Podcasts about Eating Out

Are you intrigued by this week's title? That title is called a hook. A hook is something that gets your attention because it opens a loop in your brain, and gets you to keep reading/watching/listening until that loop is closed. Why do certain reels on Instagram get you to pause and watch them through? Because there is text or video or something that hooks you in by opening that loop in your brain. This little-known psychological phenomenon is called the Zeigarnik effect, coined by Dr. Bluma Zeigarnik.  This is why every episode of a good show ends in a cliffhanger. (It's why I'm really angry with the author of the Fourth Wing series… leaving every book with a cliffhanger.) It's also the same reason why many high-performing women find themselves overwhelmed quickly when making changes in their health and fitness. These women are giving their all in every area, but just like your computer only has so much RAM and you can only have so many tabs open before it slows down, you can only do so many things before your executive function (the “management system” of your brain) gets taxed. Add in stress, poor sleep, anxiety (all common symptoms of hormone imbalances) and your executive function is even more limited. The Zeigarnik effect states ''Our minds quickly forget finished tasks. However, they are programmed to continually interrupt us with reminders of unfinished tasks.” In other words, the Zeigarnik effect causes you to have lingering thoughts about the to-do's you haven't done, the deliverables you have yet to finish because your brain is looking for closure. We can hack this effect (the same way I've hacked netflix by pausing episodes in the lull instead of finishing the episode) by reducing cognitive overload. So how do we do that when we have a million priorities? In this episode, I'm going to share with you 4 key ways and strategies to mitigate the Zeigarnik effect that is causing you a lot of overwhelm and stress when it comes to your health and fitness goals. Let us know your biggest takeaway from this episode! Time Stamps: (1:15) Intrigued By This Week's Title? (2:27) The Concept of Hooks (7:32) Why This Effect Exists (15:14) #1: Top 3 Priorities (18:06) #2: Consistency (28:35) #3: Chucking 2 Minute Tasks (33:27) #4: Mind Management (37:34) You Once Prayed For These Tasks (42:55) The Power of Breath Work (45:25) Please Share with A Friend---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

At one point I cried to my doctor because I was just so frustrated…. I thought I needed to eat less, be stricter, exercise harder but none of it was working. In fact, I found myself gaining weight, looking puffier, and feeling more exhausted the harder I tried. Does this sound familiar? "You're just being lazy. It's all in your head" is what I kept telling myself and that only made things worse mentally. It wasn't until I dug deeper into my hormone health and found the root cause I was able to start truly healing and getting back to myself. In this episode, I'm going to explain the four key changes that I implemented that made all the difference for me. We will cover why I backed off of my training, learned to nourish my adrenals with proper nutrition, cut back on caffeine which was incredibly hard at the time, and learned to rebalance my circadian rhythm.  Time Stamps: (0:25) Team Coming Into Town (1:32) The Adrenals (3:05) My Hormone Healing Journey (5:15) What To Look For With Adrenal Fatigue (9:15) Pulling Back Intensity (11:25) Nourishing Your Adrenals (14:28) Magnesium Rich Foods (16:18) Hydration and Electrolytes (19:12) Proper Supplementation (19:54) Cutting Back on Caffeine (21:15) Prioritizing Sleep (25:05) We Can't Work With Everyone---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

So excited to have Coach Jodi Stonehocker on the podcast today!  Jodi joined our team at the end of 2024, but she came to us with tremendous experience having been a nutrition coach since 2015, collecting multiple certifications across the years to grow her specialties, from CrossFit Level 1 & 2, Precision Nutrition, MMU Level 1, and even FDN-P- Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.  Her passion for helping women started with her own journey, growing up watching her parents experience multiple health challenges and seeing her mom in and out of doctors offices with a brain tumor... Ultimately Jodi knew she wanted to put herself on a different path of better health.  She was always athletic, from competitive cheerleading to CrossFit, but eventually her body could no longer handle overtraining and undereating, and she developed Hashimotos, which is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid. This is what led her down the path of functional health and really diving into both how the body works on a scientific biological level as well as doing the deep work in mindset, realizing that so many women like herself need more than basic nutrition and fitness coaching.  Now she has her Hashimotos in remission and loves to teach other women how to live a balanced life with holistic health habits and a good mind/body balance. Jodi lives in Utah with her husband and 5 & 7 year old boys. They are an active family who love skiing, surfing, hiking, and anything outdoors! In this episode, we dive into Jodi's background and why she went the functional route after her second child, finding balance with Crossfit, why she finds so much joy in 1-1 coaching, and more! Time Stamps: (0:10) Introducing Assistant Coach Jodi (8:10) Choosing The Functional Route After 2nd Child (11:30) Finding Balance with Crossfit (16:12) The Joy of 1-1 Coaching (18:30) Integrating A Holistic Approach (22:36) How To Do It All As A Mom (25:20) You Are Not Broken (26:46) Where To Find Jodi---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

In this powerful episode, CJ dives into Chapter 4 of his book Your Diet Fails: The Ultimate Cheat Code to Eating Out and Staying Fit. This chapter is a must-listen for anyone who's ever felt awkward saying no to dessert, pressured to “just have one drink,” or judged for trying to stay healthy while everyone else indulges.CJ reframes the way we think about social dining. It's not about restriction or being the odd one out. It's about taking ownership, showing up with calm confidence, and leading by example. You can enjoy your food and your people—without compromising your health.Key Takeaways:People don't react to what you eat—they react to how you make them feel about their own choices. Own yours calmly and you diffuse tension.Social pressure isn't a reason to cave—it's an opportunity to lead.You can indulge, but make it intentional, not accidental. Control the moment so it doesn't control you.Boundaries aren't rude—they're a form of self-respect. And you don't owe anyone an explanation for choosing what's right for you.Dining out is about more than food—it's about connection, presence, and experience.5 Things You Can Start Doing Today:Use confident language when saying no. Say, “I'm good, thanks,” and move on. No guilt, no debate.Prepare a go-to line for common pressure moments. Example: “I've got an early workout tomorrow, so I'm skipping drinks tonight.”Influence the group early by suggesting healthier shared dishes. Leadership beats resistance.Set your boundary before the meal begins. Decide in advance what you'll have and what you'll skip. Stick to it.Slow down and be present. Savor your food, engage in conversation, and appreciate the full dining experience—not just the plate.This episode is a practical, empowering blueprint for navigating meals without guilt or regret. You're not just making a choice—you're building a lifestyle.

I woke up today feeling like today is going to be a bad day and if you've done this too you aren't alone... Even with all the biohacking tricks in the world and dialed in morning routines, you are still human and you won't feel 100% every single day.  This is the 50/50 of life I like to refer to. We can't have good days without the bad and in this episode, I want to share what I do on my off or "bad" days so it doesn't spiral into several days or even weeks. One of my favorite things to do is look at my feelings wheel and gain some awareness on exactly what I'm feeling at that moment. Awareness is absolutely key here. Then I download those thoughts onto paper, get them out, and visit some new thoughts and/or mantras that I have collected and integrated into my life over the past few years. Then I ask myself how I can get out of my own head and into my body by changing my physical state. This works like a charm. Then I remind myself that the work just needs doing and to take action anyway. Listen in as I dive deeper into these thoughts and let us know if this perspective shift helps you on your off days!  Time Stamps: (1:37) Feeling Off The Past Two Weeks (3:49) How I Got To This Point (6:03) The Feelings Wheel (10:32) The Reality of Owning a Business (18:47) You Aren't Alone (22:52) Remembering Your Priorities (27:12) Important Affirmations (31:57) Going Forward After This---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

We receive so many questions about labs that we wanted to take this week's episode and dive deep into some of your most popular questions! Whether you think you need you need certain lab tests drawn based on the symptoms you are experiencing or if you are just curious and thinking about your future health, we'll cover some of the most popular tests today and answer some specific questions around them. Some questions include: I can only invest in one right now… DUTCH test or GI Map? When do I take a DUTCH test if I don't have a regular cycle? What labs can I do while on birth control? If I'm trying to get pregnant, is a DUTCH test a good idea? Can I do a DUTCH test while postmenopausal and on HRT? AND What labs should I ask my doctor for? If you have questions beyond this episode, please DM us and let us know!  Time Stamps: (2:58) Investing In One Lab Test: GI Map or Dutch Test? (8:02) Giving Clients Insight Inside of Vital Spark (8:27) Dutch Test With An Irregular Cycle (12:16) Finding Your Ovulation Window (14:14) Labs On Birth Control (17:57) Dutch Test and Pregnancy (20:30) Dutch Test, Postmenopausal, and on HRT (22:19) What Labs Should You Ask Your Doctor For? (23:55) CMP Test---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

If you're feeling constantly drained, relying on stimulants to get through the day, and experiencing energy crashes after meals, then you are not alone! Metabolic dysfunction could be the cause behind your unstable energy levels. In this episode, Neil Gyte, the chief business officer of RxSugar and founder of 1bmh.org, sheds light on the critical importance of metabolic health. He will also help you recognize the signs of metabolic imbalance and the potential benefits of prioritizing metabolic health.  Listen now and start your journey to becoming metabolically healthy! For show notes, visit https://fivejourneys.com/podcasts/achieve-metabolic-flexibility/  Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/feelfreakingamazing/  Related Episodes Eat Healthy and Eco-Friendly Foods, with Stacie De Lucia Stay Healthy when Eating Out, with Nicolette Richer Cook Once, with Cassy Joy Garcia Make Meal Prep Quick and Easy, with Stacie De Lucia Identifying Food Intolerances Using The New Whole30, with Melissa Urban Try Keto for Optimal Health, with Robert & Crystal Sikes Leverage Ketosis and Fasting to Reverse Disease, with Ben Azadi

From TV's “The Bear” to the simmering restaurant thriller “Boiling Point” we seem drawn to angry-but-vulnerable chefs in pop culture. But how do such stereotypes shape who works in kitchens and how they treat their colleagues? Is “kitchen culture”, with its macho rough and tumble norms, always so different from the work culture so many of us face – including in academia? Sociologist Ellen T. Meiser joins us from Hawaii to discuss this and more, reflecting on her new book Making It: Success in the Commercial Kitchen. She tells us about her lifelong fascination with kitchens – from teenage shift work in Anchorage, Alaska, to studying baking and pastry at the Culinary Institute of America and entering the field of Food Studies.We ask: how do scars serve as a kind of currency in commercial kitchens amid values of stoicism, perseverance and pain? How does the transience of worker populations make kitchens sites of risk and low accountability? And how does “scarring” take place beyond the kitchen, in a traumatogenic society where individuals, but also our planet, face significant harm?With celebration of the late chef and author Anthony Bourdain.Guest: Ellen T. Meiser; Hosts: Rosie Hancock, Alexis Hieu Truong; Executive Producer: Alice Bloch; Sound Engineer: David Crackles; Music: Joe Gardner; Artwork: Erin AnikerFind more about Uncommon SenseEpisode ResourcesBy Ellen T. MeiserMaking It: Success in the Commercial Kitchen“It Was, Ugh, It Was So Gnarly. And I Kept Going”: The Cultural Significance of Scars in the WorkplaceThe Social Breakdown (podcast co-hosted with Penn Pantumsinchai and Omar Bird) – including the episode Culture and Systems: An Intro to Food StudiesFrom the Sociological Review FoundationFood and Work – The Sociological Review Magazine issuesTaste, Performance, Success, Burnout, Toxic – Uncommon Sense episodesFurther resources“Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi“Food and Culture: A Reader” – ed. Carole Counihan, Penny Van Esterik, Alice Julier“Takeaway: Stories From a Childhood Behind the Counter” – Angela Hui“Scar Cultures: Media, Spectacle, Suffering” – Pramod Nayar“‘Yes Chef': life at the vanguard of culinary excellence” – Robin Burrow, Chef John Smith, Christalla Yakinthou“The Forms of Capital” – Pierre Bourdieu“Body/Embodiment: Symbolic Interaction and the Sociology of the Body” – Phillip Vannini“‘I see my section scar like a battle scar': The ongoing embodied subjectivity of maternity” – Sally JohnsonMore links to resources available at thesociologicalreview.orgSupport our work. Make a one-off or regular donation to help fund future episodes of Uncommon Sense: donorbox.org/uncommon-sense

I've felt restricted around all different types of eating so I get it... I've had clients who I give the same protocol to and one person says “this is too restrictive” and another person says “this is great”One thing I've really learned over the years is that restriction is a feeling, not a fact. And it comes down to our own thought patterns, which can be influenced by our beliefs and past experiences. There are things I used to find restrictive- like not drinking alcohol, limiting caffeine- that are just part of what I do now and don't feel restrictive at all. This is where individualization comes in, and is a big reason why we don't just give cookie cutter plans to people. We often make RECOMMENDATIONS based on people's health history, symptoms, goals, etc. and then further tailor those recommendations based on labs, but the recommendations are a starting point… some people will come back and say “is there more we can do, I want to tackle this as fast as possible and as effectively as possible, so if there's anything else you think would help, I'm ready to do anything” in which case we might make the plan even more detailed or “intense” For others, they might say “this feels really restrictive, I don't know how I can do this, I'm freaking out”, in which case we simplify the plan. Plans are never black and white, they are a spectrum of grey, and we need to find each person's ideal spot of grey where they are able to move the needle and follow the plan. At the end of the day, restriction is a feeling, and it is one that we can approach like any other feeling that comes up. In this episode, we'll tackle the concept of restriction and hopefully give you a different lens to view it in route to your health and nutrition goals. Time Stamps: (1:26) Feeling Restrictive(5:27) Changing The Plan or How We Think About It(11:02) The Personalized Process(13:47) Asking Yourself Questions Around Restriction(17:32) Verbal Abuse Example(21:17) How To Challenge Your Thoughts---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Fit at 49: Amy's 32-lb Vegan Transformation Journey | Fit Vegan Success Story & Podcast Ep #374Join our Free Fit Vegan weekly newsletter: https://fit-vegan-coaching.kit.com/newsletterInterested in working with our world class team, Book your application call here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcastWelcome to the Fit Vegan Podcast! Today, we're joined by a very special guest in person at my house in LA. We have one of our amazing FitVegan superstars, Amy. In This Episode, We Cover: [00:00–08:20] Intro — Amy's Journey to a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet.[08:21-26:30] Commitment and Support System! Reverse dieting, learning tools and strategies and the importance of hiring a coach.[26:31-30:08] Travel and Meal Prep Strategies, Navigating Food Prep and Travel and Eating Out and Restaurant Tips.[30:09-38:49] Reflecting on Transformation Success and Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks.[38:50-46:36] Reverse Dieting and Metabolism Boost and Building Confidence and Self-Accountability. [46:37-56:40] Lessons, Advice, and Looking Ahead -Closing thoughts!Key Quotes“This is crazy. I mean, I've never had abs in my life!” -Amy.“If you look at everyone else in North America, that is your age. You look phenomenal. You're in the top 1 percent of shape.”-Maxime.My name is Maxime Sigouin. I am the founder of Fit Vegan Coaching and Empire Builders Agency. I have a passion for serving and helping people live to their fullest potential.Book Your FREE Consultation Call Here: http://book.fitvegancoaching.com/podcast- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximesigouinofficial/- Join our FREE Fit Vegan Community: www.freefitvegancommunity.com- Youtube Channel : https://linktw.in/AyNrSW

