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
Reader Stories, Reproductive Health

Reader Recovery Stories: Recovering from HA

April 29, 2015 By Robyn 61 Comments

In the midst of a busy season where I don’t have the capacity to generate original content regulary, I’m opening up this space to share others’ stories of food freedom and true health. If it’s on your heart to share, email me at robyncoale@gmail. As a disclaimer, while these stories do not contain specific numbers, at times they do illustrate disordered eating behaviors as the story is told- if that triggers you, please take care of yourself and skip over these posts. With that said, my hope is that these stories encourage + refresh you, breathe new life into your soul, drown out lies with truth, and flood your heart with unrelenting grace. 

 Today, CM is sharing her brave + influential story of recovering from hypothalamic amenorrhea. HA is so close to my heart. I’ve walked through it myself and I know so many Nutshell clients and readers can relate. I had chills reading through this eloquent illustration of courage, vulnerability, and beautiful transformation. I hope it inspires and blesses you like crazy!

I was “almost anorexic” (or how I developed hypothalamic amenorrhea, gained 11 pounds, and felt much better)

When you don’t get your period for 14 months in a row, you end up facing two possibilities: either something is wrong with your body, or you are on your way to beat the record for the longest pregnancy ever.

I honestly considered the latter option for a second. There could not be anything wrong with my body. I was eating healthy! I was getting plenty of exercise! Yes, maybe I had lost a little bit of weight (if 22 pounds in four months qualifies as a little bit of weight), but I looked great! And I was not at all exhausted, not even when I woke up at 7:30 on a Sunday morning to attend one or two intense cardio classes. Cardio did not exhaust me at all, cardio was keeping me sane.
Or so I thought. This is the story of how I became almost anorexic.
Some say you’re either anorexic or you’re not. Yet, those are the words my gynecologist used after she read a detailed account of my symptoms, which my mother had to bring to her office because I had just moved to New York from Paris, France, and could not be there in person. The verdict was clear: I had lost too much weight, too fast, and I had lost my menstrual cycle as a result. This is called hypothalamic amenorrhea, and the only way to heal was to eat more, move less, and, ultimately, gain weight. Oh, and you can’t just gain lean body mass, either, you have to gain body fat, pure and simple. I claimed this did not bother me, but in hindsight, I was petrified.
I still don’t fully understand how I ended up in that place. Eating disorders (or, you know, semi-eating disorders), like any bad situation, only happen to other people, until they happen to you. Like many people who end up somewhere on thedisordered eating spectrum, I seemed like the least likely candidate.
I was born hungry. I spent the very first few seconds of my life crawling to my mother’sbreast for milk. She hadn’t necessarily planned on breastfeeding me. I just didn’t give her a choice.
Growing up, I was an adventurous eater, the kind of kid who gathers attention at the restaurant because she’s sampling three different kinds of cheese from the cheese trolley like a grown-up. There was nothing I wouldn’t try. I ate freshly baked flat bread in Tunisia, fried alligator bites in Miami, and baked beans for breakfast in London. By the time I was ten, I could demolish a New York steak on my own.
Maybe because I was slim (I had a very, very average pant size), people never refrained from commenting on what, or how much, I ate. I remember each and every time someone told me I had a good appetite, or that I ate a lot. I was quite aware of my enthusiastic approach to food, but I could not stand having it acknowledged by other people. They insisted it was meant as a compliment (who doesn’t like sitting at a table with someone who enjoys food?), but all I
could hear was that I was a glutton. Nothing made me want to put down the fork more than being told, mid-bite, that I obviously liked to eat.
When I first started watching what I ate (as in, eating two cookies instead of five) and going to the gym twice a week (because moving is fun!) people stopped talking about my food and started commenting on my body instead. They told me I looked great, and it felt awesome, for about two minutes. Then, pleasure was replaced with anxiety. What if I regained the weight? That prospect sounded terrifying.
So I did everything I could to ensure it didn’t happen. Or, more precisely, I walked a fine line that led me to be terrified of food without filling the requirements to be diagnosed with an eating disorder.
