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

What if the reason you're struggling to follow through on your health goals isn't a lack of willpower—but a lack of self-trust? 

In this episode of the Total Health and Midlife Podcast, I sit down with Self-trust Coach and author, Dawn Ledet to unpack why we often fall off track with our wellness intentions. Dawn reveals that missed goals aren't a sign of self-sabotage or failure; they're simply feedback. Instead of beating ourselves up, we can rewire our inner dialogue, build trust in our decisions, and finally create lasting consistency in our habits.

Dawn introduces her three-part framework for self-trust—making decisions, following through, and having your own back—while exposing the common mental traps that keep us stuck. She explains how our brains are wired to focus on past failures, distort our present, and predict future disappointment, making it easy to give up before we even begin. 

But with simple shifts in how we talk to ourselves, including creating a personalized "comfort plan" to navigate moments of discomfort, we can break the cycle of self-doubt and move forward with confidence.

If you've ever told yourself, "I should be able to do this, but I just don't," this episode will change the way you approach your health goals. Learn how to trust yourself, silence the inner critic, and build a foundation for long-term success. 

Don't miss Dawn's expert insights, and be sure to check out her 7-Day Self-Trust Boost series to start strengthening your self-trust today.

Dawn Ledet is a certified life coach, former corporate sales executive, and author of Master Your Inner Dialogue: Transform Your Self-Talk for Goal Success. Her mission is to empower women to build unshakable self-trust and master their inner dialogue by transforming the way they approach their goals. Through her coaching, Dawn teaches women how to turn goal-setting into a journey of personal growth, where achieving goals isn't just the outcome but the tool for cultivating clarity, confidence, and ease. By helping women rewrite self-sabotaging narratives, she equips them to trust themselves deeply and create a life aligned with their true potential.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/222 

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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 know those moments where you're standing in the kitchen, not even hungry, just… eating?

You're not alone. And more importantly? There's nothing wrong with you.

In this short and powerful bonus episode, I'm sharing what's really behind the patterns of overeating so many midlife women struggle with, and why it's not about the food at all. We're talking about the invisible forces behind our choices, and the subtle ways we've been taught to use food to cope, distract, reward, and even just get through the day.

I'll tell you what happened the night I ordered way too much Indian food (on purpose), what it taught me about self-trust, and how even wearing a glucose monitor recently pulled me right back into old patterns.

If you've ever said, "I know better. Why can't I do better?" this episode will meet you with compassion, truth, and a new way forward.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why diets don't solve overeating (and what does)

• What overeating is actually trying to do for you

• How to recognize the moment things start to spiral—and how to stop it with kindness instead of control

You'll walk away with a different lens on your relationship with food - and the first steps to building real peace with it.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Download the free guide: 82 Reasons You Overeat That Have Nothing to Do with Food

Save your seat for the free class: How to Stop Overeating (Without Going on a Diet)

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.

We think that health is all about eating and exercising.

But that's not the whole story.

If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right," eating well, exercising, and following all the health rules, but still not seeing the results you expect, this episode is for you. The truth is, diet and exercise are only part of the equation. 

What's often missing? Stress, sleep, rest, and recovery. These are the overlooked pillars of true health, especially in midlife when your body starts playing by a whole new set of rules. In today's episode, we dive deep into why prioritizing rest isn't a luxury. It's a necessity for real, lasting health.  

We live in a world that glorifies doing more, pushing harder, and ignoring the warning signs of burnout. But as women in midlife, we can't afford to keep running on empty. When stress levels soar and sleep suffers, our bodies react in ways that sabotage even the best intentions, holding onto weight, ramping up cravings, and making us feel stuck despite our efforts. 

This episode unpacks how chronic stress impacts your metabolism, hormones, and overall well-being. More importantly, we'll explore practical shifts to help you restore balance so you can finally see progress without burning yourself out in the process.  

If you've ever blamed yourself for not having enough willpower or discipline, it's time to change the narrative. Your body isn't working against you, it's trying to protect you. And once you understand how stress and recovery play into the bigger picture, you can start making real, meaningful changes that actually stick. 

Tune in as we break down the science of stress, the power of sleep, and why true health isn't just about what you do but also about how well you rest and recover.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/221

• Why eating right and exercising aren't enough. Discover the missing piece that's secretly running the show in midlife health.  

• How stress, sleep, and recovery impact weight loss and hormones. And why ignoring them could be sabotaging your progress.  

• The surprising reason you feel stuck despite doing everything "right," and the simple shifts that can help you break free.

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.

Have you ever made progress with your health… and then, slowly, without realizing it, started letting the little things slide? 

In this episode, I dive deep into a universal experience in health journeys: the quiet backslide that happens after success. I call it the "cocky syndrome," that phase where we get a little too confident, start cutting corners, and convince ourselves it's just balance or moderation. But when the momentum starts slipping and we don't feel as good as we used to, we're left confused, frustrated, and often blaming ourselves.

But here's the real magic of this conversation: I don't leave you in the spiral of guilt. Instead, I normalize this phase and reframe it as a critical part of the long-term health process. Maintenance isn't failure or stagnation, it's success that needs nurturing. 

This episode will leave you feeling seen, equipped, and empowered to shift from all-or-nothing thinking to a more compassionate, sustainable relationship with your health. You're not broken. You're just in the part of your journey where real growth happens.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/220

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why feeling better after building healthy habits can actually trick your brain into letting them go and what to do instead.
• The surprising truth behind "cocky syndrome" and how it quietly sneaks into your routine right after success.
• How to shift from all-or-nothing thinking to a more sustainable, empowering approach to maintenance without starting over.

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.

Have you ever made progress with your health… and then, slowly, without realizing it, started letting the little things slide? 

In this episode, I dive deep into a universal experience in health journeys: the quiet backslide that happens after success. I call it the “cocky syndrome,” that phase where we get a little too confident, start cutting corners, and convince ourselves it’s just balance or moderation. But when the momentum starts slipping and we don’t feel as good as we used to, we’re left confused, frustrated, and often blaming ourselves.

I share a relatable personal story involving my piriformis pain, which only flares up when I slack on my short daily routine. I use it to highlight a powerful metaphor: Just like kids, our habits need supervision, structure, and eventually, gentle maintenance. What once needed full focus now requires ongoing care, not perfection, just consistent attention. This episode breaks down the psychology behind why we unconsciously ease up when we start to feel better and how that seemingly harmless shift is actually our brain seeking ease and efficiency, not sabotage.

But here’s the real magic of this conversation: I don’t leave you in the spiral of guilt. Instead, I normalize this phase and reframe it as a critical part of the long-term health process. Maintenance isn’t failure or stagnation, it’s success that needs nurturing. 

This episode will leave you feeling seen, equipped, and empowered to shift from all-or-nothing thinking to a more compassionate, sustainable relationship with your health. You’re not broken. You’re just in the part of your journey where real growth happens.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/220

What if the key to transformation isn't about doing more but about being more?

In this episode, I sit down with Kim Damon, a true expert in personal growth and transformation, to explore the deep shifts that lead to lasting change. Kim shares her journey of breaking through limitations, embracing authenticity, and stepping into a life of purpose. Her insights challenge the conventional approach to self-improvement, encouraging us to move beyond surface-level tactics and into profound, identity-based transformation.  

Throughout our conversation, Kim reveals the mindset shifts and emotional breakthroughs that pave the way for real success. She dives into the hidden beliefs that hold people back and offers practical strategies to rewire thought patterns for growth. Whether you're facing a career shift, personal roadblocks, or simply looking to elevate your life, Kim's wisdom will resonate deeply.  

Join us as we uncover the power of self-awareness, the courage to embrace change, and the steps to becoming the person who naturally attracts the life they desire. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and into their highest potential.  

Kim Damon is the founder and creator of Midlife Discoveries - Worthy Moms.  She is a certified life and enneagram coach and host of the "Midlife Worthy Moms" podcast.  She helps midlife moms that struggle in relationships with their grown children, find healing and connection.  Her experience of being in and out of estrangement, led her to reaching out and helping other moms. 

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/219

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.

Ever started strong with your health habits, only to fall off track and feel like a failure? What if I told you that relapse isn't proof you've failed... it's actually, part of the process?

In this episode of the Total Health in Midlife podcast, I'm breaking down the biggest mindset shift that separates those who succeed from those who stay stuck.

You'll learn why slip-ups happen, how to stop them from turning into full-blown backslides, and the one question that will completely change how you handle setbacks. If you've ever thought you just need more willpower to stay consistent, this episode will change everything. 

Tune in now because the goal isn't to be perfect; it's to keep going.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/218

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.

Are you struggling with hot flashes, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, or low energy? What if I told you that the solution isn't about pushing harder, but training smarter? In this episode, I'm diving into how the right kind of exercise, especially strength training can help ease menopause symptoms, boost energy, and keep you feeling strong and capable as you age. And the best part? You don't need long, grueling workouts to see results.  

For years, we were told that the key to fitness was spending hours sweating it out at the gym. But in midlife, that approach doesn't just stop working, it actually works against us. I'll break down why traditional exercise methods often fail women over 40 and how stress from overtraining can make symptoms worse. Instead, I'll share a more effective strategy: short, strength-based workouts that build muscle, protect bone density, and improve metabolism, all in just 20 minutes a day.  

I also get personal in this episode, sharing how I transitioned from long gym sessions to quick, efficient at-home workouts after an injury. I'll explain how movement impacts everything from blood sugar balance to mental health and offer simple ways to incorporate strength training into your routine without the overwhelmed. Plus, I'm giving away a FREE "20-minute workout plan" to help you get started right away.  

If you're ready to ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and find a fitness routine that truly supports your body in midlife, this episode is a must-listen. Grab your free workout plan and start training smarter, not harder.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/217

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.

Midlife is a time of transformation, not crisis. If you've ever felt weighed down by emotions you can't quite name or struggled with fatigue despite doing "all the right things," you're not alone. 

In my conversation with Soul Alignment Coach Sarah Sparks, we explored the deep connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Sarah's 'HEALED' process—a six-step journey designed to release emotional burdens and reconnect with your true self—offers a powerful way to find clarity, ease, and renewed energy. 

One of the most powerful insights Sarah shared is that healing isn't just about fixing what's wrong; it's about embracing who we truly are. So often, we fight against change, trying to push through discomfort instead of listening to what our emotions and bodies are telling us. 

But what if midlife is an invitation to pause, realign, and step into a more authentic, peaceful version of ourselves? Through emotional release and deep self-awareness, we can break free from old narratives and create a life that feels lighter, freer, and more in flow.

Sarah Sparks, founder of Create The Spark, LLC, is a sought-after spiritual business advisor, ordained minister, and best-selling author. She helps female business owners align spirituality with success, creating ease and abundance. A former government professional, she now runs a thriving soul-led business serving clients worldwide. As a speaker and podcast host, she inspires others to align their soul with their business for greater fulfillment.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/216

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.

What if I told you that hitting a plateau isn't a sign of failure, but actually proof that your body is working exactly as it should? If you've ever felt stuck—doing everything "right" but seeing no progress—you're not alone. Plateaus are a natural part of any weight loss journey, yet most people aren't prepared for them. Instead of panicking or making drastic changes, what if you could anticipate them and navigate through them with confidence?  

In this episode, we uncover why plateaus happen, what they really mean for your progress, and the most effective ways to push through without resorting to extremes. You'll learn how to track progress beyond the scale, why your body adapts over time, and how to set yourself up for success 'before' a plateau even happens. Plus, I share a real-life client story of how she overcame a six-week stall by trusting the process—without cutting more calories or over-exercising.  

If you've ever hit a standstill and thought, "Maybe I should just give up," this episode is for you. By the end, you'll have a clear plan to approach plateaus with patience, strategy, and a mindset that keeps you moving forward. Tune in now—you'll thank yourself later.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://elizabethsherman.com/215

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.