Fit in Real Life
by Tanja Shaw
Are you ready to get real results and feel your best—without extreme diets or rigid rules? The Fit in Real Life Podcast is for YOU.Whether you're looking to lose weight, get stronger, or simply take better care of yourself, this show will give you the tools to achieve lasting results. I'm Tanja Shaw, and together we'll explore science-backed strategies for long-term health, consistency, and lifestyle changes that work. You deserve to feel good—let's make it happen! Got questions or topic ideas? Email me at [email protected].
Episodes
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426: When It's Time to Take a Break
Over the past (almost) 10 years, creating the podcast has been an incredible journey. Connecting with you, sharing actionable tips, and diving deep into topics that matter has been an adventure! But today, I want to share a personal update: I've decided to take a pause from the podcast. This…
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425: Reflect, Recharge, and Reset for the New Year
As the year draws to a close, we're gifted with a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and set the tone for the months ahead. The turning of a calendar page offers a fresh start—a chance to write a new chapter in the story of your life. For me, this isn't just a routine; it's a ritual. Every…
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424: The Best Books I Read in 2024
What Are Some of Your Top Book Recommendations? This year, I read more fiction than usual, thanks to joining a book club and exploring different genres... and I ALSO read quite a few non-fiction books. Whether it's listening to a book on Audible during a walk or settling in with a physical book…
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423: What You Need to Know About Carbs and Sugar (Let's Break Through the BS!)
Have you heard the claim that oatmeal is the same as candy? Or that eating bread is like spoon-feeding your body sugar? These bold (and frankly, misleading) statements inspired this week's episode of the Fit in Real Life Podcast. We're diving into the nitty-gritty details of carbohydrates, sugar,...
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422: How Much Protein Do You REALLY Need?
Protein is a hot topic, and it seems like everyone has a different opinion. Should you be eating it at every meal? Is protein powder as good as chicken or beans? And what happens if you're under your protein goal for the day—should you force down some egg whites even if you're not hungry? If…
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421: How to Overcome 3 Subtle Barriers to Change
If you're like most people, you've set goals in the past, maybe even started strong, but then somehow drifted away from them. You try to eat healthier, to lose weight, to be more consistent… but something always seems to get in the way. Sound familiar? In the latest episode of the Fit in Real…
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420: What to Do When You Feel Stuck and Unmotivated to Workout
Ever hit that point where you just don't want to go? You've been working hard, but suddenly, the motivation's gone, energy is low, and you're not sure what to do next. This happened to me last week, and it inspired this week's episode. I share exactly what to do when the motivation dips and…
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419: Hormones, Metabolic Health, and Weight Loss with Ashley Fillmore
Is cardio really making you gain weight? Why isn't your low-calorie diet working? In this episode of the Fit in Real Life podcast, I'm joined by Ashley Fillmore, a leading expert in sustainable weight loss, founder of Metabolic Fix™, and host of the Cheers to Your Success podcast. With nearly 20...
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418: Redefining Femininity, Letting Go of Societal Standards, and My 11-Month Post-Explant Update
It's almost a year since my breast explant surgery. I'm sharing what the journey has really been like, from redefining my own version of femininity to discovering that confidence comes not from changing my body, but from accepting it as is. We often measure ourselves by our perceived...
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417: The Best Shape For Your Life
For years, I was chasing that elusive goal of being in the best shape of my life... which, in my mind, meant effortlessly running up a long hill looking graceful—and without my thighs chafing. But lately, my goal has changed. Now, it's not about being in the best shape OF my life, but in the best...
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416: 8 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Strength Workout
Do you ever find yourself going to the gym but wondering if you're actually making progress? 🙋♀️ If so, you're not alone! (Trust me, I've been there too... at least walking laps of the gym counts toward my daily steps... 🤔) In this week's episode of Fit in Real Life, I'm breaking down how to…
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415: 10 Popular Health Trends in 2024: What to Follow, What to Ignore
Social media is FULL of the latest fitness hacks, challenges, and quick-fix solutions. One minute you're told you need to lift heavy like a powerlifter, and the next you're wondering if dry brushing your thighs will magically burn off that last bit of fat (spoiler: it won't). It's hard not to get...
