grain foods:

Whole grain foods that are also rich in protein, like millet and quinoa, provide and store energy without causing spikes in your blood sugar levels.

Beans:

Beans are a good source of protein, low carb, and rich in fiber, all important factors in balancing your blood sugar. Hummus, lentils, and garbanzo beans are good examples and great dietary choices. Remember to soak them the night before to promote easier digestion.

Nuts:

Nuts like almonds and walnuts contain healthy amounts of fibre, protein, and healthy fats, and are a low carb snack idea.

Try balancing your blood sugar the natural way by changing the way you eat. You’ll be amazed at the difference!

For further learning visit my Youtube channel and be sure to join our FREE support community over on Facebook. Join the next masterclass on the 26th September to learn ways to control your blood sugar https://trishtuckermay.com/workshops-2/

Top 10 weight loss tips for women

Written by trish on June 27, 2023. Posted in Blog Home, Blood Sugar, Hormones, Sleep, Weight Loss, Women's Health.

Make sure you sign up for the pre-order for my book. The first 50 people to sign up will get a signed copy, an invitation to the book launch + the bonus recipes I use in my 8-week gut healing programme.

You will be able to purchase the book very soon.

Okay let’s talk about weight loss. I know that losing weight can be challenging, especially for women over 40. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to shed those extra pounds and improve your overall health.

I am helping several clients to focus on weight loss. All are motivated by a special event. A wedding, a significant birthday, a recent diagnosis of high cholesterol and upcoming holidays can all motivate a weight loss journey. Reach out if you need some help. I use targeted supplements, functional nutrition testing and regular accountability check-ins to keep clients on track to get results.

Here are the top 10 weight loss tips.

Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Adding in organic vegan protein powder can help with blood sugar balance and cravings. Check out my website for my recommended range. Beta G
Cut back on processed and sugary foods, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins.
Incorporate strength training into your exercise routine to build muscle, which can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories.
Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. Getting to bed earlier and having a relaxing evening routine will help with sleep. I recommend a combination of good nutrition and a range of essential oils to support sleep. Reach out if this is challenging for you.
Reduce stress through activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. I love Insight Timer App for daily meditation practice.
Avoid crash diets and instead aim for slow, steady weight loss that is sustainable in the long term.
Keep track of what you eat and how much you exercise to stay accountable and motivated.
Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class to stay motivated and accountable. Move your body every day.
Consult with a registered nutritionist for personalised advice and support. I offer a range of comprehensive private tests to measure cholesterol, blood sugar and hormones. They are fast and done in the privacy of your own home.

Stress Awareness

Written by trish on April 24, 2023. Posted in Blog, Energy, Fatigue, Gut Health, Hormones, Stress, Weight.

You must have heard that April is Stress Awareness Month, and I’m sure it’s no newsflash to you that chronic stress isn’t going to help with balancing your hormones!

Feelings of stress, overwhelm and anxiety are on the rise. Especially for women, and especially women over 40.

It’s not surprising. We are all juggling like crazy. Family commitments, a fulfilling career and a social life, whilst also trying to look good and stay healthy, can lead to burning ourselves out.

If we don’t prioritise self-care, our overall health is going to suffer.

Here are my tips to keep stress under control.Practice self-care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing meditation.

Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, so make sure to prioritize a good night’s rest.

Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help reduce stress levels and boost our mood.

Connect with loved ones: Social support can be a great stress reliever, so spend time with friends and family.

When we get stressed, tired, or even nervous, our digestion doesn’t function properly, and certainly not optimally. It’s so important to slow down chewing and eating so you can have more energy and avoid bloating.

Stress impacts the vagus nerve, a long, cranial nerve that travels from the forehead to the pelvic floor. It has a massive impact on your digestive system and your stress response. It plays a particularly key role in how we feel and digest. It also has a significant impact on blood pressure and heart rate. It affects the adrenals, kidneys, and the amount of serotonin in the body.

We know that stress causes havoc with weight, digestion, fatigue, and brain function. The DUTCH (dried urine test for comprehensive hormones) test precisely measures the main stress and sex hormones and shows how much cortisol is being produced. Suffering from consistently high cortisol levels can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage. The amount of free cortisol will impact mood and energy, and liver and kidney function. This will also have an effect on sleep. There is an interconnected response with blood sugars, insulin production, and heart rate.

Would you like to order the DUTCH test to see what your hormones are doing and how stress may be contributing to your symptoms?

