https://www.facebook.com/395624670300713/

The Nutrition Nerd YMM, Fort McMurray, AB (2026)

06/06/2026

𝗠𝘆 “𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗢𝘄𝗹” 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲 🦉🌙

About 3 years ago, I did genetic testing through 23andMe (before they went bankrupt 😅), and then ran the data through Seeking Health’s StrateGene report.

At the time, it was honestly pretty fascinating.

One SNP that stood out for me was:
MTNR1B rs10830963

Mine was listed as:
(+/- CG) “slow”

This gene is involved in melatonin signalling and circadian rhythm regulation.

And honestly?

It explained A LOT 😂

I have always struggled more with:
• delayed sleep
• feeling more awake at night
• getting a “second wind” late evening
• difficulty falling asleep even when tired

And this is why I always laugh a bit when people say:
“just wake up earlier"

or

“just use better sleep hygiene”

Like yes… those things CAN help!

But biology is nuanced 😅

Interestingly, learning about this SNP was one thing that helped me stop feeling guilty about occasionally needing melatonin support.

I actually stopped using melatonin for quite awhile…

…but this past winter? 😵‍💫

Once February hit, my sleep became absolute chaos and I eventually brought melatonin back in because I genuinely felt like my circadian rhythm needed support before I became an actual lunatic hahaha.

And honestly? It helped.

Now — genetics are NOT destiny.

This SNP does NOT mean:
“You are doomed to terrible sleep forever”

Genes are more like:
• tendencies
• vulnerabilities
• patterns
• probabilities

Environment still matters MASSIVELY:
• light exposure
• stress
• screens
• nervous system state
• meal timing
• sleep consistency
• movement
• seasonality

…all influence how these genes express.

But I DO think understanding our biology can help us work WITH ourselves a bit more compassionately.

Because sometimes there really is a physiological reason why certain things feel harder for some people.

And honestly?

The more I learn about circadian biology, the more I realize:
humans are not designed for LED lights, doom scrolling at midnight, night shifts, caffeine at 5pm, and pretending our brains don’t care 😂

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠

Genes don’t create our destiny.

But they absolutely can influence the way we experience the world, stress, sleep, metabolism, and nervous system regulation.

Sometimes learning those patterns helps us stop fighting ourselves so hard.

06/05/2026

𝗧𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗶 “𝗙𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯𝘀” 🍫

Okay… so I don’t eat a TON of sweets or desserts…

…but I absolutely LOVE chocolate and nut butters 😅

And I almost always keep some kind of “fat bomb” in my freezer for emergency snacks when I’m feeling kinda hungry, but don’t want to dive head first into empty calories or random junk food.

A few months ago I bought tahini…

Used it on toast a few times…

Then immediately lost interest in it 🤣

So naturally my brain went:
“Why not turn this into chocolate?”

So I made these:

• about 1 cup tahini
• about 1 cup coconut oil
• 3–4 tbsp cocoa powder
• lion’s mane powder (for my brain 🧠)
• stevia to taste

Then I poured them into silicone molds and froze them.

That’s it 😅

You could also add:
• chopped nuts
• shredded coconut
• collagen powder
• cinnamon
• h**p hearts
• flaky salt
• crushed freeze-dried berries

Whatever vibe you want, honestly!

𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗺𝗯 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 🤓

Tahini (sesame seeds) naturally contains:
• calcium
• magnesium
• copper
• iron
• lignans like sesamin and sesamolin

Sesame also contains healthy fats and compounds that have been studied for cardiovascular and antioxidant support.

And cocoa powder?

It’s loaded with polyphenols and flavonoids that may support:
• blood flow
• endothelial function
• oxidative stress balance
• brain function

(Which is probably why chocolate makes my brain happy 😅)

These types of snacks can be a really nice way to get more healthy fats into the diet while still feeling like you’re treating yourself.

And yes…

I absolutely believe in treats and enjoying food.

But I also believe in the 80/20 rule.

That said… for some people dealing with chronic illness, blood sugar issues, severe inflammation, or food addiction patterns…

…even 20% junk food can sometimes be too much for their current terrain.

So instead of “never treat yourself”…

…why not just treat wisely?

No guilt.
No perfection.
Just better options sometimes 🤍

06/05/2026

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 & “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼 𝗜 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗼 𝗢𝗳𝗳?” 🌙🧠

The more I learn about metabolism, circadian biology, hormones, and the nervous system…

…the more I understand why night shifts can feel SO hard on the body.

When I was younger, I actually loved working nights 😂

Now? I honestly think it would completely destroy me hahaha.

My partner works a rotating schedule with both days and nights (7/7), and she absolutely HATES the night shifts.

