The Midlife Mom Edit: Redefining Health & Wellness Over 40

Get ready! We're celebrating a major milestone: the 50th episode of The Family Fork podcast!

To mark the occasion, Ashley gets vulnerable, sharing her personal journey—from healing after an abusive marriage to navigating cancer—to reveal the three most important lessons she's learned about health and life.

Whether you're just beginning or starting over for the tenth time, this episode is a powerful reminder that we all begin somewhere. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with the foundational tools to create the life you know you deserve.

Your Roadmap to a Healthier Life: 3 Foundational Lessons

📍 Food is Your Foundation: Food is the easiest, fastest place to start. Learn why an anti-inflammatory diet and understanding how food makes you feel is the most impactful way to improve your physical and mental health.

📍 Family is Your Co-Pilot: Any health strategy that doesn't work with your family is not sustainable. Discover how to prioritize your health while making it easy and appealing for your family to get on board.

📍 Mindset is Everything: Beyond being positive, learn to identify and rewire the quiet stories you tell yourself that sabotage your progress. Your self-talk is the ultimate key to achieving your goals and building a life of resilience and joy.

You have the strength to begin today, no matter what your past has held. These three lessons will help you get ahead faster!

More Support For You

✅ Take the survey for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card and help shape the future of this podcast! (Hurry! Survey closes 8/17/25)
✅ Download the 7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan that works for you AND your family!

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

You hear it all the time, "reduce inflammation", but do you know WHY it really matters? It's more than just bloating or puffy hands; it’s a silent force that can affect your brain, joints, and overall health.

This week on The Family Fork, Ashley gives you 5 compelling reasons why you need to start reducing inflammation TODAY:

Clearer Thinking: Learn how brain fog, forgetfulness, and dropping words can all be signs of inflammation in your brain.

Pain-Free Movement: Discover how reducing inflammation can ease sore joints, helping you stay active and mobile for years to come.

Easier Weight Loss: Find out why inflammation makes it so hard to lose weight, and how a week of anti-inflammatory eating can lead to surprising results on the scale.

Better Sleep & More Energy: Understand the connection between inflammation, cortisol, and sleep, and how a calmer body leads to more restful nights and energized days.

Prepares You for What Comes Next: Hear Ashley’s personal, powerful story of how her anti-inflammatory lifestyle helped her heal faster from breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for future health challenges.

This episode is a powerful call to action for your long-term health. Don't wait—your future self will thank you!

✅ Download the 7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to start feeling the benefits this week!

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

You hear that you're supposed to eat protein in perimenopause, but you're still confused.

Knowing how much, what kind, and when can be a puzzle

This week, Ashley is breaking down everything you need to know about harnessing the power of protein for more energy, less cravings, and sustainable weight loss (yes, even in midlife!)

Discover why protein is your secret weapon against the challenges of aging, from muscle loss to hormonal fluctuations. Plus, stick around to the end for a special gift to help you put it all into practice!

Midlife Protein is Non-Negotiable: Learn how adequate protein helps build lean muscle (counteracting perimenopause muscle loss!), balances hormones and blood sugar, keeps you fuller for longer, and even aids in faster post-workout recovery.

How Much & What Kind?: Get clear on your daily protein target, and discover the best anti-inflammatory protein sources (while learning to ditch inflammatory protein bars.)

Mastering Protein Timing & Convenience: Find out why aiming for 40 grams of protein by 10 AM can revolutionize your energy and cravings throughout the day. Plus, get practical tips for incorporating protein into all your meals and easy, on-the-go strategies (yes, even cooked chicken in your purse!)

Protein isn't just a trend; it's a foundational nutrient for thriving in midlife. By making smart choices and front-loading your protein, you'll feel stronger, more energized, and gain control over your cravings.

More Support For YOU

✅ Your printable protein toolkit, designed for midlife moms. Grab it here!
✅ The right protein, all day long. This easy plan gets you started today.

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

It feels like you're doing everything to lose weight in perimenopause, but are you sabotaging your efforts without realizing it?

This week, we're cutting through the noise and revealing five common traps that won't help you lose weight, and more importantly, what you can do differently to finally see results!

Ashley shares common pitfalls, from calorie restriction to hidden "quick fixes," and shines a light on why your current approach might be stalling your progress.

Get ready to shift your perspective and discover sustainable strategies that lead to lasting transformation!

Calories In, Calories Out? Discover why severely restricting calories and doing intense cardio can actually make you hold onto weight in perimenopause by increasing inflammation and cortisol. Learn to prioritize nutrient-dense foods, balanced macros, and strategic strength training instead.

Chasing Quick Fixes: Beware of "wolf in sheep's clothing" solutions like certain supplements, detoxes, or even weight loss injections. While some can be supportive, they're not magic bullets. True, sustainable weight loss comes from consistent nutrition and fitness efforts.

