Today I have THE BEST guest out there to talk about the link between sugar addiction and stress and how we can understand it better and manage it. Jolene Park, functional nutritionist, Ted X Speaker, coach of coaches and expert on sugar addiction, stress, grey area drinking and a whole lot more.

Are you addicted to sugar? Do you crave sugary treats when you are stressed? Are you like me and find yourself scoffing back cherry ripes in the car all by yourself hidden from the kids trying to get some respite from the day? In fact, sugar impacts the same neural pathways as alcohol!

For many women, sugar cravings and emotional eating is a hidden shameful struggle that we don't often talk about.  Jolene discusses the biological and emotional drive behind these cravings, including the lasting influence of stress and early childhood experiences. Learn about gut microbiome imbalances, nutritional deficiencies like magnesium, and emotional triggers that create these cravings. With an emphasis on self-compassion, we uncover that cravings are messages from the body about underlying imbalances, not signs of personal failure.

Achieving holistic wellness goes beyond diet; it encompasses spiritual well-being, relationships, leisure, relaxation, and sleep. Jolene and I discuss the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health, the role of cortisol in weight management, and the benefits of nutrients like protein, magnesium, and healthy fats. Discover practical strategies for balancing your lifestyle, building resilience, and supporting overall well-being without strict deprivation.

Visit my website for additional resources and support, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners.

JOLENE PARK

Coach Training:  https://healthydiscoveries.mykajabi.com/nourish

Jolene's website:  https://grayareadrinkers.com/

1:1 Coaching with Jolene:   https://grayareadrinkers.com/private-coaching-with-jolene-park/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jolene__park

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

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linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

 *Please note this episode includes references to addiction and touches on an eating disorder and non-suicidal self injury

Nikki Langman is brilliant. She is a badass. In fact, she is the author of How to be a BADASS: Navigating Your Road to Self-Mastery.  Learn how to embrace your inner badass.  Nikki Langman, an international speaker, author, and thought leader on emotional intelligence, opens up about her remarkable journey of conquering addiction and trauma. 

Nikki shares her powerful BADASS framework—Brave, Authentic, Direction, Action, Self-love, and Self-talk—that emerged from her personal trials and triumphs. Discover how Nikki navigated her battle with alcohol and meth addiction, the life-altering moment that led her to the ER in 2017, and the compassionate approach that fueled her recovery.

Tune in to hear Nikki's candid revelations about managing stress and ADHD through physical activity, and how running meditation and athletic pursuits became her refuge. Explore the importance of aligning actions with values, maintaining self-awareness, and recognising triggers to stay resilient and healthy. 

Nikki’s story is not just about survival; it's about empowering others to break through limiting beliefs and find authentic purpose. Whether you're searching for fulfillment or seeking practical strategies for personal growth, Nikki’s insights and the BADASS framework offer an inspiring blueprint for mastering your own life. Boom! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT NIKKI

Nikki’s website - www.nikkilangman.com

Purchase your Badass book using this link: PURCHASE HERE 

*Use your special discount code: DE-STRESS25

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilangman1

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

The word "mindfulness" used to stop me in my tracks and not in a good way! I used to cringe when I heard it, roll my eyes when it was dropped in a sentence and get bamboozled by what the heck it meant! It. Just. Seemed. Like. A. Trendy. Overused. Term. However now I am "one of them!".

Let's talk about the why's, how's, what's of mindfulness. In particular let's talk about how one form of mindfulness called "surfing the urge," can bridge the gap between an urge and gratification and help us to beat problematic urges like sugar cravings, alcohol urges and unconscious scrolling on our phones. In fact wait until the end because I will lead you through a 10 point surfing the urge mindfulness coaching exercise that you can apply to help you surf your personal urge!

Whether it's the draw of an evening drink or the pull of sugary temptations, this episode is a deep dive into the practicality of mindfulness practices that help navigate our impulses, particularly during those testing hours between 5pm and 8pm.  You'll learn to breathe through cravings, identify triggers, and harness the power of mindful distractions, all while fostering self-compassion.

If you find these strategies resonate but you're seeking more personalised guidance, remember, I'm at your service with resources, counselling, and tailored coaching to support you in managing stress and recalibrating your drinking habits. Together, let's chart a course towards a more present, purposeful existence—one mindful moment at a time.

Link to Dr Gina Cleo's episode referred to in this episode.

