“Why didn’t anyone tell me about menopause?” If you’ve ever found yourself blindsided by symptoms like brain fog, hot flashes, or weight gain, you’re not alone. For generations, women have faced this transformative stage with little guidance and a lot of stigma. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on menopause, diving deep into the reasons it’s so overwhelming and misunderstood. From the myths that silence us to the ripple effects on our health, energy, and emotions, we’re uncovering it all. This isn’t just about coping; it’s about seeing this stage as an opportunity for transformation. If you’ve felt stuck or confused about what’s happening to your body, this episode is your guide to finding clarity, empowerment, and hope. By the end, you’ll see that menopause doesn’t have to be a struggle—it can be a moment to reclaim control of your health and step into a vibrant new chapter. Read More . . .
Liking Your Reasons vs. Believing Your Excuses: How to Spot the Difference
Are You Holding Yourself Back? We all know that moderation is important, but sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a real reason for changing your plan and an excuse that keeps you stuck. That’s where things get tricky. Here’s an example: You blow off your workout to get some extra sleep. Or you decide to go out for lunch instead of eating the meal you packed. On the surface, both of these decisions might look like you can’t be trusted to follow through on your commitments. But when we look under the hood at why you made that choice, things start to shift. If you skipped your workout because your partner was up all night sick and you needed rest to function, that’s a thoughtful decision, not an excuse. If you went out to lunch because a good friend—one you rarely get to see—had a last-minute opening in Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #207: My Friends Are Using Ozempic. Should I?
Have you ever wondered if the latest weight-loss miracle drugs are the answer to finally achieving the body and peace of mind you’ve been chasing—or if they might come with unexpected strings attached? In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast, I explore the hype surrounding GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which promise rapid weight loss. I unpack their appeal, from quieting food noise to delivering quick results, while highlighting the bigger picture often overlooked: what happens when you stop taking them, the emotional toll of weight regain, and the risks of relying on external fixes without addressing deeper issues. Sharing my personal story of extreme dieting and bodybuilding, I reflect on how chasing thinness left her unfulfilled and underscores that true health and confidence go beyond the scale. Whether you’re considering these medications or seeking a sustainable approach, I emphasize the importance of cultivating self-compassion, sustainable Read More . . .
Why You’re Not Losing Weight Anymore: The Truth About Weight Loss Plateaus
If you’ve been trying to lose weight and suddenly the scale won’t budge, you’re not alone. It’s frustrating, and it can feel like all your hard work isn’t paying off. You’re eating better, moving more, and doing everything “right,” yet nothing is changing. Here’s the thing—weight loss plateaus are normal. They happen to everyone. Your body isn’t broken, and you’re not failing. A plateau doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it means your body is adjusting. But if you’re not prepared, a plateau can feel discouraging. You might start second-guessing yourself—Am I eating too much? Should I work out more? Is this even worth it? That kind of thinking can push you to make drastic changes that aren’t sustainable or even make you want to give up altogether. The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. There are smart, simple strategies you can use to push through plateaus without Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #206: Mind, Money, & Motion with Marie Burns
Did you know the way you manage your money could mirror how you care for your health? In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I sit down with Marie Burns, a Certified Financial Planner and former Registered Dietitian, to explore the fascinating connection between financial habits and physical well-being. Marie shares how behaviors we learned in childhood influence our choices today and how rewriting those narratives can lead to greater balance and confidence. We discuss why financial wellness and physical health are deeply intertwined, offering practical tips to take charge of both. From uncovering your “money personality” to understanding how stress impacts your finances and health, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and tools you can use to start making positive changes. Whether you’re looking to feel more empowered in managing your money or inspired to create a healthier lifestyle, this conversation will leave you with Read More . . .