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414: 5 Questions that Sabotage Weight Loss
Are you tired of feeling stuck when it comes to your health and fitness goals? Do you ever wonder "why is it so hard to change when I know I need to?". It's probably because you're asking yourself the WRONG questions—and those questions could be the very thing keeping you from making real…
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413: 5 Things I've Learned from 6 Months of Therapy
I want to be real with you today. For years, I thought I didn't need therapy. I would tell myself, "I already know what to do… I just need to do it" and "I'm not so bad" and "what would I learn that I don't already know?" Maybe you've had those same thoughts, too? It took me a long time before I...
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412: A Powerful Evening Affirmation to Break the Nighttime Eating Habit
Ever find yourself in a late-night snack battle? You know, where you promise you'll stop after a few bites... but suddenly you're elbow-deep in chips or cookies? Me too. But here's the thing: it's not just about resisting the urge—it's about being intentional with how you end your day. In my…
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411: How I Plan my Strength Workouts
When it comes to fitness, having a structured workout plan can make all the difference. It's not just about showing up at the gym—it's about knowing what to do, why you're doing it, and how to make progress. In this week's podcast, I share exactly how I design my workout plans to help you build...
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410: Let this be your kick in the butt
Have you ever... ...eaten ALL. THE. CHIPS. because your kids opened the bag? ...polished off 3 glasses of wine because, well, it was a gift? ...blamed stress when you 'fell off the wagon?'. It's easy to feel like the world (and people around us) are conspiring to derail our goals, but here's the...
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409: Light Up Your Metabolism with Danielle Hamilton
What do headaches, fatigue, insomnia, sugar cravings, and weight loss resistance have in common? Well, besides that they are all unpleasant experiences, they are also all signs of blood sugar dysregulation. And while eating more protein and less sugary carbs can help, changing your diet might not...
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408: How I'm Tracking My Habits (+ Which Habits I'm Tracking)
I have a love-hate relationship with tracking habits and activities. I wish I could get results and make great choices without tracking, but if I'm honest with myself, I'm WAY more consistent and focused when I do. Tracking makes me more aware of my habits, and when you measure something, you...
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407: My Top Tips to Save Time in the Kitchen
SO MANY people swear that meal prep and planning will revolutionize their lives, make things easier, and dramatically improve their eating habits (and it's true, it will)... but then, they just don't do it. Why not, you ask? Well, it turns out there are quite a few hurdles: Bandwidth to Get...
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406: 7 Questions to Ask If You're Feeling Stressed And Overwhelmed
Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed and stressed out? It's that moment when everything seems too much to handle. You might feel the urge to numb out, cry, give up, or reach for comfort food. Perhaps you're even tempted to skip your workout because you're just too busy. I can relate! That's...
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405: 5 Diet Rules ACTUALLY Worth Following
Over 300 episodes ago (episode 103), I recorded a podcast called The Diet "Rules" that are Actually Worth Following. It was one of my most popular podcasts, and this week I'm doing an updated version. My goal is to simplify nutrition. To throw out the dogmatic cult like approach and start to...
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404: The Truth Behind Health Studies
Have you ever been intrigued or perhaps confused by the sensational health claims you see on social media? Whether it's the latest superfood, a miracle supplement, or a new diet trend, understanding the truth behind these claims can be challenging. What should you believe? How much evidence is...
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403: Overcoming Plateaus, Finding Balance and Losing 80 Pounds with Michelle Pfile
Everything was going well in her life… except her weight. She was a smart, successful, driven person, why couldn't she lose weight? Can you relate? I am thrilled to share a very real conversation with Michelle Pfile. We decided to let the conversation unfold naturally and I'm so glad we did....
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402: Redefining Self Care
Two months ago, If someone asked me if I take care of myself, I would answer yes. I strength train 2-3 x per week and hike or run the other days. I stretch and go for a walk most days. I journal most mornings and practice gratitude. I mostly choose healthy foods. I drink very little alcohol (and...
