Total Health in Midlife #156: Health Span vs Lifespan

How would you redefine aging?  This episode is all about that – not just adding years to your life, but adding life to your years. We dive into the intriguing contrast of health span versus lifespan and underline the importance of proactive health management for a vibrant future.  Hear firsthand stories of individuals thriving in their later years and those facing challenges, drawing attention to the long-term impact of our daily habits on our health and finances. Leaping simply surviving to thriving, we discuss the power of physical activities, mental and emotional well-being, and independence in living a fulfilling health span.  Have you ever wondered about the real impact of investing in your health? Discover how mindset, habits, and health coaching can pave the way for a healthier, happier future.  Remember, every step counts when it comes to a fulfilling health span. So, are you ready to make those choices Read More . . .

Goal Setting Series #2: Understanding and Overcoming Myths

What if the major roadblocks hindering your progress are not your capabilities but the myths surrounding goal-setting you’ve subscribed to? Join me, as we debunk common misconceptions about goal setting, especially those that might be wreaking havoc in your midlife transition.  Together, we’ll uncover the truths and reshape our perspective towards setting goals – those that are not only achievable but also fulfilling. Let’s move away from the overwhelming belief of making sweeping changes all at once or solely relying on willpower, and instead, focus on making small yet sustainable changes that harmonize with your current life situation. Are you ready to challenge the widely held beliefs that often trap us in a cycle of frustration and disappointment? Tune in as I share insights and practical strategies for setting goals that align with who you are and the unique circumstances of your life.  I explore the importance of setting realistic Read More . . .

Goal Setting Series #1: Setting Realistic Goals

Are your goals often oversized and unrealistic, leading to feelings of failure and disappointment when you can’t meet them?  Join me as I redefine goal setting in the context of midlife, focusing on the power of achievable, behavior-focused goals that lead to lasting change. I share personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the necessity of meeting ourselves where we currently are in life.  We challenge the norm, demonstrating that it’s entirely okay, and even necessary, to adjust and evolve our goals as we grow, highlighting the importance of flexibility in this process. I also talk about common goal-setting myths, debunking them one by one. I illuminate the value of adaptability and the power of taking small, deliberate steps towards your future.  I invite you to journey with me, transforming your aspirations into attainable realities, and making this year a year of true growth and fulfillment. Get ready to change Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #153: Holiday Health Bare Minimums

Haven’t we all been there? Trapped in the holiday chaos, stretching ourselves too thin to cater to everyone else’s needs, but ours?  This episode peels back the layers on a game-changing strategy for the holidays – the idea of bare minimums. These are small, easy changes that can keep us sane and healthy amidst the festive frenzy.  I debunk the myth that the holiday season is just another time of the year and expose the invisible workload that often accompanies this special period. I aim to ensure you don’t vanish into the to-do list.  I then dig deeper into the bare minimum concept during the holiday season. These are non-negotiable habits that serve as your health safety net while keeping you grounded amid the holiday whirlwind. I lay out practical tips to establish and maintain these personal habits, no matter how wild things get.  I wrap up the episode and Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #151: The Mental Offload with Shawna Samuel

Ever feel like you’re constantly bombarded by societal expectations and pressures, especially as a woman? Well, you’re not alone.  I recently had an eye-opening chat with Shawna Samuel, the founder of Mental Offload, and we dove into this hot topic, exploring how imperative it is to subtract these pressures to reclaim our time and energy. Shawna’s insights on shedding the perennial need to please others, to make space for self-care and personal growth, are just the wake-up call we all need. Navigating the labyrinth of household chores and responsibilities often brings its own set of challenges. The talk with Shawna brought to light the concept of weaponized incompetence, and how it’s often entwined with maternal gatekeeping. These patterns can strain relationships, but more importantly, they can impact our ability to trust and allow space for our partners to learn. We dug into how we can shift these dynamics and embrace Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #147: Do You Have Peter-Pan Syndrome?

In today’s upbeat and eye-opening episode, We’re taking a candid look at the “Peter Pan Syndrome,” that tendency we have to cling to youth in ways that actually make our health choices anything but youthful. I’ll take you back to when I was 22, equating fun with a whole lot of unhealthy habits, and lay bare the biases and misconceptions we often have about what being young, ‘edgy,’ or ‘fun’ really means. I’ll also dig into the hidden narratives in food marketing—ever notice how processed, unhealthy options get billed as ‘party foods,’ while anything healthy gets tagged as ‘boring’ or ‘old’? Through stories like a client of mine who was scared of losing her connection with her boyfriend by eating healthier, I’ll unfold the irrational ties we make between overeating, overdrinking, and this idea of defying aging. But here’s the real meat of today’s talk—it’s all about empowerment and self-realization. Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #143: Doing It On Your Own

