Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, Diet, Fitness, Nutrition, Recipes, weight loss Posted on

Foods for Happy Hormones & Waistlines

I cannot believe July is already on us. If you are a mom like me suddenly the holiday season is descending on us pretty fast and I am doing my best to get through the “To lists “. With July on us, it means our big day (our wedding is in August) is getting closer. I am paying extra attention this month to maintaining happy calmer hormones (A wedding is slightly stressful but magical) and a happier waistline to feel comfortable in the dress I am so excited to be wearing.

But also having this goal means I am more mindful of my eating habits and my stress levels. I know when my hormones are happy, my skin is brighter, I have less bloating, better moods, and a clear more reasonable mind.

It is the way all my clients want to feel, including you, I am sure! So, I guess you are wondering exactly which foods for happier hormones & waistlines should I be consuming Michelle!

 

WHICH FOODS TO CONSUME FOR HAPPIER HORMONES AND WAISTLINES?

 

As a busy mom, it is about convenience and taste. I want the best bang for my buck. If I am going to eat something I want it to taste good. That makes sense right! If you like it then you are more likely to stick with it, getting you the results. Now not all my clients are the same so we can swap out ingredients and I work with them on this. That is the best thing- there are no rules. No healing journey is linear so be patient, and play around with ingredients that heal and support your hormones, body and mind.

The ingredients I have included in these recipes are foods I encourage my clients to start introducing daily and weekly. From working in my Nourish Move and Thrive they understand why we eat these foods and their healing properties.

I hope you enjoy.

 

 

Spicy Turmeric Breakfast Smoothie

(Serves 2)

What a vibrant glass of healing this is! Packed full of sugar balancing fiber, liver loving cruciferous veggies, and gut loving fiber and good fats.

 

Ingredients:

1 banana, peeled, chopped and frozen

1 apple cored and roughly chopped.

Handful of leafy greens(kale, cavolo Nero, watercress)

4 medjool dates, pitted

2 tablespoons cashew butter

350ml cashew milk (oil free if possible such as the brand plenish)

3 teaspoons ground hemp seeds

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon mixed spice

 

Method:

Put the frozen banana in a food processor or blender and blitz until ground down. Add the rest of the ingredients and blitz for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.

Pour into two large glasses and serve immediately with ice if you like.

 

Happy hormones Breakfast Patties

(Serves 2)

Makes: 10-14 patties (depending on size)

 

Ingredients:

Lamb patties:

450 g of grass fed/organic lamb mince

2 tablespoons ground fennel seeds

1 onion finely chopped

4 garlic cloves finely sliced

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons coconut aminos

Dash of quality sea salt & pepper

1 tablespoon ghee (much kinder then inflammatory oils such as sunflower)

 

Method:

  • Mix all the ingredients together until well combined and shape into patties. I normally make them burger sized.
  • Fry in some ghee for about 3-4 minutes each side depending on thickness.

I normally serve these with a big green rainbow salad of watercress, parsley, pomegranates, roasted pumpkin & cauliflower, and toasted seeds such as sesame or pumpkin depending on where in my cycle I am. Not sure what seeds to add in where? Check out my Seed cycling blog here.

 

 

I normally cook a batch on a weekend and freeze so I can use through the week on those busy mornings. Life is not perfect as we know, but food plays a huge role in how we feel, look and behave. My passion is supporting women and mums such as yourself to work smarter not harder so you can just be the best version of you.

 

I hope you enjoy my lovelies and be sure to share the love with any women needing some kitchen healing medicine in their life.

 

Want to know how can we work together?

  1. Sign up to my Nourish Move and Thrive programme HERE waiting list kicking off in September 2022,)
  2. Get started with your Align & Thrive self-paced menstrual cycle syncing course HERE.
  3. Book a 1-1 Hormone clarity call HERE and we can chat through what is the option that will get you the best results.
Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, Diet, Nutrition, Recipes, womens health Posted on

Why Every Women Needs a Green Smoothie For Hormone Balancing

Hormonal imbalance can manifest in everything from mood swings and cravings to PMS, cramps, and even infertility. From the annoying to the devastating, the truth is that hormonal imbalance doesn’t have to be part of your reality. Now I am not saying they are not common! Let’s be honest I speak to women on a daily basis who are struggling with all of the above. But it does not have to be your normal!

 

Wouldn’t it be great if there was something quick, easy, and tasty that could help support your hormones? Something tasty ( yes its green!) and so packed full of hormone goodness  that you’ll be licking your lips and wondering, “how on Earth can this be good for me Michelle?” Well, you’re in luck, oh did I mention I am Irish,  so green and good luck are very much part of my game plan 😊.  I’m going to share one of my Hormone reset plan smoothies. A true gorgeous green smoothie that every woman needs for hormonal health and balance.

