3 Reasons You Wake Up Bloated
3 REASONS YOU ARE WAKING UP BLOATED
15 / JANUARY / 2025
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Waking up bloated? Here's 3 reasons why...
1. You ate a late meal...
When you consume a late meal, i.e. only a couple of hours or less before you got to bed, it can impact the body's digestive processes during the night. Especially if it was one rich in complex carbohydrates.
As the body metabolises food, there is an increase in insulin secretion, promoting glycogen storage. However, late-night meals may not allow sufficient time for the body to utilise or burn off the stored glycogen, leading to water retention and a sensation of bloating in the morning.
Additionally, the delayed emptying of the stomach during sleep can contribute to a feeling of fullness and bloating upon waking.
2. You're stressed out...
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response. Elevated cortisol levels, often associated with chronic stress, can impact digestive functions.
Scientific studies suggest that stress-induced cortisol release may lead to changes in gastrointestinal motility, promoting bloating and discomfort.
Moreover, stress can influence our food choices, often triggering us to reach for high-fat or high-sugar foods, which can further contribute to bloating.
3. You've got a deeper gut issue...
We're talking food sensitivities, impaired or lack of digestive enzymes, dysbiosis in the gut or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
Reactions to specific foods, such as gluten or lactose, can contribute to bloating, not producing enough digestive enzymes can inhibit the breakdown of our foods, and poor microbiome health i.e. SIBO or dysbiosis can cause bloating because there's an imbalance of good vs bad bacteria and that excess of bad bacteria can ferment food and produce gas causing bloating.
Wanna learn how to beat the bloat?
In my free 5-day beat the bloat challenge I'm sharing exactly how you can stop the bloating for good, and see changes in as little as 3 days!
Click here to register for free!
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!
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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!
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Simple Changes To Make Your Smoothie Bowl Hormone Friendly
SIMPLE CHANGES TO MAKE YOUR SMOOTHIE BOWL HORMONE-FRIENDLY
20 / NOVEMBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Smoothie bowls are my absolute favourite… it doesn’t matter if it is summer or winter, the texture, taste and toppings make it such a yummy meal and easy go to when I am out and about (to be honest, I very rarely make them at home)
It’s probably because they remind me of ice cream (one of my favourite foods… yes, even as a holistic nutritionist, I will happily admit I am a sucker for ice cream all year round!
However, whilst I wouldn’t encourage ice cream for breakfast on a regular basis, if you were to want a smoothie bowl as a meal, here are some simple changes you can make to one you order out.
SIMPLE CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE
1. Add protein
Smoothie bowls tend to be higher in carbohydrates with fruit being their base, if we want balanced hormones, we need stable blood sugars. Adding a protein powder helps slow down the blood sugar spike from the fruit keeping us fuller for longer and our hormones happier
*side note: for some weird reason some places think of the protein as a topping and don’t actually mix it in 🤦♀️ whilst this is something I will never understand and not something they do at Bowl & Arrow, I do recommend specifying that they mix the protein in when you add it to your order.
2. Swap the toppings
It may look aesthetically pleasing to put a bunch of fruit on the top, but again we aren’t doing our blood sugars any favours.
Swap the toppings for more fat rich options, we need fats to actually make our hormones, think peanut butter, nuts, seeds or coconut yoghurt.
3. Time it right
If you typically have smoothie bowls for breakfast try fitting in a short walk or even using it as a pre-workout meal before training. This will allow your body to utilise the glucose as fuel and also support your insulin sensitivity. Alternatively it’s also great as a post-workout meal too.
Enjoy!
Whether you are making a smoothie bowl at home, or buying one from my personal fave @bowl.and.arrow always be present with your food and never be afraid to get creative!
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!
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Sex Hormones Impact On Metabolism In Women
THE TRUTH ABOUT ESTROGEN, PROGESTERONE + TESTOSTERONE AND WEIGHT LOSS
13 / NOVEMBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
The real reason you're not seeing results - part three... If you missed parts one and two, be sure to go back and give them a read (part one / part two) as this builds on what we’ve already discussed!
We’ve finally arrived at the problem children (or so you may be thinking). Chances are you’ve heard of our all too familiar sex hormones - estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. But unfortunately, these poor little guys are getting the blame meant for their older brothers and sisters - when in fact they’ve just been following instructions.
Let me remind you of our little hormone funnel… remember the sex hormones are going to respond to what’s going on above. So if cortisol, insulin and thyroid hormones are misbehaving, your sex hormones will too.
There’s no point blaming estrogen for your metabolism holding weight, when your insulin isn’t sensitised enough to stop telling the body to store fat.
You can’t blame testosterone for poor muscle mass, when you’ve constantly been telling the body to be catabolic (breaking down muscle), because you’re living in survival mode and over producing cortisol.
