Empowering Women's Health

Understanding Our Bodies and Breaking the Cycle

As we celebrated International Women's Day on Saturday, for this week ahead, I think it's fitting to continue honouring women and the Divine Feminine. Today being Superhero Monday, I'd like to focus on women's health in particular, as it's only in recent history that western society even considered women's bodies to be vastly different than mens, and therefore, requiring different needs. Growing up as a girl in the '80's and 90's, we were not given the proper education in school, let alone from our parents growing up, especially if you had immigrant parents. Not to the fault of teachers and parents - science didn't even include women in studies until the '90's.

For far too long, women have been overlooked in medical research. It wasn’t until 1993 that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act mandated the inclusion of women in clinical trials. Before that, studies were conducted almost exclusively on men, with the assumption that the results could simply be applied to women. The problem? Women’s bodies are vastly different.

We experience hormonal fluctuations every month, we are designed for pregnancy, our bodies go through intense stages from puberty to menopause, and we metabolize nutrients and medications differently. Yet, much of what we are taught about health and wellness is based on research that did not include us. This is why it is critical for women to take agency over their health, learn about their bodies, and nourish them accordingly.

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My Wellness Journey

I have been a Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach with the Chek Institute since 2011. Prior to this, I lived a typical North American lifestyle, characterized by a lack of physical activity and a diet heavy in processed foods. As a university student juggling studies with a corporate desk job, I spent most days indoors, leading a sedentary routine.

While I enjoyed a vibrant social life, with many friends and transformative relationships, my early twenties were filled with partying, alcohol, and an overall disregard for my health - not to mention all the different types of birth control and feminine hygiene products used haphazardly. Although I was generally satisfied with my weight, I often felt unhappy in my body. During this time, I experienced bouts of depression and anxiety but the good days often outweighed the bad, and so I never had the motivation to change anything about my lifestyle.

My perspective on health shifted in 2010, thanks to the influence of my partner, who encouraged me to embrace a diet rich in organic, local whole foods and a healthier lifestyle in general. With the help of his personal trainer brother, I began to explore fitness more seriously. This journey sparked a profound transformation—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. I became more attuned to my body, my happiness soared, and my ability to connect with others deepened.

Movement became a source of joy for me, especially through dance. Freestyle dance ignited a passion that allowed me to connect with my body and the energy around me, enhancing my social interactions.

Although I struggled with consistency at the gym, my appreciation for the fitness community grew immensely during my four years in the industry. Working through the COVID era, I became even more committed to helping myself and others achieve optimal health. It became clear that neither the medical industry nor the government truly prioritizes public well-being, reinforcing the importance of taking control of our own health, making fitness spaces more valuable than ever.

I created a program for women because I understand the desire of committing to a health-centered lifestyle, as well as the barriers and excuses that often accompany this journey. I, too, felt too shy to go on my own, and lost months at a time paying for a gym membership I never used.

To prioritize your health and fitness, it’s essential to go all-in from the start; otherwise, you risk falling into a cycle of inconsistency. Over the years, I have met countless women eager to transform their lives through fitness. While many find initial success, most drop off after a month. We were never taught how to care for our bodies effectively, nor did we receive a manual for living well. To be completely honest, I created this program because it's something I personally need. I’ve also taken into account the many conversations I’ve had with women about their health journeys.

My hope is that this program provides women with the knowledge and tools to truly understand their bodies—not just how to move it or which exercises are effective, but how to truly nourish themselves, mind, body and spirit. To make their fitness and nutrition as part of their lifestyle, not just something they pick up for a month and abandon the next. To truly love and have gratitude for their bodies and to learn how to love moving them. To take their health in their own hands.

My goal is to learn and share as much knowledge as possible to help girls and women deeply understand their bodies—navigating every phase, from hormonal health to cultivating genuine self-love for the bodies we've been gifted with. Every human has immense potential, and women, in particular, carry a unique magic—one we’ve never truly been taught to embrace. This post will highlight some key insights from my program presentations, but the deeper work happens through the program and the support from the community that will emerge from this initiative.

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Understanding Women’s Cravings:

Your Body Is Speaking to You

The JEMM I focused on today is "Feed Your Spirit", and it focuses on reconditioning our habits to move towards eating what feeds our bodies well, not just satisfying our cravings. Women’s bodies go through a monthly cycle that impacts everything from mood to energy levels to food cravings. Those cravings aren’t random—they are signals from your body telling you what it needs. It's okay to indulge every now and then, but at what point does it become detrimental to your health?

Here’s what your cravings could really mean:

• Chocolate 🍫 → Magnesium Deficiency

  Magnesium helps reduce stress, relax muscles, and ease menstrual cramps. Instead of processed chocolate, opt for raw cacao, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.

