108 | Losing Weight But Still Feel Soft? Here's What's Actually Happening in Your Body

The scale is moving but you still feel soft, undefined, and not like yourself. Sound familiar? In this episode Val breaks down exactly why this happens — and it is not a willpower problem. It is a physiology problem. If you have been eating less, doing more cardio, and still not seeing the results you want, this episode is going to connect a lot of dots for you. In this episode we cover: Why weight loss and fat loss are NOT the same thing The eating pattern Val sees constantly in postpartum moms that stalls results (it is not what you think) Why the weekday vs weekend eating swing is keeping your body stuck How cortisol is actively breaking down your muscle and storing fat — especially around your midsection Why cardio is not the answer and what to do instead What body recomposition actually requires — protein, progressive strength training, and nervous system support Why postpartum moms are starting from a different baseline and why that matters Val's personal story — from pancake butt postpartum to stronger glutes at 3 years PP than before baby How Val felt soft again in January 2026 and exactly what she did to fix it — labs, logging, stress, and sleep Resources mentioned: Core Comeback Challenge — 4 week progressive postpartum core program → https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013 Free Protein Guide → https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide Episode 104 — Stop Jumping Back Into Workouts Postpartum — Do This First  Episode 100 — Sleep, Cortisol & Fat Loss: Why Postpartum Moms Can't Out-Train a Stressed Nervous System  ➡️ Loved this episode? Share it with another mom who needs this info and leave a review—it helps more moms find the podcast! 💬 Got a question for the show?! Leave me a voice message here: SpeakPipe voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter for a chance to have your question featured and answered on an episode of the Strong & Nourished Momma Podcast. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, nutrition, or pelvic floor physical therapy advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise or nutrition program postpartum.