Failing to Meal Plan: Without a clear, easy-to-execute meal plan, you're more likely to rely on takeout, derailing your goals. Learn why meal planning (even if you hate cooking!) is crucial for consistency and healthy choices.

Your Fixed Mindset: If you've ever thought, "It's just my hormones, I can't do anything about it," or "I'm too old to lose weight.", this fixed mindset is a major roadblock. Uncover how to change your thoughts, to get lasting results.

Trying to Get "Skinny": While wanting to look good is okay, a sole focus on "being skinny" often isn't enough motivation for long-term habits. Hear how to shift your focus to overall health, vitality, and longevity!

It's time to stop the cycle of frustration! By avoiding these common traps and adopting a flexible, proactive mindset with smart nutrition and movement, you can lose weight and thrive in perimenopause.

More Support For YOU

✅ Healthy, family-meals made EASY (seriously, cooking just 3 nights/week!) Check it out in the Supper Club
✅ Need to go deeper, and really change up your mindset? Let's do it together in The Method.

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

Want to know how to lose 8 lbs in 10 weeks -- right in the middle of perimenopause?!

This week Ashley's pulling back the curtain to share how YOU can start making this kind of progress today.

We're going beyond the typical advice (that doesn't usually work) to uncover powerful shifts that are essential for perimenopause weight loss.

Get ready to ditch what hasn't worked and embrace a fresh, empowering approach!

WAY Less Cardio: Discover why high-intensity cardio might be working against you in perimenopause. Uncover what you can do instead to build muscle, reduce inflammation, and get toned without bulking up. You can do this right from home!

What To Eat: Learn why an anti-inflammatory diet is crucial for balancing hormones and supporting your gut in midlife. PLUS, understand the power of balancing your proteins, carbs, and fats (macros) to fuel your body properly, avoid unnecessary calorie restriction, and see real scale changes.

THIS Trick Changes Everything: Discover how thoughts and feelings determine your outcome. It's not just "woo", this is THE strategy behind lasting transformation.

It's time to stop feeling out of control! You have the power to make significant changes and lose weight, even in perimenopause. This episode offer a new path forward, combining practical strategies with a powerful mindset framework.

More Support For YOU

✅ Ready to get started without an ounce of overwhelm? Start here with the Perimenopause Weight Loss Guide for Moms! Complete with a private podcast to support you every step of the way.

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

Are perimenopause cravings leaving you drained and frustrated? Your solution is right here!

Ashley knows the struggle is real, whether it's that 3 PM slump or the post-dinner sweet tooth. She's sharing powerful nutrition and lifestyle shifts that not only reduce cravings but also leave you feeling lighter, happier, and more energetic.

How to Fuel Up: Discover why eating enough calories is crucial, and how incorporating ample protein, healthy fats, and balanced carbs (especially a savory breakfast!) can stabilize blood sugar and keep hunger at bay. Ashley even shares her favorite breakfast bowl ingredients!

Hydration is Key: Learn why dehydration kicks-up cravings for quick energy (like sugar!), plus a simple method to get you drinking enough water throughout your day.

Beyond the Plate: Lifestyle hacks like stress reduction, prioritizing quality sleep, and strategic movement, can significantly diminish cravings by calming your body's stress response.

Quick Fixes & Gut Health: Get Ashley's favorite instant craving crusher (it's in your bathroom!) and understand how an anti-inflammatory diet supports gut health, which is vital for reducing those intense, unexplainable urges for sugar.

Cravings don't have to control you! By implementing a handful of these simple, yet powerful strategies, you'll gain control over your appetite, boost your energy, and make healthier choices that support your midlife journey.

More Support For YOU

✅ Reduce cravings instantly by eating enough to begin with. Start here!
✅ Add more protein like this, to help crush cravings today
✅ Relieve stress in as little as 5 minutes with Breathwrk

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

Feel like you're always behind with your health goals...especially now that perimenopause is in full swing? You're not alone!

This week, we're diving into how to make anti-inflammatory nutrition a sustainable lifestyle, not just something you try for a few days.

Big transformations always start with small changes, which is why you need to learn how to master the 3 levels of anti-inflammatory nutrition.

This isn't about perfection; it's about progress, understanding, and building lasting habits that work for your busy midlife.

Level 1: Gluten-Free & Sugar Awareness: Start with going gluten-free (which is much easier with today's options!) Begin to notice where added sugars sneak into your diet (like in common condiments!) and understand their impact on inflammation. Small changes here can lead to noticeable improvements in brain clarity, energy, and reduced joint pain.

Level 2: Basics & Balance: Dabble with dairy-free options, and add in low-impact workouts. This level incorporates family meals and learning to set healthier boundaries that support your choices.

