Ep 81: Muscle, Metabolism & Perimenopause: What Women Need to Know

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined again by registered dietitian and perimenopause expert Laura Berger for a deeper dive into muscle, metabolism, fat loss, and the biggest mistakes women are making with nutrition and training—especially in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.We unpack why muscle truly is the organ of longevity, why women are not “bulking up” from strength training, and how hormonal shifts during perimenopause change the way we need to eat and exercise. Laura also breaks down why calorie counting, macro tracking, and “eating less” often backfire—and what to focus on instead if you want sustainable fat loss and long-term health.We also tackle a hot topic that many women are curious (and conflicted) about: GLP-1 medications. Laura explains when they may be appropriate, when they’re likely doing more harm than good, and why preserving lean muscle is non-negotiable for aging well.In this episode, we cover:Why muscle is critical for longevity, metabolism, and hormone healthThe myth of women “bulking up” from lifting weightsStrength training vs yoga & Pilates—and why most women need a blendWhat functional strength training actually looks likeWhy protein alone doesn’t build muscle without the right stimulusHow meal timing and protein distribution change in perimenopauseThe biggest problems with calorie counting and macro trackingWhat GLP-1 medications do—and what most people aren’t being toldHow to start the new year strong without all-or-nothing thinkingEp 79: Why Your Old Diets Don’t Work Anymore: The Real Reason Women Gain WeightAbout LauraConnect with Laura:Instagram and TikTok: @theperimenopausedietWebsiteFree MasterclassEasy Sheet Pan RecipeEasy Smoothie RecipeTo watch on YouTube, click hereDisclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click here for Mirror Gear Covers 🌟Cordless polisher: Click here and use code PODCAST150 for $150 off  🌟Click here for my free intro course  To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club➡️Instagram💻My Website📨Email: [email protected] 💌Newsletter signup