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 . . .
Goal Setting Series #4: Maintaining Motivation
“Motivation is not merely a fleeting spark but a flame we can tend to.” Join me as I dive into the intricate realm of sustaining motivation, navigating its fickle nature, and discovering the tools to keep it burning bright even on the darkest days. Through shared experiences and proven strategies, this episode will empower you to conquer slumps and find delight in the journey. Unpacking the potency of profound emotions and cherishing seemingly small victories, you will learn practical tools to fuel your drive while chasing your aspirations. I also want to give a big shout-out to all of you who have been on this journey with me throughout this goal-setting series. Your continuous drive to push forward, celebrate victories, and believe in yourselves is both inspiring and empowering. It’s worth remembering that it’s not solely the attainment of your goals that matters, but the joy and fulfillment derived from 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 . . .
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 #26: Goal Setting
They say that a goal without a plan is a wish. When we decide that we want to lose weight, run a 5k, or even do something as simple as eating healthier, we know what we want, but often, we don’t spend the time to figure out how it’s going to get done. Sometimes, we think about accomplishing something, and although the idea of having that thing is appealing, we don’t want to do the work to make it happen. But when something IS important, something that we really really want, a little bit of forethought can really help to aid in success. In this episode, you’ll learn how to set goals, and then follow through using the obstacles and barriers that perceive to make us successful. What you’ll Learn from this Episode Listen to the Full Episode: Featured on the Show: Full Episode Transcript: You are listening to the 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 #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 . . .
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 . . .
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 #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 . . .
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 #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 Episode #195: How Sleep Impacts Your Health, Weight, and Mood
Do you ever feel like your body is working against you as you get older? As we enter midlife, it’s common to face challenges in our health that can leave us feeling stuck or frustrated. Whether it’s unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or the overwhelming task of managing stress while balancing work, family, and personal health goals, the journey can feel isolating. In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, we’re diving deep into the tools and strategies that can help you take back control of your health. From understanding how hormones impact our bodies to finding sustainable ways to manage stress, I’ll guide you through practical steps that are rooted in science and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. If you’ve been feeling like your body is changing in ways you can’t keep up with, or if you’ve struggled to find a balance between your health and Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #193: How to Mindlessly Eat Less
Ever wondered why you can’t stop eating even when you’re not hungry? The truth might shock you! Discover the surprising reasons behind your overeating habits and how simple environmental tweaks can turn your eating patterns around. In this eye-opening episode, I dive into the hidden factors influencing your food choices—like the shape of your glasses and the size of your plates—that secretly encourage you to eat more than you intended. I’ll reveal how small, yet powerful changes can help you gain control over your eating habits without feeling restricted. Learn how to set up your environment for success with tricks that make mindful eating easier and more intuitive. From clever plate tricks to optimizing the visibility of healthy foods, I share the secrets to effortlessly managing your intake and achieving your health goals. Tune in to find out how these simple adjustments can make a huge difference in your daily Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #189: How to Stop Overeating
What if I told you that your struggle with overeating has nothing to do with willpower? In this episode of the Total Health and Midlife Podcast, I dive deep into the real reasons behind overeating, unraveling the myth that it’s simply about being “good” with food. Through personal stories and expert insights, I reveal why diets often fail and why we keep falling into the same patterns, despite our best efforts. But this isn’t just another episode about dieting—I introduce a radically different approach that doesn’t involve giving up the foods you love. Instead, I challenge listeners to rethink their relationship with food, focusing on understanding and unlearning the habits that have been setting them up for failure. If you’re tired of the constant battle with food and looking for a sustainable way to change your eating habits without guilt or shame, this episode offers a breakthrough perspective that could Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #188: 8 Eating Habits to Stop Now
Have you ever wondered why, despite your best efforts, your health goals seem just out of reach? In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I dive into the often-overlooked hidden eating habits that can sabotage our progress. I explore eight common yet sneaky habits, like eating snacks while driving home from the grocery store or constantly going back for seconds after meals. These seemingly minor actions can have a surprisingly significant impact on our overall health. I share my personal experience of breaking free from these habits, highlighting how small changes have transformed my relationship with food and overall wellness. My stories and insights provide a relatable and eye-opening perspective, and I encourage you to reflect on your own behaviors. What hidden habits might be holding you back from achieving your health goals? By becoming aware of these everyday behaviors, you can take the first step towards Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #186: Breaking Through Midlife Weight Loss Barriers
Why does midlife weight loss often feel like an impossible quest? Join me as I explore the real reasons behind this struggle. In this eye-opening episode, I discuss the unique challenges faced during this life stage, such as time constraints, stress, emotional well-being, and the fear of losing social connections. Instead of the typical diet-and-exercise rhetoric, I share powerful stories from women who have successfully navigated these barriers, demonstrating how a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional health can lead to sustainable results. Listen in to discover practical strategies that seamlessly integrate into your busy life, promoting lasting wellness and fulfillment. In this episode, I focus on managing stress and emotional health, highlighting techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and finding joyful activities. I dive into the impact of emotional eating and how to develop healthier coping strategies, such as journaling and hobbies. Learn about the benefits of intuitive Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #184: The Cure for Low Energy & Fatigue in Midlife
Could over-exercising and poor sleep habits be the hidden saboteurs of your energy levels? This episode uncovers the myriad factors that could be draining your vitality, with a special focus on midlife women. I dive into personal experiences and share actionable insights on how to identify root causes like low iron levels, inadequate calorie intake, and even over-exercising. We kick off by emphasizing the critical role of sleep, explaining how stress, anxiety, and blue light exposure can wreak havoc on your nightly rest. Along the way, I provide practical tips to improve your sleep hygiene and create a more restful environment, setting the stage for reclaiming your energy and improving your overall well-being. From recognizing the signs of over-exercising to addressing poor dietary habits, this episode covers it all. I highlight how consuming processed foods and lacking essential nutrients can leave you feeling fatigued, emphasizing the importance of listening to Read More . . .
Total Health in Midlife Episode #181: Reducing Friction
Ever find yourself struggling to stick to healthy habits despite knowing their benefits? In this episode, I uncover the secrets to making healthier choices with less effort by focusing on the concept of reducing friction. Listen in as I explore the small obstacles that make sticking to health plans challenging and share practical strategies to remove these barriers. I’ll discuss the motivational triad and how our brains are wired to seek immediate pleasure, making habit formation difficult. By addressing our internal dialogue and the simple reasons behind our resistance—like convenience, time constraints, and discomfort—we can create a smoother path to achieving our health goals. I also tackle common hurdles in maintaining healthy habits such as staying hydrated and meal prepping. Learn how keeping water accessible and using partial prep techniques can simplify cooking and make healthy eating more manageable. Additionally, discover how making healthy snacks more visible and accessible can Read More . . .