Message in the Middle: Midlife Women, Reinvention & Personal Growth

Today we’re diving into the world of non-diet dietitians. Joining me for this conversation is Amanda Mittman, a Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and Body Image coach. Amanda's expertise lies in supporting individuals with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image issues, and promoting Intuitive Eating practices.

Interview Highlights:

1. Personal Journey:
   • Amanda shares her personal journey with years of disordered eating and an eating disorder that ultimately led her into her work as a dietitian.
2. Non-Diet Approach:
   • What exactly is a Non-Diet Dietitian, and how does it differ from traditional approaches to nutrition?
     • Avoidance of using BMI for nutrition guidance
     • Opposition to prescribing restrictive diets for weight loss
     • Emphasis on a weight-neutral perspective and focusing on holistic health markers
3. Intuitive Eating:
   • What is intuitive Eating?
4. Promoting Healthy Relationships with Food:
   • How we can cultivate healthy relationships with food, in our children, grandchildren, and ourselves.
   • What is disordered eating?
   • What is an eating disorder?
5. Body Image Coaching:
   • What is a body image coach?
   • What are common body image struggles?
   • What is the concept of Body Grief, and how does it manifest?

 You can find all of Amanda's links below. Thanks for tuning in to Message In the Middle. Remember, embracing a positive relationship with food and body is a journey worth taking.

https://www.happyvalleynutrition.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HappyValleyNutrition/
https://www.instagram.com/happyvalleynutrition/

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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Join host Marianne on Message In the Middle as she sits down with the inspiring Yvonne Vincent, author and creator of the "Growing Old Disgracefully" Facebook blog. In this episode, they discuss the journey of rediscovering passions, stepping into the unknown, exercising the "want" muscle, and surrounding yourself with supportive communities. Get ready for a conversation filled with insights, humor, and actionable tips to help you pursue your dreams.

Yvonne shares her journey from starting a Facebook blog, "Growing Old Disgracefully," to becoming a full-time writer. Encouraged by her readers during the Covid lockdown, she wrote her first book, "The Big Blue Jobbie," which unexpectedly soared in popularity. Now, with the "Losers Club murder mystery series" under her belt, Yvonne has transitioned into a completely new, full-time writing career in her early fifties.

In this engaging conversation, Yvonne reflects on the importance of stepping into the unknown despite uncertainty and fear. She shares how starting her blog was the catalyst for reconnecting with her love for writing and emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself.

Join us as we explore the concept of exercising your "want muscle" and learn how to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and fulfillment. Whether you're contemplating a new venture or seeking to reignite your passions, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you navigate the journey with confidence and resilience.

Key Points Covered:

• Rediscovering passions and dreams in midlife
• Starting the "Growing Old Disgracefully" blog: a journey back to writing
• Overcoming uncertainty and fear in pursuing new endeavors
• Remembering your personal value 
• The importance of a supportive community in achieving success
• Exercising your "want muscle" to pursue what brings you joy and fulfillment

Yvonne's Links:

Blog:  Growing Old Disgracefully 
Facebook author page: Yvonne Vincent Author
Amazon:     Amazon Author Page
Website: https://www.yvonnevincent.com

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

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In this special 100th episode, Marianne reflects on her journey and the profound realization that as we navigate our middle years, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, yearning for change and authenticity. We're reevaluating our lives, reconnecting with lost passions, and seeking a path back to our true selves.

Join me as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and embrace the magic of seeing the world through the eyes of a child.  

Do you recall those carefree days of childhood? When the sun always shone bright in our drawings, and our imaginations knew no bounds? We effortlessly blended reality and fantasy, exploring creativity without inhibition or fear of judgment.

Children possess an insatiable curiosity, questioning everything and finding wonder in the world around them. It's a mindset many of us lose as we age, weighed down by life's experiences and societal expectations.

But what if we could reclaim that childlike wonder? What if we could shed the constraints of adulthood and rediscover the joy of living authentically?  By embracing our inner child, we unlock a door to endless possibility, fulfillment, and joy.