Email: trish@trishtuckermay.com

Could Time Restricted Eating Be The Answer to Improved Gut and Hormone Health?

Written by trish on February 20, 2023. Posted in Blog, Gut Health, Hormones, Weight Loss.

Time-restricted eating, or TRE, is a type of intermittent fasting that involves eating only during a certain window of time each day.

Could it be the solution for your accidental weight gain and your gut health?

” Could Time Restricted Eating Be The Answer to Improved Gut and Hormone Health?”

While TRE isn’t a new concept, it’s been gaining traction as an effective weight-loss tool. I have been reading Gin Stephens’ Book Fast Feast Repeat and I am inspired.

Have you tried intermittent fasting?

Studies have found that time-restricted eating can lead to a significant reduction in body fat and waist circumference, as well as improved metabolic health markers like blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Many clients are finding it an easy lifestyle to stick to. Ladies over 50 find it helpful in managing blood sugar and cravings

Why is time-restricted eating so effective for weight loss?

For starters, it limits the amount of time you have to eat each day, which can help reduce your overall calorie intake.

Additionally, TRE may also promote better eating habits by encouraging you to plan and prepare your meals in advance.

Finally, the act of fasting may also have an impact on weight loss.

Fasting triggers, the body to use stored fat for energy, which can help you burn calories more efficiently.

Fasting has also been linked to improved hormone balance, which can help regulate your appetite and reduce cravings.

Overall, time-restricted eating is a simple and effective way to lose weight.

But remember to pay attention to your body’s hunger cues and don’t overdo it.

Start off with shorter fasting windows and increase the time gradually as your body adjusts.

With a little bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, slimmer you!

If you are struggling with accidental weight gain and you think you might be in your perimenopause, please reach out to me for support.

I run an 8-week coaching programme to help get you started with TRE. This includes meal plans, recipes and accountability calls to help keep you on track and get you to your ideal weight.

Book a call here

Fuel Your Energy with Superfoods: Tips for Women Over 40 to Optimize Health and Vitality

Written by trish on January 19, 2023. Posted in anti-inflammatory, Blog, Blog Home, Energy, Fatigue, Gut Health, Hormones, Menopause, perimenopause, Stamina, Women's Health.

As you age, it’s important to pay attention to your nutrition and fuel your body with the right foods. Superfoods are a great way to boost your energy levels, improve your health, and keep you feeling energetic. Here are some of the best superfoods for women over 40 to help you stay energized and healthy:

• Salmon: Salmon is a great source of lean protein and healthy fats, which can help keep your energy levels up. It’s also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.

• Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you energized and your blood sugar levels stable. They’re also a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system working optimally.

• Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants, which can help fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation. They’re also a great source of fiber and can help keep you feeling full for longer. 1 scoop of Superfood Plus is an amazing way to fuel your energy and stamina. You can purchase this in our shop www.trishtuckermay.com/shop

• Whole grains: Whole grains are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which can help keep your energy levels up and your blood.

Are you deficient in Vitamin D?

Written by trish on September 23, 2022. Posted in Blood Pressure, Cancer, Cardiovascular Health, Hormones, Muscle Function, Type 2 Diabetes, Viral Diseases.

As we begin shorter days here in the UK and say goodbye to a fantastic summer, my mind goes to stocking up on Vitamin D from other sources. My favourite is D3 K2 spray to the inside of the mouth. Let me know if you want to order and I can send you a link.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin your body needs to function at its best. It is sometimes referred to as “the sunshine vitamin” because it is produced by the sun’s rays and our bodies absorb it through the skin.

It is also found in whole fat dairy products. Wherever you get it from, you need it for healthy bones, as well as a wide variety of other benefits.

1. Strong Bones

Our bones are made of calcium, and our bodies need an ongoing supply of calcium for overall health and bone maintenance. Vitamin D helps stimulate the calcium in our body. If your Vitamin D levels are low, your body will not be able to deposit to your bones; instead, that calcium will be deposited into your bloodstream. Without the nutrients they need, your bones will begin to weaken and you may become more prone to breaks and fractures.

2. Cardiovascular health:

Daily consumption of vitamin D may help protect you from a range of heart diseases like sudden cardiac arrest or heart failure.

3. Improved blood pressure:

Daily vitamin D supplements may help reduce high blood pressure, especially if taken when your blood pressure spikes. Talk to me about the best way to take Vitamin D.

