The Gut Revive Green Smoothie Recipe
THE GUT REVIVE GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE
12 / MARCH / 2025
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
The Gut Revive Green Smoothie – Your Metabolism + Gut Healths’s New Best Friend
The Best Gut Health Smoothie for Digestion, Metabolism, and Energy
Your gut is the foundation of your metabolism, hormones, and overall well-being—so why not start your day with something that actually supports it?
Enter the Gut Revive Smoothie, a creamy, delicious blend packed with gut-loving probiotics, collagen, blood sugar-balancing cinnamon, and metabolism-boosting MCT oil.
This isn’t just a green smoothie—it’s a full-body reset in a glass, designed to enhance digestion, support gut bacteria, and keep your energy steady all day long.
Why Your Gut Will Love This Smoothie
Gut health isn’t just about avoiding bloating (though, yes, that’s a major perk). When your gut is thriving, your metabolism hums, your hormones stay balanced, and your energy levels feel stable instead of swinging between highs and crashes.
Every ingredient in this smoothie has been chosen with that in mind:
Key Ingredients + Their Gut-Loving Benefits
🥬 Mitchell’s NZ Fermented Greens Powder – because your gut LOVES fermented foods. This powder is packed with probiotics, enzymes, and micronutrients that help balance gut bacteria, reduce bloating, and improve digestion.
🍌 Banana (fresh or frozen) – a natural source of prebiotic fibre, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut, supports digestion, and enhances nutrient absorption.
💪 Mitchell’s NZ Vanilla Bone Broth Protein Powder – gut-healing collagen and amino acids to support the integrity of your gut lining, aid in muscle recovery, and enhance metabolism.
🥥 MCT Oil – a quick energy source that bypasses digestion and goes straight to your cells for fuel. It also helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, making every sip more nourishing and metabolism-boosting.
✨ Cinnamon – a powerhouse spice that helps balance blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and support digestion, making it a perfect addition for gut health and metabolism.
💧 Filtered Water – hydration is the foundation of gut health, supporting digestion, detoxification, and proper nutrient absorption.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop fermented greens powder
- 1 banana (room temp, frozen optional)
- 1 serve @mitchells.nz vanilla bone broth protein powder
- 1 tsp. MCT oil/coconut oil
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- 1 cup filtered water or milk of choice
- Ice (optional)
Method:
Throw everything into a blender, blend until smooth, and enjoy the benefits of better digestion, stable energy, and a metabolism that works for you—not against you.
WHY THIS WORKS AS A MORNING GUT HEALTH RESET
Instead of spiking your blood sugar with a sugary breakfast or skipping it altogether (which just leads to cortisol chaos and energy crashes), this gut-friendly smoothie fuels your body with easily digestible protein, healthy fats, and gut-supporting fibre—all without the crash.
It’s smooth, creamy, perfectly balanced, and most importantly, it makes you feel GOOD. No bloating. No sugar spikes. Just pure gut support in a glass.
Try it out, tag me @shereehannahwellness and @mitchells.nz and let us know—how good does your tummy feel?
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
The 3 Step Gut Health Morning Routine for Busy Women
THE 3 STEP GUT HEALTH MORNING ROUTINE FOR BUSY WOMEN
5 / MARCH / 2025
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Your gut is the CEO of your metabolism—treat it like one.
What you do first thing in the morning matters more than you think. While you sleep, your digestive system slows down, your gut bacteria reset, and your body shifts into repair mode.
If you start your day with stress, caffeine, or a blood sugar spike, you’re already putting yourself at a disadvantage. Instead, a few simple morning habits can supercharge your gut, energy, and metabolism for the entire day.
MY 3-STEP GUT-FRIENDLY MORNING ROUTINE
F - Fast overnight for 12 hours, fermented tonic,
A - Add sunlight, high-protein + fibre breakfast, hydration
M - Movement + mindfulness
I call it the ‘F.A.M’ framework because our bugs have what we call a symbiotic relationship with us - meaning they are mutually beneficial - we look after them and they look after us. The way I see it, they are like family. Living alongside us in the home that is our body. So here’s how can we support this little family of bugs:
F:
1. Fasting Overnight for 12 Hours
Think of overnight fasting as a reset button for your gut. When you give your digestive system a break, it repairs and balances the beneficial bacteria that fuel your metabolism. It also improves insulin sensitivity, so when you do eat, your body uses energy more efficiently instead of storing it as fat. Late-night snacking disrupts this process, leading to sluggish digestion, blood sugar imbalances, and poor metabolic function. Keeping a 12-hour fasting window (from dinner to breakfast) allows your body to function optimally.
