In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Molly Zemek. Molly is a professionally-trained chef, certified sommelier, and author of the new book "Decoding Your Emotional Appetite: A Food-Lover's Guide to Weight Loss." She hosts the internationally-ranked podcast "Weight Loss for Food Lovers" where she empowers food and wine lovers to feel and look their best without sacrificing the things they love. In her private coaching practice she empowers people to create mindful eating and drinking habits so they can achieve their goals inside and out.

Find Molly: 

https://www.instagram.com/mollyzemek/

https://www.facebook.com/mollyzemekcoaching

 

 

Let’s just say it: navigating birth control options without wanting to be on birth control can feel... confusing at best and isolating at worst.

You’re not alone if you've ever thought: "I’m not ready for a baby, but I don’t want to be on the pill. What do I even do?"

I feel the same way — from being put on the pill at 15, to learning the hard way that my unique uterus couldn't handle an IUD (yes, in the stirrups, mid-appointment 😳), to eventually making the decision for my husband to get a vasectomy.

But here’s the real kicker:

No one ever really taught me (or us) how to listen to my body.

So if you're in that weird space of:

• not ready for kids

• wanting hormone balance

• and not feeling aligned with hormonal birth control...

...this is your gentle nudge that there are other ways.

Here are some natural options:

• Barrier methods (yes, they still exist — and they're legit)

• Natural family planning (aka, syncing up with your body’s rhythm)

• Tracking ovulation with more than just a guess

• And most importantly... learning your body’s cycle like a superpower 🦸‍♀️

Because when you work with your body instead of silencing it, magic happens. ✨

And if you’re sitting there thinking, “Okay, cool... but how do I even start?” — I got you.

I’ve got a 6 month hormone transformation program — from meal guides, supplements, cycle syncing and individual guidance — all the things that should’ve been taught to us at an earlier age. 

Because you deserve to feel confident in your choices. Supported in your body. Empowered in your decisions.

Ready to take transform your hormones, energy and health? Join the waitlist for the 6 Month Female Hormone Solution here: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/

 

I need to tell you something you might not hear enough: Postpartum is about YOU just as much as it’s about your baby. And yet, we live in a culture that’s more focused on swaddles and sleep schedules than the well-being of the person who just created a whole human.

I recently sat down with Maranda Bower from Postpartum University, and let me tell you—she dropped some serious truth bombs about what’s missing in postpartum care and how we can change the game. Maranda’s journey started when she had her first baby and realized she was completely unprepared for what came next. She is an expert in child development, a science-loving go-getter who thought she had everything figured out… until postpartum knocked her flat.

Sound familiar? Maybe you felt that overwhelming exhaustion, the anxiety, the body that didn’t quite feel like your own anymore. Maybe you were told, “Oh, that’s just mom life. Welcome to the club.” But Maranda’s work proves something powerful: Postpartum struggles aren’t just something to tough out—they’re signs that your body needs nourishment, care, and support.

The Truth About Postpartum That No One Talks About

👉 Science is just catching up to what women have always known: postpartum recovery takes longer than six weeks, and it affects everything from your hormones to your nervous system to your gut health.

👉 There are more studies on postpartum cows than postpartum women (yep, you read that right). Why? Because dairy sales matter more than maternal health. Let’s change that.

👉 Your postpartum experience literally shapes your baby’s brain. Research shows that a mother’s health has a profound impact on childhood development, yet the support for moms? Almost nonexistent.

And don’t even get me started on the whole “bounce back” culture. If you’ve been complimented on your weight loss while secretly feeling like a hollowed-out shell of yourself, you’re not alone. Maranda and I talked about how real postpartum recovery is about nourishment, rest, and support—not about how fast you can fit into your pre-baby jeans.

So What Can We Do?

✨ Shift the focus: Prioritize your recovery just as much as your baby’s needs. You both deserve it.

✨ Seek real postpartum support: Functional nutrition, hormone balancing, nervous system care—these aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities.

✨ Ditch the shame: You’re not “just tired” or “being dramatic.” If something feels off, trust yourself. Your body is speaking to you.

Maranda’s work at Postpartum University is all about giving moms and professionals the tools to make postpartum a time of healing, not just survival. If you’re in the thick of it (or know someone who is), consider this your permission slip to take your postpartum care seriously.

You are not alone, and you deserve to feel whole again.

