Be Well with Brandy

05/28/2024

My podcast episode with My Fertility Podcast is out! Episode 12 and you can download the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

*Trigger warning: Before this episode begins, we want you to know that the content of this episode speaks to pregnancy loss and miscarriages and or a viable pregnancy. We understand this content may be triggering to some of you and you may wish to save this episode for another day. Remember your emotions are valid and we encourage you to take care of yourself and reach out to reliable resources for support when you need them.

Today we welcome guest, Brandy Williams, Gut Health, Fertility & IVF Dietitian. Brandy is a registered dietitian and the founder of Be Well with Brandy. She specializes in helping women improve their health and wellness in a sustainable way. She works with clients who have digestive issues & is working with couples struggling with infertility or are undergoing IVF treatment. Brandy also had a long journey with fertility, which she very bravely shares with us today.

Connect with Brandy Williams:

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bewellwithbrandy/

Website: https://www.bewellwithbrandy.com

Follow us on Instagram

YouTube , or reach out to us at info@myfertilitypodcast.comVisit Markham Fertility Centre at markhamfertility.com

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Tj5DSlxvvrbg2MeJAwHAy

My Fertility Podcast · Episode

02/27/2024

Pregnancy after one or multiple miscarriages can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Research has shown that most women, after one or more losses, experienced their subsequent pregnancy with ambivalent feelings and needed to reduce expectations, continuously monitor the pregnancy's viability, and eliminate risky behavior to protect themselves. Understanding and recognition by others is needed and appreciated. My lived experience is very much on par with the above research looking at other women's experience's.

I felt a bit detached in the beginning, to protect myself from getting too excited and then hurt. Each test or scan that confirmed viability helped ease my worry for a few days and then I would feel anxious again. I still check the tissue for signs of bleeding (although this can be normal for many people in pregnancy, it was never normal for me). I am avoiding anything I feel is risky, a big one being exercise like weights for me due to miscarriages having started during a workout previously. Rationally, I know it wasn't the exercise that caused the miscarriage, but my brain can't forget those moments. What's helping me is having a supportive medical team, I could not ask for anything more. They are being compassionate to my history and allowing me to visit more frequently or as needed to ease my worries. My family doctor, fertility Doctor, obgyn and fetal maternal specialist have all been considerate and caring. This is extremely helpful and probably one of the most important things for people going through subsequent pregnancies after loss. I can't imagine how worse off my mental health would be if I didn't have that support. I also have supportive family and friends as well. I know not everyone has these things and it's my goal to increase awareness so that more and more people get the support they need.

More in comments...

01/18/2024

Putting it on the feed! I will continue to take belly pictures as long as I can!! 😂 It helps me to see "yes, it's growing", which hopefully means everything is still going well.

I'm feeling so lucky that everything is still going well, but man, it's tough on the head!

I exercised for the first time Tuesday and Wednesday, I was so worried maybe I shouldn't have and that something happened. It's not rational, but it's normal to question everything with pregnancy after recurrent loss.

Second trimester has been better for the symptoms, but I feel like the stakes are even higher and I just want to keep this baby safe in a body I have not trusted to do that for years. Whats so surreal and hard to believe, is that I never thought I'd ever have the chance to try and carry again.

Next ultrasound is Jan. 30th, my birthday 🤞🏻

01/07/2024

Hey everyone!

Since I may only be working for 6 more months, I'm opening up a few more spaces in my calendar to take on new gut health clients. If you want help with your digestion in 2024, now's the time to reach out! I have room for about 6 more 1:1 clients.

You can apply here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YWcH39RMfQAHAtXsLaC8mfR6_j2bpdnxkzmUt6PIG9Y/viewform?edit_requested=true

I also have my group membership option for $49/month. No cap on spaces here 🙂 This is not for gut health coaching 🙂 I do 2 live coaching calls per month and upload new education materials and meal plan/recipes. This is a great option if you commit to watching the recordings or attending the sessions live! All past recordings are available to anyone new.

You can join here:

https://www.bewellwithbrandy.com/offers/kEzSuvAH/checkout

Many clients are covered for registered dietitian under their insurance plans for a certain amount per year, so take a peak as it can really help cover the cost of services ❤️

The Be Well Method is a completely customized approach to health & wellness. We explore key areas of wellness and identify the areas you need more help with so you can feel your best. Rather than focusing on a prescriptive diet/program, we focus on exploring what works for you and your body and crea...

11/30/2023

We had our 7 week, 5 day ultrasound this morning 🤞🏻**Trigger warning **

The scan went well & we were able to see the heartbeat 💓 Baby is measuring correctly.

This is the third time we've seen a heartbeat. First was when I was almost 8 weeks and I ended up miscarrying the next day 😣

Second time was with our surrogate, who ended up miscarrying a few weeks later. 😣

Third time is today ☺️ I cried after seeing the heartbeat and felt a wave of relief. Almost as soon as I got home, the fear started to creep in again. I can't erase what has happened in the past. I can't help but feel worry and fear, while at the same time feeling grateful for another chance and having the strength to try again. Hoping the third time is a charm 🙏🏼🤞🏻

Hoping to get another scan in about 2 weeks. When people have gone through recurrent loss, it's so helpful mentally to have more frequent scans.

