The Real Life RD

helping you find peace with food and your natural body size

  • the RD & NP
  • Online Courses
  • Women’s Wellness
  • Speaking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Hormones, Metabolism, Stress

How Dieting Affects Your Thyroid

June 20, 2017 By Robyn 50 Comments

If I could summarize what I’ve learned over the past five years as an RD and now an NP working with women that fall somewhere on the eating disorder or disordered eating spectrum, it’s that they know a lot about food and calories and nutrients, but very little about what their behaviors actually do to their internal body.

Whether you had an eating disorder or struggle with patterns of restrictive eating, your thyroid may not be working quite right. | The Real Life RD

Ever since my first job as a dietitian back in the summer of 2012, I have had a deep fascination with the thyroid gland, second to the female reproductive system. This little gland does so much. I could write for hours about all the things that affect thyroid function, but what I hope you learn at the end of this post is how inadequate nutrition affects thyroid health and what that means for you.

From a physiological standpoint, thyroid hormone plays a huge role in metabolism. It plays many roles and acts on nearly every cell in the body, but one of it’s main roles is regulating metabolism. You may have seen your doctor draw a TSH lab {thyroid stimulating hormone} but there are several other thyroid hormones. It goes a little like this:

Your pituitary gland makes TSH and that TSH tells your thyroid to make thyroxine {aka T4} which is an inactive thyroid hormone that has to be converted to its active version before it can be used by the body. That active version is triiodothyronine aka T3. Stay with me here with this next part. T4 can be converted to T3 {the active version with metabolic effect} or reverse T3 — an inactive form that actually blocks cell receptors, thus blocking the effect of T3. All that to say, I know the practice guidelines in medicine/nursing say order TSH first, and then if that’s abnormal order additional thyroid labs. But I hate that guideline, because a normal TSH doesn’t rule out other thyroid abnormalities.

healing your thyroid

So now that we know more about the thyroid and thyroid hormones, how does undereating in any form affect your thyroid?

When it comes to dieting, detoxing, restricting foods groups or any sort of restricting eating – that stuff wreaks some havoc on your thyroid, even in short amounts of time. Studies show that even three weeks of calorie restriction causes a substantial reduction of T4 conversion to T3 {the active one} — what’s even more important is that TSH levels are not always elevated. Typically, if your TSH is elevated then doctors go searching for low levels of T3/T4. My whole point being: a normal TSH doesn’t mean you always have normal T3/T4.

When your body experiences lack of food or abundance of food, your thyroid adapts to adjust metabolism and other bodily processes in order to maintain homeostasis. It’s when the body is forced to acclimate to dysregulated eating patterns over a long period of time when things get a little dicey and the thyroid isn’t as adjustable. And then it starts to putter out.

Sometimes that’s due to inadequate nutrients needed to produce and convert thyroid hormone, or abnormal cell signaling due to the reasons I talked about with reverse T3, and lastly and what I think it most notable…sometimes it’s due to elevated levels of stress hormone called cortisol in the body. And cortisol inhibits the proper function of thyroid hormone.

Other sources of stress beyond nutrition (which includes insufficient calories or carbs/fats/protein or mircronutrients) include too much exercise, too little sleep, emotional/mental stress.

Think of low thyroid hormone = things slow down. So beyond fatigue (classic in cases of hypothyroidism) other symptoms include constipation, poor digestion, depression and feeling cold all the time.

I don’t think medications are the devil, I do think there is a time and a place for medication and they can be helpful as an adjunct to lifestyle. But often (not always) medication in these cases is not appropriate, nor helpful. Because if you flood your body with synthetic thyroid hormone it won’t be able to recalibrate and readapt to normal. It’s the lifestyle stuff that is so so important. Nourishing your body, sleeping enough, self care to reduce stress, and moving your body in a way that’s healthy for you.

When I had hypothalamic amenorrhea, I also had normal TSH and low T4 levels. So unless I would have insisted in getting the full thyroid lab panel done, I would have never known. Even more important I think is that all this is reversible, the body can heal. So what I hope you remember after reading this post (that I hope isn’t confusing) is that often, there are many lifestyle changes that can help tremendously in healing low thyroid levels.

