The Midlife Feast

I noticed a three-year stretch where I’m barely in family photos, even though I was there., and I don’t want that for you. In this episode, I share 3 practices to shift away from chasing "flattering" and choosing presence instead, so you can be visible in midlife and stop letting pictures decide how you feel about your body.I talk about:Why the point of a picture is the moment, not your good sideReframing photos as time capsules rather than auditionsHow to stop letting selfie culture (and the 99 deleted shots) shape how you see yourselfThe reframe I borrowed from a recent guest that I cannot stop thinking about: visibility is generosityWhy staying in the picture is one of the most powerful things you can do for the women coming up behind yoI’m sure you have a friend who needs to hear this, so I’d love if you’d share this episode with them! And if this episode helps you keep a photo instead of deleting it, I would love to hear that too. You can always send me fan mail through the podcast website.This summer, your only assignment is to be in the photo. You don't have to love it. You don't have to feel beautiful in it. You just have to be in it. The moment matters. The world needs more pictures of midlife women living in their bodies.If this episode resonates and you want real support around body image before summer hits, there are still a couple of spots left in my six-week Midlife Body Image Lab if you're listening before May 16th. Related Episodes You'll Love:#182: Visibility as Generosity, Rethinking Photos, Aging and Confidence with Kristen Vallejo#190: Menopause and Body Image: How to Feel Like Yourself AgainWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

I'm joined by Dr. Helen Wall, a GP and registered menopause specialist from England, and author of the new book ADHD and Menopause (May 14th, 2026). Dr. Wall speaks out about the intersection of ADHD, neurodivergence, and hormonal changes in women.In this episode, we get into the science behind why estrogen fluctuations destabilize dopamine signaling in the brain, and why that matters so much more for women with ADHD (diagnosed or not). We talk about masking, the hidden costs of over-functioning, why women and girls are still being missed for decades, and how progesterone sensitivity can make things even more complicated. We also explore the connection between ADHD and PMDD, and what options exist for women who are navigating both menopause and neurodivergence.This episode offers the science, the validation, and the compassion to help you understand what's going on.I also share my own experience being diagnosed with ADHD at 19 and then watching it "unmask" when perimenopause crash-landed at 37. This one gets personal, and I think you'll feel seen.About Dr. Helen Wall: Dr. Helen Wall is a GP and registered menopause specialist with the British Menopause Society. She advocates for neurodivergent women who have been misdiagnosed, mislabeled, and left to burn out without understanding what's going on. Her awareness of the ADHD-menopause connection grew through her daughter's neurodivergent journey and the patterns she began recognizing in her own menopause clinics. Her new book, ADHD and Menopause, is available on May 14th (and for pre-order) wherever books are sold.Connect with Dr. Helen Wall: Instagram: @doctorhelenwall Website: www.drhelenwall.comRelated Episodes You'll Love:When Perimenopause Unmasks ADHD with Dr. Jen Wolkin ADHD and The Messy Middle with Diana ReidFinding Your Movement Rhythm with ADHD & Perimenopause with Christine Chessman Story Session: Navigating ADHD in Midlife & Menopause What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Have you ever talked yourself out of wearing something, going somewhere, or simply being seen because of what your body looks like? This episode is one you're going to want to save and share!I sat down with Lise Thorne, who you might know as @walking_this_way on Instagram, after one of her reels stopped me mid-scroll. In it, she walked into the ocean in a bikini on a family vacation, no filter, no preparation, no waiting for a "better" version of herself. That video went around the world because women everywhere saw themselves in it.Lise is 49, a mum, a triathlete, and she is loudly on a mission for women to take up space. We talk about the moment she looked at a photo of her 16-year-old self and realized her body was never the problem, it was the story she was telling herself. We get into how our Gen X generation was taught there was one right way to have a body, why the critical voice in our heads isn't protecting us anymore, and why tiny steps toward being seen are where the real magic happens.This is one of those conversations that will leave you feeling like you just got a pep talk from a friend who truly gets it.Connect with Lise: Instagram: @walking_this_wayRelated Episodes You'll Love:Ep 190: Menopause and Body Image: How to Feel Like Yourself AgainEp 141: Navigating Body Grief in Midlife with Nina ManolsonEp 182: Visibility as Generosity: Rethinking Photos, Aging & Confidence with Kristen VallejoWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Have you ever been having a perfectly good day, feeling comfortable in what you're wearing, and then caught a glimpse of yourself in a mirror and you suddenly feel the floor fall out from under you? That moment of being yanked out of your body is something I hear all the time.Meet the comparison lizard, the part of our brain wired for social comparison. It used to be a survival skill. Now it's a make-work project that fuels body dissatisfaction, especially in menopause when both the scale and the shape are changing in ways that feel unfamiliar.Here's what I want you to know: food work and body work are not the same. I've worked with hundreds of women who feel great about their relationship with food but are still getting pulled into bad body image moments that send them right back toward the diet cycle. When I sent a newsletter about this recently, the responses flooded in. You're not alone, and your body is not the problem.In this episode, I'm sharing the research on body dissatisfaction and intuitive eating in midlife, why body appreciation is the evidence-based path forward, and details about the Midlife Body Image Lab, a six-week program built around guided experiments to test and change the belief that your body is the problem. This isn't a course with videos and worksheets. It's coached, community-based work where we do the experiments together. If you're listening in April or early May 2026, you can join us. Otherwise, hop on the waitlist for the next time doors open.The Midlife Body Image LabJoin the Midlife Body Image Lab :https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelabWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

What if the dreams you thought you missed the deadline on are the ones you're meant to follow now?Becca Kidwell spent her 30s teaching high school English, convinced it was too late to pursue a creative career. She'd learned what so many of us Gen X women can relate to: if you didn't lock in your path by 30, the door was closed. But then something shifted and she started noticing older artists who were just beginning their careers and thriving. She met her now-husband, who encouraged her to move to New York and start a theater company, and on her 40th birthday, she performed her first cabaret show.Ten years later, Becca is releasing her debut album, What You Don't See, on her 50th birthday. And the title track? It's about something so many of us feel in midlife but rarely say out loud: I'm tired. I'm tired of performing, of smiling through exhaustion, of pretending I have endless capacity. But what you don't see is how tired I really am.In this Story Session, Becca shares her journey from being afraid of being seen to stepping fully onto the stage as herself. We talk about the permission piece that midlife gives so many of us, the resilience it takes to keep showing up for your dreams, and why creativity isn't just for the young. If you've ever felt like it's too late to follow a passion, chase a dream, or try something new, this episode is for you.Related Episodes:Episode 160: Season 5 Finale: The Midlife Glow-Up You Didn't See ComingEpisode 81: Unlocking the Joy of Creativity in Midlife with Meryl CookGuest Bio: Becca Kidwell is a singer-songwriter and cabaret performer from New York. After spending her 30s as a high school English teacher, she began her creative career at 40 and has spent the last decade performing in cabarets across New York. Her debut album, What You Don't See, releases on her 50th birthday, May 1st. You can find her at beccackidwell.com and on Instagram.What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

