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Tag: Balancing hormones

Meet Olivia: Her Journey Through the 8-Week Gut Transformation Programme

Let’s talk about Olivia—one incredible woman who’s currently going through my 8-week gut transformation programme. Here’s the thing though: Olivia is four months in and still going strong, which is completely normal and absolutely okay! This programme is self-paced, meaning everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s all about progress, not perfection. No one’s on a timer here.

For Olivia, it’s been a game-changer. She’s 8kg lighter, but more importantly, she feels healthier than ever.

Olivia’s Story: More Than Just Weight Loss

Olivia, like many women in their 40s and 50s, is navigating the rollercoaster that is peri-menopause. Along with that, she’s on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), which has been helpful for many aspects of her health. However, despite the HRT, she was still battling some frustrating symptoms:

  • Belly bloat that just wouldn’t quit
  • Poor quality of sleep (those 3 a.m. wake-ups are no fun)
  • And a fair share of anxiety and mood swings

That’s when she decided to give my Gut Transformation Programme a go. Fast-forward four months, and Olivia’s results are amazing—she feels nourished, not deprived, and is well on her way to a healthier, happier version of herself.

It’s Not a Race—It’s a Journey!

Here’s the beautiful thing about this programme: it’s designed to be self-paced. Olivia’s journey is a perfect example of why that flexibility matters. Some people might breeze through the programme in eight weeks, while others, like Olivia, take more time—and that’s completely okay! The goal is steady, lasting progress, not a quick fix. After all, real transformation takes time.

Hear from Olivia herself as she shares her journey…you’ll love it!

How The Programme Works (And Why It’s So Life-Changing!)

This isn’t just a standard gut health programme; it’s a whole new approach to supporting your body through peri-menopause and beyond. The programme provides a toolkit for better digestion, energy, and sleep, with the flexibility to fit your life and your schedule.

Here’s what you’ll get when you dive in:

  • Recipes your whole family will love (goodbye boring meals!)
  • A sense of community—you’re not alone in this!
  • Expert guidance on gut health, from someone who’s been through it herself
  • Weekly videos full of digestible (pun intended!) info on how to support your gut
  • Shopping lists and meal plans to take the stress out of planning
  • Step-by-step guides for everything from detoxing to lifestyle adjustments

Olivia loves that she can take things at her own pace. Some weeks, she dives into the videos and implements new changes, while other weeks, she revisits old lessons to really cement those healthier habits. It’s all about flexibility—there’s no one-size-fits-all here.

The Key to Gut Health Success? Patience and Self-Love

For women going through peri-menopause, there are unique challenges when it comes to gut health. Hormonal shifts can wreak havoc on digestion, sleep, and mood, but the right support makes all the difference. Olivia’s experiencing this firsthand. While her HRT helps balance hormones, the programme is addressing her gut health, reducing her bloat, and calming her anxiety.

Gut healing isn’t just about a temporary diet—this is about making lasting, sustainable changes. That’s why this programme focuses on long-term health benefits, teaching habits and practices that extend well beyond the initial eight weeks.

Why You Should Check Out the Programme for Yourself?

So, if you’re in Olivia’s shoes—struggling with belly bloat, fatigue, mood swings, or just not feeling your best—this programme could be exactly what you need. Whether you’re dealing with the ups and downs of peri-menopause, on HRT, or just seeking better overall health, this self-paced journey gives you the tools to feel your best at your own speed.

And the best part? You’re never alone. There’s a community of women just like you, supporting one another through every step. Plus, with expert guidance and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have everything you need to kickstart your journey to better gut health.

Ready to Start Your Own Transformation?

Just like Olivia, you don’t have to rush this. Your health is worth taking the time. So, why not give it a go and see what amazing changes you can make? Head over to learn more about the programme, and take that first step towards a healthier gut, better sleep, and more energy.

Because if Olivia can do it, so can you!

Boost Your Vitality: The Ultimate Guide to Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Good Gut Health

By weaving polyphenol-rich foods into your daily diet, you’re not just eating; you’re nourishing your body with the essence of wellness. This guide not only highlights the best sources of polyphenols but also integrates these insights into the framework of our transformative 8-Week Gut Healing Programme.