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401: Holistic Health Healing with Autumn McLees
Autumn was told that her autoimmune condition would affect her ability to have another baby. She was told that it was incurable. But Autumn was determined to find another way forward. When you Know Better, You Do Better. That's the name of her podcast, and Autumn McLees is on a mission to share…
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400: 3 Hormones You Need to Keep in Check to Lose Weight and Feel Good
I talk A LOT about mindset… but if you're trying to fight your physiology with mindset or willpower, you're going to lose. In this week's episode I go over 3 hormones you MUST pay attention to if you want to get the body, and life you want. We'll dive into WHY they matter, and most importantly…
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399: Permission to Rest with Christine Jewell
Are you feeling burned out? Are you chasing success but feeling unfulfilled? Do you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? My friends, I am deeply honoured to have my good friend, Christine Jewell, on the Fit + Vibrant You Podcast. I personally get so much out of my...
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398: 5 Things I Wish More Women Knew About Weight Loss
Exercise. Diet. Have a positive mindset. That pretty much sums up what most of us are taught about weight loss. And it can work... until it doesn't anymore. Join me on today's podcast as I share 5 things I wish more women knew about weight loss. If your goal is weight loss (or weight…
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397: What it Takes to End the Struggle with Food
Greta had struggled with food for decades. She could stick with it for a while, but then would fall off the 'wagon'. And now, she's feeling FREE with food. She takes care of her health with joy. She no longer sneaks food. She is excited to go on vacations knowing she can enjoy herself AND feel…
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396: 9 Longevity Practices with Celine Vadam
Do you want to live a fit, vibrant life for many, many years? Do you want to ENJOY those years? Do you want to do it without following complicated or arduous plans? If so, you are going to LOVE my interview with Celine Vadam. Celine Vadam, is a holistic health and lifestyle coach, yoga teacher…
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395: 3 Things I Heard This Week to Help You Create Change
In the last few months, I have been eating more plant based meals, and less meat, dairy and eggs. When I learned about a local plant based cooking class (that included a lot of tasty samples), I said YES PLEASE! At the beginning of the class, one gentleman gave a presentation on the benefits of...
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394: Why Calorie Restriction Is Not Working
Eat less. Move more. Count your calories. Or points. Or macros. Eat at much protein and fat as you want but avoid carbs and sugar. Eat anything you want as long as it fits your macros. Just follow this simple meal plan. Only eat within a 8 hour window. Stop eating after 7. How many of these have...
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393: The Foundational Habits to Lose Weight in Midlife and Beyond
Most women I work with are either in perimenopause, or are postmenopausal (makes sense as I work with women in midlife and beyond, and menopause is technically just one day). They tell me "what worked before is no longer working… it's my hormones." It's TRUE that hormones change and that hormones...
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392: The Five Roadblocks to Losing Weight
You WANT to lose weight. You WANT a healthier relationship with food. You WANT to get off the on-again-off-again diet cycle. I believe you. And yet... you still don't put in the effort. You don't get help. You let life get in the way. What gives? Press play and join me to discover the five most...
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FVY 391: What Type of Meditation Practice is Best for You? With Jeff Patterson
"Less stress, more calm" is one of my goals. And it's been a goal for the past 6 years. Some days I live into that goal. I feel joyful. Light. Present. Grateful. Calm. Many days I don't. And while I KNOW that a meditation practice would help… and yet as I write this I am wildly inconsistent. Five...
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FVY 390: Body Image, Societal Views on Aging, Ozempic and Getting Started with Strength Training
You asked, I answered! Today's podcast comes from questions asked in the Fitness, Nutrition and Weight Loss Support for Women 40+ Facebook Group. Today's questions: 1. I don't look at my body in the mirror. How can I get over my body image issues? 2. In a society that idealizes youth, how can I...
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389: Nutrition to Fuel Your Workouts with Philip Pape
Should you train fasted or is it wise to eat before you train? What should you eat after your workout? Is low carb the best method for weight loss? With the vast amount of information out there, my conversation with Philip Pape offers much-needed simple and practical guide to improve your fitness...
