Mindful Eating & Hormones

(If you are currently eating whilst reading this, put the phone down and come back once you have finished your meal – Yes, Put the Phone Down While You’re Chewing!)

Ok, imagine this, here is the situation that you are currently dealing with…

You’ve had a long day, you’re starving, and dinner ends up being wolfed down while standing at the kitchen worktop, doom-scrolling through social media or mentally reciting tomorrow’s to-do list. This is something we have all been guilty of every now and then.

Except, it is happening day after day, while your hormones are already going wild.

Hormonal stress isn’t just about what’s happening in your ovaries or your adrenals. It’s also about how you eat, how you feel when you eat, and whether your body is actually in a state to digest and absorb that lovely food you’ve prepared (or quickly microwaved…no judgement!)

 

Hormones And Stress

When our bodies are under stress, whether it’s emotional stress from life or physical stress from lack of sleep, blood sugar dips, or coming off the pill, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in.

This is your “fight or flight” mode, and guess what?

Your digestion gets completely deprioritised.

Because when your brain thinks you’re being chased by a lion, it doesn’t really care about digesting your quinoa salad.

So if you’re under hormonal stress and eating in a rushed, distracted, or anxious state, your body might struggle to digest, absorb, and utilise the nutrients that are so important for hormonal balance.

 

Mindful Eating

Mindful eating doesn’t mean you have to eat in silence with monk-like discipline or start every meal with deep breathing. It simply means bringing some awareness to how you’re eating, not just what you’re eating. Even the most hormone-friendly meals won’t do much if they’re inhaled in a stressed-out state.

 

How to Actually Do It (Without Losing Your Mind)

Try starting with one of these at your next meal:

• Pause before eating – Take three slow breaths. This signals to your body that you are safe.
• Sit down – On a chair…ideally at the table (not in front of the TV!)
• Chew your food properly – You’d be amazed how many digestive issues improve when people stop inhaling their meals like it’s a competitive sport.
• Be kind to yourself – Some meals will be chaotic. Unfortunately, that’s life.

 

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading this blog and I hope you found it interesting or helpful. If you’re struggling with post-pill symptoms, PMS, or feeling like your hormones are out of control, know that you’re not alone. If you’d like more personalised guidance, feel free to contact me. I’d love to support you in finding the right approach for your unique body.