Hello lovely,

Happiest Sunday to you! I hope your week has been full of little joys and that you’re easing into these final golden days of summer. For me, this past week has been everything I love about August—travel, sunset swims, hikes, long dinners, even a boat cruise or two. I always think of August as the “Sunday” of summer—soaking up the beauty while knowing the season is gently winding down.

Have you ever woken up wondering why your mood, energy, and digestion feel completely different from one day to the next?

I’ve just returned from a week in France, and let me tell you—it was a masterclass in what it means to live in harmony with food and your body.

We stayed with dear friends - a French family now living in Canada- and here’s what I noticed:

• I didn’t see a single person obsessing over calories, protein grams, or macros.

• Meals included fresh bread at lunch and dinner—without guilt.

• Food was bought and prepared fresh daily.

• People walked everywhere, but not in the “I need to hit 10,000 steps” kind of way.

• Ultra-processed packaged food was almost nowhere to be seen.

And yet… I also didn’t see anyone struggling with the same energy crashes, digestive issues, or weight fluctuations that are so common here.

It made me realize: the French way of eating—simple, fresh, and unprocessed—creates exactly the kind of environment your gut thrives in.

Why Gut Harmony Matters for Your Hormones

Your gut and your hormones are in constant conversation. When your gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract—is healthy and thriving, it helps your body:

• Balance and metabolize estrogen more effectively

• Produce “feel-good” brain chemicals like serotonin

• Keep inflammation low (fewer hot flushes and random aches)

• Support your immune system and stress resilience

When it’s out of balance, you might notice:

• Bloating, constipation, or “mystery” digestive changes

• Low energy, brain fog, or restless nights

• Mood swings, cravings, or that wired-but-tired feeling

The French Lessons for Gut Health 🇫🇷🌱

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to micromanage your food to support your gut and hormones. In fact, sometimes the best approach is simpler:

• Eat real food—mostly fresh, mostly unprocessed.

• Build variety into your meals over the week.

• Move your body naturally through your day.

Expert Tip: The Power of Plant Diversity

One of the easiest, most effective ways to feed your gut microbiome is to aim for 30 different plant foods each week—just like the French way of eating naturally does.
Fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices—they all count!

Each plant type feeds different beneficial bacteria. The more diversity, the more resilient your gut—and the happier your hormones, mood, and energy.

✨ Bonus: When you start feeding your “good bugs,” they multiply and send stronger cravings for those nourishing foods.

Try this week:

• Add fresh herbs to whatever you’re cooking

• Sprinkle seeds over breakfast or salads

• Swap your usual grain for something new (quinoa, buckwheat, farro)

This is one of the core foundations I teach inside UNSTUCK, my program for women who want to optimize their health and hormones working with them instead of against them.

If you’d like me to create a personalized plan that blends real-life ease with real results, book a free Hormone Clarity Call here. Let’s get you back in sync—no obsessing, no extremes, just better balance.

Christie xox