Far 2 Fabulous

Episode 133: Weight Loss Drugs And The Hidden Trade-OffsWeight loss injections are everywhere right now, and we get why: they can quieten hunger fast. But the more we learn about GLP-1 medications, the more we think the real headline is the one nobody wants to read out loud: the weight can come off while your health quietly takes a hit.Julie takes us inside a healthy weight loss conference and shares the numbers driving this trend in England, why so many people are sourcing the drugs privately, and what that can mean for screening, contraindications, and genuine support. We talk side effects people often “push through”, the dosing structure that can make symptoms worse, and the less-discussed ripple effects around fertility, contraception, HRT, pregnancy readiness, and nutrient status. We also get into the strange double edge of dopamine blunting: less food noise and fewer cravings, but sometimes a flattening of reward and mood.From there we zoom out to what actually protects long-term results. We discuss why weight loss drugs do not fix the root causes of obesity, why weight regain is so common after stopping, and why the most important metric is not the scale but metabolic health. We keep coming back to two non-negotiables: protein intake and resistance training to preserve muscle mass and strength, especially for women as they age. We also challenge tracking culture, explain how trackers can mislead, and why CGMs can be a powerful learning tool when used wisely.If you’re curious about Ozempic, Wegovy, GLP-1 injections, “food noise”, and sustainable fat loss without becoming metabolically weaker, come listen. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more women can find the support-first approach.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 132:  What If Feeling Broken Is Actually ReversibleBurnout can look like perimenopause so convincingly that you end up blaming your hormones for everything while your stress system keeps quietly screaming for help. We’re Julie and Catherine, and we see this all the time: women in their 40s and 50s dragging themselves out of bed, feeling tired but wired, snapping at the people they love, catching every cold, living on caffeine and “quick” food, and wondering why they cannot cope like everyone else. If that sounds familiar, we want you to hear this clearly: it’s not a character flaw, and it is not “just normal life”.We break down what is happening underneath, including how chronic stress affects cortisol rhythms, sleep, digestion, mood, libido, and immunity. We also explain our favourite simple model for making sense of confusing symptoms: the adrenals as the accelerator and the thyroid as the brake. When stress keeps your foot on the accelerator, the thyroid may slam on the brakes to conserve energy and nutrients, leaving you feeling sluggish, foggy, and stuck even if standard thyroid tests come back “fine”. We also talk about how testing such as hair mineral analysis can give useful clues about depletion and stress load.Then we get practical. You’ll hear small, realistic tools for nervous system regulation and recovery: quick breathwork you can do in seconds, cutting back on screen and news overload, balancing blood sugar with protein and regular meals, replenishing minerals through food, and considering supports like magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C, and adaptogens. We also share ways to give yourself permission to rest through simple rituals, tapping, stretching, nature, and even a brief cold shower finish.If you know you’re running on empty, press play, share this with a friend who needs it, and subscribe so you do not miss what’s next. After you’ve listened, will you leave a review and come and tell us which sign you recognised most in our free Facebook group?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 131Welcome to our Far 2 Fabulous Summer Foundations Series!Over the next few weeks, we're revisiting some of our favourite episodes—conversations that continue to shape the way we work with clients every day. If you're new to the podcast, this is the perfect place to start. And if you've been with us from the beginning, it's a great opportunity to listen again with fresh ears.We begin with one of the very first concepts we ever shared: the Four Legs of the Chair. Imagine your health resting on a chair. If one leg is weak or missing, the whole chair becomes unstable. The same is true for your wellbeing.In this episode, we explore the key foundations that support long-term health and explain why no supplement, medication or quick fix can replace them. Because before we focus on the finer details, we need to make sure the basics are in place.Whether your goal is more energy, better sleep, balanced hormones, improved fitness or simply feeling more like yourself again, it all starts here.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 130: Building a Life You Don't Want to Escape From with Sober Coach Anna SudburyAlcohol is everywhere in midlife, the jokes, the cards, the “just have one”, the promise that it will take the edge off. But what if it is quietly taking more than it gives? We sit down with Anna Sudbury, a sober coach and fellow marathon runner, to talk honestly about what made her ditch the drink, how she navigated weddings, work culture, and parenting, and why she now calls sobriety the bravest thing she has done.We get into the real mechanics, not just willpower. Anna explains why “one drink” can turn into three, how alcohol messes with dopamine, and why early sobriety can feel flat while your brain resets. We also challenge the idea that quitting is only for people with a capital-P Problem. If you are a high-functioning drinker who still wakes up foggy, anxious, regretful, or simply fed up with the mental arithmetic, this chat will land.You will hear practical ways to make change stick: “play the take forward”, keep the Friday-night ritual without the booze, and stock your fridge like a pub so it feels like choice rather than deprivation. We also talk perimenopause and why alcohol can aggravate hot flushes, sleep, skin flushing, and recovery when you are trying to feel strong. The goal is simple: notice the “glimmers”, protect tomorrow’s joy, and build a life you do not want to escape from.If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a review so more women can find it. Where are you most likely to feel pressured to drink, and what would make it easier to choose yourself?A huge thank you to Anna for this extremely honest conversation.  You can find Anna on her socials HERE.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 129 : What If Your Soul Already Knows? with Kelly PietrangeliYou can feel “fine” on paper and still know something is off. That quiet mismatch is where today’s conversation begins, with our guest Kelly Pietrangeli, founder of Project Me, long-time coach, retreat host in Ibiza, and now a Soul Plan practitioner who has read hundreds of charts for women craving clarity. We talk honestly about what happens when you become a mum and suddenly lose the identity you built through work, friendships, and the life you used to live, and how that can spiral into stress, shouting, and feeling like a hot mess behind the scenes. Kelly shares the practical tool that helped her rebuild: the Project Me Life Wheel, a monthly check-in across health, family, love, work, money, fun, and personal growth. We dig into why balance is not a perfect target, how to spot what is slipping before it becomes a crisis, and why writing things down can unlock momentum. From there, the conversation opens up into synchronicities, journalling questions before sleep, dream tracking, and the “breadcrumb trail” moments that shaped her move to Ibiza and the surprising timing of her 2020 vision becoming real. We also go deeper into inner wellbeing, from breathwork and meditation to emotional awareness, energy protection, and stepping out of fear-based collective noise. Kelly explains Soul Plan readings and why understanding your talents, challenges, and purpose can stop comparison and put you back in your lane. We finish with a powerful health reality check: osteoporosis, heavy weight training for women, protein, creatine, and the mindset shift that makes strength feel empowering rather than intimidating, plus our favourite time and phone habits to reclaim minutes that actually change your day. If you enjoy thoughtful wellness with a dash of humour and real-life tools you can use immediately, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review so more women can find the show. What part of the conversation are you going to try this week?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 128: What If Recovery Isn't Getting Back to Before? Maria Henthorne's Breast Cancer Journey (Featuring The Naughty Tit)A marathon medal is still glowing in your memories when a routine mammogram turns into a callback, a biopsy, and the words nobody wants to hear: breast cancer. We’re joined by our friend Maria Henthorn, whose diagnosis arrived soon after the Brighton Marathon, and we talk honestly about what it feels like when life splits into “before” and “after” overnight.Maria shares the practical steps she takes to protect her mental health from day one: stepping back from work, leaning on friends, getting outside, and keeping movement as a steady anchor. We explore how treatment plans can change quickly from a lumpectomy to a mastectomy, how support can feel overwhelming at first, and why humour can be a powerful way to hold on to identity when your body and routine are no longer yours.We also go deep on what often gets missed in breast cancer conversations: life after active treatment. Maria describes surgical menopause after hormone-positive breast cancer, the insomnia, fatigue and joint pain that can follow, and the frustration of feeling like the system saves your life but leaves you to manage quality of life alone. She talks about advocating for yourself, finding better resources, adjusting training, protecting bone health with strength work, and making lifestyle changes like stopping alcohol to reduce risk factors.If you care about breast cancer awareness, menopause after cancer, patient advocacy, and realistic wellbeing strategies that fit real life, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review so more women can find the support they deserve.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 127Sex after 40 can change so fast it feels like someone swapped your body overnight and nobody thought to mention it. We’re talking candidly about libido loss in perimenopause and menopause, sparked by a friend who asked us the question so many women whisper to themselves: “Is something wrong with me?” She loves her husband, she’s happy in her relationship, and yet she doesn’t want sex anymore, plus everything feels dry, sore, and exhausting. That single admission opened the floodgates for what we’ve heard again and again from women in their 40s, 50s and 60s.We dig into the real-world reasons desire can disappear, from changing hormones (including the often-ignored role of testosterone) to sleep disruption, stress, and the relentless mental load that makes intimacy feel like one more task. We also unpack the emotional fallout on both sides: men reading “no sex” as rejection, women fearing they’re broken, and couples getting stuck in a cycle where even a cuddle feels like it comes with pressure. Along the way we talk about the unglamorous bits that matter: vaginal dryness, discomfort, continence worries, changing confidence, and why “just do it” advice can make things worse.Most of all, we make space for nuance. Some women want solutions like lubricants, pessaries, HRT, or medical support, and some feel genuinely fine never having sex again. We ask what’s “normal”, what’s “okay”, and how to communicate needs without blame, duty, or shame. If this topic has been sitting between you and your partner, or if you’ve felt alone in it, come and talk with us in the community.Subscribe, share the podcast with someone who needs it, leave us a review, and join our free Facebook group to keep the conversation going.