Why Willpower Fails: And Why “Trying Harder” Isn’t the Answer

Are you a successful woman in your 50s, navigating the unpredictable waves of peri/menopause while juggling career, family, and personal aspirations? You’re not alone. Many women at this stage feel frustrated by weight fluctuations, low energy, and the constant mental chatter around food and body image. Despite trying countless diets and workout plans, sustainable results seem out of reach. But what if the solution wasn’t another quick fix or restrictive plan? What if it was about understanding you —your unique needs, emotional patterns, and lifestyle challenges—and creating lasting change from there? 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 . . .

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 . . .

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 #150: Setting Goals and Missing Marks: A Raw Recap

Here’s a powerful notion to consider: What if falling short of your goal was the best thing that could happen to you?  In this episode, I recount the highs and lows of the past year, celebrating the podcast milestones and embracing the detours, like rebranding and unforeseen setbacks.  If your expectations are tied to societal norms, let’s shake them up a bit. Personal freedom is at the core of our discussion as we wade through the waters of change and personal growth. I reassess my goals and champion the idea of embracing life’s imperfections. So, prepare yourself, the journey to personal growth isn’t about perfection but more about resilience in the face of adversity.  Lastly, I have a heart-to-heart about celebrating small behavioral victories over grand end goals. It’s easy to get disheartened when we don’t meet our lofty goals, but what if we shift our focus to smaller, more Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #130: The Power of Community

Are you ready to transform your life and embrace the power of community and coaching? In this uplifting episode, I’m sharing how the Feel Good Sisterhood works; an extraordinary year-long group coaching program designed specifically for women in midlife. Discover how this program fosters healthier relationships with food, exercise, and ourselves, with an emphasis on sustainable habits and skills that last a lifetime. I’ll explore the incredible benefits of group coaching, including community building, accountability, diverse perspectives, and shared wisdom. Learn how the Feel Good Sisterhood’s weekly calls, targeted pieces of training, and reflective prompts can revolutionize your relationship with food, your body, and your health.  Connect with a vibrant community of women who are committed to their growth, success, and evolution, and share vulnerabilities as we navigate midlife shifts and menopausal changes together. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a liberating journey with the support of the Feel Read More . . .

Done with Dieting Episode #22: The Power of Visualization in Weight Loss

Do you use the power of visualization when it comes to achieving your goals? If you’re not, you’re missing out. I’ve talked about visualization on the podcast before, in a few techniques that I use within my coaching practice, but on episode 22 of the Done with DIeting Podcast, we’re talking about the power that visualization has to create your results: Visualizing what’s going to happen BEFORE it even happens. See, we often use our past experiences to determine if we’re capable of doing something in the future. (Example: I’ve made rice before, so I’m relatively confident that I can make risotto.)  Because weight loss will often take several attempts before we are successful. We often use those past attempts as evidence that weight loss isn’t meant for us. When your confidence and belief that you can be successful in your goal are low, having a vision can help you Read More . . .

Why goals might not get you to your goal

There are no shortage of memes about goals. “A goal without a plan is just a wish” “Set your goals high, and don’t stop until you get there” “Goals that are not written down are just wishes” Aaaah! They’re endless! Not only were goals a huge part of my early success with my weight, but they were a cornerstone of my health coaching business for a long time. I would teach folks about SMART Goals. How to create them, and help them through the process. But I’ve changed my attitude about goals. I don’t think they’re necessary anymore. I have a client who’s daughter is one of the most disciplined kids that I know. Every year, she’d create New Years Resolutions, and actually complete them! I Know! Who does that?!? I think they were tests of her willpower. When she was in high-school, she created a New Years Resolution to perform Read More . . .

What do you say to yourself?