You know that moment when you catch your reflection unexpectedly and think, "Who is that?" Not in a curious way, but in a way that feels like you don't recognize yourself? If you've had that moment, this episode is for you.In this episode, we're talking about the evolution of body positivity and acceptance, the challenges of embracing body diversity in a culture that's currently shrinking, and how we can find peace with ourselves right now, in the bodies we're in today.Kristina brings such clarity to the difference between body positivity and body acceptance, and why acceptance isn't resignation. She shares her own story of body grief, what it felt like to lose the identity that came with being thin, and how she found freedom on the other side of that grief. We also talk about the contraction and expansion happening in our current cultural moment (hello, GLP-1 era) and why this might be the final push before more of us say "enough."If you've been stuck in body grief, if you feel betrayed by your changing body, or if you're exhausted from fighting yourself, this conversation will meet you right where you are.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between body positivity (a social justice movement) and body acceptance (a personal practice)Why body acceptance isn't resignation, it's actually the path to real changeHow to move through body grief instead of staying stuck in itWhy your body isn't betraying you, even when it feels that wayWhat's underneath our resistance to body changes in midlife (spoiler: it's not about the weight)How to stop sourcing your worth externally and start finding safety within yourselfConnect with Kristina:Instagram: @kristinabruce_coachWebsite: kristinabruce.comPodcast: Unlearning BeautifulRelated Episodes You'll Love:Episode 47: Why Changing Your Body Isn't the Body Image Fix You're Looking For with Kristina BruceEpisode 109: The Body Acceptance Mistake That Keeping You StuckEpisode 134: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Body Image in Midlife with Summer InnanenEpisode 141: Navigating Body Grief in Midlife with Nina ManolsonWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

If your cravings feel more intense than ever, you're not alone. In this second helping (my creative take on replay 🤣) of episode 117, I'm tackling one of the most-asked questions in my inbox: why do cravings feel so out of control in perimenopause and menopause, and what can you do about it? Spoiler alert: it's not about cutting out sugar or having more willpower.I break down the three types of hunger (physical, taste, and emotional), explain why perimenopause symptoms like sleep disruption and hot flashes amplify emotional hunger, and share a framework for decoding your cravings instead of fighting them. Whether it's the 7pm snacking spiral, the weekend binge, or those intense drive-thru cravings when you're alone in the car, I walk you through how to press pause without judgment and respond in a way that addresses what you need.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt hijacked by a craving, blamed themselves for lack of control, or wondered if menopause is making everything harder. Because yes, your hormones matter, but the solution isn't another restrictive food rule.In this episode, we talk about:Why cravings are normal and everyone is an emotional eater to some degreeThe difference between physical hunger, taste hunger, and emotional hungerHow estrogen and progesterone influence appetite (and why perimenopause amplifies cravings)Why restricting foods you enjoy intensifies cravings for those exact foodsThe critical skill of pressing pause without saying noReal examples of decoding evening cravings, weekend patterns, and alone-time eatingRelated Episodes You Might Enjoy:#147 - How to Stop the Cycle of “Starting Over” Every Monday#70 - From Dieting Rock Bottom to Intuitive Eating - 3 Common MistakesWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Food freedom is permission to say yes to cake, but it's also permission to say no to dessert because you're full, satisfied, and know you can have it anytime you want. That's the level of trust and attunement I'm talking about in this conversation with Sam Previte, registered dietitian and founder of Find Food Freedom.Sam is one of those dietitians whose passion for intuitive eating comes through in everything she does. From her popular social media accounts to her private practice, Sam has built her career on helping people make peace with food and their bodies. But she wasn't always an intuitive eating dietitian. Like so many of us, she came out of school steeped in weight-centric nutrition and personally struggling with disordered eating. In this episode, Sam shares her journey from diet culture dietitian to becoming one of the loudest advocates for food freedom. We talk about what it really takes to unlearn decades of diet rules, how to build interoceptive awareness when your signals feel unreliable (hello, perimenopause), and the question on everyone's mind right now: where do GLP-1 medications fit into intuitive eating work?In this episode, you'll learn:What food freedom actually means (and why it's not just eating whatever you want)How Sam went from teaching intentional weight loss to becoming a passionate intuitive eating advocateWhere GLP-1 medications and intuitive eating can coexist (and where they can't)How to build attunement when your body's signals feel disrupted by perimenopause or menopauseWhy hobbies might be the missing ingredient in your midlife journeyAbout Sam: Sam Previte is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, certified personal trainer, and the founder of Find Food Freedom, a virtual private practice with 11 registered dietitians serving clients across 29 states. Find Food Freedom accepts over 100 insurance plans, making intuitive eating and Health at Every Size care more accessible.  Sam is also the host of the Find Food Freedom Podcast.Connect with Sam:Instagram: @find.food.freedomPodcast: Find Food Freedom PodcastWebsite: findfoodfreedom.comRelated Episodes You'll Love:#180: Breaking Free from Diet Culture Lies: How to Trust Your Body Again with Colleen Christensen#138: 5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Intuitive Eating 10 Years Ago#136: Health vs. Weight: Debunking the Biggest Wellness Myth with Val Schonberg, RDWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Almost every day, someone tells me they're exhausted, tired, or completely burnt out. But burnout isn't just another word for tired - it's a medical diagnosis with real science behind it. It relates to your capacity, your ability to recover, and importantly, it's deeply impacted by your environment and your hormones.In this conversation with Dr. Ashley Margeson, a naturopathic doctor and burnout expert, we dive into what burnout really is, how it's different from everyday stress, and why women in midlife are especially vulnerable. If you've ever felt like you're carrying a backpack that gets heavier and heavier but you can't put it down, this episode is for you.Dr. Margeson breaks down the four stages of burnout using a brilliant bank account analogy, explains why our declining progesterone levels in perimenopause shrink our stress buffer, and shares her practical ripples, waves, and currents framework for building capacity when you're already depleted. We also tackle the hard question: how do you recover from burnout if you can't quit your job?In this episode, you'll learn:The symptoms that define clinical burnout (and how it's different from stress)The roles of estrogen and progesterone when it comes to burnout recovery and how unpredictable hormones in perimenopause amplify stress and make recovery harderThe four stages of burnout: savings and investing, paycheck to paycheck, overdraft, and SOS modeRipples, waves, and currents: actionable capacity builders you can use todayWhy organizational policies matter as much as individual actions in preventing workplace burnoutRelated Episodes:Decision Fatigue and Menopause: Why "What's For Dinner" Maks Your Want to ScreamWhy You're So Tired in Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Sarah VadeboncoeurHow to Be More and Do Less with Wendy McCallumHow to Stop the Burnout Train in Midlife with Dr Leigha SaundersReady to reduce decision fatigue and increase your capacity with food? If you're feeling overwhelmed by food decisions and decision fatigue is contributing to your burnout, grab my free Menopause Nutrition Capsule Wardrobe guide. It includes 10 recipes and a framework to make deciding what to eat so much easier.About Dr. Ashley Margeson: Dr. Ashley Margeson is a naturopathic doctor in Nova Scotia whose mission is supporting individuals and organizations in preventing and recovering from burnout. She hosts her own podcast, The Superwoman Code, and is known for her practical, science-backed approach to capacity building and stress management.Connect with Dr. Ashley:Instagram: @drashleymargesonLinkedIn: Dr. Ashley MargesonWebsiteWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Laughing, coughing, sneezing... if these everyday moments have started feeling a little less carefree and a little more leak-prone, you're not alone. And despite what you've been told, the answer isn't just "do more Kegels."In this conversation, movement teacher and pelvic floor expert Lauren Ohayon shares why the pelvic floor doesn't just "squeeze." It dances, responds to gravity, and works as part of a whole-body system involving your breath, core, and nervous system. We talk about why menopause brings new pelvic floor challenges (spoiler: it's not just estrogen), how belly-gripping and chronic tension patterns create downstream problems, and why feeling safe in your body is foundational to pelvic floor health.If you've been living with light leakage, pain with intimacy, or that uncomfortable feeling of prolapse, this episode offers a refreshing, shame-free perspective on what's happening and practical ways to support your pelvic floor that go way beyond squeezing.About Lauren: Lauren Ohayon is a longtime movement teacher who has spent decades helping people reconnect with their bodies. After a back injury in her early 20s led her deep into biomechanics and anatomy, she created Restore Your Core, an online functional strength program focused on core and pelvic floor health. Lauren's approach blends somatic movement, storytelling, and nervous system work to help people feel at home in their bodies again.Connect with Lauren:Program: Restore Your CoreInstagram: @laurenohayan Related Episodes You'll Love:What Everyone Needs to Know About Pelvic Health in Midlife with Erika BurgerDoes Your Vagina Need a Coach with Kim Vopni?Why Yoga is So Much More than Movement in Midlife with Niamh DalyHow to Appreciate Your Changing Menopause Body with Dr. Charlotte OrdWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Decision fatigue isn't about willpower - it's about how many decisions you're being asked to make when your capacity is already maxed out. And if you've been caught in the diet cycle for years (or decades), you know exactly what I'm talking about. After 25 different diet plans competing for space in your head, every meal becomes another minefield of "am I doing this right?" questions that leave you exhausted before you even start cooking.In this solo episode, I'm sharing Sarah's story (with her permission), who spent the last year working with me to finally break free from diet mentality and decision fatigue.  She's having regular, balanced meals without stress, her cholesterol and blood pressure are down, and for the first time ever, she didn't spiral in the bathing suit change room.I walk you through exactly how we got there, including the biological layer that makes decision fatigue even more challenging in midlife when brain fog, and hormone fluctuations that are all competing for your mental bandwidth. But here's the good news: there are gentle framework strategies that can actually reduce the number of decisions you have to make, help you enjoy the process (not just chase the outcome), and keep you moving forward at your own pace.In this episode, you'll learn:Why decision fatigue is structural, not a character flaw, and why women in midlife are especially vulnerableThe biological layer: how brain fog and cognitive changes in menopause make familiar diet patterns even more temptingThree framework strategies to reduce decision fatigue around food (and why frameworks are NOT the same as rules)How the FEAST framework works in my community to support long-term behavior change without the all-or-nothing trapWhy enjoying the process matters more than rushing to the outcomeRelated Episodes:Rewiring, Not Retiring: How Your Brain Transforms in Menopause with Dr. Sarah McKay Beating the Brain Fog of MenopauseFrom Panic to Peace: Melissa's Food Freedom JourneyReady to reduce your decision fatigue? If you're tired of overthinking every meal and want a framework (not more rules) to guide you, I'd love to welcome you to The Feaster Community. This month we're focusing on gentle framework strategies that make it easier to decide what's for dinner. Try it free for 7 days: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/7daytrialOr if you're looking for more focused 1:1 support, I have a few spots open this spring. Book a no-strings-attached 20-minute call to see if I'm the right Sherpa for you: https://p.bttr.to/3DQX9SFWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