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 127: "I Could Never Do That"... Or Could You? With Ursula GoodeA poster that says “Adult Gymnastics Classes Starting” sounds harmless until it hits the part of you that whispers, I could never do that. Our guest, Ursula Good, felt that exact jolt at 35, with three small children and a life that was already full. She took the leap anyway and discovered something many of us are really searching for: an hour a week that gives back energy, confidence, and headspace, not another item on the to-do list.Ursula is a dentist, a sea swimmer, a runner, a competitive adult gymnast, and a mum of four, but what makes this chat land is how human it is. We talk about movement as play, how self-consciousness creeps in after puberty and again after pregnancy and through midlife, and why “wear what feels good” is not a throwaway line but a genuine barrier remover. We dig into the mental side of gymnastics, the bravery of trying new skills, and how sport forces presence in a world wired for constant multitasking.We also go deeper on setbacks. Ursula shares what it’s like to keep going through shoulder surgery, then face a sudden knee ligament injury and the long rehab that follows. We explore resilience mindset, identity beyond performance, and how hormones, menstrual cycle changes, and menopause can affect energy, balance, coordination, and injury risk. Plus, because she’s a dentist, we connect oral health to whole-body wellness, including gum disease, inflammation, and heart health, with simple habits you can actually stick to.If you enjoy honest conversations about women’s wellness, midlife fitness, strength training, bone health, community sport, and building confidence one brave rep at a time, hit subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review. What’s one thing you’ll try this week that the old you would have avoided?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 126Three questions can change the tone of a whole week: What’s your biggest recent win? What’s your biggest recent challenge? What do you need help with? We steal the prompt from a morning listen and put it to the test in real time, with honest answers that feel like a proper catch-up rather than a performance.We start with wins that actually move the needle, from building a “Wellbeing Wednesday” ritual with Pilates, nature and community, to choosing to stay alcohol free and noticing how often birthdays and celebrations still push drinking as the default. We talk about why self-care can feel weirdly “too luxurious”, and how connection in person hits differently to a screen, even when online classes are convenient.Then we go into the harder stuff: menopause and perimenopause hot flushes that feel like a public announcement, the mental load of managing symptoms, and the way visibility creates stress at work and in social spaces. We also share the ongoing challenge of post-concussion after-effects that can make the world feel like it’s tilting, plus the frustration of being a “fixer” when there isn’t a neat solution. Finally, we get practical about asking for help, from home organisation and cleaning to business tech and the pain of hiring support that doesn’t deliver.If you try the three questions with your partner, family or friends, tell us what shifts. Subscribe, share with someone who needs a nudge towards better wellbeing, and leave us a review so more women can find Far Too Fabulous.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 125: Pilates Isn't Supposed To Look Like That Why Instagram fitness might be stopping women from starting.We open with the most Far Too Fabulous kind of chaos: singing, giggling, and remembering the absolute commitment of performing with Soul Choir at Canterbury Pride in horizontal rain. It is funny, it is warm, and it sets up a bigger point we cannot shake, showing up matters more than looking perfect while you do it.From there, we get something properly off our chest: Pilates has exploded on social media, and while we love seeing more people discover movement, we are tired of the flawless, filtered, “picture-perfect” workout videos. Matching nude sets, zero wobbles, zero sweat, zero reality. That version of fitness culture is unrealistic, often edited, and it can stop real people from even starting because they think they do not look right or will do it wrong. We talk about what Pilates is actually for: building strength safely, starting small, and progressing at your own pace.We also dig into the equipment craze, especially the push to buy a reformer, and how easy it is to chase quick fixes instead of sustainable habits. Then we zoom out to the wider wellbeing space: trainers tearing each other down for clicks, nutrition turning into tribal warfare, and the way tracking and optimisation can suck the joy out of life if we stop listening to our own bodies.If you have ever felt put off by “perfect” health content online, come and have a laugh with us and leave feeling more empowered. Subscribe, share with a friend, and if you enjoy the conversation, leave us a review and join our free Facebook group.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 124: Hair Loss Isn't Just About Hair with Kate HolohanHair loss can feel like it comes out of nowhere, but the truth is usually more unsettling and more empowering: your body is trying to tell you something. We sit down with Kate Holohan, a certified trichologist and the voice behind Hair Therapy UK, to untangle what’s really going on when your ponytail feels thinner, your scalp shows through, or the shower drain suddenly looks alarming.We talk about the part nobody warns you about: the emotional weight. Hair is tied to identity, confidence, and how you show up at work, on dates, and in photos. Kate explains why so many women get dismissed with “it’s just stress”, why hair loss is not “vain”, and how hairdressers often spot early changes before you do. We also break down the hair growth cycle, telogen effluvium, and why you may be reacting to something that happened 8 to 12 weeks ago, plus why real improvement takes consistent effort over months rather than days.Then we get practical and myth-busty: iron and ferritin, thyroid and Hashimoto’s, menopause and perimenopause shifts, cortisol and inflammation, nutrient absorption issues, and the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications, where under-nutrition can show up fast in your hair. Kate also clears up confusion around DHT, pattern hair loss, and why “just use minoxidil” is not a universal answer. You’ll leave with safer ways to find help, including the Institute of Trichologists clinic finder, and a clearer idea of what questions to ask before spending money on products or treatments.If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs reassurance, and leave us a review so more people can find evidence-led support.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 123: Always hungry, even when you swear you’ve eaten “properly”? That nagging appetite can feel like your body is working against you, but it’s often doing the opposite: sending signals that something is missing. We get honest about how easy it is to fall into the constant-snacking loop, especially when life is busy, stress is high, and the cupboard is calling during boring admin.We break down the most common causes of constant hunger through a practical wellbeing lens: metabolism types, blood sugar dips, and what happens when you do a lot but don’t fuel to match the demand. We talk about why ultra-processed foods keep you coming back for more, why protein makes such a difference to satiety, and how a simple food diary can reveal the gaps fast. You’ll also hear why “hunger” can actually be thirst, why eating too quickly backfires, and how the 20-minute satiety delay catches so many of us out.Then we widen the lens: sleep debt and sugar cravings, alcohol and the next-day ravenous feeling, perimenopause appetite shifts, stress and cortisol, medication side effects, and even gut microbiome imbalances like Candida that can drive intense sugar cravings. We finish with realistic first steps for better appetite control and steadier energy, including aiming for 20 to 30 grams of protein at breakfast and building meals that support blood sugar balance.If this resonates, share the episode with a friend, subscribe, and leave us a review. What’s the biggest trigger behind your “I’m always hungry” days?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 122: ChatGPT Is Your Worst Flatmate For Health AdviceAI can sound calm, clever, and certain, even when it’s guessing. That’s fine when you’re drafting an email, but it gets complicated fast when people start using ChatGPT and other tools to interpret symptoms, gut health results, and lab reports without support.We’re joined again by Josh Netherwood from Your Gut Map to unpack what’s really happening behind the screen. We trace how AI evolved from early ideas about machine intelligence to today’s deep learning models, then bring it back to the real world: inconsistent answers, “personalisation” that drags in the wrong context, and advice that often jumps straight to worst case scenarios. If you’ve ever asked a health question twice and received two different paths, we explain why that happens and why it can lead to confusion and fear.From H. pylori scare stories to the unintended consequences of self led treatment, we talk about how AI can push people towards a scattergun approach: overusing antibiotics, relying on untargeted probiotics, or trying extreme interventions without understanding the full picture. We also dig into the big issues most people miss: governance, accountability, and source quality. If an AI tool pulls from a mix of social posts, articles, and outdated research, how do you know what to trust?We finish with practical, listener friendly prompts to ask “one more question”, request peer reviewed evidence, and get more up to date, scientifically led guidance. If you care about safe AI in healthcare, gut health, functional medicine, and personalised wellness, this is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review: what’s the most worrying piece of AI health advice you’ve seen?