We lost a sweet family dog very unexpectedly this past week and it got me thinking a lot about life and how perceive our expectations... A lot of tears, frustrations, and other emotions throughout that morning and a lot of my thoughts came back to the expectations or misexpectations we put on life circumstances. Although Stella was older, we always forgot just how old she was because of how young and spry she always SEEMED. And in comparison, the other family dog, Levi—who is 2 years older than her— APPEARED old in every way. We have been expecting his “time” to come for about 2 years now… preparing mentally for it to happen at a moments' notice. For Stella, none of us were expecting she would go first, and none of us were expecting her to go like this. Playful and energetic right until the very end. If anyone had any concerns about it, some of my siblings and I would've made more of an effort to be with her in the last week.  One sibling beating herself up over the fact that this dog was originally hers as a puppy, and she ALMOST came home to my parent's house last night, but had a change of plans, and for that reason didn't get to see her one more time or be there when it happened. How often do we have strong emotions come up in day to day life that wouldn't be as strong if our expectations had just been aligned with the reality? If we had expected to lose a dog in her older age today, after living a beautiful life, we probably would feel peaceful instead of distraught. A tangible example for day to day life… how often do you go into the week thinking “I'm going to eat healthy, hit my macros, and go to the gym X times” but then work gets busy, you forget to track, you miss a workout, and then you think “this sucks” and feel upset? What if you spent some time going into the week planning as best you can for what you KNOW is on your plate— or even just being real with yourself if you have a career that can ramp up or down in busyness in a moment's notice— and set really realistic expectations for the week, even if it's not what you WANT the week to look like?  Would you feel a lot better if you missed the gym? Probably. And just feeling slightly better can be the difference between you adjusting the plan and continuing to move forward vs. giving up on the plan and “starting over next week.” I even felt this with a vacation recently… where I had labeled it as a “vacation” because we were going to Cancun, Mexico, and I had expectations of coming home feeling refreshed and relaxed because that's what usually happens on beach vacations. But the reality is that this was not a vacation, but a time spent working remotely while also being with friends in Mexico outside of working.  This led to resentment and frustration when working, feeling more physically run down because I wasn't resting, and coming home with thoughts like “maybe I just shouldn't have even gone”… yet if I had gone in with the right expectations, I still might've felt tired coming home, but I would've had thoughts like “it's worth it because that was so fun, and how cool that I have a job where I can work remotely in beautiful places?!” At the end of the day, if you're not happy with the reality… it didn't/isn't matching your expectations… then you can either change your expectations or change your reality. But don't sit between the middle indulging in really negative emotions when you are in control of the way you think about your situation. I'm not saying to just NOT feel negative emotions (trust me, I'm feeling them today), but I do think we can also choose to look at the “bright side.” Listen in as we talk through this thought process together and RIP Stella. While I wish I could've hugged you one more time, I'm happy to know that it was quick, that a family member was home, and that you did live such a great life right up to the end. Time Stamps: (3:32) Losing A Family Pet (6:52) Expectations and Our Feelings (8:29) Your Expectations and Your Fitness Goals (12:02) Managing Expectations and Reality (19:42) The Power of Awareness (23:22) Our Team at Vital Spark (26:29) Working On Your Expectations---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

You are bombarded by fitness and health information every single day but there are only a few truths you need to focus on... It can be extremely overwhelming in today's society with ads and content everywhere talking about what you should be worried about when it comes to your health and fitness and we know that pain too. As a health and nutrition company ourselves, we understand it can be a lot so in today's episode, I want to focus on three fitness truths that I believe every woman needs to hear. These truths contradict a lot of what you'll conventionally hear and we think that's a good thing. We'll cover why you don't need to spend as much time in the gym as you think you do, why building bigger muscles is the goal and not getting "toned",  and why effective isn't the same as intense. Let us know which one surprised you the most and if this was helpful! Time Stamps: (1:22) Coming Back From Travel (1:52) Recent Viral Post (8:02) #1: You Don't Need To Spend A Ton of Time In The Gym (14:02) #2: Building Bigger Muscles (19:20) #3: Effective Is Not The Same As Intense (27:57) Please Rate and Review---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Are you struggling to stick to your healthy eating habits when dining out? Join The Conways as they share their Healthi Hacks for Eating Out! They'll provide straightforward tips on navigating restaurant menus and making smart food swaps, allowing you to enjoy your meal without feeling guilty. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just grabbing a quick bite on the go, they have you covered!

We're so excited to share another incredible coach here at Vital Spark with you Coach Whitney! Coach Whitney joined our team last summer and she came to us with a ton of experience as a coach with 2 years of online coaching and 4 years of in-person training experience.  She's helped hundreds of women transform their bodies. As a pre and postnatal specialist and women's coaching specialist, along with experience working with a lot of perimenopausal clients, she has an impressive resume.⁣ ⁣But she isn't just a powerhouse coach, she has been in the shoes of so many of you!⁣ After sadly losing her mom to breast cancer at a young age, Whit turned her pain into purpose and fell in love with understanding women's health holistically.⁣ Then once she found herself postpartum and with a hypothyroidism diagnosis, she found herself diving even deeper into her own health to prove first-hand that no diagnosis or circumstance has to hold you back from reaching your goals! ⁣ She lost 20lbs and regained her energy, and is now thriving as a mom to 2-year-old Emma and baby Brooklyn, living with her husband and dogs outside of Asheville, NC.⁣ I'm so excited to finally have Whit joining us on the podcast so you all can hear a bit about her story, learn from her experiences, and see why she is such an impressive and loved coach here at Vital Spark.  I personally think that Whit is simultaneously one of the sweetest and mentally toughest people I know. In the time that I've known her I've watched her overcome hardships personally, and always doing so with a smile on her face, ready to share what she is grateful for and still show up and give her clients her all.  Time Stamps:  (1:13) Welcome Coach Whitney! (3:58) Body Image Issues in High School (7:20) Testing TSH Levels and Coming Back “Normal” (14:07) Imposter Syndrome (16:36) The Postpartum Journey (20:12) Full Blown Panic Mode With Second Pregnancy (27:37) Facing Adversity (32:31) Ideal Takeaway For You (33:52) Where To Find Coach Whit---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

It's normal to say that you have weird cravings when you're pregnant and experiencing all those hormonal changes…  Why is it not more normal to talk about how our day to day cravings could relate back to hormonal changes? You know those times where you are craving those salty pretzels or something savory and you're not really sure why? In this episode we're going to cover some of the most common cravings we experience, and how they could actually be your body communicating with you about your hormones or nutrient status. Many of these explanations are not reasons for us to justify having the thing, but for us to be kinder to ourselves when we struggle with wanting these things or overconsuming these things. Rather than treating the craving by giving the body what it's craving, let's understand WHY we're craving it, and address the root issue. We will cover 5 of the most prominent cravings including salt, sugar and carb, fat, caffeine, and chocolate cravings and why they might be coming up for you.  Time Stamps: (2:05) Increased Cravings This Cycle (4:52) Specific Cravings (7:37) #1: Salt Cravings (15:24) #2: Sugar and Carb Cravings (22:12) #3: Fat Cravings (24:52) #4: Caffeine Cravings (27:54) Insulin Resistance (28:37) #5: Chocolate Cravings---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

It's time for a pep talk... My motto this year is lean into discomfort. Nothing worth doing comes easy. The price of feeling good is also feeling bad. That's the 50/50 of life. Trying to never feel bad is like trying to outrun your own shadow. Thoughts are like fire: it can cook you dinner or it can burn your house down. It can save you or it can destroy you. You can do hard things. Your brain just wants to make you believe you can't. Think of it like working out. The weights don't become lighter over time, you get stronger. Just because you feel bad doesn't mean you need to change anything (except maybe your own mindset). We hope this episode is a reminder that the things worth pursing are hard, you'll be better for going through it, and trust yourself to push through the tough times.  Time Stamps: (2:47) A Needed Pep Talk Around Hard Things (5:25) Lean Into Discomfort (8:17) What Omar Is Most Proud Of Himself For (10:06) Alcohol Example (18:55) Unpacking With Someone Else (21:20) Tangible Step By Step Process (24:47) What Would My Mentor Think?---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

We can't wait to share an interview that's long overdue with a new coach to Vital Spark, Coach MacKenzie! MacKenzie joined our team late summer 2024. She came to us with an impressive resume: a Bachelors in Exercise Science, Masters in Kinesiology, and Masters in Nursing, and a combined 9 years of experience as a Labor & Delivery Nurse, Athletic Trainer, and as an Online Coach!⁣ But she doesn't just have the knowledge and experience, she has walked the walk!⁣ Years of a demanding nursing schedule on top of having kids left her with severe hormonal imbalances, no longer looking and feeling like the athlete she had always been.⁣ Once she discovered functional health, her entire world changed! Now she lives the crazy life of being a working mom to 7-year-old Raelynn and 5-year-old Cayden, coaching Raelynn's softball team where they live outside of Nashville TN, managing a household with 2 dogs, and still maintaining her own health & fitness!⁣  I'm so excited for her to share her story with you all, so you can find out why she is such a loved coach on our tea Time Stamps: (1:32) Mckenzie's Background (4:05) Pursuing Athletic Training (6:32) Dreamed Working In Baseball (10:09) Shifting To Nursing School (13:42) Becoming A Mom (16:12) Going Through The FLUSH Protocol (23:30) Shifting Into Coaching (26:32) You're Right About Your Body (28:12) Where To Find---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Allulose is a rare natural sweetener that's revolutionizing how you can achieve metabolic health. The impact of this virtually zero-calorie sugar on blood sugar levels and metabolic health has the potential to transform your relationship with sweet treats.  In this episode, Neil Gyte shares the benefits of allulose. With a personal commitment to improving metabolic health and balancing blood sugar worldwide, he emphasizes the practical application of allulose, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the sugar industry and its positive impact on chronic diseases and overall health.  Listen now and gain metabolic health while still enjoying sweet treats! For show notes, visit https://fivejourneys.com/podcasts/reverse-chronic-diseases-using-allulose/  Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/feelfreakingamazing/  Related Episodes Eat Healthy and Eco-Friendly Foods, with Stacie De Lucia Stay Healthy when Eating Out, with Nicolette Richer Cook Once, with Cassy Joy Garcia Make Meal Prep Quick and Easy, with Stacie De Lucia Identifying Food Intolerances Using The New Whole30, with Melissa Urban Try Keto for Optimal Health, with Robert & Crystal Sikes Leverage Ketosis and Fasting to Reverse Disease, with Ben Azadi  

