a white bowl of weight loss high fibre vegetables
Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, belly fat, fat burning, Nutrition, Postnatal, Recipes, weight loss, womens health Posted on

Banish cravings, lift brain fog and achieve weight loss

Weight loss without diets

First stop.  STOP the fad diets and calorie counting. They do not work for the long term. If you have been following some form of diet for most of you life and not got the results what do you think is the most logical answer?

 Then I guess it’s time to change the approach. Would you agree what do you think would be the logical answers? My attitude has absolutely changed over the years. I now work with clients all over the world  focusing on  an abundance of healthy foods, not restrictive boring unmotivating way of eating. After all “ You are what you eat” It is the way forward that I have seen and the perfect way to banish cravings, lift brain fog and achieve weight loss. All without the need of outdated diets.

Where to start? Lift brain fog and achieve weight loss.

My process for plating up. You’re shutting the computer off now, right! hear me out. It is not as complicated or overwhelming as it may seem. Scientifically we know that each food group have functions in the body. This is the whole reason extreme restrictive diets don’t work. Low protein, low carbohydrate, fat free the list goes on. As humans we need all of these food groups to function at optimal level not just sub-optimal which is where most of my clients start at.

Fueling your body

I have a process for my plating up. I know what you’re thinking but hear me out. It is not as complicated or overwhelming as it may seem. Scientifically we know that each food group have functions in the body. This is the whole reason extreme restrictive diets don’t work. Low protein, low carbohydrate, fat free the list goes on. As humans we need all of these food groups to function at optimal level not just sub-optimal which is where most of my clients start at. Learn how to banish cravings, lift brain fog and achieve weight loss. All with small consistent steps.

Where does the magic happen?

The simplest most effective way I have found to banish cravings, lift brain fog and lose weight is to focus on where the magic happens.   Yes the kitchen😊 that’s what you all guessed right!

Start with your plating up. Meaning your ingredients. Lets now take 2 steps back meaning your shopping list. Like any great plan it needs a little commitment to it. Take the time to write your shopping list so you have everything you need at home ready to make magic happen. Get started on that goal -lift brain fog and achieve long term weight loss.

My top 5

When plating up aim to include something from each of the following food types. Once you get into the habit of including all of the food groups you start to form healthy food relationships. Understanding that all of these play a major roll in weight loss, balanced hormones & vitality.

  • Protein- Can be quality animal sources or vegetarian sources. Protein is a major player in balancing hormones and weight loss. The majority of women I work with are under their protein amounts by as much as 30-50%. The biggest reason for this I see is having an unorganised plating up system.
  • Vegetables including pre and probiotic veg -Think rainbow colours. Each colour represents a powerhouse of antioxidants and micronutrients for health, vitality, stable weight and moods. Rotate these every few days.
  • Sea vegetables-Packed full of B12, calcium, magnesium, iron and iodine which are great for your thyroid which supports so many of your body’s processes including a healthy metabolism.
  • Healthy fats which support brain function and healthy hormones.
  • Starchy carbohydrates which are higher in fibre keeping you fuller for longer and packed full of antioxidants and important micro minerals essential for moods, weight, hormones and cravings.

My one pot wonder lunch

  • Chop 3 spring onions and 4 cloves of garlic. Saute in a little coconut oil.
  • Add a teaspoon of cumin & turmeric & pepper(remember pepper helps the absorption of turmeric).
  • Next add chopped cauliflower, carrots, kale, and saute until soft. Add a little water to form a paste with spices if too dry.
  • About 2 mins before your done add some chopped tomatoes and sunflower seeds.
  • Plate up and mix through some cooked quinoa (I had left overs from the night before so a great way to use food up).

Setting 1 intention a week

So ladies there it is. All of the 5 foods I mentioned are in this one pot wonder bowl and took under 15 minutes to cook! Thinking of your food as the fuel for success. Success for weight loss, success for energy, success for vitality, success for pregnancy. But remember wishing about dreams and goals only gets you so far.