Eventually, people kept commenting about my weight. Only this time, they expressed concern. My mother told me I had lost too much weight. My friends told me I had lost too much weight. This seemed so out of character for me. I vowed to put some weight back on, but I never did.
It is hard to understand, until you actually experience it, how much eating disorders revolve around fear. I was terrified of food and I was terrified of gaining weight. And the thing is, when you’re terrified of something, you become convinced it’s going to happen, no matter what you do. So I really thought I would eventually gain weight despite my best efforts to remain slim. Which is why, ultimately, I didn’t do the two things I knew deep down I needed to do: eat more and move less.
The last blow, however, came when my period didn’t come back, nine months after I had stopped taking hormonal birth control. I embarked on a fun ride of blood samples, ultrasounds and even MRI scans that showed one thing: everything about my body was fine, except for my weight.
My period went M.I.A. about a year and a half ago. My body is showing signs that it may consider trusting me again, but it is still not back to its old routine. I have functional ovaries. My uterus is like a four-star hotel for fetuses. But I have deprived my body of energy for too long and I have tired it too much. It does not trust me anymore, and it does not think it can handle a pregnancy at the moment. So it just will not ovulate, no siree.
In recent months, I have confronted my fear of muffins, ice cream and cheesy pizza (do you know what if feels like to be scared of a muffin? It’s disturbing. But I’ve been there). I have cut back on exercise, and I’m having the time of my life doing Pilates instead of grueling cardio. I got a new gynecologist, because I realized my previous one and I had irreconcilable views about the human body (she thought it did not matter that I was not ovulating because I had no
immediate desire to get pregnant). I have become comfortable with the idea that if my pants become too small, I need to buy bigger pants, not carve myself a thinner body.
I have had my fair share of epiphanies along the way.
There was the time I bought a zucchini walnut muffin and could not believe my taste buds. When you haven’t had a proper muffin in more than a year, they end up tasting like the most amazing thing you’ve ever eaten. Something about the combination of sugar, flour and fat creates the culinary equivalent of fireworks.
There were the times my parents and I bit into warm peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on a sunny bench after a run in Central Park.
There was the time my boyfriend and I had dinner in an Italian restaurant with all of our friends and I ate an entire pizza. And then proceeded to order dessert.
There was the time my mother made me a salad for dinner and I asked her if we could make sure we had baguette to go with it and she noticed. It broke my heart in the most bittersweet way. I was so happy that I was able to want and enjoy bread again. And I was so sad that my wanting carbs had become noteworthy.
There was the time my boyfriend caught me staring longingly at a coffee shop and asked me if I wanted to go in. At first, I said no. I felt uncomfortable having a snack when he wasn’t. If you’re hungry, you should eat, he said. We have all the time in the world. We went in. I had tea and chocolate-dipped biscotti.
It troubles me to think there was a time in my life when I needed encouragement and approval to eat enough. I still need to remind myself sometimes that I am an adult, and as an adult I am expected to feed myself. I am a grown woman. Grown women take care of themselves.
Nine months after I really committed to restoring a normal relationship with food, I have put on a grand total of 11 much-needed pounds. My body has changed. Some days, I’m completely fine with it. Some days, I’m kind of iffy about it. Some days, I don’t think about my body because I have work to do and laundry to fold and friends to comfort. Those, in a way, are the best days.
This has been a humbling experience, and it has taught me more than a thing or two about what it really means to be healthy. I know I still have so much to learn, but I want to share what little I know because I can’t possibly the only one out there in that situation. At the beginning of what I guess I can now call my recovery, I found solace in forums and blog entries written by women who had lost their period and gained it back naturally. This is a story about
self-love, body politics, fear and health. If sharing it can help at least one fellow reader, those fourteen months will not have been in vain.


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...

