Emotional Eats Podcast: Real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, and weight loss for women over 40

PODCAST · health

Emotional Eats Podcast: Real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, and weight loss for women over 40

Emotional Eats is a podcast for women over 40 who are done with diet culture, fear-based health advice, and conflicting messages about their bodies. Hosted by nutritional health coach Kim Hynes, this show cuts through the noise around food, hormones, weight changes, emotional eating, and midlife health using real science, real conversations, and a whole lot of common sense.You'll hear expert insights from doctors, nutrition professionals, fitness experts, and mental health practitioners, along with honest discussions about what actually works for the midlife body and what does not. No extremes. No shame. No quick fixes.This podcast is not just about menopause or weight loss. It is about understanding your changing body, regulating stress, healing your relationship with food, and feeling strong, confident, and at home in yourself again.If you want clarity instead of confusion, truth instead of trends, and support without judgment, you're in the right place. See you on the inside!

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    155. How to Stop Emotional Eating: The Tool You Didn't Know You Needed

    Why do so many smart, capable women feel completely out of control around food?  This is why…if emotional eating were just about food, you would have solved it by now. In this honest and hopeful conversation, Kim sits down with Mehek, founder of the Kahani app, to talk about what so many women quietly live with every single day: food noise, binge eating, emotional eating, perfectionism, shame, overcontrol, and the exhausting feeling of "holding it together". This episode opens the door to a new way of dealing with disordered eating and emotional eating that is personal and works in your real life. This isn't another conversation about calories, macros, tracking apps, or trying harder. It's about finally understanding the emotional patterns, unmet needs, stress, pressure, past experiences, and nervous system responses that drive behaviors around food in the first place. Mehek shares the deeply personal story that inspired her to create Kahani, an AI-supported app designed to help women process emotions, interrupt destructive patterns, and feel supported in real time, especially during the moments when food becomes comfort, escape, numbness, or control. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is the reminder that healing is not about becoming a different person. It's about reconnecting with yourself, understanding your patterns with compassion and grace, and realizing it is never too late to change the story (listen to hear how Kahani got its name). Kim also opens up personally about her own history with disordered eating and emotional eating, making this episode feel less like an interview and more like a real conversation you would have with a friend. You'll hear: Why emotional eating is rarely about food or willpower Why high-functioning women can still feel completely out of control with food How perfectionism, people-pleasing, stress, and unmet emotional needs show up in eating behaviors How Kahani uses AI in a deeply personalized and human-centered way Why traditional tracking apps often miss the emotional root of eating struggles The connection between emotional eating, boundaries, self-trust, and nervous system overwhelm How personalized support can help interrupt binge or emotional eating cycles in the moment Why recovery and healing are not linear Real stories and breakthroughs from women using the app This episode also highlights something so important: women do not need more shame, more restriction, or another diet. Women need support that helps them feel seen, understood, emotionally safe, and connected to themselves again. If you've ever felt exhausted by food thoughts, frustrated that diets haven't "fixed" things, or confused about why you keep returning to the same patterns even when you know better, this conversation will likely feel very personal and give you hope. About Mehek Mehek Mohan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kahani Health, a women's high-EQ companion designed to help women navigate food struggles, body image, emotional eating, and recovery with more compassion, awareness, and personalized support. She graduated from Stanford Business School and UC Berkeley with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology. Prior to founding Kahani, Mehek worked at Genentech, where she became one of the youngest product managers leading key AI initiatives. Her passion for combining emotional wellness, behavioral health, and technology was inspired by both personal experiences and witnessing the challenges women face in finding support that feels truly human and individualized. When she's not building Kahani, Mehek loves spending time in New York and San Francisco exploring new restaurants and music venues. Connect with Mehek + Kahani Website:  https://getkahani.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kahanihealth/ Download the Kahani App:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kahani-health/id6753591231 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehekmohan/ If This Episode Resonated With You Please follow the Emotional Eats Podcast, download this episode, and share it with a woman in your life who struggles silently with food, body image, binge eating, or emotional eating. These conversations matter. And if you're looking for ongoing support and connection, make sure to check out the Cool Girl Collective, Kim's community for women over 40 navigating emotional eating, menopause, hormones, cravings, and learning how to nourish their whole lives. Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    154. How to Lose Weight in Menopause (It's Not What You Think)

    You're doing everything you used to do in your 20's and 30's… and it's not working anymore in your 40's, 50, and 60's. The scale keeps creeping up. Your midsection feels different. It feels thick and hard.  Your cravings are worse than ever. You still think the answer is to lose more weight. But what if that's not actually the goal?  What if you are not being told the real story about weight loss in midlife? In this episode, we're breaking down the truth about weight loss in midlife and why chasing the number on the scale may be the very thing keeping you stuck. If you've been feeling frustrated, confused, or like your body is working against you, my conversation with you will help you finally understand what's really going on and what to do instead. Think healthy over skinny. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the scale is only one small data point and often the most misleading one The real difference between fat loss and weight loss (and why it matters more than ever in menopause) How hormones, stress, and blood sugar are quietly driving fat storage and cravings The biggest mistakes I made with food, exercise, the scale and mindset that kept me stuck What actually works to support fat loss, metabolic health, and feeling good in your body again If you've been chasing weight loss and not getting results, this episode will help you shift your focus, understand your midlife body, and start moving in a direction that actually works for this phase of life. Connect with Kim: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    153. How to Stop Emotional Eating and Overeating at Night (Even If You Are in Control All Day)

    You hold everything together. You get it all done. You show up for  everyone. You are the one people rely on. And then the day winds down… and you find yourself in the pantry, the freezer, the snack drawer, wondering why you can't stop. If that's you, this episode is for you. But first, please make sure you follow the show to help us reach more women, but also so you keep getting the new epsiodes. This is not about discipline. It's not about willpower. And it's not because you're "bad" with food. In this episode, I'm walking you through what is actually going on beneath the surface for high-functioning women who feel in control all day and completely out of control with food later on. We talk about the real reasons this keeps happening, from stress and pressure to over-control, people-pleasing, and the mental load you carry every single day. You'll also hear why your body is not working against you. It's trying to help you feel better in the fastest way it knows how. I'm sharing more than the "why".  I'm giving you some simple ways to start changing this food behavior, without restriction, without shame, and without trying to be perfect with food all the time. This is about understanding yourself in a deeper way so you can finally feel more in control around food even though it's not really about the food. Inside this episode: Why high-functioning women struggle more with nighttime eating than they expect How stress and pressure build quietly all day and show up as cravings at night What "over-control" looks like and how it backfires with food The connection between people-pleasing, unspoken needs, and eating Why midlife hormones make everything more challenging A simple pause practice to interrupt autopilot eating What your body might actually need instead of food   Connect with Kim: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    152. Why do I feel anxious, exhausted, and keep gaining weight in my 40s? What's going on and what to do about it.

    If you're over 40 and suddenly feel anxious, exhausted, gaining weight, and not like yourself… this is not in your head and it's not just aging. In this conversation, I sit down with Kimberly Pacetti, a functional health practitioner who blends traditional medicine with a root-cause approach to help women actually feel better, not just manage symptoms. We talk about what's really going on in midlife when you feel off, anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from yourself. This is not just about hot flashes. This is about your hormones, your gut, your stress, and the way your body is trying to communicate with you. Kimberly also shares her personal health journey, including how grief and autoimmune illness changed the way she now supports her patients. This episode will help you understand your body in a deeper way and remind you that you deserve a healthcare provider who listens and works with you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why women need a partnership with their healthcare provider, not a one-sided relationship How grief, stress, and unprocessed emotions can show up physically in the body What's actually happening hormonally in your 40s and 50s Why anxiety, irritability, and feeling "not like yourself" are often hormone-related The truth about midlife weight gain and insulin resistance How your gut health impacts your hormones, mood, and energy Why "feeling fine" doesn't always mean your gut is healthy The role of protein, vitamin D, magnesium, and B12 in midlife health What to rethink about smoothies, drinks, and hidden sugar A real, honest take on intermittent fasting and when it may not be right for you How stress and lack of boundaries are affecting your hormones and nervous system About Kimberly Pacetti: Kimberly, a dedicated healthcare professional and lifelong resident of St Augustine, Florida, is passionate about empowering others to achieve optimal health through holistic care. With a background in Health Science Education and Nursing, Kimberly has spent years focusing on the power of lifestyle choices, functional health, and the importance of addressing the root causes of disease. Her commitment to patient education, personalized care, and community service is at the heart of her mission to inspire and support individuals on their journey to better health and wellness. Connect with Kimberly Pacetti: Website: www.getwellstaywell.live Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kpacettiarnp/?hl=en   Connect with Kim Hynes: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    151. How to Accept Your Body in Midlife Without Obsessing Over the Scale, Dieting or Hating That One Body Part

    If you've ever looked in the mirror and immediately focused on what you don't like… If you always criticize that one part your body… If part of you is still waiting to lose weight before you fully live your life… This episode is for you. Make sure to grab Anne's Body Confidence Unlocked E-Guide below. In this conversation with body image expert Anne Poirier, we explore a completely different way of thinking about your body… one that doesn't require forcing yourself to love it or constantly trying to fix it. Anne shares how body image isn't actually about your body, but it's about your perception, your past, and the patterns that have been running in the background for years. We talk about: – Why the inner critic feels so loud and hard to escape – How dieting and "being good" with food can disconnect you from your body – The idea of body neutrality and why it may feel more realistic than body love – How comparison, perfectionism, and overdoing can all tie back to body image You'll also hear a different take on intuitive eating… especially if you've ever thought, "That won't work for me." And maybe most importantly… We touch on the ways women quietly hold themselves back waiting to feel better in their bodies before they show up fully in their lives. This episode is not about doing more or trying harder. It's about starting to see yourself differently… with a little more awareness, a little more compassion, and a lot more possibility. About Anne Poirier Anne Poirier is a nationally recognized body image expert, certified intuitive eating counselor, and author of The Body Joyful: My Journey from Self-Loathing to Self-Acceptance, winner of a Gold Medal at the 2025 Global Book Awards. After overcoming years of body shame and disordered eating, Anne has become a leading voice in the body neutrality movement, helping people find peace with food, movement, and themselves. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Women's Health, Shape, and NPR. Connect With Anne Grab your Body Confidence Unlocked E-guide here! https://shapingperspectives.com/confidence/   Book links:  The Body Joyful The Body Neutrality Playbook-Activities and daily practices to unlock body confidence, self-acceptance, and inner peace  Not a Fat Annie   Connect with Kim: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    150. Why Am I Emotional Eating Even When I'm Not Hungry? Here's The Brain Science Behind It

    If you've been struggling with emotional eating, anxiety, overwhelm, or feeling like your brain just isn't working the way it used,  this episode is going to change how you see all of it.  This episode is a great way to celebrate the Emotional Eats Podcast's Episode 150. In this conversation with neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Rondeau, we go deeper than labels like ADHD, anxiety, or even emotional eating. We unpack how your brain patterns, combined with your environment and life transitions, are driving your behaviors. And why what you've been told to do hasn't worked. Dr. Rondeau uses EEG brain mapping, a tool that measures electrical activity in the brain, to identify patterns that influence how you think, feel, and respond to stress. What he shares will help you understand why your habits are showing up, what your brain is actually trying to do for you, and how to start working with it instead of against it. In this episode, we cover: Why diagnoses like anxiety or ADHD don't tell the full story How brain patterns influence behavior, cravings, and emotional reactions The connection between perfectionism, people pleasing, and negative self-talk Why midlife transitions can intensify symptoms How your environment shapes the way your brain functions Key takeaways: What looks like lack of control is often your brain trying to meet a need The same solution will not work for everyone because brain patterns are different Midlife changes can expose patterns that were always there, not create new ones Understanding your patterns can reduce shame and open the door to change This episode will help you see yourself differently. With more understanding, more compassion, and a clearer path forward. Stay until the end to get some simple shifts to improve your brain. About Dr. Stephen Rondeau Dr. Rondeau began his work in developmental pediatrics, looking for objective ways to understand the brain. A pivotal moment came when he scanned a patient labeled as having severe anxiety, only to discover her brain patterns aligned with ADHD. Once treated appropriately, her symptoms resolved. After seeing this repeatedly, he recognized a bigger issue. Mental health care often relies on labels without truly understanding what is happening underneath. His work now focuses on using brain data to reframe symptoms as signals, helping people find environments where they function best. He describes this as the Husky Phenomenon. Many people are not broken. They are simply in environments that do not match how their brain works. Connect With Dr. Steve Find THINK LIKE A BRAIN, Dr. Steve Rondeau's book here: https://www.thinklikeabrain.com/ Website: https://axoneegsolutions.com/ Website: https://wholeness.com/doctors/dr-steven-rondeau/ IG:   https://www.instagram.com/dr_rondeau_qeeg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-steven-rondeau-148aa421/ Connect with Kim: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    149. Feeling Stuck in Midlife? Kids Are Gone, Career Is Shifting, Identity Feels Off. Try These 5 Habits

