Healing Hormones vs Hurting Hormones

Small changes to your daily habits can make a big difference! I've found that I can actually maximize more of my health gains by pushing myself less.

While there isn't a 'one size fits all' for a healthy fitness routine, these are some changes that I found helped me more and hurt me less.

Here are things that helped...

1. Caffeine

Switching from high caffeine to low. Whether that's matcha, decaf coffee, or ginseng; try replacing energy drinks and excessive amounts of espresso for a more gentle and gradual energy booster!

Tip:

• Try Matcha: Matcha contains a rare amino acid, L-Theanine, which is excellent for balancing that energy boost with a calming and relaxing sensation for your nervous system!

2. Eat Well

Don't starve, but make your meals count! Intermittent fasting can be a helpful tool to give your digestive system a break and encourage bodily healing. But it should not be used as an excuse to starve.

I eat mindfully, and when I do, I focus on the Big 3:

• Protein

• Fiber

• Fats

I usually have 2 high-protein meals and a snack. I still enjoy starches, carbs and sugars now and again, but I keep them in moderation! I allow most of the food I eat to be made up of protein, fats and fiber!

(See my newsletter post where I share my Tofu Scramble recipe! It's high in protein and fiber, plant based, filling, and delicious!)

3. Some Days On, Some Days Off

Daily movement is key. That doesn't mean pushing yourself to the max and never taking days off. A simple walk is more than enough to get your heart rate up and your blood flowing without spiking your cortisol too much.

Sometimes I'll do yoga or meditation, sometimes I'll lift weights and run a mile. Listen to your body, and seize the opportunities when they arise, for challenge and rest.

Conclusion

Small, simple tweaks in your routine can encourage more recovery and healing with less stress and damage along the way! Maximize and leverage your health by doing less. Not by extending less care or less effort, but by consciously listening to your body and learning to follow it's rhythms.

Big change doesn't need to be loud or dramatic. In fact, I find change often comes to us in small, consistent acts that stack and create our daily habits.

Let me know if you've adopted any of these changes into your life or have noticed any impactful results from other things you've tried!