If you've ever hidden in the back of a family photo, skipped a headshot session, or cringed when you saw a candid picture of yourself, this episode is for you.I sat down with Kristen Vallejo, a portrait and branding photographer based in upstate New York, who has made it her mission to help women feel comfortable and confident being seen. In this conversation, we unpack why so many of us (especially women navigating midlife) have such a complicated relationship with being photographed. We talk about the role social media has played in making us feel like every picture has to be perfect, why menopause can make it even harder to recognize yourself in photos, and how we can start to shift that.One of the most powerful reframes Kristen shares is this: visibility is generosity. When you hide from the camera, you're also withholding yourself ( your gifts, your presence, your relatability) from the people who need to see you. That hit me in a deep way, and I think it will for you too.We also talk about body diversity and representation, why photographers aren't looking at you with the critical lens you're using on yourself, and some practical tips to make any photo session feel less like a pressure cooker.Kristen's missing ingredient in midlife? Novelty. And I love that answer.In this episode, we cover:Why so many women approach the camera with terror, and what's underneath itHow social media has raised the bar for "acceptable" photos and what that costs usWhy going through menopause can make seeing yourself in photos feel particularly confrontingWhat body neutrality looks like in practice, even in a portrait sessionThe power of representation and why your visible presence matters more than you thinkPractical tips for preparing for a photo session without the overwhelmAbout Kristen Vallejo: Kristen Vallejo is a portrait and branding photographer based in upstate New York, specializing in entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those with animals in their work. She's passionate about capturing the real person behind the lens — not just a polished pose. You can find her at kristenvallejo.com and on Instagram at @kristenvallejophotography.Related Episodes:Is Feeling Seen the Missing Part of Your Midlife Story? with Dr. Jody Carrington — a beautiful conversation about connection, storytelling, and why being seen matters so deeply in midlife.How to Turn Your Body Image Inside Out in Midlife with Deb Shatker & Whitney Otto — practical frameworks for getting unstuck from the patterns that keep us at war with how we look.Ageism and Body Image in Midlife with Deb Benfield — exploring the subtle but powerful way internalized ageism shapes how we feel about our bodies — and how to start to unravel it.What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice about menopause and HRT? You're not alone, and you're not imagining it.In this eye-opening conversation, journalist and author Fiona Clark (MenoWars: Why Menopause's Moment Has Gone Horribly Wrong) joins me to unpack why the menopause conversation has become so polarizing. What started as a grassroots movement of women advocating for better care has evolved into a confusing battlefield of conflicting claims, FOMO-inducing headlines, and monetized advice that leaves women more overwhelmed than empowered.Fiona brings her unique background, which includes a degree in anatomy and physiology, decades as a journalist, and her own experience navigating menopause to help us understand how we got here. We explore the "menopause wars," from the rise of influential voices making claims that science doesn't always support, to the gatekeeping accusations that emerge when medical professionals push back, to the dangerous erosion of trust in evidence-based medicine.In this episode, we talk about:How the menopause advocacy movement transformed from collegial to combativeWhy testosterone has become the latest battleground (and what happened when Fiona stopped taking it)The FOMO epidemic: dementia, heart disease, and what the research actually showsWhy "gatekeeping" accusations undermine the scientific processThe commercialization of menopause and how confusion gets monetizedWhat HRT can (and can't) do, and why cutting out the noise matters more than anythingWhy women deserve to make informed decisions about their bodies without everyone else's opinionsFiona's message is clear: it's not about being pro- or anti-HRT. It's about cutting through the noise, understanding what science actually supports, and reclaiming your right to make informed decisions about your own body without FOMO, fear, or unsolicited opinions.If you've felt confused, frustrated, or exhausted by the menopause information overload, this conversation will help you find your footing.About Fiona: Fiona is an award winning investigative journalist who spent the first 20 years of her career in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She covered the 1991 coup in Soviet Union, the Balkans War and went on to be supervising producer of its current affairs equivalent of the BBC Newsnight. Her degree is in Sports Medicine and some 20 years ago she went into medical publishing. She has written for The Lancet and various other medical publications. For the past 8 years she has been working in the menopause space and is the co-founder  of the Menopause Research and Education Fund and the author of MenoWars - a look at the state of women’s health through the lens of the current debates in menopause. Connect with Fiona:Book: MenoWars (available on Amazon and UK bookstores)Charity: Menopause Research and Education FundRelated EpiWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Ever feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice? One influencer swears by seed oils while another demonizes them. Your feed is flooded with "80 grams of protein" meal challenges, and you're left wondering: what should I actually believe?In this episode, I sit down with Colleen Christensen, registered dietitian, recovering perfectionist, and the compassionate voice behind the wildly popular @No.Food.Rules Instagram account. Colleen shares her personal journey from competitive dietetics student to her struggle with eating disorders, and ultimately to becoming one of the leading voices helping people unlearn decades of diet culture programming.This conversation is a masterclass in cutting through nutrition misinformation. Colleen breaks down why seed oils have become the internet's latest villain, what's really happening with the protein obsession, and why authority bias keeps us trusting the wrong "experts." But more importantly, she shares the one thing that changed everything for her recovery: learning to experiment with food instead of following rigid rules.In this episode, you'll learn:Why reading the headline isn't enough, and how to actually evaluate nutrition studiesThe two biggest nutrition myths getting in the way of normal eating right nowHow to become your own best experiment (and why that's more powerful than any meal plan)Why the education piece matters just as much as the inspirationWhat it really means to find joy in midlife eating, beyond just saying "all foods fit"Connect with Colleen:Instagram: @NoFoodRulesRelated Episodes You'll Love:EP #137: 5 Tips for Spotting Nutrition Misinformation with Dr. Emma BeckettEP #138: 5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Intuitive Eating 10 Years AgoEP #123: You Are More Than What You Eat with Dr. Emma BeckettWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