What if the secrets to strength and resilience are hidden in the annals of women’s shared histories?  Today, I am unearthing these stories, illuminating the silent strength of our foremothers, and embracing the power of sisterhood. I dive into the societal perceptions of women through different life stages and tackle the stigma and shame linked to women’s bodies. I recognize the wisdom in seeking help and the freedom in finding our own paths.  Imagine a time when women thrived in multigenerational living, and the guidance of elder women — the crone — was cherished. I traverse through this era, understanding the impact of patriarchy and cultural shifts on women’s communal living. I unveil the repercussions of transitioning from these cohesive communities to isolated nuclear households.  Along this journey, I find solace in the narratives woven in books like The Red Tent and Women Who Run With the Wolves. They serve Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #139: End of History Illusion

What if you could break free from societal expectations and become the architect of your own life? Join me, as I guide you through my personal journey, highlighting how the ‘end of history illusion’ was holding me back and how overcoming it revolutionized my world. By sharing powerful strategies that have worked for me and many women I’ve coached, I aim to help you tackle this illusion that might be sabotaging your growth.  This episode will empower you to own your dreams and evolve into the best version of yourself. Learning to embrace failure, taking charge of your decisions, and setting clear goals can transform your life trajectory. I’ll share tips on how to focus on behavior rather than outcomes, the optional nature of timelines for goals, and the important perspective that obstacles are simply part of your progress.  As we journey together, I’ll invite you to dream big, intentionally Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #135: Stress and Toxins with Dr. Jannine Krause

Are you ready to thrive in your better years?  Join my enlightening conversation with Dr. Jannine Krause, a Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist, and host of the Health Fix podcast, as we delve into her mission to help women over 35 flourish. We examine the differences between naturopathic doctors and general practitioners, and how naturopaths focus on root causes and counseling, as opposed to just treating symptoms. Additionally, we discuss the role insurance companies may play in perpetuating a more symptom-based approach. Discover the impact of plastics, hormones, and health on your well-being. We discuss the three main estrogens in the body, the sneaky additives used by the plastics industry, and the importance of testing for bisphenol levels. Learn about the dangers of heating up plastics in the microwave and drinking bottled water, as well as helpful tips for assisting your liver to process toxins. Dr. Jannine also recommends nutraceuticals like milk Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #134: How to Talk to Your Partner About Starting Coaching

Ready to transform your life but worried about your partner’s reaction to your life and health coaching plans?  Fear not, as today’s episode is all about guiding you through that crucial conversation and showing you how coaching can not only improve your own well-being but also your relationships and overall quality of life. I will tackle the common hesitations many women face when approaching this discussion and arm you with the tools to overcome any obstacles along the way. Together, we’ll explore why traditional diets and exercise routines often fail and how life and health coaching can help you develop sustainable strategies and habits. I will also discuss why committing to a longer coaching program is beneficial and how the right coach can make all the difference.  By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered and confident to talk to your partner about your coaching journey and take the Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #131: From Start to Success: The Coaching Process

Are you curious about life and health coaching and how it can help transform your life?  In this episode, I’m talking all about coaching and sharing how having a personal navigator on your life’s journey can help you become the best version of yourself. It’s time to turn your curiosity into action and discover the power of having a life and health coach by your side. Listen in as I share my experience as a life and health coach and how coaching goes beyond anything that you know in health and wellness, personal training, or nutrition. I discuss the importance of setting achievable goals, prioritizing self-care, and navigating life’s obstacles. I also explain the coaching consultation process, providing insights into what to expect during your first coaching session and how to prepare for it. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities that life and health coaching can offer, this episode Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #129: Dating After Divorce with Sade Curry

Ever felt trapped in a toxic marriage and wondered how to escape and rebuild your life?  This episode features an empowering conversation with dating coach Sade Curry, who bravely shares her story of breaking free from a harmful marriage and rising above the challenges of dating after divorce. Be prepared to challenge your beliefs about marriage, divorce, and the responsibility of fixing men in relationships. We dive deep into Sade’s journey of getting married at a young age due to societal and religious pressure, and the verbal abuse and psychological manipulation she faced during her marriage. Her inspiring story showcases the courage needed to protect herself and her children while navigating the social stigma of divorce and her family’s disapproval. Sade also touches on the fear of making a wrong choice again in a new relationship and how she learned valuable lessons from her past mistakes. Tune in to explore Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #116: Perimenopause & Acupuncture with Michelle Kapler

Have you ever wondered if acupuncture can help you manage your peri & menopause symptoms better? If so, you’ll want to check out my guest on this podcast. Michelle Kapler is a Registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner with an exclusive focus on reproductive health and women’s medicine. It is important to note that while acupuncture has been shown to be effective for some women, it may not work for everyone and should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment or advice from a healthcare professional. In the episode, Michelle offers some amazing advice for advocating for yourself when you ARE at your doctor’s office. One of many women’s complaints is that their doctors aren’t much help.  So, we’ve got you covered. Michelle Kapler Bio: Michelle Kapler is a Registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner with an exclusive focus on reproductive health and women’s medicine. She is also Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #114: Becoming the Good Stepmom with Kristin Lindell

