Raising Healthy Mothers

The last few days have been full on — sick kids, poor sleep, hard news, and now I'm running on empty. So this episode is short, honest and a little reminder that even on the hardest days, we can still make tiny choices to look after ourselves. I’m sharing what I’ve been doing to feel more human today — nothing fancy, just small acts of care that are helping me not spiral into guilt, overwhelm or biscuits (well, not just biscuits). If you’re in the thick of it too, I hope this feels like a hug. 💛 And if you’re joining the Spring Reset — this is exactly what it’s about. We start Monday. Click here to sign up. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.  

This week on Raising Healthy Mothers, we’re going deeper than probiotics and fibre. I’m talking about how your gut health affects everything, from your immune system to your hormones, your mood, your energy, even your skin. This episode is adapted from the intro lesson to my Spring Gut Reset, and it’s a brilliant place to start if you’re wondering why gut health matters so much, especially in the thick of motherhood. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, foggy, snappy, or your skin’s been itchy or dull (but you’d never have guessed it was your gut), this one’s for you. Here’s what I talk about in this episode: A gut health 101 – what exactly is your microbiota? How your gut and hormones (especially oestrogen) are closely connected – and why this matters as we head into our 30s and 40s The gut–brain link and how it can affect your mood and mental clarity Why 70% of your immune system lives in your gut – and how this shapes your long-term health A side note on skin – because it’s often the first sign something’s out of whack internally Five key questions to ask yourself about your gut health And a bit more about my Spring Gut Reset, which starts on 2nd June 2025 If you’ve ever felt like your body’s out of balance – even without obvious gut symptoms – this episode will help you connect the dots. 🌱 Ready to give your gut some love? Join the Spring Gut Reset, now open for early bird bookings. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.  

Do you often feel snappy, irritable, wired but tired? Do you just assume it’s motherhood, or that you’re perimenopausal? Or maybe you blame it on the fact that you can’t find the time for journalling or mindfulness or whatever you’re supposed to do to manage your stress. As a nutritional therapist  I think many of those things could be a factor, but there's also something else going on under the surface that most people don't know about and are never told about – your gut. Often we assume that poor gut health means poor digestion – constipation, bloating or smelly gas. It is that, but given that your gut is where your nervous system, immune system and hormones all talk to each other, it can also show up in many different ways. This week on the podcast  I'm zooming out a bit to give you a bigger picture of your gut and how it connects to all the systems in your body, and sharing the four steps to nourish and heal your gut. I cover: Why your gut might be behind your mood swings, sleep struggles and sugar cravings What the gut microbiome is and how it supports your whole body The 4 key steps to reset your gut How to add diversity to your meals without overhauling your diet When it might be time to get help from a practitioner Why spring is the perfect time for a gut reset If you’re feeling low, sluggish, or just not quite yourself, the Spring Gut Reset is your gentle way back to balance. Over seven days, we’ll use real food and simple daily tweaks to support your gut and boost your mood, without any overwhelm or restriction. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what works for your body, so you can keep feeling clearer, calmer and more energised, long after the week is over. Doors open next week and early bird spots will go fast, so if you’re even a little bit curious, join the waitlist so you’re first to know when the tickets are available to buy: tashadcruz.com/waitlist. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.  

You’ve probably heard that gut health is important, but do you know what your good gut bacteria are actually craving? In today’s episode of Raising Healthy Mothers, we’re talking about prebiotics, the food that feeds your friendly gut bugs. And yes, cold potatoes are one of them! I’ll be sharing: Why feeding your good bacteria matters (and how they help crowd out the less helpful ones) The difference between probiotics and prebiotics – and why both matter Simple, everyday foods that naturally support your gut health (no fancy supplements needed) Easy ways to include prebiotics in your meals without overcomplicating things If you want better energy, fewer sugar cravings, and more consistent digestion – this episode will help you start supporting your gut health in a gentle, realistic way. 💌 Want to take this further? Download my free Gentle Gut Guide – a 5-day mini email series to help overwhelmed mums support their gut with small, nourishing tweaks you can start right away. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.    

Do you often experience bloating, indigestion or discomfort in your gut but just brush it off as ‘normal’? Or perhaps you’re too busy to pay attention to those signs your body is sending? Your gut is trying to tell you something, and it's important to start listening. In today’s episode of Raising Healthy Mothers, I’m diving into the importance of taking notice of these gut symptoms and what they could be telling you. I’ll be sharing: The 3 key things to take note of about your gut health (beyond what's happening in your belly!) The overlooked signs that your gut could be calling for help How blood tests can help identify depletion – and why we need to go beyond a supplement to plug the gap 2 strategies to get started on tracking your gut symptoms Often we only start paying attention to our gut when it's crisis mode – but what could it be telling you before we get to that point? If you're wondering whether your gut needs some attention, this episode will help you understand what your body is trying to tell you and how to take action today. 💌 Want to take this further? Sign up for my free Gentle Gut Guide – a 5-day mini email series designed to help overwhelmed mums support their gut health with simple, nourishing tweaks you can start right away. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

If you're the type of mum who hates meal planning and feels like it's just another chore on your never-ending to-do list, then you're my kind of person. Because that is definitely how I've felt about meal planning! But I do also love the idea of meal planning and feeling more prepared about what's coming up for dinner this week. In this episode of Raising Healthy Mothers, I'm my no-fuss, non-time consuming approach to meal planning that actually makes life easier, without locking you into a strict schedule. We’re talking about: Why meal planning often feels restrictive (and how to fix that) A simple framework to take the stress out of deciding what’s for dinner My go-to meal planning tricks that don’t involve writing a brand-new menu every week If you’ve ever given up on meal planning because it felt too hard, tune in – I promise, you can make it work for you.   For more help on meal planning the simple way, grab my Dinner on the Table meal planning guide here. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.  