2. Fermented Tonic to Kickstart Digestion
Before reaching for coffee, start your morning with a fermented tonic like beet kvass, water kefir, or apple cider vinegar in water. My favourite is @cloverferments blend kvass (use ‘SHEREE15’ for 15% off). Fermented drinks are packed with probiotics that replenish your gut microbiome, support stomach acid production, and prevent bloating. Stomach acid is key for breaking down nutrients, and without it, you risk sluggish digestion and poor absorption. This simple habit helps your gut wake up and get to work.
F & A:
3. Fibre + High-Protein at Breakfast
Skipping breakfast or loading up on refined carbs leads to blood sugar crashes, cravings, and energy dips. Instead, pairing fibre with high-quality protein stabilizes blood sugar, fuels your metabolism, and keeps you full for longer. Fibre also feeds the good bacteria in your gut, helping to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that reduce inflammation and support metabolic function.
Some easy high-protein + fibre-rich breakfast ideas:
✨ Chia pudding with Greek yoghurt and berries
✨ Scrambled eggs with avocado and sautéed greens
✨ A protein smoothie with flaxseeds and spinach
A:
4. Add Sunlight Exposure
Morning sunlight isn’t just for good vibes—it regulates your circadian rhythm, which impacts digestion, metabolism, and hormone balance. Sunlight boosts serotonin (which later converts to melatonin), supporting gut motility and better sleep. It also enhances insulin function, helping your body process energy efficiently instead of storing it as fat. Aim for 10-30 minutes of natural light exposure within an hour of waking up.
5. Add Hydration First, Caffeine Later
Your body wakes up dehydrated, and reaching straight for coffee only worsens the problem by spiking cortisol (your stress hormone). Water first thing in the morning helps flush out toxins, jumpstart digestion, and rehydrate your cells. Chronic dehydration slows metabolism, contributes to bloating, and affects energy levels. If you need caffeine, wait at least 90 minutes after waking—this supports more balanced energy levels and reduces cortisol spikes.
M:
6. Move Your Body
Your gut loves movement, science has even proven the little bugs dance with joy when you are moving your body. Gentle exercise—like walking, yoga, or stretching—stimulates digestion by increasing blood flow to your gut and promoting peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through your digestive system). It also improves blood sugar regulation, boosts mitochondrial function (your body’s energy factories), and enhances metabolic efficiency. Even just 5-10 minutes of movement in the morning can make a difference.
7. Mindfulness
Your gut and nervous system are deeply connected—stress can literally shut down digestion. Taking just a few minutes to practice deep breathing, gratitude journaling, or slow, intentional sips of your morning drink can enhance digestion and lower cortisol.
When you stack these habits first thing in the morning, you create the perfect foundation for a thriving gut, steady energy, and a metabolism that works for you—not against you. Small habits, huge impact. Your gut (and metabolism) will thank you! 💛
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
11 Empowering Insights From 2024
11 EMPOWERING INSIGHTS FROM 2024
1 / JANUARY / 2025
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Pure happiness can exist in solitude
You can protect your peace without justification
Happiness is a matter of perception
Self-awareness is the most powerful skill you can develop
In order to amplify you must simplify
Building a strong community will elevate your life
Keeping your heart open is true self-love
Trust your intuition on when to let go
Honest, open communication prevents a lot of heartache
Gratitude will transform your relationship with yourself
It is worth the wait
MY 11 INSIGHTS FROM 2024
2024 taught me the rejuvenation + elevation that can come from being happy in your own company
2024 taught me to protect my peace at all costs, true calmness is in my control
2024 taught me that one of the best skills one can develop + embody is a deep sense of self-awareness
2024 taught me to let go of the 80% that may feel comfortable and easy, and focus on simplifying + mastering the 20% for true expansion + growth
2024 taught me that community is everything, and you have the ability to create the most beautiful support system… don’t be afraid to put yourself out there
2024 taught me keeping your heart open, even at the most difficult times is the highest form of self-love
2024 taught me not to force anything, if it’s meant for me it will not pass me, and you don’t need to let go before you’re ready
2024 taught me pure joy and happiness are shaped by your perception, and that is 100% in your control
2024 taught me to communicate clearly, avoid making assumptions, and being the observer of my mind allows for a deep state of intuition
2024 taught me to be indifferent to the outcome, to know that I can wait, and what I am waiting for will be worth it
2024 taught me to love myself fiercely and unconditionally for every facet of my being, simply because I am and always will be enough
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
When I’ve written personal notes in my blogs or newsletters they have been received with nothing but love and shared stories or support and for that I am so grateful for you, my community. So as this year comes to a close I wanted to write a little letter of reflection.