And I think the fact that the body can reverse damage when we take care of it is pretty cool.

healing your thyroid SaveSave


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

  • Carb Is Not A Four Letter WordCarb Is Not A Four Letter Word
  • The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting: are the claims true?The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting: are the claims true?
  • Why You Might Not Be At Your Natural Set PointWhy You Might Not Be At Your Natural Set Point
  • How To EatHow To Eat

Filed Under: Hormones, Metabolism, Stress

« A Hamptons Weekend
Day in the Life »

Comments

  1. Carrie this fit chick says

    June 20, 2017 at 8:48 am

    I am so glad you wrote about this. Not enough women understand the hormonal consequences of restrictive eating habits. I work with a lot of women who’s metabolisms aren’t functioning properly and it takes a lot of time and patience to get them to full speed and to get their hormones in order.

    Reply
  2. Maddie says

    June 20, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Thank you for this article! Early on in recovery, reading about the science behind eating disorders and why you exhibit physical symptoms like being cold, tired, bruising often helped me through the initial stages of recovery. Now, as I continue to move forward I find it comforting that my body is healing from the damage, and it makes me appreciate what my body does naturally! I would love to read more articles like this one, or more about the set weight point theory because I still can’t quite get that one through my head.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:57 am

      I will write as much as I can – so glad it has been helpful 🙂 xo

      Reply
  3. B says

    June 20, 2017 at 9:35 am

    I have never had an eating disorder per se, but I have had disordered eating in the past. For the past couple years though I have been trying to take care of myself better and eat “normally”. However, I have exhibited those symptoms you described: fatigue, constipation, always cold, etc. I went to my doctor this past February and asked to have my TSH, Free t3, and free t4 checked and they said everything came back normal! I am glad of course, but it was a little frustrating because I don’t know why I still have these symptoms then. I feel like my doctor brushed off my concerns since my tests were normal. I guess there isn’t a point to this – ha! Just wanted to say this type of stuff is interesting, and it is neat to see it from your perspective now as an RD and NP.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:56 am

      so glad it’s been helpful! you’re body can compensate for a while and keep levels in range despite symptoms so that doesn’t mean things couldn’t change soon…I hope thats helpful! xo

      Reply
  4. Shawn says

    June 20, 2017 at 9:49 am

    Hi robin!

    How does soy effect our thyroids. I’ve been drinking soy milk for the last month or so and just have seen some research about its negatively effecting thyroid function.

    Reply
    • Chloe says

      June 20, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      I would be interested in your view on soy, too! In relation to thyroid, but also in general. I eat a lot of tofu and keep thinking I prob shouldn’t? This was an awesome post!

      Reply
      • Robyn says

        June 22, 2017 at 6:53 am

        soy is not the devil….I think rotating it into your diet occasionally is completely fine – the studies are still inconclusive. hope that helps!

        Reply
  5. Emily says

    June 20, 2017 at 10:25 am

    It is incredible how the body can reverse and heal; it’s such a testimony to how God heals. I definitely felt the things that you mentioned, poor digestion, being cold, and such after struggling with an ED for several years. After a while of just eating more, exercising less, and such, I think I’ve seen a huge difference in my metabolism.

    Reply
  6. Kaylee says

    June 20, 2017 at 10:35 am

    A few months ago after a blood lab result for my allergies, I got word that my TSH levels were normal but my thyroid antibodies were actually really high. So this is so relevant for me right now though I’m not sure if this completely explains my thyroid issues. But it’s crazy that I learned more from this one post that I did during my appointments with the endocrinologist. Thanks, Robyn!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:55 am

      I’m so glad it was helpful kaylee! if your antibodies are high you’re perhaps dealing with an autoimmune issue.