Find Maranda: 

Website: https://postpartumu.com/

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

Free Postpartum Nutrition Toolkit for Providers: https://postpartumu.com/handouts

Postpartum Nutrition Certification: https://postpartumu.com/certification

 

Let’s talk about something we’ve all either said or screamed at some point: Why is my period SO painful?! 

I wish I could tell you it’s just one thing. That there’s one sneaky culprit behind those cramps from hell, and if we fix that, BOOM—pain-free periods forever. But the truth? It’s not that simple 

Painful periods are often tied to one big bad player: inflammation. Think of inflammation like throwing gas on an already raging fire. If your gut, bladder, or reproductive organs are inflamed, your period pain is likely going to be worse. If going to the bathroom during your period makes you want to cry? That’s a sign there’s inflammation in play.

But where does inflammation come from? Here are some common culprits:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Estrogen dominance can contribute to conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS—all of which can crank up period pain.

• Stress: And here’s the kicker—stress doesn’t just make you feel frazzled, it actually fuels inflammation! When you’re in pain, your cortisol (aka your stress hormone) spikes, and that keeps the pain cycle going. It’s like your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode… during your period. 

• Gut Health Issues: If your gut is inflamed, your whole system is inflamed. And since your digestive system is right next to your reproductive organs, gut issues can make cramps even worse.

The good news? You can work with your body instead of against it. Here are a few things that actually help:

1. Reduce Inflammation

   • Dry brushing (it helps your lymphatic system flush out inflammation!)

   • Staying hydrated (simple, but so effective)

   • Acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage

2. Support Your Stress Response

   • Adaptogens like ashwagandha and maca can help bring down that amped-up cortisol response.

   • Deep breathing, meditation, and vagus nerve exercises (yep, your nervous system plays a role here!)

3. Balance Your Hormones

   • Get your estrogen levels checked (a DUTCH test can give you a deep dive!)

   • Avoid endocrine disruptors in skincare, makeup, and household products

   • Cycle-sync your nutrition and exercise

Your body is not working against you—it's just trying to tell you something. Painful periods aren’t just random bad luck. I've formulated tinctures for cycle balance, stress relief, sleep and more, so if you are struggling check them out here: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/

 

In this episode, I had the opportunity to interview Erica Rooney—chief people officer, executive coach, and now, author of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors: Shattering Limiting Beliefs and Toxic Behaviors to Uncover Infinite Possibilities. And let me tell you, this chat was a must-hear for any woman who has ever felt stuck, doubted herself, or hesitated to take a big leap (yep, that’s all of us!).

Erica gets it. She’s been there. She climbed the corporate ladder, got to the top, and thought… “Wait, this is it?” She realized that women in the workplace weren’t just battling glass ceilings—they were also stuck on sticky floors like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout. Sound familiar?

One of the wildest stats she shared? Women will look at a job posting and if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, they won’t even apply. Meanwhile, men apply if they check off just 60%. (Cue the facepalm.)

So what’s the fix? Erica’s SNAP framework is a game-changer:

✅ Stop and take note – What is your body telling you? Sweaty palms? Racing heart? Pay attention.

✅ Name it – Call out the limiting belief. Imposter syndrome? Fear of failure? Own it.

✅ Ask and answer – Is this belief actually true? What’s the worst-case scenario, and can you handle it? (Hint: You can.)

✅ Pivot – Reframe your thinking. Instead of “I have to do this,” try “I get to do this.”

The best part? This framework isn’t just for the boardroom. It applies to every aspect of life—career moves, relationships, big life transitions. Because as Erica says, new level, new devil. The fears don’t disappear—you just get better at overcoming them.

This is just the surface of our conversation on overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and other limiting beliefs that act as 'sticky floors,' preventing women from reaching their full potential.

Find Erica: 

Author of Glass Ceilings & Sticky Floors  Host of the Glass Ceilings & Sticky Floor Podcast  Follow me on LinkedIn! Follow me on Instagram! 

 

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by PMS. 🙋‍♀️ The mood swings, the bloating, the "why am I crying over a dog food commercial?" moments—it’s a monthly rollercoaster, and not the fun kind.

But what if I told you that you don’t have to just suffer through it? That your PMS isn’t just bad luck but actually something you can fix with a few simple daily shifts? Yep, it's true, and here are some game-changing tools that you can start using today.

Step 1: Remove the Firestarter 🔥

We all love a sweet treat now and then, but excess sugar (yes, even those sneaky hidden sugars in your “healthy” snacks) can throw your hormones into chaos, making PMS symptoms even worse. The best thing you can do? Cut back on sugar, especially in the week leading up to your period. Think of it as taking the gasoline away from the fire instead of just watching the flames get bigger.