If you’ve been told you should get more fiber but feel confused by the fiber-maxing trend and don’t want it to become a full-time job, this episode is for you.In this episode, I explain why fiber matters in midlife and menopause, how it truly supports digestion, energy, heart health, and satisfaction, and why you don’t need to count every gram or chase perfection.This episode offers clear, practical ways to think about soluble and insoluble fiber, bust common myths, and add more fiber to your eating in ways that feel doable, not overwhelming. This episode gives you permission to focus on patterns, not pressure.Get the Mediterranean Salmon Smash recipe here: https://www.jennsalibhuber.ca/blog/fiber-without-tracking-in-menopauseEpisodes mentioned: 🎙Episode 39 — What Every Woman Needs to Know About Heart Health, Cholesterol, and Menopause with Dr. Alex Verge, ND.🎙Episode 98 — High Blood Pressure in Menopause and Midlife (The Estrogen Connection) with Dr. Alex Verge, ND. What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Perimenopause can feel unpredictable, emotional, and deeply disorienting, especially when your body changes quickly and nothing seems to work the way it used to. In this story session, I'm joined by Britney, a 49-year-old therapist navigating late perimenopause, who shares her honest experience with weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, and the fear that often shows up alongside them.Together, we talk about what it’s really like to move from panic and food rules into trust, attunement, and food freedom in midlife. This episode explores how stepping out of diet culture, wearing clothes that fit your today body, and finding supportive community can free up mental space and help you feel more like yourself again, even in the middle of uncertainty.If you’re in perimenopause and struggling with body image, confusing symptoms, or your relationship with food, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more hopeful about what’s possible next.Learn more about Britney's work here: www.lecofva.comIf you'd like to join the Feaster community, learn more at https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/themidlifefeastcommunityWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

If the word “selfish” still triggers guilt for you, this episode is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed. I’m joined by the ever-wise Suzy Reading to explore why so many of us in midlife struggle to receive support, set boundaries, and prioritize our own needs — even when we know better.We unpack the deep roots of people-pleasing, the pressure to be endlessly self-reliant, and how we can start to reclaim selfish as something powerful, not shameful. If you’ve been doing all the “right” self-care things and still feel depleted, this conversation will help you connect the dots — and offer a new, more compassionate way forward.Learn more about Suzy Reading and her new book How To Be Selfish here: https://www.suzyreading.co.uk/Did you enjoy this episode?#58 - Rest to Reset - Redefining Self-Care with Suzy Reading#132 - Why You Need to Put Capacity, Self-Compassion, & Self-Care on the MenuWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Welcome to 2026, where it suddenly feels harder than ever to talk about menopause, health, and nutrition without the conversation getting hijacked by weight loss. In this longer-than-usual episode, I’m joined by family physician and writer Dr. Mara Gordon (who proudly describes herself as an “anti-diet doctor”) to talk about the question that's been on my mind lately: Is a weight-neutral menopause still possible?Mara and I unpack what weight neutrality actually means in real-world healthcare, why the “weight loss fixes everything” narrative has gotten louder again, and whether GLP-1 medications can fit into an informed, values-based, body-autonomy-first approach to care.In this episode, we talk about:What I mean by “weight neutral” (and why it’s not the same as “anti-weight loss”)Why menopause weight changes can create so much urgency, fear, and pressureHow to support weight-neutral conversations even when cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure changeThe “Mediterranean pattern,” and why nutrition strategies can help without turning into restrictionGLP-1s: what they can do well (and what they cannot do)Why a lot of expectations about weight loss are shaped by culture, not medicineWhy “I want to avoid meds” is often about something deeper than the medicationAbout my guest, Dr. Mara Gordon Dr. Mara Gordon is a family physician in Camden, New Jersey. She’s also a writer, including NPR’s Real Talk with a Doc column, and she writes a Substack newsletter called Your Doctor Friend, about healthcare being a mess and how we can figure it out together. She’s also working on a book about diet culture and medicine, expected in 2027.Links & resourcesDr. Mara Gordon’s Substack: Your Doctor FriendNPR column: Real Talk with a DocMy website + free resources + coaching: menopausenutritionist.caIf this episode hit home Share it with a friend who’s feeling the pressure to “fix” her midlife body. And if you have a question you want me to tackle on a future episode, send it my way.Enjoying the show? Follow The Midlife Feast and leave a review. It helps more midlife women find evidence-based, weight-neutral support that doens't feel like a diet.What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

What if the loudest voice at your meals isn’t hunger, but an overactive alarm telling you you’re doing it “wrong”? In this episode, I dig into the link between food guilt and relentless food noise, and show how midlife shifts, hormones, sleep, mood, and capacity can crank that alarm even higher. Instead of doubling down on rules, I'll walk you through the 3-step process that replaces food morality with neutrality.Grab The Food Guilt Decoder here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/FoodGuiltDecoderEpisodes mentiond:Episode 172: https://themidlifefeast.buzzsprout.com/1851576/episodes/18238090Episode 151:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851576/episodes/17038620What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Sometimes the routines that feel the hardest to change are the ones that once helped us cope. In this episode, therapist and eating-disorder specialist Signe Darpinian breaks down how those patterns get wired into the brain, why diet culture reinforces them, and how midlife is actually an ideal time to reshape habits with clarity and compassion.We dig into what it really takes to unwind the patterns that feel automatic, especially the ones that show up at the end of a long day or week. You’ll hear how small, well-timed shifts can loosen the grip of old routines and create space for choices that actually feel good.We also explore simple tools for calming the mental swirl that fuels cravings and second-guessing, along with a gentler approach to movement and nourishment that supports energy, mood, and a steadier sense of self. It’s all about building habits that fit your real life, not forcing yourself into rigid rules.If you’re stepping away from dieting and looking for routines that feel kinder, more sustainable, and more you, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and a practical path forward.Connect with Signe DarpinianGrab the Book:  A Woman's Guide to Menopause, Body Image, and Emotional Well-being at MidlifeInstagram: @therapyrockspodcastWebsite: www.signedarpinian.comLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Finding Your Movement Rhythm with ADHD & Perimenopause with Christine ChessmanHow to Cancel Your Clean Plate Club Membership with Emily Sucher, RDHow to Stop the Cycle of “Starting Over” Every Monday3 Reasons Why Intuitive Eating Might Feel Hard with Abbie AttwoodWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