The Polyphenol Powerhouses

  • Berries Galore
  • Nuts
  • Green Tea
  • Chocolate
  • Leafy Green Veggies
  • Red drinks that contain resveratrol – pomegranate and red grape juice
  • Whole Grains

Berries Galore: Dive into the antioxidant-rich world of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. A daily serving of mixed berries (at least one cup) is your ticket to a polyphenol paradise, offering a delicious way to boost your health.

Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts aren’t just tasty snacks; they’re polyphenol powerhouses. Indulging in a small handful daily (about 1 ounce) can significantly contribute to your polyphenol intake. These are proteins for happy hormones and are an easy snack.

Veggies including spinach, artichokes, red onions, and broccoli are not only high in polyphenols but also essential for a gut-friendly diet. Incorporating at least two servings of these per day or other polyphenol-rich veggies into your meals supports both gut and heart health.

Dark Chocolate: For the sweet-toothed among us, dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) offers a guilt-free source of polyphenols. Limiting yourself to a small square daily allows you to savour the benefits without the sugar overload. I love pure organic cacao from New Gen that is also mixed with Maca and Quinoa for added hormone benefit. Enjoy a guilt free cup everyday and help your gut.

Green Tea is a staple in any health-conscious individual’s diet, green tea, with its rich catechin content, is ideal for a polyphenol boost. Two to three cups a day can make a significant difference in your antioxidant intake and is also a great way to balance your hormones.

Resveratrol is the active ingredient in red wine, grapes and pomegranates. While I cannot recommend alcohol consumption for gut health I love Sentia for a delicious alternative. Organic pomegranate juice is also excellent for gut health.

Whole grains like oats and rye bring polyphenols to your plate. Strive for 1 -3 servings of whole grains daily as part of a well-rounded diet.

Our 8-Week Gut Healing Programme is designed to harness the power of polyphenol-rich foods, among other nutritional strategies, to support and heal your gut.

With 139 easy recipes that emphasize these antioxidant-rich ingredients, weekly educational videos to deepen your understanding of gut health, and shopping lists to simplify your meal planning, this programme is your roadmap to a revitalized digestive system and improved overall health.

Incorporating a diverse array of polyphenol-rich foods into your diet is a cornerstone of the programme, ensuring you receive a broad spectrum of nutrients essential for gut healing and maintenance.

The key to unlocking the full potential of these foods lies in variety and moderation, allowing you to enjoy the flavours and textures they offer while reaping the health benefits.

Embark on this journey with our 8-Week Gut Healing Programme, and discover how a focused, polyphenol-rich diet can transform your health from the inside out.

Discover the Secrets to a Blissfully Happy Gut in 4 Easy Steps!

Are you on a quest for that elusive feeling of gut happiness? Here at Trish Tucker May Nutrition, we believe wholeheartedly in the magic of transforming our health through the foods we love and lifestyle choices that radiate positivity. 

The Foundation of Gut Health: Dietary Fibre and Nutrient-Rich Foods

First up on our digestive delight tour is the cornerstone of gut health – fibrous, colourful fruits and veggies! 

We often overlook the simplest truths, but these natural treasures are our gut’s best friends. They’re not just about making our plates look pretty; they pack a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, fibre. 

Imagine fibre as the ultimate cheerleader for your gut, promoting a party of beneficial bacteria and keeping things moving smoothly, if you know what I mean. 

A rainbow on your plate truly does wonders!

Hydration: The Cornerstone of Digestive Efficiency

Secondly, let’s talk hydration. The elixir of life, water, plays a critical role in our overall health and especially in our digestive system. Keeping well-hydrated helps our body effectively break down foods and absorb nutrients while ensuring our gut landscape is just moist enough for everything to flow seamlessly. Let’s make water our beverage of choice (and maybe that occasional herbal tea) instead of too much coffee and alcohol.

Mindful Eating and Stress Management: Harmonizing the Digestive Process

Do you know the power of mindful eating and stress management? In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to forget that how we eat impacts our digestion massively. By taking the time to eat in a relaxed environment, chewing thoroughly, and truly savouring each bite, we engage our digestive system in the most harmonious way possible. 

Dietary Diversity: Cultivating a Rich Microbial Ecosystem

Embrace diversity in your diet. 

Encourage an environment where beneficial gut bacteria can thrive by mixing up your food choices. Experiment with new foods, embrace fermented favourites like sauerkraut or kefir, and tickle your taste buds with unexpected flavours. Variety isn’t just the spice of life; it’s the lifeblood of a thriving digestive ecosystem.

