NuLeaf Lifestyle

10/10/2023

If you've been slavishly following a calorie restrictive diet in the hopes of losing the extra menopause weight gain but the scales aren't budging - I want you to know there are plenty of good reasons why!

Of course - there are always the obvious reasons which have more to do with our actual behaviours like:
👉️not accurately measuring portions
👉️not counting the odd mouthful here and there
👉️overestimating our movement levels
👉️not taking drinks into account
👉️slow change to our food intake so we think we are eating the same (made worse by changes to hunger hormones)

But - did you know that there are lots of other reasons why your calories in vs calories out calculation might not actually be that accurate including:

🍽️ the actual food we eat - more fibrous food doesn't get completely broken down
🍽️ the state of our gut health - imbalances can cause metabolic dysfunction
🍽️the processing/cooking of food - raw, whole foods are harder for the body to digest than processed and cooked foods
🍽️ genetic variability - shock horror, we aren't all indentikit robots & our metabolic rates vary - so online calculators will always be a best guestimate
🔥 insulin controls how the body uses the fuel from food - losing insulin sensitivity can decrease utilisation of glucose & cause fat storage instead
🔥the thyroid is the metabolism master regulator - but our levels commonly change as we go through menopause
🔥stress releases cortisol - which impacts appetite, insulin regulation, physical activity levels & disrupts other hormones e.g. thyroid hormone & oestrogen
🔥changes in muscle mass influences our basal metabolic rate - & we lose muscle pretty rapidly through menopause

It's no real surprise then that calorie counting doesn't always get the results you desire - and when we feel like a failure about that or that our body is broken we lose motivation to do anything about it.

This is why when I work with women in my 1:1 coaching program, we test hormone levels, analyse food diaries, improve gut health, work on movement, reduce stress levels & make small changes to the diet that reduce cravings, increase fibre & keep blood sugars stable.

An online calorie calculator can't do all this for you. If you want a holistic approach that actually works on the root causes of the weight gain I have one space available this month for a new 1:1 client. Comment' weight loss' if you'd like to find out more.

09/10/2023

It actually makes me pretty mad when I see these 20 something blokes on social media telling us that it's very simple and all comes down to calories in vs calories out if we want to lose weight.

Why? Because it makes out that the calculation itself is completely straightforward (ignoring the many factors that influence how our individual bodies take in calories and expend them).

The thing is that yes - ultimately weight loss, gain or maintenance will come down to energy in vs energy out but how that plays out is really not that simple.

For example - did you know that the form of a food can dictate how many of it's calories your body can actually digest? The state of your gut health can also influence this too. This can mean that two different people eating the same food with same energy content might actually absorb a different number of calories from it.

And how we use the energy we take in can also differ. During menopause, our changing hormones can hugely influence our metabolism & hunger signals. What we used to eat and was fine before can suddenly mean putting on weight - without any change to the calories. That's not to say that it's not calories in vs calories out - at the end of the day it means that we aren't burning the calories we were before, therefore the calculation is off.

But it leaves us feeling like we are stupid or broken somehow - because it should be simple right? We just cut our calories down further. NO! It's not that simple, because you haven't addressed what's going on underneath. You could be cutting calories but in doing so reducing the levels of macronutrients that specifically help your metabolism to work effectively. You could be starving your body of the essential nutrients it needs to actually burn the fuel you eat rather than break down your muscle mass - thereby reducing your body's calories needs even further without you even realising.

Losing weight as a woman over 40 isn't impossible. But it can be challenging. And being bombarded with messages that make it seem so simple can leave us feeling like failures if it's not worked for us.

I see you. I understand that in trying to distil weight loss down to it's simplest form it can have a detrimental affect on reaching your goals. That's why I do things differently.

Does seeing those calories in vs calories out posts drive you crazy too?

03/10/2023

Delighted to have been invited back as a panel member for another wonderful Menopause Cafe event! If you’re in the area please do come and join us - it’s knowledge with a twist of humour and friendly support.

The topic for this session is vaginal health (and yes - we will be having a giggle too!)