    Midlife isn't a crisis… it's a transition. In this conversation, John Michael O'Shea shares how to shift your perspective so your next chapter feels intentional, grounded, and even exciting. From identity changes to empty nesting, relationships, and purpose, this episode will help you see that your best years may actually be ahead of you.   What This Episode Covers Why midlife transitions can feel unsettling… and how to reframe them The shift from taking care of everyone else to finally asking, what do I want? How to live more intentionally instead of just going through the motions The difference between setting goals and creating daily standards Navigating marriage, friendships, and connection in this stage of life Letting go as a parent and supporting your kids as young adults Using faith, gratitude, and slowing down to create more peace   Highlights "Your best years are in front of you, not behind you." Midlife is an opportunity to redefine your values, not just your schedule Standards create a way of living… goals just give you a destination Connection, purpose, and intentional living are key pillars of this stage About John Michael: John Michael O'Shea is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a Master of Science in Lifestyle Health and Coaching from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. With over two decades of leadership and talent development experience in national corporate environments, he brings both professional expertise and real-life perspective to his work. He is a husband, father of two college-aged sons, and a mentor to high school seniors through a local nonprofit. His coaching focuses on helping people build a growth mindset, create sustainable systems, and develop daily habits that support long-term success. Connect With John Michael: Website: https://www.instagram.com/onepurposewellness/?hl=en IG:   https://www.instagram.com/onepurposewellness/?hl=en   Connect with Kim: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    148. Stop Sugar Addiction Over 40 Without Dieting

    In this episode, Christine Trimpe shares a powerful conversation about what it really takes to break free from sugar addiction and emotional eating. Christine opens up about the pain, secrecy, shame, and hopelessness that kept her stuck for years, and how everything began to change when she realized her struggle was deeper than a lack of discipline or willpower. You will hear about the hidden reality of sugar addiction, why dieting and white-knuckling never create lasting freedom.  You'll hear how emotional health, physical health, hormones, and faith all play a role in healing. Christine also shares how women can begin breaking destructive patterns step by step instead of staying trapped in the "sugar shackles" This episode is full of honesty, hope, and a much-needed reminder that the struggle with food is not just about food. If you have ever felt ashamed of your cravings, exhausted by starting over, or frustrated that traditional diets keep failing you, this conversation will speak straight to your heart. This is a deeply hope filled episode for the woman who is tired of fighting food and wants a more honest, healing, faith filled and sustainable path forward. About Christine: Christine Trimpe is a bold wellness coach for professional women ready to break free from sugar dependency, reset their metabolism, and reclaim their energy, confidence, and focus. Founder of The SugarFreed® Method and a certified health coach and SUGAR® Licensed Practitioner, she blends emotional regulation, mindset work, and metabolic science to create lasting transformation—body, mind, and spirit. After her own 100-pound health turnaround, Christine now equips high-capacity women to overcome addictive patterns, restore wellness, and rise with renewed purpose. Featured by Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Woman's World, DietDoctor, and numerous local news outlets, she is the author of SugarFreed (2025) and the award-winning Seeking Joy (2021).   Free Gift from Christine: Free Gift––Break the Sugar Cycle: A 7-Step Plan to End Sugar Cravings at Your Pace https://pages.christinetrimpe.net/break-sugar-cycle-plan-2026-1   Connect With Christine: Website: www.christinetrimpe.com Top New Release Book, SugarFreed: https://christinetrimpe.com/sugarfreed/ Award-Winning Advent Book, Seeking Joy: https://christinetrimpe.com/seeking-joy/ Invite Christine to Speak: https://christinetrimpe.com/speaking/   Social media links:          Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristineTrimpeLLC          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachchristinetrimpe/          Twitter: https://x.com/TrimpeChristine          YouTube: @ChristineTrimpe https://youtube.com/christinetrimpe          Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/coachchristinetrimpe/          LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-trimpe-07123299/ Connect with Kim: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    147. How to Stop Emotional Eating Without Dieting or Willpower

    If you're a midlife woman and have spent years bouncing between "being good" with food and "falling off track," this conversation will make you feel seen. In this episode, Julie Latz shares the story behind her decades-long cycle of binge eating, secrecy, and food obsession, and the exact mindset shift that helped her finally create peace with food. Julie opens up about how early messages around food and body image can quietly shape our relationship with eating for decades. We talk about why restriction fuels obsession, why moderation feels impossible when food has been labeled "forbidden," and how shame keeps women stuck in the same loop. Julie introduces a simple, practical framework that replaces willpower with what she calls "want power." It's not about perfection or fear-based rules. It's about pausing, tuning into what you truly want, and learning how to make choices that leave you feeling satisfied and emotionally steady. You'll also hear her "tricks to make it stick," including how to delay satisfaction, scale down portions without panic, and plan for real life so you don't end up making choices from desperation. If you've ever felt like food takes up too much space in your mind, this episode will help you see that a calmer, more empowered way is possible. About Julie Julie Latz spent 45 years struggling with binge and emotional eating before finding lasting freedom. She has lost 90 pounds without dieting, shame, or guilt, and now shares simple, practical tools to help people create a peaceful relationship with food so they can enjoy their lives without obsession or self-judgment. About Julie Join Julie's PEACEFUL EATERS Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/peacefuleater/ Website:  https://ron2276.wixsite.com/peacefuleater   Connect with Kim: Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

  10. 152

    146. Why Does Sex Hurt and Why Am I Leaking Urine? How to Solve Pelvic Floor Problems After 40

    Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ ABOUT THE EPISODE Talking about bladder leaks, recurrent UTIs, painful sex, and pleasure can feel really uncomfortable. In this episode, Kim sits down with Heather Florio, pelvic and sexual health educator and owner of Desert Harvest Aloe Vera, for a practical and empowering conversation about what is happening to women's bodies in midlife and what options actually exist. Heather shares why so many women over 40 and 50 struggle with bladder symptoms, how menopause and hormone shifts can impact the bladder lining and pelvic floor, and what women need to know about the vaginal microbiome, pH, and lubricant safety. They also move into sexual health, body image, and confidence, including a simple self-exploration practice that can help women reconnect with their bodies and communicate what they need. In this episode, you'll hear about Why recurrent UTIs often increase in menopause and what interstitial cystitis can feel like How IC differs from a UTI and why misdiagnosis can happen The role of vaginal estrogen, HRT, and finding menopause-trained clinicians Why the vaginal and urinary microbiome matter more than most women realize What to look for in lubricants, including pH and osmolality, and why many products can disrupt the vaginal barrier Pelvic floor dysfunction, why Kegels are not always the answer, and when pelvic floor PT can help Midlife libido changes, orgasm changes, and options that may support sexual function Reclaiming pleasure, shedding shame, and building body confidence in midlife Kim's Thoughts Heather brings such a rare combination of deep scientific knowledge and genuine compassion to the listeners. She creates a space where women can talk openly about bladder infections, pelvic pain, and sexual health without embarrassment, but with real information and clarity. I feel Heather is deeply committed to helping women reconnect with their bodies instead of feeling ashamed or disconnected from them.   About Heather Florio: Heather Florio is a pelvic and sexual health educator and the owner of Desert Harvest Aloe Vera. She is passionate about helping women reclaim their pleasure, confidence, and pelvic health. Her message is powerful and bold: reclaiming your pleasure is your birthright. Connect with Heather: Website:  https://desertharvest.com/ Social Media:  IG : @desertharvestaloevera and @hmflorio FB: @desertharvest     Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

  11. 151

    145. Sugar Addiction in Menopause: How to Stop Cravings After 40

    Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ ABOUT THE EPISODE If you're over 40 and feel addicted to sugar, stuck in cravings, or like you "can't just stop," this episode is for you. Kim gets real about the shame so many women carry around sugar, especially in midlife. If you wake up determined to be "good" and then by 3 pm or 9 pm you're back in the pantry, you're not weak. This is not a discipline problem. In this episode, you'll hear why sugar can feel like a coping mechanism that your brain and body automatically reach for, and why menopause can make the whole cycle feel even more intense. Kim shares her personal story with sugar addiction, what finally helped her understand what was happening (and it wasn't about the sugar), and the first steps to start changing the pattern without beating yourself up. In this episode, we talk about: The difference between "having cravings" and feeling truly out of control with sugar Why shame, secret eating, and hiding wrappers are more common than you think How dopamine and anticipation can drive cravings before you even take a bite Why the hardest times of day are often 2–4 pm and evening How blood sugar crashes can feel like anxiety, irritability, fatigue, or agitation The midlife hormone connection: insulin resistance, menopause symptoms, and cravings Why sugar is everywhere (including hidden sources) and how that keeps the cycle going The nervous system piece: sugar as "fast relief" when you're stressed, overwhelmed, or depleted Gentle, practical steps to stabilize your day with protein, fiber, hydration, and routine This episode is a reminder that cravings are normal in this time of life. They are information. And once you understand the pattern, you can start responding differently, with more support and a lot more grace…not dieting. Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    144. Am I In Perimenopause? Signs, Stages, and Why Doctors Miss It

    Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ ABOUT THE EPISODE If you have been feeling "off" in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and you cannot quite explain it, I can't wait for you to here this conversation. In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle White, a nutritional therapy practitioner and host of the Inspired Wellness Podcast, for a clear and compassionate breakdown of what perimenopause actually is, why so many women (and doctors) miss it, and how to stop ignoring yourself when your body is waving red flags. What is perimenopause? Michelle explains the hormonal shifts that drive the symptoms so many women are experiencing, including why progesterone often declines first, why estrogen can feel like a rollercoaster, and how stress and cortisol can amplify everything from mood to sleep to cravings. We also talk about why "normal labs" do not always match how you feel, and why symptom tracking and the right support matter. One of the most helpful parts of this episode is Michelle's framework of the four stages of perimenopause. Instead of thinking of it as one long miserable stretch, you will start to recognize patterns and understand why your experience may feel cyclical, inconsistent, and unpredictable. We also get into the lesser-known symptoms that can blindside women, like joint pain, frozen shoulder, histamine reactions, heart palpitations, itchy skin or ears, burning tongue, and even changes in pelvic floor health. If you have ever said, "I used to tolerate this just fine, what is happening to me?" you are going to feel very seen. Finally, we talk about what actually helps. Michelle shares simple, actionable strategies to support blood sugar stability, reduce cortisol overload, and regulate your nervous system without requiring you to overhaul your life overnight. This is the season to shift the goal from "being skinny" to being strong, steady, and well, for the decades ahead. In this episode, we cover: What perimenopause is (and why menopause is technically one day) Why symptoms can be real even when labs look "normal" The four stages of perimenopause and what they can feel like The surprising symptoms women are not warned about How cortisol, sleep, and blood sugar connect to cravings and mood Why the "old rulebook" for dieting and exercise stops working in midlife Nervous system regulation ideas that are realistic for busy women A powerful mindset shift: listen to your body and build your future strong self About Michelle Michelle White is a Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and the host of the Inspired Wellness Podcast, where she helps women—especially those navigating perimenopause and menopause—understand what's happening in their bodies and how to support hormonal balance, energy, and long-term health. Michelle specializes in a whole-body, root-cause approach to wellness, with a strong focus on blood sugar regulation, nervous system support, gut health, and sustainable lifestyle shifts for midlife women. Her work centers on helping women stop blaming themselves for symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes—and instead feel informed, empowered, and supported through this transition. Through her podcast, one-on-one client work, and educational content, Michelle is passionate about normalizing conversations around perimenopause and giving women practical tools to feel better in their bodies at every stage of life. Connect with Michelle Website: https://theinspiredwellnesscoach.com Podcast: Inspired Wellness Podcast (Apple & Spotify) Instagram: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    143. Menopause Weight Gain and Fitness Trends: What Actually Works After 40

    Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ ABOUT THE EPISODE: This episode felt like coming home. Ren Jones was one of my earliest guests, back when both of our podcasts and businesses were just beginning. Now he's back for Episode 143, and this conversation is full circle in the best way. Two friends reuniting, reflecting on growth, and sharing what midlife women really need, beyond diet culture and noise online. Ren shares the personal story behind why he's so committed to women's health, how his coaching has evolved, and what it actually means to be menopause informed without pretending to be a medical provider. We also go into the emotional side of change and why listening and trust are often the missing pieces for women who have spent years trying to "fix" themselves. We lighten it up with a rapid fire game where he rates some of the biggest wellness trends and gives honest, no fluff answers. In This Episode, We Talk About The full circle reunion: Episode 4 to Episode 143 Ren's personal why and what shaped his mission Coaching with curiosity instead of convincing Menopause noise online and how to find trusted support Why women need health span, not just weight loss Rapid fire ratings on popular fitness and wellness trends Key Takeaways Your health is an experiment, not a pass or fail test. The right plan is the one you can actually do consistently. Focus on strength and independence now so your future self is supported. Lifespan matters, but health span matters more. About Ren Jones Ren Jones is a women's fitness and nutrition coach who helps women 30+ and midlife women build real strength, steady consistency, and confidence with exercise and eating using menopause informed, evidence based training. Check out Ren's first episode on the Emotional Eats Podcast Ep. 4 — Building Strength After 40: How Women Gain Confidence, Independence, and Lasting Health in Midlife https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-building-strength-after-40-how-women-gain-confidence/id1686639038?i=1000614861038 Connect with Ren Follow Ren on IG:  @fitnessjonestraining Website:  www.fitnessjonestraining.com   Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    142. How to Stop Emotional Eating in Midlife Without Controlling Food: The Real Reasons It's So Hard with MJ Murray Vachon

    Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ ABOUT THE EPISODE: Midlife can feel overwhelming in ways many women never expected. The responsibilities are heavier, the body feels different, and the strategies that once worked to manage stress, weight, and emotions suddenly don't anymore. In this episode, Kim is joined by licensed clinical social worker, mental wellness educator, and podcast host MJ Murray Vachon for a grounded, compassionate conversation about why midlife women are struggling and why it is not a personal failure. MJ brings nearly 40 years of clinical experience into a conversation that reframes stress, emotional eating, and weight struggles through the lens of the nervous system, culture, and self-trust. Instead of focusing on discipline or willpower, she helps women understand what their bodies are asking for and how to reconnect with themselves in practical, realistic ways. This episode is about slowing down, removing shame, and learning how to regulate from the inside out so food, habits, and health no longer feel like a constant battle.  Listen to the end for practical tips from MJ. What we cover Why midlife women feel constantly stretched thin and emotionally overloaded How stress shows up in coping behaviors like emotional eating, alcohol, and cannabis use Why willpower and discipline stop working in midlife The role culture, technology, and modern life play in nervous system overload The difference between self-monitoring and self-attunement Simple body-based tools to calm stress before it turns into burnout or overeating Why midlife health and weight loss require a very different approach than earlier decades Key takeaways Calm does not come from thinking harder or trying harder. It starts in the body. Regulating the nervous system must come before reflection, problem-solving, or change. Much of the stress women feel is cultural and generational, not personal failure. Self-attunement builds self-trust, which is essential for sustainable health in midlife. Small, imperfect steps done consistently matter more than all-or-nothing efforts. About MJ MJ Murray Vachon is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 40 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, and major life transitions. She has facilitated more than 50,000 therapy sessions and delivered over 800 mental wellness workshops. She is the founder of Inner Challenge, a mental wellness program launched in 1993, and the host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, which was selected by Maria Shriver as "Listen of the Week" in January 2024. MJ's work is practical, compassionate, and rooted in helping people reconnect with their heart, body, and mind using tools they can apply immediately in real life.   Check out these episodes from MJ's podcast Creating Midlife Calm: Ep. 228 — A Calmer Approach to Ep.229 Midlife Weight Loss Using Coping Skills That Reduce Anxiety & Stress While You Lose Weight https://pod.fo/e/376d25 Ep. 229 — Coping Skills to Overcome the Biggest Saboteurs of Midlife Weight Loss—and Decrease Anxiety & Stress https://pod.fo/e/379386 Connect with MJ Website: https://mjmurrayvachon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-j-murray-vachon-lcsw-184252289 Instagram: @vachonmjmurray Facebook: MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW   Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    141. Menopause Weight Gain and Symptoms No One Warns You About: Hormones, ADHD, and HRT

    Join the Cool Girl Collective This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ This episode is one of those conversations that feels easy, natural, and surprisingly comforting. I'm joined by Jen, the creator behind the popular TikTok and Instagram account @jenopause_midlife, and what happens is an honest, fun, and deeply relatable conversation about midlife, hormones, and everything women were never really taught about this stage of life. We talk about what it's like to start experiencing changes in your body and mind and not have the language, information, or support to understand what's happening. We explore why so many women feel dismissed or confused in midlife, why symptoms are often misunderstood, and how powerful it can be to finally realize you're not alone. This episode also dives into why humor matters so much during perimenopause and menopause, how social media has unexpectedly become a place for connection and education, and what happens when women finally start talking openly about their experiences instead of suffering quietly. It's lighthearted, real, educational without being overwhelming, and feels more like two friends talking than a formal interview. In This Episode, We Touch On What women are (and aren't) told about perimenopause and menopause Why midlife symptoms are so often misunderstood or dismissed The emotional side of midlife changes Learning about hormones later than expected Finding connection, validation, and support in unexpected places Why humor can be such a powerful coping and teaching tool About Jen Jen is the founder of Jenopause Midlife, a women's health education and advocacy platform dedicated to bringing honesty, support, and empowerment to the midlife experience. Known for her warmth, candor, and humor, Jen brings a refreshing authenticity to conversations many women have been taught to keep quiet. After more than two decades in high-performance ad sales roles, Jen began experiencing physical and emotional changes that were repeatedly dismissed. She later learned she was in perimenopause, a realization that collided with a challenging chapter at work and eventually led to an ADHD diagnosis later in life. These experiences opened her eyes to how often women are misdiagnosed, minimized, or left to navigate midlife without understanding or support. Motivated to change that narrative, Jen earned a menopause coaching certification, not to coach clients, but to deepen her knowledge so she could better educate, validate, and advocate for women who deserve real answers. Through Jenopause Midlife, she helps women understand their options, find quality care, and feel less alone through education, humor, and open conversation. Jen also serves on the Board of Directors of the NYC YMCA and is active in fundraising and community volunteer work. She lives between New York City and the Jersey Shore with her husband. Find and Follow Jen You can find Jen on TikTok and Instagram at @jenopause_midlife Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    140. Easy Meal Prep for Women Over 40: Stop Snacking, Takeout, and Overeating

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Meal Prep Made Simple In Episode 140 of the Emotional Eats podcast, Kim breaks down the simple system she uses to have real food available for all four meals of the day, even when life is busy and cravings are loud. This is not about building a perfect weekly meal plan or cooking five matching meals in containers. It's about being prepared with the right basics so you can pull meals together fast. Kim explains why she focuses on protein and fiber first (because carbs are easy to add if you want them), how this approach supports blood sugar stability and the midlife midsection, and why cooking at home often takes less time than ordering food. You'll also hear her practical shortcuts for making food feel doable and using the crockpot or Instant Pot when nothing is thawed, and always cooking extra so lunch is handled the next day. She also shares what she packs for travel to stay prepared on the road, plus small mindset shifts that help you stop overcomplicating meals and start trusting yourself in the kitchen. A few highlights Kim's four-meals-a-day framework: breakfast, lunch, afternoon mini meal, and dinner The "three thawed proteins" rule that makes cooking feel effortless How to build meals from protein + fiber without overthinking carbs Quick proteins that cook in about 10 minutes The no-stress turkey meatball method and why cooking extra changes everything Backup foods that save you when leftovers disappear Simple travel prep that prevents impulse eating on the road If you want a realistic way to cook more at home, stabilize blood sugar, and feel more in control around food in midlife, this episode gives you a plan you can actually use.   Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    139. Alcohol and Menopause: What I Learned After Quitting Drinking in Midlife

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ To Drink or Not to Drink in Midlife In today's episode, we're talking about alcohol in midlife through a completely non-judgmental lens. If you're still drinking, not ready to let go, or you've tried before and gone back, you're not doing anything wrong. This conversation is here to help you understand what alcohol may be doing to your body, your hormones, your cravings, your mood, and your nervous system so you can make choices that feel right for you, in your own time. I also share my personal story, including my alcohol-free date of January 24, 2022, and what I've learned over the years about why alcohol can feel so different after 40. If you feel you may be dealing with addiction or dependence, please reach out to a support group, your medical provider, or a mental health professional. Highlights My personal journey with alcohol and why this time it finally stuck Why alcohol often feels different after 40, especially through perimenopause and beyond The overlap between alcohol, "hangxiety", low motivation, sleep disruption, and louder cravings How alcohol affects metabolism, blood sugar, hunger cues, and hormonal balance Why alcohol and emotional eating often go hand-in-hand as coping strategies Gentle reflection questions and practical steps if you're curious about changing your patterns The social side of not drinking and how to navigate pressure without shame Key Takeaways Alcohol can disrupt sleep, mood, motivation, and cravings in midlife in ways that feel confusing if you don't realize what's happening physiologically. Many women use alcohol the way they use food, scrolling, or other habits: to soothe and regulate the nervous system. When you begin paying attention without judgment, you gain clarity and choice, which makes change easier when you're ready. Simple pattern interruptions and nervous system tools can help you respond differently, even before you decide what your long-term relationship with alcohol will be. You are not behind. Your timeline is your timeline, and support matters. Closing Thought This episode isn't about perfection or pressure. It's about listening, understanding what your body is asking for in midlife, and creating space to choose what actually makes you feel well. If alcohol has been part of how you cope, you're human. And you deserve support as you figure out what feels right for you. Resources Mentioned This Naked Mind by Annie Grace The Mocktail Mom episode (Year One Episode 3) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-breaking-up-with-alcohol-in-midlife-with-deb/id1686639038?i=1000613979697 Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    138. Menopause Anxiety: Why It Happens and What Helps

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ If you are a woman in perimenopause or post-menopause and you've noticed more anxiety, restlessness, looping thoughts, or feeling constantly on edge, this episode is for you. In this episode, Kim shares why anxiety in midlife often feels different than it did earlier in life and why it may be connected to hormonal and physiological changes, not just stress or mindset. She shares what she is seeing in her own journey, in her clients, and in the conversations women are finally starting to have out loud. This episode connects the dots between changing estrogen levels, brain chemistry, real-life stressors, and the subtle ways anxiety shows up in midlife, including overstimulation, social discomfort, and the need to control or over-prepare. Kim also discusses why anxiety can persist even for women on hormone therapy, why hormone absorption and gut health matter, and why hormone therapy is a personal choice that should be made with a qualified healthcare provider. You'll hear practical insights around calming the nervous system, sleep, food, movement, and small daily habits that can help women feel safer and more grounded in their bodies during this season of life. This episode is for education and awareness only. If anxiety feels overwhelming or unmanageable, listeners are encouraged to speak with a medical provider or mental health professional. Hormone therapy is a personal decision and should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Episode Highlights Why midlife anxiety often feels louder, stickier, and harder to manage The connection between estrogen, the brain, and the stress response How real-life transitions in midlife can amplify anxiety Subtle anxiety symptoms women rarely talk about Why control and over-preparation can be coping mechanisms Gentle, supportive ways to calm the nervous system and feel safer in the moment Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    137. Best of 2025: Menopause, Hormones, Weight Gain, and Emotional Eating in Midlife

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ This special Best of 2025 episode brings together the most listened to, most shared, and most talked about moments from the Emotional Eats Podcast this year. Out of dozens of powerful conversations, these seven clips stood out for the way they resonated with listeners and sparked meaningful reflection around midlife health. The episodes highlighted in this compilation cover a wide range of topics that matter deeply to women navigating midlife, including emotional eating, gut health, hormones, stress, nervous system regulation, and symptoms that often go unexplained or overlooked. Some of the most downloaded conversations weren't necessarily the ones you might expect, which speaks to how curious and open this community has become to exploring root causes and new perspectives. This episode also reflects the depth and variety of the podcast in 2025, blending expert interviews with real, honest conversations that challenged assumptions and helped listeners better understand what may be influencing their health and behaviors. Whether you listened to every episode this year or missed a few along the way, this Best of 2025 is a chance to revisit the conversations that had the greatest impact and discover why these moments stood out among listeners. Episodes Featured in the Best of 2025 Celebration: Holly Bertone-FBI Tactics to Stop Emotional Eating: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/116-rewire-your-brain-to-stop-emotional-eating-using/id1686639038?i=1000718298992 Tricia Nelson- Stop Emotional Eating and Sugar Addiction: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/118-break-free-from-emotional-eating-and-sugar/id1686639038?i=1000720584048 Dr. Betsy Greenleaf: Vaginal Health 101 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/127-vaginal-health-101-with-dr-betsy-greenleaf/id1686639038?i=1000730400243 Kim Rogers:  The Worm Queen Protects You From Parasites https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/103-the-shocking-truth-about-your-midlife-weight-gain/id1686639038?i=1000704293475 Amber Romaniuk:  Stop Emotional Eating by Understanding Your Hormones https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/115-trauma-dopamine-and-the-drive-to-numb-how-to/id1686639038?i=1000717168025 Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp:  Aging Well and Biohacking for Women's Health https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/123-why-aging-doesnt-have-to-be-hard-biohacks-that/id1686639038?i=1000725511972 Jennifer Navara:  Helping Your Body Feel Safe to Heal https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/130-why-midlife-women-need-a-safe-space-to-reset/id1686639038?i=1000736093284 Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    136. Setting Boundaries with Parents: How Family Stress Triggers Emotional Eating

