157. Am I Drinking Too Much in Midlife? How to Drink Less Without Shame or Completely Quitting

Welcome to the Emotional Eats Podcast! What if your relationship with alcohol isn't about needing to quit completely, but about understanding why you're reaching for it in the first place? If you are a high functioning woman who deals with a busy life, stress and anxiety and you are turning to the wine to "come down", this episode is for you.  No judgement.  Keep listening to find out how you change the space alcohol is taking up in your life. NOTE:  If you feel like you have a serious problem with alcohol, please reach out to your medical or mental health practitioner and explore programs in your area. In this compassionate and real conversation, I sit down with hypnotherapist Tansy Forest to talk about overdrinking, especially for high-functioning women who look like they have it all together on the outside, but may be carrying stress, anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion underneath. We talk about how alcohol can quietly become a coping tool, why moderation is a skill, and how shame often keeps people stuck. This episode also deeply parallels so much of what we talk about with emotional eating. Whether it's wine, food, sugar, or another habit, many of us are not struggling because we lack willpower. We're often trying to soothe, numb, decompress, or manage what feels heavy. If you've ever wondered, Am I enjoying this… or am I relying on it? this conversation offers perspective, hope, and practical tools in a gentle, non-judgmental way. In This Episode We Talk About: • What "overdrinking" really means and why labels can create more shame than support • Why high-functioning, overwhelmed women may quietly rely on alcohol to cope • The connection between stress, nervous system overload, alcohol, and emotional habits • Why moderation is a skill, not an all-or-nothing mindset • How small, sustainable changes can help you build a healthier relationship with alcohol and yourself A Few Powerful Takeaways: • Overdrinking and emotional eating often come from similar roots: stress, overwhelm, coping, and emotional relief • A lapse is information, not failure • Shrinking the significance of alcohol can help create healthier habits • Planning ahead can make moderation feel more realistic and less reactive • Change does not have to be harsh, extreme, or shame-filled This conversation is about awareness, compassion, and learning what may really be underneath the habits we reach for when life feels heavy. If this episode resonated, I hope it reminds you that small changes can create powerful shifts over time.  Make sure to share it with a friend. About Tansy Forrest Tansy Forrest is a UK-based clinical hypnotherapist, author, and wellbeing educator specializing in alcohol moderation, mindset change, and sustainable health. After years working in education, Tansy experienced her own struggle with stress, anxiety, and alcohol. Discovering hypnotherapy was life-changing — not only helping her regain balance, but inspiring her to retrain and help others do the same. Today, Tansy supports people worldwide to rethink their relationship with alcohol, build healthier habits, and live with greater clarity, confidence, and self-trust — without rigid rules or all-or-nothing thinking.   Connect with Tansy https://www.drinklesslivewell.com/www.tansyforrest.com https://tansyforrest.com/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@tansyforrest Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tansy_forrest/ Facebook - @TansyHypnotherapy   If This Episode Resonated With You Please follow the Emotional Eats Podcast, download this episode, and share it with a woman in your life who struggles silently with food, body image, binge eating, or emotional eating. These conversations matter. And if you're looking for ongoing support and connection, make sure to check out the Cool Girl Collective, Kim's community for women over 40 navigating emotional eating, menopause, hormones, cravings, and learning how to nourish their whole lives. Join the Cool Girl Collective 👉 Click Here to Join:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth   Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.   Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share, download and follow.  I would be so grateful.