“Nothing changes if nothing changes”

Set one healthy intention this week and set yourself up for success. If you would like any more details on my 6 week Personal training & Nutrition programmes then book in a free no -obligation discovery call below.

https://Nourishmovethrive.as.me/

Michelle x

A white bowl of soup with roasted pumpkin seeds on top
Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, belly fat, Cycle Syncing, fat burning, Nutrition, Recipes, Uncategorized, weight loss Posted on

Using food in your armour of health & happy hormones.

Roasted Cauliflower, garlic, turmeric soup topped with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Using food as medicine could be one of the most valuable weapons in your armour against imbalanced hormones. Digestive issues, brain fog, weight gain, depression,insomnia and tiredness. Only some of the common complaints I have helped my clients bounce back from. Using food in your armour of health & happy hormones is something all of us can start with.

Magic spell?

Unfortunately there are no magic spell when it comes to Happy hormones. But one thing is for sure, hormones are responsible for how we think, feel and look. And the sooner we realise that our thoughts, actions, even feelings all influence the delicate orchestra that is our endocrine system the smoother the journey will be . Again an easy place to start is in our kitchen. Using food in your armour of health & happy hormones is something all of us can start with.

Are you ready to take the journey to a happier, confident you?Using food in your armour of health & happy hormones.

The journey to a happier, more confident you really doesn’t have to be on top of a forbidden mountain. I like to think of it as a journey of self discovery. A journey where you learn to listen to your body, what works for you, to be kinder and more tolerant. It is not just another diet, but a way of living that will nourish your mind and your body. On this journey I will share my knowledge, education, recipes, and my experiences. Allowing you to be a vibrant, happy, confident women. Something we all have the right to feel without guilt or question. Using food in your armour of health & happy hormones.Today I am sharing a wonderful tasty recipe with you.

Endless health benefits

  • This recipe is packed full of pro & prebiotics for gut health.
  • Amazing Anti-inflammatory herbs & veggies.
  • Packed full of sulphur veggies to support the liver & excess oestrogen detoxification.
  • Source of low gi carbohydrates for slow energy release and balancing blood sugar levels.
  • An amazing recipe for any stage of your menstrual cycle but particularly great for the mid to second half of cycle. This is where hormones are on the rise so we want to ensure good detoxification & stable blood sugar to help prevent cravings, Pmt, bloating.

Ingredients

  • 1 big head of cauliflower cut into small pieces.
  • A few pieces of the cauliflower leaves.
  • 1 whole head of garlic peeled and whole
  • 1 whole onion chopped
  • 3 stems of fresh turmeric cut up to nail size(dried also fine)
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • Pinch of pepper(needed for good absorption of turmeric)
  • 1 & 1/2 litres of veggie stock.
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Method

  1. In a roasting tin mix the turmeric, cauliflower pieces, garlic, pepper, cumin together.
  2. Rub all the pieces with the coconut oil.
  3. Roast until caramelized about 30 minutes.
  4. Once cooked chuck it all onto a big pot with your stock.
  5. Blitz until smooth or the consistency you like.
  6. Dry fry some pumpkin seeds for 2 mins until golden.
  7. Chop roughly and serve on top of your soup.
  8. Enjoy, cook a batch for the busy week ahead.

If you liked this recipe be sure to sign up to my monthly newsletter(link below) where I will be sharing lots of tips and help to get you started on your Happy Hormone journey.

http://www.newbodyandsoul.com

Michelle xx

a picture of a white and bluebowl of kale and chicken chilli
Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, belly fat, Cycle Syncing, Nutrition, Recipes Posted on

How much protein do I need to eat for weight loss & hormone balancing?.

The role of protein in weight loss & hormonal balancing. How much protein do I need to eat for weight loss & hormonal balancing.