Normally at the end of the year I will write my top 10 lessons, and to be honest, each could be its own blog with the amount I could share, but this year I wanted to try something different, weaving in the reflection with the lessons, the stories and the memories.
This year has been one of tremendous learning and growth, both personally and professionally. It is the year I entered a new decade, and quite frankly has been one of the best years of my life.
I like to think of myself as quite an optimistic person. So regardless of the challenges I face, I do always look for the lessons, the silver linings, the positives that came out of the inner turmoil I may have gone through and whilst this year is no different in terms of the number of inner struggles that happened behind the scenes… I feel like something shifted in the way I handled them, or learnt to handle them and approached things with a new level of grace.
This year started on one of the biggest highs as my friend group and I managed to score tickets to Tomorrowland in Belgium (one of the biggest music festivals in the world). Which soon followed booking a month of travel around Europe with my brother and some of my best friends for my 30th birthday!
Yes, this year I hit the big 3-0. I moved house, made some incredible new friends and strengthened relationships with some of the best humans I could ask to have by my side. I got to the happiest and healthiest (and sexiest IMO) I have ever been - and did a photoshoot to capture this! Along with some deep inner healing far beyond gut health and hormones that I didn’t know I needed and I have acquired a level of self-love and acceptance I am so truly grateful for.
After a challenging move in Easter of this year, I moved into a home that has allowed me to expand in so many ways. For someone who is very much an ambivert, I did struggle being in solitude for too long. It seemed to bring up a lot of my fears that I hadn’t quite dealt with before. But this year called for a lot of inner work and uncomfortable situations that called me forward and I am so glad they did.
I had the pleasure this year of going back to working with clients in person, and whilst this only makes up about 10% of my working week, it has been so incredibly fun to see, squeeze (hug) and support my gorgeous clients IRL! As well as feeling like part of a bigger team again. Thank you Les Mills Howick - you’ve always been my extended family.
The biggest transformation happened however, during my travels. I was fortunate enough to have my (not-so-little), little brother as my travelling companion all around Europe for the month of July. We went from London to Greece, to Amsterdam, to Belgium and finished in Ibiza. Collecting friends and incredible memories along the way.
Just prior to this trip I learnt the lesson not to force things in a big way. I had HUGE plans in place, and woke up one morning, the week before I was due to fly and execute said plans with a LOUD voice in my head saying NO. Tears sprung to my eyes, and as much as it meant going against my own plans, I knew that this message, this voice was divine protection and redirection. I cannot tell you the relief I felt when I cancelled said plans and hopped on the plane to London in full surrender.
Whilst I honestly loved every single minute of my travels, yacht week in Greece was quite possibly the best week of my life. The people, the dancing, sailing on the Mediterranean sea. My heart was full, my eyes were opened and I truly felt like myself in ways I never have before. I personally think there’s something magical that happens when you travel. Or maybe it’s just that I give myself more permission to take up space, be me - loud, outgoing, authentic, free Sheree. I had this same experience in the US last year and it’s reminding me to be that full self no matter where I am in the world, or how uncomfortable that may feel.
Once I returned from Europe it was like something had shifted inside. I came back with a new lease on life, new focus in my business, and everything was falling into place beautifully, until it wasn’t. To cut a long story short - I got my heart broke - and whilst the details aren’t necessarily important here, what it did teach me was to pour into the people and relationships I have around me. This was one of my biggest lessons I could’ve learnt and as a result I have created some of the most beautiful friendships a girl could ask for. I have created a true sense of inner peace and joy regardless of any external circumstances or situations. I can honestly say I am the happiest I have ever been in my life and that is not dependent on anyone, or anything. Sure I have my ups and downs, but I know deep in my heart that I am in control of myself, my state, my mindset and how I choose to operate and live my life. And if it is disturbing my peace I am more than happy to let it go.
Which is how I got to focusing on simplifying to amplify. A process I am still deep in the weeds of executing, but the concept from the book ‘10X is Easier than 2X’ has been a game changer to say the least. Working on staying in my zone of genius and letting go and refining, letting go and refining and letting go and refining what’s working and what’s not on every single level has been incredibly empowering. If you haven’t read this book and love personal development, I cannot recommend it enough.