Grateful for the milestones and now the nausea I am feeling. 🤢 I'll take it all if it allows us to finally bring our baby home. ❤️

09/19/2023

Black beans tacos last night and used them for leftovers on my eggs this am. Added fiber feeds your good bacteria and helps keep you full, longer!

Are you a black bean fan? Comment yes and I'll send you the recipe to try 🙂

09/06/2023

🎉Happy September 🎉

I've been working on some fun things behind the scenes to help you learn more about the importance of sustainable wellness and receive more nutrition information you can trust!

Registration link is at the end👇🏽

I created a 1-week nutrition challenge called "The Balanced Meal Challenge". I hope you'll join me on Sept. 18th to learn a key nutrition practice that not enough people are doing, usually due to their fear of carbs. This will be discussed and addressed in the video trainings in the challenge!

Not only will you discover the secrets to crafting delicious, balanced meals, but you'll also learn how they can help you reduce cravings, manage blood sugar, and decrease the desire to binge eat! ✅

It’s FREE and you'll gain access to a wealth of expert guidance, mouthwatering meal plans with a grocery list (or a recipe book if meal plans aren’t your jam) and the chance to evaluate & re-think your approach to nutrition.

Each day, I will be giving you education on why balanced meals can help you with your health and nutrition goals! It will be going to your inbox with an accompanying coaching video by me!

🍽️ What's Included:

7-Day Meal Plan & Grocery List: Say goodbye to the overwhelm of what to eat! Our meticulously crafted meal plan is designed to take the guesswork out of your daily meals, ensuring you enjoy a variety of delicious options.

Balanced Meal Ideas: Experience the magic of perfectly balanced meals that satisfy your taste buds and fuel your body. From protein-packed breakfasts to nutrient-rich dinners, we've got you covered.

Nutrition Knowledge: Unlock the secrets of a balanced meal and discover why it's a crucial cornerstone for achieving your health goals. Our comprehensive handout will empower you with the understanding you need to make informed food choices.

Daily Inspiration: Get ready for a daily dose of motivation! We'll be sending you tips, tricks, and uplifting messages (along with bonus resources) to keep you focused, energized, and excited throughout the challenge.

✍️How it will run & what you will learn:

Friday before the challenge starts (9/15): Meal plan, grocery list and an accompanying recipe book will be sent out! You have 7 days to prepare and plan out working on eating 3 balanced meals per day!

Monday, Sept. 18th the challenge starts with a daily email and short coaching video on the topics below!

Day 1: Understanding the Foundation: Why are balanced meals important for health & wellness goals.

Day 2: Preventing Binge Eating and Overeating: Did you know that balanced meals play a vital role in preventing binge eating and overeating?

Day 3: Enhancing Nutritional Satisfaction: Ever wondered why you sometimes feel unsatisfied after a meal?

Day 4: Providing Adequate Fuel: Too many people are under-eating throughout the day! Adequate fuel for your body is essential for maintaining energy levels and mental focus throughout the day.

Day 5: The Macronutrient Mix: We'll talk about the importance of the macronutrient mix in balanced meals!

Day 6: Blood Sugar Control and Mood Stabilization: Did you know that balanced meals have a direct impact on blood sugar control and mood stabilization?

Day 7: Creating Lasting Health Habits: By consistently choosing balanced meals, you not only nourish your body but also create sustainable health habits that can improve your long-term well-being.

Register today, it's FREE:

Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier, more vibrant you? Join us for an incredible journey of nourishment and transformation with our 1-Week Balanced Plate Challenge.

06/17/2023

Shania photo dump ❤️ it was such a great day in so many ways 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

05/31/2023

We had 14 eggs retrieved today with our second round of IVF. Very happy with the results & we will find out how many eggs fertilize tomorrow 🤞🏻 So happy to have this done. We will be doing PGT testing of the embryos due to my history of recurrent pregnancy loss. Thanks to . Super impressed with your clinic! ❤️

03/16/2023

Interested in gut health? 💩

Do you struggle with constipation, bloating, loose stool or stomach pain?

Come learn more over on Instagram!

https://instagram.com/thathealthygut?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

02/01/2023

🥕LOW FODMAP VEGETABLES🥒

Hit the save arrow for later. Double tap and share to your stories of this is helpful for you 🙏🏼

The main FODMAPs present in vegetables are fructans and mannitol. Vegetables particularly high in fructans include artichoke, garlic, leek, onion and spring onion. Vegetables particularly high in mannitol include mushrooms, cauliflower and snow peas.

While the LOW FODMAP diet is not something I recommend long-term (or necessarily for every client) it can be useful for someone who wants a reduction in symptoms while working to improve their gut health. It should be done with the help of a registered dietitian!

If you've been on a LOW FODMAP diet for a long time, & want to improve your food tolerance, apply to work with me or ask any questions below!👇🏽Click the link in my bio to read my latest blog post on the Low FODMAP diet.