I'm Baaaaack! What I've Been Working On + Hormone 101
Published about 1 month ago • 6 min read
Finding Balance: Hormone Health in a Busy World
Reader, It's been a while since we've connected, and I've missed our community! Life has been incredibly full these past few months, and I've found myself navigating the delicate balance between personal commitments, work responsibilities, and yes—my own hormone health journey.
Coming Back to Center
Many of you have reached out wondering where I've been, and the honest answer is: learning to practice what I preach. When life's demands increased, I noticed the subtle signs of stress affecting my body—disrupted sleep, afternoon energy crashes, and those nagging cravings for quick carbohydrates that signal cortisol is running the show.
Sound familiar?
Instead of pushing through (as I might have done in the past), I decided to take my own advice and prioritize the hormone-balancing practices we've discussed in our Hormone Health 101 guide in our Seasons in the Orchard membership group over the past several months.
What's Working for Me Right Now
Here's what my current routine looks like:
🌞 Syncing with the sun: I've been intentional about morning sunlight exposure within 30 minutes of waking, even if just for 5-10 minutes. This simple practice has dramatically improved my sleep quality and regulated my circadian rhythm. Remember, poor sleep directly disrupts glucose metabolism and increases insulin resistance.
🧘♀️ Scripture meditation & breath work: Taking 15 minutes daily for meditation on scripture while practicing deep breathing has become my anchor. This isn't just spiritual practice—it's a physiological intervention for lowering cortisol. As our Hormone 101 guide explains, "Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which directly increases blood glucose levels and promotes insulin resistance."
🍽️ Food sequencing: I'm being steadfast about eating my protein and non-starchy vegetables FIRST at every meal before touching any carbohydrates. This simple habit has made a remarkable difference in my energy levels throughout the day. The science behind this is compelling—eating in this order significantly reduces blood glucose spikes and supports insulin sensitivity.
Why This All Matters: The Insulin Connection
What I've come to appreciate more deeply is how interconnected all these practices are, particularly for managing insulin resistance. When we're stressed and sleep-deprived, our bodies enter a state of metabolic resistance that makes weight management and energy balance nearly impossible.
Breaking this cycle isn't about perfection—it's about consistent, manageable practices that work together.
Your Next Steps
I'd love to know which area you're currently struggling with. Is it:
Stress management and finding time for mindfulness?
Optimizing sleep and circadian rhythms?
Implementing food sequencing and nutrition strategies?
Reply to this email with your biggest challenge, and I'll share specific strategies in our next newsletter.
Remember, reversing insulin resistance is a gradual process that requires consistent effort, but the improvements in energy, weight management, and overall well-being make it well worth the journey. We're in this together!
Ready To Get Started?
Simply download the guide below and select one area to begin focusing on this week. It's packed with practical strategies for balancing hormones and reversing insulin resistance—the foundation of sustainable wellness! We provide one or two guides like this one each month in our Seasons in the Orchard membership group to dive deeper into various health and wellness topics as it relates to overall health and through the lens of reversing insulin resistance. If you enjoy resources like this, you can get all of this and more in our community membership group. See details below for more information.
Remember: "The most impactful habit is the one you'll actually do!"
💕 Coach AJ
Need accountability? I can provide that too! Being equipped with knowledge is only half the battle. Accountability can be the game changer! I have two spots open for one-on-one coaching remaining for the summer. Are you ready to partner up for greater accountability? Learn more here 👇🏻
Your Health Coach with a godly Approach!
Did you know that I recently completed the Revelation Wellness LiveWell® Health Coach certification program? I now have some great tools to utilize in my health coaching to help you get free and stay free from whatever is holding you back from living fully for God in the GOOD creation that is your body! You are not broken, and your body is not a problem that needs to be fixed. You were created for healing and restoration, and I can help you dive deeper into realizing the abundant life God designed you for all along. Reach out by replying to this email if you're interested in health coaching with a godly approach.
Do you prefer learning alongside a community of women for even more support? You can have immediate access to two certified coaches and a community of women who have invested in their health journey by joining Seasons in the Orchard.
Love and blessings to you on your health journey
💕Coach AJ
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