Fit + Fueled Life: Perimenopause, GLP-1s + Fat Loss Over 40

In this episode, Tina sits down with Paula Reed, an FDN Clinical Advisor, certified midlife specialist, and experienced wellness provider, to discuss hot topics in women's health. Paula shares her journey into the field, emphasizing the importance of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women in perimenopause and menopause. She deep dives into the differences between synthetic and bio-identical hormones, the benefits of microdosing GLP-1s, and the often overlooked need for testosterone therapy in women. Paula also offers practical advice for discussing HRT with healthcare providers.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- The truth behind the fear and confusion around bio-identical hormone therapy

- What the Women’s Health Initiative got wrong and how it still impacts women’s health today

- Synthetic vs. bio-identical hormones: why the difference matters

- Progestin, progesterone, progestogen: what’s the difference and why it’s important to know

- Signs it might be time to consider bio-identical hormone therapy

- The hidden ways birth control pills, IUDs, and oral estrogen could be affecting your health

- The overlooked bias around testosterone therapy for women

- The difference between pellets, creams, injections, and trochies

- Real results from microdosing a GLP-1 that have nothing to do with weight loss

- Do you have to stay on a GLP forever? Her take on how to use them wisely and wean off effectively

Explore microdosing and other peptides:

https://elliemd.com/tinahaupert

Peptides for Women:

https://carrotsncake.com/offers/3Q7wttmr?coupon_code=PROTOCOL19 .

Become a FDN practitioner:

https://partners.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com/a7xno2uhqfr4

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

Instagram: @carrotsncake https://www.instagram.com/carrotsncake

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

In this episode, Tina sits down with fellow FDN practitioner Michele Scarlet for an honest conversation about women’s health, metabolism, and weight loss. Michele shares her personal story with breast implant illness and how the hidden toxic load on her body impacted her health. They discuss why “healthy habits” like 4 a.m. workouts, fasted training, and constant discipline and willpower can sometimes do more harm than good, and why the “calories in, calories out” approach fails without strong metabolic health. The conversation also dives into the real causes of bloating, the crucial role your liver plays in energy and fat loss, and how to naturally support it for better hormone balance. Michele helps clear up confusion around carbs, belly fat, and CGMs while offering practical strategies to help women achieve true, sustainable health.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- Her personal story with breast implant illness and the hidden toxic load on her body

- Why your 4 a.m. workouts, fasted training, and pushing harder could be stalling your progress

- Why willpower and discipline aren’t the answer and what you should do instead

- Why calories in, calories out fails without strong metabolic health

- What constant bloating really means and how to fix it

- The overlooked role your liver plays in weight loss and metabolism

- How to naturally support your liver for better energy and fat loss

- Clearing up confusion around carbs, belly fat, and CGMs

Explore microdosing and other peptides: https://elliemd.com/tinahaupert

Peptides for Women:

https://carrotsncake.com/offers/3Q7wttmr?coupon_code=PROTOCOL19

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

Instagram: @carrotsncake https://www.instagram.com/carrotsncake

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

Connect with Michele Scarlet:

https://www.michelescarlet.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelescarlet_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelescarlet_/videos

About Michele Scarlet:

I’ve spent over 15 years helping women feel strong, confident, and in control of their health. But it wasn’t until I faced my own struggles with fatigue, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance that I realized true health goes far deeper than diet and exercise.

That’s when I turned to functional lab testing and a whole-body approach—and it changed everything. Now, I help women uncover the root cause behind their low energy, hormonal imbalance and their weight loss struggles to achieve lasting results, all while reclaiming the motivation and vitailty they thought they’d lost forever.

As a Board-Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Certified Personal Trainer, and Women's Health Coach, I bring science, strategy, and compassion to every woman I work with.

In this episode, Tina sits down with Britani, a former CNC client, to share her journey with microdosing GLP-1. Despite doing all the “right things,” Britani found herself gaining weight, battling inflammation with a nagging injury, and feeling stuck. She opens up about what finally made her reconsider GLP-1s, the misconceptions she had at first, and the eye-opening benefits she experienced beyond weight loss, like better recovery, reduced pain, and more strength in the gym. Britani also breaks down her microdosing approach, the mindset shift that changed everything, and her advice for other women in perimenopause who are curious about trying a GLP-1 themselves.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- How she suddenly started gaining weight despite doing all the right things

- What finally prompted her to try a GLP-1

- Misconceptions and hesitations she had before starting

- Results she noticed in the first week and surprising benefits outside of weight loss

- Her step-by-step microdosing strategy and schedule

- The mindset shift she didn’t expect from microdosing

- Lessons and advice she has for other women considering a GLP-1

Explore microdosing and other peptides:

https://elliemd.com/tinahaupert

Peptides for Women Course:

https://carrotsncake.com/offers/3Q7wttmr?coupon_code=PROTOCOL19

Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course:

https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPTINAWAITLIST

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

Instagram: @carrotsncake https://www.instagram.com/carrotsncake

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

Tina welcomes Meagan Zarba, FDN-P, the newest practitioner on the Carrots ‘N’ Cake team. Meagan opens up about her personal health journey, which began in high school with persistent gut issues that led to multiple diagnoses, including PCOS and depression. She shares how functional and integrative approaches helped her finally heal and transform her life. In this episode, you’ll hear how stress, gut health, and hormones often form a hidden vicious cycle and what you can actually do about it. From surprising symptoms of chronic stress to the overlooked role of the vagus nerve, Meagan explains how tiny daily actions and mindset shifts can create lasting changes in your body and overall well-being.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- Signs it’s time to look beyond “normal” bloodwork

- Why your doctor’s “wait and see” approach could be keeping you stuck (and sick)

- Surprising symptoms of chronic stress most women overlook

- How gut health, stress, and hormones form a hidden vicious cycle

- The tiny daily actions that can rewire your nervous system and improve your health

- What the vagus nerve really does and why you should care

- First steps to break the stress–gut loop for good

- How your thoughts and mindset may be silently fueling digestive chaos"

Enrollment is open for Fit + Fueled!

https://carrots-n-cake.mykajabi.com/fit+fueled

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

Instagram: @carrotsncake https://www.instagram.com/carrotsncake

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

Connect with Meagan Zarba, MA, IHP, FDNP

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

Meagan Zarba is a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDNP) and Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP2) with a Master’s Degree in Health and Wellness Coaching and Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Psychology.

She works with clients who are ready to explore the underlying imbalances that are contributing to their chronic digestive, mood, energy and hormonal health symptoms. In a personalized 1:1 virtual program, available in 4 or 7-month options, they embark on a comprehensive journey to transform your health.

Together, they address your unique health concerns, history, goals, and limiting beliefs, supported by functional medicine lab screenings. They focus on every aspect of your well-being, from mindset, emotions, and stress management to nutrition, exercise, supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments. Their approach is rooted in scientifically proven methods, ensuring you build a solid foundation for lasting health and wellness, naturally.

In this episode, Tina welcomes past clients Rita and Nicole to discuss their experiences with the Fit and Fueled program. They share their initial struggles, motivations for joining, and the significant changes they noticed in their health and fitness journeys. Both women mention how the HTMA test gave them super helpful data, from uncovering thyroid cancer to finally understanding the hidden stressors draining their energy. They talk about what it’s really like to juggle demanding careers, family life, and still prioritize themselves, and how Fit + Fueled gave them a framework they could actually live with. Fit + Fueled is so much more than losing weight; it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels doable and lasts forever.

Fit + Fueled enrollment opens on Monday, September 29th.

https://carrots-n-cake.mykajabi.com/fit+fueled

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- What life was like before Fit + Fueled, including low energy, stubborn weight, and frustration with past programs

- The moment they decided it was time for a real, lasting change

- Why Fit + Fueled stood out compared to other programs they tried

- The “lightbulb moments” where everything clicked

- How they successfully fit the program into busy, demanding lives

- Advice for women hesitating to start: stop waiting for the “perfect time”

Free Training: Hormone-Driven Fat Loss Method:

https://carrotsncake.kit.com/5909f18b13

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

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

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

In this episode, Tina and Jennifer discuss their new certification course, Peptides for Practitioners. The course is designed for health coaches, practitioners, and anyone interested in the use of peptides for health and wellness. Tina and Jennifer discuss the educational content, including 15 common peptides, their uses, and real-life applications. The course includes resources like client protocols, lab marker cheat sheets, and guidance on legal and ethical practices for unlicensed practitioners. Available as a self-paced program, it aims to provide all the necessary tools for integrating peptides into professional practice with confidence.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- Who this certification is actually made for and why it might be perfect for you

- The secret to layering peptides with nutrition, lifestyle, and hormones for next-level client results

- What most practitioners get wrong about safety, legal, and ethical peptide use and how to do it right

- Done-for-you tools that let you start using peptides in your practice immediately

- Live mentorship and Q&A sessions designed to make peptide integration practical and stress-free

- How to stand out in the fastest-growing, results-driven functional health field while boosting your revenue

Enroll in Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course at get $300 off with this link:

https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPTINAWAITLIST

Our peptide telehealth company: https://Elliemd.com/Carrotsncake

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

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

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

In this episode, Tina is joined once again by integrative practitioner Curtis Gillespie Sayers to explore the role of peptides in managing ulcerative colitis (UC) and other autoimmune conditions. Curtis shares his expertise on how specific peptides can help reduce inflammation, support immune balance, and improve mitochondrial function. Together, they discuss why optimizing mitochondrial health is essential in UC management and outline practical considerations for incorporating peptides into a personalized healing plan. The conversation also covers potential side effects, the importance of individualized protocols, and why professional guidance is key for safe and effective use.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- How peptides fit into the bigger picture of gut and immune system healing

- The key immune-supportive peptides that can calm inflammation

- Which peptides may help during a flare and how to use them safely

- The best peptides for chronic, stubborn inflammation

- The "Wolverine Stack"—what it is and why it’s considered a powerful combo

- BPC-157: injection vs capsule—what’s the difference?

- A suggested order for introducing peptides into a UC healing plan

- How mitochondria and the cell danger response play into UC recovery

- Oral glutathione vs injection—what’s most effective?

- Why peptides often work better than supplements for true cellular repair

Our trusted telehealth partner:

https://Elliemd.com/Carrotsncake

Peptides for Women course:

https://carrotsncake.com/offers/3Q7wttmr?coupon_code=PROTOCOL19

Free Training: Hormone-Driven Fat Loss Method:

https://carrotsncake.kit.com/5909f18b13

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

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

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

Connect with Curtis Gillespie Sayers:

https://lifestylempowerment.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1lifeestyleempowerment/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisfunctionalhealthcoach

Instagram: https://instagram.com/that.coach.curtis

About Curtis Gillespie Sayers:

From a young age I was in and out of the hospital suffering from health complications for as long as I can remember, breathing difficulties being the most apparent but as I grew older more serious issues began to come to light. I was diagnosed with an extremely severe case of sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a pre-diabetic status. At this time, I was also struggling with substance abuse, which would obviously contribute to my health complications, but most were from birth. After receiving the news from running tests, the doctors had informed me that I was lucky to be alive.

My psychological health was greatly impacted by my physiological health, evoking feelings of anger, and negativity which caused me to constantly argue with people around me. This affected several of my relationships and was creating a miserable life.

This lead me to seek out the help of a bodybuilding coach (not knowing a damn thing about health at the time). The main focus was “getting shredded,” not understanding how much internal health affects one’s physique. Interestingly enough, shedding the weight had really helped with my sleep apnea, but still, quite a few health complications were present. At this time hunger was ignited in me to learn more. I became determined to solve what was going on in my body.

I decided to acquire my first nutrition certification through the ISSA (International Sports Science Association).

In this episode, Tina returns from a summer break to discuss her experience with microdosing GLP-1, particularly with the peptide Tirzepatide. She shares insights on GLP-1's misconceptions, its benefits for metabolism, and its impact on women in perimenopause and menopause. Emphasizing the importance of individualized medical advice, she shares details of her journey using peptides for her chronic condition, inflammatory issues, and appetite control. Additionally, she introduces her preferred telehealth provider and upcoming programs to support women considering peptide usage.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- How my ulcerative colitis journey led me to try peptides

- The mistakes I made buying and mixing peptides at home

- The misconceptions I had about GLP-1s and what I learned instead

- Why microdosing a GLP-1 might help with inflammation, blood sugar, and appetite

- The surprising benefits for women in perimenopause and menopause

- How my eating habits completely changed in just eight weeks

- Why caffeine and alcohol suddenly aren’t as appealing

- My current peptide and supplement stack, and what I plan to keep long term

- What’s next for me and how you can learn more if you’re curious

Free Training:

Hormone-Driven Fat Loss Method: https://carrotsncake.kit.com/5909f18b13

Peptides for Women course:

https://carrotsncake.com/offers/3Q7wttmr?coupon_code=PROTOCOL19

Our trusted telehealth partner: https://elliemd.com/tinahaupert

https://carrots-n-cake.mykajabi.com/fit+fueled

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

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

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

In this episode, Tina sits down with Ryan Monahan, FDN-P, to uncover his 20-year battle with mystery symptoms, and how functional nutrition and testing finally gave him the answers he needed. Ryan dives into why relying solely on TSH testing can be misleading and explains the growing link between perimenopause and rising thyroid disorders. He breaks down the most common thyroid symptoms, why medication alone may not be enough for full recovery, and the key steps to naturally support thyroid health. Plus, he unpacks the role of leaky gut and gluten in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s disease and what you can do to take back control of your health. If you’re struggling with thyroid issues or suspect something is off, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

- Ryan’s 20-year struggle with mystery symptoms and how functional nutrition and testing provided answers

- Why relying solely on TSH testing provides minimal insight

- The surprising connection between perimenopause and the rise in thyroid disorders

- How to recognize thyroid issues: common symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

- Why medication alone isn’t enough to fully restore thyroid function

- Understanding the link between hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease

- Key first steps to naturally support and heal your thyroid health

- Supplements that can help reduce thyroid antibodies by up to 50%

- How leaky gut and gluten contribute to Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune conditions

Hormone-Driven Fat Loss Method [FREE TRAINING]: https://carrotsncake.kit.com/5909f18b13

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

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

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P).

Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

Connect with Ryan Monahan:

https://www.themindfulnutrivore.com/

Instagram: @themindfulnutrivore

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themindfulnutrivore

About Ryan Monahan:

Ryan Monahan is an FDN-P Level III, Nationally Board Certified Health Coach, Clinical Advisor, and Certified AIP Coach.

He has a passion for uncovering hidden stressors that contribute to thyroid disease. Throughout his journey, he spent over 10 frustrating years visiting more than 40 health professionals to find answers to his chronic health complaints until being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2012. Since then, his mission has been to change the dialogue about chronic disease towards a holistic, functional approach while helping others restore their health to normal function.

Typically, his clients are people who have struggled with finding relief from their autoimmune symptoms. Oftentimes, they feel that they’ve “tried everything”, and that traditional medicine hasn’t served them. In his experience, there is a better way.

In this episode, Tina speaks with Carrots ‘N’ Cake coach and FDN Practitioner, Jennifer Woodward, about the importance of functional testing for women during their perimenopausal years. Jennifer provides clarity around some of the imbalances that women might experience in perimenopause and some of the common markers we see on functional tests.

Jennifer discusses:

- Common symptoms in perimenopause

- The importance of functional lab testing

- How the GI-MAP and DUTCH can provide clues

- Minerals as the spark plugs of the body

- Intermittent fasting and whether it’s helpful or harmful

- Cardio as an extra stressor

- And more…

Connect with Tina Haupert:

https://carrotsncake.com/

Facebook: Carrots 'N' Cake https://www.facebook.com/carrotsncake

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

YouTube: Tina Haupert https://www.youtube.com/user/carrotsncake

Pinterest: Carrots 'N' Cake Hormone Testing & Nutrition Coaching https://www.pinterest.com/carrotsncake/

About Tina Haupert:

Tina Haupert is the owner of Carrots ‘N’ Cake as well as a Certified Nutrition Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P). Tina and her team use functional testing and a personalized approach to nutrition to help women find balance within their diets while achieving their body composition goals.

Connect with Jennifer Woodward:

www.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferwoodwardnutritionist

About our Guest:

Jennifer Woodward holds a Master’s of Science in Integrative Nutrition and is a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and a Board Certified Functional Wellness Coach.

She served as executive director of the Association of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Professionals, growing the association from less than 500 to over 850 members in three years. She is the creator of the acclaimed FDN Business School and she loves getting to help new FDNs thrive professionally.

Jennifer was recently a quarter-long guest lecturer in graduate Endocrinology at Parker University and has been an independent contractor for multiple functional medicine practices across the United States.

She loves to be active with her high school sweetheart husband and four kids. Don’t get her started on weight lifting for women, or pickleball!