Haley Vilhauer Haley Vilhauer

The Best Snacks to Support Your hormones

Snacks for hormone health and steady blood sugar

When your hormones feel out of sync, they can show up in ways that are hard to ignore.

You might feel tired even after a full night of sleep.
Maybe your mood feels unpredictable, or your cravings are spiking all over the place.
Your digestion is off.
Your period feels more intense than usual.
Or maybe you just have this general sense that something isn’t quite right—even if you can’t explain it.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common patterns I see in my clients, and one of the first places we look together is food.

Now, to be clear, food isn’t a magic fix. Hormones are complex. But what you eat plays a big role in how your body creates and processes those hormones. The good news? You don’t need a fancy protocol to start feeling better. You don’t even need to overhaul your entire diet.

Sometimes, the biggest shifts start with something as simple as the snacks you reach for during the day.

When you choose foods that keep your blood sugar stable, support your liver, and provide the raw materials your body needs for hormone production, you’re helping your system stay steady—instead of constantly trying to catch up.

Below are ten of my favorite hormone-supportive snacks. Choose the ones that fit your rhythm, and let them be small but steady steps toward feeling better in your body.

🫒 Avocado with sea salt or a drizzle of olive oil
Loaded with healthy fats your body uses to make hormones, plus potassium and fiber to support adrenal function and digestion.

🥚 Hard-boiled eggs
Eggs provide cholesterol (a building block for hormones), protein, and choline—great for liver detox and hormone metabolism.

🍓 Greek yogurt with chia seeds and berries
Protein + probiotics from yogurt, omega-3s and fiber from chia, and antioxidants from berries = one powerhouse bowl.

🥜 A handful of almonds or walnuts
Magnesium for mood, protein and fat for blood sugar stability, and long-lasting satiety to help you avoid crashes.

🥕 Carrot sticks with hummus
Carrots support estrogen metabolism, and hummus adds plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats to stabilize energy.

🍫 Dark chocolate (70%+) with Brazil nuts
Magnesium + selenium for thyroid support—and it satisfies your sweet craving in a nourishing way.

🧀 Whole-grain crackers with cheese or almond butter
A mix of complex carbs, fat, and protein to help prevent blood sugar spikes and hormone-related crashes.

🌱 Steamed or roasted edamame with sea salt
Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, easy to prep, and deeply satisfying.

🥣 Chia pudding with coconut milk and berries
Fiber + healthy fats from chia, medium-chain fats from coconut milk, and antioxidant-rich berries—it’s like a treat with benefits.

🍎 Apple slices with almond butter
A classic combo for a reason—simple, balanced, portable, and hormone-friendly.

Snacking doesn’t have to be complicated—or perfect.
But when you start choosing foods that support your hormones instead of working against them, your body feels the difference.

And if you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, or just tired of trying to figure it all out on your own—know this:
You’re not supposed to do it alone.

Ready for real support?

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Haley Vilhauer Haley Vilhauer

Non Toxic Swaps For A Hormone Healthy Kitchen

Hormone healthy kitchen swaps

There’s a quiet kind of overwhelm many of us feel when it comes to our health. Not from lack of trying but from constantly questioning what’s “safe” and what’s silently working against us. The truth is your kitchen can either support your hormonal health or subtly challenge it. And the difference often comes down to simple, intentional swaps.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire kitchen overnight or toss out every item with a complicated name. But you can start where you are – with one swap, one shelf, one product at a time.

Reevaluate Your Cookware

If you’re still using non-stick pans (especially older ones), it might be time for an upgrade. Many are coated with substances that break down under high heat and release chemicals linked to hormone disruption. Over time, those coatings can wear away, especially if you use metal utensils or run them through the dishwasher, making leaching more likely.

Instead, consider investing in one or two staples made from stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. Not only are they safer long-term, but they often last longer and cook more evenly. Cast iron even adds a small amount of iron to your food, which can be a helpful bonus if you’re low in that mineral. The switch doesn’t have to be expensive or all at once -- start with the pan you use most often.

Ditch Plastic Food Storage (Especially for Hot or Acidic Foods)

Plastic containers are convenient, but when heated (or even just exposed to acidic foods like tomato sauce), they can leach chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your meals. These chemicals mimic hormones in the body and can interfere with normal endocrine function. Even plastics labeled “BPA-free” may contain other hormone-disrupting compounds.

Glass containers with snap-on lids or stainless steel tins are safer, longer-lasting alternatives, and they look a little nicer in your fridge, too. If a full swap feels like too much, start with a few glass jars or repurpose old mason jars for storing leftovers.

Check Your Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaners contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that aren’t always clearly labeled but still impact your body. The kitchen is a space where these exposures can add up quickly. If your kitchen spray or dish soap smells like a perfume aisle, it might be time to look closer.

Synthetic fragrances are considered trade secrets, which means companies don’t have to list what’s in them, even though many contain known endocrine disruptors. Seek out fragrance-free or naturally scented products, or make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. They’re gentler on your body and the planet.

Filter Your Water

Even if your tap water is technically “safe,” it can still contain chlorine, heavy metals, or pesticide residues – each of which can impact hormone health over time. Municipal water often contains trace contaminants that build up through repeated exposure. A simple water filter can make a big difference in reducing this daily load. If you’re not sure where to start, look up your local water quality report online to see what’s in your tap water. Use filtered water for cooking and drinking whenever possible. It’s one of the most foundational changes you can make for daily support.

Simplify What’s In Your Pantry

This doesn’t mean tossing out every packaged food, but many ultra-processed items contain additives, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients that the body has to work hard to filter out. These additives can increase your toxic burden, which places more demand on the liver. Focus on adding more real, whole foods like colorful produce, clean proteins, and healthy fats.

They give your body the nutrients it needs to metabolize hormones properly and function at its best. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t pronounce the ingredient or wouldn’t find it in a home kitchen, try to limit it. But again, no shame or pressure. This is about awareness and small, nourishing steps.

Start with what feels most doable. Maybe today, it’s swapping out your plastic lunch container. Maybe next week it’s trying a new cleaner. Every small step adds up.

Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook. It’s a place where healing begins quietly with every choice you make. And it doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. In fact, the most lasting change often comes from slow, steady shifts- the kind you hardly notice until one day you realize you feel clearer-headed, less fatigued, and more like yourself again.

*Sources for Further Reading: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine*

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