How do you feel about leftovers? Sad, reheated versions of last night’s dinner? Or maybe you want to use leftovers but somehow never have quite enough to make them work?   In this episode, I’m showing you how to plan leftovers on purpose, so they actually make your life easier and save you time, energy and money – instead of just sitting in the fridge until they get thrown away.   We’re covering:  Why leftovers often feel meh (and how to fix that) How to cook once and eat twice, with no extra effort The secret to making leftovers feel like a new meal My favourite 'meal flow' strategy for stress-free dinners If you’re constantly cooking from scratch every night, this episode will change the way you think about meal planning!   Grab my Dinner on the Table meal planning guide here.   Come say hi on Instagram @tashadcruz – I’d love to know, what’s your favourite way to use up leftovers? --- Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.    

Do you ever feel like no matter how much sleep you get, you're still exhausted? Do you wake up tired, crash mid-afternoon, and find yourself snapping at your kids over little things?  So many mums feel like they’re running on empty, relying on caffeine just to get through the day... but it’s not actually fixing the problem. In this episode, we’re getting to the root of why you feel permanently shattered. We’ll cover: The energy rollercoaster—how blood sugar crashes leave you foggy and irritable Why your brain might be running on empty (and the key nutrients it needs to function) The link between stress, poor sleep, and feeling wired but exhausted Three tiny but powerful swaps you can make today to feel more energised without relying on caffeine. Want to learn more? Join The Well-Fed Brain Workshop!  This is your final call to join The Well-Fed Brain Workshop, which is live on Thursday 13 March at 8pm. If you’re tired of feeling foggy, forgetful, and like you’re constantly running on empty, you don’t have to just push through it. Your brain is trying to tell you something, and with the right support, you can feel more like yourself again. In The Well-Fed Brain Workshop, I’ll show you exactly how to fuel your brain, boost your energy, and stop feeling so foggy and forgetful, without overhauling your life. To grab your spot, click here. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz. Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.  

Do you ever walk into a room and completely forget why you're there? Or find yourself in front of the fridge wondering what you went to get? If you’re blaming ‘mum brain’ or perimenopause, this is the episode for you, because I am sharing why there could be more going on.   Brain fog, forgetfulness, and feeling overwhelmed aren’t just about being a busy mum, they could be your body’s way of telling you something. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really behind those ‘scatterbrain’ moments and, more importantly, what you can do to feel sharper, more focused and in control again.   In this episode, we cover: ✅ The real reasons behind ‘mum brain’ (and why it’s not just about having a million things to do ✅ How lack of quality sleep messes with your memory, and small shifts that can make a big difference ✅ The stress–memory connection (and why your brain prioritises survival over remembering PE kit day ✅ Why your brain needs more than caffeine and carbs to function ✅ 3 simple, doable tweaks that can help you think more clearly, without overhauling your life   Want to learn more? Join The Well-Fed Brain Workshop!   If you’re tired of feeling foggy, forgetful, and like you’re constantly running on empty, you are not alone, and you don’t have to just push through it. Your brain is trying to tell you something, and with the right support, you can feel more like yourself again. In The Well-Fed Brain Workshop, I’ll show you exactly how to fuel your brain, boost your energy, and stop feeling so foggy and forgetful—without overhauling your life. Bonus: Sign up before the weekend to grab an early bird discount and get my 1-week brain-boosting meal plan!   My email list gets first dibs on workshop spots; join here or DM me on Instagram @tashadcruz to get on the list. Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz.   Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.

Do you ever feel disengaged from your children? Find yourself hiding in the kitchen scrolling on your phone rather than spending quality time with your children? Feel like there's always things to do stopping you from being in the moment?   This is what motherhood burnout looks like.   Motherhood burnout is real, and no-one talks about it. It’s not just about being tired. It’s about feeling disconnected from your children, like you’re just going through the motions, constantly overwhelmed, and guilty for not enjoying the time you have with them. I’ve been there; and still do on occasion, especially as I get close to my period or feel particularly busy with work.   So in this episode of Raising Healthy Mothers, I’m sharing what has helped me get out of that cycle – and how you can too.   You’ll learn: The surprising reason why spending more time with your kids isn’t always the answer. The small daily habits that made the biggest difference in my energy and patience. Why nutrient insufficiencies could be making burnout worse – even if your GP says your blood tests are 'normal'. The physical symptoms that are your body's way of crying out for attention If you feel like you’re constantly on the edge of snapping – or just barely holding it together – this episode will help you start making changes today.   Ready to start feeling like yourself again? My 4-month 1:1 nutrition programme RECOVER is designed to help overwhelmed, burnt-out mums regain their energy, balance their hormones and feel in control again. We start with a comprehensive blood test to uncover what your body really needs, beyond what a GP test would tell you. Find out more and book a call: tashadcruz.com/recover   Resources mentioned: Episode 4.12: 5 Essential Blood Tests for Exhausted Mums https://tashadcruz.com/podcast/essential-blood-tests-exhausted-mums Episode 3.10: The 6 Micronutrients Every Mum Needs to Know About https://tashadcruz.com/podcast/6-micronutrients-every-new-mum-needs-to-know-about Workshop: Sync Your Cycle: https://tashadcruz.podia.com/sync-your-cycle-how-to-harness-your-natural-ebb-and-flow-for-effortless-energy Workshop: Get Better Sleep: https://tashadcruz.podia.com/get-better-sleep Connect with me:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcast. You can now watch this episode on YouTube. Subscribe to my channel @tashadcruz. Say goodbye to your cooking rut and hello to effortless meal planning. Download my template meal plan guide at tashadcruz.com/template. #raisinghealthymothers DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.