While non-menstruating bodies can handle a bit of fasting, menstruators should eat within the first hour of waking up. Studies have shown that fasting doesn’t work in the same way for menstruating bodies as non-menstruating bodies and can trigger a stress response long-term and actually encourages excess fat storage. If you’re skipping breakfast, you’re not supporting nor balancing hormones in your body.

If your breakfast looks like:

• Coffee
• Juice
• A granola bar
• Pastries
• A piece of fruit
• Yogurt
• Protein powder
• Toast
• No breakfast

NOTE: None of these foods are “bad” foods (no foods at all are bad) – they just should not be eaten alone as a “breakfast”

⭐️ This first meal of the day needs to be complete (a protein, a fat, and a carb) and calorically dense. And prioritizing specifically fat and protein at breakfast can help to support blood pressure stabilization throughout the rest of the day and help with balancing hormones.

In addition to a stress response, skipping breakfast or having a half-assed breakfast can increase blood sugar issues. I talk about insulin and blood sugar a ton with my clients because irregular blood sugar is a major contributor to hormone imbalance. Eating consistent, complete meals and focusing on stabilizing blood sugar is one of the most important foundational tools of hormone balance!

If you’re looking to learn more about how to support your hormones through nutrition, check out my self-paced course: Hormone Happy Eats!