  • Reader Recovery Stories: Amy’s TransformationReader Recovery Stories: Amy’s Transformation
  • Reader Recovery Stories: Dana’s Journey to Food FreedomReader Recovery Stories: Dana’s Journey to Food Freedom
  • You Don’t Have To Eat The Same As Everyone Around YouYou Don’t Have To Eat The Same As Everyone Around You
  • Not Getting Your Period Is Not NormalNot Getting Your Period Is Not Normal

Filed Under: Reader Stories, Reproductive Health Tagged With: healthy balance, nutrition, stories

« What Is A Healthy Social Life?
Reader Recovery Stories: Amy’s Transformation »

Comments

  1. Laverne says

    July 6, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    Ferret diets should list meat, poultry or fishmeal,
    or animal by-products as the first ingredient.
    Think of what happens when we squeeze an orange – What comes out when you squeeze.
    Attach the alligator clips to the ends of the wires coming out of the solar panel.

    Feel free to visit my page … dr. kent moors energy advantage reviews (Laverne)

    Reply
  2. rubber recycling machine says

    July 6, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did,
    the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.|
    I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!|
    I’ll immediately clutch your rss as I can’t in finding
    your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Please permit me recognize in order that I could subscribe.

    Thanks.|
    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future
    and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I
    could I want to suggest you some interesting things or tips.

    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!|
    It is the best time to make some plans for the longer term
    and it’s time to be happy. I have read this put up and if
    I may just I want to recommend you some fascinating things or advice.
    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I desire to learn more things about it!|
    I have been browsing on-line greater than three hours nowadays, but
    I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours.

    It’s pretty value enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made just right
    content material as you did, the web might be a lot more useful than ever
    before.|
    Ahaa, its nice discussion regarding this post at this place at this web site,
    I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.|
    I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet people,
    its really really fastidious piece of writing on building
    up new blog.|
    Wow, this piece of writing is pleasant, my sister
    is analyzing these kinds of things, so I am going to
    convey her.|
    Saved as a favorite, I like your site!|
    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you
    writing this post plus the rest of the site is very good.|
    Hi, I do believe this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return yet again since i have saved as a favorite it.
    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.|
    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging
    to get that “perfect balance” between usability
    and visual appearance. I must say you have done a very good job with this.
    Also, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Chrome.
    Superb Blog!|
    These are truly wonderful ideas in on the topic of blogging.
    You have touched some pleasant factors here.
    Any way keep up wrinting.|
    I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!
    Keep up the good works guys I’ve added you guys
    to my blogroll.|
    Hi! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to look it over.
    I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this
    to my followers! Superb blog and brilliant style and design.|
    I really like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and
    reporting! Keep up the terrific works guys
    I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.|
    Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you’re
    using? I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m
    having a hard time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
    Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m
    looking for something completely unique. P.S
    Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!|
    Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this
    blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good hosting
    provider at a fair price? Thank you, I appreciate it!|
    I really like it when people come together and share opinions.

    Great website, keep it up!|
    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.

    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
    However, how can we communicate?|
    Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post
    seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with
    internet browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to
    let you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the problem
    solved soon. Thanks|
    This is a topic that’s near to my heart…
    Take care! Where are your contact details though?|
    It’s very trouble-free to find out any topic
    on web as compared to books, as I found this paragraph at
    this website.|
    Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it
    but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some
    ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.|
    Hi! I’ve been reading your site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from
    Dallas Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!|
    Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at
    work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break.
    I enjoy the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I
    get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my
    cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, good
    blog!|
    Its such as you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this,
    such as you wrote the e-book in it or something. I think that you just can do with a
    few % to drive the message house a little bit, however other than that,
    this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.|
    I visited several web pages except the audio
    quality for audio songs current at this web
    site is in fact marvelous.|
    Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i
    was just curious if you get a lot of spam comments?
    If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.|
    Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post!
    It is the little changes that make the biggest changes.
    Many thanks for sharing!|
    I really love your website.. Very nice colors & theme.
    Did you build this website yourself? Please reply
    back as I’m looking to create my very own blog
    and would love to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called.

