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Why food, sleep, and stress are key to blood sugar regulation (even if you are on medication)

Fab Female Nutrition

Release Date: 06/11/2025

Why very low-carb and Keto diets feel different for women’s bodies show art Why very low-carb and Keto diets feel different for women’s bodies

Fab Female Nutrition

Very low-carb and keto-style diets are often praised for quick results, especially when it comes to fat loss. But many women find that what works brilliantly at first can later lead to fatigue, stubborn belly fat and a slowing metabolism. In this episode, I explain why much of the research behind low-carb diets has focused on men, and how women’s bodies respond differently to prolonged carbohydrate restriction. We explore how low energy availability can affect thyroid function, cortisol levels and metabolic rate — and why this often shows up as central weight gain rather than weight loss....

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Fab Female Nutrition

Intermittent fasting is often promoted as a powerful health tool, but many women find that longer fasting windows leave them feeling tired, anxious or struggling with sleep. In this episode, I explain why much of the fasting research has been carried out in men, and how women’s hormones respond differently to prolonged periods without food. We look at cortisol, blood sugar balance and why daily long fasts can interfere with progesterone, oestrogen and thyroid health - particularly in mid-life. I also share a more hormone-friendly way to approach fasting, so you can support metabolic health...

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Fab Female Nutrition

Cold plunges and ice baths are everywhere right now - but what if they’re leaving you feeling exhausted, wired or struggling to sleep? In this episode, I explore why cold exposure can work well for men, yet backfire for many women. We look at how cold plunges affect cortisol, why female hormones respond differently to stress, and why too much cold can disrupt energy, mood and recovery — particularly in mid-life. A more hormone-friendly approach for many women is cold-water swimming rather than ice baths. The water is usually slightly warmer, movement helps maintain circulation, and...

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Fab Female Nutrition

Had a big night? A bit too much food, fizz or “just one more” mince pie? This episode is your gentle, realistic guide to bouncing back the next day without guilt, punishment or restriction. I’m sharing easy, gut-friendly habits you can put in place before bed and the morning after so your body feels supported rather than overwhelmed. These are the simple strategies I use myself - and they really do help you recover quicker. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The one thing to do before your first festive drink (your liver will love you for it) • Why hydration is your secret weapon -...

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Fab Female Nutrition

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Fab Female Nutrition

This week I’m joined by the fabulous Rebecca Clarke, a qualified holistic counsellor who helps women transform their relationships, reconnect with themselves, and find deeper fulfilment in midlife. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burnt out, or a bit lost in the roles you hold, this conversation will really speak to you. We explore why midlife can feel so emotionally charged, how old patterns resurface as body memories, and the power of slowing down long enough to hear what you actually need. Rebecca shares her gentle, grounded wisdom on communication, boundaries, identity, and the small...

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Fab Female Nutrition

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Fab Female Nutrition

If your digestion feels sluggish, bloated, or just “off,” this episode is for you. This week, I’m diving into the Replace and Repair phases of gut healing - the second and third R’s in my 4R’s framework, which forms the foundation of my  I’ll explain why stomach acid and digestive enzymes are vital for nutrient absorption and how low stomach acid is often mistaken for reflux. We’ll talk about the power of bitter foods like rocket and apple cider vinegar to wake up digestion and how simple habits - like chewing well and slowing down - can make all the difference. I’ll also...

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Fab Female Nutrition

Healing your gut starts with one simple step: removing the things that get in the way. In this episode, I dive into the first stage of the 4R’s of Gut Health - Remove. This phase is all about creating the right environment for healing by taking out irritants that inflame your gut and disrupt your hormones. I explain how eliminating common triggers like sugar, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, and ultra-processed foods can calm inflammation, balance your gut bacteria, and give your digestive system a much-needed break. You’ll also learn why balancing your microbiome is more effective than...

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Fab Female Nutrition

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More Episodes

In this episode of the Fab Female Nutrition Podcast, we’re talking all things Metformin – one of the most commonly prescribed medications for Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Whether you’re taking it already, have been told your blood sugar is creeping up, or you’re just curious, this episode will help you feel more in control.

We’ll cover:

  • The surprising link between stress, sleep, and blood sugar

  • Why B12 levels matter (and how Metformin affects them)

  • What to eat for better energy, balance, and long-term blood sugar support

  • How when you eat is just as important

You’ll also hear practical tips for making blood sugar-friendly food choices without going and how your everyday lifestyle habits still matter – even when medication is involved.

This episode is kindly sponsored by… Revive Active SLEEP Capsules!
When you’re not sleeping well, you’re far more likely to crave sugar and carbs, and studies show that you eat more calories after nights when you have poor quality sleep. Prioritising sleep can make a big difference to blood sugar balance, energy and your overall health.

Pop over to  www.reviveactive.com   and use code WHILL10 to get 10% off all their super supplement range