Dr. Lisa Weeks, Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Lisa Weeks, Naturopathic Doctor Naturopath Lisa Weeks is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the Danforth/Riverdale area of Toronto. Her goal is to uncover and treat the root cause.

She practices Nutrition, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Hydrotherapy and Lifestyle Counseling. Prior to completing the 4-year Naturopathic Program, Dr. Weeks studied human biology at the University of Waterloo and graduated with an Honours, Bachelor of Science degree from the co-op program. She traveled around North America, working at various research labs before finding her calling with Naturopathic Medicine. She studied cystic fibrosis at Sick Kids hospital in Toronto, cancer at the BC Cancer Agency, and then atherosclerosis at Notre Dame University. These opportunities gave her the foundation to unite scientific research with Naturopathic therapies and philosophy to offer you a holistic approach to healing.

08/10/2026

What would happen if you pushed yourself 1% out of your comfort zone?

Have you been playing small?

I go through seasons when I do, and it can feel restful and rejuvenating, until it doesn’t. I start to feel compressed, stagnant, and stuck. Life gets monotonous. I seek joy from TV and food; things that don’t fill me up like putting myself out there does.

This year has been about pushing past my self-perceived limits.

It started with ukulele lessons last spring. Then TWO burlesque dance numbers at the Cake Cabaret. A Bollywood number with the Pink Studio. And most recently, committing to the Menopause Society’s certification exam — something I announced publicly BEFORE I even wrote it.

(Update: I passed and did better than I thought!)

Just this weekend, I went to a social event alone: Unbounded’s Sunset Social at Evergreen Brick Works.

I connected with amazing, like-minded people who were also there solo. But the most important thing I got out of it was reconnecting with myself. Listening in. Navigating flying solo, even through awkward moments. Doing what I wanted. And realizing I can do things without feeling alone.

So…what’s next?

I applied to perform a silk fans or silk scarves number at The Rivoli in October. I want to perform a ukulele number at an open mic. And I want to get the ball rolling on a TEDx talk.
All three terrify me, yet I feel a pull towards all of them.

I’m also trying to model this for my son, Stuart. This was his first year of overnight camp. He also went to Island day camp when his cousin wasn’t going.

I’m showing him that we can do things that aren’t always easy, that scare us, and that put us out there. We can do things that help us grow that might surprise us in a good way.

Because playing small might feel safe for a while, but eventually, it starts to feel like a cage.

Maybe the discomfort of putting yourself out there is actually the price of feeling more alive.

What’s your 1%?

If you’re ready to get clear on who you are NOW, what you want to move toward and what you’re ready to let go of, join me for BeyondBold2026 on September 13 at Guild Inn Estates.
A one-day in-person experience to help you move beyond your limits.

07/20/2026

How a power outage made us more present and grateful.

This weekend reminded me that sometimes the best reset isn't planned.

I had already deleted Facebook and Instagram from my phone for the weekend at the cottage. I still used my phone for meditating and checking the weather and the occasional WhatsApp message.

The biggest thing I noticed? I wasn't constantly thinking about my phone.

There's a name for this: the mere presence effect. When your phone is within sight, your brain wants to check it, even when there's no reason.

Then, on Saturday afternoon, the cottage lost power.

No TV. No Wi-Fi. No charging phones. No running water. No kettle for my morning tea.

Instead of watching sports, we played baseball between rain showers, then spent the evening playing ping pong, pool, listening to a wind-up radio, reading, and laughing together.

We moved more. We connected more. Bedtime was easier because we were less overstimulated.

Watching Stuart also made me think. Like many kids, his first instinct is to "search it up." We're teaching him that not every question needs an immediate answer. We're starting a "question notebook", where we'll write things down and come back to them later, maybe by asking someone, going to the library, or yes, sometimes using Google.

It also made me wonder...

What if we created our own intentional "power outages" every so often?

Put your phone out of sight. Delete the apps that pull you in for a few hours, a day, or a weekend. Notice what changes.

You might be surprised by what you gain when you disconnect, and by how much more you appreciate what was there all along.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or like your brain never gets a break, I can help. As a Certified Digital Wellness Educator, I help people reduce digital overload and build healthier technology habits. Book a discovery call or appointment to learn more.

07/13/2026

Metabolism off? Could be insulin resistance.

Has anyone noticed that as they get older, what used to work for their metabolism just doesn't work anymore?

One major reason may be insulin resistance.

Do you:

* Crash after meals?
* Have intense cravings?
* Struggle with brain fog?
* Gain weight around your middle?
* Feel tired despite getting enough sleep?
* Notice your cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure creeping up?

During perimenopause and menopause, changing hormones, loss of muscle mass, poor sleep, stress, and not getting enough protein and fibre can all contribute to insulin resistance.

The good news? It can often be identified early and improved.

In my practice, I can order blood work to assess your metabolic health, including fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C, fasting glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. I also look at your symptoms, sleep, stress, nutrition, and lifestyle to understand the bigger picture.

Then we create a personalized plan to improve insulin sensitivity and support a healthier metabolism.

If your metabolism doesn't feel the same as it used to, don't assume it's "just aging."

