Far 2 Fabulous

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.

Episode 84August Rerun - Embracing Sobriety: Redefining Social Norms and Enhancing Wellness with Sarah WilliamsonHave you ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, even though you don't consider yourself to have "a problem"? This eye-opening conversation with Sarah Williamson, life and sober coach, challenges everything we've normalised about drinking culture.Sarah's story begins not with hitting rock bottom, but with simple curiosity. After 15 years coaching young people about substance misuse while never examining her own drinking habits, a particularly brutal hangover in 2017 sparked her journey. What makes this conversation so powerful is that Sarah was drinking well within societal norms – no binges, no neglected responsibilities – yet she still questioned whether alcohol was truly serving her.The discussion reveals how deeply alcohol is woven into our emotional lives. We drink to celebrate achievements, soothe sorrows, and manage everyday stress. We use it to take the edge off brilliant moments and numb ourselves from difficult ones. This universal "solution" rarely gets questioned, and as Sarah puts it, "choosing not to drink is a massive act of rebellion."Perhaps most profound is Sarah's revelation about self-worth. Initially justifying her sobriety through external benefits – better health, modelling for her children – she eventually recognised a deeper truth: "I love myself enough for this." This shift from external motivation to self-love represents the heart of transformative wellness.For anyone curious about reducing alcohol or living alcohol-free, this episode offers practical strategies without judgment. From exploring sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives to adopting an experimental mindset, Sarah's approach focuses on gains rather than deprivation. Whether you're questioning your own relationship with alcohol or simply interested in conscious wellbeing choices, this conversation will transform how you think about what's in your glass.What might your life look like if you loved yourself enough to question even the most socially accepted habits? Listen now and join the conversation in our Facebook group.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 83August Reruns - Healing Through Harmony: The Miraculous Power of Craniosacral Therapy and Vagal ToneWhy do so many of us feel perpetually on edge, even when there's no immediate danger? The answer might lie in your vagus nerve - the master switch of your nervous system.When craniosacral therapist Sarah Johnson joined us to discuss this remarkable nerve, we uncovered profound insights about how our bodies process stress and trauma. With over a decade of experience helping everyone from newborns to the elderly, Sarah explains how many of us are unwittingly stuck in "fight, flight, or freeze" mode, with our bodies braced for threats that aren't actually present.The conversation takes us deep into the science of nervous system regulation, exploring how techniques like the "Voo Breath" can stimulate the vagus nerve and help shift us into a calmer, more regulated state. What's particularly fascinating is how our modern lifestyle - with its constant connectivity and pressure to perform - directly contradicts what our bodies need for optimal wellbeing.One of the most powerful moments comes when Sarah shares a simple yet profound exercise: writing a list of ten soul-nourishing resources. "The harder it is to get to ten, the more important it is to do," she explains. This practice helps expand our "window of tolerance" - our capacity to navigate life's challenges without becoming overwhelmed.We also explore how the pandemic has intensified our collective stress levels, disrupting our connection with others and making many of us more anxious than before. Sarah offers wisdom about the importance of human connection and the courage to ask for help - something that benefits not only ourselves but also sets a powerful example for future generations.Try Sarah's techniques yourself and discover what happens when you give your nervous system the care it deserves. Your body might just thank you with the calm, clarity and resilience you've been seeking.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 82. August Reruns - Thrive Through Menopause: A Holistic Guide to WellnessThe journey through menopause doesn't have to be a struggle of hot flushes and mood swings. This comprehensive episode uncovers the foundational approach to navigating hormonal changes with grace and vitality.Before reaching for supplements or hormone therapy, Julie and Catherine emphasize establishing what they call "the four legs of a chair" – balanced nutrition, regular movement, quality sleep, and proper hydration. These fundamentals create an environment where your body can better manage hormonal fluctuations naturally. Particularly crucial is stress management, which they vividly compare to "throwing petrol onto a fire" when hormones are changing – amplifying every symptom you experience.The episode delves into the three key hormones affected during menopause: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. For estrogen