      Reply
  7. Caitlin says

    June 20, 2017 at 11:24 am

    Really interesting- Thanks! I would love to hear your thoughts on Hashimoto’s as well. I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was 11, when I developed a goiter. Sometimes doctors call it Hashinoto’s, and others just refer to it as hypothyroidism. I always thought since I developed it so young that it is more of an autoimmune issue. Anyway-I would love to hear your thoughts on the difference between Hashimotos and hypothyroidism, and if just because I have taken Synthroid since I was 12 if I will always have to take it (doctors don’t usually explain very much). Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Holly says

      June 21, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      I was diagnosed with the same thing at 22 years old. I have the same question as you, and am wondering if I’ll have to take synthroid for the rest of my life. I asked a recent doctor if it was possible to eventually go off the drug and her response was basically “no you’ll be on it forever. Lifestyle doesn’t affect it much.” (!?)

      Reply
      • mallory says

        June 21, 2017 at 8:34 pm

        I started synthroid at around 11 too and i’m 27 now– 5 years ago my bloodwork came back normal and i’ve been off it ever since! lately I’ve been feeling a bit off, so i had it checked, and apparently i’m “subclinical” so it was my choice to get back on synthroid or not. I’m back on it but haven’t noticed much difference. its an extremely low dosage

        Reply
        • Robyn says

          June 22, 2017 at 6:50 am

          hope my response helps!

          Reply
      • Robyn says

        June 22, 2017 at 6:50 am

        I hope my response to Caitlin helps! <3

        Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:49 am

      We use to treat Hashimotos with lifestyle all the time when I worked with an endocrinologist in VA — Hashimotos is autoimmune so lifestyle treatment is focused on boosting the immune system..we took people off meds all the time with Hash so I hope that brings hope 🙂

      I know docs say you’ll be on it forever, but that is simply not the case. But it does take some time and education and really supporting a patient as they apply the lifestyle changes. Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Caitlin says

        June 22, 2017 at 2:03 pm

        Thanks! That was really helpful- thanks for taking the time to respond 🙂
        Did you work at an endocrinologist in Charlottesville? I ask because I live in Washington DC. I’ve never had ANY doctor tell me I could treat Hash with lifestyle so if they are close to Northern VA please let me know!

        Reply
      • Carolyn says

        November 7, 2018 at 2:30 am

        Thanks! I have Hashimoto’s and wondered if this information applied to it. Are you familiar with a gluten free diet being prescribed for Hashimoto’s? I have a friend who went gluten free to “treat” her H.’s yet my doctors over the years have never ever mentioned doing that –to my relief, ha! But then I was never symptomatic. Just got diagnosed after routine blood work.

        Reply
  8. Hilary says

    June 20, 2017 at 11:37 am

    I couldn’t have agreed more when you said these women know so much about nutrition and calories but not what it does to your internal body! I loved learning a little more on this subject.

    Reply
  9. Maggie G. says

    June 20, 2017 at 11:43 am

    Robyn, praise your good sense to address this underappreciated topic! There is an unfortunate dearth of information accessible to the layperson on understanding the thyroid, and particularly how one’s own actions can correct and optimize function. All too often traditional doctors will suggest quick fixes rather than evaluating and educating patients on how they can take ownership over their own health. Too many women misunderstand how the choices they make – hourly, daily, and over the course of the waves of a lifetime – can have a profound impact on this control center. This introduction is an insightful overview and I welcome any / all additional information you are willing to share with us on this subject.

    Reply
  10. June says

    June 20, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    Thanks so much for this post! What are your suggestions on how to reverse low thyroid (without medication) ?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:54 am

      thats something we work with nutshell clients on all the time and really individually based so I want to protect what we do at Nutshell – happy to help if you want to reach out though 🙂 <3

      Reply
  11. Ashley Smith says

    June 20, 2017 at 7:51 pm

    Grateful for people who know more than I do and can communicate it in ways that are understandable and helpful! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism while still struggling with disordered eating several years ago and was put on armour thyroid. I am now taking care of my body, feed it well, and my period has returned. Are you saying it is possible that I may not need medication in the future? If my thyroid function has improved, would we expect to see elevated levels of T3? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:53 am

      absolutely you likely will not need meds if you are taking care of yourself! all your levels should be in range if things are working well