4. Elasticity of arteries:

Healthy vitamin D levels can help maintain and improve the elasticity of your arteries, avoiding the hardening of arteries that leads to poor cardiovascular health.

5. Improved muscle function:

It is not only your bones that suffer from low vitamin D; your muscles start to weaken as well when you suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can help strengthen muscles, improve their performance, and increase stamina.

6. Decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes:

Some studies have indicated that individuals who consume the recommended amount of Vitamin D on a daily basis may actually have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than those who did not.

7. Reduced risk of cancer:

Daily consumption of vitamin D may help reduce the risk of various cancers, such as ovarian, lung, breast, throat, colon, and prostate. Vitamin D may help reduce the rate at which cancer cells spread from one to another, possibly contributing to both the prevention and treatment of cancer.

8. Guard against viral diseases:

Vitamin D may help protect our body from viral diseases like the flu and help us recover from illnesses more quickly.

9. Reduced risk of hormone imbalance.

Vitamin D may help balance hormones and promote a healthy perimenopause and menopause journey, free of unwanted symptoms

If you would like to learn more about my hormone balancing programme and hormone tests to support your journey email

Best Foods to boost libido

Written by trish on August 5, 2022. Posted in Blog, Health, Hormones, Menopause, Mood, perimenopause, Sex Drive, Sexual Health, Women's Health.

Ladies, we need all the help we can get when hormones are fluctuating in the perimenopause and menopause.

Your sex drive, or libido, is greatly influenced by biological and physical factors. What you put into your body can have a direct impact on how you feel and how your body reacts to physical stimulation.

Different foods stimulate different hormones and chemicals in your body and stimulating the right ones can help improve your libido.

Here are some foods that can help improve your performance and increase your sex drive.

1.Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C and a host of antioxidants, both of which have been linked to higher sperm count in men.

2.Avocados are good for your health in general, but especially for your heart health and blood circulation. They are packed with vitamins E and B6, potassium, and monounsaturated fats, which are all important for a strong, healthy heart.

3.Almonds contain selenium, zinc, and vitamin E. These minerals and vitamins have been shown to improve sexual health and performance. Zinc is helpful in producing testosterone, while vitamin E is good for heart health and selenium is helpful with fertility issues. The omega-3 fatty acids in almonds may also improve sex drive.

4.Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamin. Potassium helps with high blood pressure, which has an impact on erectile function. The beta-carotene provides vitamin A, which may be helpful in cases of infertility.

5.Pesto is great for peak performance because of its high levels of zinc. Women with higher levels of zinc are found to have better sex drive, and the pine nuts in pesto are an excellent source for this.

6.Watermelon is a great libido booster. It contains more lycopene than tomatoes and is comparable to Viagra in its ability to relax muscles and increase blood circulation to certain areas of your body.

7.Pomegranate is good for virility. Pomegranate has a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and has antioxidants that are linked to improved blood flow.

8.Coffee contains a particular stimulant that promotes a good mood, especially women.

9.Chocolate increases both serotonin and dopamine levels, leading to a happier, more relaxed, and less stressed state of mind. It is a great mood booster and has been shown in studies to heighten feelings of arousal and sexual passion.

10.Celery contains steroids called androsterone and androstenol. When consumed, these chemicals travel through our sweat glands and work to attract the opposite sex. It also has arginine, which helps expand blood vessels in the same way Viagra does.

If you would like to learn more about our Time To Nourish packages for the perimenopause and menopause email trish@trishtuckermay.com

Love Trish

One of the best foods to help balance hormones – Flax seed.

Written by trish on July 27, 2022. Posted in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant capacities, Blog, Blood Sugar, Bone Health, Cholesterol, Hair loss, Health, Hormones, inflammation, Low carb, Menopause, Skin problems, Weight Loss, Women's Health.

If you are looking to improve your diet and adopt a healthier lifestyle for a happier you, switch your diet to include healthy fats instead of carbs for better, balanced hormones. These include foods that are high short, medium, and long-chain fatty acids, which are essential in managing your hormones, keeping your inflammation levels low, boosting metabolism, and supporting weight loss.

One simple way of realizing our goals of taking better care of our minds and bodies is the addition of a small, shiny seed into our meals.

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, can help you lead a healthier life. It has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics and reduce cholesterol. It is considered a superfood because of its high dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed is also a great source of lignans, a form of phytonutrients that offer potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.

