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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...

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We're going to explore the science behind the best and worst types of cardio for us in midlife and beyond. Understanding the right kind of cardio is so important for maintaining our health and fitness, especially as we navigate the changes that come with menopause. So, let’s dive in!

The Role of Hormones in Midlife Fitness

As we hit menopause, our hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone, start to decline. Estrogen is amazing – it helps us build muscle, gives us energy, regulates glucose, aids insulin sensitivity, boosts metabolism, and protects our heart, breasts, and brain. Testosterone also plays a key role but is less prominent in women.

When these hormones drop, we face challenges in muscle building, energy levels, and metabolism. That’s why it’s crucial to tweak our exercise routines during midlife. With estrogen no longer providing its benefits, exercise becomes the stimulus we need to keep our bones...

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I want to talk about something that I see all the time and have personally experienced: unexplained weight gain in midlife. Many women I speak to on discovery calls are doing everything right, but still struggle with weight loss. 

One crucial factor that’s often overlooked is the thyroid. If your thyroid isn’t optimized, it can be almost impossible to lose weight, no matter how diligent you are with your diet and exercise. 

So, let's dive into why your thyroid might be the missing piece of your weight loss puzzle.

Understanding the Role of the Thyroid in Weight Gain

In midlife, our bodies undergo significant changes. Hormones start transitioning or even disappearing, and this can cause a sluggish thyroid. I was diagnosed with thyroid issues in my mid-30s, after years of chasing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. Many women are unaware...

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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,...

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One of the most common frustrations I hear from my fellow Trim Healthy Mamas in midlife is the increase in fat around their waist.

Today, I want to share the top 5 foods you can use in your everyday routine that are simple and effective at burning fat and creating an optimal environment for a better, healthier, and faster metabolism. 

Understanding Fat Loss:

But first, let's debunk a common myth right off the bat: you can't spot-reduce belly fat with endless crunches or planks. 

We can target fat loss through smart food choices, exercise, and lifestyle tweaks.

Our goal? Turning our bodies into fat-burning powerhouses.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar:

First up on our fat-burning food list is apple cider vinegar (ACV). Packed with acetic acid, ACV supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. By incorporating ACV into your routine, you can potentially reduce belly fat and...

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I'm going to discuss the importance of building muscle as we age and its relationship to fat loss, overall metabolic health, and longevity.

I've been a personal trainer for over 30 years, and back in the day, there wasn't much emphasis on women and building muscle. There were guidelines, but it wasn't until I became certified as a menopause fitness specialist and discovered the newer science for women in midlife and beyond that I understood how important, if not the most important, things we can be doing.

Importance of Muscle Building

What I'm learning about muscle is that it is our longevity organ. When we start focusing on building muscle rather than losing weight, fat loss will happen.

Notice I'm not saying weight loss because we lose part muscle and part fat when we lose weight. Diets that are quick fixes or calorie deficit cause massive muscle loss touted as weight loss, and that, my friend, for women...

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I want to talk about something that might raise an eyebrow or two – planning for failure. 

I can almost hear you saying, "Coach Kris, why on earth would I want to plan for failure? Isn't that counterproductive?"

Well, stick with me, and let's unpack why it's not just okay but crucial in our journey to wellness.

The Mindset Shift: Redefining Failure

Often, the fear of failure looms large when we start on a wellness journey. 

We question if we can truly show up for ourselves, especially when past attempts have left us feeling defeated. 

But what if we shifted our mindset and saw failure not as a dead-end but as a stepping stone? 

While talking to women in midlife, I often encounter the unspoken fear of failure. 

There is uncertainty if this time will be any different. 

Here's the thing – we need to...

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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...

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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...

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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-...