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 121 : Joy Is An Inside Job with Cat Googe The Joy QueenJoy has been marketed as something you get once life is perfectly arranged, but we’re not buying that anymore. We sit down with Cat Good, the Joy Queen, to talk about why joy is an inside job, how identity shapes what we think we’re “allowed” to claim, and why so many of us quietly shrink back even after we’ve done the hard thing.Cat shares her path from primary school teacher to laughter yoga leader, including the lightning-bolt moment that made her realise she’d found her work. We unpack what laughter yoga actually is (spoiler: it’s not laughing in downward dog), why breath is essential for grounding, and how intentional laughter can support nervous system regulation. We also explore the science in plain English: lowering stress hormones, boosting endorphins, and the powerful social bonding that happens when a room starts laughing together.The bigger thread running through it all is “living your 365”. We talk about the trap of waiting for weekends, holidays, or Christmas to feel alive, and how a simple daily practice of noticing can change your relationship with gratitude, resilience, and wellbeing. Cat also gets real about self-belief, making bold asks, and refusing to turn a “no” or silence into a story about your worth, plus where you can find her free monthly Joy Reset and her Juicy Joy hacks.If this conversation gives you even a tiny spark, please subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave us a review so more people can find the show. What’s one small moment of joy you’re choosing today?You can hang out with Cat on INSTAAnd you can find out more about her Joy Reset and get her free download from her website HERE enJOY!! xxGot a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 120Cold plunges in winter seas, “Miracle Morning” pressure, supplement stacks that cost a fortune, and trackers that tell you how you slept before you even know how you feel… wellness trends are everywhere, and they can be equal parts helpful and ridiculous. We get honest about what we actually like, what we secretly side-eye, and how to stop trends turning into yet another to-do list.We talk cold water therapy and why it can feel brilliant (and why some of us still cannot face it), plus the difference between a quick cold shower and the full sea dip experience. From there we unpack realistic morning routines, especially when you have kids and a busy schedule, and why a calm 10 to 15 minutes can beat a forced 5am overhaul.Then we get feisty about massive supplement stacks and “longevity” bundles, what targeted supplements should look like, and why quality matters. We also dig into tracking, hormone hacks, protein obsession, fibre, fasting, matcha, green powders, nervous system regulation, and exercise trends like HIIT and reformer Pilates, always coming back to the same point: foundations first, tools second, and your body gets a vote.If you’ve ever felt pulled between curiosity and overwhelm, this chat will help you choose what’s worth keeping and what’s safe to ignore. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review, then come tell us what trend you love or hate in our free Facebook group.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 119: To Snack Or Not To Snack ~ That Is The Question!?Snacking used to be an occasional treat. Now it’s a full-blown industry, and for many of us it has quietly become constant grazing. We dig into the deceptively simple question “to snack or not to snack?” and why the answer depends on your energy, your routines, your hormones, and what you’re actually eating at meals.We talk through how modern ultra-processed snacks can slip into the day without “counting” in our minds, while still pushing up calories and sending blood sugar and insulin on repeat spikes. We also unpack the hidden cost of frequent eating: digestion takes real energy, and when you’re stressed you’re not in rest-and-digest mode, so constant snacking can leave you feeling more tired and more crave-y. If you’re chasing better weight management, steadier energy, fewer cravings, or improved gut comfort, we share why focusing on three satisfying meals with enough protein can make snacking fade naturally.There are caveats too. We cover when small, frequent eating can be supportive, including chronic fatigue, very fast metabolisms, young children, and certain hormonal phases where night-time blood sugar drops can disrupt sleep. You’ll also get practical tools you can try immediately: checking hydration before you raid the cupboard, using peppermint tea or brushing your teeth as a palate reset, and choosing smarter snack options when you genuinely need them.If this sparks a rethink, subscribe, leave us a review, and share the episode with someone who always “just fancies something” with their cuppa. What’s the one time of day your snacking habit is hardest to break?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 118Stress doesn’t always feel like panic, sometimes it feels like “I’m fine” while your body quietly runs on emergency mode. We’re pulling the curtain back on how stress becomes normal, why it shows up in almost every wellness journey, and what to do when you’ve been coping for so long you can’t even tell you’re overloaded.We talk about the hidden cost of a life with no downtime, how constant stimulation affects sleep and anxiety, and why busyness gets treated like a badge of honour. From there we get practical: the fight, flight and freeze responses (including the stuck, overwhelmed “freeze” that leads to avoidance), the ways we numb stress with scrolling, Netflix, alcohol or food, and how to protect your peace from the drip feed of stress-inducing media and algorithms.You’ll hear the tools we keep coming back to with clients: writing down stressors, crossing off what you can’t control, creating a pause before you react, and using simple breathwork to shift the nervous system into rest and digest. We also explore how calm creates a ripple effect, especially when you’re supporting children through exam stress and performance pressure.Plus, we’re inviting you into a genuinely simple experiment: our “Do Nothing” challenge in the free Far Too Fabulous Facebook group starting 11 May, building from one minute to 15 minutes of literal stillness. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a breather, and leave us a review so more women can find the support.To download the tools mentioned click HERE.To view Kate Winslet's advice click HERE.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 117.  Turn Down The World Noise: How to Calm Your Nervous System When Life Feels LoudYour nervous system might be exhausted and it might have nothing to do with “willpower”. We’re recording solo this week (yes, literally under a blanket) to talk about the constant noise of modern life: nonstop news, endless opinions, background radio, social media scrolling, and the pressure to keep up with everything. When there’s no filter, your brain treats it all as urgent, personal, and dangerous and that can leave you wired, tired, and permanently on edge.We get into why information overload and doomscrolling can keep you stuck in low-level fight or flight, even when you’re safe at home. There’s a simple “lemon” visualisation that proves how quickly thoughts can create a physical response, and it helps explain why headlines can hit your body like real events. We also talk about the knock-on effects many of us notice in midlife: poor sleep, cravings, reaching for wine or sugar earlier, flat energy, workouts feeling harder, and the stress stories we tell ourselves when our body is actually asking for support.Then we shift into practical nervous system regulation you can do in real life: awareness without restriction, micro switch-offs, leaving your phone in another room, getting outside, and using breathwork with a longer exhale to signal safety. We also explore movement as stress release, including Pilates and strength training with intention, plus a reminder you might need most of all: you are allowed to disengage, protect your peace, and stop processing information that doesn’t serve you.If this lands with you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a review so more women can find the support. What’s one source of “world noise” you’re ready to turn down this week?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

 Episode 116: I’m Doing Everything Right… So Why Don’t I Look Like That? Before and after photos can hit like a punch: instant hope, instant comparison, and that quiet feeling of “why isn’t it working for me?” We’re digging into why those images on social media often leave you with an icky, false story. Two snapshots can’t show the real process of change, and they rarely give any credit to the things that matter most: better sleep, more energy, stronger movement, improved mood, and the day to day choices that build health.We talk about the messy middle nobody posts: the two steps forward and three steps back, the boring consistency, the weeks where nothing looks different, and the reality that progress can feel worse before it feels better. We also explore why fast “eight week transformations” often don’t stick without an identity shift, and why comparing yourself to celebrities or influencers can be wildly unfair when privilege, time, support, and professional styling are part of the picture.From phones in bedrooms to weekly takeaways, we get practical about trade offs and expectations. The question we keep coming back to is simple: what are you willing to do, and what kind of lifestyle do you actually want to live? If your goal is only a static image, it comes with an end date. If your goal is health, vitality, and feeling good in your own skin, it becomes a way of life.Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review, then come tell us what your individual goals are in our free Facebook group.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 115: Fibre: The Missing Link in Your Energy, Hormones and Gut HealthFibre has had a rebrand, but the real story is what it does behind the scenes. We’re talking bowel movements, yes, but also the less obvious wins: steadier blood sugar, healthier cholesterol, a happier gut microbiome, better immune resilience, and smoother hormone balance. If you’ve ever wondered why you can “eat well” and still feel bloated, sluggish, or out of sorts, the missing piece might be simpler than you think.We unpack why most people in the UK are only getting around half the recommended fibre intake, and why the 30g-a-day target is more of a baseline than a finish line. You’ll hear the practical difference between soluble fibre and insoluble fibre, how soluble fibre forms a gel that slows digestion, and why that matters for glucose spikes and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. We also get very honest about what “normal” looks like when it comes to frequency, stool health, and why “once a week” should never be brushed off.Then we connect fibre to detoxification and hormone health. Used hormones and toxins are processed through the liver and moved into the gut via bile, and without enough fibre they can be reabsorbed instead of eliminated, which may add to symptoms linked with oestrogen dominance like PMS, heavy periods, hormonal acne, headaches, and bloating. We also touch on low FODMAP diets, why some fibres can trigger symptoms when the gut is already inflamed, and how short chain fatty acids support inflammation control and gut lining strength.If you want realistic, food-first ways to boost dietary fibre without living on bran cereal, we’ve got you. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review, then come tell us in our free Facebook group: what’s the easiest fibre upgrade you’ll make this week?If this episode has you thinking, “Where do I even start?”