A massive reason I believe I have been able to execute so much of this and arrive at a state of such clarity and inner peace is because of the level of self-awareness curated over the years, and a willingness to do the work when things get hard - and believe me, they got and do get f*cken hard! This is said from a place of love, and compassion vs ego. It is my hope that it serves as a reminder that you are love, your essence is pure joy inside and your ability to smile at the littlest things as well as work through the largest pain or hurt is all down to a choice you make within yourself. We choose whether we shut down our heart and our emotions or keep it open even in the face of adversity. Something I deeply connect with in the book ‘The Untethered Soul’ in the later half of this year. We have that power, we have that gift, we have that choice within us - to be love.
So as I close out this letter I hope there have been some moments that really have resonated with you. Whether it is knowing when to trust and let go, or knowing when to keep showing up and doing the work. Whether it is that you are the creator of your reality and that includes your mindset as well as your community. Or that you hold the power and key to your peace… Know that I am here cheering you on. It is both my wish and my mission, that every single one of you knows they are inherently worthy, and lovable. No matter your past, or present, you hold everything you need inside of you to have an incredible future. Remember, your smile lights up the world and the world is a better place because you are in it.
Thank you for being here and walking this path with me, after all, we are all just guiding each other home 🩷
Much love always, in health and happiness,
Sheree xo
P.S. Check out some of the highlights from this year:
I got to meet one of my beautiful clients - from NZ - in person for the first time - at Tomorrowland of all places! Hi Liv👋... we may have been rather intoxicated for this one, but it’s a good laugh!
My dear client Sandy took me to an event called Oak & Ivy - we were accidentally twinning with our matching white blazers! Was such a beautiful evening
A few highlights from my Europe trip, photoshoot and adventures with friends this year… because we live WILDLY WELL around here! True wellness is about balance!
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
Fix Low Energy And Slow Metabolism
IS THIS THE REAL REASON YOUR METABOLISM IS SLUGGISH… AND YOUR ENERGY LEVELS ARE LOW?
30 / OCTOBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
The real reason you're not seeing results - part two... If you missed part one, be sure to go back and give it a read (click here) as this builds on what we’ve already discussed!
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from women is how their male counterparts lose weight so much easier than they do. And whilst I wish I could say it wasn’t true, in many ways it is because women are created so differently to men
This is not a bad thing, it’s just an issue because for the longest time, women have been treated like small men in the health and fitness industry. When in reality 95% of all the studies done and published in the scientific literature are all based on men. Then we take it and run with it thinking this next trend is going to be the answer.
Repeat after me: WOMEN ARE NOT SMALL MEN (right @drstaceysims)
As females, your metabolism is governed by your hormones. The primary hormones women typically think are the problem are estrogen + progesterone. THESE ARE NOT THE ANSWER
Think of your hormones as a funnel, what happens at the top, affects the ones at the bottom. Therefore, we started with cortisol and insulin. However, it doesn’t stop there. The incidence of hypothyroidism and thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s are consistently on the rise, which is why we need to take a closer look at what’s going on with the thyroid hormones.
You may know that your thyroid is the butterfly shaped endocrine gland in your neck/throat that has something to do with your energy. But are you aware of the impact it has on your metabolism and other hormones? Let’s dive in.
Think of your thyroid as the thermostat for your metabolism. It controls how efficiently your body burns energy.
The main thyroid hormones—T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)—work together in this process.
BREAKING DOWN YOUR THYROID HORMONES
Let’s start with the most commonly known one, the one you’ve most likely had tested if you’ve done a blood panel recently.
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone):
This is produced by the pituitary gland, TSH signals the thyroid to produce T3 and T4. High TSH levels often indicate that the body is trying to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones because they are low.
T4 (Thyroxine):
This is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland. T4 serves as a reservoir for energy, but it needs to be converted into T3 to be active.
Low levels of T4 can lead to a sluggish metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, and even depression.
T3 (Triiodothyronine):
T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone, responsible for regulating metabolism and energy levels. It impacts nearly every cell in the body.
Low T3 can lead to symptoms like low energy, weight gain, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating.
When thyroid function is compromised, a condition known as hypothyroidism, you may experience:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Constipation
- Brain fog
These symptoms arise because low thyroid hormone levels slow down metabolism, making it harder to lose weight and maintain energy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES?
Actionable items to support a balanced thyroid + optimal metabolism:
Nutrients:
- Ensure you're consuming adequate iodine (found in fish, dairy, and kelp salt), selenium (found in Brazil nuts and seafood), and zinc (found in oysters, meats and eggs). These nutrients are vital for the production and conversion of thyroid hormones.
Nurture your nervous system
- Chronic stress can impair thyroid function by increasing cortisol, which interferes with the conversion of T4 to T3.
- Incorporate nervous system supporting activities like yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises to keep your hormones balanced.