decline (associated with hot flushes, dryness, and bone health concerns), they recommend impact exercises, phytoestrogens from foods like flaxseeds and legumes, and nutrients supporting bone health. When progesterone drops, causing anxiety and blood sugar issues, balancing glucose levels becomes paramount, with magnesium and vitamin B6 emerging as star players for support. Testosterone, often overlooked in menopause discussions, affects energy, motivation, and libido – making weight training particularly valuable during this transition.What makes this approach powerful is understanding hormones as an "orchestra" rather than isolated players. Creating an environment where your body can better navigate this transition naturally leads to better outcomes, even if you eventually choose hormone support therapy.The hosts conclude with a powerful reminder about mindset: "You are worthy of looking after yourself." This transition doesn't diminish your value or importance – with the right approach, menopause can become a time of wisdom, strength, and continued growth.Ready to transform your menopause experience? Join our Facebook community to share your journey and discover how these foundational principles can help you thrive through hormonal change.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 81:  Joy, Community and Breath: Uncovering the Magic Behind SingingWhat brings genuine joy to your life, and when did you last allow yourself to fully experience it? In this soul-stirring episode, we're joined by Abi Gilchrist, founder of UK Soul Choirs, who reveals how the seemingly simple act of singing together creates profound transformation. Far beyond hitting the right notes, community singing builds connection, resets your nervous system, and opens pathways to joy that many of us have forgotten how to access."The singing is what brings people in, but the community is what keeps them there," Abi shares, explaining how choir membership creates unexpected friendships and belonging that ripple into every area of life. You'll discover why joining a choir means never walking through town without recognising a friendly face, and how these casual connections ground us to our communities in ways we desperately need.Dive deep into the physiological magic of singing as Abi unpacks the "accent breath method" and why proper breathing technique creates a full-body reset. Learn why the out-breath, not the in-breath, is key to vocal power and nervous system regulation. If you've ever thought "I can't sing" (as most of us have!), Abi explains why this is rarely true – and how developing your ear, not your voice, is the real secret to finding your musical confidence.Whether you're curious about choir, struggling with stress, or simply searching for more joy and connection, this conversation illuminates how singing with others might be the wellness practice you never knew you needed. As Abi says, "If you find singing, you're going to be fine." Ready to discover why?You can find out more about UK Soul Choirs HERE and follow them on Insta and FB and you can follow the fabulous and talented Abi Gilchrist HERE.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 80Ever returned from holiday feeling like you need another holiday just to recover? You're not alone. That "sod it" holiday mindset can leave us feeling sluggish, bloated, and exhausted – the complete opposite of the rejuvenation we crave.In this practical episode, we explore how to genuinely enjoy your holiday indulgences without sacrificing your wellbeing. From rich restaurant meals and tempting desserts to disrupted sleep patterns and travel stress, holidays present unique wellness challenges that can derail even our best intentions.We dive into real strategies that work, starting with digestive support – the foundation of feeling good while traveling. Learn why probiotics before and during travel, digestive enzymes for those indulgent meals, and simply slowing down to properly chew can transform your holiday experience. Discover the essential elements of a travel-friendly homeopathic first aid kit that addresses everything from sunburn to food poisoning naturally.Beyond digestion, we explore how maintaining some grounding habits from home creates stability amidst the holiday excitement. Whether it's bringing your favorite tea bags, keeping up a gentle morning movement practice, or capturing holiday inspiration in a fresh notebook, these simple routines provide anchoring without restriction.During our conversation, we challenge the harmful mindset that you must "earn" holiday food or punish yourself after enjoying it. Instead, we offer a balanced approach where you can savor the gelato, enjoy the cocktails, and still maintain energy and wellness throughout your trip.With thoughtful preparation and these practical tips, your next holiday can be truly restorative – a break that leaves you feeling fabulous rather than depleted. Share your own holiday wellness tips in our Facebook group – we'd love to hear what works for you!How do you balance indulgence and wellness while traveling? Have you discovered strategies that help you feel great during and after your holidays?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.