… I’ve got you.I’ve created a Big Hug Care Package — full of simple, fibre-rich food ideas to support your gut, alongside breathwork to help calm and settle your system (because your gut doesn’t just need the right foods… it needs the right state too).You can grab it hereGot a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 1141.6 million people in England are using GLP-1 weight loss injections, and most are paying privately. That single fact changes the whole conversation, because it raises the stakes around screening, fake supplies, side effects, and what happens when people take a powerful medication without the nutrition, exercise, and psychological support that should come with it.We share what we learned at a healthy weight loss conference, including the NHS-style three-part approach to prescribing, common contraindications (from thyroid history to pregnancy planning and gallbladder or pancreatic issues), and the day-to-day reality of symptoms like nausea, fatigue and digestive upset. We also talk honestly about diet culture and the return of the “super skinny” ideal, and why that pressure can make people accept risks they would never take in any other area of health.Then we get into the part that rarely makes headlines: muscle and bone. If a big chunk of weight loss is actually lean mass, and if people regain fat more easily than they rebuild strength, the scale can go down while long-term metabolic health goes backwards. We break down why protein (often at least 1.2 g per kg), whole foods, supplements when needed, and resistance training are non-negotiables, especially for women as we age. We also share Dr David Unwin’s take on hunger, why willpower-based dieting fails, and why sugar and refined carbs can behave like an addictive substance for some people, plus how trackers and CGMs can help or mislead.If you care about sustainable weight loss, obesity support, type 2 diabetes risk, and real wellbeing, come listen, share it with someone who needs a kinder and smarter framework, and then subscribe and leave us a review so more women can find the conversation.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 113You eat well, you’re generally fit, you try to sleep, you do your best and yet you’re the one who catches every bug and takes the longest to recover. That frustration is real, and it can make you wonder if something is quietly “wrong” with you. We go straight at the question a listener asked: why do I feel so run down when I’m healthy?I share the first non-negotiable step: recognising red flags and knowing when to book in with your GP, especially with persistent or unusual symptoms. Once that’s ruled out, we do a calm but honest audit of the foundations that drive energy and immune resilience: running on empty, sleep that’s slipped, food ruts, skipped meals, low protein, dehydration, and the subtle creep of caffeine or alcohol when life gets full-on. We also talk about stress as more than feelings, including the body load of doing things that clash with your values and the power of better boundaries.From there we zoom out to hormones and midlife health. Oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol shifts can change how resilient you feel, how well you sleep, and how long inflammation hangs around after illness. If you’ve genuinely got the basics in place but you still aren’t bouncing back, we discuss practical next steps like blood work for key nutrients and markers, plus deeper options such as mineral testing and gut health support, because your immune system and your microbiome are tightly linked.If this lands for you, subscribe, share this with a friend who always says “but I’m the healthy one”, and leave us a review so more women can find the podcast. What’s the first foundation you’re going to audit this week?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

A special Episode (112) taking part in @podcasthon_en  with @meningitis_now:From Desert to Doorstep: Why Meningitis Awareness Matters More Than EverTwo young people have lost their lives and more are seriously ill after a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury and suddenly, everything feels raw again. I’ve only just got back from a Sahara Desert charity trek with Meningitis Now, and I’m trying to hold two truths at once: the most life-affirming adventure of my year, and the hard reality that meningitis can still steal young lives fast.I take you with me from the Premier Inn in Gatwick to Marrakesh, over the Atlas Mountains, and out into the dunes with an unforgettable group made up of meningitis survivors, charity leaders, and families walking in memory of children and teens who should still be here. You’ll hear what trek life really looks like: constantly changing terrain, Moroccan tea at camp, sleeping under a sky packed with stars, toilet tent comedy, and the moments that stop you in your tracks, including a sunset tribute that had all of us holding our loved ones close.Alongside the story, I share the key meningitis awareness points I want every parent, student, and young adult to know. We talk about the dangerous vaccine assumption that catches so many people out, especially around meningitis B, why symptoms can look like a cold or hangover at first, and why you should go back and push for rechecks if something feels wrong. We also cover how meningitis spreads in close-contact settings like sharing vapes, drinks, kissing, and shouting in crowded clubs, plus where to get support and answers through Meningitis Now.This is such a sensitive subject, which I am never one to shy away from; however, I hope I have done our trek, personal stories and loved ones justice with this episode. I dedicate this episode to our beautiful Mia and our Meningitis Now family. To all those who have been affected by this disease, and especially the local young people and their families and friends who have lost their lives... or are living with the life-changing impact of this disease. My heart is with you all xxPlease reach out for support from Meningitis Now Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 111What if your body isn’t “failing” you—it's protecting you? We explore how modern life traps us in fight-or-flight and what it really takes to teach the nervous system that it’s safe again. No gurus, no cold-plunge bravado—just clear steps you can weave into a busy week without adding more pressure.We start with the culture that glorifies busy and shames rest, especially for women juggling midlife demands. Then we demystify regulation: why dehydration, late meals, and constant alerts read as threat; how caffeine hammers the adrenals and nudges the thyroid to hit the brakes; and why stubborn weight, poor sleep, and digestive gripes often signal a nervous system on edge. You’ll hear practical swaps that actually land—three slow breaths before meals, tapping you can do anywhere, earlier dinners, and tiny morning rituals that don’t require waking at 5am. We also unpack habit loops around alcohol and the “I deserve it” reflex, and how to reroute those urges with compassionate, repeatable alternatives that soothe rather than sedate.This is a guide to doing less but better: planning meals to avoid 6pm chaos, protecting white space on the calendar, and saying no as a legitimate regulation tool. We share client stories that prove small changes work even in high-pressure jobs and family life. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating reliable safety signals so your body can switch gears, recover, and make every other healthy habit more effective. If you’ve been “vertically fine” yet quietly struggling, consider this permission to opt out of the busy badge and build calm from the ground up.If this conversation helps, subscribe and leave a review, then share it with a friend who needs a gentler plan. Join our free Facebook community to keep the chat going and pick up simple tools you can use today.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 110What if silver doesn’t mean failure? We dig into the Winter Olympics with a candid, funny lens—curling showdowns, aerial bravery, and bobsleigh margins thinner than a heartbeat—and uncover how elite sport mirrors our everyday mindset traps. Why does a bronze sometimes feel like triumph while silver can feel like loss? That tension sparks a bigger conversation about control, expectations and the stories we tell ourselves.We talk through the power of focusing only on what you can control—your routine, your breath, your preparation—and how that focus beats the scoreboard, the scale and the comparison habit. From midlife bodies to busy kitchens, we challenge the myth that lighter is always better or that you must be “fit enough” to start. Instead of chasing a shifting “there,” we prioritise the journey: strength gains over weeks, calmer energy, better sleep, joints that thank you, and the quiet wins that compound into real health. You’ll hear how perfectionism convinces smart people to quit what they love, and how a single reframe—bronze joy over silver despair—can put the fun back into fitness, food and life.Along the way, we share practical mindset cues: don’t “win the warm-up,” reset when you stall, and use a kinder inner voice to unlock the part of your brain that performs best under pressure. We swap the tyranny of the scale for richer metrics of wellbeing, and we invite you to rewrite old stories that keep you small. If the margin between podium places can be 0.3 seconds, your small daily improvements matter more than you think.If this resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Then come tell us your latest small win in our Far Too Fabulous Facebook group—we can’t wait to cheer you on.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 109: Joy Is Not A LuxuryJoy shouldn’t sit at the end of your to-do list like a dessert you have to earn. We pull joy right into the centre of daily life and dig into why your body, brain and heart are wired to thrive on it. From the vagus nerve’s calming power to the way laughter lowers cortisol and boosts serotonin and dopamine, we map the science that explains why you can’t be stuck in fight or flight while you’re genuinely having fun.We share the real-world ripple effects too: calmer guts and fewer IBS flares when stress eases, smarter metabolism when the adrenals quit shouting at your thyroid, and kinder blood pressure when you stop bracing your way through the day. Doomscrolling and fear leave a mark; nourishing moments undo it. That can look like belly laughs that crack a grump, but also quiet joy — a glassy evening sea, a warm dog asleep across your legs, music in the kitchen while dinner simmers. Joy isn’t pricey or rare; it’s a set of repeatable habits anyone can practise.We also talk about vulnerability, grief and guilt — the places where smiling can feel wrong and fun feels frivolous. Joy doesn’t erase pain; it helps you carry it. You’ll hear simple, low-cost ideas for building a joy practice: scheduling play instead of chores, choosing connection over headphones, swapping news loops for a chapter by the fire, and reclaiming the hobbies you dropped when life got serious. Think choir nights as non-negotiable, puddle-splashing with the right boots, a post-swim glow, or a bike ride after decades that makes you throw your legs out like a kid.If you’ve struggled to answer “When did I last really laugh?” this conversation is your nudge. Pick one thing that lights you up and do it this week, then tell us about it so your spark becomes someone else’s idea. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review — your support helps more people find their way back to everyday joy.