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my bodybugg? I also have the display device which, when I originally got it, didn't think it was that useful. After all, I uploaded my information on a pretty consistent basis – twice or three times a day. Since it doesn't take that long to upload the data from the armband, it was really easy for me to keep track of the number of calories I was burning. Well, once I got the digital display, I realized that I didn't need to update as often as I had been doing, because the digital display allows me to see almost real time how many calories I'm burning. Yes, Exactly! It allows me to be even more anal retentive than I had been before! So anyway, I recently set a goal to burn 100 calories per hour, or 2400 calories per day. I burn Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #221: Menopause, Sleep, Stress, & Recovery

We think that health is all about eating and exercising. But that’s not the whole story. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right,” eating well, exercising, and following all the health rules, but still not seeing the results you expect, this episode is for you. The truth is, diet and exercise are only part of the equation.  What’s often missing? Stress, sleep, rest, and recovery. These are the overlooked pillars of true health, especially in midlife when your body starts playing by a whole new set of rules. In today’s episode, we dive deep into why prioritizing rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for real, lasting health.   We live in a world that glorifies doing more, pushing harder, and ignoring the warning signs of burnout. But as women in midlife, we can’t afford to keep running on empty. When stress levels soar and sleep suffers, our bodies Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #220: What to Expect in Maintenance

Have you ever made progress with your health… and then, slowly, without realizing it, started letting the little things slide?  In this episode, I dive deep into a universal experience in health journeys: the quiet backslide that happens after success. I call it the “cocky syndrome,” that phase where we get a little too confident, start cutting corners, and convince ourselves it’s just balance or moderation. But when the momentum starts slipping and we don’t feel as good as we used to, we’re left confused, frustrated, and often blaming ourselves. I share a relatable personal story involving my piriformis pain, which only flares up when I slack on my short daily routine. I use it to highlight a powerful metaphor: Just like kids, our habits need supervision, structure, and eventually, gentle maintenance. What once needed full focus now requires ongoing care, not perfection, just consistent attention. This episode breaks down Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #219: Graceful Mom with Kim Damon

What if the key to transformation isn’t about doing more but about being more? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Damon, a true expert in personal growth and transformation, to explore the deep shifts that lead to lasting change. Kim shares her journey of breaking through limitations, embracing authenticity, and stepping into a life of purpose. Her insights challenge the conventional approach to self-improvement, encouraging us to move beyond surface-level tactics and into profound, identity-based transformation.   Throughout our conversation, Kim reveals the mindset shifts and emotional breakthroughs that pave the way for real success. She dives into the hidden beliefs that hold people back and offers practical strategies to rewire thought patterns for growth. Whether you’re facing a career shift, personal roadblocks, or simply looking to elevate your life, Kim’s wisdom will resonate deeply.   Join us as we uncover the power of self-awareness, the courage to embrace change, Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #218: How to Get Back on Track

Ever started strong with your health habits, only to fall off track and feel like a failure? What if I told you that relapse isn’t proof you’ve failed… it’s actually, part of the process?  In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I’m breaking down the biggest mindset shift that separates those who succeed from those who stay stuck. You’ll learn why slip-ups happen, how to stop them from turning into full-blown backslides, and the one question that will completely change how you handle setbacks. If you’ve ever thought you just need more willpower to stay consistent, this episode will change everything.  Tune in now, because the goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to keep going. What You’ll Learn from this Episode Listen to the Full Episode: Featured on the Show: Full Episode Transcript: How many times have you told yourself this time I’m going to stick with Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #217: How Fitness Impacts Your Menopause Symptoms

Are you struggling with hot flashes, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, or low energy? What if I told you that the solution isn’t about pushing harder but training smarter? In this episode, I’m diving into how the right kind of exercise, especially strength training, can help ease menopause symptoms, boost energy, and keep you feeling strong and capable as you age. And the best part? You don’t need long, grueling workouts to see results.   For years, we were told that the key to fitness was spending hours sweating it out at the gym. But in midlife, that approach doesn’t just stop working, it actually works against us. I’ll break down why traditional exercise methods often fail women over 40 and how stress from overtraining can make symptoms worse. Instead, I’ll share a more effective strategy: short, strength-based workouts that build muscle, protect bone density, and improve metabolism, all in just Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #216: HEALED with Sarah Sparks

Midlife is a time of transformation, not crisis. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by emotions you can’t quite name or struggled with fatigue despite doing “all the right things,” you’re not alone.  In my conversation with Soul Alignment Coach Sarah Sparks, we explored the deep connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Sarah’s ‘HEALED’ process—a six-step journey designed to release emotional burdens and reconnect with your true self—offers a powerful way to find clarity, ease, and renewed energy.  One of the most powerful insights Sarah shared is that healing isn’t just about fixing what’s wrong; it’s about embracing who we truly are. So often, we fight against change, trying to push through discomfort instead of listening to what our emotions and bodies are telling us.  But what if midlife is an invitation to pause, realign, and step into a more authentic, peaceful version of ourselves? Through emotional release and Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #215: Preparing for Plateau

