07/02/2025
Back in 2019, I experienced an unintentional transformation that completely changed the way I approach health and weight loss at a foundational level. Without focusing on dieting, increasing exercise, or making any major lifestyle changes, I managed to shed 10 pounds in just 12 weeks.
How? By addressing my gut health.
This approach wasn’t about depriving myself or following rigid rules. It was about tuning in to my body, supporting my digestion, and removing the barriers that were contributing to my issues in the first place, so I could create an environment for my health to thrive naturally.
Here’s why it worked: as Hippocrates famously said, “all disease begins in the gut.” And if disease begins there, then all health does too. For many, the gut is a hub for chronic low grade inflammation that contributes to metabolic chaos throughout the body… And when dysfunction is present it affects everything to include nutrient absorption, thyroid function, detoxification, hormone balance, energy production, insulin sensitivity and blood sugar, and immune system regulation, to name a few.
If your goals include boosting energy, balancing hormones, improving mental clarity, losing weight, or finally tackling pesky GI issues, healing your gut is a game-changer.
Here’s a breakdown of exactly what I did 👇
1. Focused on HOW I was eating, not just what I was eating:
You are not what you eat, you are what you digest and absorb. I slowed down, chewed my food thoroughly (even to the degree that it felt excessive), took a few deep breaths before meals to shift my body into a parasympathetic state, and stayed present with my food because where focus goes energy flows. These simple shifts helped me prime my body for optimal digestion and reconnect with my own hunger and fullness cues.
2. Minimized processed foods and common allergens:
I cut back on foods that didn’t serve me, including alcohol and heavily processed items. Instead of relying on food sensitivity tests, I listened to my body’s real-time feedback and adjusted accordingly. How do you feel during and after eating certain foods? Do you notice any changes in physical symptoms, energy levels, and even shifts in your mood?
3. Ate until 80% full:
I focused on hunger cues rather than strict calorie counts or macros. This helped me build trust with my body and recognize when I was truly satisfied. By stopping when I was 80% full, I was giving my body room to effectively digest the food I was consuming, instead of overburdening my digestive tract. PS - digestion is an energy expensive process, meaning it takes energy to digest. If you find yourself tired after meals, try stopping when you are 80% full. The good news is, you can always come back for more!
4. Took short walks after meals:
A leisurely 5-10 minute walk after meals is an extremely effective and low impact way to support blood sugar balance and assist the body in digesting. Such a simple habit, yet so effective!
5. Prioritized fiber and daily regularity:
I made sure I was getting enough soluble and insoluble fiber via whole unprocessed foods to keep my gut happy—and aimed for at least one healthy bowel movement every day. Some of my favorite fiber rich foods include colorful fruits, veggies, flaxseed, chia seed, and gluten-free grains like oats. Again, what works best for your gut health is going to look specific to your body’s sensitivities, needs, etc.
6. Simplified supplements:
I stopped overloading on unnecessary supplements, many of which can actually aggravate your system more as the body still has to digest, process, and detoxify these compounds. Instead, I focused on simple foundational supplements and used digestive enzymes and Betaine HCL short-term to support my stomach acid and enzyme production (this isn’t always the best course of action for everyone, which is why it’s important to work with a holistic health practitioner to determine your individual needs).
7. Managed my stress and slowed TF down:
Stress directly impacts digestion. When the body is in a sympathetic state (aka when you are stressed out) blood is shunted away from the digestive tract to the extremities to prepare us to fight or flee. This adaptive mechanism makes perfect sense…If we are experiencing a perceived threat, why would digestion matter much at that point? Remember, the body will ALWAYS prioritize survival over other functions. Knowing this, I took inventory of my daily stressors, worked to mitigate things within my control, changed my perception of those that were outside of my control, and made stress management a daily priority, ensuring my body could fully process and absorb nutrients.
8. Added nourishing, gut-healing foods:
I included bitter greens for stomach acid production, bone broth to support the integrity of my gut lining, and aloe vera to reduce inflammation.
The result? Not only did I lose weight, but I felt lighter, more energized, and deeply in tune with my body.
Your gut is connected to nearly every aspect of your health—energy, mood, weight, hormones, immunity, and even mental clarity. When you prioritize gut health, you lay the foundation for holistic wellness and long-term transformation.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, start small with these powerful steps. Over time, they’ll make a huge impact.
Save this post as a guide, and let’s normalize the idea that weight loss and health aren’t about punishment or extremes—they’re about healing, balance, and love for your body and if you’re ready to dive deeper into your health journey, reach out—I’d love to support you!