#womenshealth – New Leaf Wellness

Unlocking the Benefits of Intermittent Fasting: Weight Loss, Energy, and More

Although it may seem like a modern health trend, intermittent fasting (IF) has been practiced for over 1,500 years. One of the most well-documented benefits of intermittent fasting is weight loss, as it often leads to reduced calorie intake and improved insulin sensitivity—two key factors that support fat loss. By limiting the eating window, many people find it easier to maintain a caloric deficit, which can result in steady and sustainable weight loss over time.

In addition to supporting weight loss, intermittent fasting has been associated with numerous health benefits, including better blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, enhanced metabolic function, and improved energy levels. Many people report feeling more focused, lighter, and more in tune with their body’s natural rhythms when following a fasting routine.

Intermittent fasting can be practiced in several flexible ways, making it adaptable to a wide range of lifestyles. Some people choose to eat between specific hours—like 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—while others prefer a method like skipping breakfast or eating an earlier dinner. This flexibility allows individuals to find a routine that aligns with their personal preferences and schedules.

Contrary to the traditional belief that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” recent perspectives suggest that meal timing is highly individual. Many people thrive by delaying their first meal and allowing their body more time to rest and reset between eating periods.

As with any wellness approach, the best results come from consistency and mindfulness. Intermittent fasting is not only a tool for weight management—it can also support a more intentional and balanced approach to nutrition. When combined with nutrient-rich foods, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle, it can be a powerful strategy for enhancing overall well-being.

Intermittent fasting is a time-tested, flexible, and effective approach to achieving health goals. Whether you’re looking to manage weight, improve metabolic health, or simply feel better throughout the day, IF offers a supportive path to long-term wellness. Check with your New Leaf Wellness provider to see if fasting would be beneficial for you.

Menopause & Perimenopause Symptoms: You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Feel This Way

Menopause and perimenopause mark a significant transition in a woman’s life—and no two experiences are exactly alike. While some women move through this phase with minimal symptoms, many others experience a range of physical and emotional changes that can affect daily life and overall well-being.

Common Symptoms of Menopause & Perimenopause May Include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings or irritability
Fatigue and low energy
Trouble sleeping
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Irregular periods or skipped cycles
Decreased libido
Weight gain or changes in metabolism

Over two-thirds of women in North America experience hot flashes, but how long and how intense they are varies dramatically. For some, symptoms last just a year or two. For others, they can continue for more than a decade. The key takeaway? Every woman’s journey is unique—and support should be too.

💚 How New Leaf Wellness Can Help

At New Leaf Wellness, we understand the frustration that comes from not feeling like yourself. That’s why we partner with New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy, which compounds bioidentical hormones in personalized dosages, strengths, and combinations to meet your body’s unique needs.

Bioidentical hormone therapy is designed to:

Balance fluctuating hormone levels
Reduce symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue
Improve sleep, focus, and mood
Support sexual wellness and energy
Help you feel more like YOU again

Whether you’re in the early stages of perimenopause or deep into menopause, we’re here to support you with a personalized, compassionate approach to your health.

📞 Let’s Talk

If you’re experiencing symptoms or just feel “off,” don’t wait. Start a conversation with your New Leaf Consultant today. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term wellness.

✨ Because this phase of life should be about thriving—not just surviving.

Are You Tired, Stressed, and Just Not Feeling Like Yourself? It Could Be Adrenal Fatigue.

Many people don’t realize that stress and poor health are deeply connected. If you’re constantly stressed or not getting enough rest, it can take a serious toll on your body—specifically on your cortisol levels.

Cortisol is one of over 50 hormones produced by the adrenal glands—two small but powerful glands that sit just above your kidneys. These glands play a key role in maintaining energy, managing stress, and supporting your immune system.

One of the most common things we hear from patients struggling with adrenal fatigue is:
👉 “After [a major stress or life event], I was never the same.”

That turning point often follows periods of:

Financial stress
Emotional strain
Infections or illness
Poor diet (especially sugar and processed foods)
Smoking or drug use
Unemployment or life instability

Over time, these stressors can cause your adrenal glands to struggle, leading to reduced cortisol production—your body’s main stress-handling hormone. And when cortisol levels drop, your energy, focus, and even your mood can take a hit.

Common Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:

Chronic fatigue
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Low blood pressure or blood sugar
Frequent headaches
Anxiety or panic attacks
Depression
Low libido
Fertility issues
Feeling “off” or not like yourself

💚 You don’t have to keep pushing through. If this sounds like you, New Leaf Wellness in West Des Moines and all the other locations can help. We offer cortisol testing and personalized support, including supplements designed to restore balance and help you feel like yourself again.

✨ Let us help you restore your energy, health, and vitality—naturally.