Nourish your gut:
- 20% of T4 is converted to T3 in the gut. A disrupted gut microbiome can interfere with this process.
- Add fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir and a high-quality probiotic to support digestion and thyroid hormone conversion along with plenty of water to promote digestion and nutrient absorption, which are essential for thyroid function.
Focus on these 3 N’s: nutrients, nurturing your nervous system, and nourishing your gut health to support your thyroid and metabolism.
When your thyroid is functioning optimally, your metabolism will rev up, making weight loss and energy gain feel achievable and sustainable.
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
No Fuss Probiotic Dressing Recipe
NO FUSS PROBIOTIC DRESSING RECIPE
23 / OCTOBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Dressings have to be one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to healthy eating. You can have the most splendidly nourishing meal in front of you that ends up being completely ruined by the sauce or dressing poured on it.
This isn’t just because of the sugar content in a lot of them, it’s actually the s33d oils like canola oil, vegetable oil, rapeseed oil, etc that are super inflammatory for our body, causing stress on our gut health and contributing to hormonal issues (from period pain to mood swings).
It may seem like such a small thing, but you think about it. If you have a sauce or dressing even with one meal each day, it accumulates overtime.
Remember the body keeps a score!
Which is why I loved this recipe from Clover Ferments (my go-to probiotic fermented drink), their drinks make for the most amazing gut reset too by the way - and they have given me a special discount code for you - ‘SHEREE10’ to take 10% off your order!
You can find out all the beautiful benefits of these gut healing drinks in a podcast episode we did with the owner here too.
Dressing recipe below - the best part is, you just have to shake it in a jar and it’s done!
INGREDIENTS + METHOD
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Clover
- Ferments Blend Kvass
- 1 tsp. dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Optional: add 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a little extra zing
Method:
1. Place all ingredients in a jar and shake
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
Natural Acne Solutions Foods To Remove For Clear Skin
NATURAL ACNE SOLUTIONS: FOODS TO REMOVE FOR CLEAR SKIN
2 / OCTOBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns in developed nations, and it can affect people of all ages. While there are several factors that influence the presence of acne - including hormones, stress, genetics, bacteria, microbiome health and inflammation — one of the most influential and often underrated ways to support and treat acne is through diet (which is often driving the inflammation).
There is a significant amount of research to support that what you eat affects your skin, and by reducing or removing these foods I have seen significant changes in my clients prevalence of acne as well as their confidence.
UNDERSTANDING ACNE AND ITS ROOT CAUSES
Before diving into diet, it's important to understand that acne is a complex condition. It can be influenced by hormones, stress, bacteria, your gut microbiome and even environmental factors, but inflammation is a key driver of acne development. Modern treatments like antibiotics and Accutane are often prescribed, but these can come with serious side effects, including antibiotic resistance and mental health concerns.
Luckily, there is growing research showing that a holistic approach — particularly focusing on what we eat — can be highly effective in managing and even preventing acne. So what are these foods and how do they affect your skin?
The Dairy and Acne Connection
Dairy, especially milk, has long been suspected to play a role in acne development. While dairy can be a good source of calcium and vitamin D, it also contains growth hormones and proteins that can trigger hormonal imbalances, leading to an increase in sebum production and inflammation, both of which are precursors to acne.
A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology concluded that dairy intake, particularly skim milk, is associated with an increased risk of acne, potentially due to the presence of whey proteins and growth factors . Additionally, the systemic inflammation caused by dairy can exacerbate skin conditions, making breakouts worse.
What to Do About It:
- Try eliminating or reducing dairy from your diet for a few weeks and see how your skin responds.
- Consider plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut milk that don't contain the same hormones and proteins that might trigger acne. Or focus on raw dairy products that are less likely to contain the nasties and is much easier to digest and absorb for the body.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: The Inflammation Trigger (aka seed oils)
While omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the body, modern diets are disproportionately high in these fats, primarily due to processed foods and vegetable/seed oils. This imbalance creates a pro-inflammatory environment in the body, which can directly influence acne formation.
A systematic review published in Lipids in Health and Disease found that an excess of omega-6 fatty acids, relative to anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, can worsen inflammatory skin conditions like acne . When you consume too many omega-6-rich foods, such as corn oil, soybean oil, and fried foods, it amplifies inflammation in the body, making skin issues harder to manage.
What to Do About It:
- Reduce your intake of processed foods high in omega-6 oils.
- Increase your consumption of anti-inflammatory omega-3s, found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish like salmon, to balance the ratio of fats in your diet.