I describe protein as the building blocks of our body. It plays a part in so many different essential functions in the body. Including building lean muscle tissue, making hormones, enzymes, healing and repairing your body and cell development. And of course the purpose of the blog is weight loss & hormone balancing. Pretty important stuff right? By not giving our body the correct amounts it’s easy to see how we can suffer as a result! And our body, your bestest friend is pretty good at giving you little clues or breadcrumbs if she is not happy. So the question is how much protein do I need to eat for weight loss & hormonal balance.

Meat V veggie protein

So let’s break down the nutrition jargon. When we eat protein we break it down to usable pieces called amino acids(Think carbohydrates are broken down into a useable form, glucose-sugar) There are 20 amino acids, 9 essential and the 11 the body can make the other 11. Animal sources contain all of the 20 amino acids and are commonly known as complete proteins. Plant proteins are known as incomplete, which means that they are missing at least one of the essential amino acids. They still absolutely have value and don’t forget all the other amazing health benefits. Fibre, antioxidants, abundant amounts of vitamins and minerals. I personally aim to eat 50% vegetarian a week and love the challenge of getting a wide array of veggie sources. Thinking outside the box with cooking and recipes is also fun and I love to pass this knowledge onto my clients and friends.

Sources of veggie protein

Some examples of plant-based foods rich in protein.

  • Nuts & seeds.
  • Bean & Pulses.
  • Some fruits like avocado
  • Peas & seeded veggies.
  • Hemp.
  • Soy and tempeh.
  • Quinoa, whole wheat, oats, amaranth & buckwheat.

Sources of animal protein

  • Red Meat
  • Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Dairy
  • Fish & shellfish

Protein -its Thermic value & why its pretty cool!

When you eat , some of the calories from that particular food are used for the purpose of digestion and metabolism of that food.

This is often referred to as called the thermic effect of food (TEF).

We are not entirely sure of exact amounts as expert opinions vary. But what they can seem to agree on is that protein has a higher thermic effect around 30 % compared to  carbohydrates 10 %(estimate) and fat 3%(estimate)

What does that mean for me Michelle? Breaking it down it simply means, if we look at protein rich meals such as my Turkey , bean and kale chilli? And look back to the numbers above -Thermic effect of 30% for protein, would that 100 calories of protein only end up as 70 usable calories, and the other 30 will be used for digestion & metabolism of the protein..

How much protein a day should I be eating for hormone balancing & weight loss?

How much protein should I be eating for weight loss & hormonal balancing. There is no simple answer I am afraid. It comes down to you as as an individual. When I am assessing a client’s food diary there is a number of questions I take into account. All of these questions will make a huge difference to the amount of protein they may need to achieve their goals of weight loss and balancing hormones.

  • Their age.
  • Their exercise activity level.
  • How are their stress levels.
  • How well is their sleep.
  • Weight.
  • Recovering from any illness or surgery.
  • Pregnant, postpartum & breastfeeding or trying for a baby.
  • Breadcrumbs such as skin, hair and nails health. How are their periods? Tiredness, indigestion or any gut issues. Cravings and intolerances.

Government guidelines

I have included a link from the British nutrition society which gives their recommendations on protein intake. But take into consideration all of the questions above. I myself aim for about 1.2-1.5 grams per kg of bodyweight for my weight loss goals, exercise goals and role in balancing my hormones. .

https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritionscience/nutrients-food-and-ingredients/protein.html?start=2

What’s the bottom line when it comes to adding protein for weight loss & balancing hormones.