  
  

• Salty Foods 🧂 → Electrolyte Imbalance or Stress

  Your body may be craving sodium, potassium, or chloride, especially if you're dehydrated. Reach for coconut water, avocados, and Himalayan salt instead of processed chips.

  
  

• Sugary Sweets 🍭 → Blood Sugar Imbalance or Chromium Deficiency

  Blood sugar fluctuations can trigger sugar cravings. Instead, try cinnamon, sweet potatoes, and fiber-rich whole foods to stabilize glucose levels.

  
  

• Red Meat 🥩 → Iron Deficiency

  If you crave steak or burgers, your body may be low on iron. Dark leafy greens, lentils, and quinoa are great plant-based sources.

  
  

• Dairy (Cheese, Ice Cream) 🧀 → Calcium Deficiency or Emotional Comfort

  If dairy is your go-to comfort food, your body might need more calcium. Reach for tahini, almonds, and fortified plant-based milks.

  
  

• Carbs (Bread, Pasta, Pastries) 🍞🥐 → Tryptophan & Serotonin Boost

  Carbs can temporarily boost serotonin (the happy hormone). Try whole grains, oats, bananas, and nuts for a more balanced approach

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The Top Health Concerns for Modern Women

Understanding what your body is telling you is one step, but knowing the biggest health risks women face today is equally important. Here are the top concerns and how we can address them:

1. Heart Disease 🫀

   The #1 cause of death in women, yet many still believe it’s a “man’s disease.” Women often experience different symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath, instead of the classic chest pain. Prevent it with regular movement, stress management, and a heart-healthy diet.

   
   

2. Cancer 🎗️

   Breast and cervical cancer are among the most common affecting women. Prevention includes regular screenings, self-exams, and an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants.

   
   

3. Mental Health 🧠

   Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety and depression due to hormonal fluctuations, societal expectations, and biological differences. Prioritizing self-care, movement, and mindfulness practices can support mental well-being.

   
   

4. Hormonal Imbalances ⚖️

   PCOS, thyroid issues, and menopause-related symptoms can greatly impact a woman’s quality of life. Eating whole foods, managing stress, and incorporating cycle-based exercise can support hormone health.

   
   
   
   

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The Power of Lifestyle Medicine

To me, the most sustainable approach to health is through Lifestyle Medicine—making intentional choices in nutrition, movement, stress management, and self-care that support long-term vitality. Instead of waiting for illness to strike, we take control of our health now, preventing conditions like heart disease, cancer, mental health struggles, and hormonal imbalances before they start.

Why Lifestyle Medicine is a Sustainable Solution:

1. Cost-Effective in the Long Term: Preventing diseases before they arise, through healthy lifestyle choices and regular screenings, is far less costly than treating chronic diseases after they develop. Conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be expensive to manage over time, while preventive strategies reduce the need for extensive treatments, hospital stays, and medications.

   
   

2. Enhances Quality of Life: By focusing on healthy living practices—such as balanced nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being—preventative healthcare improves the overall quality of life. People experience fewer health problems, allowing them to live more active and fulfilling lives with reduced complications as they age.

   
   

3. Lightens the Load on Healthcare Systems: Preventative care reduces the demand for hospitalizations and long-term treatments, which can overwhelm healthcare systems. By lowering the incidence of preventable conditions, healthcare resources can be allocated more efficiently, benefiting both patients and providers.

   
   

4. Lowers Environmental Impact: Fewer medical treatments mean less consumption of resources like medications, medical equipment, and energy-intensive healthcare services, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint. Sustainable health practices, such as promoting physical activity and natural nutrition, also align with broader environmental goals.

   
   

5. Promotes Health Equity: Preventative healthcare can be implemented at a broad level to benefit all populations, including underserved communities. By focusing on affordable and accessible practices like education on healthy eating, regular physical activity, and mental health awareness, preventative care ensures more equitable health outcomes.

   
   

In conclusion, lifestyle medicine is a sustainable approach that not only saves costs and resources but also promotes a healthier society with less strain on healthcare systems. By addressing health issues before they become severe, we can create a future where well-being is proactively managed, leading to long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits.

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For far too long, women’s health has been an afterthought—left out of research, misunderstood, and overlooked. But we are not powerless. When we take charge of our health through knowledge, movement, and mindful choices, we reclaim the vitality that has always been ours.

This program is more than just fitness—it’s about understanding our bodies, honoring our needs, and embracing a sustainable path to lifelong wellness. Every small step we take today is an investment in a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future. The magic of being a woman isn’t just in what we endure—it’s in how we rise. Let’s rise together.