Level 3: Anti-Inflammatory Mastery: Where anti-inflammatory eating becomes an effortless lifestyle – consistent, clean eating, prioritized sleep, and mindful movement. The bonus here is using mindset frameworks to stay on track (even with external pressures).

Ready to level up? Dive into this episode today!

More Support For YOU

✅ Healthy, family meals made easy with the Supper Club!
✅ Kick-start Level 1 of your anti-inflammatory diet with this simple guide

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

Ever scroll through social media and feel crushing resentment, seeing everyone else living their "best summer ever" while yours feels... less than ideal? You are not alone!

This week, Ashley gets raw and honest about her own challenging summer, filled with a breast cancer diagnosis, family caregiving, and busy schedules.

❌ This isn't an episode about complaining; it's about validating your feelings and sharing powerful strategies to cope, find joy, and maintain perspective when life throws unexpected curveballs.

If your summer looks different than you imagined – this episode's for you:

Embrace Your Anxiety: Learn to accept anxiety as a normal human emotion, especially when navigating overwhelming life circumstances. Understand that it's okay to feel it, and you're not "wrong" for experiencing it.
Combat Shame with Gratitude: Ditch the comparison trap and the spiral of shame by focusing on one single thing you're grateful for each day. This simple practice can gently shift your perspective and highlight the good.
Create Tiny, Meaningful Moments: Discover how to infuse joy into your everyday life with small, intentional moments that don't require money or huge effort.

This episode is a heartfelt invitation to be kind to yourself, validate your struggles, and find glimmers of happiness even when your summer isn't what you planned. It's about accepting where you are, finding peace in the present, and knowing that this season of your life is temporary.

More support just for YOU

⭐️ Drop Ashley a message here let her know how you're really, truly feeling right now
⭐️ Have MORE time for fun, when you cook these meals for you and your family

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, new symptoms, and the constant juggle of midlife? You are absolutely not alone. This week, we're diving deep into the ONE essential tool you need not just to survive, but to thrive in midlife and beyond.

In this episode I share that while we often seek external solutions like new diets, workouts, or supplements, the true key lies in something much closer to home: managing your thoughts and feelings. Get ready to look "under the hood" of your own brain and discover how to take back control, even when everything feels like too much.

In this episode, we unpack your brain's secret strategy:

📍The Overwhelm Trap: Discover how overwhelm often masks deeper feelings like overthinking, perfectionism, or confusion, and how your brain uses it as a "safety mechanism" to avoid perceived pain or wasted effort.
📍The Cycle of Frustration: Hear clear examples of how thoughts like "nothing I try works" lead to feelings of frustration and overwhelm, resulting in behaviors like quitting or giving up on your goals.
📍Breaking the Pattern: Learn to notice the direct correlation between your thoughts, feelings, and the behaviors you choose. This awareness is your first step to making different choices and getting the results you truly desire.

This episode is a powerful invitation to shift your perspective and embrace the incredible control you have over your midlife journey. It's about getting "your brain right" so all those other tools and strategies can finally work for you!

More support just for YOU

⭐️ Drop me a message and tell me how this episode landed with you, and where you're feeling overwhelmed
⭐️ Share a screenshot, or send me a message on Instagram @theashleymalik
⭐️ Feel less overwhelmed with a meal plan (here) that acutally works for you AND your family 

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram

Summer is the PERFECT time to make small changes, that give you a BIG impact!

This week, dive into a powerful 7-day mini-challenge designed to significantly reduce inflammation in your body.

Get ready to feel more energetic, focused, and truly enjoy all your summer activities without feeling like garbage!

Your 7-Day Anti-Inflammation Challenge:
Nourish & Hydrate for Energy: Start your day with protein and veggies, drink half your body weight in ounces of water, and replace refined sugars - all to reduce inflammation.
Move & Recharge Your Body: Increase your daily step count, and aim for 40 grams of protein by 10 AM to stay fuller and more energized.
Mindset for Success & Gut Health: Commit to removing basic, inflammatory ingredients, and write down your wins every single day to build confidence and lower stress, allowing your body to thrive.

More support just for YOU

⭐️ Cook just 3 nights/week all summer long, with this easy, family-friendly meal plan
⭐️ Need your question answered in a future episode? Send me a note here!

What if the best way to lose weight in midlife was to change the way you THINK? I know it sounds too good to be true, but it works! 

Register here for this free workshop on October 13th at 11 am MT, and learn how to THINK your way to a lower number on the scale! (Replay available, but you have to register!)

Resources & Ways To Connect

⭐️ FREE Guide: Five Easy Steps to Lose 1 lb a Week in Perimenopause
⭐️ 3-minute FREE GLP QUIZ to see if GLP-1s are right for you
⭐️ A 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to get you started the easy way
⭐️ Work with Me inside the Perimenopause Weight Loss Method
⭐️ My FAVORITE library of workout programs (that I use every day!)
⭐️ Connect with me on Instagram