The Truth About Treats: How to Enjoy Your Favorite Foods Without Guilt
The holidays are over, but the treats? They’re still lingering. Leftover cookies on the counter, chocolates in the pantry, and that tin of toffee someone gifted you. January can feel like a tug-of-war with sugar cravings as you navigate the indulgences of the past few weeks. If you’re feeling out of control around treats, you’re not alone. Guilt and frustration can creep in when sweets seem to call to you. But here’s the good news: you can reset your habits and enjoy your favorite foods without guilt or feeling like they control you. I know this because I’ve been there. Years ago, I found myself obsessing over a cake at a party, consumed with thoughts like, Can I eat it? Will people notice? Will they judge me? When the cake was gone, I felt both disappointed and relieved—disappointed I didn’t get any, but relieved I didn’t have to fight myself Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #205: How Body Image Changes in Midlife
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered when the reflection looking back at you changed? Maybe you thought by this point in your life, you’d have stopped caring about how you look. Instead, you find yourself navigating new challenges—not just about weight, but about the profound ways your body evolves in midlife. What if I told you that the struggles you’re feeling aren’t just about aging but about reclaiming a power that was never meant to be lost? In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I dive into the untold story of women in midlife and their shifting body image. From unexpected changes in hair texture and skin to the surprise of needing reading glasses, these aren’t just physical transformations—they’re emotional markers of time, identity, and resilience. We’ll explore why these changes can feel so challenging and how societal narratives have shaped our perception of aging. But Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #204: How to Create Sustainable Health Habits
Have you ever found yourself starting the year with big health goals, only to feel like you’ve fallen short by February? What if I told you the problem isn’t a lack of willpower or discipline, but a critical mistake almost everyone makes when trying to overhaul their health? In this episode, I’ll reveal the key reason traditional health plans don’t work and share a completely different, counterintuitive approach that could transform the way you think about your health goals—no more exhausting cycles of starting over. I’ll dive into what I call the “River of Misery,” that emotional space where trying to maintain new habits feels overwhelming and tempting you to give up. You’ll hear about Claire, a client of mine, who struggled with all-or-nothing expectations and learned how to create a realistic plan that could bend without breaking. I’ll also introduce you to the concept of “B Minus Habits”—a sustainable Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #203: Listener QA: Moving to Mexico
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave behind the fast-paced American lifestyle and start anew in a foreign country? Maybe you’ve seen my posts about the gorgeous beaches, slower pace, and affordable living in Mexico and thought, “Could I really do this?” In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what nearly eight years of living in Mexico has really been like—the good, the challenging, and the life-changing lessons I’ve learned along the way. From navigating language barriers to discovering a simpler, more intentional way of living, I’m sharing the unexpected shifts that have shaped my expat experience. I’ll talk about why I’ve resisted doctor visits, the surprising longevity of my workout clothes, and how our community rallied around us when we faced challenges like losing power shortly after moving. You’ll also get the behind-the-scenes scoop on our House Hunters International episode and why life Read More . . .
Break Free from Sugar Cravings: A Sustainable Path to a Healthier You
Why Do Sugar Cravings Have Such a Grip on Us? It’s 3 p.m., and I’m in the pantry again. That bag of chocolate-covered pretzels? It’s calling my name. Loudly. I know how this story goes. I’ll tell myself just one. One turns into ten. Dinner prep becomes a snack-fest. By bedtime, I’ll feel heavy, sluggish, and guilty. And tomorrow? I’ll swear I’ll do better. Spoiler alert: tomorrow doesn’t go much differently. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Sugar cravings are sneaky little things. They hit when you’re stressed, bored, tired—or all three. You’ve tried “just saying no.” You’ve tried drinking water, chewing gum, or distracting yourself with literally anything. Yet here you are, Googling how to stop sugar cravings quickly or why can’t I stop eating sweets? again. Because nothing seems to work. Here’s the good news: the problem isn’t your willpower. It’s your approach. And that’s where I come in. Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #202: How to Enjoy Treats Without the Guilt
Do you find yourself weighed down by guilt every time you indulge in a treat, or have your attempts to eliminate them left you bingeing later on? In this episode, I’m revealing how the “all or nothing” approach to treats backfires and how you can enjoy your favorite indulgences without sabotaging your health goals. I introduce a new perspective on treats that might change not just your eating habits but your entire outlook on life. Discover how limiting treats doesn’t mean depriving yourself, but instead finding a sweet spot where you can enjoy all the foods you love without compromising your health goals. I’ll dive into why completely eliminating treats often leads to binging and how to create a sustainable, guilt-free relationship with food. I also share real-life examples of how clients have transformed their relationship with treats. You’ll learn why gradual, mindful reductions in your treat consumption are more Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #201: How to Stop Overeating Without Dieting
Are you tired of feeling like you’re constantly at war with food? Do you find yourself overeating, only to feel guilty afterward? In this episode, I reveal a simple but transformative approach to eating: learning how to ‘eat just enough.’ This practice has not only changed my life but has helped countless clients break free from the cycle of dieting and guilt. You’ll discover how to enjoy all your favorite foods while maintaining a healthy weight, without ever needing to diet again. And you will not feel restricted or deprived We’ll explore why traditional diets set you up for failure and why willpower alone isn’t the answer. I’ll introduce you to a powerful tool that helps you tune in to your body’s hunger signals, so you can stop relying on external rules about when or how much to eat. By learning to eat just enough, you can master the delicate Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife BONUS Episode: Hormone Harmony Summit
Could the changes in your body be more than random? This week on Total Health in Midlife, I talked with Valerie Simms, life coach and founder of the upcoming Hormone Harmony Summit. Valerie’s work reveals often-ignored links between life events—like divorce—and hormonal symptoms such as brain fog, mood swings, and insomnia. After transitioning from financial planning to holistic health, Valerie noticed gaps in conventional medicine’s support for women, inspiring her to create the Hormone Harmony Summit, now in its fourth season. Airing November 21, the summit brings together experts to discuss holistic approaches to hormone balance, from nutrition to Reiki. Join us for a preview of the event, where Valerie shares how these insights can help you take control of your health. Don’t miss this chance to transform your understanding of your body and well-being. About Valerie Simms Valerie Simms is a professional life coach dedicated to helping her clients Read More . . .