I believe protein, carbohydrates and fats all have an essential role in the body. So please do not start cutting out carbohydrates and fats just because we have heard all the wonderful jobs that protein does. . rather look at your plating up and allow it to represent your goals. Each food group deserves its spot on your plate. So let’s start being more mindful and aware of our plate. Let it be a representation of our future self and all our wonderful health goals. Here is one of my super easy and tasty protein and fibre rich meals. I can t wait to share more in my new Ebook which will be available in spring. x Michelle

Turkey, bean & kale chilli

  • 400 grams of lean turkey breast mince
  • Tin of kidney beans
  • 1 packet of kale
  • 1 big onion
  • 8 cloves of garlic
  • teaspoon of paprika, turmeric, cumin.
  • 1 carton of passata
  • Cup of veggie stock
  1. Chop roughly the onion & garlic
  2. Saute the onions and garlic in a teaspoon of coconut oil.
  3. Add the spices for 30 secs.
  4. Add the turkey mince and brown.
  5. Once browned add the stock and passata.
  6. Gently simmer for about 20 mins.
  7. Add the kale and simmer for another 5 mins.
  8. Add the kidney beans in at the end and serve.
food is medicine amd how it impacts stress, our hormones and weight
Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, belly fat, Cycle Syncing, fat burning, Fitness, Mindset, womens health Posted on

How stress impacts your hormones, mood & weight.

Hands up if your stress hormones are running the show right now!? Would you benefit from understanding how stress impacts your hormones, mood & weight.

As women, some of us mums, multi- tasking, juggling work, kids, school applications, Christmas, will there even be a bloody Christmas!?, family & relationship dramas. Some of you may even be dealing with the pain of loss in these uncertain circumstances. So it can feel like we are being slapped in the face from every direction with some form of stress.  As a result it can seem like life is literally being sucked out of us, would you agree? Or is that just my experience 😊 So again, I ask “Are your hormones running the show right now?” Let’s talk about, how stress impacts your hormones, mood and weight.

As a result the impact stress has on us as women is truly mind blowing! But on the flip side, it is an area we can achieve some serious results. If we choose to take back the control and make that investment in ourselves. For instance let us choose not to let stress run the show. The show being our lives.

How Stress impacts your hormones, mood & weight.

For a lot of women, I work with it, guilt can be one of those top stressors.

  • The guilt that your self-care should even be a priority ( I call this my mom guilt).
  • The guilt of spending money on your Health & wellness in a time of uncertainty for many.
  • The guilt of spending precious time on your life goals.

I know from experience if you do not make your Physical & Mental health a priority eventually you will be forced to… Your wellness should be a priority, not a novelty and I will give you one reason why!

Because if you fall apart everything and everyone who relies on you will also suffer, including you!!.

As women, some of us mums, we tend to be placed at the end of the self care list. But what if we decided to change the conversation in our head? It can be a real game changer. It could be that simple step to living a stress reduced/managed (you can see I don’t say stress -free!) life.

How? Tell me Michelle how do I get to a space of feeling happy and confidence in myself? Learn the tools to avoid letting stress impact your hormones, mood and weight.

  1. Firstly, Lets try Focusing on what we can change and not giving space in our precious life for what we have no control over! I always suggest no more then 2- 3 clear actions goals at a time. This is how I work with my clients allowing them to be consistent, taking the overwhelm out of the equation and see the changes these smaller mini goals have on the bigger picture.  end result being not less stress run the show. For instance I have a beautiful client whose long term goal is to manage her horrific Pmt (she has really low moods and salt cravings at least 2 weeks of the month) Salt can be an indicator of adrenal fatigue caused by stress. And also she has gained a lot of weight around the middle and not so much the rest of her body. Also an indicator of high cortisol as a result of blood sugar issues and stress. Both of which impact each other. We have broken these down into 3 mini goals a month.

How we broke one big goal into 3 manageable mini goals.

  • Stress management techniques which we do weekly to identify stressors and how best to manage them. Identifying stressors and barriers plays a big role in achieving goals and should never be skipped. I also do this as part of my group programmes as part of a workshop and have had great client results.
  • Portion sizes to ensure she has the right proportion of carbs, protein and good fats so we can manage blood sugar, which will reduce cravings and belly fat through balancing insulin and cortisol production.
  • In her case we reduced the amount of cardio during the second half of her cycle which was adding to her weight gain( excessive exercise can cause more cortisol adding to weight gain in some cases)and swapped for more strength work and yoga.

