Why Midlife Triggers Emotional Eating: Holly Bertone on Hormones, Autoimmune Health & Food Freedom

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by Holly Bertone — a former FBI Chief of Staff turned Emotional Eating Profiler and coach — whose own journey through breast cancer, autoimmune disease, and high-pressure corporate life led her to completely rethink what health and success truly mean.Together, we explore why midlife can feel like a turning point for so many women, particularly when it comes to food, weight, and energy. Hormonal shifts, stress physiology, and years of pushing through fatigue often converge at this stage of life, leaving women feeling disconnected from their bodies and frustrated by habits that no longer make sense — especially emotional eating.Rather than framing this as a willpower issue, Holly offers a far more compassionate and scientific lens. We talk about the behavioural and biological drivers behind emotional eating, how chronic stress and immune dysregulation can influence cravings, and why learning to listen to your body’s signals is often the most powerful place to start.This conversation is ultimately about trust — rebuilding trust with your body, moving away from rigid food rules, and developing the discernment to understand what genuinely nourishes you versus what depletes you. Because real, lasting change rarely comes from another plan; it comes from personalisation and paying attention.If you’re navigating midlife changes, autoimmune symptoms, or simply feel like your relationship with food has become more complicated than it used to be, this episode will offer both clarity and reassurance.🧘‍♀️ Need nervous system support?→ I personally use and recommend Nurosym, a vagus nerve stimulation device clinically shown to support immune balance, inflammation, and stress recovery.Use this link: https://link.nurosym.com/VJ10 for 10% discount at checkout. 📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommend to all clients as they begin calming the immune response and rebuilding resilience.💬 Want to connect with others on this journey?→ Join The Autoimmune Forum, my private community for anyone navigating autoimmunity. Ask questions, share your progress, and get support every step of the way.Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights on healing chronic illness through root-cause medicine, and if you found this episode helpful, leave a review or share it with someone who needs it.The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications, supplements, or treatment plan — especially if you have a diagnosed autoimmune condition.Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.