We're told to eat "healthy", but food labels don't always tell the full story. Many everyday products that look virtuous on the front can still contain ingredients that quietly add to your toxic load - and in mid-life, that matters more than ever.

In this episode, I'm breaking down where food toxins are hiding, examples of what to look for, and how they can interfere with hormone balance, digestion and energy levels. Most importantly, I'll show you how to reduce exposure in a realistic way – without cooking everything from scratch or feeling overwhelmed.

This isn't about fear, perfection, or cutting everything out. It's about understanding what actually matters, so your body can focus on doing what it's meant to do.

In this episode we cover:

• Why food toxins affect hormones, digestion and energy

• How ingredient lists can be more important than front-of-pack claims

• The difference between ultra-processed foods and helpful convenience foods

• Common additives that increase liver and gut burden

• Why preservatives in packaged and sliced meats matter

• How batch cooking supports hormone health and saves money

• Practical high-street swaps that fit real life

Reducing toxic load is often one of the missing pieces when women feel tired, stuck or hormonally out of balance – even when they're "eating quite well".

🎧 This is the first episode in the February toxin series. Next week we'll move into kitchen toxins – the pans, plastics and storage habits you probably don't think twice about.

Shout out to our podcast sponsors - Revive Active. One of the reasons I'm so aligned with Revive Active is their focus on clean, well-formulated supplements. When we're talking about reducing toxic load, it's not just about food and the environment — it's also about being mindful of what we're taking in supplement form.

Their multivitamin complexes are designed to support the body without unnecessary fillers, artificial colours or additives, which is especially important when you're supporting liver function, hormones and overall resilience.

They have options that work really well for:

• Busy adults who want solid nutritional foundations

• Teenagers and older children who may have gaps in their diet

• Families who want one trusted brand rather than a cupboard full of different products

I often say to clients, a good quality multivitamin is like nutritional insurance — it doesn't replace good food, but it helps cover the basics, especially during busy or stressful periods.

If you'd like to have a look, you can explore the range from Revive Active, and you can use my code WENDY10 for a discount.

High-intensity exercise is often promoted as the fastest way to burn fat and boost fitness. But many women find that doing too much HIIT leaves them exhausted, inflamed and struggling with stubborn belly fat.

In this episode, I explain why much of the exercise research behind HIIT has focused on male physiology, and how women's bodies respond differently to repeated high-intensity stress. We explore the role of cortisol, recovery and metabolic adaptation — and why pushing harder doesn't always lead to better results.

I also share how to build a more supportive movement routine that improves strength, energy and metabolic health without overwhelming your nervous system.

Thank you to Revive Active for supporting this episode of the podcast. If you are a regular exerciser and want to support your joint health then their Joint Complex is the one for you - don't forget to use code Wendy10 for 10% off at checout.

High-intensity exercise increases cortisol as part of the normal stress response. When training intensity is frequent and recovery is limited, cortisol can remain elevated. Research suggests chronically elevated cortisol may contribute to increased abdominal fat storage and reduced metabolic efficiency, particularly in women.

Sources:

• Hackney (2006) Stress and the neuroendocrine system in exercise
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16503658/

• Thuma et al. (2021) Exercise intensity, cortisol and recovery
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33863840/

• AZ Performance Institute (2024) – Cortisol, training load and recovery
https://azperformanceinstitute.com/research/

Very low-carb and keto-style diets are often praised for quick results, especially when it comes to fat loss. But many women find that what works brilliantly at first can later lead to fatigue, stubborn belly fat and a slowing metabolism.

In this episode, I explain why much of the research behind low-carb diets has focused on men, and how women's bodies respond differently to prolonged carbohydrate restriction. We explore how low energy availability can affect thyroid function, cortisol levels and metabolic rate — and why this often shows up as central weight gain rather than weight loss.

I also share a more balanced, hormone-supportive way of eating that supports energy, digestion and long-term metabolic health, without extremes.

Thank you to Revive Active for supporting this episode of the podcast.
During periods of dietary change or restriction, I often recommend ensuring broad micronutrient support, particularly when energy levels feel low or recovery is slower than expected. There flagship produce - revive active, is perfect for anyone who wants to ensure their daily needs are met.

Carbohydrate intake influences thyroid hormone conversion, particularly the production of active thyroid hormone (T3), which plays a key role in metabolic rate and energy. Research suggests long-term very low-carbohydrate diets may reduce T3 levels and slow metabolism, particularly in women. Reduced metabolic output combined with elevated cortisol can contribute to stubborn abdominal fat storage.

Sources:

• Hall et al. (2016) Energy expenditure and metabolic adaptation during low-carbohydrate diets
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27385608/

• Ruiz-Núñez et al. (2016) Thyroid hormone metabolism and energy restriction
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26980849/

• PMC 9165850 (2022) Low-carbohydrate diets and thyroid function
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9165850/

Intermittent fasting is often promoted as a powerful health tool, but many women find that longer fasting windows leave them feeling tired, anxious or struggling with sleep.

In this episode, I explain why much of the fasting research has been carried out in men, and how women's hormones respond differently to prolonged periods without food. We look at cortisol, blood sugar balance and why daily long fasts can interfere with progesterone, oestrogen and thyroid health - particularly in mid-life.

I also share a more hormone-friendly way to approach fasting, so you can support metabolic health without pushing your body into stress mode.

Thank you to Revive Active for supporting this episode of the podcast.
I often recommend Revive Active to clients during busy or demanding periods, as it provides broad micronutrient and amino acid support when nutrition or routine isn't quite optimal.

Fasting places a metabolic stress on the body by signalling energy scarcity. Research suggests women are more sensitive to prolonged fasting than men, showing higher cortisol responses and changes to reproductive hormone signalling when fasting windows are extended. Shorter overnight fasts appear to support blood sugar balance and metabolic health without the same hormonal disruption.