Your doctor could be gatekeeping something that could transform your health... I know that's a bold statement and I wouldn't be saying it if I hadn't seen it change my life first hand and countless lives here at Vital Spark. I'm talking about Dutch tests and GI Maps and while there are many doctors out there that embrace these tests, many do not are are stuck in their old ways of practicing. I want you to be an advocate for your health and that starts with awareness and knowing what is available to you when it comes to testing and finding the root cause of your issues. In today's episode, we're going to be discussing why doctors might be against these tests, how these tests changed my life, full moon and testing, and much more! Time Stamps: (1:27) “Cold” In Florida Right Now (3:27) Functional Lab Testing (5:02) Why Doctors Might Be Against Testing (7:12) How These Tests Changed My Life (16:27) Full Moon and Testing (18:32) Client Example (22:32) The Future of These Tests (24:57) Please Rate and Review---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Join commit to 6 here 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:10 Family Traditions and Quirks 05:59 Debates Over Dinner 08:59 Nutrition and Sodium Tracking 11:53 Eating Out as a Vegetarian 18:04 The Caloric Dilemma of Healthy Eating 19:34 Understanding Deload Weeks in Training 23:40 Navigating Weight Goals and IVF 31:18 The Challenge of Maintaining Weight Loss 36:06 Building Muscle: The Struggles of Smaller Women

This might just be what you and your gut need in 2025... We talk about gut health a lot on this show and for good reason. There are so many ways our gut affects our overall health including the areas of digestive wellness, our immune system and health, our gut brain axis that affects our mood and mental well-being, and so much more. Our gut also plays a massive role in our metabolism and energy regulation for weight management and weight loss.  Some gut issues can look like: - Mood disorders- Stool changes- constipation, diarrhea- Abdominal bloating and gas- Feeling full quickly- Heartburn, GERD, reflux- Stomach pain, burning, or cramping, nausea- Hormonal imbalance (gut issues common in perimenopause)- Food sensitivity- IBS, IBD, Crohn's, colitis, etc- Autoimmune disease- Skin issues- eczema, acne, psoriasis- Nutrient deficiencies (poor absorption)- Getting sick often/easily To alleviate these issues, most go with taking medication, an antibiotic, go the FODMAP diet route, cut out gluten and dairy, or take random supplements. What if another route existed? In today's episode and Part 2 of these series, we're going to cover the specifics around the 5R gut protocol, what you need to know to utilize it, the 5 stages, and more! Time Stamps: (1:12) Part 1 Last Week(2:34) The Lawn Analogy(6:20) Planting The New Seeds(7:57) Prebiotics(10:52) The Repair Phase(11:56) Rebalance---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

This might just be what you and your gut need in 2025... We talk about gut health a lot on this show and for good reason. There are so many ways our gut affects our overall health including the areas of digestive wellness, our immune system and health, our gut brain axis that affects our mood and mental well-being, and so much more. Our gut also plays a massive role in our metabolism and energy regulation for weight management and weight loss.  Some gut issues can look like: - Mood disorders- Stool changes- constipation, diarrhea- Abdominal bloating and gas- Feeling full quickly- Heartburn, GERD, reflux- Stomach pain, burning, or cramping, nausea- Hormonal imbalance (gut issues common in perimenopause)- Food sensitivity- IBS, IBD, Crohn's, colitis, etc- Autoimmune disease- Skin issues- eczema, acne, psoriasis- Nutrient deficiencies (poor absorption)- Getting sick often/easily To alleviate these issues, most go with taking medication, an antibiotic, go the FODMAP diet route, cut out gluten and dairy, or take random supplements. What if another route existed? In today's episode and Part 1 of these series, we're going to cover a lot of gut health topics that may be slowing your progress down and explain why the 5R gut protocol might be useful for you. Stick around for Part 2 where we'll dive into the protocol piece by piece. Time Stamps: (1:51) 5R Gut Protocol(2:37) The Importance of Gut Health(12:59) Noticing Changes In Your Gut Health(22:55) Gluten and Dairy(25:08) Why We Don't Recommend Supplements(26:17) The 5R Gut Protocol---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

I tried a lot of things for hormone health in 2024… Some I've shared on social media and on this podcast and some have been complete flops that I will never share. I enjoy the trial and error and being a guinea pig for these modalities. To save you a bunch of time and effort, I want to share with you what I'm taking into 2025 when it comes to health hacks and self care practices. I'll list them below in case you want a detailed explanation of each and let me know which ones you take into 2025! Flush Protocol:Liver = 10-20% of metabolismFunctional foods, juices, supplements, and medical food powders to nourish thyroid and adrenalsI aim for 1-2x/year for ongoing maintenance, everyone can benefit from at least 1 flush in their lifetime! Follicular Phase Progressive Overload:Days 1-17ish I aim to increase my training volume (increased weights and/or reps) compared to prior month follicular phaseI reduce volume (or don't train at all) in luteal phase (Days 17+) Silent Walks:Helps with blood sugarSilent = nervous system supportingOverall movement = muy bueno!I aim to do 1-2 per day, the more the merrier! Scheduled Play Time:It's so important to broaden your life!Put play on your schedule and treat it as an appointment that can't be missed Lymphatic Drainage:Dry brushing, gua sha, lympathic massageHelps move lymph fluid for better detoxification (and aesthetics!) Weekly Yoga Class:I used to do a lot of yoga at home, but love going to a class 1x/weekVinyasa or Yin onlyI keep my practice restful- goal is nervous system management! Caffeine Limits:I've gone from drinking 600mg caffeine per day in 2021, to 0mg per day in 2023, to having 50-125mg per day in 2024 and feel great!This is MY limit that keeps my adrenals happy, yours might be different! Warmer Cold Plunges:I used to do plunges as often as possible and as cold as possible, but newer research suggests warmer and less often is more optimal for womenAim for 45+ degreesLess frequent during luteal phase Feast/Fast Cycles:Most women should NOT be fastingFasting only works if you have fed up and restored your hormones!I usually do light intermittent fasting around my follicular phase, and will throw in longer fasts around ovulation or menstruation every once in a while Sober periods:Started doing this by accidentGoing months without alcoholKeeps liver from getting sluggish IV Drips:Maybe 1x/quarter I'll do an IV dripIV therapy = almost 100% absorption compared to ~50% for pillsAnytime I feel like I'm getting sick or just feel run down I'll schedule an IV  Time Stamps: (2:39) Treating Myself As The Guinea Pig (3:32) The FLUSH Protocol (5:10) Favorite and Not Favorite Parts (7:49) Follicular Phase Overload Training (10:37) Silent Walks (13:12) Scheduled Play Time (17:22) Lymphatic Drainage (21:04) Limiting Caffeine Intake (23:13) Warmer Cold Plunges (24:49) Feast and Fast Cycles (27:22) Sober Cycles (29:30) IV Drips---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Have you ever had a quote or short essay completely change how you look at something? Whether it's gaining awareness about something new or looking at an old problem through a new lens, seeing and hearing other's perspectives can change our hearts and minds for better or for worse sometimes. In today's episode, I want to focus around a central subject about how you feel in your body and the many factors that can contribute to that feeling. I want to share one of my favorite books recently titled, "101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think" by Breanna West and specifically share 18 short passages from this book and give you my interpretation of what they mean. Please let me know if you have a favorite one and Happy New Year! Time Stamps: (1:43) Favorite Thing About Christmas (4:44) The Relationship With Your Body (7:37) Your Kids Hear and Internalize Everything (8:52) Photoshop and The Distortion of Reality (12:57) Judging Others and Your Opinion Of Yourself (16:10) Your Friends and How They Treat Their Body (17:16) The Media You Consume (18:09) Your Heritage and Your Hometown (19:57) Relationships and Physical Expectations (21:16) The Journey vs A Destination (22:54) Genuine Friendships (24:00) Cat Calls (24:40) Your Body's Acceptability (27:07) The Sun and Vitality (28:24) Your Self-Worth (30:20) The Body of Celebrities (31:57) What Our Bodies Were Meant To Do---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Everyone wants to know how to eat to balance your hormones and I wish it was an easy answer... “Just tell me what to eat” people will ask.  I'm actually really happy that we as a culture have shifted away from the low fat of the 90's, low carb of the early 2000's, and the overall fearing calories of recent years, and are starting to bring awareness to eating FOR hormone health!  But we're also very much still a culture of processed foods and fast food. Everyone's living off caffeine and stress, and our blood sugar is all over the place. Eating to balance your hormones is a matter of going back to basics and eating in a well rounded & nourishing way. In this episode, we're going to share the 3 steps to follow to eat in a way that promotes balanced hormones including how to eat a mostly whole food diet, how to avoid eating naked carbs, and how to get 20-40 grams of protein at each meal. These steps have helped the thousands of women we've coached at Vital Spark and we hope they work for you too! Time Stamps: (1:32) It's The Mold! (2:08) Eating For Your Hormones (5:22) Diet Aka Did I Eat Today? (6:04) #1: Mostly Whole Food Diet (9:27) #2: Avoid Eating Only Naked Carbs (13:26) #3: Eating 20-40 Grams of Protein At Each Meal---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