Ever felt paralysed by contradicting wellness advice? One expert swears by intermittent fasting while another warns against it. A fitness guru promotes one approach while doctors recommend something entirely different. Welcome to what Catherine aptly calls "wellness noise"—that overwhelming cacophony of health information that leaves many midlife women feeling more confused than empowered.This candid conversation cuts through the clutter to reveal why so much wellness advice feels contradictory yet simultaneously correct. The missing piece? Context. Those experts aren't necessarily wrong—they're simply speaking to different audiences without making that distinction clear. Dr. Mindy Peltz's fasting protocols might work wonders for someone with obesity or pre-diabetes, while Dr. Stacey Sims' contrary advice better serves active midlife women. Understanding these nuances transforms overwhelming information into applicable wisdom.Catherine compassionately acknowledges the unique challenges midlife women face: bodies that respond differently than they did decades ago, marketing that preys on insecurities, and the exhaustion of constantly second-guessing ourselves. Rather than adding to the noise, she offers a refreshing perspective—your body already knows much of what it needs. The fundamentals remain straightforward: nourishing food, regular movement, quality sleep, adequate hydration, and stress management form the foundation. Everything else should complement these basics, not replace them.The path forward involves getting specific about your unique circumstances and goals, finding experts who truly speak to your demographic, and connecting with communities of women navigating similar journeys. Most importantly, wellness should never become another source of stress. It should fit realistically into your life, empowering rather than overwhelming you. If you're tired of wellness whiplash and ready for clarity, this episode offers the guidance and permission you've been seeking to trust yourself again.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 78Have you ever wondered why you seem more prone to injuries as you navigate perimenopause or menopause? That twinge in your knee, the persistent ache in your shoulder, or the way your body feels stiffer during certain weeks might all be connected to your changing hormones.As a 54-year-old competitive gymnast, I've had to rethink my entire approach to training after experiencing injuries that seemed to come out of nowhere. The truth is, they weren't random at all – they were perfectly predictable based on my hormonal fluctuations. When estrogen rises during the first half of your menstrual cycle, it boosts collagen production, giving your tendons and ligaments more elasticity and resilience. Think of them like fresh, stretchy elastic bands that can extend and snap back easily. But after ovulation, when hormones begin to drop, those same tissues become more vulnerable – like old elastic bands sitting in a drawer that snap when stretched too far.This episode unpacks exactly how to work with these changes rather than against them. You'll learn how to time high-intensity workouts for when your body has natural hormonal protection, how to recognize your personal warning signs of increased injury risk, and specific nutrition and supplement strategies that can support your joints when your hormones no longer do. I'll share practical tips for adapting your warm-up routine, why strength training becomes even more crucial during this life stage, and recovery practices that help keep your body resilient.Whether you're still experiencing regular cycles, navigating the unpredictable patterns of perimenopause, or adjusting to the consistently lower hormone levels of menopause, you can create a training approach that honors your body's current needs. This isn't about slowing down or giving up the activities you love – it's about getting wiser about how you pursue them. Join me to discover how tracking your symptoms, listening to your body's signals, and making strategic adjustments can help you stay active and injury-free for decades to come. Have you noticed changes in how your body responds to exercise? Share your experience in our Far Too Fabulous 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 77 Could Listening to Your Body Be the Ultimate Midlife Hack?Have you ever felt like your body is trying to tell you something important, but you can't quite understand the message? You're not alone.After 40, our bodies begin communicating in new and sometimes confusing ways. What's fascinating is that we've been culturally conditioned to ignore these signals – dismissing our intuition as "woo" or "too alternative" when it's actually millions of pieces of information being processed by our subconscious every second.In this eye-opening episode, we explore the fascinating disconnect between our growing confidence as we age and the physical changes that often leave us feeling betrayed by our bodies. That unexpected weight gain? Those strange energy fluctuations? The occasional brain fog? These aren't random malfunctions – they're sophisticated communications from a body that's navigating significant hormonal shifts.We dive deep into why strength training becomes non-negotiable after 40 (and why it makes you feel like a "badass"), how stress undermines even your best health efforts, and why supporting your gut and liver function becomes increasingly crucial during perimenopause. Plus, we share practical strategies for reconnecting with your body's wisdom without feeling overwhelmed.Perhaps most importantly, we challenge the cultural narrative that aging means decline. The truth? Your body isn't broken – it's adapting. And when you learn to listen to what it's telling you, you unlock a level of wellbeing that no Google search or quick-fix solution can provide.Whether you're approaching 40, firmly in your middle years, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on working with your body rather than fighting against it. Ready to trust yourself again? This episode is your invitation to reconnect with your most reliable health advisor – your own intuition.