New to my practice? Book a complimentary discovery call.

Existing patient? Book a follow-up appointment and let's assess your metabolic health.

06/23/2026

I just came out of the all-consuming task of preparing for and writing an exam.

And I learned a lot.

Yes, I learned so much more about women’s health, disease risk, prevention, hormone therapy, bone health, heart health, brain health, medications, and the changes that happen during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

But I also learned a lot about myself.

I started practicing as a Naturopathic Doctor in 2007. In 2015, I passed the Therapeutic Prescribing Exam, which allowed me to prescribe hormones for women in perimenopause and menopause. Since then, I’ve continued to do ongoing continuing education to stay up-to-date and provide safe, evidence-informed care.

This exam was something I had been putting off.

There was never a “right” time.

Years went by, and eventually I realized the time I was spending thinking about doing it was taking up more energy than actually doing it.

So I did it.

As a working mom, I didn’t think I had enough time. But with intention, some sacrifices, and a lot of handwritten notes, I made the time.

I went back to how I learned best in university: handwriting, condensing information, making charts, tables, and diagrams, and studying away from the screen as much as possible.

That part surprised me.

It felt so good for my brain and nervous system to be offline more. I felt less scattered and more grounded.

I don’t know yet if I passed. I have to wait 6 weeks.

But I do know this: I learned the material inside and out, as best I could, in a way that will make me an even better Naturopathic Doctor for the women I care for.

My younger self would have seen uncertainty about the result as a character flaw.

My late-40-year-old self knows I did my best, I learned so much, and whether or not I passed does not define what I know or how deeply I care about supporting women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

If you’re in your late 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond and you don’t feel like yourself anymore, book a visit or send me a message to get started.

06/15/2026

Who else wakes up at 3 or 4 a.m. and suddenly their brain decides it's time to solve all of life's problems?

I've learned firsthand how much sleep deprivation affects the brain.

When Stuart was a baby and I was breastfeeding and pumping around the clock, I accidentally put a library book into a Canada Post mailbox instead of the library return slot.

Years later, after another stretch of poor sleep, I somehow left my car running in the Costco parking lot for 40 minutes while I shopped. Thankfully, it was still there! Now I always check that I can open the trunk before walking away—my car won't let me open it if the engine is still running.

So many people are walking around sleep deprived and don't realize how much it's affecting their health.

Even short-term sleep loss can increase brain fog, cravings, stress hormones, anxiety, and weaken immunity and resilience.

One thing I hear from women in their late 30s, 40s and 50s all the time is:

"I can fall asleep, but I wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. and my mind starts racing."

For many women, it's not just stress or getting older. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect sleep, anxiety, blood sugar, cortisol patterns, and temperature regulation.

The good news? Sleep doesn't have to get worse with age.

Thankfully, I've come a long way since those newborn (and early perimenopause) days. With the right hormone support, a simple bedtime routine, and stress-management techniques, I honestly sleep better now than I did in my younger years.

If you're feeling tired but wired or saying, "I just don't feel like myself anymore," know that there are solutions. I can help. (link to contact me in the BIO).

What's the funniest thing you've done when sleep deprived?

06/03/2026

What did you love to do when you were a child? Just because it brought you joy?

Not because it was productive, or it looked good on a resume, or because it helped you get ahead.

For me, that thing was dancing.

As life got busier with work, responsibilities, and parenthood, dance slowly fell off my radar. It became one of those things I kept telling myself I'd get back to "someday."

In my 40s, I realized something important: joy doesn't just happen. We have to intentionally make space for it.

One of the best decisions I've made was signing up for dance classes and recitals at the Pink Studio. Having a recital at the end gives me a reason to keep showing up week after week, even when life feels busy.

And every single time, I leave with more energy than I arrived with.

I love the music, the movement, the laughter, the supportive environment, and the connection with an incredible group of women. The best part? Every age, stage, size, and experience level is welcome.

And the benefits go far beyond fun.

💃 Dance can:
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Increase strength, balance, and flexibility
• Support brain health and memory
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Boost mood and confidence
• Create connection and community

It reminds me that movement doesn't always have to be about burning calories or hitting a fitness goal. Sometimes it can simply be about feeling alive.

What about you?

Is there something you used to love doing that you've stopped making time for?

What would it look like to bring a little more joy back into your life?

I'd love to hear what it is in the comments.

'sHealth

05/26/2026

This weekend was full in the best way:
A late concert Friday night
Comedy night + a friend over Saturday
Then up early Sunday for Unbounded’s Sunrise Social

The result?
About 5 hours and 15 minutes of sleep both Friday and Saturday night 😅

And even without alcohol (I haven’t drank since March 2021), I still felt “hungover” from the lack of sleep:

❌Brain fog
❌Sugar cravings
❌Tired but wired
❌More irritable and less patient
❌Bags under my eyes

Research shows sleep deprivation can increase cravings for carbs/sugar, lead us to eat more calories, and even temporarily affect blood sugar regulation.

By Sunday night, I was in bed before 9pm trying to recover 😴

My Oura Ring showed a 5-hour sleep debt.

As women, especially in perimenopause and menopause, sleep issues are often NOT just “poor sleep hygiene.”

