Eat Less, Move More? Why That Stops Working After 40

It’s not that your body is broken. It’s that your body changed the rules and didn’t tell you.

If your old weight loss strategies are making things worse... this episode is for you.

You’ve cut back on calories. You’ve done more cardio. You’ve skipped breakfast, pushed through the hunger, and skipped family pizza night and wine time with the girls more times than you care to remember. But the weight won’t shift, and your energy, mood and sleep keep getting worse.

Sound familiar?

This episode explains why the “eat less, move more” advice fails in your 40s and what to do instead - so you can finally start seeing results again, without restriction or burnout.

What we cover in this episode:

• The 4 hormone shifts that change how your body uses fuel
• Why insulin resistance is the hidden reason for cravings, belly fat, and post-meal crashes
• How cortisol, muscle loss, and poor sleep slow your metabolism
• The 4-step strategy that works with your body—not against it
• Real-life insights from Sarah’s own 20kg weight gain (and how she reversed it)

Sneak Peek:

“By the time I hit my early 40s, I’d gained 20 kilos, without really changing anything. I was bloated, exhausted, snoring, sweating through the night, hot all the time, moody, anxious, and completely overwhelmed... what scared me most was thinking, ‘If I feel this bad now, how am I going to feel in ten years?’ The missing piece wasn’t more willpower - it was understanding the metabolic changes that come with hormone shifts.”

🎧 Tune in now to learn:

• Why your symptoms are signals, not failures
• The real root cause of stubborn weight gain (and how to fix it)
• How to eat in a way that restores metabolic flexibility and balances hormones naturally

🔗 Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• 4 Hormones Free training
• PerimenoGO program
• T

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Your 3pm cravings aren’t about willpower. They’re messages from your body — and they’re louder in perimenopause.

If chocolate, chips, coffee or wine feel like the only thing getting you through the afternoon, this episode is for you.

So what’s really going on at 3pm?

It’s not a lack of discipline. It’s a biological (and emotional) response to hormone shifts, blood sugar drops, low dopamine, and overstimulation. In this episode, I walk you through the real drivers of perimenopause cravings — and how to gently change the pattern without guilt, restriction, or giving up the things you love.

Here’s what you’ll learn (and why it matters):

• Why your blood sugar crashes harder in perimenopause — and how to avoid the crash-and-crave cycle
• How fluctuating estrogen, progesterone and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin affect your mood, motivation, and cravings
• What the “monkey mind” is, and why it hijacks your 3pm choices
• How emotional buffering and autopilot patterns get wired in — and how to gently rewire them
• What actually helps: from stabilising meals to building daily joy (yes, joy is part of the strategy!)

Sneak peek:

“It is not like it is in your head, it's not a lack of willpower. It's actually your biochemistry, your neurochemistry, the way you're wired is driving you to that.”

Links & resources mentioned in this episode:

• Blog: The Real Reasons You’re Craving Chocolate, Chips, Coffee or Wine
• Free Training: The 4 Hormone Shifts You Can't Ignore

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

You’re not lazy — and it’s not just “life.” There are real biological reasons you're still exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep.

If you’re waking up tired every day and wondering what’s going on, this episode is going to connect the dots for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why your exhaustion isn’t just about sleep quantity — but quality, hormones, and motivation too
• The hidden impact of blood sugar crashes, gut issues, and inflammation on your energy levels
• How to figure out what’s really draining your energy — and the first step to changing it

This episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself — and start asking better questions about what your body needs. We explore why so many women in their 40s feel completely wiped out, even when they’re technically doing everything right.

You’ll learn how hormonal fluctuations, disrupted cortisol patterns, nutrient deficiencies, and gut dysfunction all interact — and more importantly, how to begin untangling it.

And if you’re ready to stop pushing through the fog and start feeling more like yourself again, you’ll hear how to uncover the real reason behind your fatigue.

SNEAK PEEK:

"That flat, heavy feeling? It’s not always a lack of physical energy — sometimes it’s a lack of motivation, thanks to low dopamine.”

So if you're tired of being tired — and sick of being told it's just stress, age, or being a busy mum — this episode is for you.

Tap play and let’s get you one step closer to clearer mornings, better sleep, and more energy.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• Free 4 Hormones Training – understand your perimenopause hormone shifts
• PerimenoGO
• Thyroid Blog – Understanding thyroid in perimenopause 
• Cholesterol Blog

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Feeling like a stranger in your own body lately?