High-Glycemic Index Foods and Acne
Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) — such as white bread, sugary snacks, and soft drinks — cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. These spikes prompt a release of insulin, which in turn stimulates androgen hormones and increases sebum production, both contributing to clogged pores and acne formation.
Research has consistently shown that people who consume a low-glycemic diet experience fewer acne outbreaks. A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants on a low-GI diet saw significant improvements in acne over a 12-week period . By keeping your blood sugar levels stable, you can help control hormone levels and reduce inflammation.
What to Do About It:
- Opt for whole grains, vegetables, and fruits with low to moderate glycemic indexes, such as quinoa, sweet potatoes, and berries.
- Focus on high protein foods and good sources of omega 3 fats to pair with the low-GI carbs to stabilise blood sugars.
- Limit refined sugars and carbohydrates that can trigger insulin spikes.
Holistic Skin Solutions for Clearer Skin
To get the best results for your skin, focus on adopting a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet. By reducing your intake of dairy, inflammatory omega-6 fats, and high-glycemic foods, you can create an internal environment that supports clear, healthy skin. Combine these dietary changes with other holistic practices like stress management and proper skincare for a comprehensive approach to managing acne.
While everyone’s skin responds differently, taking charge of your diet is a powerful step toward achieving clearer, glowing skin without relying on harsh medications.
If you’re wanting to get to the root cause of your acne and want my step-by-step approach to clear glowing skin from within, check out my free masterclass here to give your skin the ultimate glow up!
REFERENCES
- Smith, L. M., et al. (2021). "Dairy intake and acne: A systematic review." International Journal of Dermatology.
- Stangl, G., et al. (2016). "Acne and Nutrition: A Systematic Review." ResearchGate.
- Smith, R. M., et al. (2018). "The role of omega-6 fatty acids in inflammation and acne." Lipids in Health and Disease.
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007). "Effect of low-glycemic diet on acne." PubMed Central.
- Bowe, W. P., et al. (2016). "Diet and acne revisited: dairy and high glycemic index foods." The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
What Your Food Cravings Are Really Trying To Tell You
WHAT YOUR FOOD CRAVINGS ARE REALLY TRYING TO TELL YOU
4 / SEPTEMBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Whether it’s chocolate, chips, peanut butter, a steak or even a piece of fruit there’s something your body is trying to communicate with you when you have cravings.
I recently went away with some friends and it was so interesting to observe the cravings they were gravitating towards. After sharing with me what a stressful time they’ve been having (work + family stress) it was obvious to me their cortisol levels would be in a chronically elevated state and they were living in fight or flight.
What they didn’t realise is how incredibly intelligent their body was at ensuring they were getting the extra top up of nutrients they needed.
You see, when we are in a state of fight or flight (aka sympathetic nervous system dominance); we are more stressed - the more stressed we are, the more of certain nutrients we need.
Not only that, but high cortisol levels will suppress the immune system, cause the body to run primarily on glucose and use up a lot of your nutrient stores much faster. Hence why the carb cravings can go through the roof during this time.
So what was my friend craving, and what does it mean?
WHAT YOUR CRAVINGS MEAN
CRAVING CHOCOLATE?
Chances are if you’re craving chocolate, there’s a magnesium deficiency. The more stressed we are the more magnesium your body uses. Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) contains high levels of magnesium.
50g of a high quality dark chocolate often contains more magnesium than most good quality magnesium supplements. I recommend getting at least 70%+ dark chocolate with no/low sugar, but I do also recommend that a high quality magnesium supplement is taken daily.
Solution: Magnesium bisglycinate is my go to (to avoid funky bowel movement changes and to calm the nervous system) - dosage starting around 300 mg.
CRAVING SALTY FOODS?
Chips, pretzels, salted nuts… all feedback your adrenals are constantly being stimulated. What do the adrenal glands do? Produce cortisol and adrenaline - hello nervous system again (starting to get the picture?).
Salt isn’t ‘bad’ like we’ve been led to believe. Sodium is one of the most required nutrients in the body, it’s an electrolyte and we need it to keep us hydrated. We’re 70% water after all and detoxification, mood, energy… everything is negatively impacted if we aren’t in a hydrated state.
So, having the salt isn’t the issue, it is normally what the salt is covering - e.g. the fried potato or the gluten filled pretzel. Salted nuts are fine, but often it is the overconsumption of these that affects our goals.
Solution: add kelp or natural salt to your meals, or to your water (yes I know that sounds weird), which is why my go-to is to drink electrolytes. Particularly around my workout or first thing in the morning.
CRAVING FRUIT?