I was baby-sitting a 5-year-old girl (NOT my perfect little niece from this video) when I found myself shocked into silence… ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣My goal to get her to take a shower suddenly felt unimportant as I watched her stand in front of the mirror, put her hands on her cute little 5-year-old belly, and say ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣“I'm fat.”⁣⁣⁣⁣No idea how to respond (I was 16 at the time), I defaulted to “don't say that!”⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Of course, considering I was talking to a 5 year old, this just prompted a “why?”⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣I too thought “why?”⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣WHY is a FIVE year old girl picking apart her body?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣I was very familiar with the struggles of comparing my body to other girls in high school, ⁣⁣finding myself wearing looser shirts and positioning myself in photos to hide the parts of my body I was ashamed of… ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣But this was when I first realized just how much diet culture and negative body talk affect us.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣When women say “I can't eat that” or “I'm on a diet”… girls hear that too.⁣⁣⁣This has always been a deep driver for me as a coach…⁣⁣⁣⁣Despite the 1000+ women my team and I have coached over the last 5 years, I was NOT put on this earth to help women lose weight.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣I was put on this earth to help women LOVE their bodies by HEALING them. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Is weight loss often a part of that journey toward health? For sure!⁣⁣ And our girls are dang proud of the external transformations they achieve. ⁣⁣But these transformations come from a place of LOVE and wanting to give ourselves the gift of consistent energy, regular PMS-free cycles, freedom to eat foods without fear of GI issues… not from a place of self-hate or shame.⁣ In this episode, we'll discuss how to pull yourselves toward your goals in a positive way rather than being pushed by ego or in negative ways. This is a powerful mindset shift to head into the new year with and we hope you start adopting it today!  Time Stamps:  (0:42) Shared A Recent Story On Instagram (5:45) Pulling Ourselves Into The Positive (8:45) Imagine You Are Talking To A 5 Year Old (15:55) Our Individualized Approach---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Would you believe me if I said the majority of our clients at Vital Spark consume 2000+ calories?  Many even higher! In order to understand this, you need to understand BMR. You have actual BMR, potential BMR, actual TDEE, and potential TDEE. Getting to potential TDEE will create a metabolism that is more forgiving to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. For those who don't know, BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate and TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure (we'll explain what these mean in the episode).  So how do we get to potential BMR and potential TDEE? BMR: Improve metabolic processes by working systems of the body: Adrenals, Thyroid, Liver, Gut, Sex hormones, and Insulin. TDEE: Increase NEAT: Work on habits and behaviors to increase activity levels, Increase energy by feeding up, Increase desire to get out and move by improving internal health (you're less inclined to play with your kids or do active adventures with friends when your PMS is terrible or your gut is irritated),  Optimize NEAT: Strength train > cardio, More calorie burn POST workout, Work smarter not harder, Make it shorter and more effective, which makes you more consistent with workouts. Optimize TEF: Work on food quality without unnecessarily removing foods and creating restriction. ADD don't subtract mindset This is why you'll see me share so many quotes or testimonial videos from clients saying how they're eating foods they used to restrict, and have LOST weight! Listen in as we go in detail about all of this and more!  Time Stamps:  (1:46) Quick Story You May Relate To (4:10) What Is BMR? (6:21) What Burns Calories (8:04) Diving Deeper Into BMR (10:02) Potential vs Actual TDEE (15:37) Our Process (18:32) The Calories Out Portion (20:08) Actions We Have Our Clients Work On (22:32) Food Quality---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

We officially hit 200 episodes! We appreciate all of you that have listened to one, all (DM us if you have) or anything in between! Last episode we talked about how optimizing insulin and blood sugar is really the hidden gem for a lot of people's hormone healing and weight loss journeys, we chatted about how to know if you are insulin resistant or on the path toward insulin resistance, and we walked through the science of how these things actually work in the body so you can UNDERSTAND WHY this impacts your weight. This week let's chat about how to actually balance blood sugar from a nutrition, movement, and lifestyle perspective! First, I want to share a story about a woman named Susie who also listens to the Vanessa G Fitcast.  Susie just started her own business and is busier than ever. She sleeps 5-7 hours at best and often forgets to eat, leading to some binge eating at night and/or on the weekends. She has always carried a bit more weight than she would like so she has had a history of yo-yo diets in the past to try and lose the weight.  Nowadays she eats overall healthy, but truthfully her health isn't as much of a priority as it once was, as she is at her desk most of the day and doesn't have time for much activity. She listened to Episode 199 and starts to put the puzzle pieces together of how blood sugar could be playing a role in keeping her stuck. If you resonate with Susie, I have 6 foundational blood sugar balancing strategies that you can start using today that we've seen make a tremendous difference in the lives of our clients.  Let us know which ones you'll be incorporating soon!  Time Stamps: (1:12) Episode 200!!! (2:48) Last Week's Episode (4:15) Story Time (9:32) Insulin Surge (15:44) Consistent Meal Timing (18:50) Managing Fiber Intake (20:17) Awareness of Macros (24:12) Naked Carbs (29:37) Low Intensity Movement and Strength Training (31:57) Supplementation When Needed (33:42) Support From Specialists---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Optimizing insulin and blood sugar is really the hidden gem for a lot of people's hormone healing and weight loss journeys. After consuming food, especially carbs, blood sugar levels rise. The pancreas detects this increase and releases insulin. Insulin facilitates the update of glucose by cells, promoting conversion into energy or storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles. In periods of low blood sugar (fasting, between meals, or during physical activity), the pancreas releases glucagon to stimulate the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, releasing it into the bloodstream to raise blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels are constantly changing within the body, and feedback mechanisms adjust insulin and glucagon release accordingly. Over time, insulin insensitivity can occur when blood sugars are consistently high, and the pancreas keeps on secreting big dumps of insulin, and the cells start to become resistant to it. Meaning that the message is sent, but it's never delivered or read.  To compensate, the pancreas will then secrete more insulin in order to push that message through. This can eventually lead to high levels of insulin and blood sugar at the same time! Insulin resistance can result in: Excess storage of fat, especially in the midsection (apple shape!) Reduced energy production. Less ability to burn calories and tap into fat stores. Poor blood sugar regulation. Muscle loss. Systemic inflammation and immune system issues. Other hormonal imbalances. It may also contribute to high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and propel you toward metabolic syndrome, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In this episode, we want to take a deep dive into all things insulin and insulin resistance so you understand what your body is doing from a hormonal level and what you can do to counteract these potential consequences.  Everyone is different though so make sure you seek out those trained to handle more complex cases like us here at Vital Spark! Time Stamps: (2:14) Insulin Resistance (3:52) What Is Insulin? (6:20) Storage Forms of Glucose (8:29) What Happens When Blood Sugar Gets Low? (12:57) Omar's Honest Thoughts Where He's At (19:16) Common Signs of Insulin Resistance (24:44) Fasted Blood Insulin Marker (27:44) Normal vs Optimal (30:12) Tracking Blood Sugar---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

