Done with Dieting: Total Health for Women 40+ with Elizabeth Sherman

Have you ever asked yourself, "Do I want to go to the gym?" or "Do I feel like making dinner?"—and then beat yourself up when the answer was no?

In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, we're exploring how the questions we ask ourselves—especially around our health—can either sabotage our best intentions or support the version of ourselves we're trying to become.

You'll hear a story about a real-life conversation with my husband that sparked this whole idea, plus my own recent experience with a motivation slump. And most importantly, we'll unpack the powerful shift from asking reactive, yes/no questions to practicing real self-leadership.

This isn't just about working out. It's about learning how to talk to yourself in a way that actually moves you forward—without shame, guilt, or waiting around for motivation to strike.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why "Do I feel like it?" is a trap that keeps you stuck
• How to ask better questions that lead to better decisions
• What self-leadership actually looks like in midlife health habits
• Simple strategies to help you follow through—even when you're not feeling it

RESOURCES

• Download the 8 Basic Habits That Healthy People Do Guide + Checklist
• Listen to More Episodes of Total Health in Midlife

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/242

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

Making (and keeping) friends in midlife can feel surprisingly hard.

In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I'm joined by Nina Badzin, writer and host of the Dear Nina podcast, to talk about the real stuff that comes up in adult friendships, like feeling left out, keeping score, and what to do when your once-close friends just… fade.

Whether you've ever wondered, "Is it just me?" or you've found yourself ghosted or burned out from being the one who always initiates, you're not alone—and you're not doing it wrong.

This episode is full of validation, fresh perspective, and practical tips to help you build stronger, more satisfying friendships, even if it's been a while.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/241

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why friendship often gets harder—not easier—as we age

• The difference between "reciprocity" and "keeping score" in adult friendships

• What to do when you're always the one reaching out—or when a friend fades away

• How friendship fits into your total health—and why it's not just "a nice-to-have"
  
  

ABOUT NINA BADZIN

Nina Badzin is the host of the podcast, Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. She's a writer, teacher, and mom of four in Minneapolis who has been writing about friendship for over a decade. You can find her newsletter at dearnina.substack.com, join her Facebook group all about friendship at Dear Nina: The Group, and she's on Instagram at @dearninafriendship.

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

Why is it so hard to start something you already know you want to do?

In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most frustrating patterns women face when trying to improve their health: knowing what to do… but not actually doing it. If you've ever found yourself stuck in prep mode—endlessly planning, researching, tweaking your routine without ever taking action—this one's for you.

We'll explore why planning feels safer than doing, how perfectionism keeps you spinning, and the powerful mindset shift that turns overwhelming change into small, doable steps. With relatable stories, gentle humor, and practical takeaways, this episode will help you move from "I'm getting ready to start" to actually making progress—with less pressure and more self-trust.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why planning feels productive—but might actually be keeping you stuck

• How to shift from all-or-nothing thinking to "B-minus" action

• A fresh way to think about starting that makes it less scary—and way more sustainable
  
  

RESOURCES

• 8 Basic Habits That Healthy People Do Guide
• Episode: Try, Evaluate, Adjust – The Secret to Building Habits That Stick
• Podcast Listener Roadmap

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/240

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

When life looks good on the outside, but feels empty on the inside, what do you do?

In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I'm joined by transformational mentor Judith Richey for a candid conversation about what happens when we spend too many years saying yes to everyone but ourselves. From the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we lose ourselves in midlife, to the physical and emotional toll of ignoring our own needs, Judith shares her personal experience of hitting rock bottom, and how she found her way back.

If you've ever wondered what it really means to reclaim your health, reconnect with your intuition, and create a life that actually feels aligned, you won't want to miss this episode.

This isn't just inspiration. It's instruction.

About Judith Richey:

Judith is a spiritual and transformative healer who guides women through deep emotional and energetic healing to reclaim clarity, peace, and purpose. Drawing on certifications in energy psychology, meditation, NLP, and somatic practices, she blends neuroscience and sacred tools to help women move from stuck to unstoppable. Judith is the founder of The Transforming Force membership, a sanctuary for women ready to shift out of survival mode and into soul-led living.

She's also the creator of The Fempreneur Connection Summit, a powerful 3-day online event that supports women entrepreneurs in building aligned, intuitive, and successful businesses.  https://www.judithrichey.com.

– The surprising difference between being "nice" and being kind—and why it matters for your health
– How to recognize when you're in a "dark night of the soul" (and what to do about it)
– What it actually takes to heal old wounds at the soul level—not just understand them
– Why awareness isn't enough for transformation—and what most women are missing

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/239

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

 Why do your healthy habits feel so easy in the summer… and so impossible by October?

In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I'm unpacking a surprisingly overlooked reason your motivation disappears when the seasons change—and what to do instead of blaming yourself.

You'll hear how weather, light, mood, and routine can quietly hijack your habits unless you plan for them, and how understanding your own seasonal patterns can help you feel more consistent, confident, and in control—all year long.

Whether you're eating lighter and walking more right now, or already dreading the colder months ahead, this episode will help you spot the patterns before they sabotage your progress.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why motivation isn't the problem (and what is)

• How to create habits that adapt with the seasons, not collapse under them

• Simple strategies to prepare for dips in energy and mood before they happen
  
  

RESOURCES

• Download the Listener's Guide to find the exact episodes that speak to what you're going through

• Grab the guide here to simplify your health routine and take the guesswork out of where to focus.

• Done with Dieting Podcast Episode 19: Clean Slate Habits 
  

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/podcast/238

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

Have you ever eaten something you didn't want—just because it was there, or because you didn't want it to go to waste?

In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I'm sharing a deeply personal story about leftovers, silent resentment, and the invisible rules so many women live by without even realizing it. What started with a container of forgotten vegetables turned into an unexpected insight about worth, sacrifice, and why we often take the smaller portion—not just at the dinner table, but in life.

If you've ever felt like you're always the one settling, always making do, always keeping things together while putting yourself last—this episode is for you. We'll explore the hidden beliefs that drive these choices, how they affect your health, and what you can do to start choosing differently.

This conversation isn't about food.
It's about self-respect, small rebellions, and learning how to want again.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• The hidden thought that drives many women to settle—for food, time, and energy

• How guilt and thrift are often mistaken for virtue (and how that messes with our habits)

• The subtle difference between choosing something and defaulting to it

• A simple reframe you can use to start honoring your preferences—without guilt
  
  

RESOURCES

• The 8 Basic Habits of Healthy People Guide & Checklist

• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
  

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/podcast/237

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

Why is it that you can crush your to-do list, manage your household, support your family, and absolutely rock your career—
…but still feel powerless around a plate of cookies?

If you've ever told yourself, "I know what to do—I just can't seem to do it," this episode of Total Health in Midlife is for you.

In this episode, Elizabeth Sherman reveals the hidden reasons traditional diets don't solve overeating—and how they may actually make things worse. You'll learn why relying on willpower, rigid rules, and food guilt keeps you stuck, and what it really takes to build lasting, sustainable change with food and your body.

Tune in to discover why it's not about eating perfectly…
It's about finally understanding why you eat when you're not hungry—and what to do instead.

• Why most diets fail to address the real causes of overeating

• The emotional toll of blaming yourself when a diet doesn't work

• A better, more compassionate approach to rebuilding trust with food and your body

• How to stop overeating without giving up pizza, cookies, or joy
  

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/podcast/236

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

Food is fuel.

It sounds so clean and logical, doesn't it? Like if we could just stick to that belief, everything would fall into place. We'd stop craving sweets when we're stressed. We'd stop emotionally eating after a hard day. We'd finally be "in control."

But here's the truth no one talks about: food isn't just fuel. It's comfort, connection, culture, memory, and celebration.

And trying to pretend otherwise? That's often what keeps us stuck.

In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I'm sharing why the "food is fuel" narrative might be doing more harm than good—and why giving yourself permission to enjoy food can actually lead to more peace, not less.

If you've ever wondered why you can't seem to stick to your "plan" or why you feel shame around emotional eating, this episode will help you see things in a whole new light.

• Why "food is fuel" is an incomplete (and often harmful) message

• How emotional eating becomes unconscious—and what to do about it

• Why permission and pleasure are essential for building a peaceful relationship with food

• What moderation really looks like when you trust yourself
  
  

• Register for How to Stop Overeating Without Going on a Diet
• Get the list of 82 reasons you're reaching for food — and what to do instead.
• The Podcast Listener's Roadmap – Find the best episodes for where you are right now

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/235

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

You've been "good" all day. You ate the healthy lunch. You passed on the afternoon treat. You had a reasonable dinner.
And then… it hits. That creeping, nagging feeling that something is missing. You're not hungry—but the pantry is calling your name.

If you're stuck in the cycle of nighttime overeating and can't figure out why your willpower disappears after dark, this episode is for you.

In today's conversation, we unpack the real reasons why evenings feel so hard—and why diets, discipline, and food rules won't fix the problem. You'll learn what your body and brain are actually asking for when you reach for food at night, and how to start addressing those needs in ways that actually work.

Because it's not about controlling the snack.
It's about solving the right problem.

• Why your nighttime cravings have nothing to do with hunger

• How "Revenge Bedtime Procrastination" fuels evening overeating

• The emotional needs you might be trying to soothe with food

• Why managing your daytime stress is the secret to changing your nighttime behavior

• One simple shift that can help you stop white-knuckling your way through the kitchen every night
  
  

• Download the 82 Reasons You Overeat (That Have Nothing to Do with Food)

• Get the 8 Basic Habits That Healthy People Do Checklist
  

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/234

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.

If the idea of eating without food rules sounds exciting—but also kind of terrifying—you're not alone. Many women in midlife love the concept of intuitive eating but have no idea how to actually do it. Especially after decades of dieting, perfectionism, and trying to "be good," the idea of trusting your body can feel like standing on a tightrope without a net.

In this episode of Total Health in Midlife, I break down what's really keeping you stuck when it comes to food. We'll talk about why diets train you to ignore your body, how shame keeps you on the all-or-nothing roller coaster, and what it actually looks like to find the middle road between restriction and chaos.

You'll also hear personal stories—mine and my clients'—about what it looks like to slowly, gently rebuild trust in your body and eating habits without swinging into a brownie-eating free-for-all.

You don't need more rules.
You need a different kind of support.
And today's episode will show you what that support looks like.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why intuitive eating feels so scary (even if you want it)

• How dieting disconnects you from your body's natural wisdom

• What it looks like to build a supportive eating framework—without going back to restriction

• How to tell when your body is trying to communicate (and how to start listening)
  
  

RESOURCES

• Download: 82 Reasons You Overeat That Have Nothing to Do with Food

• Total Health in Midlife Podcast Listener's Guide

• 8 Basic Habits of Healthy People Guide & Checklist
  
  

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/233

Hey! I love hearing from you. Send me a text. Let me know what resonated with you.

Free Diagnostic Session
If you know what to do but struggle to keep it all together when life starts to life, this call is for you. It's free, it's 30 minutes, and you'll walk away with a clear look at what's actually in your way instead of another generic plan.
Tap Here to Book Your Session

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.