It’s not just "getting older" — and it’s definitely not "all in your head."

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really happening inside your body during perimenopause. We’ll talk about why it’s not just about your hormones dropping, but about the chaos and flux happening behind the scenes. You'll learn how your metabolism, mood, and body are changing, even when you feel like you’re doing “all the right things.” And I’ll explain why calories and cardio aren’t cutting it anymore — and what your body actually needs now.

Key Takeaways:

• The hormone shifts that cause more chaos (not just decline) in perimenopause
• Why your body’s ability to adapt is the real game-changer
• A high-level strategy to help you downgrade the hormonal rollercoaster without overhauling your whole life

Sneak Peek:

“You’re not broken. You’re in the messy middle — and with the right support, you can help your body adapt, thrive, and feel good again.”

Links and resources mentioned in the episode:

• Episode 3: The estrogen roller coaster
• Episode 81: Estrogen excess
• Episode 4: The progesterone decline
• Episode 67: The appetite hormones messing with your hunger
• Episode 53: Insulin’s role in perimenopause
• Episode 42: Cortisol
• Learn more about

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

You’ve been told your whole life that your period is meant to be awful.
Painful. Messy. Something you just have to put up with.
But what if that’s not true?

Because just like your blood pressure or body temperature, your period is a vital sign — and when you know how to read it, you can actually use it to feel better, not just dread it coming each month.

Key Takeaways:

• The signs that your period might be trying to tell you something — and how to start listening before things feel out of control.
• What a truly healthy cycle looks like (hint: it’s not what most of us were taught)
• Why things feel harder in your 40s — and how to support your body without overhauling your whole life

Sneak Peek:

“Every cycle, every bleed, every single symptom — or lack of symptoms — it’s all feedback from your body. And when you know how to interpret it, you can stop just surviving your cycle… and actually be pleasantly surprised by its arrival.”

If your period feels like it’s running the show — or like your body is doing things you don’t understand — this episode is for you.

Listen to Episode 88 now and start changing your cycle to a “new normal.”

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Is this just how it’s going to be now?

If you’ve started wondering whether you’ve missed your chance to feel good again - this one’s for you.

Because no, you’re not too old. You’re not past it. And you haven’t left it too late.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why all your effort (fasting, lifting, tracking protein) might not be working - and what to do instead
• The real reason your symptoms have built up over time (hint: your body’s not broken, it’s just not being supported the right way)
• What it means to stand at a “fork in the road” in perimenopause - and how to choose a path that supports your health for decades to come

This episode will help you shift the way you see your body and this stage of life, and show you why now is actually the perfect time to make a change (even if you’ve tried everything before).

Sneak peek:

“Perimenopause is a fork in the road - literally and figuratively. What you do now? It matters. Not in a pressure-y, perfect way - but in a hopeful, you’ve got more control than you think way.”

If you’ve been doing everything you were told to do and still feel flat, foggy, tired and like nothing’s working - press play on this one.

It’s not too late. It’s just time for a new approach that works with your changing body.

Listen now to hear what your body’s really asking for - and how to respond in a way that actually works.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• Book a free Clarity Call
• Learn more about Metabolic Balance
• Follow Sarah on Instagram
• Episode 46: Why ‘normal’ isn’t good enough for your health anymore.

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Feeling like your body isn’t playing by the same rules anymore? You’re doing everything “right,” but the weight won’t budge, your energy is gone, and your mood is all over the place?

Your Body Isn’t the Problem, Your Strategy Is

For decades, women have been told to eat less, exercise more, and just "push through" perimenopause. But that advice wasn’t designed for a body whose hormones are shifting. If your body isn’t responding the way it used to, it’s not failing you - it needs a different approach.

Your body isn’t broken. It just has different needs now.

If you don’t understand your hormones, and especially how they're changing, you’re going to keep wasting time, energy, and money on things that don’t work.

But when you know what’s actually happening under the hood, everything changes!

In this episode, I’ll show you why understanding your hormones is the missing piece, and how it changes everything for your weight, energy, and overall health.

You’ll Learn:

• Why perimenopause isn’t a problem to fix, but a transition your body is going through.
• The reason your old health strategies aren’t working anymore, and what actually does.
• How understanding your hormones gives you back control, so you stop feeling stuck and start feeling good again.

Sneak Peek:

"Perimenopause isn’t the phase of hormone balance, it’s the phase of hormone change. And that’s why those old tricks, like cutting calories and doing more cardio, don’t just stop working, they actually backfire."