Come along to our third Menopause Cafe on Thursday 19th October - Buy your tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/parishofbrentford/1014424

27/09/2023

Are you making this common mistake that's contributing to the menopause weight gain?

What is it?
Focusing on carbohydrates for breakfast!

It's such an easy thing to do - we are all busy, rushing around getting kids ready for school, ourselves ready for work and breakfast often becomes something that we have to do quickly - often eating on the run - and so we reach for things that are easy to prepare and eat.

And for many women that means toast, a quick bowl of cereal or porridge in the microwave, a cereal bar or croissant on the go, a glass of orange juice.

The problem is that these carbs get digested very quickly meaning that they flood your bloodstream with glucose which then triggers a rush of insulin (your fat storage hormone) in order to try and clear it from the blood. And because it gets mopped up by insulin quickly it can mean a couple of things:

1. Spiking your insulin repeatedly can cause insulin resistance which is more of a risk as we go through menopause - meaning our cells don't open properly to use the glucose as fuel and so it gets stored as fat instead

2. It causes a crash of blood sugar after insulin has mopped it up which triggers your stress hormone, cortisol, because your body thinks it's starving. So it will turn some stored fat back into sugars and pump it back out into the bloodstream and give you cravings for more carbohydrate-heavy foods. This just sets off a vicious circle of spikes and crashes of blood sugar and insulin.

So starting the day like this is a sure-fire way to sabotaging your progress.

What should you focus on instead?
PROTEIN!

Protein helps slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream - and that steady supply is going to help you feel full up for longer and allow a steady release of insulin too, helping you to avoid insulin resistance and the fat-storage that goes with it.

The good news is that you may not have to give up your favourite foods altogether - but tweak what you already have.

If you like cereal - try changing the proportions so you are eating a bowl of yoghurt with just a little cereal on the top; swap your white toast for wholemeal or sourdough and the jam/honey or plain butter for nut butter or add some scrambled eggs.

If you'd like some more protein-packed breakfast ideas to set you up for the day in the right way - comment 'protein' below and I'll get you some recipes!

25/09/2023

It's natural to question our identity during times of change, especially when it comes to weight gain which can alter how we see ourselves.

But remember, this menopause transition can open doors to inner strength and wisdom you didn't know you had. It's a chance to re-write the story, to re-discover who you are and where you want to be. To free yourself of some of the stories that have had a hold over you for too long.

Weight loss isn't the destination - it may just be the conduit that opens your eyes to what's possible.

'Like' if you agree or share your story in the comments

22/09/2023

🚨 FINAL CHANCE TODAY!🚨

Ladies, the clock is ticking, and this is it – your last opportunity to take control of your journey. Don't let the frustration & unhappiness of menopause weight gain linger any longer. 'Fabulous and Fit After 40' is your answer, and it's just a call away.

💥 Say goodbye to:

Hormonal weight struggles
Frustration with restrictive diets
Emotional eating & craving battles
Self-doubt and negative self-talk

🌟 Say hello to:

Understanding and mastering your hormone health
Feeling good in your clothes
Freedom from yoyo dieting
Confidence and empowered choices
An energized, healthier you

I know you've been searching for the solution, and here it is - Fabulous & Fit after 40 Women's Group Weight Loss & Wellness program - staring Beginning Oct.

📞 TODAY is the FINAL DAY to BOOK YOUR PRE-CLEARANCE ASSESSMENT CALL!
I've cleared my diary for calls next week, but it must be booked by today. This call's purpose? To pre-clear you for enrolment and ensure it's the right fit for your goals. Let's get you going on your transformational journey!💪🌼 Just go to https://calendly.com/nuleaflifestyle to book your call

21/09/2023

What's still standing in your way?

Is it a lingering doubt, a fear, or perhaps a feeling of uncertainty? We all have our unique reasons for hesitating, and I want you to know that it's absolutely okay. I'm here to support you on this journey, and I understand that transformation can be both exciting and a little bit scary.

Here's what I won't ask you to do:

👉️take before and after photos
👉️tell the group what you weigh every week
👉️cut out food groups
👉️drastically cut calories
👉️follow a prescriptive meal plan
👉️give up everything you love
👉️make unrealistic goals
👉️be perfect

Imagine - in 4 months you could be feeling happy, energized and body confident again, and have a new set of healthy habits that will help you stay in control of your weight for life instead of the endless yoyo dieting that keeps you stuck.

