Eating less and exercising more does not help with weight gain in perimenopause. It can actually backfire. Here’s what works instead.

In this episode, I talk with registered dietitian and holistic nutritionist Betsy Markle about why traditional dieting stops working in perimenopause and what actually supports metabolism during midlife. We unpack why the old “calories in calories out” advice fails so many women, how fluctuating hormones impact blood sugar, cravings, sleep, and weight gain, and why restriction often makes everything worse.

We also talk about what a metabolism-first approach looks like in this phase of life, including balanced meals, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing stress hormones, and making mindset shifts that feel supportive instead of punishing.

If you’ve noticed new belly fat, stubborn weight gain, low energy, joint pain or intense cravings despite healthy habits, this episode will help you understand what’s going on and how to work with your body instead of against it.

In this episode, we cover:

•Why dieting backfires in perimenopause

•What metabolism actually means in midlife

•How hormones affect blood sugar, cravings, and fat storage

•Why restriction increases stress hormones

•How balanced meals support energy and mood

•When women typically start feeling better

Connect with Betsy: SunshineWellnessInstitute.com | @betsywellness

⭐️ If this episode helped you, please follow the show, leave a 5-star rating, and write a quick review on Apple Podcasts. It helps me bring on more badass guests like Betsy with so much wisdom to share!

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

✨Get my favorite New Year Journal Prompts and plan for an aligned AF 2026!

For more midlife musings: @midlifeadvicepodcast | @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com

Did you accomplish a lot this year but still feel oddly unfulfilled? This episode will help you understand why and what to do next.

In this solo episode, I share some of my favorite end-of-year and New Year reflection prompts for midlife women who are done moving through life on auto-pilot and ready to get honest about what it takes to live life “awake.”

✨ Get the full list of end-of-year and new-year reflection questions sent straight to your inbox.

This episode is not about goal-setting, resolutions, or fixing yourself. It’s about reflecting on what drained you, what lit you up, and what you’re ready to put down.

You’ll hear how these reflection prompts can help you:

✔️Identify what’s out of alignment in your life

✔️Make decisions that feel like YOU

✔️Release obligations that no longer fit

✔️Live in greater alignment with the woman you’re becoming

If you’re a midlife woman craving clarity, alignment, and a more intentional way of living, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Reflecting on the Year: Intentional Living

01:37 End of Year & New Year Reflection Journal Prompts

05:46 Exploring Who I Want to Be & Relationships

08:16 Wellbeing & Habits to Support My Future Self

11:35 Living Intentionally in the New Year

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

✨Get my favorite New Year Journal Prompts and plan for an aligned AF 2026!

For more midlife musings: @midlifeadvicepodcast | @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com

A short and sweet check-in on slowing down, protecting your bandwidth, and savoring the holiday week instead of letting it blur.

In this episode, I’m sharing a few small, meaningful ways I’m protecting my energy and sanity during the holiday week — in case it inspires you to do the same.

This is about slowing down enough to actually feel this season and not miss the joy because you’re on auto-pilot.

If the holidays feel a little overwhelming, this is your chance to choose your own version of ease.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Small, sensory rituals that make the holidays feel more meaningful

• What I noticed when gift-giving crossed into overstimulation

• How protecting your bandwidth can help you feel calmer and more present

• Asking yourself how you want to feel this holiday week — and honoring that

Coming Up

Next week, I’m sharing some of my favorite end-of-year reflection prompts to help you celebrate how far you’ve come and set intentions for an aligned year ahead. Make sure you are following the show so you don't miss this episode!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

01:37 My Small Traditions for Savoring the Season

05:07 Simplifying Gift Giving

07:06 Mini Digital Detoxes for More Presence

09:38 Questions to Ask Yourself

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

✨Get my favorite New Year Journal Prompts and plan for an aligned AF 2026!

For more midlife musings: @midlifeadvicepodcast | @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com