Circadian rhythms impact our health through the timing of meals. Research has shown that insulin sensitivity, or the body’s ability to efficiently use insulin to manage blood sugar levels, is highest in the morning and gradually decreases throughout the day. This means that eating during the first half of the day is better for managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss.

When Black women enter perimenopause and menopause, they face unique health challenges that are often misunderstood or dismissed by the medical community. Research shows that Black women may experience more severe symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, depression, and anxiety, compared to white women . Yet, studies reflect that Black women are less likely to be offered hormone replacement therapy or other treatments that could improve their quality of life during this phase.

During Heart Health Month, let’s discuss the connection between migraines and hot flashes and how the underlying causes of these annoying symptoms may increase risks for cardiometabolic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. And better yet, let’s talk about dietary and lifestyle habits that can greatly lower those risks

Are you more like Hozier’s lyrics, going to bed at 3:00 am, or the couple asleep early? The chronotypes of the early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between, are formed through sociocultural influences, family dynamic, and habitual patterns over time. These tendencies carry a perceived association. The late-night person may be seen as easy-going and open to adventure, while the early riser may be viewed as more rigid and conforming.

A chronotype defines the timing of sleep, waking hours, and food and beverage consumption. Chronotype is linked to circadian rhythms and physiological functions in the body. Early birds may have some advantages over night owls regarding long-term health outcomes.

Navigating migraine causes and effective complementary treatments can be overwhelming when experiencing severe migraine symptoms. Partnering with an integrative nutritionist who specializes in evidence-based migraine prevention and personalized nutrition can greatly improve outcomes and empower migraineurs to regain their health.

Food allergies can develop during perimenopause and menopause, creating uncertainty about food choices and frustration with food planning. My exclusively breastfed son was diagnosed with 12 food allergies in infancy, so my experiences with food allergies were filled with heightened awareness and ongoing worry.

It can be overwhelming to sift through all the online cannabidiol oil information. Before jumping on the cannabidiol (CBD) bandwagon, take a few minutes to learn terminology, review a list of questions to ask about CBD, and be aware of safety concerns about CBD.

Perimenopause can take some women by surprise. Inundated with half-truths that simply don’t serve them, ladies in their 40’s and 50’s tend to complain of unpleasant symptoms such as weight gain and wonder if it’s related to “hormones.” While hormone imbalance is associated with weight gain in select individuals, that’s often an oversimplified explanation.

Deep-rooted impressions about your kitchen environment, perceived cooking skills, and food shopping experience can either support or hijack your wellness goals. Say what? Now think about where you currently shop for groceries and how it makes you feel. Do you feel connected to your food and community, or do you loathe the task while wandering through a super-sized store?

As a fitness coach years ago, I suggested frequent meals and snacks to help “boost” metabolism. Well, it turns out that this recommendation isn’t based on biochemistry, or much science for that matter. After all, grazing is for growth; it’s best designed for infants and adolescents, and not for mostly-sedentary adults.

Do you have difficulty putting down the packaging once you nibble that first tortilla chip, cookie, or other favorite snack? Well, you’re not alone. Processed foods are engineered to increase appetite and make you eat more. Most of us are influenced by addictive tendencies when it comes to sweet, salty, or fatty foods.

You likely have an opinion about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), either based on little tidbits of information collected online or by experiencing a gut reaction to the concept.  After researching the topic with my middle schooler, I realized that I had a lot to learn about GMOs. Admittedly, my feelings about GMOs did change after helping her complete the project. I have since become more concerned about the potential allergenic effects of GMOs. 

A “sugar” is a processed and refined powder or liquid sweetener that contains roughly 50% fructose, fruit sugar, and 50% glucose, your body’s source of fuel. In addition to sucrose (table sugar), sugar is a sweet chameleon with now over 60 different names including maple syrup, honey, agave syrup or nectar, evaporated cane juice, date sugar, coconut palm sugar, fruit juice concentrate, molasses, rice syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, beet sugar, any ingredient ending in “ose” like maltose or dextrose, and many other sneaky terms.

Have you tried various weight loss approaches without the ability to initially lose or keep off the weight? Well, you’re not alone, because many “diets” are meant for only short-term use. Let’s talk about weight improvement protocols that produce long-term results by changing how your body reacts to foods and stressors.