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 76Ever wonder why you're stuck in your weight loss journey despite seemingly doing everything right? The answer may lie deeper than your diet and exercise routine.In this eye-opening episode, Julie and Catherine explore the powerful connection between mindset and weight management, particularly for women over 40. When hormonal changes make traditional weight loss methods less effective, addressing psychological barriers becomes essential for progress.We dive into why the term "weight loss" itself works against us. Your brilliant subconscious, which runs 96-98% of your bodily functions, actively resists losing things it believes you need. This creates an internal conflict that no amount of willpower can overcome. For many women, extra weight serves as protection from past trauma or negative experiences – a fascinating "second gain" your body provides despite consciously wanting to be slimmer.Your self-talk matters tremendously. Since your subconscious doesn't recognize negatives, saying "I can't lose weight" only registers as "weight" in your mind. We share practical techniques to identify and release emotional blocks without reliving painful experiences, including powerful questions that reveal surprising insights about what's really holding you back.Most importantly, we remind you that you're so much more than numbers on a scale or clothing tags. You're the sum of your experiences, relationships, and contributions – a perspective that transforms your relationship with your body and creates space for genuine, lasting change.Ready to understand why your body might be protecting rather than betraying you? This conversation will shift your approach to weight management by working with your subconscious rather than fighting against it.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 75What would you give up to be thin? A shocking survey reveals some people would sacrifice ten years of their life, accept blindness, or choose infertility over being overweight. This startling reality forms the backdrop of our deeply personal conversation about weight loss injections and society's toxic relationship with body image.As health care professionals, we initially approached weight loss medications with skepticism, focusing on their concerning side effects. However, we've come to recognize something more troubling – the emotional desperation driving people to these solutions despite the risks. When feelings about weight override logical health concerns, we must ask ourselves what's really happening beneath the surface.We share our own struggles too. Despite being fitter than ever (I just ran a marathon!), we're both carrying more weight due to perimenopause. Standing on different scales gives wildly different readings – on one set my metabolic age is 38, on another it's 55! Yet we're the same person, doing all the right things, battling the emotional baggage attached to arbitrary numbers.Remember the client who transformed her body, dropped clothing sizes, and felt fantastic – without losing a single pound on the scale? This perfectly illustrates how our relationship with gravity doesn't reflect positive changes in body composition. What truly matters isn't weight but how we feel, move, and live in our bodies.Most poignantly, we discuss looking back at photos from our youth, realizing we were much slimmer than we perceived at the time. Now our daughters are beginning this same cycle of negative self-perception far too young. How do we break this pattern?Join our Facebook community to continue this important conversation about redefining our relationship with our bodies beyond the number on the scale.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 74Women Heal Women: Reclaiming Our Ancient Wisdom with Mandy ReesWhat happens when a high-achieving corporate lawyer reaches breaking point and realises her true path lies in healing the very wounds she sustained in a male-dominated profession? Mandy Rees takes us on her remarkable journey from burnout to breakthrough.After years of proving herself in the legal world, Mandy faced a crisis when postnatal depression hit following the birth of her first daughter. "I didn't tell anyone because lawyers don't get postnatal depression," she reveals. Returning to work when her baby was just three months old, she maintained the façade of the competent professional while crumbling inside – an experience countless women will recognise.The story shifts dramatically when Mandy finally steps away from her legal career and begins to reconnect with her authentic self. Through running yoga classes for new mothers, she discovers something profound: women desperately need spaces to share their experiences without judgment. "I watched women support women in a way I'd never experienced before, and it was that that healed me," she shares.This realisation forms the foundation of Mother for Life, Mandy's business dedicated to creating supportive circles for mothers. Her refreshingly simple yet deeply impactful approach provides spaces where women can talk, share, and realise they aren't alone. As she eloquently puts it, "Humans are not meant to human alone; we're meant to human together."Perhaps most compelling is Mandy's perspective on reclaiming ancient feminine wisdom. "The world needs the wise women," she asserts, "and we have to own that space." By challenging the societal undervaluing of motherhood and reconnecting with our intuition, women can heal not just themselves but also our planet.Ready to join a supportive circle of women or perhaps create one yourself? Connect with Mandy at motherforlife.co.uk and discover how women truly do heal women.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.

