How to Stay On Plan and Overcome Hormone Imbalance in Midlife

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From Hormone Imbalance to Breakthrough: Coach KJ's Inspiring Journey with Trim Healthy Mama

If you’re a midlife woman struggling with weight loss, brain fog, and those rollercoaster hormones, grab your favorite sipper and settle in because you are not alone. Today’s post is a special one, and I can't wait for you to hear it.

I had the pleasure of chatting with my friend and fellow Trim Healthy Mama coach, KJ York. Her story is powerful, real, and full of hope. KJ’s journey from battling food addiction and hormone imbalance to finding freedom and purpose is one you need to hear. She opens up about her struggles, her faith, and the practical strategies that helped her overcome the roadblocks that so many of us face in midlife.

So if you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or just plain tired of trying to get it right—this post is for you. Let’s dive into KJ’s story and find some encouragement for your journey, too.

KJ’s Journey: From Food Battles to Freedom

KJ's story begins with a lifelong struggle with food addiction and weight gain. Like so many of us, she tried every diet under the sun, always keeping it a secret to avoid the sting of judgment if things didn’t go as planned. It wasn’t until she revisited the Trim Healthy Mama plan in her 40s—this time sharing her journey publicly—that things started to change.

Here’s what made the difference:

• Community support: KJ found strength in sharing her journey and being vulnerable.
• Accountability: Knowing others were watching helped her stay consistent.
• Faith: She realized that she wasn’t meant to fight these battles alone.

You don’t have to hide your struggles. There is freedom in sharing your journey and finding support along the way.

Join my Facebook community today!

The Power of Community: Why You Can’t Do This Alone

One of the most powerful parts of KJ’s story is how community transformed her journey. By opening up, she found a whole tribe of women cheering her on, sharing recipes, and offering encouragement. It was a game-changer.

Benefits of having a support system:

• Keeps you motivated during tough seasons (hello, holidays!)
• Helps you stay accountable without feeling judged
• Offers practical tips and ideas to keep meals exciting

If you’re doing this alone, friend, it’s time to find your people. Whether it’s a local group or an online community, support is essential for staying on plan.

Here’s your invitation to join my perimenopause/ menopause Trim Healthy community on Facebook!

Hormone Imbalance and Brain Fog: What KJ Learned

Hormone imbalance can make it feel like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. After losing nearly 80 pounds, KJ hit a frustrating two-and-a-half-year stall despite doing everything “right.” What she didn’t know was that she was completely post-menopausal at 45!

Common signs your hormones might be off:

• Intense brain fog and memory issues
• Unexplained weight gain or stalls
• Fatigue that doesn’t budge with rest
• Anxiety and mood swings

What helped KJ get back on track:

• Comprehensive hormone testing (not just the basic stuff)
• Starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
• Focusing on healing her hormones first, not just the number on the scale

If you’ve been feeling off and nothing seems to help, it’s worth getting your hormones checked. Sometimes the solution is simpler than we think.

Find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you - TAKE THE KIAORA QUIZ

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When Quick Fixes Aren’t the Fix: The GLP-1 Experience

In an effort to break her weight loss stall, KJ tried GLP-1 medications. While she didn’t experience the negative side effects that many do, she also didn’t see the scale move. Worse, she lost her joy for food and cooking—something that had always been a big part of her life.

The lesson here:

• Quick fixes might seem appealing, but they can rob you of joy in the process.
• Sometimes the basics—real food, balanced meals, and a focus on health—are the real “missing piece.”

If a method steals your joy and doesn’t bring results, it’s okay to let it go. Go back to what works and what brings you life.

Is it time for you to uplevel your midlife experience?

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Surrendering the Journey: The Heart Shift That Changes Everything

The most powerful part of KJ’s story is her focus on surrender—giving her health journey to God instead of obsessing over the scale. This shift in mindset isn’t about giving up; it’s about handing over control to the One who created you.

What surrender looks like in practice:

• Focusing on nourishing your body instead of shrinking it
• Trusting God with the outcome instead of fixating on the scale
• Celebrating small victories and next right steps

When you shift your focus from the outcome to the process, everything changes. The pressure lifts, and freedom takes its place.

Practical Tips for Managing Hormone Imbalance on the Trim Healthy Plan

If you’re battling hormone imbalance like so many of us in midlife, here are some tips inspired by KJ’s journey:

1. Get Comprehensive Hormone Testing

• Make sure to ask for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid (a full panel), and cortisol levels.

2. Focus on Protein and Fiber

• Aim for 20-30 grams of protein at each meal and include fiber-rich foods like chia seeds and leafy greens.

3. Don’t Skip Cultured Foods

• Sauerkraut, kefir, and fermented veggies can help balance hormones and improve gut health.

4. Move Your Body Every Day

• Even gentle movement like walking or stretching can help balance cortisol levels.

5. Find Your People

• Join a Trim Healthy Mama group or connect with other like-minded women online for support and accountability.

Learn more about my Midlife Thrive Tribe HERE.

You’re Never Too Far Gone

If you walk away with just one thing today, let it be this: You are never too far gone. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about doing the next right thing.

Focus on your next meal, your next step, and trust that God’s got the rest.

Remember:

• Your worth isn’t tied to a number on the scale.
• Progress is found in the process, not in perfection.
• Surrendering the journey to God brings peace that striving never will.

Friend, you’ve got this. Let’s keep pressing on together! 💖

Learn more about Coach KJ Here>>> https://www.joyfullifewithkj.com/

Hey there! Just a heads-up, this post has affiliate links that help you find the stuff I mentioned in the podcast and support my business without costing you anything extra. If you decide to use them, I might earn a little bit, but there's absolutely no pressure to do so. Thanks a bunch for your support!