      Reply
  12. Abigail T says

    June 21, 2017 at 3:02 am

    You did a good job of explaining it simply and informatively. What do you think about adrenal fatigue and thyroid issues. It seems like they can have similar symptoms. Can you have a normal TSH, T3, and T4 but still be overly stressed and / or have adrenal fatigue?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:52 am

      yes yes yes

      Reply
  13. alisha says

    June 21, 2017 at 5:22 am

    Great post. And just like doctors throwing birth control at you to cover an underlying problem, the same thing was done to me with regard to thyroid meds. They did blood work and determined I have hypothroid issue, which they wanted to me on drugs, but my BMI was so appallingly low, they never said, if you gained weight, the thyroid could come back into normal issue. Maybe they are afraid to mention weight issues? I don’t know. But your post is great in explaining the blood work needed to determine if you have a thyroid issue, which does not run in my family, to regarding it as a symptom of or ramification of malnutrition, etc.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:52 am

      so glad it was helpful! keep advocating for yourself <3

      Reply
  14. Jude says

    June 21, 2017 at 7:58 am

    I love allll your posts!!! My thyroid levels are totally wacky, and I was curious about when you mention “there are many lifestyle changes that can help tremendously in healing low thyroid levels”. Could you give specific examples of these..?

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:51 am

      I would love to but it’s something that we work with Nutshell clients on all the time so I want to be fair to them…thanks for understanding! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jude says

        June 22, 2017 at 7:17 am

        Oh yes, of course! Sorry! Love all your posts – you do such fab work 🙂

        Reply
  15. Amanda @amanda-isms says

    June 21, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Geeeeesh I love your posts and you are super inspirational (and reassuring) when it comes to my decision to leave the ICU and go into primary care! I feel the same exact way. And I’ve heard providers speak to ordering what they consider unnecessary labs or whatever it may be, but imagine being able to save someone from taking all that medicine?! It’s crazy to me, actually! Thanks for another great post, Robyn!

    Reply
  16. Leah says

    June 21, 2017 at 9:32 pm

    I love your posts and am just commenting to get a different perspective on it but I was born with hypothyroidism because my dad was in Vietnam and exposed to certain things. The government is actually involved and I will be getting a settlement sometime in my lifetime. If I was not tested when born when they found this out I would have been mentally retarded. So while what your saying is all awesome it’s not possible for me to ever live with levothyroxine and 2 pregnancies made it even more difficult. I do 100% believe most foods can heal and keep me healthy, but with my meds not as a substitute.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:47 am

      Hi Leah,

      I’m so sorry to hear this – my heart feels for you! Keep in mind that the whole point of this post is the relationship between restrictive eating/dieting and thyroid function – not a cause like you experienced so know that like I said above, medications do serve a purpose sometimes.

      Reply
  17. Leah says

    June 21, 2017 at 9:33 pm

    **without levothyroxine, I meant. OOOppps:)

    Reply
  18. Gemma says

    June 21, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    Hi Robyn,
    I’ve been a long time reader but have never commented until now (shy!). I honestly cannot say how much this blog has helped me in my recovery from anorexia. I know you said that the thyroid can heal after a period of undernourishment. However, I was wondering if there is still hope for my thyroid and hormones after SO many years of damage and undernourishment. I have had anorexia since age 12 (now age 25) and have never gotten my period naturally (I take birth control pills for my bone density and that has caused a “fake period”). I’m worried that there have just been too many years of damage.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      June 22, 2017 at 6:45 am

      Hi Gemma,

      Thanks for commenting 🙂 You are not “too far gone” as I know many women feel – but you aren’t so stay hopeful! <3

      Reply
  19. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says

    June 22, 2017 at 10:29 am

    Thank you so much for this insightful information, Robyn! I definitely notice that I have digestive issues when I start a new semester/job, and I know that it is because of the mental/emotional stress involved. It’s interesting to read about why that happens, so thank you!