What if the fear of “looking older” isn’t really about wrinkles at all, but about relevance, visibility, and power? I welcome registered dietitian and author Deb Benfield to dig into internalized ageism and the subtle ways culture teaches us to distrust our future selves. We walk about how it gets tangled up with diet culture, wellness trends, and perfectionism. Together we unpack why compliments like “you haven’t aged a bit” keep youth on a pedestal, how patriarchy and ableism shape appearance pressure, and what it takes to build a truly age-affirming life. We talk about:Defining internalized ageism and why it starts earlySeparating facts of aging from fear-based storiesNaming patriarchy, sexism and ableism in appearance pressureHow wellness trends can trigger relapse and obsessionAutonomy vs pressure in skincare, movement and foodHer book's framework for untangling systems and mending body trustPractical steps to notice, name and unlearn ageist thoughtsChoosing freedom and values over perfectionLearn more about Deb's work:https://www.debrabenfield.comOrder Unapologetic Aging: https://www.debrabenfield.com/bookIf you've loved today's conversation and found it helpful, please share it with a friend who needs to hear this and leave a review wherever you listen to podcastsIf you're ready to take the next step towards thriving in midlife, head to menopause nutritionist.ca to learn more about my one-to-one and group coaching programs, free resources, and where to get your copy of Eat to Thrive during menopauseWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

I'm answering three questions this week: how to get soy’s benefits if it bothers your gut, what really shifts in metabolism during menopause, and how to quiet food noise. We'll cover:• Non-soy protein swaps from beans, lentils and pulses• Flax lignans as a phytoestrogen alternative• Metabolism as a system of gears, not a dial• Hormones’ indirect impact through symptoms and routines• Defining food noise and why it returns after GLP-1s• Permission-based eating to rebuild trust and satisfactionEpisodes mentioned:#151 - Is it Hunger, Hormones or Food Noise?#155 - Q&A: Food Tracking, Plant Proteins & Collagen Supplements#127 - The Truth About Soy in Midlife#84 - On The Menu - Part 1 Your Menopause Nutrition Questions #87- On The Menu - Part 2 Your Menopause Nutrition Questions #90 - On The Menu - Part 3 Your Menopause Nutrition QuestionsJoin the live book club Q&A: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bookclubWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Feel like your sleep has gone missing in midlife? Join me and my guest Dr Shelby Harris as we break down why sleep changes in perimenopause, how culture has overhyped “perfect sleep,” and the tools that actually help. Dr. Shelby Harris also explains CBTi in plain language so you can stop chasing hacks and start building steady, restful sleep. We talk about:• The perfect storm of hormones, mood, and social load• Why sleep hygiene helps but won’t cure insomnia• Rethinking the “eight hours” rule and normal wakeups• HRT benefits and limits for midlife sleep• CBTi basics: wake time, stimulus control, time-in-bed tweaks• Letting go of sleep anxiety • Practical first steps and when to get helpLearn more about Dr Harris at: www. drshelbyharris .comFollow her on Instagram: @ SleepDocShelbyCheck out her books:The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good Night’s Sleep Without Relying on Medication The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage Looking for better sleep solutions in the kitchen? My book, Eat to Thrive During Menopause, has an entire section on sleep - Order wherever books are sold or visit www.menopausenutritionist.ca/Book.What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

We all want to simplify nutrition (and life!) but are we going down the wrong path when it comes to finding "one thing" for nutrition in menopause? Laura Clark RD and I  talk about how real progress in midlife comes from flexibility, self-trust, and simple, satisfying meals. We break down the hype around protein, fiber, and even the microbiome so food feels calmer, kinder, and more doable. In this episode you'll hear:• why chasing a single fix creates stress not change• how Laura’s practice shifted from weight-centric targets to nuance• protein without perfection and what steadies your morning• fiber and microbiome benefits without counting or 30-plant pressure• simple plate-building: protein, carbs you enjoy, and some crunch• escaping on-it off-it thinking and perfectionism loops• social comparison traps and giving yourself permission• redefining progress as small choices that stack• adding fun back into food and midlifeIf you're ready to take the next step towards thriving in midlife, head to www.menopausenutritionist.ca to learn more about my one-to-one and group coaching programs, free resources, and where to get your copy of Eat to Thrive during menopause.If you've loved today's conversation and found it helpful, please share it with a friend who needs to hear this and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts!You can learn more about Laura at https://www.lecnutrition.co.uk/ and on Instagram at @menopause.dietitian.What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

If your closet feels like a battlefield and getting dressed has turned into a daily reminder that your body isn’t the same as it used to be, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by personal stylist Jacquelyn Prattipati, who helps women in midlife rediscover confidence and comfort through clothes that fit the body (and the life) they have now.We’re talking about what “feeling put together” really means, why style has nothing to do with size, and how to stop waiting for a smaller body to wear what you love. You’ll walk away with practical tips for finding clothes that fit today’s body, letting go of the “someday jeans,” and remembering that your body isn’t the problem, your clothes just need to catch up.Want to learn more about body image in midlife?🎙Episode 109 - The Body Acceptance Mistake That's Keeping you Stuck in The SuckLearn more about Jacquelyn at www.jgpstyledme.com and on Instagram at @jgpstyledmeWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Menopause can scramble your mood, planning, memory, and appetite cues, especially if you’re living with ADHD.  My guest this week is Diana Reid, RD and we dive into how shifting estrogen affects dopamine in the brain and why that can make meal planning feel impossible, grocery stores overwhelming, and evenings vulnerable to emotional hunger and snacking. Together, we map the hidden steps that turn “what’s for dinner?” into a 30-step project and show how to lower the cognitive load and decision fatigue. Think forecasts instead of rigid schedules, two to three-day meal windows, and a “nutrition capsule wardrobe” you can refresh monthly for novelty. We also get real about dopamine seeking, emotional hunger, and the link between ADHD and binge patterns. The antidote isn’t restriction, it’s regulation and pleasure. Learn how to prevent primal hunger with predictable protein and fiber, add texture and heat for sensory satisfaction, and plan pleasure on purpose! If this conversation helps you feel seen, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more midlife listeners can find food freedom and confidence. Learn more about Diana at www.theglobaldietitian.com and on Instagram at theglobalrd.Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Story Session: Navigating ADHD in Midlife & MenopauseFinding Your Movement Rhythm with ADHD & Perimenopause with Christine ChessmanListen to Episode 167 - Part 1 of ADHD and Midlife with Dr Jen Wolkin.What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Midlife brain fog and overwhelm aren’t signs of falling apart. It’s really just your biology getting louder. Dr. Jen Wolkin, a Harvard-trained neuropsychologist, explains how perimenopause can reveal ADHD that’s been there all along and why compassion, not willpower, brings clarity.We unpack how estrogen shifts dopamine and norepinephrine, why hormone swings magnify time blindness and emotional reactivity, and how perfectionism and people-pleasing crumble under midlife’s mental load.You’ll walk away with simple tools for clearer focus and steadier mood, including protein-forward meals, grazing stations to beat decision fatigue, and scripts for asking for help. This episode is science, validation, and relief all in one.Connect with Dr. JenInstagram: @adhd_with_drjen, @drjenwolkinLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Story Session: Navigating ADHD in Midlife & MenopauseFinding Your Movement Rhythm with ADHD & Perimenopause with Christine ChessmanWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

