Insights on Balancing Hormones, Food as Medicine, and Parenting with Rach Sullivan
In our latest Insights Series, NYT bestselling author and content creator Rach Sullivan dishes out her family’s journey balancing hormones and creating community with food. She shares her advice for women with PCOS and the magic that the right foods can bring to feeling your best. Keep reading to hear her inspiring advice about all things food, community, and parenting!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the amazing work you’re doing?
My name is Rachael Sullivan and I am an author, content creator, and soon to be mother of 2!
Congratulations on expecting baby number two! What have you learned with your first baby that you’re excited to pass along to your youngest?
Oh gosh probably that a mess can always be cleaned up! And to not hinder your child’s curiosity.
How do you balance motherhood with working as a flight attendant, being an author, feeding college students, and taking care of your little ones?
I take on motherhood one day at a time and I have an amazing support system around me. Being able to “do it all” truly takes a village.
What advice do you have for women who think they might have PCOS?
Advocate for yourself and seek out a doctor whose philosophy aligns with your own. We have an entire page in our book Meals She Eats dedicated to that and questions you can ask your doctor, because I understand firsthand how intimidating the doctor-patient relationship can be.
How would you say that eating the right foods has helped you in your motherhood journey?
Food truly is medicine. Being able to balance my hormones through food affected not only my menstrual cycle, but my sleep patterns, my energy levels and my overall mental health. In order to be the best mother I can be, I have to take care of myself first. As I always said working as a flight attendant, “put on your own mask first before assisting others.”
What advice would you give to women who are struggling to balance their hormones with food?
Your eating habits need to become a lifestyle and not a crash course diet. Know that changing your lifestyle will not happen overnight, so be kind to yourself.
What do you want your daughter to take away from your time feeding college students?
That she celebrates our differences. Each student who walks through our door has a different story to tell and our differences are what makes the world exciting. If everyone was like her the world would be very boring.
What is your favorite kid-friendly hormone balancing food or meal?
When it comes to my child's diet, she eats what we eat; which incorporates eating as many real foods as possible. Meaning, we try to limit the amount of processed food we have in our diet... girl loves herself some cookies though!
What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
Watching my daughter's personality come to life. They say each stage is better than the next and I don't know who “they” are but it’s true.
Rach Sullivan is an author, content creator and soon to be mom of two. Stay connected with Rach through her Instagram handle @rachsullivan__.
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