This can be a combination of factors; one it could be the carbs you’re craving to calm down the nervous system (yes they do this). Or it could be the nutrients inside that particular fruit.
In my friend's case, I think it was both. They were eating mandarins like there was no tomorrow! What are mandarins high in? Vitamin C. So not only was the body getting a hit of carbs to help calm down the nervous system from the sugars in the mandarins, but also the extra immune system support from the vitamin C.
Vitamin C can halve our cortisol levels which is great, because chronically elevated cortisol (as aforementioned) suppresses the immune system.
Solution: in periods of higher stress, or just as an added layer of support add in a high vitamin C piece of fruit to your day (e.g. mandarins, oranges, kiwifruit etc), or supplement with 1000 mg of vitamin C.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You can see that for my friend (as for many of my clients), the cravings were all supporting one core imbalance - nervous system dysfunction.
The body is always trying to get back to homeostasis - a place of balance - where the body feels safe and regulated. There are many other cravings that can mean different things too and I am happy to dive into those in another blog (let me know in the comments if you’d like that). But I hope this helps give you a starting point to understand that cravings aren’t there to sabotage you, they’re feedback from the body.
So next time you get a craving, ask yourself… What is my body trying to communicate with me?
With love,
Sheree xo
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
How To Get Rid Of Sugar Cravings For Good
HOW TO GET RID OF SUGAR CRAVINGS FOR GOOD
21 / AUGUST / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Tired? You’ll crave sugar.
Hungry for too long? You’ll crave sugar
Stressed out? You’ll crave sugar
There’s not many instances where our body won’t crave sugar if we aren’t giving it what it needs. But your body isn’t trying to work against you…
See, sugar is a quick source of energy, it will pick up your blood sugars, goes directly to the brain and boom… you feel less tired, less hungry and often a little less stressed (because let’s face it, sugar is yum!)
BUT… here’s the catch. It doesn’t last long, and before you know it, you’re back feeling tired, hungry and probably more stressed because you wished you hadn’t indulged in all of that chocolate.
CRAVINGS ARE TYPICALLY DRIVEN BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Blood Sugar Dysregulation: aka you’re not eating to support your insulin levels, causing a blood sugar rollercoaster, driving moods, energy, hormones and hunger to be all over the show (and feel out of control)
- Gut Dysbiosis: a fancy way of saying you either have too little good bugs, too many bad bugs or a combination of both. It is often too many bad bugs that are driving the sugar cravings because that’s what feeds them and allows them to multiply
- Fight/Flight/Freeze: a wired, tired, or frozen nervous system means you’re operating out of a sympathetic state - aka survival. When we live here, we rely on glucose (sugar) to function and therefore need more and crave more carbs to help keep ourselves going and ‘calm’ or as close to it as possible.
None of these are optimal ways to be living, and many of the clients I work with are dealing with a combination of one or more of the above.
SO HERE'S WHERE WE START…
Since all of these root causes are a form of stress on the body, we want to help by mitigating the stress and calming down the system. We also know the more stressed we are, the more magnesium we use.
So we start by adding in extra magnesium to your diet, whether this is in the form of a supplement (ideally start with 300mg of magnesium bisglycinate - this is the most bioavailable form of magnesium and won't give you the runs). Or get a high quality dark chocolate with no nasty ingredients, at least 70% cocoa or cacao and very low in sugar (no artificial sweeteners either). Take this daily and watch your sugar cravings disappear.
Also for the month of September in the Conscious Wellness Collective our challenge is ‘CURB THE CRAVINGS’ click here for more info!
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
Are Weight Loss Drugs Damaging Your Gut
ARE WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS CAUSING YOUR GUT ISSUES
6 / MARCH / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
In the last 12 months we’ve seen a massive increase in weight loss medications, particularly from a peptide perspective - injectables that help regulate appetite and in many cases insulin sensitivity.
Among these are GLP-1 agonists—Ozempic, Liraglutide, Semaglutide (US names) These drugs are known for their impact on weight reduction, but concerns about their effects on gut health and potential promotion of bacterial overgrowth have raised questions.
WHAT THE STUDY SHOWS
A recent study delved into the risks associated with these medications. Researchers tracked 4,800 non-diabetic obese individuals using GLP-1 agonists and compared them to 650 obese individuals taking bupropion-naltrexone. Their one-year observation painted a troubling picture:
- The GLP-1 group faced a 9.1 times higher risk of pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the pancreas.
- The risk of bowel obstruction was 4.2 times higher in the same group.
- Additionally, the GLP-1 users experienced a 3.7 times higher risk of gastroparesis, a condition causing delayed stomach emptying.