The REAL reason your weight isn't moving might surprise you... And that reason has to do with how you are measuring your weight in the first place: the scale. Most women will randomly step on the scale one day to see where they are at, or they weigh in at the doctors office. They're shocked to see a number higher than they expected or heavier than they've ever been before. They decide to go on a diet, or to start exercising more and eating healthier. They continue to step on the scale each morning and at first they see the number go down… they feel excited. After a couple of days it goes up and now they feel frustrated. They continue like this… back and forth with weight up and down, and after a few weeks the scale is up even HIGHER than it was when they started… now she feels like “what the hell” this is pointless, and goes back to her “normal” eating routine. See how this could be a problem when it comes to weight loss?  In today's episode, we're going to breakdown how to use the scale properly as one tool for weight loss, how to be aware of normal fluctuations, how to use multiple metrics to assess progress, why you should also focus on performance goals, and much more! Time Stamps: (2:56) Using The Scale Incorrectly (7:02) Where To Start (10:47) A Pre-Scale Warmup (12:42) Identifying Your Emotions (15:42) Managing Expectations (22:20) Body Fat Testing (25:09) Have Performance Goals As Well (26:22) Other Ways To Track Improvement (27:52) Body Composition---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

In this episode of the Art of Living Well podcast, Liv Hill shares her experiences as a sports mom and discusses strategies for navigating eating out during busy seasons. She emphasizes the importance of separating food from social events, budgeting food choices, and embracing food freedom and flexibility. Liv provides practical tips for managing health goals while enjoying social gatherings, encouraging listeners to use their logical brains when making food decisions and to feel empowered in their choices.

Nutrition Nugget! Bite-size bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn dives into the Panera restaurant menu. While known for their bread bowls, savory soups, and baked goods, you might think this fast casual restaurant doesn't work for your healthy lifestyle. Take a closer look at the menu with Jenn and you'll find plenty of options that can align with your health and wellness goals. Tune in to learn how Jenn determines what healthier options to order at Panera. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes, new releases every Wednesday.  Have an idea for a nutrition nugget?  Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/       RESOURCES:Become A Member of Salad with a Side of FriesJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramPanera Bread - Website

In this episode, CJ dives into Chapter 3 of his book, "Why Your Diet Fails: The Ultimate Cheat Code to Eating Out and Staying Fit", focusing on Simple Swaps to Make Eating Out Healthier. Listeners will learn how to make small, intentional adjustments to their meals at restaurants, enhancing their health on a cellular level. From swapping starchy sides for non-starchy vegetables to rethinking dessert choices, these tips aim to stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and boost energy.Key Takeaways You Can't MissTiny Swaps, Massive Results: Elevate your meals with simple changes that reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and supercharge energy levels.Mind Over Menu: Make choices that work with your body, not against it, for long-term health and vitality.Biohacker Secret Sauce: Learn how small upgrades—like ditching starchy sides or heavy sauces—optimize cellular health.Feel-Good Dining: Say goodbye to the post-meal crash and hello to sustained energy and focus.The Power of Progress: Each meal is an opportunity to solidify habits that help you look, feel, and perform your best.Your Cheat Sheet for Better Health at Any RestaurantHere's how to put CJ's game-changing advice into action today:Upgrade Your SidesSwap: Fries, mashed potatoes, or rice for nutrient-packed non-starchy veggies like roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower mash.Why: They're loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that stabilize blood sugar and power up your cells.Transform Your Drink GameSwap: Sugary sodas or cocktails for sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon—or go for a low-sugar cocktail like a vodka soda with fresh citrus.Why: You'll reduce empty calories, improve hydration, and fight oxidative stress.Lighten Up Your SaucesSwap: Creamy dressings like ranch or Alfredo for olive oil and balsamic vinegar.Why: Healthy fats fight inflammation and promote brain health, while balsamic vinegar aids digestion.Rethink Your AppetizersSwap: Bread or chips for marinated olives or raw nuts.Why: These snacks are rich in healthy fats and fiber, keeping you satisfied and supporting gut health.Redefine DessertSwap: Sugary cakes and pies for dark chocolate (70% or higher) and fresh berries.Why: Antioxidants combat aging and support brain health, while berries add natural sweetness without a sugar crash.Pro-Level Dining HacksHydration Boost: Add a pinch of high-quality sea salt to your water for better electrolyte balance.Fermented Foods FTW: Ask for sauerkraut or pickled veggies to boost gut health with probiotics.Go Premium on Protein: Choose wild-caught fish or pasture-raised meats for better nutrients and fewer additives.The Bottom LineEvery meal is a chance to take control of your health—and it's easier than you think. By swapping the obvious for the optimal, you'll feel the difference in your energy, digestion, and even your mood. So why settle for “good enough” when you can biohack your way to amazing?

Trying to lose fat with a slow metabolism is just a waste of time... Let me explain. Your metabolism can be changed. Genetics play a role, but not as much as people think. “Weight struggles run in my family” 73.6% of American adults aged 20 and older are considered overweight or obese, with around 40.3% classified as obese. Only about 100 years ago, only 3-5% of Americans were overweight. Obesity was extremely rare then. Our genetics as a species didn't suddenly change causing everyone to feel like “weight struggles just run in my family”... our environment did. Obesity wasn't prevalent until hyper-palatable ultra-processed foods became the norm.  There are things you can do to make your metabolism faster or slower. A fast metabolism means that your body simply requires more energy to function. Having a faster metabolism is a good thing regardless of your goals because in the modern day world it is good to have more of a buffer. In today's episode, we're going to discuss not only how to speed up your metabolism but share exactly why your metabolism might be slowed down. We'll also talk about how semaglutide (GLP-1's) like Ozempic are contributing to a slower metabolism once individuals get off of it. Time Stamps: (1:32) Losing Body Fat and Your Metabolism(7:22) Being The Hummer(10:30) Any Reason To Have A Slow Metabolism?(11:46) Eating Less(13:07) The Big Issue With GLP-1's(14:02) High Calorie Exercise(16:34) Vanessa's Experience With Running(17:42) How to Speed Up Your Metabolism(20:15) Please Share This Episode With Someone! ---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

In this episode of the Art of Living Well podcast, Liv Hill discusses strategies for navigating eating out, especially during the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead by reviewing menus before dining, using the 'Cracker Barrel method' for meal selection, and not hesitating to customize orders to meet personal dietary goals. Liv also highlights common pitfalls, such as the hidden calories in restaurant salads, and encourages listeners to stay focused on their health objectives while enjoying meals out.

