Many women blame sugar for weight gain, mood swings, bloating, and thyroid trouble. Cutting sweets often feels like the right first step. But for some, the body still feels stuck. Low energy stays. PMS worsens. Anxiety creeps in.Celebrity hormone coach Poornima Peri recently shared a hard truth from her own learning curve. The real issue was not sugar alone. It was everyday foods marketed as “clean,” “fit,” or “healthy.” These foods looked good on labels but quietly disturbed hormones inside the body.Here are some of those foods, why they matter, and how they affect women differently.
Protein bars and flavoured yoghurts
Protein bars and flavoured yoghurts are seen as safe weight-loss foods. Many women rely on them during busy days. The concern lies in what sweetens them.Most of these products contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame. When cortisol stays high, the body holds fat, digestion slows, and bloating becomes common.For women already juggling work stress and hormonal shifts, this daily cortisol spike can feel like constant fatigue or stubborn weight.
Soy milk and tofu
Soy foods are widely promoted as healthy protein alternatives. They do offer benefits when eaten occasionally. Trouble starts with excess.Soy contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that act like estrogen in the body. In large amounts, they may worsen estrogen dominance in sensitive women. Signs include heavier PMS, breast tenderness, and mood swings before periods.Switching completely to soy milk, tofu, and soy snacks can unknowingly tip this balance.
Vegetable oils
Sunflower, soybean, and corn oil are common in Indian kitchens and packaged foods. These oils are high in omega-6 fats. The body needs some omega-6, but too much promotes inflammation.Chronic inflammation interferes with thyroid hormone conversion. A sluggish thyroid often shows up as weight gain, hair fall, and low energy. Cooking daily with these oils can quietly slow metabolic health over time.
Low-fat dairy
Fat-free milk, curd, and cheese are chosen for calorie control. Hormones, however, need healthy fats to function well.Removing fat also removes fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K. These nutrients support reproductive health and hormone signalling. Without them, cycles may become irregular, and energy may dip.Low-fat choices may look lighter, but they can leave hormones undernourished.
Coffee on an empty stomach
Many women start the day with coffee before eating anything. This habit directly stimulates cortisol release.High morning cortisol can cause jitteriness, anxiety, and mid-day crashes. Over time, it may worsen PMS symptoms and sleep quality. For hormone health, timing matters as much as quantity.Eating first helps soften coffee’s stress response on the body.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly shared experiences and general nutrition science. It does not replace medical advice. Individual hormone responses vary. Always consult a qualified doctor or registered dietitian before making major dietary changes.