Here’s to a fulfilling and joyful journey towards gut wellness. The road to well-being is both beautiful and uniquely yours—let’s embark on this remarkable journey together.

For more information about the 8-week gut transformation programme click here

Unlocking the Hormonal Harmony: The Omega-3 Secret for Thriving After 40

As we gracefully step into our 40s and beyond, our bodies begin to write a new chapter in our health narrative, especially when it comes to hormonal balance. For women navigating the waves of menopause, finding natural allies can make all the difference. Enter the dynamic duo of EPA and DHA—omega-3 fatty acids with a knack for supporting our hormonal symphony.

PA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are both omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, but they have different roles and benefits in the body.

EPA is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce cellular inflammation and has been linked to benefits in heart health, mood regulation, and potentially easing symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

DHA, on the other hand, is crucial for brain health and development. It’s a key component of the brain and retina, and adequate levels of DHA are important for cognitive function, visual acuity, and the development of the nervous system in infants.

While both EPA and DHA are important for overall health, the ratio and dosage may be tailored to target specific health concerns. For example, a higher EPA to DHA ratio might be recommended for anti-inflammatory effects, while a higher DHA content might be beneficial for cognitive or prenatal support.

Why Omega-3s are Vital for Hormone Support

Oily fish like salmon and mackerel are more than just a tasty choice for dinner; they’re swimming with benefits. EPA and DHA, the stars of the omega-3 family, are not only essential for our overall well-being but also play a pivotal role in managing the hormonal changes that come with age.

Three portions of oily fish per week can support your hormones.

If you are vegan, getting adequate amounts of EPA and DHA can be a bit more challenging since these omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in fish.

However, there are plant-based sources and strategies to ensure you’re not missing out. There are a range of recipes in my book, Nourish Your Gut.

1. Algal Oil Supplements: These are derived from algae, the original source of EPA and DHA in the marine food chain, and provide a direct source of these fatty acids suitable for vegans.

2. Flaxseeds and Flaxseed Oil: While flaxseeds contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), another type of omega-3, the body can convert a small percentage of ALA into EPA and DHA.

3. Chia Seeds: Similar to flaxseeds, chia seeds also contain ALA, which can be converted by the body into EPA and DHA, albeit at a low conversion rate.

4. Walnuts: These nuts are another good source of ALA, which your body can partially convert to EPA and DHA.

5. Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds contain a healthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA.

Brain Health

Inflammation disrupts our hormonal performance.

Our brain is the maestro of our hormonal orchestra, and DHA ensures it stays in tune. This fatty acid is crucial for maintaining brain health, which is where many of our hormones are fine-tuned and directed.

Cell Membrane Fluidity: The Dance of Hormones

Imagine our cell membranes as the dance floor where hormones glide and pivot. EPA and DHA keep this surface supple, affecting the flow and reception of hormonal signals with the grace of a prima ballerina.

Mood Regulation: The Emotional Rhythm

Hormones and mood are dance partners in the ballet of our bodies. The omega-3s, particularly EPA, have been shown to support emotional well-being, helping us maintain our poise through hormonal transitions.

Adrenal Health

Our adrenal glands are the tireless understudies in our hormonal play, and omega-3s help ensure they’re ready to perform. The anti-inflammatory effects of these fatty acids support adrenal function, which is crucial for producing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

Incorporating a diet rich in EPA and DHA or choosing high-quality supplements can be a game-changer for women over 40. By supporting hormonal balance, reducing inflammation, and promoting brain and mood health, omega-3s can help us embrace our 40s and beyond with vitality and vigour.

So, let’s give a round of applause for the omega-3s, our unsung heroes in the quest for hormonal harmony.

With these fatty acids in our ensemble, we’re set to take centre stage in the prime of our lives.

Nourish Your Gut for a Positive Menopause

🎉 Wow! I’m blown away! 🙌 Huge thanks to those who have already purchased a copy of my new book.

Nourish Your Gut for a Positive Menopause

The feedback so far has been everything I knew it would be. Women are already starting to feel empowered, excited, and educated with the tools to make menopause a chapter in their life that they don’t need to dread!

You don’t need to do this alone. Grab your copy of the book and be sure to head over to our FB community to feel supported that bit more. 📚💪😊

BUY NOW – Amazon for immediate delivery. 