    Reply
  20. Kelly says

    June 22, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    great post, Robyn! I’ve been loving your blog lately and you break down information like this into such an interesting and informative format. Hormones and how they relate to dieting/restrictive eating/EDs has been fascinating me lately and the more I learn, the better I can counsel my own patients. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  21. Renee says

    June 24, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    Thanks for the informative article! I’ve been on synthroid for a long time because no doctors discovered my disordered eating. (That came from you! Thank you!) Now I’m on thyroid meds and wondering if I’ll ever be able to wean myself off?

    Reply
  22. harley says

    November 21, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    hi,
    I’m in the very very early stages of recovery from anorexia (i’ve been eating a “normal” amount of calories for about a week now after months of starvation) and i just had some bloodwork done that shows very low levels of T3 but normal levels of t4…i’m just wondering if i’ve actually developed hypothyroidism and if gaining weight back will now be “too easy” (i know this is still my disordered brain speaking, lol). i have all the typical symptoms of fatigue, hair falling out, cold all the time, depression and i’m wondering if medication or simply continuing to eat “normally” over the next few months will correct all this? i’m currently in the phase of having gained a bunch of water weight, but am i likely to gain real weight rapidly at first due to the low t3 and then stabilize? sorry if this post is a bit scattered!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      November 23, 2017 at 10:17 am

      Hi Harley! It’s hard to answer that without knowing your full history, but I would encourage you to pursue recovery over medication (but I would highly recommend talking this through with your doctor) I would also say that rapid weight gain would be a drastic way to think about it and that is your ED persuading you to continue in ed behaviors …don’t let it 🙂

      Reply
  23. Thyroid Advisor says

    December 31, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    The part where you talked about thyroid hormones levels is very true. In my experience, it seems that doctors will typically try to treat the hormone levels and get them into what they consider acceptable ranges. For some people, this is what they need, and getting their hormones into these levels will make them feel better. Of course, as you mentioned, this does not ring true for everyone. Some will still feel sluggish and tired, even though their thyroid tests show their T3 and T4 levels in ‘acceptable’ ranges.

    Reply
  24. Kori says

    March 29, 2018 at 11:43 am

    Hi Robyn!
    I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in July of 2017, the same that I was diagnosed with mononucleosis as well. At the time I was diagnosed, I was probably about a year into what I would consider bulimia, and over the next few months I fought with my body to recover from the eating disorder as well as mono. I’m on a very low dose of synthroid, but as you have said and per other research I’ve done, it seems that eating disorders can cause these symptoms and potentially elevated TSH. I feel as though I need a new doctor because they never wanted to listen, they just wanted to throw medication at me. My question is, if I’m on synthroid (50mcg) can my thyroid still recover on it’s own and eventually my levels will become too low and I’ll need to be taken off the synthroid? Or is the influx of synthetic hormone disabling my thyroid from recovering full function on its own and maybe I should find a new doctor who is willing to give their input on this? It would definitely be nice not to have to take a pill every morning for the rest of my life! (I’m 21)

    Thank you

    Reply
  25. Cheyenne says

    June 20, 2018 at 10:26 am

    Hello Robyn,

    This article is awesome!! Thank you! Anyway I just had a question. Last June and July I didnt get my period but August I did. Then for 7 months I didnt get my period again. I know this was because I was on a strict diet of low carb and less calories in general. I excercized 5x a week as well. I was constantly freezing, constipated and had a low heart rate (48). Finally I stopped restricting and started eating more carbs. I got my period back the last three months! But I also gained 20lbs in three months. I am never cold anymore, my heart rate is normal (60) and I am not constipated anymore! However, I got my blood tested and my TSH came back a 6.10 (reference range 0.37-5.04). I am so confused though because I don’t have any symptoms of hypothyroid anymore!? Could it be my body just slowly getting back to normal?
    Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  26. Kristen says

    November 2, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    Hi Robyn! Just wondering if maybe you could make a post about how to repair a damaged thyroid from restrictive eating. Or maybe you have a few steps to take to start to reverse the damage and begin the journey towards healing? I am cold all the time, hair falls out, have slow and poor digestion and bruise very easily.