Combining the risks of pancreatitis and bowel obstruction in the GLP-1 group suggested that approximately 125 individuals might potentially develop these conditions within two years of starting treatment.
The study revealed a strong association between these conditions and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), an ailment where bacteria thrive in the small intestine, leading to gastrointestinal issues.
Of concern is the potential rise in SIBO cases among those using GLP-1 agonists. The elevated risks observed for pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis indicate a higher likelihood of SIBO development, hinting at an alarming trend among individuals seeking weight loss through GLP-1 agonists.
These medications function as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, essentially working by stimulating insulin production to control blood sugar and regulate appetite. While their primary aim is weight loss, the significant side effects and potential influence on gut health raise a considerable concern.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The study's revelations highlight the necessity for additional research to deepen our understanding of how these medications might alter the gut microbiome and contribute to increased risks of gastrointestinal complications. As more findings emerge, a critical evaluation of the risks associated with specific weight loss treatments becomes imperative.
Weight loss drugs have positively impacted health management for many. However, the study suggests the importance of ensuring that weight loss pursuits do not inadvertently lead to unforeseen health complications. An in-depth understanding of the broader impacts of these medications, including their role in altering the gut microbiome, is crucial to ensuring their safety and efficacy.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, it's essential to comprehensively evaluate the implications and risks associated with weight loss medications, especially given their potential impact on gut health. The study's findings underline the significance of further research to understand the nuances and potential health consequences of these weight loss treatments.
Reference:
https://www.jwatch.org/na56649/2023/10/12/gastrointestinal-adverse-events-patients-taking-glp-1
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!
POPULAR
Easing Period Pain With Zinc
EASING PERIOD PAIN: A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF ZINC SULFATE
21 / FEBRUARY / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
A recent study looked into how zinc sulfate affects high school students dealing with primary dysmenorrhea - that's just a fancy way of saying period pain or cramping that occurs without any other underlying condition. The study had 103 participants who were split into two groups: one group took 40mg of zinc sulfate, while the other group took a placebo for the first three days of their menstrual cycle for a total of three months!
Okay, let's cut to the chase. The group that took zinc saw a significant decrease in pain scores over the three months. But here's the kicker - the most noticeable changes happened during the third cycle. By the end of the study, the average pain scores in the zinc group were about half of what they were in the placebo group. Now, that's what I call progress!
HOW ZINC CAN HELP WITH PERIOD PAIN
Here's where I think it makes things interesting, because it takes about 100 days for the egg released during ovulation to mature - that's roughly three months. So, it makes sense that we saw the biggest improvements around that time. This is a huge reason why all my protocols with clients are for a minimum of three months to truly allow the intervention to work and solidify in the body.
Let's talk about period pain, or the fancy name for it - primary dysmenorrhea. Basically it’s caused by changes in prostaglandin levels, which lead to muscle contractions and, you guessed it, pain. These levels tend to spike when you regularly indulge on highly inflammatory foods like gluten, refined sugar, and those sneaky seed oils. To add insult to injury, low progesterone levels can also ramp up the pain - so if you’re overly stressed, or not ovulating effectively, you can bet your period pain is going to be more prominent.
Now, here's where zinc comes into play. The researchers believe that zinc works its magic by regulating prostaglandin enzymes, boosting antioxidant enzymes, and dialling down inflammation. And guess what? Previous studies have shown similar improvements with zinc sulfate, which just goes to show that we're onto something big here.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
So, as your go-to wellness coach and expert, I'm here to share your Weekly Wellness Prescription:. I recommend popping 40 - 50mg of zinc for 3 - 4 days, starting the day before your period. Trust me, this little trick could be your ticket to a pain-free period (especially if you combine it with nutritional changes too).
References:
1. Yoon HS, Lee S, Kim JH, & Park SM. (2021). Association of beetroot juice supplementation with exercise capacity and performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 13(3), 905. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030905
2. Domínguez R, Cuenca E, Maté-Muñoz JL, García-Fernández P, Serra-Paya N, Estevan MC, Herreros PV, & Garnacho-Castaño MV. (2014). Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. A systematic review. Nutrients, 6(2), 750–766. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6020750
3. Wylie LJ, Kelly J, Bailey SJ, Blackwell JR, Skiba PF, Winyard PG, Jeukendrup AE, & Vanhatalo A. (2013). Beetroot juice and exercise: Pharmacodynamic and dose-response relationships. Journal of Applied Physiology, 115(3), 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00372.2013
SHEREE BEAUMONT
Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Wellness Coach I empower women like you to transform their lives, understand their bodies and feel their best from the inside out!