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Australia

Or at Trish Tucker May (After a successful book launch at Community, Sundara and World Yoga Festival I am having a family holiday on the beach at Putsborough. All book orders will be posted once I get back.)

WOMEN’S GUT HEALTH RETREAT UK

Women’s UK retreat yoga, gut health retreat September 2023

A completely nurturing & immersive women’s wellness retreat in a stunning location in Dorset
Friday ~ Monday 4 days & 3 nights
Offering yoga, sound bath, meditation, talks with guest presenters & more.

All women welcome.

Fully catered for by award winning Naturopathic nutritionist, hormone & gut health specialist Trish Tucker May.
Passionate about using vibrant foods & natural medicines to nourish & heal, her lovingly put together menu will leave you glowing from the inside out!
Trish will share an inspiring & informative talk on ‘hormone & gut’ health. You will feel nourished with vibrant, organic plant based food, juices and smoothies.

Take a break from your busy life. Step off the busy treadmill and out of your daily routine. Recharge, reconnect and reset your gut health and your hormones.

More dates and locations coming soon.


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

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

 

 

Tips to Help You Lose Weight over 40

I get asked about diets and weight loss all the time. 

My best advice is to eat real food, not too much and balance your hormones by eating plenty of fat and protein at every meal. This helps with appetite control and blood sugar balance. 

I often get asked whether a Keto Diet is best for perimenopause and weight loss.

The ketogenic diet involves a combination of food that allows the body to produce ketones in the liver to be used as energy.

It is also referred to as a low carb diet.

Let’s learn about the Keto diet and see how it can be your answer to weight loss.

How exactly does the Keto Diet work?

Since the glucose in your body is being used as a primary energy, your fats are not needed and are therefore stored. Typically, on a normal, higher carbohydrate diet, the body will use glucose as the main form of energy. By lowering the intake of carbs, the body is induced into a state known as ketosis.

Ketosis is a natural process the body initiates to help us survive when food intake is low. During this state, we produce ketones, which are produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver.

The end goal of a properly maintained keto diet is to force your body into this metabolic state. We don’t do this through starvation of calories but starvation of carbohydrates.

Our bodies are incredibly adaptive to what you put into it – when you overload it with fats and take away carbohydrates, it will begin to burn ketones as the primary energy source. Optimal ketone levels offer many health, weight loss, physical and mental performance benefits.

 

Weight Loss on a Keto Diet?

Before you can use a ketogenic diet for weight loss, it’s a good idea to have an understanding of how it works. Here are some important points about the ketogenic diet:

A ketogenic diet is centered around bringing the body into a state of ketosis.

Ketosis is metabolic process in which the body burns fat for energy instead of its primary fuel, carbohydrates.

When you drastically cut down on the amount of carbohydrates or calories you’re eating, and there aren’t enough carbohydrates from food to burn for energy, the body switches to the state of ketosis.

Once in ketosis, the liver uses the body’s fatty acids to make molecules known as ketones to burn for fuel. Those on a ketogenic diet eat a low amount of carbs to do just this.

Benefits of a Keto Diet for Weight Loss

Increased Fat Burn: When you eat low-carb and your body starts burning fat as its primary source of fuel, you’re essentially in a fasting state where your body is using your fat stores directly for energy. Those experiencing stalls in their weight loss or having trouble getting rid of unwanted fat can benefit from a ketogenic diet for this reason.

Hormone Regulation: Ketosis can help sustain weight loss by regulating hormones that affect weight. After you eat, the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) is released by your intestines. CCK is responsible for stimulating fat and protein digestion and inhibits the emptying of the stomach, which reduces appetite. This makes CCK a great regulator of food intake.

Eating a ketogenic diet can also help you avoid cravings for food after losing weight, reducing the chance of gaining the weight back.

Appetite Suppression: Yep, ketogenic low-carb diets may be helpful in reducing appetite by altering the concentrations of hormones and nutrients that affect hunger. It’s no wonder ketosis is used as a strategy for weight loss; it removes the need to eat more or respond to cravings for unhealthy foods. This means you can better listen to your body’s true hunger signals without worrying about counting calories or going hungry.