  • Second, Think about Nourishment not deprivation.  Food is medicine, I will repeat this again FOOD IS MEDICINE. eating cyclically, using the power of nutrition to support the 4 phases of your cycle. Hormones need different nutrients during each phase. Try adding some simple easy to find foods into your diet can have massive direct impacts with your mood, weight and energy. I have seen first- hand these small changes make to women, their confidence, and relationships. It is a beautiful process, and I am so honored to a part of that.
  • Third, Embrace Progress not perfection. If we try to make small consistent changes to achieve the big life changing results. This is what I teach my 1-1 and group clients on my Nourish-Move-Thrive Programme. Balancing hormones to lose weight, achieve more stable moods, body confidence and get rid of any pesky Pmt symptoms holding you back from living your best life.

Do you want to learn more about cycle syncing nutrition for weight loss and balancing hormones ? click here https://bit.ly/3pPyeHu

Some of the conditions increased stress can manifest itself as

  • Bloating, increasing the waist up a dress size.
  • Gut issues (especially Ibs, colitis, any inflammatory conditions).
  • Increased belly fat (especially if exercising your tushy off but you’re not getting the desired results.
  • Excess tiredness even though you may be sleeping well. Or maybe you are not sleeping well and waking up a lot during the night due to anxious, racing thoughts and worries!
  • Low libido which may be having an impact on your confidence and relationship.
  • Headaches and migraines which I have seen on the increase and I have just helped a client this week with and have had great results.

It is so important to remember and be mindful that we are all wonderfully unique. Stress manifests very differently from one person to the next. To summarise everything I have said would be Planning ahead with some clear action though Nutrition, movement, and mindset it is possible to live a life perhaps not stress free, but more balanced, full of body confidence, free from the chains of unbalanced hormones and excess weight holding you back.

My top 5 foods during periods of extreme stress

  • Wholegrains such as Spelt, buckwheat, Oats, amaranth. Packed full of B vitamins essential during times of healing and crisis.
  • Green leafy veggies which are an abundant source of fibre but also magnesium. B vitamins and magnesium both  play a big role in releasing  energy from food. Magnesium is known as natures tranquilizer. It is a great supplement to take before bed. Try 300-500mg of magnesium glycinate an hour before bed for a good night of ZZZzzzzzz’s.
  • Beans and pulses are a great vegetarian source of protein and fibre. Protein plays a big role  in hormone production and weight loss, the fibre also aids digestion and facilitates weight loss.

Are you ready to invest in yourself and be the best version of you?

Are you ready to invest in yourself?  

A helping hand I would like to offer everyone is a free 20-minute online consultation to anyone looking for some guidance on where to start on your wellness journey. As a result I hope you have started to understand the connection on how stress impacts your hormones, mood and weight. Always remember my lovely do not suffer in silence.  To book follow the link and pick an available slot.

https://nourishmovethrive.as.me/

Michelle xx

Http://www.newbodyandsoul.com/contact

Women feeling powerful on learning about exercising for each phase of her menstrual cycle
Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, belly fat, Cycle Syncing, fat burning, Fitness, Mindset, Uncategorized Posted on

Exercising for each phase of your menstrual cycle.

Why would you benefit from exercising for each phase of your menstrual cycle? Have you noticed how one day your sprinting through the park with endless energy? The next you have to drag yourself out for even a short stroll with the dog.

That is our hormones are work. It really is like a monthly dance. Each week playing a different tune. A slow waltz, a sexy tango, or an Irish jig. But what if you had the monthly dance schedule ahead of time ?  You could be well prepped for each dance filled with confidence that you knew the steps to each one with the perfect outfit to match?

In other words, by tracking our cycle and understanding each phase (Download my free planner and tracker to get started on discovering yours) you can be prepared for what each week brings.

