Today we're diving into one of the most confusing shifts women experience in midlife: rising cholesterol during menopause. If your labs suddenly changed and you were told "that's just aging" or handed a statin without much explanation, this episode is for you.

This conversation goes far beyond estrogen. It's about understanding menopause as a full metabolic recalibration. How belly fat redistribution, insulin resistance, muscle loss, inflammation, stress, sleep, and even your gut all influence cholesterol levels. When you understand the bigger picture, you stop fearing the number and start strengthening the system behind it.

Today we're breaking down what really happens after GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and why appetite suppression isn't the same as metabolic repair. If you're losing weight on these medications—or thinking about coming off them.

This episode explains the deeper metabolic work needed to rebuild insulin sensitivity, restore metabolic flexibility, support mitochondria, and make weight loss actually last.

Today we're diving into one of the most misunderstood topics in women's health: hormones and the rush toward HRT. If you've been told "it's just perimenopause" but you're still dealing with fatigue, bloating, mood swings, weight gain, or waking at 3AM, this episode is for you.

This conversation is about realizing it's not always just estrogen. It's about understanding the bigger picture — stress, blood sugar, sleep, gut health, and how it all connects — so you can finally stop guessing and start building a foundation that actually supports your body.

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Hey everyone, Meryl here. Welcome to the Rebel Nutritionist Podcast. Today we are going deep into one of my favorite topics: hormones. If you have ever been told your labs are fine, but you still feel tired, moody, puffy, or just off, this episode is for you. This is part of a new series we're launching.

It's all about the fact that you don't need another basic blood panel. You need a blueprint. Something that actually explains why you feel the way you do and helps finally connect the dots between your symptoms and your biochemistry.

So today, we're breaking down the DUTCH hormone test — what it is, what it tells us, and how it can help you finally connect the dots between your symptoms and your biochemistry.

Ever feel like cooking healthy meals is overwhelming or that you just don't have the time?

You're not alone! That's exactly why I was so excited to sit down with Chef Jeremy Rock Smith for this week's podcast episode.

Jeremy spent years in high-pressure restaurant kitchens before experiencing a midlife cooking crisis that completely changed his relationship with food. His journey led him to top wellness resorts like Canyon Ranch, Kripalu, and Miraval, where he began teaching others how to make cooking both simple and nourishing.

This episode is full of practical tips, humor, and insights that will inspire you to rethink how you cook and eat.

I'm so grateful to Jeremy for sharing his journey, knowledge, and passion for making food a source of health and joy.

Learn more about Chef Jeremy Rock Smith

• How we can make changes from the inside, but also how to remove the toxins around us.
• The impact of environmental chemicals and toxins on our health.
• Regenerative farming and its importance for our future.
• The power of thoughts and beliefs: how your mindset shapes your health journey.
• Identifying and working through the belief systems clients hold within themselves.
• Michele and Amanda's favorite podcast episodes and the reasons behind their choices.
• Why meal-prepping is your ultimate key to success.
• And an exclusive look at the revamped Brandwein Membership, with exciting packages coming in 2025!

We all need to eat to survive. We assume that eating is second nature. But did you know that there are many factors that impact how a person consumes food?

We often hear the term "picky eater," it's often just an assumption that this type of behavior goes along with childhood development. But did you know that there is more to this issue than meets the eye?

I talked with Jacklyn Penderson, the CEO of Feeding Matters, about a little known disorder called Pediatric Feeding Disorder.

If you haven't ever heard of this you're not alone. I have worked with many children and adolescents who I can see clearly had this issue, but we never had a good way to screen for it or truly understand it.

If you have a child, or know of a family who has children that might be suffering from this little known condition, you will want to listen to this episode.

PFD is a real condition and requires early intervention in order to effectively manage it. I truly was inspired by our conversation and I think you will be too.

Learn more about Feeding Matters and follow them on Instagram.

I never truly knew or understood how impactful body work could be until I interviewed Faysal Abi today on my podcast.

Faysal is a leader in the area of understanding the human body's design, function, pain and the mind-body connection to it. If you are dealing with any type of chronic pain issue you are going to want to listen to this fascinating conversation.

If you want to better understand how to optimize your strength and flexibility you will want to take a listen. I definitely learned new things about the body, how it works, and even about my sneakers! You'll have to listen to hear what I mean by that!

Learn more about Faysal at his website and his Instagram.