What if I told you that hitting a plateau isn’t a sign of failure, but actually proof that your body is working exactly as it should? If you’ve ever felt stuck—doing everything “right” but seeing no progress—you’re not alone. Plateaus are a natural part of any weight loss journey, yet most people aren’t prepared for them. Instead of panicking or making drastic changes, what if you could anticipate them and navigate through them with confidence?   In this episode, we uncover why plateaus happen, what they really mean for your progress, and the most effective ways to push through without resorting to extremes. You’ll learn how to track progress beyond the scale, why your body adapts over time, and how to set yourself up for success ‘before’ a plateau even happens. Plus, I share a real-life client story of how she overcame a six-week stall by trusting the process—without cutting more Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #214: Meeting Yourself Where You’re At

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly falling short of your health goals—like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to make lasting changes? What if the problem isn’t you, but the approach you’re taking?  In today’s episode, we’re tackling the mindset shifts that could completely transform your health journey. If you’ve ever been stuck in the cycle of high hopes followed by disappointment, this conversation is for you. We’re diving into why the relentless ‘shoulds’ in your head are doing more harm than good, and how accepting where you are right now might actually be the key to moving forward. We’ve been conditioned to believe that success comes from pushing harder, setting aggressive goals, and never letting ourselves ‘slip up.’ But what if that’s the very thing keeping us stuck? In this episode, I’m sharing a game-changing perspective on why unrealistic expectations set us up for Read More . . .

Spring Reset: A Workshop

Struggling with Low Energy & Extra Weight? Your Midlife Health Reset Starts HereYou know what to do, but following through feels like SO MUCH. This live session will show you how to drop extra weight, reset your habits, and feel in control again: without deprivation or restriction. Watch the Replay Now Now available on-demand. Watch instantly at your convenience. You know what to do, but you keep falling off track. I’ll show you why, and the simple shift that actually makes healthy habits stick.You start strong, then life happens, and suddenly, you’re back to old habits.You want to feel good again, but the idea of “getting back on track” feels overwhelming.You don’t need another diet – you need a way to make healthy habits feel easy and doable.If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. This replay breaks down exactly why your past attempts didn’t stick—so you feel better, drop the winter weight, and finally Read More . . .

Total Health in Midlife Episode #213: Clutter & Your Health

Have you ever walked into a messy kitchen or a cluttered bedroom and felt an invisible weight settle on your shoulders? The truth is, your environment isn’t just a backdrop to your life—it’s a powerful force shaping your habits, energy, and health.  In this episode, I uncover how clutter impacts your mental clarity, emotional well-being, and even your ability to maintain healthy routines. From messy counters making meal prep feel overwhelming to a cluttered table derailing mindful eating, you’ll hear how your space might be holding you back in ways you never realized. Through relatable client stories and actionable insights, this episode reveals the hidden link between your physical surroundings and your overall health. You’ll learn how clearing even one small area—like a corner of your kitchen or a cluttered nightstand—can spark a ripple effect of positive change, making healthier habits feel more accessible and inviting. Plus, you’ll hear practical Read More . . .

Is Clutter Draining Your Energy? How a Messy Home Disrupts Your Health and What to Do About It

Clutter, Stress, and Your Health: The Hidden Connection You walk into your kitchen, ready to make a healthy meal, but the counters are covered in mail, yesterday’s coffee cup, and a half-unpacked grocery bag. Before you even start, you feel drained. The thought of clearing space just to begin cooking is overwhelming, so you grab takeout instead. Or maybe it’s your bedroom—your supposed sanctuary—where laundry piles on the chair, unread books stack up on the nightstand, and the dresser top is a chaotic mix of receipts, lotions, and random clutter. Instead of feeling calm before bed, you feel restless. Your sleep suffers. Sound familiar? It’s Not Just Mess—It’s a Mental and Physical Health Issue Most women don’t realize just how much their environment impacts their well-being. Clutter isn’t just about having too much stuff—it’s a constant source of stress, distraction, and mental exhaustion. Studies show that living in a cluttered Read More . . .