62. Nutrition for Women Over 40: How to Simplify Eating Without Dieting

Welcome to Episode 62 of the Emotional Eats Podcast!   In this episode, Alyson Small discusses her journey into becoming a registered dietitian, sharing that her mom's experience as a type 1 diabetic sparked her initial interest in nutrition. Alyson Small is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator who helps women with a sustainable weight loss of 10 pounds or more without food rules or an all or nothing mindset.   Alyson highlights common challenges women face, such as juggling multiple roles, emotional eating, and the pressure to be "perfect." Alyson provides practical tips like food journaling to increase mindfulness, moving your body in enjoyable ways, and meal prepping at a realistic level. She stresses making lifestyle changes gradually rather than aiming for perfection.   We discuss hot topics like intermittent fasting, which Alyson says can be effective for some but shouldn't be a quick fix, and weight loss drugs like Ozempic. While beneficial for some with obesity-related conditions if used long-term, she cautions against using them just for modest weight loss goals.   Throughout the interview, Alyson emphasizes meeting women where they are, finding balance, and developing a healthy, sustainable relationship with food through self-compassion and lifestyle changes at a comfortable pace.   Listen to the end to get 3 really practical and doable steps to get started to improve your relationship with food.   Highlights: Intuitive eating, finding balance with food and body image. (0:06) Weight loss and nutrition with a focus on non-judgmental approach. (4:08) Breaking the habit of overeating and developing mindful eating skills through food journaling. (9:14) Hunger and fullness tracking, meal planning, and prioritizing self-care for busy women. (16:04) Women's struggles with perfectionism and emotional eating. (23:34) Intermittent fasting for weight loss with a focus on its effectiveness for certain individuals, such as those with PCOS or insulin resistance (27:40) Weight loss drugs and their effectiveness, with a focus on food journaling and physical activity. (33:15) Meal planning and simplicity in nutrition. (42:41) Connect with Alyson: IG:  https://www.instagram.com/alysonsmallnutrition/ Website: https://alysonsmallnutrition.com/   Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment. My favorite evening drink (or dessert) is Organifi Gold Chocolate.  It is like a "healthy dark hot chocolate".  With reishi mushrooms and lemon balm extract for calming and relaxing, it's perfect in the afternoon or evening.  Gold  also has superfoods like tumeric and ginger.  It's nonGMO, vegan and organic. You can check out all of Organifi's healthy products at https://www.organifishop.com/  and make sure to use the code:  KIMH   for 20% off.   Find Kim on TT and IG: @kimhynesmidlife