    Thanks!|
    Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He always kept talking about this. I will send this information to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!|
    Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s
    on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout
    and design. Excellent choice of colors!|
    There is certainly a great deal to learn about this subject.
    I like all of the points you made.|
    You’ve made some really good points there. I checked on the web for more information about
    the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.|
    Hi, I check your blogs on a regular basis. Your humoristic style is awesome,
    keep doing what you’re doing!|
    I just couldn’t depart your website before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual
    info an individual supply for your visitors? Is going
    to be again ceaselessly to investigate cross-check new posts|
    I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I absolutely loved
    every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to check
    out new things you post…|
    Hi, just wanted to mention, I loved this article.
    It was helpful. Keep on posting!|
    Hi there, I enjoy reading through your post.
    I wanted to write a little comment to support you.|
    I always spent my half an hour to read this web site’s posts every day along with a mug
    of coffee.|
    I constantly emailed this weblog post page to all my friends,
    since if like to read it afterward my links will too.|
    My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a variety of websites for about a year
    and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard very
    good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all
    my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be really appreciated!|
    Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after looking at some of the articles I realized it’s new
    to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I stumbled upon it and
    I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!|
    Terrific work! That is the type of info that are supposed to be shared
    around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post
    higher! Come on over and discuss with my website .
    Thank you =)|
    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this
    board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out
    a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.|
    Hi, I do think your website might be having browser compatibility problems.
    Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful site!|
    A person essentially lend a hand to make significantly articles I would state.

    This is the first time I frequented your web
    page and so far? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this particular put up
    extraordinary. Fantastic task!|
    Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly helpful & it
    helped me out a lot. I am hoping to provide something back and help others such as you helped me.|
    Good day! I just would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for your
    excellent info you have here on this post. I’ll be returning to your
    blog for more soon.|
    I always used to read article in news papers but now as I am a user of net so from now
    I am using net for articles, thanks to web.|
    Your means of describing the whole thing
    in this paragraph is in fact good, every one be able to simply be aware of it,
    Thanks a lot.|
    Hi there, I found your blog by the use of Google whilst looking for a
    similar subject, your site got here up, it seems great. I
    have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just changed into aware of your blog thru Google, and located that it’s truly
    informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.
    I’ll appreciate should you continue this in future. Many folks shall be benefited out
    of your writing. Cheers!|
    I am curious to find out what blog platform you’re utilizing?
    I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest website and I would like to find
    something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?|
    I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
    Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up
    the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.|
    I’m extremely inspired together with your writing skills and also with
    the layout on your blog. Is this a paid subject matter
    or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s
    uncommon to peer a nice weblog like this one nowadays..|
    Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your web site in internet explorer, may test this?
    IE nonetheless is the market chief and a large
    portion of folks will leave out your great writing due to this problem.|
    I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this information for my
    mission.|
    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things
    to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use
    a few of your idea
    \

    Reply
  3. visit here says

    July 6, 2015 at 3:34 pm

    I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also visit this webpage on regular basis to take updated from newest gossip.

    Reply
  4. Orlando says

    July 6, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    Many of our specialist spiritual readers have been developing their gifts offered by very early
    childhood.

    my web page: peaterpan.com – Orlando,

    Reply
  5. vape vaping vapes vapor cigarettes ez vape vapor cigarette vaping vs smoking is vaping safe vapor smoke vaporizer cigarette how to vape cig vape vapor cigarettes canada vapor e cig smoking vapor water vapor cigarettes e cigarette vapor vapour smoke vape c says

    July 6, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is a really neatly written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your useful info.
    Thank you for the post. I will definitely return.