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ This episode is a reminder that you are not "too sensitive" for needing boundaries and that healing does not require approval from the people who hurt you. Peace, safety, and a healthier relationship with food are possible. The holidays have a way of pulling us right back into old roles, old triggers, and deeply ingrained family patterns. In this powerful and honest conversation, Kim sits down with Dr. Dawnmarie Risley to unpack dysfunctional family dynamics, the mother wound, and why so many midlife women still feel emotionally activated around their parents, even decades later. Together, they explore how chronic boundary violations, guilt, and unresolved trauma can quietly drive emotional eating, nervous system dysregulation, and a lifelong sense of self-doubt. This episode offers clarity, validation, and hope for women who are ready to break generational patterns and reclaim their peace. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why family dynamics can instantly trigger old roles and emotional patterns How dysfunctional parent relationships affect boundaries, identity, and self-trust The connection between chronic stress, shame, and emotional eating Why mother-daughter relationships can feel especially complicated Letting go of guilt around boundaries, aging parents, and caregiving What forgiveness really means when it comes to healing yourself Simple nervous system tools to calm your body when you feel activated Practical takeaways: Boundaries are information. Repeated boundary violations are data, not misunderstandings. Protecting your peace does not make you selfish, even if others react strongly. Emotional eating is often a coping strategy, not a lack of willpower. Regulating your nervous system is a critical step toward healing your relationship with food and yourself.. About Dr. Dawnmarie Risley Dr. Dawnmarie Risley is a board-certified psychiatrist, keynote speaker, and author of The Offering: A Physician's Journey Through Abuse, Psychedelics, and the Freedom of Forgiveness. With over two decades of experience in psychiatry and forensic work, she brings both clinical expertise and lived wisdom to her work. Her message centers on breaking cycles of abuse, understanding malignant family dynamics, and reclaiming personal freedom without minimizing harm or bypassing truth. Through her writing and speaking, Dawnmarie helps women release shame, find their voice, and step into healing that is grounded, compassionate, and empowering. Outside of her professional work, she is a devoted mother who finds grounding in nature, home renovation, and creative pursuits. A licensed pilot and experienced skydiver, she believes that courage, curiosity, and adventure can be powerful pathways to healing and self-trust. Where to find Dr. Dawnmarie Risley Website: https://www.drrisleychilds.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drrisleychilds/ Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    135. Why Menopause Weight Won't Budge: The Last Five Pounds Explained | Kim Hynes

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ If you've ever felt frustrated, stuck, or conflicted about that last bit of weight, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and permission to choose health, peace, and sustainability over constant striving. In this episode, Kim tackles a question she hears constantly from midlife women and clients: What about the last five to eight pounds? Should we keep pushing, or is there a point where the body is actually asking for safety, stability, and compassion instead of more effort? Kim shares why this topic is complicated, emotional, and deeply tied to decades of diet culture, especially for women over 40 navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. She reframes weight loss for midlife women to look consider body trust, metabolism, hormones, nervous system safety, and long-term health rather than scale obsession. You'll hear why holding onto weight, especially in the midsection, is often a protective response rather than a failure, and why doing "all the right things" does not always mean the body is ready to let go of more. Kim explains the difference between fat, inflammation, water retention, and body composition, and why the scale alone is not the best tool. Topics covered include: ·       Why the last five pounds are often the hardest in midlife ·       How diet culture keeps us blaming ourselves instead of listening to our bodies ·       The role of safety, stress, and the nervous system in fat loss ·       Why under-eating can stall progress even when habits feel "clean" ·       How protein, fiber, and food volume support metabolism ·       The impact of skipping meals, especially breakfast ·       Strength training, progressive overload, and why muscle matters more than scale weight ·       Non-exercise activity and why daily movement counts more than you think ·       Inflammation, alcohol, sugar, gluten, and individual food sensitivities ·       Why midlife bodies respond better to gentleness than pressure ·       Tiny shifts versus overhauls and why patience matters ·       Choosing between feeling leaner versus weighing less ·       Letting go of perfection and redefining success at this stage of life Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    134. Why Menopause Weight Won't Budge: The Last Five Pounds Explained

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ If you are a woman in your 40s, 50s, or 60s who keeps promising yourself you will "start fresh" on Monday, the 1st of the month, or January 1, this episode is for you! That all or nothing pattern is not only exhausting, it is really hard on your hormones, your nervous system, and your midlife body. In this conversation, Kim shares how to ditch the giant overhaul and instead build a handful of tiny daily habits that your body can actually handle. These small shifts support your blood sugar, nervous system, and hormones so that your energy, mood, and midsection can finally start to feel better without another extreme diet or punishing plan. You will hear why starting now matters more than starting perfectly, and how waiting until "after the holidays" or "when life calms down" is keeping you stuck. Kim explains how these simple habits help calm cortisol, support insulin, protect your precious midlife muscle, and create the consistency your body is desperately craving. Instead of giving you a rigid checklist, Kim walks you through a menu of ten tiny habits that you could add into your day. You are not meant to do all of them at once. You will learn how to choose just two or three that feel realistic for your life right now and let those become your new normal. From how you start your morning, to how you eat, move, unwind, and prepare for tomorrow, each small choice is designed to be doable, repeatable, and kind to your midlife body. If you are tired of starting over, this episode will help you start smaller, start gentler, and actually stick with it. In this episode, you will learn: ·       Why starting now beats waiting for Monday, the first, or January ·       How all or nothing plans spike cortisol and make midlife weight loss harder ·       The connection between tiny daily habits, insulin resistance, and belly fat ·       Simple ways to build a calmer morning, more satisfied meals, and better sleep ·       How to pick just 2 or 3 tiny habits so you can feel successful instead of overwhelmed ·       Why your midlife body responds better to consistency, safety, and structure than perfection Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    133. How Women Over 40 Set Boundaries and Stop People Pleasing

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ This fun, lighthearted episode has a big dose of truth underneath it. Kim is 59 and officially in her "not gonna do it anymore" era, and if you are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, you will feel this in your soul. As we move through perimenopause and post-menopause, our identity gets clearer, our tolerance for nonsense drops, and we finally start owning what we will and will not do with our time, energy, body, and brain. In this episode, Kim shares her personal "not gonna do it" list with humor and honesty. From refusing to diet and starve just to see a certain number on the scale, to breaking up with pants that dig into her waist, to officially retiring from kale, peppers, and uncomfortable shoes, this is a celebration of comfort, clarity, and self respect in midlife. She also talks about the deeper stuff, like not saying yes just to avoid making someone uncomfortable, not being the emotional life raft for everyone, and no longer apologizing for who she is. You will hear Kim talk about: ·       Why she refuses to diet, starve, or obsessively track every calorie at 59 ·       Her new rules for pants, jeans, and clothes that actually feel good on a midlife body ·       Why kale and peppers did not make the cut and how to build a healthy way of eating without forcing foods you hate ·       People pleasing, smiling on command, and no longer shrinking herself so others feel comfortable ·       Phone and text boundaries, bedtime rules, and why nighttime talking is a no ·       Saying no to loud, standing-room-only events, endless small talk, and group expectations that drain your energy ·       Letting go of the pressure to have a perfectly clean house while still creating a home that feels good ·       Claiming quiet time, alone time, hobbies, and things that bring simple joy (yes, including crocheting and reality TV) ·       Not overexplaining, not minimizing her needs, and learning to voice emotions without over sharing ·       The decision to stop apologizing for who she is after a lifetime of earning this version of herself Kim reminds you that your "not gonna do it" list is not negative or rebellious. It is about clarity. It is about finally knowing what works for you and what does not, and having the courage to honor that. Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Brain.fm   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.   LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    132. Post-Menopause Belly Fat: 5 More Fixes Women Over 50 Need (Part 2)

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Feeling better in post-menopause isn't just about food and workouts. In this second half of the series, we shift into the emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle habits that quietly change everything. These are the simple, powerful practices that helped me finally sustain the physical habits from Part 1 )see link below), feel grounded, reduce cravings, and step into this stage of life with more confidence. In this episode, you'll hear about: ·       How grounding practices and emotional regulation made a bigger difference than I expected ·       Why nature, light exposure, and simple daily rhythms help calm your body and lower stress ·       The surprising role hobbies, puzzles, and new interests play in cutting cravings and boosting joy ·       Why midlife connection, community, and support matter more than ever ·       The lifestyle cleanups and boundaries that make your body feel safe enough to actually change If you haven't listened to episode 131, go back for the first five "cheat" habits that cover the physical basics (see link below). Put all ten together and you have a simple, sustainable framework for feeling strong, steady, and confident in post-menopause. You are not doing midlife alone. You deserve to feel nourished, grounded, and at home in your body again. Click here for Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/131-post-menopause-belly-fat-these-5-fixes-feel-like/id1686639038?i=1000738110571 Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Brain.fm   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.   LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

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    131. Post-Menopause Belly Fat: Why It Happens and 5 Fixes That Help (Part 1)

    Join the Cool Girl Collective We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ If you've ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your midsection has changed even though you're doing everything "right," you're not imagining it. Once you hit your 40s, 50s, and 60s, the rules shift. Your hormones, metabolism, stress response, and cravings all change, and no one told you how to work with this new phase of your body. This episode kicks off a two-part series where Kim breaks down the first five foundational shifts that helped her feel better fast. These aren't complicated, restrictive, or punishing. They're simple, realistic changes that helped reduce inflammation, calm stress, support hormones, and bring back energy and confidence. Part one focuses on the physical foundations. Part two next week will dig into the emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle pieces that keep you grounded and consistent. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your midlife body responds differently (and why it's not your fault) The first step Kim recommends before changing anything in your routine How to think about food in a way that supports hormones and metabolism The type of movement that becomes essential as you age A daily pattern that helps calm stress and cravings naturally Why This Episode Matters Midlife isn't about dieting harder. It's about understanding what your body actually needs now. These five "cheat code" foundations helped Kim lower inflammation, feel stronger, stabilize her mood and cravings, and find her footing during a chaotic season of life. If you've been feeling confused, stuck, or frustrated with midlife changes, this episode will give you clarity on where to begin and what truly makes a difference. Next Week: Part Two Part two continues with the final five shifts that support emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle health during midlife. Make sure you're following the podcast so you don't miss the rest of the series.   Connect with Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Brain.fm   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.   LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow.  I would be so grateful.

  26. 136

    130. Why Midlife Women with Chronic Illness Need a Safe Place to Heal

    We created the Cool Girl Collective for women over 40 who are ready to feel supported, seen, and understood. Inside, you'll find real conversations about menopause, hormones, emotional eating, chronic illness, relationships, and everything midlife brings along with with humor, heart, and community. This is your safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find practical tools for your health and happiness. 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ This episode is deeply special because I get to introduce you to someone who means the world to me—my sister, Jennifer Navara. Jen is a holistic nutritional health coach and a powerful advocate for women navigating chronic illness, emotional healing, and midlife transformation. Together, we're sharing our own health journeys, the lessons we've learned through pain and healing, and the reason we created a brand-new community for women over 40, 50, and 60—the Cool Girl Collective. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, we share our sisterhood story, our different paths to healing, and the shared mission that unites us: helping women reclaim peace, power, and purpose in midlife. In This Episode Our sister story and how we reconnected through health coaching How chronic illness shaped Jen's mission to help women heal Why your body isn't broken, it's a messenger The connection between trauma, symptoms, and self-trust How emotional eating, restriction, and control show up in midlife The power of calming your nervous system for true healing Why we created the Cool Girl Collective and what it offers for midlife women A little humor, real talk, and some sisterly fun along the way About Jennifer Navara Jennifer Navara is the co-founder of The Cool Girl Collective and a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who helps women in midlife heal from years of chronic illness, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. After walking her own long road of illness and recovery, she discovered that true healing happens when we calm the nervous system, process stored emotions, and rebuild trust with the body. Her work blends compassion, intuition, and holistic guidance to help women feel safe, energized, and at peace within themselves. Jennifer's approach is about remembering your body's wisdom — not fighting against it. She believes midlife is not the end of something, but the beginning of coming home to who you truly are. Connect with Jennifer: IG:  https://www.instagram.com/theilluminatingpath/ Tik Tok:  @coachjennifernavara   Connect with Kim: Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@kimhynesmidlife   If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media. II would be so grateful.   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes.  Please always consult with your medical and mental health practitioners before trying anything you hear in the episode.