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388: When Did Eating Get So Complicated?
Over this past spring break, I spent some time at a bookstore. As a health professional, I was drawn to the wellness section, and found myself lost in a maze of information. It's no wonder so many people tell me they are confused by all the conflicting information! I believe that simplicity is…
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387: Choose YOU Everyday [From the Vault]
Ever feel like taking care of yourself goes to the bottom of your list? Your workouts happen if there's time (after kids, grandkids, parents, work, volunteer, and other hobbies). Or maybe you squeeze in your workouts and always have healthy meals prepped, but you never give yourself time to do...
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386: Reinvent Yourself In Midlife and Beyond with Wendy Battles
You are the author of your story; you are not a character. How do you want this next chapter of your life to go? You might have a clear vision, or you might feel a bit stuck. You're not sure what you want, or what is even possible for you? Either way, this week's episode is for YOU. Be prepared…
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385: What Helps Me When I'm Stressed, Overwhelmed and Can't Sleep
Ever feel overwhelmed, stressed and unable to sleep? Me too. It can feel all-consuming. You feel uptight in your body. You feel disconnected. You are in your head. You KNOW you should be grateful, but you can't seem to feel it. I used to be overwhelmed all the time. My tendency towards...
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384: Essential Oils as a Tool for Emotional Eating with Kari Davis
Let me ask… how's your stress level? Do feel present and calm in life? Or do you feel a bit on edge… and perhaps you find yourself reaching for something to nibble on just to take the edge off? If so, you're not alone. And essential oils can help. I personally am brand new to essential oils, so I...
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383: Fitness Trackers: Helpful or Harmful?
For 8 months, my Apple Watch has been living in my bedside drawer. And I am happier. And for 5 or 6 years, I dutifully wore my device. I charged it at night, closed my 'rings' and liked the data. I liked knowing I burned 300 calories in my strength workout. I liked knowing how far I ran, or how...
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382: Consistency in Fitness with Kelly Howard
Ah… Consistency. You may not see it as the 'secret' to losing 20 pounds on the cover of Women's World, but we both know that it is THE KEY to long term, lasting change. So how do we do it? That my friend, is exactly what this podcast with special guest, Kelly Howard, is all about. Kelly Howard is…
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381: 5 Reasons You Don't Maintain Your Weight Loss Results
Are you great at losing weight... but not so great at keeping it off? Most women never figured out how to live life after losing weight. Keeping it off is harder than losing it in the first place and without a plan in place, this will be a lifelong struggle. In today's episode, I uncover 5 common...
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380: Living a Life on Purpose with Gina Farrar
Have you ever wondered what your purpose is? Have you ever felt off purpose, or lost after your kids leave the house, you retire, or other major life change? No matter where you are in this journey of life, you're going to LOVE my conversation with Gina Farrar. Gina R. Farrar is a wife, mom…
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379: 3 Ways You're Overeating (But Don't Know It)
Are you eating well, but the scale still won't budge? I used to think that you're overweight because you overeat. I now know better as I work with many women who struggle with weight loss resistance and eating less is NOT the answer. However, for many people, the reason weight is a struggle is...
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378: Less Drama and More Mama with Pam Howard
Self-care isn't selfish and people pleasing is. Yep, you read that right. And while you might know it's true intellectually, are you ACTING like it? Do you try to appease everyone else at the detriment of your wellbeing? Do you worry about your grown up kid's challenges like they're your own? Do...
Topics in this show
About this show
Are you ready to get real results and feel your best—without extreme diets or rigid rules? The Fit in Real Life Podcast is for YOU.Whether you're looking to lose weight, get stronger, or simply take better care of yourself, this show will give you the tools to achieve lasting results. I'm Tanja Shaw, and together we'll explore science-backed strategies for long-term health, consistency, and lifestyle changes that work. You deserve to feel good—let's make it happen! Got questions or topic ideas? Email me at [email protected].
Hosted by
Tanja Shaw