The Seven Layers of Protection: How Cancer Taught Me the Power of Saying NoEpisode 73What happens when your life suddenly transforms, forcing you to reassess who and what truly deserves your time and energy? For Sarah Sangster, a cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a profound boundary reset that would eventually help countless others reclaim their lives.Sarah joins us to share the deeply personal journey that led to her creating 'The Seven Layers of Boundaries' – a practical framework that transforms abstract boundary concepts into tangible, strategic actions. Drawing from both energetic principles and logical implementation, Sarah's approach gives people-pleasers and empaths a powerful system for protecting what matters most without the guilt that typically accompanies saying "no."At the heart of Sarah's message is a revolutionary perspective: your boundaries aren't just about keeping others out – they're about creating space for you to live authentically. She explains how recognising the seven distinct layers of boundaries allows you to make intentional decisions about who gets access to different aspects of your life. This isn't about building walls; it's about establishing healthier relationships where everyone understands where they stand.The conversation takes a particularly moving turn when Sarah shares how parenthood heightened her awareness of boundary violations. "You'll never get the time back with your children," she reminds us, revealing a profound story about choosing work over family time that ultimately transformed her approach to boundaries forever. For parents especially, this discussion offers invaluable insights into modelling healthy boundaries for children while protecting precious family moments.Sarah also opens up about her "superpower" – dyslexic thinking – which enables her to break complex problems into manageable components and rebuild strategic solutions. This unique perspective informs her boundary framework, making it accessible and applicable across various life situations. Her closing thought captures the essence of boundary work perfectly: "You are not here to carry what does not belong to you." Listen in and discover how to create a life with greater peace, purpose, and authenticity by finally establishing boundaries that honour your worth.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.

Sorry Not Sorry: Breaking Free From People PleasingEpisode 72Have you ever agreed to something you didn't want to do, simply to avoid disappointing someone else? That uncomfortable feeling in your gut might be trying to tell you something important.In this revealing conversation with wellness expert Melanie Flower, we unpack the deeply ingrained habit of people pleasing that so many of us struggle with, particularly in British culture where politeness often trumps authenticity. As women, we're conditioned from childhood to be accommodating, pleasant, and constantly available – a cultural expectation that can lead to serious consequences for our wellbeing.Melanie shares powerful insights on recognizing the subtle signs of people pleasing in our daily lives: the dread when certain names appear on our phones, the elaborate excuses we craft rather than simply saying no, and the physical symptoms that emerge when we consistently override our own needs. "If you don't listen to your body whisper, you'll hear it when it screams," she explains, highlighting how ignoring these signals eventually leads to burnout, illness, and resentment.The episode offers practical, transformative language tools to help reclaim your boundaries without feeling rude or defensive. Learn why saying "I won't" instead of "I can't" closes the door to manipulation, how phrases like "If I were you, I'd feel exactly the same" can validate others while maintaining your position, and why sometimes "no" truly is a complete sentence. We explore the profound difference these small linguistic shifts can make, alongside practical boundaries like separate work phones and defined working hours.Whether you're a lifelong people pleaser or simply looking to strengthen your boundary-setting muscles, this conversation offers compassionate strategies to honor your needs while maintaining relationships. Your relationship with yourself is the foundation for every other connection in your life – isn't it time to make it a priority?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 71The rise of weight loss injections has reached epidemic proportions, with people who aren't even clinically overweight seeking these "miracle solutions" for quick fat loss. What started as medications for type 2 diabetes has morphed into a mainstream approach to weight management—but at what cost?Julie and Catherine dive deep into the concerning world of anti-obesity medications, exploring how these drugs actually work and the potentially dangerous side effects that aren't being openly discussed. They reveal how these medications essentially put users into "an anorexic state" by suppressing appetite and slowing digestion, potentially leading to malnutrition, muscle wastage, and serious inflammatory conditions like acute pancreatitis.The conversation tackles the fundamental problem with this pharmaceutical approach: it completely fails to address the root causes of weight gain. Whether psychological factors, emotional eating, or our broken food environment, these issues remain untouched while the body experiences significant hormonal manipulation. Much like Weight Watchers (which recently went bust in America), these solutions offer temporary results without sustainable change.For those currently taking these medications, the hosts offer practical advice on maximizing nutrition with limited appetite, the importance of protein supplementation, and why strength training becomes even more crucial. They emphasize that while these tools can be appropriate for certain individuals with clinical needs, the casual approach to prescribing them to anyone seeking weight loss is deeply troubling.This thought-provoking episode challenges listeners to consider what true health looks like beyond numbers on a scale. Are we trading our vitality, strength, and long-term wellbeing for a quick fix? Join the conversation in the Far Too Fabulous Facebook group and share your experiences with these medications.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.