So, as we celebrate this milestone and reflect on our journey together, Marianne will challenge you to pursue the passions you once held dear and to be who you really want to be, without fear of failure or judgment. Because if not now, then when?

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here's to the next hundred episodes and beyond.

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

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Today, we’re revisiting the vital topic of women’s health, joined by the esteemed Dr. Susan Baumgaertel.

Dr. Baumgaertel brings over three decades of clinical expertise to the table. In 2020, In 2020, she created a free informational website that married evidence based medical information with holistic and integrative ideas as a means of helping people find physical and emotional support on their journey through menopause. Transitioning from direct care in 2021, she founded myMDadvocate, to provide medical consultation and advocacy services and in 2023 she wrote "The Menopause Menu" a comprehensive guidebook for navigating menopause.

Discussion Highlights:

1. Pivoting into Menopause Care:
   • Dr.  Baumgaertel shares her journey from internal medicine to specializing in menopause care and creating "The Menopause Menu."
2. Challenges in Women’s Healthcare:
   • Marianne and Dr. Baumgaertel talk about why women struggle with accessing appropriate medical care and having the right conversations on women's health topics with their doctors.
3. Understanding Menopause:
   • Debunking the biggest misconceptions surrounding menopause.
   • Insights on holistic supplements for managing menopausal symptoms 
   • Tips/considerations for weight management during menopause.
4. Hormonal Health:
   • The importance (or not) of getting hormone levels checked
   • Exploring the nuances of hormone replacement therapy

Join us next time for more insightful discussions on Message In the Middle and remember to take your own health as seriously as you would your loved one's health, your health matters.

Connect with Dr. Baumgaertel:
https://www.menopausemenu.com
https://www.menopausemenu.com/book/
https://www.mymdadvocate.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBHm0-mX5P2EmR1da3qTaA
https://www.facebook.com/MenopauseMenu/

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

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Today we’re talking with a familiar face, Matty Lansdown, scientist, nutritionist, health coach and podcast host.  Grounded in his background in nutritional epigenetics and hospital research, Matty specializes in weight loss and self-confidence building for busy moms.

In this episode we're diving deep into nutrition, mindset, and developing healthy habits that stick. Here's what we'll cover:

Exploring Sugar and Healthy Habits

• Marianne delves into the topic of sugar and its impact on a healthy lifestyle, seeking Matty's insights on how to approach reducing sugar intake without feeling overwhelmed.
• Matty sheds light on the critical importance of minimizing sugar intake and offers practical tips for making the transition less intimidating.

Sugar Alternatives and Protein-Rich Breakfasts

• The discussion extends to sugar alternatives and the significance of starting the day with a protein-rich meal.
• Matty explains the importance of protein derived from whole food but also shares his opinion and strategy on protein supplements.

Weight Loss Drugs and Emotional Upgrades

• Marianne addresses the trend of weight loss drugs and seeks Matty's perspective, considering his stance on big pharma and scientific research.
• Matty emphasizes the necessity of an emotional upgrade and identity change alongside weight loss for sustainable results.

Silencing Food Chatter and Surprising Discoveries

• Matty shares strategies for managing constant food chatter and discusses the surprises he still encounters in the health and wellness space.

Listen to the 2022 episode with Matty:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1938384/10798296-the-psychology-of-health-transformation-behavior-change-with-matty-lansdown.mp3?download=true

Connect with Matty:
Website: https://mattylansdown.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattylansdow

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

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• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

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Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Katrina McGhee, an expert in career breaks and sabbaticals, author, speaker, and certified master coach with an impressive background, including an MBA. Katrina's journey into this realm was ignited by her own transformative 20-month career break, during which she saved $40,000 in just 18 months, leading her to leave her corporate job to explore the world. As a leading authority, Katrina has developed the Break Blueprint, assisting over 70 clients in rejuvenating their lives through career breaks, whether to travel, start a business, or pivot careers. Her work has been recognized and featured in esteemed publications like Forbes, Smarter Travel, Thrive Global, and Yahoo.

