The Nurses’s RX no. 8: I used to dread summer…

The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

Okay sooooo……

Summer is fast approaching.

And a couple years ago? I dreaded it.

There were summers I didn’t even own a bathing suit that fit.
I refused to buy shorts.
I lived in long dresses and leggings because they felt safer.

Pool invites stressed me out.
Beach trips felt exposing.
Photos? Absolutely not.

I kept telling myself I just needed more discipline.
More willpower.
Another fad diet.

So I counted calories.
Tracked every bite.
Tried whatever new fad diet was trending that month.

And every time it didn’t “stick,” I blamed myself.

What actually changed everything?

started GLP-1 therapy under medical supervision.

And I stopped dieting.

I stopped counting calories.
I stopped chasing fad diets.
I started eating intelligently.

Protein first.
Fiber daily.
Balanced meals.
No extremes.

The food noise quieted.
My body finally had metabolic support.
And everything else began to fall into place.

This past summer?

I had a whole drawer of bathing suits.
An actual drawer.
And yes… a whole drawer of shorts too.

That didn’t come from trying harder.
It came from upgrading the strategy.

If you’re exhausted from white-knuckling another summer, maybe it’s time to stop fighting your biology.

Summer is coming either way. ☀️
You get to decide how you walk into it.

You can BOOK A FREE 15 MIN CALL WITH ME to ask questions and talk through your thoughts and concerns. Or, if you already know you’re ready, you can GET STARTED THROUGH MY SITE now.

XOXO,
NIKI, RN

PCOS. Perimenopause. Metabolic health. The real stuff. Not just “eat less, move more.”

Not sure where to start? Take my free quiz and I’ll send you a custom plan.
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR MY BODY?
P.S. Missed the previous editions of The Nurse’s RX?
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Let’s be clear about who I am (and who I’m not)

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing here replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

Scope of practice

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Transparency

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links in this email are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Results + Testimonials

Any testimonials or results shared here reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

Read the full fine print at nicoleinscrubs.com/disclosure

Why Protein is Your Weight Loss BFF! 💪🥗

Hello, fabulous friends! Are you on a weight loss journey? Me too! And let me tell you, protein is like your magical sidekick in this adventure! 🧙‍♀️✨ Let’s dive into why protein is the superstar you need to reach your goals healthily and happily.

What’s Magic About Protein? 🤔

Protein is one of the three must-have macronutrients (the others are fats and carbs)—think of it as the building blocks of YOU! It repairs and builds muscles, keeps your organs ticking, and powers up your immunity! 🏋️‍♀️

Why Protein is a Weight Loss Champion 🥳

Focusing solely on the scale 📉 might lead to losing muscle along with fat—oh no! Here’s how protein saves the day:

  1. Muscle Preserver 💪 Cutting calories can lead to muscle loss—yikes! Enter protein, our superhero, to protect your muscle mass! And more muscle means more calorie burn, even during Netflix marathons. 🎬🔥
  2. Keeps You Full & Happy 🍽️ Feel starving after a meal? Protein digests slower than carbs, keeping you fuller longer, reducing snack attacks, and leaving you satisfied! 🛤️
  3. Metabolism Booster 🚀 Your body burns calories digesting protein, thanks to the “thermic effect of food.” So, protein gives your metabolism an awesome boost! 🏃‍♀️🔥
  4. Fat Loss Helper 🥳 Protein helps your body use fat for energy, not muscle. The result? Fat loss with muscles staying put, helping you achieve those toned results! ✨🎉

How Much Protein Should You Get? 🧐

The magic number! 💛 While a general guideline is to aim for 0.8-1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight, a more personalized approach can be found using a Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) calculator. This handy tool takes into account your activity level, age, weight, and fitness goals to give you customized protein targets! It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re working out or focusing on building muscle. 💪💃

Fun & Tasty Ways to Enjoy Protein! 🥩🥚🍗

Boosting your protein doesn’t have to be dull! Try these mouthwatering ideas:

  • Greek yogurt topped with berries and honey 🍓🍯
  • Smoothies with almond butter, spinach, and protein powder 🍌🍵
  • Veggie-loaded egg muffins for an easy breakfast 🧁🥬
  • Grilled chicken tacos with all the fixings 🌮🥑

Don’t forget the plant-based proteins! Lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and quinoa are fantastic too. 🌱

Protein = Your Secret Superpower 💥

In a nutshell (and nuts are a great source of protein too! 🥜), protein is your bestie when it comes to weight loss. It keeps you strong, satisfied, and helps you get the results you want without losing muscle. Plus, it’s delicious and versatile!

So, next time you’re meal planning, give a little extra love to protein. Your body will appreciate it, and your progress will skyrocket! 🌟

Let’s stay strong, focused, and smash those goals together! 🏆🙌


Professional Disclosure: I provide BS-free metabolic education as a registered nurse and health coach for women navigating PCOS, perimenopause, and stubborn weight loss. While I share evidence-based research and nurse-informed support, please remember that I am not your nurse. The content shared here is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Nothing on this site is a substitute for care from a licensed provider who knows your full health history. All opinions and content shared on this platform are my own and do not reflect the views or endorsements of my employer or the hospital where I am employed.

Scope of Practice and FDA: Per professional coaching guidelines, I may recommend over the counter (OTC) medications or supplements to support your wellness goals. However, I do not prescribe or recommend specific prescription medications. For prescription options, including GLP-1 tools, my role is to help you understand the available science so you can have an informed discussion with your licensed healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and medical treatments require professional oversight.

Trust and Transparency: I only recommend products I trust. Most are items I use personally, while others are shared based on my professional trust in the clinical standards of partners like Ellie MD. Some links are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.