  27. 135

    129. Menopause Inflammation and Cravings: How Stress Impacts the Midlife Body

     Ayurvedic expert and turmeric researcher Dr. Shivani Gupta joins me to demystify Ayurveda for midlife women and show how small daily shifts can reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, and boost energy. Check out the free gift and discount code below for products. What you'll learn What Ayurveda actually is and how it helps body, mind, and spirit work together "Inflam-aging" explained, plus top inflammatory drivers and daily ways to lower the fire Six Ayurvedic pillars: gut health, circadian rhythm, daily self-care, super spices, mental inflammation, elemental design How Vata, Pitta, and Kapha tendencies show up in eating patterns and cravings Emotional eating through an Ayurvedic lens and how to build satisfaction into meals Adaptogens for women in midlife, and when turmeric can help with GLP-1 and insulin resistance How Ayurveda and hormone therapy can complement each other in perimenopause and menopause Turmeric basics: forms, absorption, quality, and practical use Highlights Inflam-aging is not "just getting older." It is chronic, low-grade inflammation meeting poor detox and lifestyle stressors. Gut health, circadian rhythm, and daily self-care are the backbone of hormone balance and resilience in midlife. Doshas influence cravings and meal patterns. Vata needs grounding warm meals, Pitta needs cooling balance, Kapha thrives with cooked foods and strategic fasting. Satisfaction is a form of self-care. Matching taste, texture, and temperature prevents the endless search for "something more." Turmeric can support GLP-1, insulin resistance, joint comfort, and brain health when used correctly and consistently. About Dr. Shivani Dr. Shivani Gupta is an Ayurvedic practitioner who bridges Eastern and Western approaches to help the body return to balance. She completed a Master's in Ayurvedic Sciences and earned a PhD focused on turmeric. Her work centers on inflammation as a root driver of many chronic conditions, and she teaches practical, at-home Ayurvedic tools and self-care rituals to restore energy, reduce pain and brain fog, and support vibrant health. She is passionate about making Ayurveda simple and actionable so busy women can feel better, think clearer, and live with more vitality. Connect with Dr. Shivani Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta https://instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta Facebook: @theshivanigupta https://www.facebook.com/theshivanigupta YouTube: @dr.shivanigupta https://www.youtube.com/@dr.shivanigupta Pinterest: @theshivanigupta https://www.pinterest.com/theshivanigupta Website: www.shivanigupta.com 7-Day Inflammation Detox Challenge: https://www.7dayinflammationdetox.com/optin1641313075014 Anti-Inflammatory  E-Cookbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ItNJ1DV3XsOn5MwBbSpeTFH8o3KFu2qk/view?usp=sharing Don't forget to use the code EMOTIONALEATS  for 15% off products.   If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes.  Please always consult with your medical and mental health practitioners before trying anything you hear in the episode.    

  28. 134

    128. How Women Over 40 Can Create Income and Freedom Onlin

    Would you like to start your own online business and learn high income skills?  You can get the information from either one of us here: https://www.midlifemarketingmentor.com/ What happens when you've done everything "right" but still find yourself stressed, exhausted, and without a retirement fund? In this honest and empowering conversation, Kim and 4 time returning guest Jessica Mitchell (a longtime health coach turned digital marketing mentor) open up about the financial realities many women over 50 face and the emotional toll that comes with it. Together, they share their personal stories of burnout, failed side hustles, and the pressure of chasing clients in the coaching industry. They dive into why financial stress is a real health issue and how it affects sleep, mood, and relationships. Most importantly, they discuss how learning new digital skills has helped them regain time, income, and hope for the future. This isn't about shame or hustle. It's about permission…to rest, to pivot, to learn something new, and to build financial stability in midlife without sacrificing your health or your peace. Whether you're a health coach, teacher, caregiver, or simply tired of the nine-to-five grind, this episode will inspire you to think differently about what's possible for your midlife years. Episode Highlights How Kim and Jessica went from health coaching to digital marketing and why it felt like a natural pivot. The hidden cost of financial stress on midlife women's health, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Why so many women feel embarrassed about money struggles and how to release that shame. The difference between network marketing and true digital marketing (and why this distinction matters). What "attraction marketing" really means and how it creates income without chasing or pressuring people. The power of owning your time, working fewer hours, and still building a sustainable business. The importance of community, mentorship, and learning new skills in a changing economy. Why it's not lazy to want freedom—it's healthy. About Jessica Mitchell Jessica Mitchell is a longtime Health Coach and EFT Tapping Practitioner who now helps midlife women step into the digital world with confidence. After two decades in the wellness space, she knows what it's like to love what you do yet crave more financial stability and flexibility. Drawing from her experience as both a coach and entrepreneur, Jessica teaches women how to build online income streams by mastering digital marketing and online business fundamentals in a way that fits their season of life. Her mission is to help women find freedom, peace, and purpose—without guilt and without the burnout. Connect with Jessica: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifemarketingmentor?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeMarketingBestie\   If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media—I would be so grateful.    Disclaimer: This conversation is for education and inspiration only. We do not make income claims or guarantees. Any results mentioned are individual examples and are not typical. Your outcomes depend on many factors, including your skills, effort, consistency, coachability, market conditions, and personal circumstances. Nothing here is financial, legal, tax, or medical advice. Do your own due diligence before making decisions. We may receive compensation if you purchase through links included, at no additional cost to you. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    127. Vaginal Health in Menopause: What Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Know

     Talking about vaginas, pelvic floors, and sex after 50 still feels taboo — but it shouldn't. In this honest and empowering conversation, Kim sits down with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first board-certified female urogynecologist in the U.S. and founder of the International Pause Institute. Dr. Betsy shares why so many women in perimenopause and post-menopause struggle with vaginal dryness, painful sex, bladder leaks, and infections and why these symptoms are common but not something you have to live with. From vaginal estrogen to cutting-edge therapies like lasers, red-light, and regenerative treatments, she explains the wide range of options available to restore confidence and intimacy. They also dive into the gut–brain–vagina connection, the emotional side of sex in midlife, body image, bladder health, hormone confusion, and how stress and sleep impact intimacy. You'll walk away with practical tips, a dose of laughter, and a reminder that thriving in midlife is possible. Highlights What a urogynecologist actually does and how Dr. Betsy became the first female board-certified in the field The biggest vaginal and pelvic floor concerns women face in midlife (and why it's not "just aging") Why vaginal dryness, UTIs, and painful sex are connected to hormone shifts and the microbiome Options beyond vaginal estrogen: DHEA, testosterone, lasers, red-light therapy, and more Bladder leaks and incontinence: what's really happening and why kegels alone aren't enough The gut–brain–vagina connection and how food, stress, and bacteria impact libido and confidence Why stress and sleep directly influence hormones, intimacy, and sex drive The power of body image and confidence in reclaiming sensuality after 50 Dr. Betsy's top 3 midlife health essentials — plus a bonus on protein and strength training About Dr. Betsy Greenleaf Dr. Betsy Greenleaf is a triple board-certified physician, the first female board-certified urogynecologist in the United States, and founder of the International Pause Institute. With over 20 years of experience, she helps women and men over 40 reclaim energy, confidence, and intimacy through hormone harmony, pelvic wellness, and functional care. Featured in outlets such as Oprah Daily and Forbes and co-host of She Said She Said Podcast, Dr. Betsy combines clinical expertise with a relatable, no-fluff approach to taboo topics like vaginal health, hormones, and sex after 50. She also founded PelvicFloorStore.com, where she curates products she recommends for pelvic health. Enjoy a discount code from Dr. Betsy https://pelvicfloorstore.com/discount/EMOTIONALEATS Take the free hormone quiz at https://pauseinstitute.com Connect with Betsy: https://pauseeinsitture.com,  https://pelvicfloorstore.com,  https://femversity.com  https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleafspeaks  https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleaf  https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleafmenshealth  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdu6ZIxyAYGKsmJPtEvTS4w https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbetsygreenleaf/ If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media—I would be so grateful.    Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    126. Vaginal Estrogen for Menopause: What It Is, Benefits, and Safety

    In this episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, Kim sits down with her good friend and fellow health coach, Melissa Slemp, for an honest, stigma-busting conversation about vaginal estrogen. While menopause conversations are finally moving into the spotlight, vaginal estrogen is still often overlooked, misunderstood, or even avoided out of embarrassment. Kim and Melissa share their personal experiences, what they've learned from leading experts, and why this simple treatment can be life-changing for midlife women. Together they discuss: ·       What vaginal estrogen is and how it differs from systemic hormone therapy ·       Benefits beyond dryness, including bladder health, reduced urinary urgency, and fewer UTIs ·       Why proactive use can help prevent future issues like painful sex or incontinence ·       Why some doctors hesitate to prescribe it and how stigma still silences the conversation ·       Cost, insurance coverage, application methods, and what to expect when starting ·       The emotional side: confidence, sexual health, and advocating for your body in midlife and beyond This is not medical advice but a personal, open conversation to help women feel empowered and informed when talking with their doctors.   About Melissa Slemp: Melissa Slemp is a certified health coach specializing in type 1 diabetes, blood sugar regulation, and holistic wellness for midlife women. She is passionate about helping women navigate hormonal changes, improve metabolic health, and reclaim their energy and confidence.  Melissa is also authoring a book sharing her expertise.  Stay tuned for details. Connect with Melissa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/type1.in.midlife/ Website: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/ Podcast: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/podcast   If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support. Join the Conversation, Coaching and Community: Continue learning, talking, and getting coaching and support around emotional eating, midlife women's health, and menopause by joining the Emotional Eats Community. Click here to join: https://kimhynes.com/emotional-eats-community-sign-up  Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    125. How Technology Disrupts Sleep, Hormones, and Weight in Midlife

    In this conversation, Justin Hai explains why cortisol and sleep are the twin levers for better energy, mood, weight, and hormonal balance in midlife. He shares how our always-on tech culture keeps cortisol elevated, how that sabotages deep and REM sleep, and why poor sleep then disrupts natural hormone production. We dig into realistic morning and evening routines, food and exercise choices that protect muscle and reduce visceral fat, and simple ways to create a phone-lite life. What You'll Learn The tech–sleep–hormone loop and how to break it AM routine ideas that boost energy without jittery highs Smart training for midlife bodies, with an emphasis on muscle and walking Food timing and fueling basics that protect muscle and steady energy Evening wind-down practices that make uninterrupted sleep more likely How cortisol and weight gain are connected About Justin Hai Justin Hai is the co-founder of award-winning wellness companies including Alastin Skincare, GLO Pharmaceuticals, and Rebalance Health. With a background in industrial design (RISD) and an MBA from Pepperdine, he blends creative vision with science—holding multiple U.S. patents and having presented to NASA and the Pentagon. Justin is a featured expert in the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary sHEALed and author of Stress Nation, where he explores how our tech-driven culture disrupts cortisol, sleep, and hormones. Inspired by his wife's health journey with Cushing's syndrome, Justin now advocates for practical strategies to lower stress, restore hormonal balance, and reclaim energy in a hyperconnected world. Connect with Justin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebalancehealth/  Instagrarm: https://www.instagram.com/justin_a_hai/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinhai/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebalancehealthofficial/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebalancehealth Book: Stress Nation If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH

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    124. Stop Emotional Eating Through Midlife Transitions

    Transitions can be tough. Menopause, empty nest, retirement, moving, or even grief can shake the ground beneath us. When life feels uncertain, food often becomes the one place we turn for comfort and safety. In this solo episode, Kim explores why emotional eating shows up so strongly during life changes, how it ties back to safety and stability, and what you can do to navigate these seasons with love and grace. Kim shares personal reflections and client stories to remind you that you are not alone in this. She also offers practical tools to create real safety in your body and mind without relying on food. If you have been eating your way through change, this episode will help you pause, breathe, and rebuild stability from the inside out. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why transitions trigger emotional eating The role of safety and stability in our relationship with food How menopause and midlife changes affect cravings and body trust The emotional weight of transitions: loss, fear, and loneliness Why we often forget to give ourselves love and grace during change Practical tools for riding the waves without relying on food How to build a "Transition Safety Toolkit" with rituals, grounding, and connection Highlights: ·       Food feels safe because it is predictable, but safety is something we can create in our bodies and minds. ·       Menopause is not just physical. It is an identity transition. If my body is changing, can I still feel safe living in it? ·       During transitions, we do not always realize how much we are carrying. That is why we forget to give ourselves love and grace. ·       Safety is not about control. It is about trust. Trusting yourself to move through change with compassion. If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH

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    123.Aging Well in Menopause: Science-Backed Ways to Feel Better After 40