And honestly, I can see why.

After nights, she’s usually a bit “off” for the first few days:
• tired but wired
• hungry at weird times
• foggy
• emotionally flatter
• sleep feels weird
• digestion feels off
• energy feels dysregulated

And this makes sense physiologically.

Our bodies are heavily tied to:
• light exposure
• circadian rhythm
• cortisol timing
• melatonin
• insulin sensitivity
• nervous system signalling
• metabolism
• hunger hormones

The liver especially LOVES predictability.

Historically, humans generally:
• ate during daylight
• slept at night
• fasted overnight

Now many people are:
• eating at 2am
• sleeping during daylight
• under artificial light constantly
• rotating schedules weekly
• chronically sleep deprived

And the body often responds by becoming a bit metabolically confused 😅

This doesn’t mean that everyone needs to quit their jobs!

That’s not realistic.

But I DO think understanding the physiological implications matters.

Because poor sleep and circadian disruption can influence:
• cravings
• insulin resistance
• cortisol
• blood sugar regulation
• hunger hormones
• mood
• dopamine signalling
• inflammation
• nervous system regulation

And honestly?

Even people NOT working nights can experience similar issues from:
• poor sleep
• chronic stress
• doom scrolling until 1am
• irregular meal timing
• constant artificial light exposure

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠

Sometimes the body is not lazy or broken. Sometimes it’s trying to run a daytime biology on a nighttime schedule.

06/04/2026

𝗠𝗲: “𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗻… 𝗜’𝗺 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲”

Also me after 7 straight days of rain and grey skies:
🧟‍♀️☕🌧️

(I am really starting to understand why so many people become ‘snow birds’)

I finally got some sunshine today and honestly… I feel like a solar-powered reptile that finally found a heat lamp 😅

And yes, there’s actually some science behind why many people feel SO different after prolonged gloomy weather.

☀️ Sunlight helps:
• regulate circadian rhythm
• support dopamine and serotonin signalling
• influence cortisol timing
• support mitochondrial function
• trigger nitric oxide release
• help anchor the body’s internal clock

Even just BRIGHT outdoor light exposure can impact:
🧠 mood
😴 sleep
⚡ energy
🍽 appetite
💃 motivation

Which is why after endless rain some of us start feeling like:

“Perhaps I shall simply become one with the couch” 😭

Also… no, this does NOT mean sunlight is a magical cure-all!

But humans are outdoor creatures pretending we evolved under office lighting and LED bulbs…

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠

Sometimes your nervous system doesn’t need a complicated protocol…

…it just needs the giant glowing fusion reactor in the sky ☀️

(And remember, it’s free!)

If you don’t go outside because you don’t like bugs, there are tons of great options for DYI bug-spray. You can also purchase marigold spray, which smells amazing!

06/04/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗗 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲 & 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁? 👀

This topic is WAY more nuanced than:
“the meds suppress appetite”

For some people, these medications may help because dopamine and norepinephrine signalling influence:
• cravings
• reward seeking
• impulsive eating
• food obsession
• binge patterns
• emotional eating
• motivation
• satiety awareness
• blood sugar regulation behaviours

Some people genuinely feel like:
• food noise gets quieter
• cravings become less intense
• they stop constantly searching for stimulation through food
• they can finally pause before impulsive eating
• they have enough mental energy to meal prep, cook, or follow routines consistently

And this can happen even in people WITHOUT a formal ADHD diagnosis.

Because dopamine signalling can become dysregulated from MANY things:
• chronic stress
• poor sleep
• burnout
• insulin resistance
• blood sugar instability
• ultra-processed hyperpalatable foods, low protein
• nervous system dysregulation
• depression
• trauma/stress overload

This is also why some people feel like they are:
“constantly hungry”

Even when eating enough calories! Sometimes the issue is not just “willpower”
Sometimes:
• blood sugar is unstable
• dopamine/reward signalling is dysregulated
• insulin is elevated
• stress hormones are high
• the nervous system is constantly seeking stimulation or quick energy

And food becomes the fastest relief. This doesn’t mean everyone needs medication. But I DO think understanding the physiology underneath these patterns matters.

Because for some people, finally supporting:
• blood sugar regulation
• protein intake (HUGE!)
• sleep
• dopamine signalling
• nervous system regulation
• meal structure
• insulin sensitivity

…can make healthy eating feel SO much easier and more natural.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠
Sometimes the struggle with food is not a character flaw. Sometimes the brain and body are genuinely struggling with reward signalling, energy regulation, stress physiology, and metabolic flexibility.