If you want to understand the underlying reasons behind your weight gain and how to tackle it effectively through a combination of nutrition, lifestyle & mindset changes without having to feel restricted - then Fabulous & Fit after 40 is the program for you!

We start beginning October and the first step to enrolment is to book your FREE 15-min pre-clearance assessment call to make sure that the program aligns with your goals. Comment 'call' below and let's get that booked in!

19/09/2023

So you're a woman over 40, experiencing menopausal weight gain and feeling fed up, frumpy & self-conscious and mourning the loss of the person you used to see in the mirror?

Weight gain in midlife may be extremely common, but it isn't inevitable. The trick is to work with your changing physiology and hormones and give your metabolism what it actually needs.

Which is why I designed my Fabulous & Fit after 40 group weight loss and wellness program. It will help you lose pounds but even more importantly, it will give you the knowledge and support for how to manage your weight for life. This is not a quick fix band-aid solution - but a sustainable, buildable program that will walk you through making do-able changes, week by week.

With weekly modules on the topics that matter for menopausal weight loss along with live group coaching to help you overcome your personal barriers to change and keep you making progress, this unique program is different.

Different to those 'diet' plans you've tried before which leave you feeling defeated when you couldn't stick to them. Different to those workout apps which tell you 'no pain no gain'. Different to those programs which insist on you taking 'before' and 'after' photos to parade on social media.

This program is about not only teaching you the principles that will work with your changing physiology as a menopausal woman, but helping you find ways of incorporating them into your unique lifestyle and overcoming the inevitable barriers to change that have likely sabotaged your efforts in the past. This is about REAL, LASTING change - not a cleanse, a detox or a drop a stone in a week crazy plan.

If you are ready for something different that will truly help you transform the way you feel in your skin, then I'd love for you to book your FREE 15-min pre-clearance assessment call with me. This call is the 1st step to enrolment (It's vital I make sure that the program aligns with your goals to ensure your success). Link to book in the comments x

18/09/2023

🚀 Exciting News: The Wait is Over! Introducing the 'Fabulous and Fit After 40' Program 🚀 Starting BEGINNING OCTOBER!

Are you ready to tackle the menopausal weight gain in a healthy & sustainable way, transform your health, boost your confidence, and finally love the skin you're in without restrictive diets or needing buckets of willpower?

Join us on this incredible journey! This program is designed to help you overcome common barriers to menopausal weight loss, nurture a positive mindset, and achieve lasting results so you can stop feeling so frustrated and get off that endless diet rollercoaster.

🔥 Come for the weight loss but also receive these priceless transformations:

👉Mindset Shifts: Gain the mental strength to conquer self-doubt & self-sabotage and build unshakable self-confidence in your ability to be successful


👉Body Confidence: Rediscover your love for your body as you embark on a journey to feel more comfortable and empowered in your own skin.

👉Freedom Around Food: Bid farewell to the restrictive diet mentality and embrace a more enjoyable relationship with food while still achieving your health and wellness goals.

👉Thriving Through Menopause: Learn how to support your body during this transformative phase to manage weight more effectively, while boosting your energy and mood to make diet & lifestyle change easier and increasing your vitality and joy.

Every element of my program is carefully crafted to align with your goals and aspirations. I understand the unique challenges you face, and I'm here to guide you toward your vision of health and happiness.


Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity! This program will only run once this year and we begin at the start of October!

Ready to take the first step? Book your free 15-min pre-clearance assessment call now to check you are a good fit for the program. Limited spots available. 🔥💪 Comment the word
'fabulous' and I'll be in touch to get your call in the diary & get the ball rolling!

15/09/2023

Struggling to conquer the menopause weight gain that making you miserable?

😩Feeling like the only thing that's changed is your waistline and you don't know why?

😩Frustrated with the endless dieting cycle and inevitable disappointment?

😩Know what you need to do but emotional eating habits are sabotaging your progress?