Once you have discovered your pattern you can work on those weight loss goals, strength building exercises that bring the full benefit of working with your hormones and achieve your goals. Exercising for each phase of your menstrual cycle really is power to women, and we need to be taking full advantage of this knowledge.

What others are saying about exercising for each phase of your menstrual cycle

“Now, researchers at the University of North Carolina have shown that one stage of the menstrual cycle heightens fat burning, while another increases carbohydrate metabolism.” (quote from of peak performance article ) 

The menstrual phase

Your hormones are at their lowest. This is time for low impact activity. Taking the stress from your adrenals. Yoga, walks in nature, more flow based tai chi, Pilates movement, resistance bands, stair climbing, bodyweight strength moves.  High impact workouts during this phase are draining on the body and taxing on the adrenals. Remember if the adrenals feel under the pump, an influx of stress hormones are bound to be close. And as we know high cortisol Levels have been linked to an increase in belly fat. 

The follicular phase

You will start to notice an increase in energy once your period ends and your heading into the follicular phase. An increase in Oestrogen is what leads to the rise in energy so it’s the perfect time for more high endurance strength activity. As I have said use your body as a guide. She will tell you if you are listening for the power of exercise for each phase of your menstrual cycle. Oestrogen strengthens the effect of insulin carb storing hormone) meaning carbs are better tolerated and muscle is more easily built at this stage.

This is the time for Hiit work and more endurance yoga work. The pre-ovulatory spike of testosterone also makes it an excellent time for building muscle. Get the weight out ladies. And no you won’t end up like arnie but you will get the toned lean body most of us strive for. This is the power held in exercising for each phase of your menstrual cycle.

The ovulatory phase

After we ovulate, we get another little spike in oestrogen, and progesterone is on the rise.  This leads again to an energy and confidence spike. This is a fantastic time to try some team sports and activities. Bootcamps, boxing are two I enjoy and are a good mix of cardio and strength work. It is also the best time for trying new things, as we are more than likely to stick to it if our experience is good. Again this is a time Carbohydrates are better tolerated according to recent studies. It is a time that these 2 hormones help to burn fat as fuel. So think heart raising moves. Hiking, spinning, sprint work, hill runs.

The luteal phase

Hormones can take a sharp dip here especially towards then end of the luteal phase. This can lead to low energy, mood changes, cravings and any other Pmt symptoms you experience. Progesterone in the luteal phase also decreases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and carbohydrate metabolism. Including lean protein, goods fats, and starchy vegetables such as pumpkin, and squash to keep cravings at bay.

It may also be best sticking to lower intensity training during this time especially towards the end just before your period starts. Light cardio or bodyweight session, especially if you are particularly susceptible to fatigue and depression during PMS. Empowerment is about working with your body, not against it. If your energy is there then go for it. But as the luteal phase comes to an end you will feel the drop in energy so listen out for the clues.

Vary your workouts & tap into the power of exercising for each phase of your menstrual cycle.

It is important to be smart with this information. It is a guide, as am I. It’s also important to listen to your own body and her breadcrumbs. Yes, it’s helpful to know which half of your cycle may produce better results from different exercises but be mindful of limitations and ask for advice when needed.

This means not pushing yourself further than your body wants. And aiming to be injury free.

Both cardio and strength work have amazing health benefits. So be sure to get a mix of both through the month to get the results you desire.  This is how I work with my Personal training and Nutrition clients in my Nourish-Move -thrive 90 day programme. Please do not waste time on the “Throw the spaghetti against the wall approach”. Have a plan peeps and get the results you deserve. I hope I have given you some direction to get started and if you would like more hands on help and support please check out my 1-1 and group fitness packages at .

Ready to invest in yourself this lockdown.

Join me over on Instagram where I share lots of tips around food, mindset and exercise to help you bring balance to wherever it is needed most.Then let’s set some positive intentions for this month and make a positive from this whole situation. I look forward to seeing you. Http://www.Instagram.com/newbodyandsoulmom

Have a great week my lovelies x

Michelle

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