Interview Highlights:

1. Leaping into the Unknown:
   • Katrina and Marianne jump right into a discussion on how to show up and say yes, even when you're scared and uncertain of how to pull off the task at hand.
2. Exploring "Scaredcited" and Dream Borrowing:
   • How does embracing both fear and excitement propel us forward
   • How does borrowing other people’s dreams push us to stretch and inspire our own aspirations?
3. The Power of Career Breaks:
   • Taking a career break can seem intimidating, yet it offers countless benefits.  Katrina shares why it's advantageous and provides insight into planning and executing a career break, even for those who feel it's unattainable? 
   • Katrina and Marianne also explore how the principles of a planning for and choosing a career break can be applied to life in general, regardless of one's ability to take a break.
4. Nomad Life:
   • Living a nomadic lifestyle is often romanticized. Listen to which aspects Katrina loves the most and which are the biggest challenges?
5. Everyone Wants to Belong:
   • Katrina and Marianne touch on the impact of being biracial and what role that played in Katrina's alignment with a nomadic lifestyle? 
6. Words of Wisdom:
   • Finally, Katrina shares what surprises her the most in working with so many people that are looking to be more inspired, engaged, and present in their own lives. 

Connect with Katrina or buy her book: 

• https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/
• https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/45-epic-things-to-do-on-a-career-break
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394197594?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_N9A54SFSRD97SSJV2F73&peakEvent=4&dealEvent=1

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In today's episode Marianne is speaking with Amanda Lewis, a Midwife & Nurse Practitioner, and the Founder of Vivacious Women’s Wellness. Amanda’s journey has been one of transformation, from being burnt out and overworked to prioritizing self-care and stepping into the realm of women’s health service.

In this episode you will hear Marianne and Amanda talk about:

Amanda’s Journey

• Amanda shares her personal transformation story, highlighting her shift from burnout to finding purpose in serving women's health.
• Emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and the challenges she overcame to get where she is today.

Weight Loss 

• Medication
• Daily Habits
• Selfcare

Understanding Hormones

• Discussion on when women should consider getting their hormones checked and the importance of doing so.
• Exploring the challenges women face in getting hormone tests done and practical steps to navigate this process.
• Amanda sheds light on the significance of hormone test results and the potential implications for women’s health.
• Definition and explanation of hormone replacement therapy, along with considerations for determining its suitability for individual cases.

Navigating Perimenopause/Menopause Symptoms

• Strategies for initiating conversations about perimenopause/menopause symptoms and minimizing their impact on daily life.

Sexual Health

• Addressing common issues such as exhaustion, low libido, and slow arousal in the context of sexual health.
• Amanda offers insights into potential solutions and approaches to improve sexual wellness.

Connect with Amanda:
Website - https://www.vivaciousww.com/
Website Resource Page- https://www.vivaciousww.com/resources
Libido Magazine - https://mailchi.mp/b4a5e45c98b6/d51x0c0hiw
https://www.prosayla.com

Books Amanda Mentioned:
Hormone Intelligence - https://a.co/d/8jmaVxp
The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution - https://a.co/d/gvmtDSw

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

A solo episode focused on stepping out of our comfort zones, getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, and the power of pushing through boundaries and embracing the discomfort.

In this episode we'll start out by exploring what our "comfort zone" really is and how we can start embracing the uncomfortable and make it work for us instead of against us?

1.     Acknowledge Your Fear: It's okay to feel scared when you're stepping into uncharted territory. Fear is a natural part of growth, and acknowledging it is the first step towards overcoming it. 

2.     Start Small: You don't have to leap out of your comfort zone in one giant bound. You don’t have to quit your job, move across the country, sell all your belongings and become a permanent nomad, start with baby steps.

3.     Celebrate Your Wins: Every time you push past your comfort zone and try something new, celebrate it as a victory. 

4.     Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the discomfort of growth. It's okay to stumble along the way. 