Step 2: Fuel Your Body Right 🍳

Protein is your BFF when it comes to hormone balance. Aim for at least 20 grams of protein per meal (I love eggs + cottage cheese + sautéed spinach for a powerhouse breakfast). Plus, load up on greens—think asparagus, green beans, or kale—to give your body the minerals it needs to keep your cycle running smoothly.

Step 3: Work With Your Cycle, Not Against It 🌙

Your hormones ebb and flow throughout the month, which means your support should, too! I’m a big believer in seed cycling—alternating pumpkin and flax seeds in the first half of your cycle and switching to sesame and sunflower seeds in the second half. I also love herbal tinctures (like Vitex and red raspberry leaf) to naturally support estrogen and progesterone balance. These small shifts can help ease PMS symptoms before they start, so you're not caught off guard every month.

Step 4: Take Charge of Your Cycle 🚀

Instead of just dealing with PMS, what if you took control of your hormonal health? Whether that means trying out these daily shifts, looking into DUTCH testing, or finding the right supplement routine, YOU have the power to change how you feel every month. Your cycle shouldn’t control you—you should be in the driver’s seat.

A great place to start - my herbal tinctures!! I’ve got blends for cycle balance, metabolism, stress, detox and more. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/

 

Have you ever found yourself reaching for a new supplement because it should help your estrogen, your sleep, or your energy—only to feel exactly the same… or worse?

I get it. The wellness world is overwhelming. You want to feel better, but where do you even start?

Here’s the thing: Your body is not a one-size-fits-all equation. That’s why testing—not guessing—is the key to finally understanding what’s actually going on beneath the surface.

Enter: The DUTCH Test.

This at-home urine test is like getting a personal roadmap to your hormones. Instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall with supplements and hoping for the best, the DUTCH test shows you exactly where your imbalances are, what’s driving your symptoms, and how to fix them with a targeted approach.

Let me share a quick story. A client of mine—a total rockstar athlete—came to me exhausted. She’d tried everything: cleaner eating, more sleep, different workouts. Nothing worked.

She thought her stress was too high. But when we ran a DUTCH test? Her stress hormones were actually too low. She wasn’t just stressed—she was burnt out. And all the stress-reducing techniques she was using? They were actually making things worse.

Moral of the story? Without testing, it’s easy to go in the completely wrong direction.

Hormones control everything—your energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, skin, digestion… So why are we still throwing darts in the dark when we could be using science-backed, personalized data to get real answers?

If you’ve been struggling and feeling stuck, here’s your sign: It’s time to stop guessing and start testing.

DUTCH Test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

Have you ever walked out of the doctor’s office, blood test results in hand, only to hear those dreaded words: “Everything looks normal!”

Meanwhile, you’re exhausted, your hormones are all over the place, your energy is in the basement, and you just know something is off. So now what? Just accept that feeling like a tired, cranky version of yourself is the new normal? Nope, not today.

Let me introduce you to a new approach to your health: the DUTCH test.

Unlike a standard blood test (which takes a quick snapshot of your hormone levels at one moment in time), the DUTCH test is a urine test that shows you the full story of what’s happening in your body over a 24-hour period. It looks at:

✅ Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and adrenal markers ✅ Free vs. bound hormones (hello, actual usable hormones!) ✅ Cortisol patterns (because stress and energy matter) ✅ Nutrient metabolites like B12, B6, and glutathione ✅ Even neurotransmitters like dopamine and melatonin!

Basically, it's like the full diagnostic workup for your body instead of a quick glance under the hood.

Imagine going for a bike ride. A blood test is like checking to see if the bike technically has two wheels. A DUTCH test? It’s making sure the tires are fully inflated, the chain is running smoothly, and the brakes actually work—so you don’t just move, you thrive.

And here’s the kicker: if you were to order all these tests separately, you’d be looking at over $1,200 (ouch!). But a DUTCH test bundles them together for a fraction of the cost. More info, fewer headaches, and actual insights that can help you feel like you again.

So if you’re tired of feeling off and getting zero answers, it might be time to take a deeper dive. Ready to get to the root of your hormone health? Order your DUTCH test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

 

If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I love hormone testing. I’m talking about the DUTCH test - dried urine test that gives us a deep, behind-the-scenes look at what’s really going on with your hormones.