We, women, are socialized to suppress our anger. We’re taught that it’s not attractive. It might be scary. But increasingly, women in midlife are experiencing anger and rage, and we don’t know what to do with it. In this episode of the podcast, we’re exploring why we get angry, the purpose of anger, how it’s communicating with us, and then what to do about it. Quite often, anger is communicating to us that a need isn’t being met, or that perhaps someone has crossed a boundary. But then an overwhelming sense of anger, and our subsequent need to suppress it because it’s scary, prevents us from exploring what the root cause of the emotion is. Listen in to learn about how you can use your anger to get what you want. Kristin Lindell Bio: Kristin Lindell is a certified life coach for stepmoms, a stepmom of 4, and a bio-mom Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #113: Menopause Series Part 3: Sleep, Stress, and Recovery

In this episode, we’ll be discussing an often-overlooked aspect of menopause: sleep, and how it affects women’s ability to manage their symptoms. We’ll also explore how better sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced recovery can help women navigate this challenging time with greater ease. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. During this time, many women experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. Sleep problems are one of the most common menopause symptoms, affecting up to 60% of women in this stage of life. Hormonal changes, coupled with the stresses of daily life, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia, waking up frequently, or feeling unrested in the morning. Lack of sleep can exacerbate many of the symptoms of menopause, including irritability, depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties. Poor sleep quality can Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #111: Menopause Series Part 1: Eating & Nutrition

The connection between eating and menopause is complex and multi-faceted. During menopause, changes in hormone levels can impact a woman’s metabolism and make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, changes in appetite, cravings, and food preferences can also occur during this time. Here are some ways that eating and menopause are connected: Hormonal fluctuations: Hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, can impact a woman’s metabolism and hunger levels during menopause. These fluctuations can lead to changes in appetite and food cravings. Weight gain: The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can slow down metabolism and make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Poor eating habits, such as consuming a diet high in processed foods and added sugars, can exacerbate this issue and lead to weight gain. Fatigue and energy levels: Menopause can also impact energy levels and fatigue, which can in turn impact a Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #105: Healing Trauma with Denita Bremer

Since the pandemic, we’ve been hearing a lot about trauma. It can feel confusing because for many of us, we were raised by parents who didn’t believe that they had the luxury of being able to deal with it. As a result, many of us were told that we ‘should get over it’ or that we needed to grow a thicker skin. That we were being too sensitive. In this podcast, I’ve invited Denita Bremer to talk about how to identify and heal trauma, so that you can live the life that you desire, and have a better relationship with yourself and others. About Denita Bremer Denita Bremer is an intuitive trauma coach, helping women process emotions on a deep level. She draws upon several tools in her coaching, including mindset, knowledge of the nervous system, intuition and spiritual tools, and most importantly, the relationship between her and her client. Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #101: Meal Prep with Allison Schaaf

Do you dread the age-old question: What do you want to have for dinner? It’s enough to drive anyone crazy because no one in your family (who you’re polling) is any help, yet they’re long on feedback when dinner’s about to be served. I coach on this a lot with my clients – you’re not alone. On today’s podcast, I’m interviewing Allison Schaaf, the creator of PrepDish, which is similar to the meal delivery kits, but not. It’s super affordable, value-packed, and easy. On our episode today, we’re talking all about meal prep – how to get organized, how to plan your meals, what to do ahead of time, and everything that you need to feel like you have a handle on your and your family’s nutrition. Listen to today’s podcast to learn more about how to get a handle on that dreaded question & she even has a free Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #98: Eating During the Holidays

When we think about the holidays, some folks think about the traditions, others think about the decorations, but most people think about the food! Seasonal treats are one of the things that we look forward to at this time of the year – not only because we have our favorite delicious foods, but also because of the memories that come along with it. Foods from our childhood are comfort foods, and make us feel good! The problem for some of us is that we don’t feel so good come January. So, how do we navigate the holidays, stick to our commitments to ourselves, but also enjoy all the flavors that the season has to offer? Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. In episode 98 of the podcast, I’m sharing a few simple mindset shifts that will help you not go overboard during the holidays so that when you wake up Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #90: Liberation vs Fixation

How to go from food obsessed to food freedom. Most of us want food freedom: the ability to be free from thinking about food & all the shoulds and shouldn’ts that go along with it. But how do we go from what feels like food obsession – unable to concentrate on the conversation with friends because you’re so preoccupied with wanting the last potato skin, but don’t want to be perceived as gluttonous – to not even being tempted when they put the bread basket down? It doesn’t happen overnight. But there is a process that you can follow to get there. If you’re someone who wants to break free from food obsession, you need to listen to this episode. What You’ll Learn from this Episode Listen to the Full Episode: Featured on the Show: Full Episode Transcript: Have you ever been obsessed in your mind thinking about food? I Read More . . .