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 108: Discipline, Desire & Receiving More: What It Really Takes to Change Your Life with SUZY ASHWORTHWhat if the missing piece isn’t more hustle, but the courage to receive more? We sit down with global transformational mentor Suzy Ashworth for a fearless, funny, and deeply practical tour of midlife strength, mental clarity, and the mindset shifts that change everything. Starting with pull-ups, pole dancing, and a rogue Pizza Hut reference, we unpack why the last few inches—on the bar and in life—feel so hard, and how small, consistent movement creates compounding momentum.Suzy traces the path from party nights to purpose: travel that expanded her idea of what a life can look like, motherhood that sharpened her priorities, and career pivots that honoured intuition without abandoning follow-through. We dig into perimenopause with uncommon candour—brain fog, fear, and the startling clarity that came when she cut processed sugar and quit alcohol for good. She shares how meal prep, high-protein choices, 15,000 daily steps, and structured routines helped her feel stronger than ever, and why 75 Hard is less a fitness stunt and more a mental toughness framework that rewards planning, presence, and self-respect.We also explore plant medicine retreats, tech-free resets, and the profound relief of deep sleep, along with the identity work underneath any strategy shift. Suzy reframes receiving as a skill: start by asking what you genuinely want, decide it’s safe to have it, then act in alignment. We talk worth without guilt, ambition without apology, and why vulnerability is the real growth edge. If you’re navigating midlife health, craving clearer thinking, or ready to stop settling for “just enough,” this conversation offers tools, stories, and a spark to move.Listen now, subscribe for more candid, research-backed wellness conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s one habit you’ll change this week to choose clarity over convenience?For more from Suzy, you can follow her on Insta HERE  AND get your hands on her amazing book Infinite Receiving HEREGot a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Feel exhausted, cold, wired yet tired, and still told your thyroid is “fine”? We pull back the curtain on why TSH and T4 can miss what your body is clearly saying, and we break down the crucial step too many overlook: converting T4 to T3, the active hormone that powers energy, metabolism, mood, temperature, and gut motility. From midlife symptoms that get mislabelled as “just hormones” to the quiet role of stress in slamming the metabolic brakes, we map the real-world pathways that move people from stuck to steady.We explore how the liver and gut enable T3 production, why micronutrients like selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins are non-negotiable, and where iodine fits without causing flare-ups. You’ll hear how mineral patterns reveal early trends, why low potassium can stall hormone delivery, and how supporting detox and digestion often brings faster relief than chasing new diets. We also tackle the missing piece in standard care: autoimmune thyroid disease. Antibodies can simmer for years before TSH shifts, which is why fatigue, heavy periods, anxiety, and hair changes are frequently waved away until things get worse.Along the way, we share a case where sex hormones looked balanced while stress pathways told the real story, and we outline smarter testing strategies that include free T3, antibodies, and mineral assessment. The core message is practical and hopeful: normal is not always optimal, and the thyroid is often under-supported, not broken. With targeted stress reduction, blood sugar stability, gut and liver support, and the right cofactors, conversion improves and symptoms ease.If you’re ready to rethink your thyroid, press play and take notes. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs better answers. Your story might change when your labs and your life finally match.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 106:  How to Reset Gently When Life Is Already Full January set the bar high, then life happened. Between dark mornings, lingering holiday habits, busy workloads, and a body still riding a sugar rollercoaster, motivation didn’t just dip—it vanished. We unpack why that’s normal and how to build a grounded February reset that respects biology, the season, and your real schedule.We start with the science of energy. Holiday carbs can push blood sugar up and down, triggering cravings and brain fog. Rather than relying on willpower, we show how protein-forward breakfasts, fibre, healthy fats, and daylight exposure steady your energy so better choices feel easier. From there, we talk stress. Your morning cortisol is meant to rise—phones, caffeine-first habits, and frantic starts pile on. A softer routine—no phone for 30 minutes, water, light movement, five minutes of breathwork—calms the nervous system and sets you up to win the day.Then we tackle exercise myths. Punishment cardio isn’t a fix; it’s more stress. We outline a smarter plan: two to three strength sessions a week, short bursts of conditioning, and plenty of everyday movement. You’ll hear why “calories in, calories out” misses the bigger picture and how food quality, satiety, and hormones shape results. We share practical ways to clear the environment—donate unopened treats, bin the dregs, use pattern interrupts—and show how tiny, consistent actions beat perfection: prepped breakfasts, short walks, mobility snacks, and simple evening wind-downs.Most of all, we lean into connection. Accountability makes change stick. Bring a friend, join a group, ask for help. By mid-February, the sugar noise quiets, routines feel natural, and strength becomes your anchor. Start small today: protect your mornings, eat for steady energy, lift something heavy, and choose compassion over punishment.If this helped, subscribe, share with a friend who needs a February reset, and leave a quick review. Your support helps others find the show—and you never know which small tip will change someone’s day.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 105 What if the real “midlife crisis” is just a crisis of beliefs? We take aim at the quiet script that says decline is inevitable and show how your words, your training, and your mindset can add power to every decade you live. This is a lively, honest conversation about healthspan, not just lifespan—how to build strength, mobility, energy, and confidence now so your later years feel expansive, not compressed.We start by naming the trap: blaming age for every ache, foggy thought, or tired day. Then we flip it. With candid stories and real examples—from a seventysomething gymnast throwing flips to communities of women setting parkrun PBs—we show what’s possible when you train smarter and speak to yourself with intention. Neuroplasticity, progressive strength, mobility, and sleep all play starring roles. You can become stronger in your sixties than you were in your thirties if you align consistent practice with smart recovery and honest lifestyle checks.Along the way, we unpack the cultural forces that devalue experience and worship youth, and we offer a better path: choose an anchor word like strong, run your daily decisions through it, and watch your body follow your mind’s lead. We talk practical reframes, playful movement that feels like joy rather than duty, and the late-bloomer advantage—how a focused decade can make you world-class at almost anything, no matter when you start. Ageing, framed well, becomes a gift and a platform for bold reinvention.If you’re ready to challenge the script, find role models who light you up, and become one for someone else, this conversation will give you momentum. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help more people rewrite their next chapter.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Epsisode 104Mobility isn’t just about moving more; it’s about living better. We dig into why mobility shapes confidence, energy, and the freedom to say yes—especially when life throws slips, surgeries, or setbacks your way. From the shock of post-fall statistics to the quiet wins of getting off the floor without using your hands, we unpack how targeted training protects your independence today and for years to come.We share the habits that matter most: strength for joint integrity, Pilates for control and core stability, balance drills for real-world slips, and even jumping for bone density and reactive strength. You’ll hear how culture influences mobility—why daily floor sitting and deep squats in Japan keep people of all ages strong—and how our comfort-first environment can quietly erode the skills that keep us moving well. Expect pragmatic self-tests, coaching cues you can use at your desk, and encouragement to start where you are, whether that’s chair-based weights or your first deep squat with heels down.This conversation is as practical as it is motivating. We talk trust in your body after pain, rebuilding confidence step by step, and using playful movement—like adult gymnastics progressions—to rekindle joy while sharpening balance and coordination. Mobility is the currency of independence, and consistency is the compound interest. Try the no-hands sit-to-stand challenge, add small daily reps, and keep what you gain.If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review. Join our free Facebook group to post your sit-to-stand attempt and keep the conversation going—we’d love to cheer you on.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 103: Future-Proof Your Health At Forty And BeyondTwo years in and we’re raising a glass to something unfashionable but life-changing: prevention that actually sticks. Not scare tactics, not perfection, just smart self-checks, honest baselines and tiny course corrections that save you from big repairs later. We talk about celebrating milestones, then show you how to celebrate your body with an annual MOT mindset—because waiting for a diagnosis is not a strategy.We break down practical tools you can start this week: HbA1c to see how your body handles sugar over months, simple home blood pressure checks to keep a quiet eye on heart health, and bone density baselines so fractures don’t deliver the first clue. We explore why “normal range” often reflects a tired average, not optimal living, and how trend lines tell the real story. There’s candid chat on personal training tweaks—balancing strength with Pilates and mobility, adjusting plans when stiffness creeps in, and using sleep as a lever when fatigue mimics ADHD traits.You’ll hear how to read your own timeline, link stress or trauma to symptoms, and stop normalising daily discomforts that deserve attention. We share a client case where a “healthy” smoothie habit spiked sugar load, plus the simple swaps that steadied energy. We also cover budgeting for wellbeing, affordable lab options, and the confidence that comes from choosing your own tests and next steps. The takeaway is clear: small, consistent checks are a kinder, cheaper path to staying strong, mobile and joyful across the decades.Help us mark two years of Far Too Fabulous by sharing your favourite episode with someone who’d love a nudge toward better health. Subscribe, leave a quick review, and tell us: which marker will you track first? Your future self will thank you.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 102Stop chasing magic bullets. We’re starting the year by reclaiming a word that’s been hijacked by grind culture and diet rules: discipline. Not as punishment, but as self-respect. Not as perfection, but as small, repeatable actions that honour your future self. We dig into why comfort feels so irresistible, how modern life nudges us toward ease, and what it really takes to tip the scales past 51 percent so change becomes automatic.We map a practical path from intention to identity. Think brambles and footpaths: the first steps scratch, then the route clears, and eventually the new way is the easiest way. Along the journey we tackle boundaries as a vital discipline, especially for women balancing work, care, and expectations. We unpack the two-day rule to keep momentum without shame, and we explore how energy systems—nervous system, adrenals, thyroid—set the ceiling for sustainable effort. No more burning through willpower; we want aligned routines that protect bandwidth.You’ll hear how seasonal rhythms shape discipline, why “I am” statements lock in identity-led habits, and which microhabits deliver the biggest wins: water on waking, protein-forward breakfasts, phone-free nights, and simple meal prep to reduce friction. We also talk values, self-worth, and the quiet power of accountability—because you don’t have to do this alone. By the end, you’ll have a kinder framework to build consistency, a fresh lens on discomfort versus pain, and a set of actions that help you keep your promises to yourself.