You also can’t blame progesterone for poor sleep (and therefore poor insulin + blood sugar regulation and often poor food choices), when you’re body is being told there’s a famine going on - aka you’re not eating enough - it’s slowed down your thyroid and increased your cortisol levels and now you’re wired and fatigued.
No… it really isn’t fair to blame our sex hormones for what their older brothers and sisters have been up to as a result of your dietary and lifestyle choices.
Now I am not here to shift the blame to you, or to the top tier hormones either. This is a team effort, and if you want to see real change, you need to revisit part one and two to make sure you’re nourishing your nervous system, balancing your blood sugars, and getting enough nutrients to support optimal hormone production.
I’ve had clients come to me taking all sorts of estrogen clearing + progesterone boosting + testosterone balancing supplements, but they aren’t addressing the root cause.
And often when they do, they don’t need any of those fancy things, their hormones come right and the weight simply falls off because their metabolism is in a healthy, optimal state.
This is where you’ve most likely heard the term ‘weight loss is a by-product of a healthy body’ - ain't that the truth. And if you want to experience it for yourself - go back to phase one, two and even three.
BUT… because I know you’re here wanting to learn more about your beautiful hormones, here’s a little run down of what your most common sex hormones are responsible for in your body and how you can optimise them!
ESTROGEN:
Estrogen is essential for reproductive health, but it also influences mood, bone density, skin health, and cardiovascular function. While we often think of estrogen as beneficial, too much or too little can cause issues:
- High estrogen (estrogen dominance): weight gain, mood swings, heavy periods, PMS, and breast tenderness.
- Low estrogen: hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
Actionable items to support optimal estrogen balance:
Detox:
- Help your liver metabolise excess estrogen by eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, bok choy and Brussels sprouts
Daily bowel movements:
- If you aren’t having a daily bowel movement, excess estrogen cannot be eliminated. A sluggish gut can cause estrogen to recirculate in the body.
- Include fibre-rich foods to support estrogen elimination through bowel movements
Destress:
- Elevated cortisol can block healthy estrogen metabolism, so prioritise stress management with mindfulness, yoga, or breathwork.
PROGESTERONE:
Progesterone is known as the “keep calm and carry on hormone” and plays a key role in balancing estrogen, regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting fertility, and promoting restful sleep.
- Low progesterone can result in irregular periods, PMS, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. I am yet to meet someone who has too much of this…
Actionable items to support optimal progesterone production:
Optimise ovulation:
- Your body makes progesterone only after ovulation, so aim to have regular cycles by eating enough, including healthy fats (like avocados and olive oil) + proteins (animal based tends to be most easily absorbed by the body)
- Track your cycle - and NO an app cannot tell you. This is important regardless of whether or not you are wanting to fall pregnant.
Optimise sleep:
- Poor sleep reduces progesterone levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep by maintaining a consistent bedtime routine.
- Add a supplement like magnesium bisglycinate or herbs like passionflower/valerian root to support (check with medical provider)
Offset stress:
- Cortisol competes with progesterone production, so stress management is key. Incorporate calming practices like meditation, journaling, or gentle movement.
TESTOSTERONE:
Testosterone isn’t just for men—it’s vital for women’s muscle strength, libido, mood stability, and energy.
- Low levels can lead to fatigue, low sex drive, and difficulty building muscle,
- High levels (often seen with PCOS) can cause acne, hair thinning, and irregular cycles.
Actionable items to support balanced testosterone levels:
Stabilise blood sugar levels:
- Insulin resistance can increase testosterone levels. Focus on eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep blood sugar steady - refer to part one of this series for more tips
Strength train:
- Lifting weights helps naturally support healthy testosterone levels and improve muscle tone - and it will NOT make you bulky.
Steer clear of endocrine disruptors:
- Reduce exposure to chemicals found in plastics and beauty products that interfere with hormone balance.
- Switch to natural or low-tox options where possible.
By focusing on these actionable steps, the 3 D’s for estrogen, 3 O’s for progesterone and/or 3 S’s for testosterone you’ll be further supporting your hormonal balance - you may also notice a lot of the tips link back to what’s needed to support your insulin and cortisol!
I hope this 3 part series has given you a deeper insight into your hormonal and metabolic health, and how it differs as a woman helping you feel energised, strong, and in control of your hormones.
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!
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Skin-Glowing Smoothie Bowl Recipe
SKIN-GLOWING SMOOTHIE BOWL RECIPE
9 / OCTOBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Serving: 1 large smoothie (or 2 small servings)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
- 1 scoop protein powder of choice (I’d recommend vanilla flavoured)
- ½ cup plain Greek yoghurt or ¼ cup plain coconut yoghurt (rich in probiotics)
- 1 cup spinach (high in vitamins A, C, and iron for skin health)
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds or flaxseeds (omega-3s and fibre for gut health)
- ¼ avocado (healthy fats for glowing skin)
- 1 kiwifruit (vitamin C to boost collagen production)
- ½ cucumber (hydrating and soothing for skin)
- ½ cup of berries berries (rich in antioxidants)
- ice cubes for extra thickness
Toppings (pick 2-3):
- 1 tbsp. hemp seeds/hearts
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 tbsp. pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp. goji berries
- 1 tsp. cacao nibs
- 1 tbsp. coconut flakes
- 1 kiwi fruit cut into slices
- 1 tbsp. pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp. almond butter
These toppings not only add texture and flavour, but also provide essential nutrients that promote healthy, glowing skin!
METHOD
- Add all ingredients to a blender (except the toppings).
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Top with 2-3 toppings of your choice
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!
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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!
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10 Reasons You Need To Try A Float Tank
10 REASONS YOU NEED TO BE FLOATING (like yesterday)
18 / SEPTEMBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Floating has become increasingly popular in recent years, for all kinds of reasons (many of which are listed below). If you’re not sure what floating is… healthline defines it as “a sensory deprivation tank, also called an isolation tank or flotation tank, is used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). It is a dark, soundproof tank that is filled with a foot or less of salt water.”
That salt water is Epsom salts which allows you to float atop of it and contain high doses of magnesium which is part of what provides such amazing benefits.
I remember being a little nervous about getting into a pod, I’m not overly claustrophobic, but hey… still a bit strange. However, closing my eyes and shutting off from the world for an hour was incredible. I make sure I go at least once a month. My favourite local one is Infinity Float (who have also given me a discount to pass onto you for 20% OFF: ‘SHW20’.
10 REASONS YOU'LL LOVE FLOATING
- Reduced Stress + Anxiety: floating in a sensory-deprivation tank induces a state of deep relaxation, helping to alleviate stress + anxiety and promote a sense of calm for the nervous system (aka reduced cortisol)
- Pain Relief: the buoyancy of the saltwater can ease muscle and joint pain, making floating a therapeutic option for those with chronic pain conditions - loved this for my knee!
- Improved Sleep: regular floatation sessions have been linked to better sleep quality... Hello, you are floating in 550kg of magnesium, and I slept like a baby after mine
- Enhanced Mental Clarity: sensory deprivation allows the mind to quiet down, fostering mental clarity, improved focus, and heightened creativity.
- Muscle Recovery: floating is a tool for muscle recovery, as it can reduce lactic acid buildup and accelerate the healing of muscle tissue, and improves circulation
- Strengthened Immune System: the relaxation response triggered by floating may contribute to a strengthened immune system, helping the body defend against illnesses.
- Mind-Body Connection: floating provides an opportunity for introspection and a deeper connection between the mind and body, aiding in self-discovery and personal growth.
- Relaxation: floating provides a unique opportunity for mindful relaxation, allowing us to disconnect from external world which we very rarely give ourselves the opportunity to do.
- Elevated Mood: floating stimulates the release of endorphins, promoting a positive mood and potentially acting as a natural antidepressant.
- Enhanced Creativity: the sensory-deprivation environment can encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, making it a valuable tool for artists and professionals seeking innovative ideas.
I particularly noticed the creativity and left feeling super recharged and re-energised! I cannot wait to go back to @infinityfloat again!
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!
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My Favourite Go-To Snack Recipe
MY FAVOURITE GO-TO SNACK RECIPE
11 / SEPTEMBER / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Prep Time: 2 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Servings: 1
INGREDIENTS
- 4 to 5 squares of dark chocolate (low sugar variety and at least 70% cocoa)
- 1 cup unsweetened, plain Greek yoghurt (Kalo is my favourite if you’re in NZ)
- ½ serve of unflavoured protein powder of choice (flavoured is fine too, but I find it too sweet)
Optional extras:
1 tbsp. nut butter or ¼ cup nuts of choice and/or ½ cup berries
METHOD
- Serve yoghurt into a bowl and mix in the protein powder
- Chop up the dark chocolate (or grating can be nice too)
- Add in the other toppings if you’d like
- Enjoy!
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!
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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
Green Goddess Soup
GREEN GODDESS SOUP RECIPE
28 / AUGUST / 2024
SHEREE'S HEALTH DIARIES
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 100g shredded chicken
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 cup veggie stock or bonebroth
- 2 medium zucchinis(chopped)
- 1 head of broccoli (chopped)
- 1 cup kale (chopped)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. Cumin
- ½ tsp. curry powder
- Salt + pepper to taste
METHOD
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped veggies with seasonings and sauté until soft.
- Add veggie stock and coconut milk and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer for around 20 – 30 minutes.
- Wait for it to cool slightly before adding to a blender, or alternatively use a food processor and blitz until it reaches a creamy smooth consistency.
- If need be re-heat slightly in the pot to serve, and add shredded chicken.
- Double or quadruple this recipe to make multiple servings for an easy dinner or lunch to heat throughout the week.
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!