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic – Intermittent fasting and hormones
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/intermittent-fasting-for-women/

• Veri (2023) – Sex differences in metabolic responses to fasting
https://www.veri.co/learn/intermittent-fasting-women

• Froy & Miskin (2010) Effect of feeding time on circadian rhythms and metabolism
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19949530/

Cold plunges and ice baths are everywhere right now - but what if they're leaving you feeling exhausted, wired or struggling to sleep?

In this episode, I explore why cold exposure can work well for men, yet backfire for many women. We look at how cold plunges affect cortisol, why female hormones respond differently to stress, and why too much cold can disrupt energy, mood and recovery — particularly in mid-life.

A more hormone-friendly approach for many women is cold-water swimming rather than ice baths. The water is usually slightly warmer, movement helps maintain circulation, and the gradual exposure avoids the shock response. The social and outdoor elements may also support nervous system regulation and mood.

If you've been pushing through ice baths because you think you should, this episode will help you rethink cold exposure in a calmer, more supportive way.

Thank you to our podcast sponsors Revive Active remember to use code Wendy10 at checkout for 10% off your order.

Cold exposure activates the body's stress response, increasing adrenaline and cortisol. Research suggests women may experience a stronger and more prolonged cortisol response to cold stress than men, which can affect sleep, recovery and hormone balance if exposure is too intense or too frequent. Gentler cold exposure, such as cold-water swimming, appears to offer benefits for mood and stress regulation without the same physiological strain.

Sources:

• Soeberg Institute – Cold exposure & stress response
https://soeberginstitute.com/research/

• Tipton et al. (2017) Cold water immersion: kill or cure?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28177775/

• Kajantie & Phillips (2006) Sex differences in stress responses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16880499/

• The Guardian (2024) – Cold-water swimming and menopausal symptoms
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/10/cold-water-swimming-menopause-symptoms

Had a big night? A bit too much food, fizz or "just one more" mince pie? This episode is your gentle, realistic guide to bouncing back the next day without guilt, punishment or restriction.

I'm sharing easy, gut-friendly habits you can put in place before bed and the morning after so your body feels supported rather than overwhelmed. These are the simple strategies I use myself - and they really do help you recover quicker.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The one thing to do before your first festive drink (your liver will love you for it)
• Why hydration is your secret weapon - and when electrolytes are worth adding
• Make-ahead breakfasts that rebalance your blood sugar and support gut health
• The benefits of milk thistle before and after indulgent days
• Why fresh air and natural light help regulate your nervous system
• Easy meals to soothe your digestion, like soups, casseroles and slow cooker favourites
• How Revive Active (or fab sponsors) can help when your nutrition has been a little… erratic

I'm also pointing you towards three brilliant episodes to dive into while I'm away until 7 January:

✨ Episode 208 with Emily Blake – The microbiome explained
https://hillstart.me.uk/208-emily-blake/

✨ Episode 166 – The four ingredients of a healthy plate
https://hillstart.me.uk/166/

✨ Episode 136 – Understanding the gut–brain axis
https://hillstart.me.uk/136/

If you enjoy the podcast, the best Christmas gift you can give is to subscribe and leave a quick review - it genuinely helps more women find this support.

Wishing you a joyful, gentle festive season. I'll see you in the new year. 💫

December can feel like a whirlwind of buffets, nibbles, chocolate tins and last-minute plans, so today's episode is all about keeping things simple, realistic and totally achievable. If you want to enjoy the season and feel good in your body, this one's for you.

We're talking through the easy wins that genuinely make a difference, including:

• How to use my four healthy-plate principles — protein, fibre, colour and healthy fats — even when you're eating out or facing a buffet table
• Why adding more plants (hello 30-foods challenge!) is one of the quickest ways to support your gut microbiome and energy levels
• Smart swaps for festive meals that don't feel restrictive, just balanced
• How to avoid the trap of mindless eating and sugar overload, especially when food is "just there"
• Practical examples for real life — from building a better buffet plate to levelling up your breakfast so your blood sugar stays steady all day
• Why gut health matters more than ever during December and how simple choices help reduce inflammation and support digestion

This episode is full of calm, supportive guidance to help you feel nourished rather than overwhelmed. Enjoy the celebrations, keep your body happy, and make choices that help you stay energised through the whole month.

Next week, I'll be sharing how to recover after a big or "excessive" day — the gentle steps that help you bounce back quickly, support your gut, and feel more like yourself again.

Thanks to our podcast sponsor Revive Active who's flagship supplement Revive Active can help support you through the holiday season, with 26 active ingredients, simply mix with water and enjoy. Use code WENDY10 at checkout for 10% off your purchases.

This week I'm joined by the fabulous Rebecca Clarke, a qualified holistic counsellor who helps women transform their relationships, reconnect with themselves, and find deeper fulfilment in midlife. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, burnt out, or a bit lost in the roles you hold, this conversation will really speak to you.

We explore why midlife can feel so emotionally charged, how old patterns resurface as body memories, and the power of slowing down long enough to hear what you actually need. Rebecca shares her gentle, grounded wisdom on communication, boundaries, identity, and the small daily wins that genuinely shift how you feel.

In this episode we cover:
• Why fulfilment often hides beneath the roles we play
• The importance of seeking support when life feels heavy
• Understanding emotional triggers and body memories
• How over-giving affects your health, energy and relationships
• Rediscovering who you are in midlife
• Why celebrating tiny daily wins builds confidence and calm
• How support transformed Rebecca's own journey with anxiety

You can connect with Rebecca here:
Instagram
Website

A big thank you to Revive Active for sponsoring the podcast and for creating high-quality supplements that support so many aspects of women's health. I'm really proud to partner with them.