Blood Sugar Regulation: When you’re eating a ketogenic diet full of healthy fats and proteins plus an abundance of vegetables, you experience more stabilized blood sugar. This is much better than traditional diet foods that are usually high in refined sugars and other carbohydrates, leading to a spike in blood sugar that leaves you feeling hungry again soon after.

Finally, your answer to weight loss without starvation, but still being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Increase the chance of maintaining weight loss, reducing cravings, and eliminating the need to stress and obsess over every calorie or food portions.

If you are over 40 and struggling with your weight book a free call here https://p.bttr.to/2MZVUKN

The 7 simplest ways to improve your gut health and support your hormones

How are you going with your September health goals?

I hosted a retreat day last Saturday. 10 ladies had fun juicing, fermenting, sprouting, eating delicious food, and learning about gut health and hormones.

The next retreat is scheduled for the 27th November in Wales.

After that I will be doing a mini series of talks in my kitchen here in Minchinhampton.

Keep up to date with announcements in the Thriving Gut health FB group here

At the end of the day, we all committed to doing three things to support our goals. Here is a summary of those new commitments.

This may seem like a simple list but if you did all of these, I guarantee you will feel less bloated. You will sleep better; have more energy and you will feel less stressed.

 What can you add?

  • Drink plenty of water?
  • Take little breaks during the day?
  • Deep breaths before your meal?
  • Chew food well?
  • Veggies for breakfast?
  • Diversity of vegetables on the plate?
  • Change shopping habits to include a bigger range of veg, herbs, seeds, fruit.

When you shop you are better off picking 2-3 of every type of veg rather than sticking with the basics you normally buy.

What can you add to your shopping list this week?

Buy at least:

  • Four green fruit and vegetables.
  • Two red fruit and vegetables.
  • Two yellow fruit and vegetables.
  • One orange fruit and vegetables.
  • One Purple fruit and vegetables.

One spice and one herb you have never tried. Choose a variety.  Choose one of every veg and fruit.  Think about all the colours of the rainbow. This is great preparation for the recipes that follow. Add in two types of nuts, preferably organic or in the shell. Add a new cold pressed virgin oil you have never used before.

Here is a list of foods that will support your gut health and hormones:

Protein

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Game
  • Fresh fish
  • Eggs
  • Organic soy -if tolerated (milk, tofu, edamame beans, miso,tempeh, natto)
  • Grass fed Beef
  • Lamb
  • Pork
  • Venison
  • Veal
  • Liver

 Oils

For dressing:

  • Avocado
  • Flaxseed
  • Hemp
  • Walnut
  • Extra virgin olive
  • Sesame

For cooking:

  • Avocado
  • Coconut
  • Extra virgin olive (up to 180° only)
  • Goose/duck fat/lard
  • Butter

 Dairy alternatives

  • Almond milk (unsweetened)
  • Hazelnut milk (unsweetened)
  • Cashew milk (unsweetened)
  • Coconut milk (full fat)
  • Oat, hemp, rice milks (unsweetened)
  • Coconut oil (for butter)
  • Coconut yoghurt
  • Nutritional yeast flakes

(for cheese)

  • Organic soy milk and yoghurt

 Nuts & Seeds

  • Coconut
  • Almonds
  • Brazils
  • Hazelnuts
  • Cashews
  • Macademias
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Pine nuts
  • Nut butter (not peanut)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds (or linseeds)

 Fruits

All fruits, including:

  • Avocado
  • Apples
  • Apricots
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • Citrus
  • Cranberries
  • Kiwi
  • Nectarine
  • Orange
  • Peach
  • Pears
  • Pomegranate

Avoid dried fruits, fruit juice and other fruit products. Look for sulphur free dried fruits.

Grains & Pulses

  • Amaranth
  • Buckwheat
  • Millet
  • Gluten free oats
  • Quinoa
  • Rice (brown or wild)
  • Chickpeas, beans, or lentils
  • Hummus or other bean dips
  • Gluten free pasta (brown rice, chickpea)
  • Gluten free noodles (rice, soba/buckwheat, zero noodles)

Flours:

  • Almond
  • Coconut
  • Rice
  • Tapioca
  • Buckwheat.

 

It is easy to get stuck in habits of buying the same food.

What can you try this week?

In the 8-week gut healing hormone balancing program we cover this and so much more.

If you are struggling with your symptoms and want to get to the root cause – book a call here

Love Trish