Turmeric and Testosterone: A Bad Combination?

Plus Diana’s Life-Saving Meals Post Partum

Happy Wednesday! Today, we want to cover two very different topics: Diana shares the meals that saved her after giving birth, and we both discuss our thoughts on turmeric and testosterone. Can this spice hurt testosterone levels? Read on to find out.

Plus, try some delicious turmeric recipes! All subscribers have access to the Turmeric Tea recipe, and our paid subscribers can try our Turmeric-Spiced Chili recipes - one vegetarian, and one with chicken.

We want to know: What meals have been saviors in your lifetime? Share in the comments!

(P.S. Become a paid subscriber to join the full conversation.)

Diana’s Nourishing Meals

I genuinely love to cook and feed my family, but in the early postpartum days, it just stressed me out. Breastfeeding left me feeling so hungry all the time, and mornings were especially tough as I was exhausted and usually eating one-handed. I had to lean on simple, nourishing meals that were ready in minutes.

Overnight oats quickly became one of my go-to breakfasts. They take less than three minutes to prep the night before, and they’re balanced with protein, fat, and carbohydrates (which helps to actually keep you full). I liked adding chia and flax seeds for extra fiber, which is especially important in those early days when constipation is common! My favorite combo was Greek yogurt, peanut butter, sliced apples, and a handful of chocolate chips, but the beauty of overnight oats is that you can customize them based on your cravings or whatever’s in the fridge.

Another lifesaver was a batch of tofu breakfast burritos my friends made and stashed in my freezer. All I had to do was unwrap one, microwave for a minute, and top with salsa for a warm, hearty meal that required zero effort, and could still be eaten one-handed. I now make these for all my friends!

Frozen waffles were also in heavy rotation. Kodiak Cakes makes a high-protein version, and I’d top mine with Greek yogurt, blueberries, and maple syrup. For snacks, I relied on homemade energy bites. I kept a stash in the freezer so I could thaw a few at a time for a quick, nutrient-dense bite between feedings. I also portioned out bags of sliced apples and cheese, which made the perfect late-night snack.

Dinner was less of a focus, and I was lucky to have family and friends cook for us in those first few weeks. I kept bagged salads on hand for easy sides or light dinners when energy was low.

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Looking back, I wish I had prepped more freezer meals ahead of time, and this is something I’ll definitely prioritize if we’re lucky enough to have another baby in the future!

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I would love to know what foods or meals helped fuel you after you had a baby! Read this post over in the Nourished Mama Collective and share in the comments!

Turmeric and Testosterone: Good For Men’s Health?

Dr. Weil's Take:

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in both cooking and traditional medicine, and modern research confirms its many benefits. This golden root contains a host of bioactive compounds, most notably curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These effects can support cardiovascular health, ease joint pain, and even contribute to lowering the risk of chronic diseases that stem from ongoing inflammation.

I encourage people to incorporate turmeric into their diet and use it regularly, whether that’s in curries, soups, smoothies, or as turmeric tea, a drink that remains popular in Okinawa, a region with one of the world’s longest average lifespans.

Try my Turmeric Tea recipe.

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Supplements can be particularly effective if you want to use turmeric for therapeutic purposes. However, it’s important to choose one that contains black pepper extract (piperine), which greatly improves absorption. Keep in mind, however, that piperine may affect the metabolism of certain prescription drugs, so always check with your physician if you take medication.

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One question I’ve seen more of lately is whether turmeric lowers testosterone in men.