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help others find us. Join our free Facebook group to buddy up, post your first small step, and stay accountable. Here’s to a year of aligned discipline and steady wins.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 101: How to Feel Good in December Without Rules, Guilt or Starting Again in January December can feel like a relay race with no finish line, which is why we slowed things down to build a flexible, human approach to the holidays. We talk candidly about keeping energy high without rigid rules: water on the table, sleep that stays sacred, five quiet minutes that change your digestion, and an 80–20 food strategy that lets you enjoy parties without wrecking your week. It’s the practical, guilt-free guide to feeling good when schedules and snacks start multiplying.We start with the foundations that do the heavy lifting: hydration habits that actually stick (yes, alternating drinks matters), and sleep boundaries that survive party season by shifting meetups and winding down with low lights and warm drinks. Then we move into nervous system care—micro-rituals like a two-minute breathing pause before meals to switch into rest-and-digest, plus simple evening cues that help you fall asleep faster. On the nutrition side, we explain why protein at breakfast steadies blood sugar and cravings all day, how batch cooking soups and dals makes healthy the easy choice, and why the microbiome loves fibre but hates sugar. Expect clear advice on supplements too: vitamin C and zinc for immunity, magnesium for stress and sleep, probiotics for gut support, digestive enzymes for heavy meals, and milk thistle to help the liver when alcohol shows up.Movement stays joyful and bite-sized. Think kitchen discos, stair sprints, power minutes in your walk, and short home workouts that keep your rhythm when the gym closes. We also give permission to let go of food perfection and enjoy genuinely special seasonal treats without judgment. Along the way, we share green flags and red flags—like feeling inexplicably cold or becoming decision-paralysed—that signal when it’s time to pull back and reset.If you want a calmer holiday that still feels festive, this is your playbook: protect the basics, add tiny rituals, and choose habits over hype. If it helps, share it with a friend who needs a gentler December. And if you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us your non-negotiables for the season—we’d love to hear them.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 100Confetti, cake, and a truth bomb: hitting 100 episodes wasn’t about luck, it was about relentless consistency, a lot of curiosity, and one very chatty stomach. We look back at the conversations that made us rethink everything—from the guest who schooled us on neuroplasticity to the series that turned hormone chaos into everyday sense. If you’ve ever wondered why your focus wobbles, how gut health actually influences mood, or whether midlife is a slide or a springboard, you’ll feel right at home.We unpack why downloads don’t tell the whole story and why the listener who learns while walking the dog matters more than any leaderboard. You’ll hear how we make chemistry friendly—turning enzymes, neurotransmitters and cortisol into practical tools you can use—and why “no” can be the most powerful wellness strategy. We also revisit sober curiosity, where a single question can shift decades of habit, and explore weight‑loss narratives with nuance, compassion, and science instead of shortcuts. Through it all, we keep returning to one idea: consistency beats perfection. Whether it’s strength training, sleep hygiene, breathwork, or boundary setting, small steps done often change everything.Pull back the curtain with us on the homemade studio, the inevitable pet cameos, and the laughter we try—and fail—to hold in before the edit. Then look ahead: more expert voices, more practical frameworks, and a bigger community where women trade confusion for agency. Midlife isn’t a crisis; it’s an upgrade, and we’re here for the software refresh. If our kitchen‑table approach has helped you feel stronger, calmer, or a little more you, help us grow this circle—subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review. What was your favourite lightbulb moment? We’d love to hear it.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 99: When Life Stops Overnight. Maddie Harland’s Journey From Stage to Stillness. What happens when the show must go on collides with a diagnosis that stops everything? We sit down with Maddy Haaland—once a West End performer, now an acupuncturist and coach in Whitstable—to trace a life that moved from bright lights to deep healing without losing its song. Her story begins with ballet dreams, shifts into musical theatre, and confronts the pressure most audiences never see: relentless auditions, constant feedback, and the quiet toll of perfectionism. Then comes stage four lymphoma on press night—exhaustion, insomnia, a burning itch no lotion could soothe—and a startling feeling of relief when the fear finally had a name.From treatment and clinical trials to a reimagined identity, Maddy shares the moment her ambition changed shape and why gentleness became non‑negotiable. We explore how acupuncture helped her regulate a jangled nervous system, sleep again, and build a practice that invites calm: heated blankets, soft music, and a conversation that treats the whole person. She explains meridians and qi in clear, practical terms—pain as stagnation, needles as a way to restore flow—and why clients who arrive for tennis elbow or menopause insomnia often leave with something larger: permission to feel safe, connected, and at home in their own bodies.We also dive into survivorship anxiety, the persistent undertow of waiting for results, and the unspoken shame many carry about being unwell. Maddy’s new coaching group creates room for messy truth and mutual understanding, while her ChiChiFit classes bring back the joy of movement—show tunes, sweat, no mirrors, all welcome. It’s a portrait of life after crisis that honours both grief and delight, trading hustle for presence and finding tribe along the way.If this conversation resonates, subscribe and leave a review to help others find the show. Share it with someone who needs a gentler path forward, and tell us: what part of Maddy’s journey stayed with you?You can find Maddy on Instagram HEREFaceBook HEREAcupuncture informationGot a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

A woman joins the gym, grinds 30–40 minutes of cardio every day, keeps the weights light, fasts four days a week, relies on laxatives, and gains two kilos. Familiar? We’ve seen this pattern again and again, and we break down why it happens—and how to turn it around with a plan that respects stress, hormones, and real life.We start by dismantling the “eat less, do more” script that pushes women into chronic stress: steady-state cardio in the middle zone, under-fuelling, and long-term constipation that signals deeper gut and thyroid issues. Then we map a smarter training approach. Instead of daily drudge, use interval cardio with full recoveries to build fitness without frying your nervous system. Ditch light weights and endless reps; choose heavy, technically sound sets that hit failure around reps eight to ten to protect bone, support hormones, and actually change your body.Food becomes a tool, not a punishment. Build a daytime eating window and let the overnight fast be your fast. Eat real food regularly—protein for muscle, plants for fibre, fats for satiety—and hydrate like it matters. We explain why daily bowel movements are a basic health marker, how fibre variety supports the microbiome, and why relying on laxatives for years deserves medical attention. Beyond the scale, we prioritise visceral fat, hydration, muscle mass, sleep quality, and how you feel in your clothes. Expect progress over weeks, not days, and add joy back into movement with walks, swimming, or Pilates to support recovery.If you’ve been doing “everything right” and still feel stuck, this conversation offers a clear reset: fewer stressors, better signals, and habits that hold. Subscribe for more myth-busting advice, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s the first change you’ll make this week?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 97: Fire, Trapeze, And A Midlife Marathon with Louisa McShane. What happens when you mix marathon grit, firefighter standards, and a fear-conquering leap on the flying trapeze? We invited Louisa to the mic to share how a ten-week sprint to the London Marathon collided with a life-changing bid to join the fire service, and how both journeys reshaped her strength, mindset, and identity in her mid-40s.We start with the rebuild after Covid, when group classes vanished and habits fell apart. Louisa walks us through rediscovering endurance via Parkrun and run coaching, then saying an unflinching yes to a last-minute charity place. From there, the story shifts to the fire service: a rigorous, gender- and age-agnostic fitness test, a first attempt missed by 15 seconds, and a comeback plan built on brutal specificity. She breaks down how she simulated kit carries, hose drags, and loaded movements in the gym, and why shifting from pure endurance to functional strength flipped the script. Crossing the line at 10:48 wasn’t just a pass; it was proof that systems, not willpower, win.The surprises keep coming. Circus arts, from aerial silks to flying trapeze, helped Louisa rewrite her relationship with heights, refine mobility, and build powerful grip and core strength that translate to real-world demands. Along the way, she opens up about a late ADHD diagnosis: not a shock, but a profound permission to drop the shame over life admin, recognise the “ADHD tax,” and cultivate a kinder inner voice. Running trained that voice—mile by mile—into a coach instead of a critic. We talk momentum, community, and the joy of sharing gym clips that nudge other women to lift heavy, run long, and take up space.You’ll come away with practical insights on training for purpose, not perfection; using specificity to prepare for high-stakes work; and reframing midlife as a launchpad, not a slowdown. If this story sparked something, hit follow, share it with a friend who needs a push, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Then tell us: what bold step are you taking next?