    What if aging didn't have to feel so hard? What if menopause, midlife weight changes, and energy struggles weren't things you just had to "manage," but signals from your body that can be supported and optimized? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp, biohacking expert, chiropractor, author, and former bodybuilder, to explore how women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond can reclaim vitality, balance hormones, and build resilience for lasting health. We share our personal experiences with disordered eating and how that shaped our passion for helping women find freedom with food and health. Dr. Nathalie opens up about her own battle with anorexia and the lessons she carries forward to support women navigating emotional eating, stress, and midlife changes. You'll walk away with both science-backed strategies and practical, everyday biohacks you can use to feel stronger, sleep better, and age with confidence. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why aging doesn't have to be a struggle and how to shift the narrative around menopause and midlife health Dr. Nathalie's personal story of overcoming anorexia and how it led to her passion for prevention, wellness, and biohacking A clear, simple definition of biohacking and how to apply it without expensive gadgets or extremes The role of daily, weekly, and monthly non-negotiables in creating lasting health habits Why sleep is a powerful biohack, plus practical tips for falling and staying asleep in midlife The truth about insulin resistance, protein needs, and adapting your diet as hormones shift How caffeine and alcohol affect women differently as we age — and what to do about it Detox made simple: the importance of sweating, movement, and lowering your toxic load Longevity hacks every woman over 40 should know, from strength training and omega-3s to vagus nerve activation A realistic look at peptides, red light therapy, heart rate variability, and other trending tools The connection between stress, nervous system health, and emotional eating Rapid Fire: Biohacks Rated 1–10 We wrapped up with a fun speed round where Dr. Nathalie shared her quick take on hot topics like weighted vests, red light therapy, cold plunges, weight loss drugs, protein powder, collagen, and more. About Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp is a biohacking expert, author, and speaker dedicated to helping high-achieving women in their 40s and beyond reclaim their energy, balance their hormones, and optimize their health naturally. With a background in chiropractic and certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine, Nathalie has spent nearly three decades empowering others through integrative wellness strategies that fit real life. Her 90-Day Reboot & Optimize Program helps professional women cut through health confusion and take practical, science-backed steps toward lasting vitality. A former natural bodybuilder and long-time wellness advocate, Nathalie shares her insights through keynotes, media appearances, and bestselling books like Hack Your Health Habits and SmartCuts: Biohack Your Healthspan. Connect with Dr. Nathalie Beauchamp Website: drnat.life IG: https://www.instagram.com/drnathaliebeauchamp/ If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH

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    122. How to Stop Emotional Eating by Calming Your Nervous System

    In this deeply practical and calming episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, Kim sits down with certified yoga therapist Cheryl Gordon to explore how yoga, breathwork, and self-compassion can become powerful tools to break the cycle of emotional eating. They discuss how slowing down, being present, and reconnecting with your body can shift you out of habit-driven eating patterns and into a place where you make choices from your higher self. Cheryl guides listeners through on-the-spot joint-freeing and breathing exercises to process emotions, calm cravings, and reset the nervous system.  You have to try these! If you've ever felt stuffed in your clothes, eaten to soothe emotions, or believed you must have chocolate after dinner to survive, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do to change it. You'll learn why emotional eating isn't just about food, how your nervous system plays a role, and how yoga and mindful breathing can help you feel more grounded, empowered, and in control. Highlights Cheryl's journey with emotional eating and how yoga transformed her relationship with food and herself Why self-compassion is the foundation of mindful eating The truth about emotional eating in any body size Why emotional healing is not a quick, linear process How yoga helps process emotions, reduce stress hormones, and spark the "relaxation response" The four guidelines for choosing a yoga practice that supports emotional healing The Joint Freeing Series: a gentle, "boring" but powerful yoga sequence for midlife women How even a few minutes of breathwork can shift cravings and calm anxiety Why your nervous system pushes you toward habitual eating—and how to work with it instead of against it Timestamps 0:31 – Why self-compassion matters in emotional eating 2:29 – Cheryl's personal journey with food, body image, and yoga 7:02 – The connection between yoga and emotional eating 9:27 – How movement processes emotions and stress hormones 14:31 – The four keys to choosing the right yoga practice 19:35 – Reconnecting with your body in midlife 22:02 – Guided sample of the Joint Freeing Series 26:13 – Why breathing techniques work—even outside of yoga 28:36 – Even ratio breathing exercise for cravings and stress 32:00 – The nervous system's role in emotional eating 36:36 – How yoga and breathwork help you access your higher self 38:04 – Where to find Cheryl and her free resources About Cheryl Gordon Cheryl Gordon is a certified yoga therapist who helps midlife women navigate change using the tools of yoga and mindfulness. When she reached menopause, her over 20 years of experience were put to the test, leading her to refine her skills, lose 25 pounds, and reinvigorate her business. Now, at 62, she brings renewed passion and energy to her clients, showing that transformation is possible at any age. Connect with Cheryl: Website & Free Joint Freeing Series:  https://cherylgordonyt.com/ Podcast:  https://cherylgordonyt.com/ If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH

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    121. Midlife Stress and Emotional Eating: How Rest Changes Everything

     In this special end-of-summer episode, I'm reflecting on my recent vacation, my 59th birthday, and how we can all bring that vacation peace into our everyday lives without having to wait for the next trip. As we head into fall, I share how shifting seasons can be the perfect opportunity for a personal reset for your emotional and physical life. You'll hear about my time in Wisconsin…paddleboarding, long walks, less TV, more nature, and truly being in the moment.  You'll hear how those simple changes impacted my body, mind, and spirit. We'll explore how vacations naturally slow us down, help us eat when we're hungry (instead of by the clock), sleep better, and be more intentional. Most importantly, we'll talk about how to bring those rhythms home so we can feel less stressed, more present, and at peace year-round. From letting go of forcing outcomes whether with our adult kids, friendships, or work to choosing movement because we can (not because we "have to"), this is about creating a life that feels free, not like a to-do list. In this episode, you'll discover: Why novelty and new experiences keep your brain sharp at any age The surprising impact of slowing down on digestion, inflammation, and energy How vacation rhythms can inspire more mindful eating and movement Why waking without an alarm and starting with gratitude changes everything Simple ways to create peace, pause, and presence in your daily life You don't have to wait for the next getaway to feel at ease—you can create that rhythm now. What vacation moments can you bring home?  Reach out and let me know. Here's to 59—and to whatever age you are—living fully, intentionally, and with peace every day. If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH

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    120. Why Perfectionism and People-Pleasing Lead to Anxiety and Burnout in Midlife

     What if the reason you feel stuck isn't because you're "broken," but because you've been trained to put everyone else first? In this episode, I'm joined by Beatriz (Béa) Victoria Albina, NP, MPH, SEP, to explore her powerful concept of emotional outsourcing—the habit of sourcing our safety, belonging, and worth from others instead of ourselves. Béa shares how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and codependency are often survival strategies written into our nervous systems by childhood experiences, cultural conditioning, and even systemic forces. She explains the vital role of somatic awareness, why "kitten steps" create safer change than big leaps, and how to begin listening to your body's needs in the smallest moments—like pausing before your morning coffee. We also discuss: How your nervous system responds to stress, and the three key branches that shape your reactions The truth about being "too sensitive" and why big emotions aren't a flaw Practical grounding and orienting tools to stop reactive patterns before they happen Why midlife women struggle with authenticity and self-acceptance, and how to reclaim joy at any age The connection between feeling unworthy and using food to cope This conversation is both compassionate and fiercely empowering, offering real-world practices to help you step back into your own worth, safety, and belonging—without guilt or apology. About Béa: Beatriz (Béa) Victoria Albina, NP, MPH, SEP, is a UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and Master Certified Somatic Life Coach. She helps women break free from codependency, perfectionism, and people-pleasing by reconnecting with their bodies, regulating their nervous systems, and rewiring their minds. Béa is the host of the Feminist Wellness podcast and author of the upcoming End Emotional Outsourcing (Sept 30, Hachette Balance). With over 20 years in health and wellness, she holds a Master's in Public Health from Boston University and a BA from Oberlin College. Born in Argentina and raised in Rhode Island, she now lives with her wife, Billey, and their beloved black cat, Wade. Connect with Béa: Grab your free downloads here:  https://beatrizalbina.com/free-meditations/ Website:  https://beatrizalbina.com/ Book Website:  https://beatrizalbina.com/book/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beatrizvictoriaalbinanp/ Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feminist-wellness/id1454980022 If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH

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    119. Why Emotional Eating Keeps You From Losing Weight in Midlife

    You want to lose weight in midlife and you've tried it all: diets, intuitive eating, maybe even weight loss drugs. But nothing's working long-term. In this honest solo episode, Kim explains why diets backfire, intuitive eating isn't always the fix, and what actually leads to sustainable weight loss especially for you as a midlife woman struggling with emotional eating, sugar addiction, hormone shifts, and shame. Kim shares her personal experiences and client stories, walking you through why everything you've learned about weight loss fails. If you're feeling stuck and overwhelmed, this episode will leave you feeling seen and will point you in the right direction. ✨ Highlights: Why diets affect your metabolism and increase emotional eating What intuitive eating actually is and why it doesn't always work The real root of emotional and binge eating The all-or-nothing mindset that keeps you stuck How sugar impacts your cravings, brain, and emotions What creates sustainable weight loss in midlife The importance of nervous system regulation, hormone support, and emotional healing ⏱️ Timestamps: 02:20 – Dieting, intuitive eating, and weight loss drugs: what's missing 06:50 – The Emotional Eats Community and tapping video 09:15 – Diets don't lead to long-term weight loss 11:35 – Hunger hormones, metabolism, and emotional eating 16:15 – Diets create food fear and confusion 21:05 – How to start practicing intuitive eating gently 25:45 – Understanding dopamine, sugar cravings, and triggers 28:00 – Building your own plan (not someone else's) 32:30 – Breaking all-or-nothing thinking 34:50 – The true role of emotional regulation in weight loss 37:15 – Why the scale lies and how it misleads your progress 39:35 – Blood sugar balance, insulin resistance, and hormones 44:25 – The power of calming your nervous system 49:10 – Creating healthy daily habits beyond just food If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    118. Stop Emotional Eating and Sugar Cravings in Midlife

    In this episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, I sit down with Tricia Nelson, author, speaker, and founder of Heal Your Hunger. Tricia shares her deeply personal story of growing up as an emotional eater, her journey to healing, and how she now helps women break free from the cycle of dieting, bingeing, and shame. We dive into the truth behind emotional eating, why it's not really about food, and the powerful connection between trauma, people-pleasing, and compulsive eating. If you've ever struggled with sugar, secret eating, or feeling out of control with food, this episode is for you. Highlights Tricia's early story: bingeing, secret eating, and her powerful "garbage eating" moment Emotional eating vs. intuitive eating—why your body's signals may not always be trustworthy The spectrum of emotional eating to food addiction The real consequences of emotional eating: health, relationships, spirituality, and joy How trauma and people-pleasing fuel emotional eating patterns Sugar addiction and why abstinence is sometimes easier than moderation   Timestamps 00:01 – Introducing Tricia Nelson and her TEDx story 00:50 – Childhood struggles and the moment she realized food was different for her 03:18 – The bingeing cycle and the shame of "garbage eating" 05:30 – Meeting a mentor and discovering it wasn't about food or weight 08:20 – Tricia's definition of emotional eating: "Eating to feel better" 09:13 – Why diets and control don't work 12:03 – The compulsion to eat and the cycle of self-sabotage 15:42 – The real consequences of emotional eating: health, joy, relationships, and spirituality 21:30 – Secret eating and why it feels like a relationship 24:28 – Trauma, people-pleasing, and how past experiences shape emotional eating 33:32 – The pitfalls of intuitive eating when emotions are in charge 35:07 – Sugar addiction, cravings, and why abstinence brings peace 41:50 – Reframing deprivation: choosing freedom over compulsion 43:37 – Tricia's three tips to start healing: slow down, morning routines, and don't do it alone 46:55 – How to connect with Tricia Nelson at Heal Your Hunger About Tricia Tricia Nelson lost fifty pounds by identifying and healing the underlying causes of her emotional eating. She is an Emotional Eating Expert and TEDx speaker, whose talk has garnered over 2 million views on YouTube. Tricia is the author of the #1 bestselling book Heal Your Hunger: 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating Now and the host of the popular podcast The Heal Your Hunger Show. She has spent over thirty years researching the hidden causes of the addictive personality and has been featured on NBC, CBS, KTLA, FOX, and Discovery Health. Connect with Tricia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricianelson_/ Website: https://healyourhunger.com/  Tricia's Book: Heal Your Hunger: 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heal-your-hunger-show/id1190355931  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealYourHunger If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    117. Why Healthy Habits Don't Last in Midlife