The words “diet and exercise” often feel like a trap door into diet culture and the diet mentality. Given that the theme for this year's World Menopause Day is lifestyle medicine, I wanted to explore lifestyle medicine through a behavior-first lens and share compassionate, doable choices that actually fit your life. Starting with real stories—a cholesterol scare that triggered a Google spiral and a breast cancer survivor who felt she “failed” exercise—we'll explore why language carries weight and how reframing goals can lift the pressure without losing the science. I reframe lifestyle medicine as behavior change medicine and share practical ways to support menopause with flexible food patterns, mindful eating for satisfaction, and low-capacity day forecasting. We'll cover:• Why words matter• Behavior change  vs chasing an outcome• Redefining healthy eating • A plant-forward and fiber focused approach• Persistence vs consistency as a food strategy• Mindful eating to boost satisfaction and awareness• Forecasting meals to reduce decision fatigue• Capsule menus and targeting tough meal times• Personalization over perfection in menopause care• Community resources and ongoing supportHead to menopause nutritionist.ca to learn more about my one-to-one and group coaching programs, free resources, and where to get your copy of Eat to Thrive during menopause.Please share this episode with a friend who needs to hear this and a review wherever you listen to podcasts is always appreciated!What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Isn’t it wild that you can do everything “right”-be the devoted mom, caregiver, spouse, or friend, and yet still feel like you’ve lost touch with the “real” you? That’s where our conversation with writer, speaker, and coach Jen Butler begins. It’s a candid look at how midlife cracks open our default scripts around food, alcohol, and identity, and how choosing peace can be much more fulfilling than trying to take up less space in the world. Jen shares her early entry into diet culture, the moment a nutritionist prescribed restriction that stole her period and presence, and the turning point when she stopped paying for being smaller with health and joy. We also talk about alcohol as a coping mechanism, how honesty sparked change, and why removing the fog made room for deeper work: food freedom, identity beyond motherhood, and creative ambition. Now, as a coach and author of Mom Rediscovered, Jen invites women to reclaim their space and redefine midlife on their own terms. If you’re ready to trade perfection for presence and roles for a richer identity, this conversation will resonate. Connect with JenGrab the Book: Mom Rediscovered Instagram: @jenbutlerwritesWebsite: jenbutlerwrites.comLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Navigating Motherhood and Perimenopause: Embracing Identity Shifts with Jessie HaroldUnfiltered Motherhood in Midlife with Tova LeighStory Session: The Mindset Shifts Laura Needed to Embrace Food FreedomWhy You're So Tired in Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, NDWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Feeling lost in a sea of conflicting advice about autoimmune disease? It can be especially tricky during perimenopause and menopause when hormones throw everything off. Dr. Alison Danby, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in autoimmune health, is here to break it all down with clear, science-backed guidance that feels like a sigh of relief.What you won’t hear is any ideas about cutting out gluten, dairy, or sugar, or following strict AIP protocols. Dr. Danby explains why those extreme diets can actually hurt your gut and why a Mediterranean-style approach supports your microbiome, heart, bones, and overall wellbeing, without the stress.We also chat about the surprising role of stress in triggering autoimmune flares and how simple things like better sleep, gentle movement, and stress management can be more powerful than complicated food rules.Whether you’re just starting to figure out your autoimmune journey or have been managing it for years, this episode gives you permission to relax around food and focus on what really helps your body heal.Connect with Dr. Alison Danby Listen to the Podcast Autoimmune SimplifiedInstagram: @dr.alisondanbyWebsite: www.alisondanby.comLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!What Every Woman Needs to Know About Cholesterol, Heart Health, & Menopause with Dr. Alex Verge NDIs it Hunger, Food Noise, or Hormones?Gut Health & Hormones in Midlife: What You Need to Know with Dr. Kim Bretz NDIntuitive Eating in Menopause: A Conversation with Evelyn Tribole  What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

“How could I, an educated scientist married to a doctor, not know this was happening to me?” At 45, Béatrice Séguin was floored to realize she was already in menopause, after years of missing the signs.In this honest and energetic story session, Béatrice shares how that wake-up call turned her into a menopause advocate and led to her podcast This Time of the Month (TTOM). We talk about why so many women are caught off guard, how old research still shapes today’s care, and the new pressure to “do menopause right” with the perfect diet, supplements, or hormones.But there’s good news. We encourage trying what works for you! From hormone therapy and vaginal estrogen to lifestyle shifts and antidepressants, this episode opens up the full menu of options.Most importantly, it’s a reminder you don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause, or supporting a friend, this conversation brings validation, real talk, and community to the midlife transition.Connect with Dr. Béatrice: Website: www.thistimeofthemonth.comInstagram: @ttomcommunity Watch This Time of the Month on YouTube: @TTOMcommunityLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!How to Appreciate Your Changing Midlife BodyCooking for Pleasure Not Perfection with Chef Andrea BuckettBeating the Brain Fog of MenopauseStory Session: How Early Menopause Led to Food Freedom with Sarah DosanjhQ&A Episode: Food Tracking, Plant Proteins, and CollagenWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Ever walk into a room and instantly forget why you’re there? Or struggle to find words you know are on the tip of your tongue? I have good news for you! You’re not losing your mind.  Your brain is simply changing.In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay reveals what’s really behind midlife “brain fog” and why it’s part of a powerful transformation. From hot flashes and sleep struggles to surprising cognitive strengths we gain in menopause, she shares what’s happening inside the brain, as well as how to support it through the transition.You’ll walk away with science-backed strategies, a fresh perspective on midlife cognition, and maybe even a laugh or two (yes, we talk creatine and the importance of laughing at ourselves in this season). This is a conversation that will leave you feeling reassured, informed, and ready to support and embrace your evolving brain.Connect with Dr. Sarah McKayGrab the Brain Health BooksInstagram: @drsarahmckayWebsite: www.drsarahmckay.comLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Beating the Brain Fog of Menopause5 Things My Sister Wants You to Know About PerimenopauseWhen Mental Health Meets Menopause with Dr. Stephanie Bayliss ND​​Why Healthcare Needs to Break Up with Diet & Wellness Culture with Dr. Sylvi Martin  What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

This week’s episode is extra special for TWO reasons! For one, we are kicking off Season 6, and my sister Friedel is interviewing me! We’re diving into my new book, Eat to Thrive During Menopause, and why I felt called to write it after my own surprising start to perimenopause at 37.Instead of talking about what to cut out, I share why I focus on what to add, such as fiber, phytoestrogens, and carbs that actually satisfy. We also bust some common menopause myths and talk about how intuitive eating can help you feel at peace with food in this season of life.Friedel shares some of her favourite recipes from the book  (pumpkin flax muffins, anyone?) along with some of her behind-the-scenes memories of me while I was writing it! Join us for a sweet conversation about food, midlife, and finding joy in this season of life.Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes!5 Things My Sister Wants You to Know About PerimenopauseIntuitive Eating in Menopause: A Conversation with Evelyn TriboleWhat to Do When Intuitive Eating Doesn't Work with Julie Duffy Dillon5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Intuitive Eating 10 Years AgoWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

What if menopause wasn’t something to endure, but something to embrace? After asking my Instagram community about the unexpected gifts of midlife, their answers revealed just how liberating this season can be. From deeper friendships and renewed creativity to freedom from dieting and people-pleasing, their stories echoed a powerful shift, and one rooted in self-awareness, strength, and permission to live more authentically.These insights inspired my new book, Eat to Thrive During Menopause, which blends intuitive eating with symptom-supportive nutrition. No tracking, no rules, just nourishment. Even though this is the Season 5 finale, this episode invites you to see menopause not as an ending, but as a new beginning.Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes!8 Things I Wish I'd Known About Perimenopause Before My Last PeriodFeasting with Gentle Nutrition in Midlife with Rachael Hartley, RDDear Diet Culture Diary: What the 80s Taught Us About FoodYou Are More Than What You Eat with Dr. Emma Beckett, PhDWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

In this story session, April MacKinnon, founder of Anointment Natural Skin Care, opens up about nearly a decade of navigating perimenopause. From the early waves of anxiety and disrupted sleep to the surprising strength she found through resistance training, she shares her very relatable experience. We explore how resistance training helped April through anxiety when running no longer worked, how skincare evolved from function to connection, and why saying “no, thank you” with no explanation might be one of the best midlife skills of all.This honest conversation is a reminder that growing into ourselves doesn’t always mean doing more. It often means redefining what matters most.Connect with April🏷 Save 20% on Anointment products with the code FEAST20 The Website: anointment.caMagnesium Products:  nourishedmagnesium.comInstagram: @anointmentLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Rest to Reset: Redefining Rest and Self-CareHow to Stop the Burnout Train in Midlife with Dr. Leigha Saunders, NDWhy You Need to Put Capacity, Self-Compassion, & Self-Care on the MenuHow to Appreciate Your Changing Menopause Body with Dr. Charlotte OrdWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Have you ever hesitated to open up with other women because you feared judgment, competition, or being labeled as “too much”? If this hits home, I’ve got good news: you are not the problem. In this episode, author and comedian Tova Leigh shares stories from her new book Good Girls  Gossip and explains why reclaiming gossip, as deep, truth-sharing connection among women, is revolutionary. We talk about letting go of the “good girl” roles we’ve outgrown and what it means to live more authentically in midlife.Tova introduces her powerful “and also” mindset, which allows space to be both messy and wise, uncomfortable and growing. It’s a simple shift that invites freedom from perfection and black-and-white thinking.This is a conversation about real talk, shared wisdom, and the beauty of being witnessed by women who see you as you really are.Connect with TovaGood Girls Gossip is available now!Instagram: @tova_leighWebsite: www.tovaleigh.comLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Unfiltered Motherhood in Midlife with Tova LeighWe Need to Stop Pretending We Don't Have Time for Self-Care with Heather ChauvinWhy You Need to Put Capacity, Self-Compassion, & Self-Care on the MenuWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

In this episode, I sat down to chat with our very own Joyful Movement Coordinator in the Midlife Feast. At 49, Christine received an ADHD diagnosis after years of masking. She shares how perimenopause brought long-overlooked symptoms into focus.We unpack how midlife hormonal shifts can amplify ADHD traits and why rigid fitness plans rarely work for neurodivergent brains. As a movement coach, Christine offers a refreshing approach to movement in trading consistency for persistence, flexibility, and self-compassion.We also bust the motivation myth and share simple mindset shifts that make movement feel doable, even on low-energy days.If traditional routines haven’t worked for you, Christine’s approach might be the reset you’ve been looking for. And if you love what you hear, don’t forget she shares more inside The Midlife Feast community, including videos and tips for all fitness levels.Connect with ChristineWebsite: hellofitnesschristine.com Instagram:@hellofitnesschristineLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes! Story Session: Navigating ADHD in Midlife & MenopauseWhy We Binge: Unpacking the Restrict-Binge Cycle with Toni Rudd, RDHow to Un-Diet Your Relationship with Movement in Midlife with Christine ChessmanHow to Fall in Love with Movement While Rejecting Anti-Fat Bias with Louise GreenWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

If you’ve ever felt guilty for not finishing your plate, even if you’re full, and you’re not 100% sure why, you might be a member of the Clean Plate Club.In this episode, I invited registered dietitian Emily Sucher to explore how messages from childhood are still impacting our food decisions today. Whether you grew up hearing about starving children or just hate the idea of wasting food, this conversation offers a fresh perspective. Emily shares compassionate ways to tune back into your body’s cues, reframe what food waste really means, and help the next generation build a healthier, more intuitive relationship with eating.Connect with EmilyThe Website: www.livewelldietitian.comInstagram:@livewelldietitian_Like what you learned? Check out these other episodes! How to Decode Your Cravings in MenopauseCooking for Pleasure, Not Perfection with Andrea BuckettWhat to Do If Intuitive Eating Doesn’t Work with Julie Duffy DillonThe Capacity Crisis: Why Women Feel Emotionally Exhausted in Midlife with Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, RDParenting Without Diet Culture with Oona HansonWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

In this solo Q&A episode, I am tackling some of the most recent questions shared with me about the sneaky ways diet culture creeps in, what protein adequacy really looks like (especially for plant-based eaters), and whether collagen is fact or hype. If you want to get your questions answered in the future, submit them here! Links MentionedThe Substack Article Mentioned: Read it hereTry the Midlife Morning Makeover Email Challenge: Join for free Explore the Midlife Feast Community: Start your 7-day free trialRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Clean Eating Pitfalls in Midlife & Menopause with Dr. Morgan Francis, Psy.D, LPC5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Intuitive Eating 10 Years AgoWhy Diets Don’t Work with Dr. Amy PortoIntuitive Eating in Menopause: A Conversation with Evelyn Tribole5 Tips for Spotting Nutrition Misinformation with Dr. Emma BeckettIs it Hunger, Food Noise, or Hormones?What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Our bodies change in midlife and menopause, and many times in ways that feel confusing or frustrating. But what if those changes aren’t a problem to fix, but an invitation to reconnect with ourselves?In this conversation, Dr. Charlotte Ord, psychologist and body image expert shares a refreshing take on body appreciation. It’s not about pretending to love every wrinkle or roll. It’s about noticing what your body does for you, and learning to meet it with care, not criticism.We also explore a powerful question: Who benefits when we hate our bodies? The answer reveals just how deeply diet culture and the wellness industry profit from our insecurities.Dr. Ord offers simple, grounding practices to help you feel more at home in your body, including media literacy tips and ways to gently shift your focus toward gratitude and self-trust. Connect with Dr. CharlotteThe Website: https://www.charlotteord.comInstagram: @drcharlotteord📚Grab the Book: Body Confident You, Body Confident KidLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Why You Need to Put Capacity, Self-Compassion, & Self-Care on the MenuThe Problem with Perfectionism with Alana Van Der SluysWhat Every Woman Needs to Know About Body Image in Midlife with Summer InnanenThe Body Acceptance Mistake That’s Keeping You Stuck in the SuckWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Standing in your closet thinking, "Nothing fits anymore?" It’s not the best feeling, but can I let you in on something? You don’t have to hold onto your “lose weight wardrobe”. In this encouraging conversation, stylist Dacy Gillespie helps us reframe how we think about style in midlife, especially when our bodies, styles, and preferences have changed.Together, we explore why comfort isn’t “giving up,” how style can help you reconnect with who you are now, and why that “lose weight wardrobe” may be doing more harm than good. You’ll also get a big dose of validation: most clothes aren’t made to fit you—and that’s a design flaw, not a personal one.If getting dressed has felt frustrating or disconnected lately, this episode offers a refreshing new lens: style as self-care, self-expression, and an invitation to show up for yourself just as you are today.Connect with Dacy: The Website: https://www.mindfulcloset.comInstagram: @mindfulclosetSubstack: UnflatteringLike what you learned? Check out these other episodes!Redefining Personal Style in Midlife with Dacy GillespieThe Body Acceptance Mistake That’s Keeping You Stuck in the SuckTrusting Your Body: Finding Peace Through Grief with Nina ManolsonFrom Body Grief to Body Acceptance: The Way Forward with Amanda Mittman, RDWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