5.     View New Things Through the Lens of curiosity:  This is an experiment, what can you learn from it?  Were there parts you did like?  Were there signs that can lead you in a different direction or solidify a decision you have been debating?

6.     Find Your Support System: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and cheer you on as you step out of your comfort zone. 

Remember, real growth begins at the end of your comfort zone. Hitting your true potential requires you to push beyond those boundaries.

Listen to Marianne being interviewed (completely outside of her comfort zone) here.
https://www.podcastjunkies.com/marianne-demello-smith-interview/

Connect with Marianne:

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode of Message in the Middle we are talking about an important topic that affects millions of women worldwide: menopause. Joining us is Lisa Boate, a Menopause Consultant, coach, and the host of Transforming 45 podcast. Lisa's dedication to guiding women through the challenges of midlife, particularly during the phases of empty nest and perimenopause/menopause, makes her an invaluable resource in this space.

We start by defining the basics: what exactly is menopause and perimenopause? Lisa provides clarity, setting the stage for our discussion.

Next, we delve into the symptoms. From night sweats to lesser-known symptoms like anxiety and lack of word recall, Lisa sheds light on what women experience during this transitional phase of life.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Lisa shares practical tips for minimizing these symptoms, emphasizing the importance of exercise, stress management, and quality sleep – the four pillars of well-being.

We address the myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy, debunking misconceptions and offering insight into its benefits.

We explore the importance of designing our lifestyles now for our future well-being. Lisa highlights the significance of "backwards engineering" our lives to ensure a fulfilling and healthy last decade.

And let's not forget about the workplace. As the founder of Liberated Menopause, Lisa explains why organizations should care about menopause and how they can create empowering workplaces for women.

Thank you for tuning in to Message in the Middle. Until next time, stay informed and empowered and if you would like to connect with Lisa or Marianne:

Connect with Lisa:

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...

In this episode of Message in the Middle, host Marianne sits down with Dr. Andrew Hill, a renowned expert in psychology, neuroscience, and gerontology. Dr. Hill's journey into the world of brain science began with a pivotal moment in his life, ultimately leading him to become the founder of the Peak Brain Institute and a leading neurofeedback practitioner and biohacking coach.

The conversation delves into the work done at the Peak Brain Institute, where Dr. Hill and his team use real data from clients' brains to create personalized training programs. These programs target various aspects of mental wellness, including stress, sleep, attention, creativity, and athletic performance. Dr. Hill explains the process of "brain mapping" and how it provides valuable insights into individual brain function.

Neuroscience and brain mapping play a crucial role in understanding and reshaping habits. Dr. Hill explores how these tools can aid in breaking old habits and forming new ones, backed by evidence from his extensive work in the field.

The discussion shifts to the impact of sugar on brain health and its correlation with diseases like Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Parkinson's, and arthritis. Dr. Hill sheds light on the research findings, emphasizing the importance of dietary choices in maintaining cognitive well-being.

Wrapping up, Dr. Hill shares some practical tips for improving brain health, touching on biohacking techniques and weight loss strategies such as intermittent fasting, macro tracking, and caloric deficits. Marianne encourages listeners to explore Dr. Hill's work further, with links provided in the show notes.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into understanding the brain, optimizing mental performance, and fostering healthy habits for a better quality of life.

Learn more about Dr. Hill and the Peak Brain Institute's work:
https://peakbraininstitute.com/about-pbi/
https://www.instagram.com/peakbrainla
https://www.youtube.com/@DrHill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4cJpPhdfPYahTIPRng2gYO

Connect with Marianne:

• Website:  Message In The Middle with Marianne
• Message In the Middle Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/422430469323847/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email:  Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

Subscribe to Message In the Middle:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review and share your favorite takeaway. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and bring you even more valuable content.

Keep the conversation going - Join us for more insightful conversations in the Message in the Middle Private Facebook Community & subscribe to Message in the Middle podcas...