Listen Now

If you’re tired of guessing, blaming yourself, or feeling like nothing is working, don’t waste another day stuck in frustration. Hit play now and learn how to work with your body, so you can start feeling like yourself again.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📌 Free training: Why You’re Gaining Weight After 40: 4 Hormone Shifts You Can’t Ignore
📌 Chaos to Calm episode #47: Quick Fixes and Magic Bullets

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Why your morning coffee is making perimenopause harder

What if your morning coffee routine - the thing you rely on to wake up and get through the day - is actually working against you?

It might be the reason you’re crashing by mid-afternoon, craving sugar, and feeling like you can’t get through the afternoon without more caffeine.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why coffee first thing in the morning makes perimenopause symptoms worse - and how it affects your energy, cravings, and hormones
• The surprising way coffee messes with blood sugar and nutrient absorption - and why this matters if you’re struggling with fatigue, mood swings, or brain fog
• The simple change to your coffee habit that helps stabilise your energy, reduce cravings, and support hormone balance

Sneak Peek:

“If you can’t function without coffee, we need to look at what’s really going on.”

Your morning routine matters more than you think - and this tiny tweak could make a huge difference in how you feel.

🎧 Hit play now to learn why coffee timing is everything, and what to do instead.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Ep 9: Intermittent fasting 
• Ep 59: Eat your way through perimenopause

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Two hormone-ravaged brains under one roof? No one warned us about this!

Perimenopause is hard enough on its own - now level it up by adding in a teenage daughter going through puberty, and suddenly, your house feels like a hormonal war zone. Mood swings, tears, interrupted sleep, emotional outbursts over things that make no sense… sound familiar?

The good news? The same things that support your perimenopausal hormones can also support hers. And in this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to make that happen.

Key Takeaways:

• How to reduce the chaos in your house by supporting both your hormones and your daughter’s, without crazy diets, strict rules, or meal-time battles.
• The #1 food mistake that makes perimenopausal symptoms (and puberty mood swings) worse, and what to do instead to keep blood sugar and hormones stable.
• The truth about the “vegan trap” in puberty and perimenopause - why iron and calcium matter more than you think, and how to make sure you’re both getting enough.

Sneak Peek:

“Two hormone-ravaged brains in the one house, but only one of you gets the luxury of extra sleep. And spoiler… it’s not you.”

If you’re feeling exhausted from riding this hormonal rollercoaster alongside your daughter, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with simple, practical steps to support both of you - without overcomplicating meals, stressing over food, or adding another thing to your already full plate.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• PerimenoGO – My step-by-step food and lifestyle-based program to guide you to thrive in perimenopause (while still making meals that work for your whole family).
• Follow me on Instagram for more perimenopause insights and tips: @theperimenopausenaturopath
• Episode 59: The Perimenopause Diet
• Episode 48: Phytoestrogens
• Episode 56:

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

What if I told you that you’re not exhausted because you’re getting older.

You’re exhausted because your body isn’t getting what it needs.

Most women in perimenopause think they need more coffee, stricter diets, or harder workouts to fight fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. But what if the real problem is how you’re fueling your body?

After competing in a full-contact national box lacrosse championship at 50, playing against women half my age in 2-hour games, five days straight, in 30-36º heat, I saw firsthand how nutrition, hydration, and recovery can make or break your energy levels - no matter your age.

Key Takeaways:

✔ The biggest fueling mistakes most women in perimenopause make - and why they’re making you feel more exhausted, not better.
✔ Why carbs are your friend, not your enemy (and how cutting them can actually backfire on your metabolism, sleep, and hormones).
✔ How to eat, drink, and train smarter so you stop crashing mid-afternoon and start feeling strong again - without extreme diets or over-exercising.

Sneak Peek:

“Some of the younger women were struggling. They were exhausted halfway through because they weren’t eating enough, weren’t eating the right things, and weren’t recovering properly. And I see this all the time with women in perimenopause too.”

Your body isn’t working against you - it just needs the right support.

The way you fuel yourself directly affects how you feel every day. If you’re tired of crashing at 3 p.m., feeling sluggish no matter what you eat, or wondering why your workouts aren’t making a difference, this episode is for you.

Listen now and start making the small shifts that lead to big results.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
📍 Blog post - The Perimenopause Diet
📍 1:1 sessions now available – work with The Perimenopause Naturopath team

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...