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 96: Authenticity, Identity, And The Courage To Say No with Pauline BuckleyWhat if the truest version of you isn’t a fixed label but the choice you make right now? We sit down with guide and former HR leader Pauline Buckley to unpack authenticity, identity, and the courage it takes to live in alignment when culture nudges you to conform. Growing up as the hearing child of deaf parents, Pauline learned to listen in a way most of us never do. That deep stillness now shapes how she helps people remember who they are, who they’re not, and how to act on that truth with clarity and care.We dive into the tension between masculine and feminine energies and why so many of us are stuck performing a self that feels safe but isn’t honest. Pauline offers a sharp lens on fear, division, and the shaken ant jar: when chaos rises, we turn on each other and forget our power. From COVID-era questioning to everyday boundary-setting, we explore practical ways to shift from fear to love, and from apologising to owning a clean no. We talk about alcohol, social pressure, and how removing numbing agents raises your energy and refines your friendships. Without sedation, you discover which spaces lift you and which habits you’re done carrying.Stillness becomes the thread that ties it all together. Five quiet minutes a day can change how you hear your body’s signals, make decisions, and treat yourself. We discuss midlife hormones, people pleasing, and why many women find a new appetite for truth as tolerance for misalignment fades. The imagine if mindset invites you to dream and take one step toward it, even when others resist. You don’t need a perfect plan; you need a honest next move. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of creative problem solving, like using improv to build confidence in high-stakes rooms, and simple prompts such as is that true and how do you know that to be true that cut through noise and reveal what matters.If you’re ready to live with fewer apologies and more alignment, this conversation is your nudge. Listen, share with a friend, and tell us: what truth are you ready to speak today? Subscribe, leave a review, and join our community to keep the conversation going.If you would like to connect with Pauline; her website is https://www.paulinebuckley.com/ and you can find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/paulinebuckley1/Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Click HERE to support us.Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 95: Inside The Joe Wicks Protein Bar Controversy And What It Reveals About Ultra-Processed FoodWhat happens when a “healthy” label hides a legal sleight of hand? We sat down to watch Joe Wicks’ new documentary and found ourselves peeling back the bright colours, influencer endorsements, and protein promises to examine what ultra-processed foods really deliver to our bodies. From the first glossy montage to the cigarette-style warnings on a prototype bar, the story exposes how taste engineering and health halos pull us toward products that can be lawful yet still linked to serious health risks.We talk through the scale of the problem in UK diets, why low-income families are disproportionately affected, and how the “it’s your choice” defence collapses under the weight of constant nudges and flavour profiles built for overconsumption. A shelf of additives tells its own tale: emulsifiers, sweeteners, and stabilisers that may pass regulations but raise red flags for metabolic health, inflammation, and the gut microbiome. The most unsettling part? Self-regulation means products can stack permitted additives to the limit, wrap them in nature-coded packaging, and market them as better-for-you.Joe’s moral dilemma anchors the human side of the debate: should he release a bar designed to legal thresholds to prove the point? A lawyer deems it compliant yet wouldn’t let her children eat it. We unpack that tension and show how marketing splits its message—fun for kids on the front, soothing leaf motifs and vitamin claims for parents on the back—while the real sugar and additive story hides in the small print. Along the way we share practical moves you can make today: build your shop around real food, choose clean protein powders with single ingredients, batch-cook for speed, and carry simple snacks that don’t need a label to explain themselves.Change won’t come from the till alone, so we call for clearer warnings and tighter limits on additives consistently tied to harm. Until policy catches up, knowledge and community are a powerful start. If this conversation sparked a rethink of your go-to bars, shakes, or snack swaps, tap follow, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more listeners find it. Then come tell us in our Facebook group: what’s the one “healthy” product you’re reconsidering after hearing this?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 94. From ME To Mighty: How Jo Mayes Rebuilt Energy, Confidence, And Community Through Strongman TrainingA decade ago, Jo Mayes rationed every ounce of energy just to manage the school run. Today, she’s stepping onto an invite‑only stone lifting field and carrying a 103‑kilogram rock for 36 metres—proof that small, repeatable steps can build a life you want to live.We unpack the full arc of Jo’s transformation: pacing during COVID, daily walks that slowly grew, and the first gentle strength sessions that left her wiped out yet hopeful. She shares how a quiet garage gym became a bridge to the weights floor, why strongman felt both functional and empowering, and how a welcoming community turned training days into a source of energy rather than a drain. We talk candidly about imposter syndrome, competing alongside world‑class athletes, and embracing the event you can nail even when others don’t go to plan.Nutrition takes centre stage too. Jo explains how tracking food supports her training, why she targets substantial protein to build and recover, and how simple carbs like oats and rice keep her sessions productive. We bust the “eat less, move more” myth for active women, dig into protein targets that actually sustain progress, and explore how strength training protects bone density, hormones, and long‑term vitality—especially in your 40s.You’ll leave with practical takeaways: start with one step, choose training you enjoy so you can repeat it, fuel like it matters, and lean on community. If you’ve felt stuck, burned out, or unsure where to begin, Jo’s story is a reminder that consistency beats intensity and courage beats perfection. Enjoy the conversation, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and if it helps, leave a quick review and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.Come into the Far to Fabulous Facebook group to see Jo's legendary video.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

 Episode 93: How does stress show up in your digestion (and what can you do about it)? Your body might be doing everything right—just at the wrong time. We dive into the overlooked power of how you eat: the timing, the pace, the breath between bites, and the simple rituals that flip your system from stress to digest. Drawing on lessons from French and Spanish lunch culture, we explore why protected mealtimes lead to steadier energy, calmer guts, and better sleep, even before you change your menu.We talk frankly about the gaps in our food and health systems—chefs who aren’t taught nutrition, nutritionists who aren’t trained to cook—and how that disconnect shows up in everyday life. From school canteens with short breaks to workplaces that erase lunch, the result is rushed meals, screens at the plate, and a digestive system left in the lurch. You’ll hear practical shifts: a simple 12-hour eating window, moving more fuel to the first half of the day, and saving heavier carbs for the evening with a two to three-hour gap before bed to support sleep. We break down why three slow breaths before eating change everything, how chewing activates the TMJ and influences pain perception, and why something as ordinary as a short stroll after a meal can smooth your blood sugar curve.This conversation is warm, real, and immediately usable. You’ll get no-nonsense tips to reclaim lunch, cook as a family to prime digestion, and swap the sofa for the table to turn eating into a restorative pause. Expect fewer afternoon slumps, lighter evenings, and a calmer gut—without a complicated plan. If this resonates, subscribe, leave a quick review to help others find the show, and share your best mealtime tip with us in the Facebook group. Your next great habit might be as simple as taking a breath before your first bite.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 92Abs-urd: Why a Flat Stomach Isn’t the Point.A single moment in a shop—two women, three stone lost, and still “not enough”—opened a bigger conversation about why so many of us measure our worth by a flat tummy. We take you inside the subconscious, where safety and belonging outrank motivation, and show how decades of programming and social media filtering make “smaller” feel like the only path to approval. This isn’t a willpower problem; it’s an identity problem. And identity, thankfully, can be upgraded.We unpack the reticular activating system (RAS)—your brain’s built‑in filter that deletes, distorts, and generalises what doesn’t fit your current beliefs. If your inner map says “flat equals good,” your feed, compliments, and daily choices bend to that script. We trace how Gen X women inherited a thinness code from magazines, diets, and praise tied to shrinking, then layered on today’s quick fixes and ultra‑processed routines. The result? A scale reading can flip your mood in a second, even when your body hasn’t changed at all.So we rewrite the playbook. Instead of punishing overhauls, we focus on identity-level shifts: “I’m a woman who takes care of her body and mind.” We swap shamey language (“I’ve been bad”) for kinder scripts (“I’m listening to my body”). We praise strength, stamina, sleep, and steady energy. We curate our feeds to normalise real midlife health—resilience, recovery, protein, lifting, walking, and rest. And we bring in practical tools that work with emotion: EFT tapping to calm spikes, simple visualising to rehearse better choices, gentle NLP timelines to unhook old loops, and habit stacking that feels safe to the subconscious.This is about reclaiming attention for what actually improves life: deeper sleep, a steadier mood, easier movement, stronger lifts, calmer days, and a nervous system that feels regulated. The goal isn’t a flat tummy; it’s a body you trust and a mind that doesn’t bully you. If you’ve ever felt “I know what to do, but I don’t do it,” this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a roadmap you can live with.If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more women can find it. Then join our free Far Too Fabulous Facebook group to continue the conversation and build a kinder echo chamber together.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 91Most of us don’t give the gallbladder a second thought — until it becomes a problem. But this small organ has a big role to play in women’s health, especially during perimenopause and menopause.In this episode, I dive into the hidden connection between the gallbladder, bile flow, and hormone balance. You’ll learn why bile isn’t just for digestion, how sluggish clearance can fuel estrogen dominance, and the early warning signs your gallbladder may be struggling — before it becomes an emergency. I also unpack why gallbladder removal rates have skyrocketed in the UK, what life looks like after surgery, and, most importantly, how you can support gallbladder and liver health naturally.If you’re navigating hormone changes in midlife, this episode will give you fresh insight into an organ that’s anything but irrelevant.