Flaxseeds are versatile and easy to use. Incorporating flax into your meals is a very low maintenance way of reaping exponentially more benefits. Flaxseed contains a wide array of minerals, healthy fats, and vitamin B that can help promote healthier hair and skin, resolving issues of redness and flaky skin and reducing acne, eczema, and rosacea. Flaxseed oil is also a great moisturizer.

Researchers have also found that the lignans present in flaxseed may help reduce the risks of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.

Flax seeds improve metabolism by acting like natural gum. Flaxseed is rich in mucilage gum, which assists in nutrient absorption. It helps by keeping food in the stomach for longer periods of time, allowing for maximum nutrient absorption. The mucilage gum is water-soluble, which also enables better removal of toxins and waste and soothes the stomach lining.

The lignans do not stop there. They can help regulate female hormones in the bloodstreams, act as phytoestrogens, and provide antioxidants. This regulatory effect on the female hormones is helpful because it presents a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, reduces the risks of osteoporosis, and helps regulate menstruation cycles.

Flax seeds do not only improve life by improving your health, but they serve as healthy substitutes for cooking and baking. Ground flax is a good way to substitute flours that contain gluten. This is particularly beneficial for those who are afflicted by celiac disease or those who may be sensitive to gluten. Flaxseed is a multipurpose ingredient that serves as a powerhouse for better health.

Have a fabulous summer. I am taking some time off to be with my family.

We have a busy summer planned. A mix of yoga, surfing and festivals.

See you at World Yoga Festival, Beautiful Days or Greenbelt Festival.

If you would like to book a call

Clinic is open the following days in August.

12th, 15th, 16th

Let me know if you would like to book a session for these days.

Also, be sure to connect in the FB group as I will keep an eye on any questions and continue to support our growing FB community.

If you would like to learn more about my 8-week Time To Nourish packages email me here trish@trishtuckermay.com The next group programme will be commencing mid-September.

Kind regards

Trish

Top Tips To help you with emotional eating.

Written by trish on July 18, 2022. Posted in addiction, Anxiety, Belly Bloating, Eat Clean, Energy, Hormones.

Do you suddenly feel hungry, stressed and overwhelmed?

Do you crave specifically unhealthy foods? Do you feel guilty or ashamed after eating?
Do you feel as though you have to eat immediately? Is your hunger satisfied when you’re full?

Physical hunger won’t make you feel shame about eating food, whereas emotional hunger is often linked with unpleasant emotions.

How to stop eating emotionally?

It can be difficult to stop emotional eating, especially when it’s become a habit over a long period of time. But don’t worry—it’s absolutely possible to address emotional eating and pay attention to your true hunger cues, allowing you to work through your emotions separately.

This will improve your physical and your mental wellbeing, and will be an important step to healing your gut and balancing your hormones.

If you feel hungry, drink water first.

Sometimes you can be dehydrated and confused about hunger sensations.

Wait five minutes before eating when you feel hungry.

Try to identify your emotions before eating. How are you feeling? How do you want to feel? If you are feeling tired, bored, lonely, angry, sad it can be helpful to find another way to sooth other than food.

Have a list of your tools in your toolkit and post it on the fridge. This could be a short walk, legs up the wall, lying down, calling a friend, or listening to your favourite music.

Keep track of your eating habits to identify your triggers.

My clients find it useful to track daily food in the client app – this helps with accountability.

Keep healthy snacks on hand for when you are physically hungry
Things like carrot sticks and hummus or a handful of nuts will help to satisfy true hunger – and if you don’t want to eat them, it’s a sign that you may not be physically hungry,

Incorporate healthy habits into your daily life

Go for walks – anything to get OUT OF THE KITCHEN!

Eat regular well-balanced meals – DON’T SKIP MEALS. This adds to stress.

Get enough sleep and

Connect with friends and family

All these will help to boost your mental health and help you to address your emotional eating.
Triggers such as boredom, sadness and stress can result in overeating—even positive emotions such as excitement and happiness can be a trigger, as well as using food as a reward.

By working to understand why you’re eating emotionally, you’ll be better able to recognise your trigger emotions and be able to actually work through them instead of reaching for food.

If you are struggling with bloating and emotional eating please download the free eBook.

To get started download the free eBook to beat the belly bloat and balance hormones. https://passion4juice.groovepages.com/