How to Eat for Better Hormones, Blood Sugar & Energy | Lauren Chambers
Kelly LeVequePublished on July 1, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
In the Be Well by Kelly podcast, Lauren Chambers discusses the vital role nutrition plays in hormonal health, emphasizing balanced meals and understanding menstrual cycles. She provides actionable insights for women to nourish their bodies and maintain hormonal balance effectively.
Key Points
- Many women lose their period due to low energy intake and restrictive diets.
- Regular meal times and balanced plates are essential for hormonal health.
- Different phases of the menstrual cycle require tailored nutritional focuses.
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalance include irregular periods, fatigue, and mood swings.
- Nourishing foods can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall hormonal health.
Understanding Hormonal Health Through Nutrition
In a recent episode of the Be Well by Kelly podcast, host Kelly Le welcomes Lauren Chambers, a nutrition and hormone health coach. Together, they dive deep into the discussion about the importance of nutrition for maintaining hormonal balance, especially for women experiencing menstrual irregularities.
The Impact of Nutrition on Menstrual Health
Many women, like Lauren, may find themselves in a situation where they lose their period due to low energy intake or restrictive eating habits. Lauren shared her personal experience of losing her period for two years during college, which she initially thought was a blessing. However, she soon realized that it led to a series of hormonal imbalances, affecting everything from libido to mood.
When the body undergoes stress from inadequate food intake, it triggers the hypothalamus to stop releasing hormones necessary for ovulation and the menstrual cycle. This survival mechanism prioritizes immediate energy needs over reproductive functions, which can lead to irregular cycles and other hormonal symptoms.
Building a Hormone-Healthy Plate
Lauren emphasizes the importance of structuring meals to support hormonal health. This includes:
- Three meals a day: Regular meal times help to stabilize hormones and prevent the body from going into survival mode.
- Balanced Plate: Include a source of protein, quality fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates in every meal.
- Variety of Foods: Incorporate colorful fruits and vegetables to provide essential nutrients.
By focusing on nourishing foods, women can provide their bodies with the energy needed to maintain hormonal balance, which in turn can alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
Understanding Cycles and Nutritional Needs
Lauren discusses how different phases of the menstrual cycle require different nutritional focuses:
1. Menstrual Phase
Prioritize iron-rich animal proteins to replenish lost nutrients.
2. Follicular Phase
Incorporate fresh, colorful foods that are rich in antioxidants as estrogen rises.
3. Ovulation Phase
Focus on healthy fats and gut health support through fermented foods.
4. Luteal Phase
Don’t shy away from carbohydrates; your metabolism increases during this phase.
Red Flags and Hormonal Imbalances
Lauren highlights key symptoms that indicate hormonal imbalances:
- Irregular or missing periods
- Severe mood swings
- Heavy or painful periods
- Fatigue and low energy
- Intense cravings and weight fluctuations
These symptoms suggest that a woman’s hormonal health may need attention and can often be addressed through dietary changes.
Conclusion: Embracing Nourishment for Hormonal Health
Both Kelly and Lauren stress the importance of moving away from restrictive diets to a more nourishing approach that embraces a variety of foods. Understanding the body’s needs throughout different life phases can empower women to make informed choices that enhance their hormonal health.
For those interested in learning more, Lauren’s cookbook, Hormone Healthy Eats, is a great resource filled with recipes tailored to support women’s hormonal health.