    Reply
  6. http://ow.ly/PcdxK says

    July 6, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Having read this I believed it was rather informative.
    I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short article together.
    I once again find myself spending way too much time both
    reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply
  7. spotify premium not working on phone says

    July 6, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    If some one wishes expert view on the topic of blogging then i suggest him/her to
    pay a visit this webpage, Keep up the fastidious job.

    Take a look at my site – spotify premium not working on phone

    Reply
  8. Esperanza says

    July 6, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    It’s difficult to find educated people for this topic,
    however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about!

    Thanks

    Visit my weblog … b&b (Esperanza)

    Reply
  9. machine a pain says

    July 6, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    – Capacite bol : 4L. – Puissance : 600 W.- Vitesses : 6 + beat.
    – Colori : Silver.

    Reply
  10. lamballe's says

    July 6, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    Your style is so unique compared to other folks I have
    read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.

    Reply
  11. Diamond Luxe says

    July 6, 2015 at 11:53 pm

    I got this web site from my buddy who told me concerning this
    web site and at the moment this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative articles at this time.

    Reply
  12. watch pixels full movie says

    July 7, 2015 at 2:31 am

    If you are waiting for the newest gaming systems, be
    prepared to wait just a small longer.

    Reply
  13. Security Guard Services Alpharetta says

    July 7, 2015 at 3:01 am

    Hello there, I discovered your blog via Google at the same time
    as searching for a similar topic, your website came up, it appears good.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, just become aware of your weblog via Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
    I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate in case you continue this in future.

    Numerous folks shall be benefited out of your
    writing. Cheers!

    Reply
  14. Joshua says

    July 7, 2015 at 4:08 am

    When generating your videos, keep in mind which key phrases you’re targetung in order to contain them in your transcripts and titles.

    Feel free to visit my weblog; video game marketing agency (Joshua)

    Reply
  15. Lithia Springs Security Guard Firm says

    July 7, 2015 at 5:01 am

    I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by
    him as no one else know such detailed about my problem.
    You are wonderful! Thanks!

    Reply
  16. nishiogikubo says

    July 7, 2015 at 7:21 am

    I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your
    blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe
    you could a little more in the way of content so people
    could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures.

    Maybe you could space it out better?

    Reply
  17. clash of clans cheats and hacks for gems says

    July 7, 2015 at 8:45 am

    When you have sufficiently points or income it is possible
    to redeem them and get your No cost Clash of Clans Gems.

    Reply
  18. certificate in nutrition and health says

    July 7, 2015 at 9:16 am

    Sign up with greater than 30 million monthly site visitors like you certificate in nutrition and health let Healthline be your overview of far better wellness.

    Reply
  19. Http://skyn.ivyro.net/ says

    July 7, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post.

    Many thanks for supplying these details.

    My web site; http://skyn.ivyro.net/

    Reply
  20. relationships says

    July 7, 2015 at 11:22 am

    Hi there to every one, for the reason that I am truly eager of reading this web site’s post to be updated daily.
    It carries good stuff.

    Reply
  21. Clash Of Clans Hack says

    July 7, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    In this article, we’ll get down to the nuts and bolts of Amazon’s innovative e-reader,
    and explain why we enjoy the Kindle Fire. To put it bluntly,
    you are not going to really pay attention to it unless you are really close to it.
    Mobile gaming is the job of enthusiastic and rather creative people who love playing and developing mobile games through the usage of technical proficiency in various mobile technologies.

    Reply
  22. dresses nevertheless says

    July 7, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    Excellent post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Kudos!

    Reply
  23. www.facebook.com says

    July 7, 2015 at 1:53 pm

    s march towards monopolizing the smartphone market has been marked by Apple
    losing potential customers heavily. This posting may be specifically helpful for folks who are
    enthusiasts of video gaming. The e-gaming provider today has a great opportunity to construct
    a profitable business and generate revenue for profit and for good causes.

    Reply
  24. raspberry ketone max supplement says

    July 7, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    Hi there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone.

    I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!