      In this episode, I'm getting real. If you're still feeling stuck with your eating habits, your body, or your health goals, it's not because you don't want change. It's because you're caught in patterns that keep pulling you back. And today, I'm giving you some compassionate tough love to help you finally move forward. You'll hear me ask the hard questions: Are you really taking action, or just thinking about it? Are you truly ready to change, or are you avoiding discomfort by making excuses? I know how easy it is to say, "I'll start Monday," or "I just had a hard day," but those thoughts are what keep you stuck. I'll walk you through the small daily shifts that matter and the ones that actually lead to long-term freedom. You'll learn why tiny habits create big results, how to recognize your resistance, and why emotional eating shows up when you ignore the little in-between moments. And most importantly, you'll be reminded that you don't have to do any of this alone. What You'll Take Away: Why you're still stuck, even when you "know what to do" What readiness really means (and what it doesn't) How your daily excuses are draining your progress What small actions you can take today to feel better How to build a plan that fits your life—not someone else's Why support and accountability are key to your success Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome + free tapping resource + why this is your wake-up call 02:20 – Are you doing the things, or just thinking about them? 06:44 – You can't keep saying you're ready and avoiding the work 09:05 – Ask for help—it's brave, not weak 11:25 – Why instant gratification is sabotaging your health goals 13:44 – Miracles happen in the small, in-between choices 18:24 – Are you choosing comfort over progress? Let's be honest 23:09 – Make movement fun—gamify it if you need to 25:35 – Build your own plan, not a copy of someone else's 30:01 – Write your goals, know your values, stay connected to your why 32:21 – Client success and setbacks—starting over is part of the journey 34:42 – Giving up comfort food can feel like loss—but you can handle it 37:09 – Are you making excuses… or are there real barriers? Let's name it   If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.  Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    116. How to Rewire Your Brain to Stop Emotional Eating

     I sat down with my new friend, Holly Berton who is a former Chief of Staff in FBI Counterintelligence turned emotional eating expert. Holly shares how her childhood experiences, her high-achieving career, and her own struggles with emotional eating led her to develop a method using FBI-inspired tactics to overcome food obsession and cravings. Together, we get into the shame, the guilt, and the internal chaos so many high-achieving women feel with food, even when they "look" like they have it all together. This is not about willpower. This is about rewiring your brain and creating lasting change to stop emotional eating. If you've ever struggled with emotional eating or food obsession, this one is for you. Episode Highlights 03:40 – The truth about labels like "emotional eating," "binge eating," and "food addiction" 06:10 – What changed in our generation: discomfort, smartphones, and the loss of hobbies 09:40 – From puzzles and psychology to FBI counterintelligence and food patterns 14:25 – Holly's emotional eating story and her turning point with ice cream 20:45 – Why the health coaching education system missed the mark 23:25 – FBI-level tactics: patterns, blind spots, and threats applied to food 27:40 – The 3 S's: See It, Stop It, Shift It – a simple but powerful rewire method 33:30 – Dopamine, cravings, and why willpower doesn't work 37:00 – The karaoke study: how shifting emotions can change behavior 42:00 – Is it better to abstain or allow moderation? Here's how to tell 45:10 – How your identity impacts your relationship with food 48:00 – 8 questions to ask yourself if you're wondering whether you struggle with emotional eating 51:00 – Holly's special freebie: The Emotional Eating Tactical Blueprint  Key Takeaways Emotional eating affects women across all sizes, backgrounds, and levels of success Dieting and willpower won't fix what's rooted in survival patterns and coping Holly's 3-step "See It, Stop It, Shift It" approach helps rewire the brain and interrupt cravings The dopamine hit comes before the food hits your mouth, which is why you can feel out of control Identity and past trauma deeply influence eating patterns—it's not about laziness or lack of effort About Holly Holly Bertone is a certified health coach and former Chief of Staff at the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. After decades of her own emotional eating struggles and a high-pressure career, she now helps high-achieving midlife women take back control from food and cravings. Combining her background in behavioral analysis and neuroscience with her personal experience, Holly has built a powerful framework that empowers women to break free from emotional eating and finally feel in control.  Connect with Holly Get her Emotional Eating Tactical Blueprint free when you DM "blueprint" on Instagram! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holly.berton Website: https://www.pinkfortitude.com Free Blueprint: https://www.pinkfortitude.com/blueprint If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.    Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    115. How Trauma and Dopamine Drive Emotional Eating and How to Stop It

    What if the cravings, binges, and late-night shame spirals weren't your fault—but a mix of trauma, hormones, and unmet emotional needs? In this episode, I'm joined by Emotional Eating, Digestive, and Hormone Expert Amber Romaniuk to explore the hormonal root causes of emotional eating. From dopamine highs to hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, Amber breaks down how imbalances, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can make cravings stronger, sabotage your hunger cues, and heighten emotional overwhelm.  These are all root causes to emotional eating. Whether you've struggled with binge eating, sugar addiction, or simply feel like food has control over you, this conversation explains how your hormones, gut, and energy systems are quietly working behind the scenes. If you're a midlife woman wondering why your eating habits feel harder to manage than ever, you are not alone and it's not all in your head. Amber also brings us into the emotional and energetic side of eating: the role of the ego mind, empathic energy, people-pleasing, and how early life experiences and trauma shape our food behaviors decades later. Episode Highlights & Timestamps 01:18 Amber's personal story: childhood trauma, food addiction, and her wake-up call moment 12:30 The dopamine connection: why food gives you a high—and then drags you down 18:53 Ghrelin and leptin: what your hunger hormones are doing behind the scenes 22:00 Thyroid dysfunction and perimenopause: what your doctor may be missing 27:00 Gut bugs, cravings, and the impact of candida and parasites on emotional eating 33:27 The ego mind vs. your true self—and how it sabotages food freedom 39:14 What it really means to be an empath—and how that impacts emotional eating 45:36 Amber's top 3 tips if you're just starting to face your emotional eating 47:00 Final words of hope: you can heal, and you are not alone About Amber Romaniuk Amber Romaniuk is an Emotional Eating, Digestive, and Hormone Expert who has helped thousands of high-achieving women heal from self-sabotage with food. After overcoming her own food addiction—gaining and losing 1,000 lbs and spending over $50,000 on binge foods—she now empowers women to reclaim their health, body confidence, and self-worth through deep emotional and hormonal healing. Amber hosts The No Sugarcoating Podcast, with over 2 million downloads across 88 countries. Connect with Amber Website: https://amberapproved.ca Emotional Eating Quiz: https://amberapproved.ca/emotional-eating-quiz/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-no-sugarcoating-podcast/id1158699464 https://amberapproved.ca/podcast/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk Instagram: https://instagram.com/amberromaniuk If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.     Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    114. Strength Training and Fat Loss After 40: What Women Need to Know

    Are you frustrated that the scale won't budge no matter what you do? Wondering how to actually lose fat, build muscle, and feel stronger in midlife? In this episode, I sit down with fitness and nutrition expert Dr. Derek Alessi to unpack the myths keeping midlife women stuck—and what to focus on instead for true fat loss, muscle gain, and longevity. Dr. Derek practically lays out the plan for you and shares where to start.  We also discuss the importance of muscle as you age and the benefits of having more muscle.  Listen to the facts about why the scale is not the best indicator of your health and longevity. This is a must-listen if you're a woman in your 40s, 50s, or 60s ready to stop spinning your wheels and finally feel confident and strong in your body. Highlights 00:46 The #1 goal women 45+ ask Dr. Alessi for help with 01:41 The real difference between losing weight and losing fat—and why the scale lies 06:48 Visceral fat vs. subcutaneous fat: why it matters for your health 09:17 Best tools for measuring body composition (DEXA, InBody scans, and more) 10:18 Does metabolism really slow down with age? The truth about muscle loss and calorie burn 12:24 Can you build muscle after 70? Yes—and here's how 15:17 Strength vs. muscle: what to focus on and how often to train 19:52 Strength training, cardio, balance, and mobility: what really matters for midlife women 24:07 The biggest obstacle to changing your nutrition isn't strategy—it's mindset 29:44 What most midlife women are missing in their nutrition plan (hint: it's not carbs) 33:16 MCT oil, good fats, and how to reduce cravings.  Hear about Dr. Derek's products 34:55 Why weighted vests, creatine, and collagen can support your midlife goals 39:45 Fasted workouts vs. fueled workouts: what's best for fat loss and strength 46:43 The power of CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) for understanding blood sugar and fat loss About Dr. Derek Alessi Dr. Derek Alessi, PhD, is a leading expert in body fat reduction, medication reduction, and lifestyle improvement. With a doctorate in health and physical education and a master's in nutrition, Dr. Derek has spent over 30 years helping adults improve their health through body composition tracking, intelligent exercise, and nutrition strategies that support longevity. He owns Dr. Derek Health & Fitness in East Amherst, NY, and is the author of The Bermuda Triangle Diet, Lose Fat Forever, and The Promise Health and Fitness System. A frequent media contributor, Dr. Derek has appeared on over 2,100 TV segments, 400 radio shows, and 250 podcasts, and is a health contributor for USA Today. He also hosts Live It Fit Now! on NBC Buffalo and NBC Cleveland. Dr. Derek is the founder and CEO of Strength Genesis, a supplement company dedicated to creating premium, natural products with sustainable packaging. Connect with Dr. Derek Alessi Strength Genesis Website: https://strengthgenesis.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengthgenesis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthgenesis/ If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    113. How to Break the Binge Eating Cycle and Stop Emotional Eating

    If you've ever found yourself eating an entire plate of food without remembering a single bite, then this is the episode for you. Today, I'm sharing personal and client stories, science, and simple tools to help you understand why eating fast and emotionally is not your fault—but also something you can change. We talk about real-life examples, how stress and hormones hijack your fullness signals, and what the "pause" can do for your body, brain, and emotions.  I will teach you everything you need to know. Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, and tired of feeling out of control with food, this episode is packed with practical tools to help you shift from mindless eating to feeling satisfied and at peace after a meal. Timestamps & Highlights: 00:00 – Intro and the emotional eating struggle in midlife 04:30 – Personal story: fast eating, shame, and self-awareness 06:45 – Client story: scarcity mindset and restaurant overeating 09:08 – Practicing the pause beyond meals for emotional regulation 13:56 – How to recognize fullness before it's too late 18:41 – Digestion, hormones, and the stress response 23:24 – Dopamine, fast eating, and emotional triggers 28:08 – Practical tools to slow down and reconnect with your body 35:14 – The three-bite rule and how to enjoy your food 39:57 – Meal check-ins and satisfaction cues 44:51 – Perfectionism, dieting, and honoring your body in midlife 49:15 – Final thoughts: emotional eating is reactive—here's how to interrupt it If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.  Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    112. Hormonal Weight Gain in Midlife: Emotional Eating, Cortisol, Estrogen, and GLP-1

     Are you blaming your lack of willpower when it comes to food — when it might actually be your hormones? This episode is a must-listen for every midlife woman who feels like she's doing all the right things but still can't stop overeating, control cravings, or feel like herself again. I'm joined by hormone specialist Dr. Sarah Daccarett, and we're digging into the real physiological reasons why your emotional eating may not be emotional at all — it may be biological. From estrogen to GLP-1 to leptin and even testosterone, Dr. Sarah explains exactly how your hormonal shifts are affecting your appetite, cravings, metabolism, gut health, sex drive, and more. This conversation is jam-packed with powerful, practical insights you've likely never heard before — especially if you've ever been told your labs are "normal" but you still feel off. 🔥 Why You Should Listen You've been told it's your stress, but it's really your hormones You feel like a different person and don't know why You're craving food, alcohol, and sugar more than ever You've tried gut healing, food eliminations, and fasting — and nothing's working You're using GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic) or are considering them You want to age with vitality, not frustration This episode explains why your body feels out of control — and how hormone therapy may be the missing piece. About Dr. Sarah Daccarett Dr. Sarah Daccarett is a leading hormone specialist and anti-aging expert dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health and well-being. As the founder of Inner Balance, Dr. Daccarett has created a revolutionary solution for women seeking a convenient, effective, and personalized way to manage their hormones. Her mission is to break the silence surrounding hormonal issues and provide women with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.   Connect with Dr. Sarah IG: https://www.instagram.com/innerbalancemd/ Website:  https://www.innerbalance.com/ Highlights 00:32 – Why food is only 1/100th of the real equation in midlife 04:16 – Estrogen vs. Progesterone: the surprising truth about your "primary" hormone 06:41 – High cortisol? It might not be stress — it might be low estrogen 09:46 – What is GLP-1 and how does it impact your appetite and weight gain? 13:31 – Sugar cravings? You might actually need this— not more willpower 18:09 – The ideal plate: what midlife women should really be eating 25:48 – Why fasting might be hurting your hormones and emotional health 32:58 – Gut issues, gallbladder dysfunction, and food intolerances: could it all be hormone related? 39:40 – Estrogen dominance? Why what you've been told might be completely wrong 43:32 – DIM, pregnenolone, DHEA: should women really be taking them? 46:33 – Testosterone makes you hungrier, not thinner — myth busted! 49:48 – The problem with traditional hormone delivery methods 55:55 – Libido, self-connection, and the hormonal key to sexual health   If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.   Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    111. Breaking the Mental Blocks Behind Weight Loss Resistance and Emotional Eating (Part 2)

