Functional Moms Podcast

Functional Moms Podcast

By Raquel B. Cartagena and Kristin BruckerAlternative HealthHealth & Fitness
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Functional Moms Podcast episodes

  • Perimenopause Weight Loss: Why It's SO HARD (And Exactly How to Fix It) | Leslie Weidner (ENCORE)

    Leslie Weidner is a nutritionist with over a decade of experience in nutrition and dietetics. She specializes in guiding women through the complex journey of perimenopause, helping them navigate hormonal changes with personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle adjustments.

    Over the past 5 years, Leslie has empowered women in perimenopause to make sustainable, healthy habit changes. In 2023, she moved from Kirkland, Washington to Scotland where she lives with her family. She coaches women virtually through her company Leslie Weidner Nutrition. 

    We learn:

    • Why keto, high protein and other fad diets fail

    • The importance of fiber for perimenopausal women

    • Weight cycling leads to extra weight gain in the long run

    • Visceral fat is a concern for health, not just appearance

    • Why the scale isn’t the best indicator for health

    • Self-acceptance is important as bodies change with age

    • How diet influences mental health

    • How women metabolize alcohol differently during perimenopause

    • Hormonal changes lead to increased fatigue and sleep issues

    • Hormone replacement therapy can provide relief for some women

    • Eating less and exercising more backfires during perimenopause

    • Morning sunlight can regulate circadian rhythms

    • How social media can contribute to stress and disrupt sleep

    Connect with Leslie:

    https://www.instagram.com/perimenopause_nutritionist/

    Thank you for listening to our show. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a review and FOLLOW the show on Apple and Spotify. It will allow us to continue to bring more episodes your way!

    [email protected] 

    https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast

    https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast

    #PerimenopauseWeightLoss #WomenOver40 #HormonalWeightGain #HealthyAging #PerimenopauseDiet #HRT #MetabolismBoost #VisceralFat #PerimenopauseNutrition #FunctionalMoms


    35 min
  • 115. Best Health Trackers for Women Over 40 (Honest Reviews!)

    Over the past three years, Functional Moms Podcast has interviewed more than 100 women's health experts.


    But sometimes you just need quick, practical advice you can use today.


    Welcome to How Are You Functioning? – Quick Tips That Work, our mini-series designed to help busy women improve their health in just a few minutes.


    In this episode, Kristin and Raquel discuss how wearable fitness trackers, smart scales, and sleep tracking can help women over 40 improve body composition without becoming obsessed with data.


    You'll learn:

    ✅ Which health metrics actually matter

    ✅ Whether fitness trackers are worth buying

    ✅ How to track body fat, muscle mass, and bone health

    ✅ Why sleep tracking may be more important than counting calories

    ✅ How to use health data without becoming overwhelmed


    Whether your goal is weight loss, building muscle, improving energy, or aging well, this episode will help you focus on the numbers that truly matter.


    Here is the link to the CGM coaching group mentioned in this video:

    https://metabolism-mastery.com/


    Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF):

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms

    FULLSCRIPT DISCLAIMER: We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.


    Connect with Functional Moms

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

    TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast

    Subscribe on YouTube:

    https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast


    PODCAST DISCLAIMER:The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing, curing, treating or preventing any disease. We are functional medicine certified health coaches and not licensed medical professionals. The opinions and advice of guests are their own and also not considered to be medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional when making any healthy lifestyle changes.


    #BodyComposition #WomenOver40 #FitnessTracker #HealthTracking #FunctionalMedicine #Perimenopause #Menopause #SleepTracking #WeightLossOver40 #HealthyAging #Wearables #FunctionalMomsPodcast

    15 min
  • 114. How to Tell If You're in Perimenopause: Symptoms, Bloodwork & HRT | Cindy Dupuie

    Are you wondering if you're entering perimenopause or menopause?

    In this episode of Functional Moms Podcast, functional medicine nutritionist Cindy Dupuie explains the hormonal changes women experience during midlife and how to better understand your symptoms.


    We discuss how to recognize the signs of perimenopause, which lab tests are most helpful, the role stress plays in hormone balance, and how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may support bone and cardiovascular health. Cindy also shares practical strategies to help women become confident advocates for their own health.


    In This Episode:

    • How to know if you're in perimenopause

    • Common symptoms and what to expect

    • The connection between stress and menopause timing

    • Important hormone and bloodwork markers

    • Benefits of HRT for long-term health

    • How to advocate for yourself during menopause


    Connect with Cindy Dupuie

     🌐 https://alivingbalance.net/

     📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindy_dupuie/


    Functional Moms Podcast

     📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcast/

     🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast


    Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store, 25 PERCENT OFF top quality brands:

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms⁠

    *DISCLAIMER–We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.


    Podcast Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.


    Keywords:

    Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormone Health, Women's Health, HRT, Functional Medicine, Cindy Dupuie, Bloodwork, Hormone Balance, Menopause Symptoms, Perimenopause Symptoms, Functional Moms Podcast, Healthy Aging, Women's Wellness


    51 min
  • 113. Minerals & Weight Loss: What Most People Don't Know | Caroline Alan

    Do you feel hungry all the time, struggle to stay in a calorie deficit, or constantly battle low energy even when you're eating healthy?


    The missing piece may not be your willpower. It could be mineral depletion.


    In this episode, Caroline Alan, mineral expert, CEO of Beam Minerals, and author of The Mineral Reset, explains how modern diets and depleted soils have left many people deficient in essential minerals that support metabolism, energy, and healthy weight management.


    Discover why mineral balance, not just calories, plays a critical role in reducing cravings, improving energy, and supporting long-term health.


    What You'll Learn:

    • How mineral deficiencies affect hunger and cravings

    • Why modern foods contain fewer minerals than they used to

    • The connection between minerals, metabolism, and weight loss

    • How inflammation impacts energy and fat loss

    • Why taking single minerals may create new imbalances

    • Practical ways to improve mineral absorption

    • How balanced minerals help you feel satisfied and energized


    Order The Mineral Reset Book:

    https://mineralresetbook.com/


    Connect with Caroline Alan:

    Instagram (Beam Minerals): https://www.instagram.com/beamminerals/

    Instagram (Caroline Alan): https://www.instagram.com/carolinealan.official/

    YouTube

    https://www.youtube.com/@beamminerals

    Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/beammineralsofficial/


    Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF)

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms

    Connect with Functional Moms

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

    TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/


    DISCLAIMER

    This content is strictly the opinion of Caroline Alan and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician.


    All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified healthcare professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Caroline Alan, Beam Minerals, nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.


    We do not prescribe supplements or provide personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.


    #MineralDeficiency #WeightLoss #Metabolism #HealthyEating #Nutrition #Minerals #BeamMinerals #CarolineAlan #Energy #Inflammation #WeightLossTips #WomenHealth #Wellness #Functionalmomspodcast #HealthyLifestyle


    39 min
  • 112. Three Hidden Reasons for Blocked Fat Loss after 40 (Mini Episode)

    Can't lose belly fat even though you're eating healthy and exercising?


    In this first "How Are You Functioning?" mini episode, Kristin and Raquel share three of the biggest reasons women struggle with stubborn fat loss after 40.


    Based on insights from over 100 women's health experts featured on Functional Moms Podcast, you'll learn simple, practical strategies to improve your metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and support healthy weight loss.


    If you're short on time but want actionable health tips, this quick episode is for you.


    What You'll Learn:

    • Why insulin resistance blocks fat burning

    • Simple signs you may have insulin resistance

    • How eating habits affect your metabolism

    • Why quality sleep is essential for weight loss

    • Easy ways to improve metabolic health

    • Small lifestyle changes that produce lasting results


      Connect with Functional Moms Podcast

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

      TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionalmomspodcast


      Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF)

      https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms


      Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.


      Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/


      DISCLAIMER

      *This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice or replace the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider. We are not medical experts and simply share what we've learned from our guests and our own experiences.


    8 min
  • 111. How to Lose Fat & Gain Muscle After 40 | Hailey Babcock (Dr. Stacy Sims' Fitness Collaborator!)

    This conversation is for you if you're struggling with weight loss in midlife. Our most popular episode ever featured Dr. Stacy Sims today we're talking to one of her fitness and nutrition collaborators.


    Hailey Babcock is a fitness and nutrition coach whose programs are built in collaboration with Dr. Stacy Sims and Dr. Vonda Wright, two of the leading experts in women's exercise science. In this episode, we cover the most effective ways to lose fat and gain muscle in midlife.


    You'll learn:

    • How Hailey and Dr. Stacy Sims built fitness programs for midlife women looking to lose fat and gain muscle
    • Why you need to lift heavy and how to do it safely
    • What kind of cardio is actually best for fat loss
    • The role of HIIT and SIT training, and why recovery matters just as much as the workout
    • How much muscle you can realistically expect to gain
    • Why stressful seasons of life (divorce, caring for aging parents, stressful teens) are not the time to chase weight loss
    • Why a structured training program beats random YouTube workouts
    • What to focus on if you have zero time to work out (stairs over elevators, walking after meals, more movement throughout your day)
    • The real role of nutrition in fat loss
    • Why strength training is non-negotiable if you're trying to lose weight


    Connect with Hailey Babcock:

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

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

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haileyhappensfitness

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haileyhappensfitness

    Website: https://www.haileyhappensfitness.com/


    Thank you for listening! Please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

    SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/


    Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store  25% OFF top quality brands:

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms


    NOT MEDICAL ADVICE, ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER.

    #WeightLossAfter40 #StrengthTraining #BuildMuscle #BurnFat #WomenOver40 #MenopauseFitness #Perimenopause #FitnessForWomen #HealthyAging #Metabolism #FatLoss #MuscleGain #WorkoutTips #Functionalmomspodcast #HaileyBabcock 



    41 min
  • 110. The Truth About Hormones, Gut Health & Midlife Weight Gain | Dr. Andrea Colon

    Are you eating healthy, exercising, hitting your protein goals and still gaining weight after 40?


    The answer may not be your diet. In this episode, Dr. Andrea Colon explains why hormones, gut health, sleep, and stress all work together to influence metabolism, energy, inflammation, and weight loss.


    Learn why looking beyond estrogen is essential for lasting results and discover practical strategies to optimize your hormones naturally during perimenopause and menopause.


    If you've been frustrated because you're doing "everything right" but still don't feel like yourself, this episode is for you.


    You'll learn:

    • Why women gain weight during perimenopause and menopause

    • Why HRT alone isn't always enough

    • The role of pregnenolone and DHEA in women's health

    • How gut health affects metabolism and fat loss

    • Why constipation may be slowing your weight loss

    • How poor sleep impacts hormones and energy

    • Why strength training is essential for bone health

    • The importance of Vitamin D during midlife

    • How stress influences hormones and metabolism

    Website: https://www.drandreacolon.com/

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


    This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Andrea Colon and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician.


    All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Andrea Colon nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content.


    All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter


    Shop Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store (25% OFF)

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms


    Follow Functional Moms Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.


    Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/


    #Menopause #Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #WeightLossAfter40 #HormoneBalance #GutHealth #HRT #Metabolism #WomensHealth #HealthyAging #MidlifeWellness #Inflammation #VitaminD #FunctionalMedicine #Functionalmomspodcast 


    26 min
  • 109. Why Women Over 40 Gain Weight Even When Doing Everything Right | Dr. Jason Shumard

    You're eating clean, hitting the gym, tracking your protein and the scale still won't move. You're not failing. Your metabolism might be.


    In this episode, Dr. Jason Shumard, a functional medicine practitioner with 20+ years helping women reverse insulin resistance, explains why weight loss resistance is actually a sign of cellular dysfunction, and what to do about it.

    What you'll learn:

    ✅ Why "eating healthy" can still sabotage fat loss after 40

    ✅ The real role of insulin resistance in stubborn belly fat

    ✅ Why your bloodwork looks "normal" but you still feel off

    ✅ How poor sleep is blocking your weight loss not your diet

    ✅ The truth about GLP-1 medications and hidden muscle loss risk


    Dr. Shumard's mission became personal after losing his mother 

    to diabetes complications despite his best efforts to help her.


    Connect with Dr. Jason Shumard:

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjasonshumard

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

    Website: https://drjasonshumard.com/


    FOLLOW Functional Moms Podcast on Apple and Spotify!

    SUBSCRIBE on YouTube:

    https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/

    Shop our Supplement Store  25% OFF top quality brands:

    https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms


    #weightlossafter40 #insulinresistance #functionalmedicine #howtofixmetabolism #HbA1c #diabetes

    53 min
  • 108. Simple Habits to Help You Age Strong after 50 | Jennifer Timmons, MD

    Feeling tired, weak, or like your body just isn't responding the way it used to?

    Menopause isn't a short phase you wait out--it's a turning point that shapes how strong and energized you feel for the rest of your life. In this episode, you'll learn simple, realistic ways to take back your energy, protect your strength, and feel like yourself again.


    Dr. Jennifer Timmons is a physician and the founder of Timmons Wellness, a personalized concierge medical practice. With over 10 years in primary care at UCLA Health, plus advanced training in functional medicine, she helps women age strong and live longer, healthier lives.


    In this episode you'll learn:

    • Why menopause should be treated as a long-term turning point, not just a passing phase

    • How to age strong through perimenopause and menopause

    • Hormone therapy options — including timing and safety

    • Why sleep is the foundation for your energy, health, and how you age

    • How the right support can protect your muscles and joints

    • Why short 10-minute workouts can beat long, occasional ones

    Connect with Dr. Timmons:

    https://timmonswellnessmd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jennifertimmonsmd/

    Please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

    SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/

    Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store — 25% OFF top-quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms


    35 min
  • 107. Why Your Body Won't Burn Fat After 40 (And How to Fix It) | Shana Hussin

    Struggling to lose fat after 40 even though you're eating clean and staying active? The problem may not be your diet at all--it could be that your body never actually switches into fat-burning mode and stays stuck running on sugar all day long.

    In this episode, registered dietitian Shana Hussin returns to Functional Moms Podcast to explain how to retrain your body to burn fat and work with your midlife metabolism instead of against it.

    In our last conversation (Episode 93), Shana broke down how insulin resistance drives belly fat, energy crashes, and cravings  and how it's even been linked to aging-related diseases like dementia and cancer. This time we go deeper into how to actually flip the switch.

    We learn:

    • What is metabolic switching or metabolic flexibility and how it can help or hurt fat loss especially after 40

    • What is the difference between carb burning and fat burning 

    • How ketogenic diets can help especially if you suspect you might be severely insulin resistant 

    • How to improve metabolic flexibility through diet and lifestyle

    • The role of insulin resistance in resistant weight loss

    • How can you tell if you’re “carb intolerant”

    • Using fasting to improve metabolic flexibility

    • How outdoor and indoor light exposure impacts metabolism 

    • Blue light’s impact on metabolic health

    • Why it’s important to stop snacking and stop eating at night if you want to lose weight and heal your metabolism

    Try the Feel Great System:

    https://shanahussinwellness.com/programs-courses/feelgreat/

    Connect with Shana: https://www.instagram.com/shana.hussin.rdn/ https://www.facebook.com/fasttohealnutritiontherapy/ https://shanahussinwellness.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Heal-Achieving-Nutritional-Resistance/dp/B0874JXVP7 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimal-metabolism/id1532328889

    FUNCTIONAL MOMS PODCAST — FIRST EPISODE WITH SHANA:

    https://youtu.be/EpHBytK0R4U?si=6WZY_XQWixZuHLn6

    Please FOLLOW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/

    Shop the Functional Moms Podcast Supplement Store — 25% OFF top-quality brands: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/functional-moms

    Thank you for listening!

    Following the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify helps us bring you more episodes.

    SUBSCRIBE on YouTube:

    https://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast/


    51 min

About Functional Moms Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Are you aging well as a woman over 40? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all things wellness -- losing weight, reducing stress, finding time to exercise, feeding yourself and your family healthy meals -- it goes on and on! Join us as we use lifestyle and functional medicine solutions, so we can age STRONG!

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