If so, then you need to watch my new FREE 3-part short video series which tackles all of these things.

Inside three insightful videos, you'll gain access to insider information that has transformed the lives of countless women who, like you, are navigating the complexities of menopause weight loss.

Here's what it covers:

🙌The main hormone culprits impacting menopause weight gain and 3 common mistakes women often make that inadvertently sabotages their progress (& find out what to do instead)

🙌An alternative strategy for eating that doesn't result in the boredom & frustration that restrictive dieting does

🙌How to tackle emotional eating habits without relying on sheer willpower or shame, with a simple technique to find an alternative your brain will love.

But you'll have to be quick - access to this free resource is ending TOMORROW! (that's Saturday 15th September!) - so don't hang around, comment 'video' below and I'll be in touch asap to get this invaluable video series direct to your inbox!

14/09/2023

🍫🧠🚫 "What emotions drive you to the fridge?" 🤔

We've all been there – seeking comfort, distraction, or relief in that tempting snack, especially when those feelings of boredom, stress, loneliness, frustration, overwhelm, or sadness creep in. 🙄 It's like a silent conversation between our hearts and our favourite treat, and it can be hard to break free. But guess what? You're not alone, and there's a way to change this cycle! 🌟

Join me on a journey to understand and take ownership of emotional eating (along with the ways you might be sabotaging your hormones & how you can transform your relationship with dieting) in my FREE 3-part video series, 'Conquering Menopause Weight Gain.'

But act fast – it's only available until September 16th! 🗓️ Drop the word 'video' in the comments or DMs, and I'll make sure you don't miss out. 💪

#

13/09/2023

OK… Hands up!

I AM being neurotic, especially with only 16 hours to go!

I so don’t want you to miss a new and healing approach to your critical self-sabotage PLUS simple yet powerful techniques to overcome it.

So here’s a recap of what’s in it for you…

Beat self-sabotage that keeps you from achieving your weight loss & wellness goals…

Recognise the roots of self-sabotage when striving for transformation so you can neutralise them.

Learn the #1 mistake women make when trying to stop self-sabotage so you can avoid it.

Implement an approach to remedy your sabotage mindset so you can develop with ease.

Adopt a simple yet powerful technique to overcome self-sabotage to achieve your goals.

Create an effective soul-full relationship with the dynamic for positive and lasting change

⭐️How to Successfully Overcome Sneaky Self-Sabotage⭐️

⭐️Online 1 – 2 pm this Thursday 14 September⭐️. TOMORROW!!!!!!

Join the 20 great women who’ve already signed up.

Link to book in my bio x

12/09/2023

Did you know... It's estimated the drop in oestrogen during your menopause journey can result in up to a 30% increase in fat storage?

🤯 But here's the good news: it's not inevitable! Even if it feels like you are doing everything right and nothing is changing.

Discover how to fight back against menopause weight gain in my FREE 3-part video series,🌟 'Conquering Menopause Weight Gain.' 🌟

You'll uncover the secrets to hormonal harmony, avoid common pitfalls, improve your relationship with food and set yourself up for success.

Ready to take control? Simply comment/DM 'video' to get started. 💪

06/09/2023

🚦 Stuck at the crossroads of self-sabotage and success?

Then you'll want to reserve your space in my upcoming FREE webinar: 'How to Successfully Overcome Sneaky Self-Sabotage', with Special Guest Sharon Eden, Spiritual Psychotherapist & Wild Soul Trainer!

It's happening live on Thursday 14th September from 1-2pm (come and bring your lunch whilst you learn!)

Beat the Self-Sabotage that keeps you from achieving your health and lifestyle goals:

💡Recognise the roots of self-sabotage when striving for transformation so you can neutralise them.

💡Learn the #1 mistake women make when trying to stop self-sabotage so you can avoid it.

💡Implement an approach to remedy your sabotage mindset so you can develop with ease.

💡Adopt a simple yet powerful technique to overcome self-sabotage to achieve your goals.

💡Create an effective soul-full relationship with the dynamic for positive and lasting change

This training conversation is designed for women who desire more than just a journey through menopause. It's for those ready to take back control, reignite their motivation, and unleash their awesome potential.