Why You Feel So Alive on Vacation (And How to Keep That Feeling at Home)
“How do I feel like I’m on vacation when I’m at home?” Have you ever asked yourself that question? Maybe it was a different form of the question: Living in Mexico for the past eight years has shown me something about American culture I couldn’t see when I was in it. Like a fish doesn’t know it’s in water, I didn’t realize how the constant pressure to achieve & do more was affecting my health and happiness. From my quiet beach town, I watch Americans & Canadians alike arrive for vacation. Their success markers are clear: the designer luggage, the scheduled activities, the need to make every moment “count.” Even on vacation, they’re measuring, achieving, optimizing. What Success Looks Like Here But Mexico measures success differently. Here, a good day isn’t about what you accomplish. It’s about how present you are. How deeply you connect. How much joy you find Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #200: Goals Are Just Guesses
Ever fail achieving a goal and then just want to forget about it? In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I take the traditional approach to goal-setting and turn it on its head in favor of diving into what really matters: flexibility and authenticity. I opened up about my own journey—setting big, ambitious goals, only to realize that the real growth came when I allowed myself to change course. Let me challenge you to rethink how you’re setting goals. Are they truly in line with who you are today? We’ll explore the power of behavior-based goals—where daily actions, not just outcomes, take center stage. This shift can transform your sense of accomplishment, keeping you motivated and grounded in the present. I’ll share how releasing the pressure to achieve unrealistic expectations can lead to building sustainable habits and embracing change without the weight of guilt. After all, it’s Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #199: Navigating Adult ADHD w/ Xena Jones
Have you ever felt like your brain is on a roller coaster, one minute laser-focused, and the next completely lost? If this sounds familiar, know that it’s not just you. Many women in midlife are discovering they have ADHD, a condition often overlooked for women in the past. Join us as we dive into the world of ADHD for women in midlife with Xena Jones, an expert coach and host of the “Navigating Adult ADHD Podcast.” Discover why so many women are being diagnosed with ADHD in midlife and learn about the unique symptoms they often experience. From inattentiveness and anxiety to hyperactivity and perfectionism, ADHD can manifest in various ways – different from our understanding of how boys and men exhibit ADHD. Understand the challenges ADHD can pose for friendships and discover practical strategies for building and maintaining meaningful connections. Uncover the crucial role of dopamine in ADHD and Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #198: Stress: The Hidden Saboteur of Your Health
Are you tired of feeling like you’re constantly running on empty, no matter how hard you try? In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I tackle one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of health: stress management. I challenge the traditional advice of bubble baths and breathing exercises, arguing that these reactive strategies fail to address the root of the problem. Stress, particularly for women in midlife, is not just about managing responsibilities—it’s the silent force affecting sleep, eating habits, exercise, and overall well-being. I draw from my own experience as a personal trainer and life coach to explain how the relentless mental load of daily life—family, work, social expectations—has conditioned many to normalize stress. I offer a game-changing approach, introducing proactive tools like the ‘Think, Feel, Act Cycle’ and the ‘Motivational Triad’ to help listeners break free from the stress cycle and build resilience. Through Read More . . .
The Power of ‘Half-Assing’ Your Health: Why Perfection Isn’t Necessary for Progress
This article was written for and originally published on Sixty and Me Here Ever feel like you need to overhaul your entire life to get healthy? Have you ever found yourself putting off making changes because you can’t do it all perfectly? If this resonates, you’re not alone and many women just like you feel overwhelmed by health advice that seems to demand perfection. But what if I told you that you don’t need to be perfect to make real progress? In fact, embracing a ‘half-assed’ approach to your health might be the key to lasting change. Half-assing your health isn’t about lowering your standards. It’s about making consistent, manageable improvements that add up over time. Half-assing your health is about making progress, not striving for perfection. And it’s an approach that can lead to better health, more energy, and yes, even weight loss if that’s your goal. In this Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #197: The Dangers of Diet Breaks
Are you stuck in the frustrating cycle of starting and stopping your health journey? Tune in to my latest episode as I uncover the real reasons behind this common struggle and share actionable strategies to break free once and for all. I explore the pitfalls of the “taking a break” mentality and emphasize the importance of prioritizing health over weight loss. Through inspiring stories, including that of my client Judy, I illustrate how embracing imperfect action and maintaining the bare minimum consistency can lead to lasting success. Learn how to shift your mindset from all-or-nothing to consistent, manageable actions, finding joy and balance in the process, so that healthy habits become a permanent, enjoyable part of your life. In this engaging discussion, I also tackle overcoming perfectionist thinking and adopting flexible approaches like B-minus habits. Discover how to nourish your body with delicious foods, engage in joyful movement, and create Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #196: Listener Q&A: Deciding Ahead of Time
In this powerful episode, I answer listener questions, including how to set realistic health goals when your schedule is packed, what to do when unexpected events throw you off course, and how to build the self-trust and confidence needed to follow through on your health commitments. I share my personal experiences and the strategies that have helped me and my clients break free from the cycle of self-sabotage and start making lasting, meaningful changes in their health. The episode also explores the power of planning ahead, even for those who don’t consider themselves naturally inclined to organize or plan. I provide practical tips for incorporating planning into daily routines and discuss the benefits of doing so, such as reduced stress and increased likelihood of following through on health commitments. Throughout the episode, I emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one’s health and encourage listeners to seek the support they Read More . . .