74. Q+A Day | Pregnancy, Postpartum & Performance | What Most Coaches Won't Tell You

In this Q+A episode, we're breaking down the real answers to the questions so many women are Googling at 2 a.m. (and not getting straight answers on). We're covering everything from gestational diabetes to HRV, postpartum recovery, and how your menstrual cycle actually affects your workouts. Here's the truth: you don't need fear-based advice, shame-loaded commentary, or influencers selling you false promises. You need real science, practical guidance, and coaches who understand your lived experience. We dive into: Why gestational diabetes is hormonal, not your fault — and how nutrition plays a powerful role in managing it How to interpret your heart rate variability and what it actually means for stress, recovery, and performance The power of incline walking for cardio (spoiler: it counts more than you think) Why glute training isn't just for the #bootyband crowd — it's critical for posture, strength, and long-term function Electrolytes, hydration, and how to fuel pre & post workout (especially during pregnancy or postpartum) How your menstrual cycle shifts your training capacity — and how to stop forcing it when your body says no The truth about postpartum recovery: why gradual progression beats rushing back into your old routine And more unfiltered insights about building a strong body through every phase of womanhood Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, deep in your training journey, or just trying to navigate all the changes that come with womanhood — this episode is packed with grounded advice that meets you where you are. Because your health journey isn't linear — and it definitely isn't one-size-fits-all. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app Project B Waiting List https://quest.lvltncoaching.com/project-b Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters 00:00 Understanding Gestational Diabetes 02:55 Nutrition Tips for Pregnancy 05:25 Exploring Heart Rate Variability 09:21 Cardio and Incline Walking 11:56 Addressing Lower Back Pain 14:49 Glute Training Essentials 17:36 Cycle Syncing and Exercise 20:13 Navigating Family Food Dynamics 22:15 Setting Boundaries with Food in Shared Living Spaces 28:52 Understanding Electrolyte Timing for Optimal Performance 36:12 Navigating Postpartum Fitness and Recovery 43:30 Embracing the Journey of Change and Growth