Nature is blooming and so are we with the annual Women’s Wellness edition! 

Our feature story, “Women in Bloom, Balancing Hormones for Optimal Well-Being,” by Carrie Jackson, explores how hormonal fluctuations affect women through various life stages—from puberty to postmenopause—and offers guidance for restoring balance. Experts share insights on diet, supplements, stress management and emotional support to help women navigate these transitions with greater confidence and well-being.

For more lifestyle tips on balancing hormones with food, don’t miss the Conscious Eating piece by Maya Whitman, “Healthy Cravings, Snacking for Hormonal Harmony.” This article was a bit of an eye-opener for me! In it, Whitman explores how mindful snacking can support hormonal balance and overall wellness.      Experts share the science behind cravings and offer nourishing alternatives to    ultra-processed foods, with tips like combining protein, fiber and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar and reduce hormonal disruptions.

It’s certainly no mystery to me as to why I’ve lived on a rollercoaster of weight-gain, weight-loss insanity for most of my adult life … down 90, up 65, down 70, up 60, it’s enough to crush one’s spirit at times. Combining a lifelong predisposition and addiction to ice cream and pretty much anything chocolate with a limited palate or desire to try new and healthy foods, what else could I expect? 

I tend to spend too much time beating myself up for allowing weight gain rather than focusing on taking baby steps that will help me set myself up for success. It was reassuring to learn in this piece that specific cravings, whether sweet, savory or crunchy, can be decoded and may be directly linked to hormone imbalances.  

With that, I invite you to spend some time savoring this special women’s edition. Consider making it a slow read, perhaps with your morning beverage of choice or while soaking up some sun in a garden or on a park bench. Let these stories and insights be a little nudge—a reminder that taking care of ourselves is never selfish; it’s foundational.

As always, if something in these pages resonates with you, let our advertisers and contributors know. This community thrives when we support each other—and your kind words make a difference.

Here’s to blooming in our own time, finding rhythm in the chaos, and trusting that healing often begins with awareness.

Peace,