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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .