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Understanding Hormonal Changes in Midlife

Impact of Hormones on Health

Estrogen and progesterone are key players in our overall well-being. They influence how we feel, how we sleep, how we burn fat, and so much more. When these hormone levels start to fluctuate, especially during perimenopause and menopause, it can throw everything out of balance.

The Role of Insulin and Leptin

Insulin Resistance and Its Effects

You’ve probably heard a lot about insulin resistance lately. Insulin is our fat storage hormone. When our estrogen levels drop, it can cause our insulin levels to fluctuate, which can lead to insulin resistance. This is when our bodies don't use insulin efficiently, leading to fat storage and increased risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Leptin and Appetite Regulation

Leptin is another important hormone. It lives in our fat cells and sends signals to our brain that tell us when we're full. When leptin signaling is disrupted—often du...

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Apple Podcast - Spotify

Today, I'm excited to discuss your questions about midlife health and wellness. It's all about us today, so grab a cup of tea and let's chat about 

I love hearing from you and answering your questions and this episode is packed with hacks that can make a big difference in your midlife.

Menopause Hacks: Practical Tips for Midlife Health and Wellness

The Benefits of Grounding

Let's start with grounding. What exactly is it? Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of physically connecting with the earth by walking barefoot outside or using grounding mats or patches. 

I started using a grounding mat several months ago during a t...

Music provided by https://www.purple-planet.com/ 

Apple Podcast - Spotify

I am so excited to introduce you to Debbie Martin, a friend and fellow Trim Healthy coach.

 She is here today to talk to us about her Trim Healthy and weight loss journey after 50 and with insulin resistance.  

I can't wait to get to all of the good things. First, Debbie will tell us how she stumbled onto the Trim Healthy Way.  

"My name is Debbie Martin. I'm 50 years old. I turned 50 last year and feel so good about it. I am so excited about being 50. I am a mom of five kids. They're not kids anymore; they're all grown, and I've been a wife for 30 years.

I have had trouble with my weight throughout my whole life, and I came across trim healthy way back; I don't remember the exact year, but it was early. I didn't stick with it because I stalled and tried other things, came back to trim healthy, and didn't stick with it again because I stalled and thought, you know, there were other thin...

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Why is it so hard to lose weight for women after 40? 

There's a ton of factors contributing to this frustration, and it's important to understand what’s going on. The main culprits behind the challenge of weight loss after 40 come from various sources. 

Firstly, our metabolism undergoes changes as we age, impacting how efficiently our bodies burn calories. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, including the decline in hormones like estrogen, directly influence our metabolism and can lead to insulin resistance and fat accumulation. Lifestyle habits also play a significant role, with factors such as inadequate sleep, dehydration, and unmanaged stress all contributing to slower weight loss. 

Despite these challenges, it's important to remember that successful weight loss after 40 is achievable.

UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES IN MIDLIFE

I hate to be a bearer of bad news, but as a trainer and coach for many years...

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I'm thrilled to have a very special guest, a dear friend, and a fellow Trim Healthy coach with many exciting things on her plate. Before we jump into the richness of our discussion, let's warmly welcome Coach Amy. She's here to share her insights, experiences, and, undoubtedly, a treasure trove of wisdom for all of us.

Amy's Trim Healthy Journey Unveiled

I'm Amy Gaskin, and my roots are in Southwest Mississippi. Trim Healthy has been my companion for seven years, reshaping my life in more ways than I can express.

Married almost 23 years to Wes, we're navigating life's adventures with our five incredible kids. The oldest, nearly 19, is at college, while the next one plans to graduate high school a year early - a significant achievement for them. Our household is an interesting mix, with adopted kids playing baseball and the older ones passionate about dancing.

In a challenging phase of life, traumatized by ...

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Ready to be bored to tears?

At least, I feel like you may be, but in the vein of staying real and showing you how to eat to lose weight in midlife….and keep it off.

Here’s a day in the life of my meals.

I am living proof that simple, boring systems do well to bring joy to your daily meals. Let’s explore the art of simplifying your meals so you are successful in midlife, lose extra weight, and boost your health to feel well. I’ll show you how to use practical strategies and keep meals simple yet incredibly satisfying.

The Power of Systems Over Goals

Picture this: a life where making healthy choices becomes second nature. It all starts with the realization that systems trump goals. Setting a goal is excellent, but without a system, reaching it can be a challenge. Years ago, I worked to build a habit of creating healthy yet easy meals for my family and myself. And I didn’t want to make more than one meal! But...

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Today, we embark on a journey close to my heart—strategy calls in the Feminine Freedom program. It's more than just coaching; it's about building a personalized roadmap for midlife weight loss. Join me in unraveling the magic behind these transformative sessions.

Unveiling the Strategy Call

What is a Strategy Call?

In weight loss, a strategy call is your compass, guiding you through the challenges of midlife changes. Beyond a coaching session, it's a personalized roadmap—a tool for understanding the unique needs of every individual. Let's dive into the heart of this process.

Getting Personal

The Face-to-Face Connection

Picture this: a face-to-face connection, even in the virtual realm. The joy of interacting directly with Feminine Freedom participants is unparalleled. It's about more than just words; it's about understanding the intricacies of your unique situations creating a connection that propels your we...

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What you eat in midlife is essential to reach your health and weight loss goals. 

But the holidays can throw a wrench in your efforts to stay on your Trim Healthy plan.

What would the holiday season be if we didn’t have all the sugary goodies overwhelming every friend, work, and family gathering?

Can you even imagine?

On today’s podcast episode, I chatted with a dear friend, Coach Sarah Truitt from Araya Hope Health.

Sarah is a busy mama to 6 kids and has been following the Trim Healthy plan for the last ten years and actively coaching for the past 5. 

She is on a mission to empower, equip, and encourage women to lead the next generation in health and healing.

Her insights into shifting from unhealthy and inflammatory food choices during the holidays to creating new food traditions with family and friends are powerful.

You’ll want to hear how Sarah broke free from sugar addiction, reduced in...

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Let’s dive into something we know too well - how to deal with those extra pounds in our midlife journey.

Today, we're walking through all the Trim Healthy Mama plan components and how to follow it when you are in menopause. So, grab a cozy spot, and let's chat about how to make those midlife pounds say their goodbyes.

Making Friends with Trim Healthy

The Big Idea: Food Tag Teams for Weight Loss Magic

Trim Healthy is a great place to start at this stage in the game because it’s all about regulating certain fat-burning hormones so you can jump-start your weight loss. 

Following the Trim Healthy plan gives your body the micro and macronutrients needed to support your hormones, brain, and blood sugar. 

So let’s dive into Trim Healthy as your whole food approach to eating that eliminates sugar and white flour. This plan utilizes separating fats and healthy carbs, not in a low- or no-carb way but by balancing how yo...

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What foods do we need to eat to support hormones in midlife?

Great question. But first, let's clear the air: certain foods and supplements can help SUPPORT your body during hormonal changes but not balance them. You won't be able to increase your hormone levels with these foods, but you can find symptom relief and increase your weight loss potential.

The only way to bring your hormones back would be with bio-identical hormones, which we will talk about another time.

1. Unmask the Culprits: Processed Foods and Inflammatory Oils

[Avoid the Junk]

Midlife throws its curveballs, and one sneaky culprit is the temptation of processed foods. From tortilla chips to Oreos, these so-called 'non-food' items can seriously mess with your hormones. Processed foods wreak havoc on your overall health and blood sugar levels; they offer no nutritional value.

Choose wisely among on-plan oils such as olive, MCT, and coconut.