    Reply
  25. http://www.fairepousserlabarbe.fr Société par actions simplifiée says

    November 3, 2015 at 12:09 am

    Le stress, qu’il soit psychologique ou physique, a des effets négatifs sur votre système immunitaire et limite par la
    même occasion votre possibilité de vous laisser pousser la barbe.

    Reply
  26. thought elevators says

    November 3, 2015 at 4:56 am

    Are supplementary to advertising and are useful for smooth and orderly conduct of marketing operations.

    Reply
  27. Eyelasticity Skincare says

    November 3, 2015 at 5:27 am

    I constantly spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s content daily
    along with a mug of coffee.

    Reply
  28. Simon says

    November 3, 2015 at 6:25 am

    West and Kardashian built a stop for your Layout I really like that Kim
    is sharing a lot more of her lifestyle with all of us. My favorite
    a part of the app of Kim will be the splendor.
    6 occasion during Craft Basel Miami Beach in Miami, wherever West was a featured audio

    Reply
  29. check over here says

    November 3, 2015 at 6:25 am

    Greetings! I know tis is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
    My site addresses a lott of the same topics as yous
    and Ithink we coulld greatlky benefit from each other.
    If yoou are interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
    I lookk forward tto hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!

    Reply
  30. Affiliate Millionaire Club says

    November 3, 2015 at 6:58 am

    Now I am ready to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming again to read additional news.

    Reply
  31. Grow XL Reviews says

    November 3, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this technological world the whole thing
    is existing on web?

    Reply
  32. make money now online says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:20 am

    Cancel anytime with 1 click.

    Reply
  33. benefits coconut oil says

    November 3, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Loving the information on this web site, you have carried out great job on the posts.

    Reply
  34. earthing135v.postbit.com says

    November 3, 2015 at 11:29 am

    This web site is wonderful, i really adore it.

    Reply
  35. Taren says

    November 3, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    There is a great deal of info available on our rest inclinations, and exactly what people tend to find excellent as well as bad in beds from testimonials.

    Reply
  36. Chastity says

    November 3, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    You are now able to freely download in the
    internet and beat one ‘s buddies all in the athletics.

    Reply
  37. gta 5 money glitch says

    November 3, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    I am genuinely grateful to the owner of this site who has shared this impressive post at
    here.

    Reply
  38. http://zippyjar6591.exteen.com says

    November 3, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    Plenty of folks will benefit from your writing. Many
    thanks!

    Reply
  39. Anderson says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    |there is a ticket issued within the ARC Zone. |there issued is
    a solution inside to get

    Reply
  40. gobluetube.com says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    the|there is a solution supplied in |there given is a ticket inside everything from contesting your ticket. 

    Reply
  41. Odette says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    the|there is a solution given in the ARC Zone. |there released is a ticket inside Newjersey Law Journal, ABA Practice Management Magazine, and Nj Lawyer. 

    Reply
  42. Brian says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    |there is a solution supplied in the ARC Zone. |there granted is a citation in New
    Jersey Law Journal and Nj Lawyer. 

    Reply
  43. Bella says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    |there is a ticket given within the|there supplied is a
    citation in the ARC Zone. 

    Reply
  44. car accident lawyer says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    |there is a citation supplied within the|there granted is a solution within

    Reply
  45. Pro Muscle X says

    November 3, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and
    gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants
    to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

    Reply
  46. Logan says

    November 3, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    the|there is a citation issued inside the ARC Zone. |there issued is a citation in to achieve

    Reply
  47. home renovation blog before and after says

    November 3, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    A rehab loan/purchase restoration loan is a kind of financing ideal for individuals
    that want the home improvement work to begin right after acquiring a home.

    Reply
  48. Jaunita says

    November 3, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    Did you know that a dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water a day?

    Reply
  49. www.mimakiusa.com says

    November 4, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    Hmm it looks like your web site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll simply sum it up what I wrote and
    say, I’m really enjoy your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger however I’m still new to the whole thing.