     Welcome back to Part 2 of our two-part series breaking down the 10 biggest myths keeping you stuck in emotional eating and weight struggles. In this episode, I share the last 5 myths that are quietly shaping your mindset, leading you to guilt, food obsession, and disconnection from your body and ultimately weight gain. These myths aren't just keeping you from losing weight — they're stopping you from finding peace, self-trust, self-love and freedom with food. You'll learn how emotional healing, trauma, diet culture, and childhood food rules have conditioned you to feel unworthy or out of control — and how to finally flip the script. Plus, I share action steps for each myth to help you rebuild your relationship with food, stop self-sabotaging, and reclaim your health from the inside out. Whether you're struggling with guilt around sugar, feeling like you "can't stop," or still holding onto clean plate club rules from childhood, this episode gives you permission to start healing without perfection — and tools to begin practicing new, empowering habits today. Highlights: 00:01 – Welcome Back to Part 2 04:40 – Myth #6: You Must Be Fully Healed to Stop Emotional Eating 11:35 – Myth #7: Food is Either Good or Bad 23:10 – Myth #8: You Can Out-Exercise a Bad Diet 29:25 – Myth #9: Sugar Will Always Make You Lose Control 36:30 – Myth #10: You Must Clean Your Plate (Childhood Food Rules) 43:25 – Bonus Truth: Healing is a Practice and a Journey, Not a Goal   If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support.    Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    110. Why Weight Loss Feels Sabotaged: 5 Mindset Blocks That Fuel Emotional Eating (Part 1)

     In this solo episode, Kim Hynes, emotional eating coach and midlife nutritional health coach, unpacks the first 5 of 10  common myths that keep smart, motivated women like you stuck in emotional eating cycles and struggling with food obsession and weight gain. If you're wondering what you're missing, you will find it in this episode. From the pressure to be perfect to the belief that emotional eating should disappear with age.  These myths are what may be holding you back from being who you really want to be and feeling comfortable in your body. Kim explains how menopause, stress, and life changes in your 40s, 50s, and 60s can amplify emotional eating, and she offers actionable mindset shifts to help you feel more in control, intentional, and free around food. Whether you're dealing with late-night eating, restriction-binge cycles, or guilt around sugar and cravings, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and steps to start changing your relationship with food. Timestamps 00:01 – Welcome and what emotional eating is really about 02:10 – Myth 1: You should've outgrown emotional eating by now 06:13 – How life stress, fatigue, menopause, and grief fuel food coping 10:24 – Myth 2: Emotional eating is different from normal eating 12:37 – Why food holds emotional meaning and how to use that knowledge 17:50 – Myth 3: If I keep food in the house, I'll eat it all 21:19 – Restriction breeds obsession; normalize the food instead 25:51 – Myth 4: You must eat perfectly to lose weight or stop emotional eating 28:21 – Why perfectionism leads to shame, anxiety, and binges 31:41 – Myth 5: If I mess up, it's over 35:41 – Mistakes are data, not reasons to quit 37:56 – How curiosity over criticism builds self-trust 44:05 – Recap, tapping tool, and how to join the Emotional Eats Community   This is not a sponsored episode. I provide affiliate links to my viewers for discounts. When you buy, I receive a small commission to help support my podcast and channel. Note: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    109. Why Weight Loss Is So Hard in Midlife: The Emotional Side No One Talks About

     This episode is the kind of conversation that happens when two coaches stop trying to check all the boxes—and start talking about what really matters. And it's not all about the food or exercise. Jessica Mitchell is back for the third time, and this one hits differently. We're talking about how both of us have shifted away from only focusing on food and exercise to helping women heal what's going on beneath the surface. From emotional resistance to fear of being seen, to what happens when you're stuck in that loop of knowing what to do but still not doing it—this is the stuff that REALLY matters. We also open up about our own personal stories, what tapping (EFT) has helped us release, and why we believe weight loss is NEVER just about weight. About Jessica Mitchell Jessica Mitchell is a Corporate-Trained Certified Health Coach and Certified EFT Tapping Practitioner. With over 20 years of experience supporting women—and her own 65-pound weight loss story—Jessica helps midlife women reframe how they think about their weight and health, so they can experience long-term transformation, inside and out. Episode Highlights [00:01] – Welcome back, Jessica How we met through tapping, and how our friendship—and coaching—has grown since. [03:49] – Our old coaching style (and why it had to change) We both confess to once teaching "just build good habits" and how that missed the deeper truth. [08:29] – The real stats on dieting and weight regain Why around 80% of people regain the weight—and how that changes everything. [11:00] – Motivation isn't the problem Why women often show up for coaching but still struggle to follow through. [14:35] – Why women don't invest in themselves From mom guilt to old beliefs about self-worth, this one's personal. [18:11] – The grief of weight loss Yes, grief. We talk about body changes, fear of being seen, and the emotional cost of shrinking. [22:19] – Our tapping journeys and childhood roots Stories of candy, warm Sprite, shame, abandonment, and how it all shaped our relationships with food. [32:00] – Midlife women: strong, but still people pleasing The messy truth about boundaries, resentment, and why we sometimes sabotage our own health. [37:16] – 80% is a win Why perfectionism is killing your progress—and how to give yourself permission to just show up. [42:51] – Why we coach the way we do now Real-life stories of transformation that came from slowing down and addressing the emotional root. [46:48] – The role of fear in all of it How fear holds women back—and how tapping helps you choose peace instead. Connect with Jessica Mitchell Website: https://iamjessicamitchell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_jessicamitchell/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjessicamitchell?lang=en Final Thoughts from Kim You don't need a stricter plan. You need a softer approach. One that includes your emotions, your past, your beliefs—and your heart. Be gentle with yourself today. That's where the real change begins. If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media—I would be so grateful. This is not a sponsored episode. I provide affiliate links to my viewers for discounts. When you buy, I receive a small commission to help support my podcast and channel. Note: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only.   Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    108. How to Stop Afternoon and Evening Emotional Eating

    If you find yourself turning to food between 4 and 6 p.m., this episode is for you. In this episode, I open up about a deeply relatable pattern so many women face—emotional eating after work and before dinner. This is often the time of day when cravings hit the hardest and shame sets in quickly.  We turn to food to cope with the stress of the day as we transition from kids, day, work to home life and evening. I share my personal story and the real physiological, emotional, and psychological triggers that contribute to late afternoon and early evening binges. We'll explore why this happens, why it's not about willpower and discipline, and what your body and mind are really asking for in those moments. You are not alone and you are not weak.  Your body is smart and needs something. Learn what it needs to stop the late day  and after dinner over snacking. You'll walk away with insights and tools to break this cycle—not through dieting or self-blame, but through self-awareness, nourishment, and compassion. Key Takeaways You are not alone in your struggles with food. Afternoon cravings are often tied to blood sugar, stress, and depletion. Emotional eating is a response to emotional and physical needs—not a sign of failure. Understanding your emotional triggers can help shift behavior. The shame loop reinforces emotional eating. Self-compassion is a key to change. A supportive environment and small pre-planned choices can make a big impact. Regulating your nervous system and creating new transition habits can stop the binge before it starts. You deserve to care for yourself without guilt. Highlights: 00:00 – Understanding Emotional Eating Patterns 02:52 – Physiological and Emotional Triggers 06:11 – The Shame Loop and Its Impact 08:53 – Identifying Needs Beyond Food 12:04 – Practical Tips for Transitioning Home 14:50 – Emotional Tools for Managing Cravings 18:08 – Creating a Supportive Environment 21:01 – Wrapping Up: Finding Balance and Support If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media—I would be so grateful. Note: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

  49. 113

    107: Perfectionism and Self-Doubt in Midlife: How Women Over 40 Move Forward

    Do you hate to fail and can't move forward unless it's perfect? In this soul-nourishing episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Sarabia, host of the Fearless Forward podcast and a guide for women who are ready to stop second-guessing and start living with purpose. We talk about the emotional weight of identity loss in motherhood, the perfectionism that paralyzes progress, and the fear that keeps so many midlife women from stepping into their calling—whether that means starting a podcast, going after a dream, or simply learning to ballroom dance at 72. Michelle shares her own story of feeling lost after her kids left home and how faith, stillness, and "doing it messy" helped her move forward. She gives powerful, faith-filled advice for women who overthink, who doubt their worth, and who wonder if it's too late to live with purpose. If you've ever wrestled with fear of failure, emotional eating as a coping mechanism for perfectionism, or feeling like your dreams no longer matter—this episode will show you how to move fearlessly forward. 🔥 Topics We Cover: Why perfectionism is a hidden form of fear How to take action even when you don't know the full plan Finding your identity again after motherhood or loss Rewiring self-doubt and limiting beliefs Why failure can refine, not define you The emotional impact of "what will they think of me?" Creating peace through morning routines and stillness How joy and purpose can be rediscovered—even without a career What it means to be coached by God 🎙 About Michelle Sarabia Michelle Sarabia helps leaders, creators, and action-takers turn life's pivots into purpose without overthinking, second-guessing, or waiting for the perfect moment. She's the founder of the Fearless Forward movement and podcast, and her mission is simple: to help women realize they're not stuck—they're just scared. Through her own story of loss, transitions, and faith-driven pivots, Michelle leads others with wisdom, grace, and truth. 💬 Connect with Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemsarabia/ Website: https://www.michellesarabia.com/  Fearless Forward Podcast with Michelle Sarabia   Note: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH  

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    106. Menopause Hormone body Changes and Cravings: What's Actually Helping Me in Midlife

    This solo episode is a mix of personal midlife insight, coaching wisdom, and real-life tools for any of you navigating cravings, hormones, mental health, and that not-so-linear journey toward balance. Whether you're here for the health hacks, mindset support, or just want to feel seen and supported, you're in the right place. In this "hodgepodge" solo episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, I'm bringing you behind the scenes of my own midlife wellness world. Highlights: Emotional eating while traveling—and how to stop the gas station snack cycle What a parasite cleanse taught me about my cravings and gut health Hormone therapy insights and what to watch for if you're on it Supplements I'm using (creatine, collagen, vitamin D, magnesium) Tools to boost focus and reduce anxiety (Brain FM, Organifi) Reflections from my mom's 80th and what the older generation is doing right My TV appearance, my fave book right now, and a little midlife workout dilemma Why coaching and community support are essential for women over 40 I Want to Hear From You! If anything in this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you! Message me on Instagram or leave a comment on YouTube. You can also go to my website and sign up for my Diary of an Emotional Eater Newsletter.   Check out my favorite products (mentioned in the episode): ORGANIFI GOLD CHOCOLATE A scoop of Organifi Gold Chocolate in hot water. It tastes like a healthy dark hot chocolate but has Reishi mushrooms, lemon balm extract, turmeric, and ginger to support rest and lower inflammation. I drink it almost every night—because I want my chocolate every night...in a healthier way. If you want to try it, you can use my code KIMH for 20% off Organifi Gold Chocolate You'll thank me when your cravings stay quiet after dinner.   BRAIN.FM My favorite FOCUS and SLEEP tool is the Brain.fm app.  Try it FREE for 30 days to improve productivity, rest and relaxation. Click here to try: https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth PARAFY DETOX CLEANSE https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/     Use Code: KIMH for 10% off    Connect with Kim: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star rating and review. Tag us on social media—I would be so grateful. Note: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Emotional Eats is a podcast for women over 40 who are done with diet culture, fear-based health advice, and conflicting messages about their bodies. Hosted by nutritional health coach Kim Hynes, this show cuts through the noise around food, hormones, weight changes, emotional eating, and midlife health using real science, real conversations, and a whole lot of common sense.You'll hear expert insights from doctors, nutrition professionals, fitness experts, and mental health practitioners, along with honest discussions about what actually works for the midlife body and what does not. No extremes. No shame. No quick fixes.This podcast is not just about menopause or weight loss. It is about understanding your changing body, regulating stress, healing your relationship with food, and feeling strong, confident, and at home in yourself again.If you want clarity instead of confusion, truth instead of trends, and support without judgment, you're in the right place. See you on the inside!

HOSTED BY

Kim Hynes

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