    Reply
  27. Ivy says

    December 18, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    hi Robyn! I have been trying to recover from HA these last 5 months but was sad to see that my TSH has increased to 4.7. Any idea why this could be happening if I have stopped exercising, am eating more, and trying to reduce stress? I still have gut issues (SIBO) so am wondering if this could be related? I am feeling discouraged that my thyroid now seems to be in more of a state of panic and thus slowing down (higher TSH) even though I am trying to recover. Thank you!

    Reply
  28. Emily says

    June 10, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Hi Robyn! Always love your stuff. This post is just perfect for me right now.
    I had anorexia for about 7-8 years and my Dr found subclinical hypothyroidism about 1 year recovered. (Mind you, I was still undereating.) we waited a year to medicate & I am on Armour and have been the last 1.5 years.
    I don’t feel better on it & do think the elevated TSH was from undernourishment.’is there hope to get off meds some day if I continue to nourish my body? Thanks!

    Reply
  29. Ginny says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    So I think I have had an eating disorder but not diagnosed. Went 500 days without a period and started having weird things with my body. Dizziness, tremors, rapid heartbeat just to say a few. After several dr that said nothing was wrong I finally found one and he said hypothyroidism. I seem to go through cycles and feel great for a few months, I start working out more and I think I start eating less again. I just can’t break the cycle. I will keep eating more and not crazy exercising. Thank you for sharing

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

More On Lady Hormones

How Birth Control Methods Affect Your Hormones, Period and Fertility

What Your Cervical Fluid Can Tell You About Your Reproductive Health

women's reproductive health

Women’s Reproductive Health 101

I have yet to experience postpartum myself, but I've had many clients and readers that have been through that season of life. Or perhaps you are currently living through the postpartum period. Every woman's body is different, therefore every woman's experience after giving birth will be different. What works for one woman, might not work for the next. While one woman might go through postpartum and adjust to newborn life quiet seamlessly, another woman might find it much more difficult. She might need the support of medication, therapy, extra help and many other things. One way is not better than the other - they are simply two different ways of navigating the postpartum period. I hope this post helps you better care for yourself, whatever that means for you. There's no right or wrong way to care for yourself as a mom or your new baby.

Postpartum Hormones: what’s happening in your body and how to care for yourself

* indicates required

Categories

Get in Touch!

Follow Me!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

I talk a lot about moving, eating, and living intuitively so you can be well hormonally and live a fulfilling life in line with your values