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 90Your body thinks there's a tiger in the room, but it's just your overwhelming to-do list. That constant state of fight-or-flight is driving you toward burnout, even if you're still functioning on the outside.Most midlife women don't recognise the subtle signs of burnout until they're completely exhausted. You wake feeling unrefreshed despite sleeping. Small irritations trigger disproportionate reactions. You catch every cold. Sugar, salt, and caffeine become necessary fuels. Your libido vanishes. Yet you dismiss these warning signals as "normal life" because everyone around you is experiencing the same struggle.What's actually happening is fascinating: your adrenal glands, responding to constant perceived threats, eventually become depleted. Your thyroid tries to help by "putting the brakes on" to conserve energy—essentially forcing you to drive with your foot on the accelerator while the handbrake is engaged. This biological response depletes essential nutrients and disrupts your entire hormonal orchestra, creating symptoms easily confused with perimenopause.The good news? Burnout is reversible with consistent small actions. Three deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed signals to your body that the "tiger" isn't actually present. Mineral-rich vegetable broths replenish depleted reserves. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha help regulate stress responses. Even 30 seconds of cold water at the shower's end can reset your nervous system.Remember, reaching burnout isn't a personal failing—it's your body doing its best to cope with demands it wasn't designed to handle. You don't have to make this journey alone. Connect with us in our Facebook group where we're sharing practical techniques like tapping to help you recover your energy and reclaim your wellbeing.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 89. Wellness Washing: Products that pretend  to be good for usThat "healthy" product you're buying might be anything but. Catherine and Julie pull back the curtain on the deceptive world of wellness washing – products claiming health benefits while potentially causing harm.The conversation ignites when Julie shares her frustration over a Dettol laundry detergent advertisement targeting parents with fear-based marketing about germs on children's clothes. Despite everything we now understand about the importance of a healthy microbiome, these chemical-laden products promise to "kill all known germs" – introducing harmful substances to our skin while disrupting beneficial bacteria we actually need.From cleaning products, the hosts dive into food marketing manipulation. "Protein" yoghurts command premium prices while often containing less actual protein than regular Greek yoghurt and hiding added sugars. Breakfast cereals like Special K position themselves as healthy foods, despite having minimal nutritional value. Plant-based alternatives and gluten-free products frequently compensate for missing ingredients with chemical additives, poor-quality oils, and excessive sugar.Most concerning is the impact of these marketing tactics on children. The UK has reached a troubling milestone with more overweight children than healthy-weight children. Supermarkets strategically place unhealthy items at eye level, use bright packaging, and create "child-friendly" versions of junk food. Products like flavoured waters, which parents believe are healthier alternatives to soda, often contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colouring.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 88Ever wondered if you could replace your wellness coach with ChatGPT or just follow along with YouTube videos? In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the provocative question: "Why should I use fitness, wellbeing, and nutritional professionals when I have AI and social media?"Through candid conversation and revealing personal anecdotes, we explore the limitations of technology in the wellness space. We share stories of AI making potentially dangerous health recommendations—like misreading high iron levels as low and suggesting supplements that could damage the liver. The truth is, while technology offers convenient access to information, it lacks the human intuition, personalised approach, and emotional connection that make real transformation possible.What happens when the real issue isn't what you think it is? As professionals, we often discover that clients come to us with one concern (like weight loss), only to uncover that the root cause lies elsewhere entirely. Technology can't connect these dots or read your body language, notice when you're dancing around the truth, or adapt recommendations based on your unique circumstances and emotional state.The accountability factor also proves irreplaceable—that text message when you miss a class, the celebration of your wins, the adjustments to your plan when life throws curveballs. These human touchpoints create the foundation for lasting change that algorithms simply cannot replicate. While we embrace technology as a helpful tool (we both use AI for certain tasks!), we've seen firsthand why the wellness journey fundamentally requires human guidance.Have you had any interesting—or disastrous—experiences with AI or YouTube wellness advice? Share your stories in our Far Too Fabulous Facebook group! We'd love to continue this conversation and hear your perspective on balancing technology with human expertise in your wellness journey.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 87:  How do I prioritise my health when everyone else needs me first?Ever feel like your well-being is the last item on an endless to-do list? You're not alone. This candid conversation tackles the reality of being a busy woman trying to prioritize health in a world that expects you to do everything for everyone else first.Julie and Catherine cut through the noise to address what's really happening when women put themselves last – it's not laziness or lack of willpower, but programming we've received since childhood. That "guilt button" that seems permanently installed when you become a mother? We talk about how to acknowledge it without letting it rule your decisions.The hosts share their own experiences as busy professionals and parents who've learned to integrate well-being practices without adding stress. Their practical approach focuses on micro-habits that create massive returns – from five-minute movement sessions to simple nutrition swaps that don't require meal prep marathons. You'll discover why sleep might be your most powerful wellness tool and how small adjustments to your evening routine can transform your energy levels.What makes this episode particularly valuable is the emphasis on breaking the all-or-nothing mentality. Instead of waiting for the perfect time to overhaul your entire lifestyle (which never comes), you'll learn how to identify your "one thing" – that single, small change that creates momentum toward better health without overwhelming your schedule.Ready to shift from survival mode to sustainable well-being? Join the Far Too Fabulous community in discovering how tiny, consistent actions can create life-changing results. The journey to prioritizing yourself without guilt starts with one small step – which will you choose today?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 86Have you ever wondered what your body is really telling you about your health? Beyond the numbers on a scale or your clothing size, there are simple physical indicators that reveal far more about your longevity and quality of life.This week, Julie and Catherine dive into seven DIY health assessments that provide valuable baseline information about your overall wellbeing. From the surprising importance of your waist-to-hip ratio (ideally under 0.8 for women) to the revealing chair stand test that predicts lower body strength, these simple checks require no special equipment and take just minutes to complete.The hosts share their own experiences trying each assessment, including the eye-opening moment when Catherine discovered how challenging it is to balance on one leg with her eyes closed - a key predictor of fall risk as we age. They explain why upper body strength matters (can you do 10-20 proper push-ups?), how your breath-holding capacity relates to lung health, and the fascinating phenomenon of "screen apnea" - unconsciously holding your breath while focusing on digital devices.What makes these assessments particularly valuable is their direct connection to maintaining independence and vitality as we age. As the hosts candidly discuss, the ability to get up from a chair, recover quickly after exertion, or maintain balance directly impacts quality of life in our later years. Yet these functional abilities respond quickly to consistent practice - use them or lose them!Try these simple tests yourself, then join the conversation in our Facebook group where Julie and Catherine are sharing videos and continuing the discussion. These aren't measurements to judge yourself by, but valuable information to guide your wellness journey. Where will you focus your efforts first?Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 85:  August RerunsA Holistic Approach to Future-Proofing Your Well-being with Helen LauerWhat if your brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself could be harnessed to transform your health? In this captivating episode, we're joined by Helen Lauer, an occupational therapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation and a qualified shiatsu practitioner who bridges Western medicine with Eastern healing traditions.Helen takes us on a fascinating journey through the inner workings of our brains, explaining how our 86 billion neurons and 150 trillion synapses are constantly remodelling themselves through neuroplasticity. With vivid analogies, such as navigating roadworks to find new routes, she helps us understand how the brain rebuilds pathways after injury and how we can apply these same principles to create beneficial habits in everyday life.The conversation takes a surprising turn when Helen identifies stress—particularly what she calls the "appease" response—as "the biggest pandemic happening in this world." This overlooked stress reaction occurs when we consistently put others' needs before our own, swallow down our true feelings, or people-please to avoid conflict. Helen explains how this constant appeasing creates harmful physiological responses that damage our immune system and contribute to numerous health problems, from cardiovascular disease to cognitive decline.Connection emerges as a powerful theme throughout our discussion. Helen outlines three crucial levels of connection for brain health: social connection through community and physical touch (with a recommendation for 20-second hugs!), internal connection through mindful awareness, and cellular connection between our neurons. Her practical tips for strengthening these connections offer actionable steps for anyone looking to build resilience and maintain cognitive function throughout life.Whether you're interested in preventing cognitive decline, recovering from brain injury, or simply optimising your neurological health, this episode delivers valuable insights that blend cutting-edge neuroscience with ancient wisdom. Listen now to discover how understanding your brain's remarkable adaptability can help you create a healthier, more resilient future.Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!Thank you for listening.You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.  For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee HERE. Your support helps us continue creating episodes and improving our recording setup. We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.