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Today: This dynamic training conversation is absolutely FREE and open to all women in midlife and beyond. Women who are ready to grasp their power and be more of the magnificent woman they were designed to be AND create the healthy lifestyle rewards they deserve!

Go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-successfully-overcome-sneaky-self-sabotage-tickets-707075851907?keep_tld=1 or comment 'sabotage' below and I'll send you the link to book x

31/08/2023

Keep your eyes peeled for something exciting happening soon with Sharon Eden Wild Elder!!

30/08/2023

I learned A TON of lessons during my own weight loss transformation - after years of trying and failing to lose weight and keep it off, and up against the backdrop of hormonal imbalance.

And I've been putting together all those lessons in a signature group program to help as many women over 40 as possible who want to lose weight but are finding it impossible.

These are just some of the vital lessons I learned along the way but they've all played a pivotal role in how I managed to stay consistent, help my body burn fat, stop yoyo dieting, change my relationship with food and tackle the pesky mindset barriers that tried to get in my way.

These lessons are exactly the kind of things I'll be covering inside my new program - and more!

I can't wait to share all the details with you - enrolment will start soon!

So drop me a follow so you don't miss out on the big reveal!

28/08/2023

The secret to weight loss transformation after 40 is.....

There is no secret!
There's no hidden code, no convoluted strategy, no miracle pill!

There's only simple habit changes around your nutrition & lifestyle choices that over time will help support your body to lose weight - even when your hormones are making things more difficult.

But habit change itself isn't simple. And this is why so many women fail to sustain weight loss long-term - we spend so much time chasing quick fixes and not giving ourselves the time we need for weight loss to happen in a healthy way.

Have you been chasing that elusive 'secret' to weight loss? If yes - drop me a like and a comment!

I'm going to be launching a program very soon that's going to help you know exactly what nutrition & lifestyle habits will be your best friends during this journey to lose the menopause extra weight AND support you to actually make those changes in a way that doesn't require endless willpower or leave you feeling like it's all impossible to fit around your life - so you can finally start losing weight in a way that feels good and ramp up your confidence in your own skin!

I can't wait to share it soon!

22/08/2023

🚫 Busting the Myth: It's Not Just About Calories In vs. Calories Out in Menopause! 🚫

Ever been told that weight loss is all about "calories in, calories out"? It's time to demystify this misconception, especially when it comes to the magical world of menopause. 🌟

🔍 Peek Behind the Curtain: Why Simple Math Isn't the Answer

You're not alone if you've wondered why traditional weight loss methods might not be working like they used to, especially during the enigmatic phase of menopause. Let's talk science! Did you know that fat cells aren't just innocent energy storage units? They can double up as a source of oestrogen, which, from the body's perspective, is like a golden ticket. 🎫

🌸 The Hormone Tango: Oestrogen's Farewell & Its Impact

Loss of oestrogen isn't just about those pesky hot flashes. It can affect your metabolism, cortisol levels, and even how your body stores fat. Reduced oestrogen levels can lead to decreased muscle mass, slower metabolic rate, and a more pronounced affinity for fat storage. So, slashing calories alone may not address the root issues. 🌊

🌱 Embrace the Shift: Mimicking Oestrogen's Control

Instead of aiming for a one-size-fits-all solution, let's dive into a more holistic approach. You're not broken – your body's just navigating a new phase. To truly harness change, we need to mimic the hormonal controls that oestrogen once mastered.

💡 My Strategy: Holistic, Tailored, and Empowering

My approach blends the knowledge of calories with the power of lifestyle and dietary strategies that respect your unique hormonal needs. You deserve a plan that appreciates what your body is going through and sustainable habits that sync with your body's new rhythm.

🦋 Embrace the Journey: Work WITH Your Body, Not Against It

Remember, it's not about fighting your body but collaborating with it. The menopause phase doesn't mean throwing in the towel; it means evolving your strategies to mirror your evolving body. Let's wave goodbye to guilt, frustration, and self-doubt.

📢 Have you experienced the "calories in, calories out" myth during menopause that makes you feel like your body is broken? Drop me a like, follow or comment if you have!