It's that time of year again and we totally understand if this season is filled with both excitement and anxiety... There's a lot to look forward to for many people and these events have their positives and negatives. If this is the year you are going to stick to your nutrition goals and you want a blueprint for how to have those potentially awkward conversations with family and friends about it, we've got you! In this episode, we want to breakdown how to set boundaries with others when it comes to food and any other boundary you desire to set around this time of year. Omar recently gave this presentation at our retreat and everyone loved the content so we thought we'd share it here as well. We are going to go through 5 different real life scenarios and while we had fun with the reactions, these are real scenarios we know you might be faced with during this time of year and we want to arm you with strategies and tactics that allow the other person to understand where you are coming from and give you a firm boundary with sticking to your plan.  Time Stamps:  (1:22) Omar's Specialty and Recent Presentation (4:27) Don't Have To Tell Everyone Your Goals (6:29) Sharing Boundaries (8:42) The Conversation With Yourself (10:10) Scenario #1: Company Holiday Party (14:45) Scenario #2: Tracking Macros (17:40) Scenario #3: On Sale Halloween Candy and Leftovers (18:32) Scenario #4: Your Best Friend's Christmas Cookies (24:52) Scenario #5: Family Tension Around The Holidays (29:07) Shoot Us A Message!---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

It's spooky season and we have a great topic for this week's podcast! One of my biggest pet peeves is fear mongering and I always hated people fear mongering around toxins specifically because truthfully, I find it all very overwhelming.  But I also recognize that knowledge is power, and my learning more about toxins, what they are, how they actually impact your body from a science perspective, and things you can do about it.  We can better support our health and our body composition goals! In this episode, we're going to cover what are toxins and define them clearly for you, explain the concept of toxin burden that our modern society unfortunately has us content with 24/7, how frequent our exposure is to toxins, symptoms of excessive toxins, and much more!  Time Stamps: (1:17) Scary Toxins (2:24) Pet Peeve Around Fear Mongering (5:02) What Is a Toxin? (6:53) Toxic Burden (8:20) Initial Exposure (17:19) Managing Your Toxic Burden (26:35) Caster Oil Pack (28:27) Other Strategies (31:11) Think Dirty App and Other Resources---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

In this episode, we're diving into Chapter 2 of Why Your Diet Fails: The Ultimate Cheat Code to Eating Out and Staying Fit. If you've ever sat at a restaurant, menu in hand, wondering how to enjoy your meal without undoing your hard work, this one's for you. From Italian to Asian, American grills, and even fast food, I've got you covered with strategies to make eating out easier—and healthier—without sacrificing flavor.Key Takeaways:Italian Restaurants: Italian food and carbs go hand-in-hand, right? Not necessarily! You can still have a satisfying meal without the pasta overload. Try kicking things off with grilled seafood or go for a lighter dish with zoodles (yes, zucchini noodles!) in olive oil and garlic. And if you're craving pizza, just ask for a cauliflower crust loaded with veggies and lean protein to keep it balanced and satisfying.Asian Cuisine: Asian flavors are incredible, but sauces can be sneaky with hidden sugars and carbs. If you're at a Japanese place, go for sashimi with seaweed salad—pure protein with a mineral boost! For Chinese or Thai, ask for stir-fried veggies with lean proteins like chicken or shrimp, with sauce on the side. And if you're craving Vietnamese pho, ask for zoodles instead of rice noodles, and add extra protein to stay fuller for longer.American Grills and Steakhouses: Ah, the land of big portions! But don't worry, there are ways to make it work. Look for grass-fed steaks and pair them with something green like roasted Brussels sprouts or a side salad. Craving a burger? Ditch the bun and load up with toppings like avocado and mushrooms for a flavorful, filling option.Middle Eastern and Indian: These cuisines are packed with spices and flavor, which means you don't have to sacrifice anything! Go for kebabs or tandoori meats for that grilled goodness. If you love dipping, try swapping pita for cucumber slices with your hummus or baba ganoush to cut down on carbs while keeping the taste.Fast Food Chains: Sometimes, fast food is the only option. Here's what you can do: get a grilled chicken salad with vinaigrette or order a bunless burger and load it up with veggies. And if it's breakfast, look for egg whites, oatmeal with nuts, or a fruit parfait without added sugars to start your day right.5 Things You Can Start Doing TodaySwap in Low-Carb Alternatives: Next time you're tempted by pasta or rice, look for zoodles or cauliflower rice instead. Small changes, big impact!Request Sauces on the Side: You'd be amazed at how much sugar and sodium you save just by adding your own sauce. A simple ask that makes a huge difference.Go for Protein: Protein-rich dishes like grilled meats or sashimi keep you full and satisfied, so you're less likely to indulge in those extras.Box Half Your Meal Right Away: Restaurant portions can be massive, so box half when it arrives (or share!) to avoid overeating.Ask for Minimal Oil and Salt: Avoid those hidden fats and extra sodium by asking for light oil (like olive or avocado) and light salt. Your body will thank you later!If you're ready to go out and order confidently, listen to this episode and grab all these biohacking tips. These strategies help you make healthier, happier choices—without missing out on the restaurant fun.

The reason your reverse diet might not be working isn't your fault... It still amazes me how much of the human body I'm still learning about and we are at Vital Spark coaching and every single year we get better and better as coaches and practitioner's helping our clients with their health and nutrition goals. Back when we first covered reverse dieting on this podcast, I thought it was one of the be all end all ways to help most if not all of our clients with their metabolism, hormones, and getting them back to a place where they could start dieting again and be successful at it. The more we coached, the more we found that strategy only goes so far and wasn't helping as many women as we wanted and it honestly broke my heart not being able to help these women. Fast forward to now, we've got new strategies and protocols for our clients and I absolutely love the process we take our clients through now. I'll share why your reverse diet might not be working, the importance of understanding where you are at right now using the HAQ survey, why the FLUSH protocol is next level if you haven't heard us talk about it before, and more!  Time Stamps: (1:16) Officially Fall in Florida(2:57) Why Your Reverse Diet Isn't Working(5:02) What Is A Reverse Diet?(9:06) Our HAQ Survey(15:07) The FLUSH Protocol---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Welcome back to another episode of The Shift with CJ. Today, we're diving into Chapter 1 of my book, "Why Your Diet Fails: The Ultimate Cheat Code to Eating Out and Staying Fit." We're talking all about the key principles for eating out without derailing your health goals.Have you ever felt like dining out is a minefield when you're trying to stay healthy? Trust me, I've been there. But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way! In this episode, we're unpacking some biohacking strategies that will change how you approach restaurant meals.First up, we chat about aligning your meal times with your circadian rhythm. Sounds fancy, right? It's all about eating when your body is naturally primed to digest food, which can boost your metabolism and energy levels.We also delve into choosing nutrient-dense options when you're scanning that menu. I'll share tips on how to spot the healthiest choices without sacrificing flavor. Spoiler alert: It's easier than you think!And let's not forget about mindful eating. We'll discuss how being present during your meal can enhance digestion and make your dining experience more satisfying.Key Takeaways:Sync with Your Body Clock: Eating in tune with your circadian rhythm can improve digestion and energy.Pick Nutrient-Dense Foods: Opt for meals rich in vitamins and minerals to keep you full and nourished.Mindful Eating Matters: Slowing down and savoring your food can prevent overeating.Plan Ahead: Knowing what's on the menu can help you make healthier choices.Stay Hydrated: Drinking water before and during meals aids digestion.5 Things You Can Start Doing Today:Set Regular Meal Times: Try to eat your meals at the same times each day to align with your body's natural rhythm.Choose Whole Foods: Go for dishes with lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of veggies when eating out.Practice Mindfulness: Put away distractions and focus on your meal to enjoy it fully.Check Menus in Advance: Look up restaurant menus online before you go to pick out healthy options.Drink More Water: Start your meal with a glass of water to help with digestion and control appetite.So, whether you're a foodie who loves dining out or someone trying to stick to a diet, this episode is packed with tips to help you stay on track. Remember, it's all about making smarter choices and enjoying the process. Tune in now, and let's make every bite count!Stay tuned for the launch of my book!

In this week's episode of Wise Kracks Season 4, Episode 56, Bill Krackomberger and Jon Orlando dive into the changing landscape of sports betting, discussing how NFL Week 7 sportsbook bonuses have become less appealing amidst the influx of football games almost every night, from the NFL to college matchups. They also touch on the rise of fake bookies and the importance of being cautious in this evolving betting environment. The guys share their thoughts on dining out and wrap up with their NFL Week 7 picks, providing valuable insights and strategies for bettors. 00:00 Cancer 03:30 Sportsbook Bonuses 05:00 Football Games Everynight 07:00 Eating Out 12:00 Fake Bookies + Sports Betting 22:00 NFL Week 7 Picks --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/action-junkeez/support

In this episode of our podcast, join Sarah and Stef as they delve into the complexities of eating out. From the anxieties and guilt associated with ordering and calorie counting to the social pressures of dining with others, they discuss the various challenges people face. The conversation also touches on topics like intuitive eating, practical tips for overcoming eating-related stress, and reflections on personal experiences with food and dining out. Whether you're navigating disordered eating or simply looking to feel more comfortable eating out, this episode offers valuable insights and advice. Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