The Real Life RD on Pinterest

Follow Me on Pinterest
A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years o A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years of getting to spend so much time with my kids: aka another way I’m discovering some pockets of peace so my heart & mind & soul don’t crumble under the reality of dependent & emotionally dysregulated tiny humans.  About once a week we go somewhere for baked goods. We drive or walk, buy something buttery & then find a beautiful, relatively quiet outdoor spot where the boys can romp and I can sit and think my thoughts while I watch them play. This past week we were found ourselves at the Wool Factory where the boys threw rocks & whatever else off the bridge while I ate 90% of this almond 🥐 from @coucourachou that will blow your mind. Boys ate the other 10% bc they were busy playing and didn’t ask for more quickly enough 😜  I’m finding *for me* playgrounds have a time & place but they aren’t where I enjoy motherhood & my two toddlers the most. Baked goods & a pretty outdoor spot without high drops my 15 month old could launch himself off of…I’m here for it.
I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the boys to hike out at one of our favorite spots last week and when I ripped it open I was regretting my choice to share them with my kids. @baresnacks randomly sent me a box of snacks and I usually eat free food we receive or give it to a friend/neighbor and move on. But I felt it my duty to tell you about these bc they are THAT GOOD. I’m not getting paid and this isn’t sponsored - I was just shocked at how tasty these were and felt you needed to know. We ate them with some buttery roasted nuts and the combo was 👌🏻 but they are good just on their own.  The boys climbed rocks and swam in the reservoir - leave it to my almost 3 year old to want to strip down naked and fully submerge himself in chilly water on a sixty degree morning. “Mama can I get super nakey?” Sure baby. Sure. This is your childhood.
It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of extended alone time away from the babies to just be. And that isn’t something that’s best for me, it’s an area I gotta grow in. So this afternoon when Nick pushed me out the door and was like - get out of here plzzzz - I walked to my favorite cafe and ordered a thick pastrami sandwich and sat there for a good LONG while before taking a long, peaceful walk in the rain to wrap up the afternoon. Note to self: stop being such a control freak and go be by yourself sometimes.
a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face from @mariebettecafe this morning when she came to get her toddler who played with us all morning and it is v good. even better when paired with an iced latte 😍
#AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing a #AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing about how taking @alignprobiotic regularly has improved my digestive regularity.  And I’m still taking them! I’ve permanently added Align 24/7 Digestive Support* into the roundup of supplements I take before bed (prenatal, vitamin D, choline & DHA - all which help keep me healthy while breastfeeding) so I can keep seeing the benefits.  Just because you see benefits, doesn’t mean you should stop taking your probiotic. Keep taking Align daily (under the supervision and recommendation of your health care provider of course) to keep seeing the benefits!  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - one of my favorite parts of Align probiotics is that they don’t need refrigeration AND they come in a convenient little blister pack that has the days labeled. It’s the little things people! #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoo I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoon (91 and muggy in MAY 🤯) when a toddler nap was refused and a baby nap was cut wildly short ....so my tired mom brain pulled out two plastic storage bins, filled them up with soap & hose water and striped ‘em down naked in the yard. Two hours later, it was almost time for an early dinner and I had magically been able to sit for most of that time and we already had baths checked off the list. 👍🏻 I’m archiving this idea for my future self, hope it helps another tired mama out.
#AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about #AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about getting better at doing the basics to care for myself which included taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic regularly.  Probiotics take time to work so I wanted to give it a full month to see the full effects of @alignprobiotic. So here are my honest thoughts: it took a few weeks to notice any differences, but near the end of the month I did notice some changes in my digestive balance - even while traveling! I’m not someone who experiences occasional gas, bloating or abdominal discomfort frequently enough to notice a difference, so I don’t feel like I can comment on how well Align works for those benefits.  All in all though, taking @alignprobiotic was a positive experience and I really appreciated how the capsules don’t need to be stored in the fridge, making it convenient to take them with me anywhere #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Because the swampy VA summer has already begun (it’s in the low 90s today 🥵 lord help) and creeks are our retreat - not only from the heat but also from the noisy world. I need this just (if not more) than they do! We’ll be at the splash pads and pools too, but the quietness of the creek...my mental health is so about it. And it’s hours of play for them! Win win.  A couple things to note: this scene also included a few toddler reminders on finding another direction to throw rocks instead of at his brother - so not all is serene 🤪 and also, yes I am now that mom who buys the same clothing for both kids bc it keeps things simple & i think i kinda like it too 🤷🏻‍♀️
Things I love about midwifery among many: the appo Things I love about midwifery among many: the appointments, no matter how long, feel so unhurried. 
