Disclaimer: We didn’t start this work because we had it all together, we started because we didn’t.
Different chapters of our lives left us anxious, burned out, and painfully disconnected from our own bodies. We were stuck in cycles of quick fixes, only to feel frustrated when nothing lasted.
The turning point? Finally paying attention to the underrated powerhouse of our health: the gut.
No hacks. No magic pill. Just one truth: your mood, your energy, your emotional stability – all of it begins in your gut.
Mental health isn’t just mindset, it’s biology. The whispers about the gut-brain connection became a clear conversation. We started noticing how certain foods affected not only our bodies but our minds. And once we listened, everything shifted.
Your gut runs the show (not just your digestion)
Here’s the wild stat: about 90% of serotonin – your feel-good hormone – is made in your gut, not your brain.
Translation: when your gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it’s not just bloating you’re dealing with. It’s brain fog. Mood swings. That edge of anxiety you can’t quite shake.
And as women navigating demanding worlds, this imbalance hits hard.
How food became our first line of support
We didn’t burn everything down and rebuild overnight. Instead, we started small: tuning in. Does this food leave me steady or scattered? Grounded or jittery? Then we layered in cycle-synced nutrition, matching foods to each phase of our hormones. What started as a test run became a rhythm – a lifestyle that felt lighter, calmer, more us.
What we now swear by (aka: things to add in)
Forget restriction. Think nourishment.
Nutrient-dense, whole foods aka real food:
Not the kind with a list of ingredients – just ingredients. If it comes from the ground, a tree, or a trusted local source, your body likely knows what to do with it.
Fermented + fiber-rich foods:
Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, garlic, bananas – these all help build a healthy gut environment. Think of them as soil for your internal garden.
Omega-3s:
Fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts – these are your anti-inflammatory superheroes. Great for your brain, hormones, and nervous system.
Colorful fruits + veggies:
Loaded with antioxidants, they protect your brain and hormones from everyday stress. Berries, spinach, carrots, beets – get that rainbow on your plate.
Clean, high quality fats:
Think olive oil, avocado, raw butter, coconut oil. Your brain loves these. So do your hormones.
And the things we gently crowd out
This isn’t about rules. It’s about making swaps that support you.
Alcohol
Not just the hangover which is bitter on the next day. Alcohol directly affects your gut lining and hormone detox pathways.
Too much caffeine
A little in the morning? Totally fine. But multiple cups a day? That’s a one-way ticket to cortisol chaos.
Processed sugars + refined carbs
They spike your blood sugar and leave your mood in a crash. Swap for berries, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.
Gluten & low-quality dairy
If your body feels inflamed or bloated, experiment with reducing these for a few weeks. Tune in and see how you feel.
Processed meats, seed oils & packaged foods
They’re everywhere – and sneaky. But by making small swaps (like avocado oil instead of sunflower oil), you’re already lightening your internal load.
Artificial additives & sweeteners
They confuse your body and gut. Choose whole food sweetness (like dates or raw honey) and keep things as close to nature as possible.
Keep it simple, keep it chic
You don’t need to be a nutritionist to start. Think one swap at a time: upgrade your breakfast, switch your afternoon coffee to green tea, add berries instead of a pastry. Small changes, stacked consistently = big shifts.
Remember: food is information. Every bite is either dialing up your stress or calming it down. We’re choosing calm – most days 😉
If you’re ready to reconnect with your body, reclaim your energy, and start feeling like yourself again – from the inside out – we’re here. This is what we do. This is why Leading Her Way exists. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Let’s nourish your nervous system, your hormones, and your headspace one gut-happy choice at a time. Start where you are. Swap one thing today. We’re with you.
Also: We know this is a lot to take in, so we’ve included a downloadable ‘cheat sheet’ to make things easier ♥️
Have you noticed how certain foods impact your mood or energy? Drop a comment, we’d love to hear your experience and learn from each other.
LHW x
The content shared in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, including medical, psychological, or health-related consultation.
Leading Her Way LLC (“LHW”) does not provide medical or professional services and does not endorse or recommend any opinions, treatments, products, or practices mentioned. All views expressed are those of the writer or interviewee.
By engaging with this content, you acknowledge that LHW shall not be held responsible for any loss, claim, or consequence arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided.