06/03/2026

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗼𝗴𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮, 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 & “𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆” 👀

Since I talk about anxiety and nervous system stuff a lot… have you ever considered that blood sugar regulation may ALSO be contributing?

For some people, symptoms like:
• shakiness
• irritability
• racing heart
• sweating
• nausea
• feeling panicky
• feeling “hangry”
• intense cravings
• sudden mood crashes

…may sometimes be related to reactive hypoglycaemia or unstable blood sugar regulation

This can happen when:
• insulin rises too high
• stays elevated too long
• blood sugar drops too quickly afterward

And sometimes the body responds by releasing adrenaline and stress hormones to bring blood sugar back up.

Which can feel a LOT like anxiety!

This is one reason why:
• skipping meals
• fasting
• relying heavily on caffeine
• or eating very carb-heavy meals without enough protein/fibre

…may make some people feel significantly worse.

And this is also why one-size-fits-all nutrition advice online can get messy 😅

Some people thrive with intermittent fasting.

Others feel absolutely awful.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 😌

If you work with me, this is something we can absolutely discuss and explore together.

I often recommend getting labs done when appropriate to make sure blood sugar regulation and insulin resistance are not being overlooked as part of the picture.

Because sometimes the issue isn’t “just anxiety”

Sometimes the body is struggling with fuel regulation too!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠

The nervous system, hormones, metabolism, blood sugar, stress response, sleep, and even dopamine signalling are all deeply connected.

Sometimes what feels psychological may also have a very real physiological component underneath it.

06/02/2026

𝗜 “𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗖” 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦 🤯

Honestly?

I hear this kind of thing ALL the time from women.

And biologically… it’s actually very believable!

Pregnancy and postpartum are not small events for the body. They are massive immune, hormonal, metabolic, and nutrient shifts happening all at once.

During and after pregnancy, the body can experience changes in:

• immune balance
• mast cell activity
• histamine handling
• hormone signalling
• gut and skin barrier integrity
• nervous system regulation
• sleep quality and stress resilience
• mineral and nutrient reserves

Some women notice:
• fewer reactions during pregnancy
• worse reactions postpartum
• entirely new food sensitivities
• skin changes
• histamine issues
• environmental reactions
• sudden intolerance to things they tolerated before

And no, this does NOT automatically mean someone is “making it up” or doomed for life

⸻

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲

Babies are incredibly nutrient demanding.

Pregnancy and especially breastfeeding can place heavy demands on:
• protein
• iron
• zinc
• copper
• choline
• magnesium
• B vitamins
• omega-3 fats
• electrolytes

Then add:
• chronic sleep deprivation
• stress hormones
• nervous system overload
• blood sugar instability
• reduced recovery time
• inflammation from birth/surgery/healing

…and the terrain can shift pretty dramatically.

⸻

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 “𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀” 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴

Not every reaction is a classic IgE “true allergy”

Some reactions may involve:
• mast cell activation
• histamine intolerance
• oral allergy syndrome
• contact irritation
• enzyme irritation (like pineapple bromelain)
• barrier dysfunction
• nervous system hypersensitivity

But clinically?

They can still feel VERY real and severe to the person experiencing them.

⸻

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠

The immune system does not exist in isolation.

It responds to:
• hormones
• nutrient status
• stress load
• sleep
• gut health
• environmental exposures
• nervous system state
• repeated exposures over time

Which is why two people can eat the same food, touch the same glove, or breathe the same air… and have completely different reactions.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 😅

06/01/2026

𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗮… 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁:
“𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗲-𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲” 😅☕

But honestly… fennel is actually a pretty cool herb!

I made this by:
• pouring hot water over the fennel first
• letting it steep
• then leaving it in the fridge overnight for a cold infusion

Why?

Because longer steeping times can help pull out more of the aromatic compounds and plant constituents… while the cold fridge steep gives it a smoother flavour and makes it super refreshing in hot weather.

𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
• bloating
• gas
• digestive discomfort
• post-meal fullness
• cramping
• “stuck” digestion
• and sometimes even that overly tight, spasmy gut feeling

It’s considered a carminative herb, which basically means:
“helps move gas and tension out of the digestive tract”

So, yes, it helps you fart… 😅

It has this slightly sweet/licorice-ish flavour that people either LOVE… or absolutely do not (I love it)

And fun fact:
fennel has been traditionally used for a VERY long time in herbalism and culinary medicine!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠

Sometimes the simple kitchen herbs are doing more than we give them credit for…

And honestly?

Cold infused herbal teas in summer just hit different!

Even if they look slightly concerning in a glass pot 😅

06/01/2026

𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 ☀️💧
…𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 😅

Okay so… last summer I made a few posts about “sun water” and I’m pretty sure some people thought I had officially fallen off the deep end hahaha…

BUT…

There actually IS some interesting science behind why sunlight and water interact the way they do.