And let me tell you, after looking at hundreds of DUTCH test results, there are three big things I see again and again—things that could be the missing puzzle piece to why you’re feeling off. So let’s get into it!

1. 🚨 Stress is Running the Show (a.k.a. Cortisol Chaos)

Let’s get real: when was the last time you weren’t stressed? If you’re anything like the women I work with, your stress levels have been through the roof for years. Maybe you went through a tough divorce, had a high-pressure job, or just navigated the circus act of balancing work, family, and life (hello, cortisol rollercoaster!).

Your body doesn’t just forget stress. Even if life is good now, your nervous system might still be stuck in “fight or flight” mode. And when your cortisol is constantly high (or completely tanked from years of overdrive), you’ll feel it—fatigue, anxiety, gut issues, stubborn weight gain, the whole shebang.

💡 The fix? We can’t guess where your cortisol is—we have to test it. Then, we tailor the right strategy (because high cortisol and low cortisol need completely different approaches!).

2. 🚨 Estrogen is Stuck in a Traffic Jam

Maybe you’ve been told your estrogen levels are “normal,” but your periods say otherwise. Heavy bleeding, clots, painful ovulation, mood swings? Yeah, that’s not fine.

Here’s the deal: estrogen isn’t just about how much you have—it’s about how your body is processing it. DUTCH testing shows us whether estrogen is getting stuck in phase one, struggling in phase two, or just plain refusing to leave your system.

And the crazy part? You won’t see these imbalances on a standard blood test. That’s why so many women get dismissed when they know something’s off.

💡 The fix? Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways (like your liver and gut) and, if needed, using targeted herbs or nutrients to get estrogen moving the right way.

3. 🚨 Low Dopamine = No Motivation (and Zero Joy)

I have to admit something: when I saw my own DUTCH test results, my dopamine levels were in the toilet. And I didn’t even realize it—until I started fixing it.

Low dopamine doesn’t just mean feeling “a little off.” It’s waking up and dreading the day, losing interest in things you used to love, and craving constant stimulation (hello, endless Instagram scrolling). It’s looking at a Halloween store vampire coffin and thinking, Wow, that looks cozy (true story—red flag, right?).

💡 The fix? Dopamine isn’t just about supplements—it’s about lifestyle. More movement, more joy, more creativity, more connection. And sometimes, targeted nutrients to give your brain the extra push it needs.

If you’re struggling with fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or just feeling off, it’s time to stop guessing. A DUTCH test gives you real answers, so you can take real action.

So tell me—do any of these red flags sound familiar? And if you’re ready to finally get to the root of your hormone struggles, let’s test your hormones: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

 

Ever feel like stress is just... part of life? Like no matter how much deep breathing you do, your to-do list laughs in your face?

Here’s the deal: You don’t just need less stress—you need a bigger bucket to hold it.

I just had a game-changing conversation with Dr. Jenny (one of our fantastic docs on the team!) about increasing your capacity for stress. Because let’s be real: some stressors aren’t going anywhere. The job you can’t leave yet. The special needs child you love fiercely. The ongoing life changes. The answer isn’t just “reduce stress.” It’s learning how to handle it better.

Imagine your stress capacity as a glass of water. If it’s already full to the brim, one more drop sends it overflowing. But what if you could make the glass bigger? That’s the goal.

Here’s how you start expanding your stress bucket:

✅ Know your cortisol levels. High and low cortisol can feel the same—exhaustion, brain fog, and overwhelm. Testing (like the DUTCH test) helps you treat the actual issue, not just guess.

✅ Support your adrenals. Your body is working hard. Give it what it needs—nutrients, sleep, and the right adaptogens (because the wrong ones can make things worse!).

✅ Make it a lifestyle. This isn’t a quick fix. Women who truly feel better see changes over 3-6 months, sometimes even a year. But the results? Worth it.

Here’s what I love: When you understand your body, you stop fighting it. You learn to work with it, build resilience, and feel more you again.

Sometimes, the way forward isn’t something you figure out on your own. Whether it’s working with a practitioner, trying acupuncture, seeing a chiropractor, or just reaching out to a friend who gets it—getting support isn’t a weakness, it’s wisdom. You don’t have to do this alone.

Here’s what’s amazing: when you start taking care of yourself, the world around you shifts, too. You feel more like yourself again. You have more patience. More energy. More capacity to show up for the people you love. It’s not just about stress—it’s about reclaiming your vibrancy.

If you are ready to increase your capacity for stress and FEEL better, get started with a hormone test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/