Just walked in from an appointment with my midwife because I was due for a Pap test + an overall wellness visit. My last pap was during my first trimester with Cal which feels like a jillion years ago, but it’s only actually been three years. Life changes so fast! Pre-baby life feels like a whole other life.  I’m wayyyy overdue for a visit to my PCP bc I’ve been under OBGYN or midwifery care for the majority of the past three years while having babies, but I am pretty good with keeping up with my paps. It seems women often think they need pap and/or HPV testing way more frequently than they do (and providers sometimes perform these tests more frequently than necessary - remember more testing doesn’t always mean better outcomes!)  So if you need it, here’s a quick little reminder on this chilly spring Friday afternoon on how often you need this testing (these are the recommendations from ACOG)  Women aged 21–29 years should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended.  Women aged 30–65 years should have a Pap test and an HPV test (aka co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.  If you get abnormal results, this testing frequency could change - but for healthy women with normal results, you actually don’t need testing as frequently as you might think. Which is great news for those of you who hate the speculum.  Ok, off to finish up some things on the to-do list (including cleaning this kitchen) during nap time and then come 5 o’clock, crack an IPA with our neighbors 🍻
#AlignPartner Over the past seven months since bec #AlignPartner Over the past seven months since becoming a mom of two, caring for myself has gotten shoved to the back burner. And it's been a challenge to make it a priority. My routine-resistant personality has upsides and downsides when it comes to motherhood. So I'm starting small this year with a consistent bedtime routine that includes taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic and hoping as that becomes consistent, my mornings will naturally shift too.  In short my bedtime currently goes like this….jammies & face care when putting the babies to bed. Before I go to bed (anytime between 9pm and 12am...) I’ll pump, take my supplements and fill my water. Then I go upstairs and brush my teeth. And then get in bed. The kicker: 70% of the time I find myself finishing up tasks on my phone IN BED. I hate this habit.  Back to supplements. This is something I have been able to stick with. On top of fish oil, my prenatal, choline and vitamin D, I recently added @AlignProbiotic 24/7 Digestive Support*§ to see if it helps with abdominal discomfort and regularity because when I don’t drink coffee or am traveling that can get thrown off.  I’ll be taking it every day for the next 28 days since it takes TIME for our bodies to adjust to probiotics - and I'll be taking you guys along with me as I share my honest thoughts. Many people think if they don’t see changes within the first 7-10 days then the probiotic isn’t working, but that’s not the case. I’m giving myself more than just a week or two and instead a full month to see the full benefits. I’ll keep you posted over the next month. Check out my stories to learn more! #MyAlignGutJourney #guthealth
 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care f We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care for a nap. Putting baby down was harder than I wanted it to be. Miraculously, I had a moment of clarity as I was covered in tiny humans and decided I wasn’t doing the nap battle thing a on 60 degree, gorgeous, sunny spring day 🙅🏻‍♀️ so I piled both babies into the car half naked, opened the sun roof, put on white noise for them and an audio book for me and drank a kombucha as I drove a meal to a postpartum mama. Thirty five minutes later we had a sleeping baby and a toddler who at least had a rest. Baby transferred without waking HALLELUJAH and although my toddler didn’t nap today (lord help) at least we got soaked in breezy sunshine 😎🤘🏻💆🏻‍♀️
We veered from our usual Friday night homemade piz We veered from our usual Friday night homemade pizza (minus the dough, we leave that to @albemarlebakingco) because we are eating pizza tomorrow with some friends - instead I called my mom and asked her how she makes her chicken fingers and we fried up a big ole batch of chicken nugs 🙌🏻🤤 along with a sheet pan full of sweet potato fries and a simple arugula salad dressed with parmesean, olive oil and s&p. Oh and my moms honey mustard recipe for dipping. It’s SO DANG GOOD.  Over the past 6ish months we’ve been practicing (and practicing and practicing bc it doesn’t come naturally) unplugging from technology and slowing down and resting and just being for one day a week. Some call it Shabbat. Some call it Sabbath. Maybe you call it something different. All I know is IT IS SO GOOD FOR MY WEARY SOUL and the day I look forward to ALL WEEK. Sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. Nothing but rest. For us that means hiking (or something outside) and napping and reading and being with friends and eating really good food. And drinking some really good wine or craft beer. Sometimes whiskey. 😛  And because I know I’ll get asked about the chicken finger recipe and also because it’s too good not to share and Momma Coale said I could, here ya go:  Cut chicken breast into thin strips or small pieces (I prefer nug size bc the breading to chicken ratio is perfection). Salt and pepper those babies really well. Then dredge them in all purpose flour, then egg, then panko - just like you would bread anything else. Then fry them up in a light oil - I use avocado oil because that’s our everyday oil. You could also use canola or peanut oil. Just fill a pan with an inch or so of oil on medium high heat. They only take 2-3 minutes per side. You can always temp them to make sure they are at least 165 degrees F to really make sure they are done. Dunk in all the sauces and enjoy!  Happy weekend!

Copyright © 2025 · The Real RD· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer


Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy