If you’ve ever struggled to follow through on a plan you were totally committed to in the moment… this episode is for you.

Whether it’s your eating habits, exercise routine, or just showing up for yourself, real transformation doesn’t come from being perfect—it comes from building the skill of follow-through, especially when life gets “farkakte” (Yiddish for covered in shit).

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why follow-through is so hard—and how to make it feel easier, more sustainable, and even enjoyable.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why habit change starts with interrupting your automatic patterns
✅ The dopamine trap that keeps you stuck in a negative self-image
✅ How to shift from “planning mode” to actually doing the thing
✅ The surprising connection between follow-through and self-trust
✅ What to do when life derails your best-laid plans
✅ Why small wins matter more than perfect plans
✅ How to become the “CEO” of your weight loss journey

This episode isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things consistently in a way that actually feels doable in real life.

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

Today’s podcast is an honest, personal, and  experiential-informed conversation about my experience with crash dieting, chronic stress, perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  I tell you about how and why I chose HRT when I was navigating perimenopause, dealing with burnout, and struggling to lose weight—even while doing “everything right.”  

You’ll walk away from this episode knowing how restrictive dieting affected my body and hormones and how I sought answers and navigated my way through it. My hope is that in sharing my story and what I’ve learned in the process you might yourself become a more empowered to advocate for your health and well being during peri/menopause and beyond.  

**You’ll learn:**  
✅ What HRT is and why it’s so misunderstood  
✅ How menopause impacts metabolism, mood, and weight  
✅ The hidden damage of under-eating and extreme dieting on hormones  
✅ How I used HRT to reverse hot flashes, and extremely disruptive sleep issues  
✅ Why finding the *right* doctor matters—and how to start that conversation  
✅ What the Women’s Health Initiative got wrong—and what that means for you today  
✅ How to track your symptoms and create a personalized plan  

If you are struggling I want you to know that there are options to help you feel better. You deserve to understand your body and what it needs.. I hope this episode be the beginning of a helpful conversation and a beautiful journey for you! 

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

Think bone health is something to worry about later? Think again.

If you’re in your 40s or 50s and starting to notice signs of hormonal shifts, now is the time to take action to protect your bones, your strength, and your future. In this episode,I'm talking to you about menopause, muscle, and the real story behind preventing osteoporosis—without falling for outdated advice.

You’ll walk away from this episode with a framework for understanding what’s happening with your bones as you age into your 50's and beyond. I'm sharing with you what experts in the field are talking about —simple, proven strategies that work to keep your bones strong as you age. 

🎧 Inside, you’ll learn:
✅ Why Gen X women are rethinking menopause and taking their health into their own hands
✅ How hormonal changes really affect your bones—and what actually helps
✅ Why it’s not just about calcium and vitamin D anymore
✅ The truth about strength training, jumping, and building dense, resilient bones
✅ The critical connection between undereating and weaker bones (and how to fix it)
✅ What a DEXA scan is, and how to get one—even if your doctor says wait
✅ The easiest way to start supporting your bones and weight goals—right now

💡 Don’t wait to be diagnosed with osteoporosis before you think about your bone health.
Be proactive. Be strong. Be informed.

✨ You don’t have to slow down after menopause. You just have to get strategic.
This episode will show you how.

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

If you’ve been working out on an empty stomach hoping to burn more fat, this episode will help you understand why that strategy can backfire—especially for women over 40. Today, I’m talking about the power of fueling your workouts to support fat loss and boost energy, muscle growth, and hormone balance.

You’ll learn what happens in your body when you exercise without fuel, how cortisol plays a role in stress and metabolism, and how simple pre- and post-workout nutrition can change everything from cravings to recovery.

**What You’ll Learn in This Episode:**  
- Why fasted workouts often do more harm than good for women  
- How to eat before and after exercise to support fat loss and muscle retention  
- The link between cortisol, stress, and metabolism—and how proper food timing helps  
- A simple strategy to help you fuel in a way that feels good and sustainable  

**This Week’s Coach Homework:**  
Try adding a small pre-workout snack with carbohydrate and protein (100–250 calories), and follow your workout with a protein-rich (30 grams or more) meal. Track how your energy, performance, and fat loss responds over the next few weeks.

**Resources Mentioned:**  
- *ROAR* by Dr. Stacy Sims  
- *Next Level* by Dr. Stacy Sims  
- Research by Dr. Abby Smith Ryan  

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

❌ Tired of starting over every Monday?
❌ Feel like you “know what to do” but just can’t stay consistent?
❌ Wish there was an easy way to stay on track without overcomplicating everything?

You’re not alone—and that’s exactly why I created The Follow-Through Planner.

In this episode, I’ll show you how this simple, structured, and affordable digital planner makes weight loss feel automatic—so you can finally break free from the cycle of stopping and starting.

🎧 Listen now to find out:
✅ The #1 reason most weight loss plans fail—and why this one simple system changes everything
✅ How to plan or just log meals, workouts, and habits without wasting mental energy
✅ Why paper planners often work against you (and what makes digital planning a game-changer)
✅Exactly how the Follow Through Planner helps you stay on track even on your busiest days—without wasting time 

🚨 Limited-Time Offer!

I’m giving 15% off the Follow-Through Planner—BUT there’s a catch…

👉 The discount is ONLY available to my email subscribers! Sign up now at HBeardsley.com/ftp

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

Welcome to Episode 74! Today, I’ll guide you through reviewing your winter season and setting actionable goals for Spring 2025 and Q2. We’ll assess your progress—from body composition and sleep quality to food habits and movement routines—so you can apply key insights moving forward.

Grab your journal or digital notes as we reflect on the past 12 weeks. By revisiting your data, you’ll uncover valuable patterns that shape your next steps.

Next, we’ll turn those learnings into habit-based goals for weight management—whether it’s fat loss, muscle maintenance, or mindful eating. I’ll help you create simple, measurable action steps, like tracking overeating or practicing mindful dinners. Plus, I’m launching a new digital planner this summer to streamline habit tracking and goal setting!

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, data-driven roadmap to embrace spring with renewed focus. Let’s shift from an all-or-nothing mindset to one of curiosity and growth. Connect with me on Instagram (@ThriveInMidlife) to share your progress—this season can be a turning point in your journey!

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

I’m excited to share some game-changing insights into how feeling stressed and the stress hormone cortisol can make or break your weight loss efforts—especially when it comes to stubborn belly fat during perimenopause and menopause. 

In this episode, I’ll explain why your body needs cortisol to function but how chronic stress pushes it into overdrive, directing your body to store excess blood sugar as fat and wreaking havoc on everything from your sleep to your energy levels. You’ll learn to recognize how your daily stressors—like meetings, deadlines, or the “lion-chase” feeling you get under pressure—contribute to elevated cortisol and sometimes increased visceral fat.

We’ll dive into why it’s crucial to keep tabs on your stress responses, using simple tools like the Oura Ring for biometric insights. You’ll see how everyday choices about food—like leaning on processed sugar—can compound stress responses and make it harder for your body to manage blood sugar. 

Next, I’ll walk you through practical tips to break the chronic stress cycle and support your weight goals. By the end of this podcast, you’ll understand exactly how to manage your stress triggers, positvely influence your body’s hormonal responses, and keep your health on track—even when life is chaotic.

Your Coach homework this week is to track your processed sugar intake for one week, then swap at least one sugary item with a whole-food alternative in the week that follows. I can’t wait to hear your progress, so be sure to connect with me on social media to share your wins and challenges. This week, we're tackling stress head-on so you can keep making progress with your goals. 

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to create movement habits that stick—no matter how busy or unpredictable life gets. If you’ve struggled to stay consistent with exercise, this episode will show you how to overcome common obstacles and develop routines that align with your lifestyle and long-term health goals. You’ll walk away with practical, research-backed strategies to make movement an enjoyable and unbreakable part of your daily life.

What You’ll Learn Today:

• Why movement habits are hard to maintain and how to overcome the challenges.
• How habit loops and your environment can support consistency.
• Simple, effective strategies to build movement routines that feel natural and rewarding.

We’ll explore the reasons movement habits often break down, like all-or-nothing thinking, relying on motivation, or starting with too much too fast. Then, I’ll introduce you to tools like BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits method and the science of habit loops to help you build lasting routines.

You’ll also learn how to use environment design to make movement easier and more accessible. For example, placing your workout gear in plain sight or using apps to remind and reward you. We’ll discuss the importance of choosing activities you love—whether that’s dancing, walking, or gardening—and pairing them with existing habits to make them stick.

Coach Homework:

1. Identify a small, achievable movement goal for the week (e.g., 5 minutes of walking, stretching, or yoga).
2. Pair your new habit with an existing routine, like brushing your teeth or enjoying your morning coffee.
3. Celebrate your success each time you complete your goal by marking it on a calendar or simply acknowledging, “Great job!”

Remember, consistency beats intensity every time. The goal is to create movement habits that fit your life, feel enjoyable, and are easy to maintain over the long haul.

Connect With Me:
I’d love to hear your movement goals and celebrate your wins! Share them with me on Instagram at @thriveinmidlife. Let’s move toward a healthier, happier you—together!

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by food planning or overwhelmed by the pressure to stick to your meal plans, this episode is for you. Today, we’re diving into why food planning might not be the best strategy for your long-term success and how to replace it with a more intuitive, sustainable approach. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to make confident food choices in the moment, build trust with your body, and find freedom in your eating habits.

We’ll start by exploring the signs that food planning is no longer serving you. Are you eating just because it’s “on the plan,” even when you’re not hungry? Or maybe the thought of planning leaves you anxious or guilty because you’re tired of trying to follow rigid rules. When food planning becomes restrictive, it disconnects you from your body’s natural cues and prevents you from learning how your eating habits affect your energy, hunger, and results. I’ll guide you through the transition to food logging, a flexible tool that builds awareness without the rigidity of planning.

You’ll learn practical strategies like using a two-column food log—one for what you expect to eat and one for what you actually ate—or letting go of expectations altogether and simply observing your habits. We’ll talk about planning for types of food rather than specific meals, how to set intentional “overeats” in advance, and why reflecting on your weekly patterns is the key to making lasting changes. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how to use food awareness tools to create sustainable weight loss, not as a compliance tool that forces you into perfection.

Coach Homework:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with food planning—does it empower you or restrict you?
2. If it feels restrictive, commit to food logging for the next week instead. Decide which days you’ll try it and track your experiences.
3. Mark your calendar for a review session at the end of the week to see how food logging works for you.

It’s time to step away from rigid plans and into a new way of eating that feels aligned, flexible, and supportive of your goals. Listen now and start creating the freedom and trust you deserve in your relationship with food!

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.

Are you struggling to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle despite doing all the right things? In this episode, we dive into an often-overlooked factor that could be holding you back: sleep. Drawing on insights from Dr. Casey Means’ book Good Energy, I unpack the science of how your sleep impacts your hormones, metabolism, and even your hunger cues. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why quality sleep is a cornerstone of your weight regulation and health in general and how to optimize it. 

You’ll learn why poor sleep sends your body into oxidative stress and disrupts your microbiome, leading to inflammation, insulin resistance, and even weight gain. We’ll explore the powerful role of circadian rhythms in regulating your metabolism and how exposing your eyes to natural light in the morning can reset your internal clock. I’ll also break down how sleep deprivation alters hunger hormones, driving you to overeat, and explain why aligning your meal timing with your body’s natural rhythms can improve your health and energy levels.

I’ll share actionable, research-backed strategies to help you optimize your sleep, from simple changes like blocking blue light and setting a consistent bedtime to more advanced tools like wearable trackers for monitoring your sleep quality. Your homework? Choose at least three of these strategies to try over the next two weeks. Whether it’s spending five minutes outdoors every morning, dimming lights in the evening, or moving your meals earlier in the day, these small changes can add up to big results for your health and weight.

This episode will empower you to take control of your sleep and, in turn, your health. By the end, you’ll know how to build better habits around rest and recovery and feel inspired to prioritize sleep as a key part of your weight-loss journey. Tune in and get ready to transform your nights—and your life.

Homework:

1. Choose three sleep strategies to implement over the next two weeks.
2. Track your sleep duration, REM, and deep sleep using a wearable device.
3. Experiment with meal timing and light exposure to support your circadian rhythm.

Support the show

🎁 Become a VIP Subscriber at HBeardsley.com/subscribe
Get two free gifts, subscriber-only tips, and an exclusive VIP discount on my digital Follow-Through Planner.

🛠️ This planner is the perfect tool to help you reach your weight goals & build the habits —and your future self—will thank you for.
Check it out here: HBeardsley.com/planner

📲 Connect with me on Instagram @ThriveInMidlife and join the conversation under this Episode's reel.

Audio engineering by Young Cub Audio.