We took a rather unexpected family trip to Orlando this weekend and we're not gonna lie, it's been a long few days... First off, we want to thank everyone who reached out to us during the hurricane checking in on us we really appreciate it! Although the damage to our house is far from ideal, everyone is safe in our family as well as the animals so that's what is really important. There's a learning lesson in everything and we waned to share the reality of how we navigated this time with our health and nutrition. We packed what snacks we could at the beginning, made pit stops and smart choices at gas stations, and did the best we could under the circumstances and that's really all you can ask from yourself as well. I also didn't workout because I knew it would increase my cortisol even more during that period of time even though in the moment it would have relived some stress. These are things we learn about ourselves as we improve and gain self-awareness. We'll also discuss blood sugar and stress and what to prioritize during times of uncertainty and stress.  Time Stamps:  (1:18) Recording In Orlando In A Hotel (2:02) Recapping The Past Few Days (4:18) Owning and Transporting Animals (11:42) Should Have Been A 3 Hour Trip (14:55) Managing The Unexpected and Your Health and Nutrition (17:55) Blood Sugar and Stress (26:08) What To Prioritize During This Time---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Why is everyone talking about hormones these days? If you've been an avid listener to our show, you know we've been talking about hormones for years but why all the sudden is it becoming more and more popular on social media and in other outlets? Moreover, why does it seem as though more and more women are developing hormonal issues and imbalances? In today's episode, we are going to explore these questions and more! We'll discuss our thoughts on why we believe this is a trendy topic right now, discuss some major factors including our food quality, diet culture, and medications, and where we would recommend you start if you feel you are struggling with hormone imbalances.  Time Stamps: (1:22) Getting Bloodwork Done Today (3:07) Why Is Everyone Talking About Hormones? (9:12) Social Media vs Real Connections (10:02) The Food Quality Aspect (12:05) Diet Culture (21:17) Birth Control (23:02) Medications (25:32) Where To Start (27:03) Hormone Healing Guide---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

An open letter to anyone feeling like life is working against them... It's okay to not know the answer to the question around what will make you feel better, and it's okay to feel sad about that. We are so glad you are taking the space to process these feelings and you have come seeking advice because sometimes we need others to reflect different thought options and viewpoints to help us break out of our own thought patterns. We are not our thoughts, we are the creator of the thoughts. We are not what they say. They are just thoughts our brain is offering to us at that time. When you are having thoughts like “I don't feel like I can do anything” and “no one wants me” and “when I try I just get knocked back down” - we have to remember that those are simply stories your brain is offering, and it's so good to just write down or type out those thoughts and get curious about why your brain is offering those to you.  What purpose is it serving? Everything your brain does is to protect you on some level. We'll dive deep into this episode around why our brains work this way, how journaling and getting it out on paper is a huge positive step, and give you a real life client example we helped through this exact issue. Time Stamps: (0:12) Reminiscing On Our Forever Fit Retreat (2:08) When You Feel Like You Can't Get Unstuck (3:40) Client Example (8:45) Answering Open Ended Questions (9:58) We Are Not Our Thoughts (21:24) “I Do Not Have To Earn Love” (24:40) Being With The Suck (33:55) Getting Those Thoughts Out---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

As we've grown and evolved as a company, I look back on some of my prior opinions and I need to come clean... Much like any industry, new information and new science comes out on an almost daily basis and we grow as a company and help more and more women, patterns and trends shift. New information provides new insights and there's a few things I've changed my mind on. In today's episode, we're going to dive into 3 specific things I've changed my mind on. 1) “Relationship with food is most important”  Relationship with food is UNDENIABLY important, but it's not our whole health picture. I used to push the narrative that healing your relationship with food should be the first priority, but that's something that I don't necessarily agree with anymore. In many instances, yes, it should be. Especially for someone dealing with disordered eating behaviors. But for some people, there may be more pressing medical conditions that need to be addressed first. Especially if those conditions carry with them very strong symptoms. 2) “You don't need supplements” While I still believe that most people are misusing supplements, I do think that supplements used correctly are not only beneficial but vital for many people. People who are symptomatic for a long period of time typically have low antioxidant reserves (less nutrients available) and diet alone might not provide sufficient nutrients for healing. 3) “Fasting is a terrible idea” Fasting can have a lot of benefits- reducing cytokines which lowers systemic inflammation, giving the gut a break and allowing for better cell turnover in the gut… when done with intentionality there can be a lot of mental healing that can happen. It can serve as a dopamine detox, an opportunity for prayer, a great way to turn inward and work on yourself. Listen in as I explain more on all 3! Time Stamps: (1:17) Client Retreat This Weekend (2:42) Thinking Back To My Early Content (4:56) #1: Your Relationship With Food (11:58) #2: “You Don't Need Supplements” (20:13) #3: “Fasting Is A Terrible Idea”---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

There are ways to induce fat loss without tracking calories or macros... I do still believe that tracking calories and/or macros is a great way to lose fat because it will teach you lifelong tools that help you maintain the fat loss…  It's the best way to learn proper portion sizes, make sure you're consistently eating in a calorie deficit to lose body fat, but also making sure you're not undereating and slowing down your metabolism. However, it can be really difficult for people who are dieting on their own without a coach to stick with logging their food…  And even for some with a coach teaching them the ins and outs, tracking may not be the best way! That is something we can learn about people through trial and error, to help them find what IS going to work best for them. So, if you haven't yet tried tracking calories or macros, I have a Tracking Macros 101 guide that makes it super simply, if you want it, DM me “Macros 101” and I'll share that with you. But if you have tried tracking and you find yourself getting frustrated, feeling like it doesn't fit into your life or your personality, or feeling like you just can't figure it out on your own… then it might be time to try a different approach! Today I'm going to share my 4 favorite alternative approaches that I find to be effective alternatives. We'll go in depth with each alternative approach and let us know if you plan on using one of these methods!  Time Stamps:  (1:21) Fat Loss Without Tracking  (4:47) Macros is Self Awareness  (6:50) A Different Approach  (9:47) Omar's Current Protocols  (12:02) Daily Meal Structure  (15:56) Non-Negotiables  (19:10) Put It On A Plate Rule  (21:02) Following A Meal Plan  (23:14) Eat This Much Website  (25:38) Count Your Servings ---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

It's been a stressful month with a lot going on and it inspired today's episode topic around stress, inflammation, and puffiness... While these tips are absolutely not attacking the root cause of what may be causing inflammation, these tips have helped me over the years feel and look better for night's out or special occasions. It's been a rather stressful month or so as I had COVID recently along with some business travel and just getting back from Missouri celebrating the wedding of one of our amazing assistant coaches Kat. We all want to look our best for these occasions so in this episode, I want to share 9 specific tips and tricks around reducing puffiness and inflammation that include a drink like dandelion and peppermint tea, dry brushing and using a gua sha stone, sauna, cold plunge, and massage interventions, and more! Let me know if any of these resonate with you or if you have any to add to this list we can share with other women that would benefit! Time Stamps: (1:42) COVID and High Stress Month (5:15) Drink A Gallon with Electrolytes (7:00) Running To The Gate (8:48) Dandelion and Peppermint Tea (10:12) Dry Brushing (12:27) Gua Sha Stone (13:37) Sauna and Cold Plunge (14:52) Massage (13:47) 12 Hour Fasting Window (23:52) Managing Stress---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

A hypothyroid diagnosis can feel like a death sentence to your weight loss goals... We're going to get a little nerdy today and talk about some intermediate to advanced physiology and thyroid health topics but don't be intimated especially if you suspect you have a thyroid issue or can't seem to lose weight no matter how many calories you slash. First, your thyroid gland is your master metabolism regulator. What is hypothyroidism? An underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland doesnt produce enough thyroid hormone. Some common symptoms include: Chronic fatigue, Puffy face, Always feeling cold, Unexplained weight gain, Constipation, Muscle weakness or cramps, Hair loss/hair won't grow, Dry skin, Depression, and poor concentration. The problem is that most doctors only check TSH and diagnose off of that, but it can be prevented by checking a full thyroid panel! A Full thyroid panel would be checking these specific markers: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO/TgA antibodies, and sometimes will also check iron. We'll dive into why these markers are important to check and what to do after you're armed with this knowledge!  Time Stamps: (1:32) Moving Into Fall (3:00) Hypothyroidism (9:07) Full Bloodwork Panel (12:58) When Doctors Look At TSH (23:19) T4 to T3 (27:42) What To Work On With This Knowledge---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!