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

Did you know that nourishing and supporting your gut and liver is key to balancing your hormones? Trish Tucker May,  author of Nourishing Your Gut For A Positive Menopause, talks to us about how to make easy practical changes to your diet to aid many menopause symptoms. Trish is a Menopause Functional Nutritionist with a dedicated focus on gut health and hormonal balance. Trish has extensive professional experience and years of clinical practice.

It can feel exhausting to wade through what to do and what not to do during peri/menopause on top of already feeling exhausted and stressed by life. Simple changes to your diet can aid many symptoms that we face during this time.  Tune in to learn about Trish's hot nutritional tips that you can start incorporating into your routine today to help you with fatigue, bloating, memory fog, energy and more.

TRISH TUCKER MAY

Link to programmes https://hub.trishtuckermay.com/

Link to free eBook https://trishtuckermay.com/beatthebloat/

Book a call https://trishtuckermay.com/workwithme/

Lets get you booked in here https://p.bttr.to/2MZVUKN

#menopause #guthealth #balance #nutrition

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

Ever wondered why certain habits stick like glue while we struggle to maintain others? Dr. Gina Cleo, habit expert, dietitian and author of The Habit Revolution, joins us to unpack the science behind our daily routines and how to break up with bad habits whilst making the good ones stick.

Dr. Gina Cleo is one of the world’s leading experts in habits and is passionate about translating scientific evidence into simple, actionable strategies to help improve health, wellness, mindset, and lifestyle-related habits – long-term. Gina has a PhD in habit change, is an Adjunct Professor at Bond University and an Accredited Dietitian.

Dr Cleo discusses the role of dopamine and how it influences both habits and addictions and discusses the importance of diversifying our activities to keep our brains engaged and growing. We examine the common myths surrounding habit formation and discuss practical tools and insights to help you reclaim control and break the cycle of problematic behaviours.

This episode is for you if you are wondering why your goals to get rid of bad habits such as scrolling on your phone, hitting snooze on your alarm, ignoring the gym or eating too many cherry ripes are not succeeding, or why you might be lacking motivation to stay the course and what you can start doing to move forward with your new health goals and jump into a healthier and happier version of your life today.

DR GINA CLEO

Join Dr Cleo's free Habit Change Masterclass: https://habitchangeinstitute.mykajabi.com/masterclass 

Website: www.drginacleo.com

Free Habit Course: habitchangeinstitute.mykajabi.com/masterclass

‘The Habit Revolution’ Book, www.drginacleo.com/book

IG: www.instagram.com/drginacleo

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

Have you ever felt stretched too thin, saying 'yes' when every fibre of your being screams 'no'? Well look no further. Today we are joined by Dr. Rebecca Ray, clinical psychologist and author of Setting Boundaries.

We talk about what a boundary is, when to know you ought to actively set one, how to do it and how to enforce it. We also chat about why some people seem to innately know how to set boundaries, whereas others seem to struggle and need to be taught how to do so. If you tend towards the people pleasing spectrum, then do tune because we specifically talk about why people-pleasing habits, especially common among women,  can lead to resentment and burnout in the absence of solid boundaries. These are life skills that we can learn at any time and are necessary in order to healthy maintain our well-being.

We chat about the significant impact of leadership in creating a culture of respect for boundaries in the workplace as well as the importance of parents setting an example for their children in how to develop healthy boundaries. My own transition from a high-stress legal career to a counsellor and coach shines a light on the importance of aligning actions with values and ensuring that your brain health remains a top priority. 

Dr Ray's book, Setting Boundaries is gold and serves as a  'user manual' for smoother interactions and stress reduction in our everyday lives.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR REBECCA RAY

Dr Ray's website

Dr Ray's Instagram

Click here to learn more about Dr Ray's books

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

Professor Selena Bartlett and I talks about her latest book Being Seen, a parenting survival guide for all of us trying to limit the impact that screen time has on our children's mental health, safety and future in the digital age, based on fostering connection, resilience and the management of tech in our homes.

We discuss how young minds are silently suffering. Self-harm, eating disorders, extortion, brain health, impulsivity and future connections are exacerbated by the online landscape and how we need to act now to change how we allow screens to show up in our households and beyond. This does start from the top down and is a call to parenting networks to openly discuss the negative impacts of smart phone use on the brain health of our children and to feel empowered to create family tech plans that limit tech use.

It's about reclaiming the narrative on tech safety and empowering connections, ensuring that as parents, you're equipped to guide our children safely through the complexities of their online world. So, let's rally the parent network and transform our approach to digital parenting, one real conversation at a time.

PROFESSOR SELENA BARTLETT

Website: https://www.profselenabartlett.com

Being Seen can be purchased online and at all good book stores

Being Seen Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/being-seen-master-parenting-in-the-digital-age/id1728554657

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

Today, I talk about burnout, what it is, what the tell-tale symptoms are, what professions are more likely than others to get it, how to pre-empt it and how to manage it. Burnout is often a silent struggle.  For anyone teetering on the brink, or if you're simply invested in safeguarding your mental well-being, let this discussion guide you towards understanding, support, and ultimately, a reclamation of your vitality. Remember, recognising the signs is just the first step; reaching out, setting boundaries, redefining what a successful life looks like to you and crafting a support network can illuminate the road to recovery. This episode is about arming yourself with the tools for rebalancing your life. 

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

The founder of Hope Rising Coaching, Emma Gilmour, joins me to chat about how to tap into our magnificence in mid-life. Emma talks about her personal evolution from a lifestyle fuelled by adrenaline to one that celebrates serenity and self-care, especially as we traverse the complexities of midlife. We traverse how to foster and protect resilience and how to tap into fun with gentler practices like Koya, a therapeutic dance form that allows for emotional connection and release. Society's loud message of perfectionism often drowns out our inner peace, but Emma’s story is a vivid reminder of the beauty in silencing that noise by celebrating who we are and can be.

The allure of a glass of wine after a long day can sometimes mask the silent struggle with alcohol many women face. Emma's own journey towards sobriety sheds light on the peaceful contentment that lies beyond the bottle, illuminating the everyday joys that sobriety brings into sharp focus. Her experiences celebrate the liberation found in guilt-free relaxation that doesn’t hinge on negative coping mechanisms like alcohol. For anyone curious about the profound lifestyle shift that saying goodbye to alcohol can bring, Emma offers an inspiring perspective on the myriad of benefits that come with choosing to live life fully present and unfiltered by intoxication.

EMMA GILMOUR

https:https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com
Insta: @hoperisingcoaching

Virtual Retreat - 5 Days To Freedom - 19th-23rd Feb 2024 - https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/5dayvrfeb2024

FREE Masterclass - '5 Surprising Ways Taking A Break From Alcohol Can Be Effortless & Change your Life' - 28th Feb 2024 - https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/feb24masterclassreg

30 Day - Great Aussie Alcohol Experiment - LIVE! 4th March - 2nd April 2024 - https://www.hoperisingcoaching.com/the_great_aussie_alcohol_experiment

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242

What are your core personal values and why is this important to know? Well it helps us to understand our passions, purpose, make tough decisions and, wait for it, curate a life that feels successful and 'right' for us.

Embarking on a new adventure, I've recently resettled in the serene Adelaide Hills, exchanging (temporarily) the bustling Sydney life for a tranquil retreat. This move has sparked a deeper introspection about what truly constitutes a successful life, a topic I'm eager to pursue. With a focus on personal value systems, I invite you to join me to understand and align with our inner compass that directs us to fulfillment and harmony.

This episode is for anyone seeking to affirm their path or standing at life's crossroads, pondering the essentials that shape our existence. We'll explore how our earliest values can serve as benchmarks for satisfaction, and why aligning daily actions with these fundamental beliefs can minimise stress and infuse meaning into every moment. With thoughtful discussion, I aim to equip you with introspective tools to live a life in step with what matters most to you, ensuring each day resonates with your core values and vision of success.

ISABELLA FERGUSON

Free resource : "AM I DRINKING TOO MUCH?" FREE 5-DAY VIDEO SERIES

My web: https://isabellaferguson.com.au

ALCOHOL FREEDOM GROUP CHALLENGES - JOIN THE CHALLENGE!: Learn more and join in

30 MINUTE NO OBLIGATION INTRODUCTORY CALL: Book a introductory call

SIGNATURE 6 WEEK ALCOHOL FREE ONLINE SELF-PACED CHALLENGE: Learn more and get started!

FOLLOW ME

instagram: @alcoholandstresswithisabella

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-ferguson-52022b242