 

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a moment to dish about the WHY behind this choice.  Why is my gorgeous green smoothie the perfect choice to help balance your hormones? It is not the only thing we focus on, but as I always say- Start with what you can include daily instead of focusing on what you need to take away.

 

Green Smoothies are all the rage (and rightly so)! Dark leafy greens are among the most nutrient-dense and nutritious foods out there. Every food post I do contains the power of green leafy’s. If you’re like most people I know, the idea of eating more greens may make you scroll to the next post!  But hear me out…. There’s a bit of a fear factor with greens.  We are afraid that they’re going to taste gross and so we avoid them! I mean most of us to carry this from childhood when we were served overcooked, boiled to within an inch of our life broccoli.

 

Enter the gorgeous green smoothie. It’s really a secret weapon and something I now include daily. As a busy mum getting 2 small humans to school, I need something I can prep the night before, keep me full for a few hours and also the knowledge that I am actually healing my body with food not killing it! (slightly dramatic maybe).

 

Blending is part of the magic.  Blending breaks down all the ingredients, which is especially helpful with those greens!  A high-powered, high-speed blender, I invested in a nutri bullet which is amazing for the texture and is key to making a gorgeous green smoothie that you will love.  We want smooth and creamy smoothies.  Gritty, grainy green smoothies will sooner hit the bin than warm your cockles, so make sure you start with the right equipment.

 

Balance is the other key to the gorgeous green smoothie’s success as a hormone helper.  Fat, fiber, and protein are a powerhouse combo that helps you achieve stable blood sugar, the removal of toxins and excess hormones and supply the building blocks for hormones. Yes, I know you hear me bang on about the 3 amigos but it’s true.

 

Why I choose blended juices for breakfast

  • Blending retains the fiber (juicing does not). Fiber acts as your body mop in the intestines. It helps bind to toxins and waste products thrown off by the liver and the digestive process so they can be excreted. When excess hormones are in the body, they can wreak havoc, so fiber becomes an important friend for balancing hormones that helps get them out so they can do no harm.
  • The base greens are great for getting crucial vitamins and minerals that are essential.
  • The bitter greens help stimulate the liver, (which is the organ largely responsible for cholesterol production and of course our friend bile. The liver produces almost 80% of the cholesterol in the body.  Cholesterol is the precursor to steroid hormones and is critical for hormone balance!) Read more on the liver and its role here.

 

The Ingredients for Your Hormone-Balancing Smoothie

  • 1 cup baby spinach, baby kale or Swiss chard OR I love a combination
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley & coriander
  • One peeled fresh or frozen banana
  • 1 Tablespoon organic dandelion greens
  • 1/3 cup chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup hemp seeds
  • ½ cup of frozen berries
  • ½ cup of filtered water
  • Liquid stevia, if needed, to sweeten
  • OPTIONAL 1 serving of quality protein powder(I use sun warrior but feel free to use another quality bran but be sure to do your research)

 

Benefits of the Hormone-balancing Smoothie

 

1.    The Base Greens

  • Kale – Kale is a superfood that contains indole 3 carbinol and calcium D glucarate. Both help to detoxify and metabolize estrogen through the detox pathways.
  • Spinach – Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and micronutrients.
  • Swiss chard – is rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein. Antioxidants help the liver produce glutathione, which is a powerful detoxifier.

2.    Herbs and their Benefits

Our green smoothie includes dandelion greens, coriander, and parsley – all of which are powerhouses for liver health. These herbs are considered bitter, and bitter stimulates the liver in a good way that supports assimilation, detoxification and secretion of bile.

3.    Fruits and their Benefits

Fruits are nature’s sweets and help balance out the earthy, bitter taste of the greens. I mean I love this taste but for most a little fruit helps the balance of the green smoothie. Berries are so yummy and nutritious, but if you need to mask the green flavour, opt for pineapple! All are rich in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and flavonoids which support healthy hormones.

4.    Chia and Hemp Seeds

All seeds have wonderful health benefits and I use a lot of seed cycling in my programmes including my Align & Thrive 4-week cycle syncing course.  Both seeds are great sources of fiber, omega-3 fats, and protein.  Balanced blood sugar relies on all three. As does balanced hormones. I am yet to meet a woman with balanced blood sugar who is experiencing hormonal chaos.  Hemp seeds also contain an especially beneficial type of omega-6 fat called gamma linolenic acid or GLA for short. GLA is a direct building block of good anti-inflammatory hormones.

 

 

We then just blitz everything together. I love mine to be cold which is why I’m like to add my frozen fruit on the day, but I add the other ingredients the night before to save time.  You could even make a big batch, store it in the fridge and sip throughout the day.

Have I tempted you to give it a try?