    Do you have any thoughts for rookie blog writers?
    I’d definitely value it.

    Reply
  50. Marguerite says

    November 7, 2015 at 12:59 am

    all the time i used to read smaller content that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading here.

    Reply
  51. here says

    November 12, 2015 at 10:29 pm

    Thanks designed for sharing such a nice idea, article is nice, thats why i have
    read it completely

    Reply
  52. best led bar lights on says

    November 28, 2015 at 12:59 am

    The Ferris Wheel is next to a children’s coaster called Ravine Flyer 3.
    Joining Forces: The force of Mother Nature’s Native Species Plants as well as
    the powerful hungry for knowledge Zaagkii Project teens are unstoppable.

    What is l.e.d Duel was slightly different in that there was two colors of dots to shoot, green for
    lower scores, yellow for higher.

    In this the En Sof contracts through a process called tzimtzum
    (pronounced phonetically zimzum) at the start of creation to permit room for divine expansion. She turned into another cave which led into
    an underground pond.

    Reply
  53. security cameras Dummy says

    November 28, 2015 at 1:01 am

    Change the Active – X settings, “IE” browser >”Tool” >”Internet Options” >”Security”> “Custom Level” >”Active – X control and Plug-ins”,
    all of the Active – X options set to become “Enable”:. You will should write
    2 sentences concerning the product you might be promoting, and help it become catchy.

    So you are able to have one for home, work, college, parents
    as well as one for the relative that resides anywhere inside the world.

    Nokia x6 can be a phone which meets every one of the basic requirements of users.
    With the Jasmine browser, it is possible to surf the online world
    over Wi-Fi or GSM.

    Reply
  54. gateway gaming laptops says

    November 28, 2015 at 1:33 am

    The chip speed and as well the RAM may also be very
    essential for your performance from the gaming notebook.
    The best gaming laptops truly are multi-thousand dollar
    machines, but there will also be cheap gaming laptops that
    are very capable and never overly expensive.
    Best gaming laptops 2013 Gaming laptops have better CPU, memory, GPU mixture so typically
    is more epensive income.

    Chen also said PC gamers are very into customizing their rigs
    and MSI tries being as involved using the gaming community as you possibly
    can. There are some affordable options that may allow you to definitely hang with anyone you’re playing against web
    do that one thing offline likewise.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. helpful resources says:
    August 7, 2015 at 10:25 am

    to be an internet marketing, seo, or

    personal development expert when you’re not is a sure way to lose credibility with your readers and target market when they find out that you’re not.there’s a couple of obvious paths to take here. firstly you can leverage the expertise of

    Reply
  2. poe 24 port switch says:
    August 10, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    write online content7. write for an online

    newspaper8. write for an online magazine9. write press releases10. write contracts11. write academic papers12. sales writing13. technical writing14. blogs15. children’s writing16. seo writingthat’s just a few of the opportunities that await you. many…

    Reply
  3. independent delhi escort girls says:
    August 13, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    independent delhi escort girls

    Real life Transparency + Transformation: Recovering from HA

    Reply
  4. tratar la ansiedad says:
    August 17, 2015 at 3:15 am

    mean choosing the writer who leaves you

    feeling you’d hired her sooner! blogging is the process of utilizing a medium by an individual or an organization to post regular entries in the form of events, videos, commentary or any other informative pieces on the web. nowadays, blogs can

    Reply
  5. free slots with free spins says:
    August 21, 2015 at 6:22 am

    internet marketing efforts will be destroyed.having a

    high quality writer is important. while there are many different places to buy articles online, there are a few things that should exist to make sure you will get quality content. the first thing is that they should understand seo principles

    Reply
  6. telekinesis training says:
    November 1, 2015 at 5:15 pm

    Real life Transparency Transformation: Recovering from HA – New York City Dietitian Nutritionist

    Reply
  7. Google says:
    November 2, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    Google

    Usually posts some very exciting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site.

    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