Now before the internet runs away with this:
𝗻𝗼… 𝘀𝘂𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗮𝗹𝗹 😂

Some of the claims online get VERY exaggerated.

But the broader idea that sunlight interacts with water, energy, and biology?

That part is very real.

Water is actually a really fascinating molecule.

It absorbs infrared light (heat) extremely well, responds to UV light, changes dissolved gases, and behaves differently depending on temperature, charge, minerals, surfaces, and light exposure.

And considering your body is mostly water…

…light interacting with water is actually a HUGE part of biology.

This is partly why some researchers in quantum biology and biophysics have become so interested in water behaviour inside the body.

One researcher you may hear mentioned in these conversations is 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸, who discusses something called:

𝗘𝗭 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
(𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿)

This refers to a more organized layer of water that can form near surfaces like proteins, collagen, cell membranes, fascia, etc

Some research suggests sunlight — especially infrared wavelengths — may help expand or support this structured layer.

Now again…

people online sometimes take this and turn it into:
“sunlight magically charges your water with healing frequencies” 😂

…and I think we should keep some nuance here hahaha…

BUT the idea that:
• sunlight affects water behaviour
• water can become more ordered under certain conditions
• light influences cellular energy systems
• and infrared light interacts deeply with biological water

…is actually rooted in real physics and biochemistry.

And honestly?

Even outside of the nerdy quantum biology side of things…

Making sun water can just become a really grounding ritual.

You fill a glass jar with water, maybe add a pinch or two of unrefined salt, place it outside in the sunlight for a bit…

…and suddenly you’re more connected to:
• hydration
• nature
• circadian rhythm
• slowing down
• being outdoors

There may absolutely be some placebo involved for some people…

…but placebo effects are still REAL nervous system effects involving expectation, safety signalling, neurotransmitters, and physiology.

And then there are also the REAL physiological effects of:
☀️ sunlight
🔴 infrared light
⏰ circadian signalling
💧 hydration
🌿 spending time outdoors

So no…

maybe it’s not “magic water” 😂

But the connection between sunlight, water, and life is honestly pretty fascinating!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲 💧☀️

Sometimes wellness conversations become so polarized that people feel they have to choose between:

“this is fake nonsense”

or

“this cures everything”

Usually the truth is somewhere in the middle 😅

Water, light, minerals, charge, heat, biology, and circadian rhythms are deeply interconnected systems.

And I think we’re probably still learning WAY more about how light and water shape biology than we currently understand.

05/31/2026

𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 “𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻” 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗢𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 🔬

One thing I keep coming back to?

𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

A LOT!

I will repeat this message again in a few weeks 😂

This connective tissue network wraps around your muscles, organs, nerves, and joints… and when it becomes stiff, dehydrated, or restricted, many people notice:
• stiffness
• pain
• poor mobility
• tension
• “heavy” movement
• reduced flexibility
• even digestive discomfort

And honestly?

One of the BEST parts about fascia work is that a lot of it is…

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 😅
(Yay!)

Yes, you CAN pay for:
• myofascial therapy
• massage
• bodywork
• lymphatic treatments

BUT…

There are also SO many free fascia and mobility exercises online.

Seriously!

Go on YouTube and type:
• fascia exercises
• mobility routine
• lymph routine
• fascia stretch flow
• nervous system regulation exercises

…and just START somewhere. You can even find videos for animals!

Even 5–10 minutes matters.

Same with vagus nerve support.

People spend hundreds of dollars on vagus nerve devices…

Meanwhile:
• humming
• singing
• deep breathing
• gargling water HARD
• gentle cold exposure
• slow stretching

…are all FREE 😅

Will you feel a little ridiculous aggressively gargling water in your kitchen?

Maybe.

But honestly… who cares hahaha.

The body LOVES movement, rhythm, stretching, fluid flow, and nervous system safety signals.

And no…
these things are not “magic cures”

BUT…

They absolutely can contribute to improving your overall terrain.

Because health is rarely just:
“take supplement = fixed”

Your body also needs:
• movement
• circulation
• nervous system regulation
• strength
• mobility
• lymph flow
• hydration
• nourishment
• recovery

It’s rainy today ☔️

Take 5 minutes!

Look up a fascia or lymph routine. Move your body a little.

Your future self will probably thank you for it.

And if you’re painful or very stiff:
𝗴𝗼 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄.

Don’t force anything.

Tiny consistent changes usually work better than trying to “biohack” your entire life overnight 😅

The Nutrition Nerd YMM

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category