Are you looking to step away from hormonal chaos and deprivation? Focusing on food is one of the first places I work as it is the foundation of everything I do as a Nutritionist, Personal trainer, mum and a woman in her 40’s.  

I have a step-by-step plan packed full of 21 days of recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including smoothies, soups and snack recipes. More importantly, it does not take hours of cooking or fancy equipment which can halt you in your tracks with your progress.

You also receive as a bonus for the month of June as it is my birthday month a Free 30-minute consultation. During this time we will address any symptoms your experiencing and areas to pay particular attention to.

 

Book your 21 day Hormonal reset here.

a bowl of mung bean prawn curry
Author Morena Fiore Categories balancing hormones, belly fat, Cycle Syncing, fat burning, Nutrition, Postnatal, Recipes, weight loss Posted on

Lose pounds and support your liver through food.

Mung bean, spinach and prawn coconut curry.

Hands up if this has happened to you too? You’re doing your cupboard clear out when suddenly, a packet of strange looking beans jump out. Your mind flashes back to January, an article you read in the latest Health magazine- they were good for weight loss or something!  Maybe it even mentioned lose pounds and support your liver through food?!

Listen up, I am here to tell you not to fear the funny little beans. The health magazine was right they have amazing weight loss, energy boosting, nutrient packed qualities. But most of the time we read it, we buy them, we leave them to grow roots….. Literally growing roots in the darkest corner of the cupboards. Fear not, I’m here to help you overcome your fear of cooking with beans. The benefit being, lose pounds and support your liver through food. Through this we can work towards hormone balancing, reducing stress, low moods and gut issues.

Benefits of yummy Mung beans

  • A great source of B vitamins, Vitamin C, folate, iron, copper, magnesium, and vitamin K.
  • Fantastic amount of fibre which helps eliminate toxins through the gut quicker. Around 15 grams per cooked cup. That’s about half your recommended 30 grams a day. BAM…..
  • High in antioxidants and flavonoids which helps the liver detoxify unwanted substances.
  • High in veggie protein, which as we know is essential for hormone production and weight loss to name just 2 benefits.. The protein & Fibre combo is a win win when it comes to weight loss and cravings. One cup of cooked mung beans has about 15 grams of protein. That’s the same as 2 medium eggs. BAM….

Cycle syncing phase?Lose pounds and support your liver through food

Again eating well has its place in any part of your cycle. But when eating cyclically we want to ensure we are getting the nutrients our body needs during each phase to support balanced hormones, detoxification, gut health, stable blood sugar, fertility, bad pmt & weight loss. This recipe is great during the middle part of your cycle- Follicular & ovulatory phases. When hormones are on the rise during these phases one priority is looking to support digestion and detoxification. Packed full of lean protein, greens, & sulphur veggies it’s a win win recipe. You can adapt some of the ingredients to fit whatever phase of your cycle your in. Remember cycle syncing nutrition & movement is about small consistent lifestyle changes to support you, not to overwhelm you. If one goal is to lose pounds and support your liver through food, your inn the right place.

Recipe ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil.
  • A Tbsp whole cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ground chilli, turmeric
  • 7 cloves of crushed garlic
  • 1 can of 330ml coconut milk
  • 1 packet of 330ml of pasata
  • 3 cups of mung beans
  • 3 cups of water
  • Bag of Prawns(optional)
  • Cup of chopped broccoli and cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
  • Half a bag of spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
  • Juice of 2 limes & the zest
  • 1 tablespoon of lemongrass puree

Directions

  1. Heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the cumin seeds & cumin powder and cook for about 1 minute, be wary not to burn.
  3. Crush the garlic and for about 2 mins keep stirring so it doesn’t stick and burn the garlic.
  4. Next add the pasata, ginger, coriander, turmeric, salt, and cayenne.
  5. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, and keep stirring.
  6. Add the water and mung beans. Increase the heat to high , bring to boil, then reduce to low, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stir to prevent the mixture sticking to the bottom.
  7. I always suggest to taste a few mung beans to make sure they are cooked. Once cooked, stir in the coconut milk, and lemongrass simmer for about 10 minutes.
  8. In a separate pot steam the broccoli & cauliflower. Once cooked put aside and add to the bottom of your serving bowl( I don’t like the veg breaking down in my curry.
  9. Now you can add the lime juice & grated zest.
  10. Add the raw prawns and spinach about 1 minute before finishing.
  11. I am not a fan of coriander( I know weirdo right!) but if you like feel free to add as garnish on top. If you would like more heat try adding some chopped chillies on top.

Other articles of interest

The benefits for other health conditions is also evident. I have included a link if you wanted a little more information.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324156#how-much-to-eat

I hope you enjoy and look forward to hearing your comments and pictures. Please share all your pics to ..

Http://www.instagram.com/newbodyandsoulmom

Michelle xx

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

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