Apple Podcast - Spotify

This post is sponsored by Kiaora

Curious if BHRT could help you? Check out Kiaora for a customized approach.

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. L...

Apple Podcast - Spotify

Feeling Stuck? Why Midlife Weight Loss Feels So Hard

If you're a woman in midlife struggling with excess weight, particularly that stubborn belly fat, you're not alone. Maybe you've tried every diet under the sun, followed all the "expert" advice, and yet nothing seems to work the way it used to. I get it.

There is so much diet noise out there—one expert says cut carbs, another says eat all the fat, and someone else swears by intermittent fasting. But what actually works for midlife women? What will help you lose weight without wrecking your metabolism or hormones in the process? Let's break it down.

Why Extreme Diets Don’t Work for Midlife Women

You might have lost weight easily in your 20s and 30s with extreme diets—low-fat, keto, fasting, whatever the trend was at the time. But now? Your body has changed, and so has what it needs.

Here’s why extreme diets backfire in midlife:

• They stress your hormones – Cutting out entire food groups or d...

Apple Podcast - Spotify

Wondering how to fuel your body with the best foods for hormone balance, fat loss, and overall health during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond?

As a Trim Healthy coach and menopause fitness specialist, I’m here to guide you through this often-confusing season with practical tips that will empower you. And yes, I’ll share my favorite hormone-supporting foods to make your grocery list a breeze!

Why Food is Medicine for Midlife Women

First, let’s start with this truth: what you eat deeply impacts how you feel, your weight, and your hormone balance.

Midlife can bring challenges like stubborn weight gain, rising cortisol, and increased inflammation. But the good news is that whole, nutrient-dense foods can help regulate your hormones, reduce stress, and even promote fat loss.

Key Foods for Weight Loss and Hormone Balance in Menopause

Here are some of the best foods to support your body during this transitional time.

1. Leafy Greens: A Magnesi...

MUSIC PROVIDED BY - https://www.purple-planet.com/ 

Apple Podcast - Spotify

Midlife is no joke. If you’re feeling like you’ve lost your way—overwhelmed, exhausted, or just plain stuck—you’re not alone. This season of life brings changes that can rock even the strongest among us. I’ve been there, and so have many of the women I coach.

Menopause and perimenopause come with their own unique challenges. The brain fog, the shifting hormones, the physical and emotional exhaustion—it can feel like a tidal wave you weren’t prepared for. Add in caregiving for parents, supporting your kids, managing relationships, and maybe even work, and it’s no wonder you’re feeling depleted.

I’m here to tell you it’s okay. It’s okay to feel this way, and it’s okay to start prioritizing yourself. Today, let’s talk about how you can create your own midlife survival kit—a practical and grace-filled way to take care of yourself during menopause.

Why Does Midlife Feel So Hard?

Hormones and Brain Cha...

MUSIC PROVIDED BY - https://www.purple-planet.com/ 

Apple Podcast - Spotify

How Do I Know I'm in Perimenopause? A Guide for Women Over 40

Perimenopause can be a confusing and often overwhelming time for many women. If you're over 40 and noticing changes in your body, emotions, or overall well-being, you might be wondering, “How do I know if I’m in perimenopause?”

You’re not alone—many women are navigating these same waters, trying to understand their shifting hormones, why their belly fat won’t budge, and how to take better care of themselves.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause refers to the transition period leading up to menopause, which can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s. It typically lasts for several years—sometimes up to a decade—before you officially reach menopause, which is when you haven't had a period for 12 consecutive months. During this transition, your hormone levels fluctuate significantly, causing symptoms that can sometimes feel overw...

Apple Podcast - Spotify

Can I Really Lose Weight in Menopause?

So many women in midlife ask, "Can I still lose weight in menopause?" It can feel like your body has hit a roadblock with all the changes that happen during this season. Trust me, I've been there! 

While it may seem like metabolism comes to a screeching halt, the truth is we can absolutely support our bodies and lose weight.

Midlife weight loss might look slightly different than it did in your 20s or 30s, but it's achievable with the right approach. Let’s explore what happens to our metabolism during menopause and some practical steps you can take to support your body in this journey.

Understanding Metabolism Changes in Menopause

Why Does My Metabolism Change in Midlife?  

First things first: our metabolism isn't supposed to drop dramatically until we’re about 60! But, thanks to lifestyle factors, stress, and especially hormone changes, many women experience a sluggish metabolism much earlier. E...

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Apple Podcast - Spotify

What You Need to Know About Perimenopause: Prepare Now for a Smooth Transition

Today, I'm speaking directly to my younger self—those of you in your late 30s or 40s, and just starting to notice the signs of perimenopause. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about your changing body and wondering how to prepare for this next phase of life, this post is for you.

As a Trim Healthy Coach, personal trainer, and menopause fitness specialist, I’ve been through it all, and I want to share some wisdom I wish I had known in my 20s and 30s. This is the advice I’m giving my own daughters. 

Let’s discuss what you can do today to create a strong foundation for your midlife health, focusing on hormones, weight training, protein intake, and lifestyle factors that will be game-changers for your well-being.

Get Educated Early on Hormones and P...

MUSIC PROVIDED BY - https://www.purple-planet.com/ 

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt that frustrating brain fog that seems to roll in like an unexpected cloud during your midlife years. 

Maybe you’ve walked into a room and forgotten why, struggled to remember names, or even felt like you might be losing your mind. 

First things first: you are not alone, and you are definitely not going crazy! As a Trim Healthy coach for menopausal women and midlife fitness specialist, I’m here to guide you through understanding and combating menopause brain fog with practical tips, supportive strategies, and a lot of encouragement.

What is Menopause Brain Fog?

Brain fog is one of the most common symptoms that women experience when they hit their late 30s or early 40s, especially during perimenopause and menopause. It’s that feeling of mental fuzziness, f...

 MUSIC PROVIDED BY - https://www.purple-planet.com/

Apple Podcast - Spotify

Recently, I had the chance to hang out with a couple of younger friends—both in their late 30s and early 40s. 

As we relaxed by the lake, our conversation naturally drifted toward health and wellness. 

They started sharing how they felt puffy, and bloated, and were gaining weight, especially around their middle. 

Energy levels were dipping, anxiety was creeping in, and they were experiencing aches and pains that seemed to come out of nowhere. 

Listening to them brought back memories of my own transition into this season of life. 

At 56, I've walked the path they're just beginning to navigate, and it's a journey that many of us are familiar with—welcome to the world of perimenopause.

Embracing Midlife Changes: Navigating Hormonal Shifts After 40

Recognizing Early Signs of Hormonal Belly Fat and What to Do About It

Perimenopause is a phase that often takes us by surprise. 

Apple Podcast - Spotify

Understanding Hormonal Changes in Midlife

Impact of Hormones on Health

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

The Role of Insulin and Leptin

Insulin Resistance and Its Effects

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

Leptin and Appetite Regulation

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