In this episode, I get to bring you a very special guest, someone whose work has transformed my whole practice, and who has been helping people heal their relationship with food and their bodies through intuitive eating for three decades! In this conversation, Intuitive Eating co-founder Evelyn Tribole shares why this compassionate, research-backed framework is more relevant than ever—especially during menopause.We explore how symptoms like sleep disruption can throw off hunger cues, why decades of dieting create a fear of "losing control," and how that fear is actually your body trying to protect you. Evelyn breaks down the biology behind these patterns and offers a deeply freeing perspective for anyone tired of blaming themselves.You'll also hear why intuitive eating works even with midlife health conditions, and how shifting from restriction to "nutrition by addition" can make food feel joyful again. Most of all, this episode is an invitation to stop fighting your body—and start finding what truly lights you up.Connect with Evelyn:The Website: https://www.evelyntribole.com/Instagram: @evelyntribole📚Grab any or all the books!Links Mentioned: EP 70: From Dieting Rock Bottom to Intuitive Eating: 3 Common Mistakes EP 138:  5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Intuitive Eating 10 Years Ago EP 146: What to Do When Intuitive Eating Doesn’t Work with Julie Duffy DillonWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Feeling hungry all the time? Or do you feel like fullness just doesn’t land the way it used to? You’re not imagining things—and it’s not about discipline either. Hormonal changes in menopause can change how you experience hunger, and that can be disorienting.In this episode, we answer a listener’s honest question about feeling constantly hungry, and explore how biology, behavior, and hormones all intersect. We break down the three types of hunger—physical, emotional, and taste—and why food noise can feel especially loud right now.You’ll hear how estrogen impacts fullness signals, how sleep and brain energy play a role, and most importantly, how to work with your changing body, not against it. We share ways to build satisfying meals, spot emotional hunger with compassion, and reconnect with your body's wisdom.This one’s for anyone in or around menopause who’s ready to stop fighting hunger—and start listening to it.Links Mentioned: EP 117: How to Decode Your Cravings in Menopause🙋🏻‍♀️ Got a question for another episode? Drop it HERE!What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Why are we SO drained in midlife? Dr. Sarah Vandeboncoeur returns to unpack the exhaustion so many women feel—not just from perimenopause, but from decades of overgiving.Most of us enter this phase already running on empty, juggling work, family, and endless to-dos. Add hormonal shifts, and let’s be honest- something has to give. That irritability and bone-deep fatigue? They’re signals, not flaws.We break down the "energy budget"—because just like money, energy isn’t unlimited. Sarah shares practical ways to escape the exhaustion trap: setting one true priority, doing daily "capacity checks," and sprinkling joy into your day before burnout hits.If you’re caught in the cycle of perfectionism and depletion, this episode offers both relief and a way forward. It’s time to reclaim your energy for what truly matters.Connect with SarahThe Website: www.drsarahv.ca/Instagram: @sarahvadeboncoeur Podcast: The Fatigue FixerLinks Mentioned: EP 62: How to 'Do Less' and 'Be More' in Midlife with Wendy McCallumEP 96: Why You're So Tired in Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur, NDEP 99: How to Make Room for Connection in Your Relationship in Midlife with Carrie CohenEP 112: How to Stop the Burnout Train in Midlife with Dr. Leigha Saunders, NDEP 132: Why You Need to Put Capacity, Self-Compassion, & Self-Care on the MenuWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Feeling uninspired with your go-to menu lately? Chef Andrea Buckett is here to bring the joy back to your kitchen. With 20 years of experience, she shares her refreshingly simple approach to food—because cooking should be fun, not stressful!Andrea’s five-ingredient meals, pantry hacks, and creative condiment tips (wait until you hear what mustard can do for salmon!) will help you break free from boring weeknight dinners. Plus, she challenges the guilt we attach to food, reminding us that pleasure is essential to a healthy, sustainable way of eating.We also dive into her journey from corporate life to professional cooking, and her new book The Essential Cottage Cookbook! Connect with Andrea: The Website: https://andreabuckett.com/Instagram: @andreabuckettcooks/📚Grab the Book: The Essential Cottage CookbookWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Did you know science shows that mindfulness can do more than just help you relax? It can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and might even slow brain aging? That’s more than just symptom relief!Diana Winston, director of UCLA Mindful, joins me to explore how meditation can support your menopause experience. She makes mindfulness accessible for everyone, even those who feel too busy or think it’s not for them.Diana shares practical tips for beginners, like starting with just five minutes a day using free apps like UCLA Mindful, or the Happier app, which has just released a new mindful guide to menopause. She also introduces the simple STOP technique to help ease anxiety and break the cycle of rumination. Instead of viewing menopause as a loss, meditation can help reframe this season as an opportunity for greater authenticity, power, and freedom. Why not start here? Connect with DianaThe Website: https://dianawinston.com/Instagram: @uclamindfulLinks Mentioned: Happier Mindful Menopause GuideWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Do you find yourself vowing to “start fresh” every Monday, only to feel like you’ve fallen off the wagon by the time the weekend (or lunch) rolls around? The Monday reset cycle keeps so many of us trapped in an exhausting loop of restriction, indulgence, and shame—making food feel like a constant battle.But what if Monday was just another day? In this episode, we explore why this cycle gets stuck on repeat and how to break free. Diet culture has convinced us that we need rules and resets, but the real path to food freedom comes from food neutrality, flexibility, and satisfaction—not perfection.I’ll share practical ways to rebuild trust with your body, let go of all-or-nothing thinking, and stop feeling like you have to “make up” for anything you ate. If you’re ready to step off the dieting rollercoaster and into a more peaceful relationship with food, join me! Links Mentioned: EP 70: From Dieting Rock Bottom to Intuitive Eating: 3 Common MistakesEP 76: Food Is Not Medicine & Other Ways to Lower the BarEP 77: How to Press the Easy Button on Midlife & Menopause NutritionWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

After years of dieting, the advice to "eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full" can feel frustrating and oversimplified-especially if you’ve been trying to “get” intuitive eating This week, fellow intuitive eating dietitian Julie Duffy Dillon joins me to help us understand some of the common roadblocks that keep us “stuck" and why reconnecting with your body’s natural cues takes patience. Most importantly, that healing is possible at any age, size, or health condition.We explore why dieting’s pull is so strong and why there’s so much value in naming why diets have given you a spark of feeling hopeful or empowered.With intuitive eating, weight gain can feel like failure, but Julie reminds us it's normal for our bodies to change — and why accepting this is key to healing and feeling like you’re making progress. Julie also shares insights from her new book, Find Your Food Voice, and encourages us to let go of diet culture so we can focus on healing from the trauma it’s caused.If you feel stuck, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you are not the problem in the intuitive eating equation! Connect with Julie The Website: https://julieduffydillon.com/📚Grab the Book: Find Your Food VoiceLinks Mentioned: EP 45: What Happens When PCOS Meets Midlife? with Julie Duffy DillonWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Struggling with binge eating and the endless restrict-crave cycle? You’re not alone. In this episode, dietitian Toni Rudd unpacks the emotional triggers behind binge eating, the impact of dieting, and why willpower isn’t the problem.We also explore how ADHD can influence eating behaviors and share practical tools like mindful eating and food abundance to help you build self-trust and a healthier relationship with food.Join us for an eye-opening, compassionate conversation that offers hope and real strategies for breaking free from binge eating.Connect with Toni: The Website: https://www.thebingedietitian.com/Instagram: @the.binge.dietitianWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

Can yoga help us navigate the emotional and physical changes of menopause? Niamh Daly joins me to explore how yoga, when adapted to our changing bodies, can support nervous system regulation, pelvic floor health, and emotional well-being during midlife.We cover the importance of personalized movement, challenging the idea of yoga as a cure-all while highlighting its deeper benefits beyond the mat. Instead of focusing on self-improvement, we explore how yoga can be a path to joy, balance, and fulfillment in midlife.Tune in for a fresh perspective on movement, menopause, and embracing wellness with authenticity.Connect with NiamhThe Website: www.instinctyoga.com Instagram:@yinstinctyoga📚 Grab the Book: Yoga for Menopause & BeyondLinks Mentioned: EP 65: The Impact of Movement on Your Bone Health in Menopause with Niamh DalyWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now!  Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.Looking for more about midlife,  menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links