Sleep can be disrupted by:
🔥 Hot flashes/night sweats
😣 Pain
😟 Anxiety + mood changes
⚡ Stress
🌡️ Temperature/light/noise disruptions

Some things that have genuinely helped my sleep:

✔️ Oral micronized progesterone + topical estrogen
✔️ Mouth tape
✔️ Herbal tea at night
✔️ Morning daylight
✔️ Moving my body during the day
✔️ Eating enough and not skipping meals
✔️ Cutting out alcohol
✔️ Reducing sugar

Sleep impacts EVERYTHING:

Mood. Hormones. Cravings. Focus. Patience. Resilience.

If you’re waking at 3am, feeling exhausted but wired, or no longer sleeping the way you used to, your hormones and nervous system may be part of the conversation 💛

Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call to learn more. Link in BIO.

05/20/2026

What can you say “no” to, to free up time and energy?

It has been a while since I checked in here.

The past few weeks, I was burning the candle at both ends.

Pete was away for 9 days, so I was solo parenting, and right before he left, I decided to finally commit to writing my menopause certification exam through, something I had been meaning to do for a long time.

What could have just been a busy few weeks turned into an “every second counts” mindset.

I slipped back into old patterns:

❌pushing through
❌ignoring the signs
❌convincing myself I could keep operating at max capacity.

My body started talking.

I was waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. and struggling to fall back asleep.

I felt anxious and short of breath.

I was sitting too long studying, and my hip flared up with pain, a symptom I had never experienced before.

Even my nervous system habits showed up.

I caught myself clenching my body and holding my breath while studying. I also noticed I was chewing gum constantly as a stress outlet.

I knew I couldn’t keep that pace up.

So while Pete and Stuart went to the cottage for part of the long weekend, I made the decision to stay home alone for two nights.

And honestly? It was the reset I needed.

Quiet mornings.
Meditation.
Breathwork.
Space to think.
Time without input, demands, or rushing.

I no longer feel like a chicken with its head cut off.

Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is slow down enough to hear what our body has been trying to tell us.

What can you say no to right now?

Where can you press the “easy button” instead of forcing yourself through?

If you are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, wired-but-tired, or like your nervous system is stuck in overdrive, I can help.

Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call through the link in my bio.

05/07/2026

Isn’t it fascinating how our priorities change as we age?

When I was younger, I put so much emphasis on my physical appearance, intellectual achievements, and outward success.

I would work out hard and follow strict eating regimes to make my body look a certain way, even when it didn’t feel right for my body or added to my anxiety and sleep challenges.

I would walk by store windows and sneak a glimpse of my waistline, my face, my hair… often with a critical eye.

I would take course after course and collect credentials because I never felt like I was enough or had learned enough, often at the expense of burnout.

I would work six days a week, including three evenings a week, to grow my business, sometimes at the expense of my sanity, relationships, and health (ironically enough!).

Now that I am older, my focus has definitely shifted.

I care more about my presence, energetically and emotionally, instead of solely focusing on my physical appearance.

The compliments that mean the most to me now are not about how my body looks, my clothes, hairstyle, intelligence, or success.

They are about having a flexible, curious, open mind that allows me to try new things and put myself out there.

The ultimate compliment is about my energy, presence, sense of humour, and how I make others feel safe, comfortable, and seen.

I’ve moved from focusing only on the “outer work” to also prioritizing the “inner work,” and the benefits of that have been far greater than I ever imagined.

I still enjoy working out and eating well, but the “why” has changed.
It’s less about how it will make me look and more about how it will make me feel.

I’ve also learned the importance of vulnerability, sharing struggles alongside wins, and not pretending I can do everything alone.

What are the silver linings of aging for you?

Share in the comments below. ⬇️

And if you need support creating a health plan that nourishes you from the inside out, reach out. I’m here to help.

05/04/2026

Are you suffering from nature deficit disorder?

What is your relationship with nature?

We talk a lot about relationships—with food, with our bodies, with technology, with other people. But one that often gets overlooked… is our relationship with the natural world.

And it matters more than most people realize.

Many of us are living with what’s been called nature deficit; spending most of our time indoors, on screens, disconnected from the rhythms that regulate our physiology.

So here’s a simple question:
Do you intentionally connect with nature every day?

Not just walking from your car to a building, but actually interacting with it.

🌸feeling the grass or sand under your feet
🌸touching a tree
🌸smelling flowers
🌸listening to birds
🌸noticing the light, the air, the season you’re in

Because when you do, something shifts.

We see measurable changes:
💫lower blood pressure
💫reduced stress hormones
💫improved mood and focus

But beyond that, your brain gets space to rest, process, and integrate.

You move out of constant consumption… and back into presence and creation.

What would your day feel like if you stepped outside within the first few hours of waking?

Even just sitting on your balcony or in your backyard: no phone, no input, just observing.

Look for the small things:
🌱a bird’s nest
🌱the way the light changes
🌱the moon at night
🌱the sunrise or sunset

Nature is a powerful teacher.
It reminds us of cycles, of timing, of when to rest and when to bloom.

And maybe… that’s exactly what your nervous system has been craving.

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