Ever feel like your hunger is running the show instead of the other way around? You’re not alone—and today, we’re taking back the reins with a little help from a secret weapon I like to call the Hunger Scale.

We are kicking off the Hunger Scale Handbook Series--a 7 week deep dive into the nitty gritty of the #1 tool for sustainable weight loss: The Hunger Scale

Today's episode is Episode #1

Here’s what we’re digging into:

We learn a simple scale -- from "weak and ravenous" at -5 to "Thanksgiving-level stuffed" at +5. Our goldilocks zone? Eating at hungry (-2) and stopping at satisfied, not full (+2).

We talk about what really happens when we let ourselves get too hungry (brain goes offline, and suddenly we’re devouring whatever’s in arm's reach), and why stopping when we’re “just satisfied” (not full) is where the magic happens.

In a world that can make us feel betrayed by our bodies, learning to check in kindly and consistently is a radical act of self-trust. Plus—it’s the best primer for understanding emotional eating down the line.

Here’s the best part: as we practice, checking in with our hunger becomes second nature. Every little success builds confidence, trust, and a sense of ease with food we never thought possible. Our bodies can be trusted, and we can make peace with eating.

Feeling a little spark of hope? Let’s stoke that fire!

Grab your favorite headphones and listen to this first episode of the Hunger Scale Handbook Series from the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast—you’ll find all the encouragement and science-backed tools you need to make weight loss for fertility simple, sane, and genuinely doable. 

Links:

Ep 2: Hunger Scale

https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2147828528

Ep 69: Hunger Scale Spotlight: +2

https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148563099

Ep 70: Hunger Scale Spotlight: -2

https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148565944

Ep 47: Hunger Scale Spotlight - The Extremes -5 & +5

 https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148186849

Ep 34: Hunger Scale Spotlight: +3 (full)

 https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2147978496

Ep 122: Hunger Scale Spotlight: -4

https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148995257

Ep 21: Hunger Scale Spotlight: -1 (handling discomfort)

 https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2147911958

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

Are you currently in one of the dreaded long — hard — waiting periods that comes with fertility struggles? 

Maybe you’re about to start the two-week wait….OR you’re waiting on test results…or even just feeling all the emotions that come with this journey.

These times can be nerve wracking, and emotional and that’s exactly why I want to help you through them without turning to food for comfort. 

SO — instead, we are going to dive into what I call → PROACTIVE COMFORT

Tune in to this episode of Weight Loss for Fertility Podcast and learn how you can plan ahead for those tough moments, so you don’t find yourself turning to food and eating everything in sight to just cope.

Sending you so much love and comfort, especially if you’re in a challenging moment right now. You’ve got this, and I’ll see you next week!

Links:

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

This week on the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast, you're getting a fresh episode and some important real talk about food choices—a topic I don’t often cover.

We're talking whole foods vs. processed foods vs. ultra-processed foods.

You already know that whole foods (think fruits, veggies, foods that look like they do in nature) are good for you. They’re nutrient-packed, great for your gut flora and keeping inflammation at bay.

But—life isn’t all or nothing, and “all kale, all the time” is not realistic for most of us. So along with encouragement to choose whole foods, comes a big dose of grace.

First the definitions:

Whole Foods:These are foods in their natural state—unprocessed and full of fiber and nutrients. Think apples, beans, whole grains, fish, etc.

Processed Foods:Anything changed from its original form (chopped, cooked, frozen, roasted, etc.). Minimally processed is totally fine and can make healthy eating easier.

Ultra-Processed Foods:Long ingredient lists, lots of additives, not ingredients you’d find in a home kitchen (think soda, candy, hot dogs, many packaged snacks). These are highly palatable, energy dense, provoke inflammation, and make it easier to overeat.

Next: What Matters for Fertility and Weight Loss

Listen in now for how to tips and a few confirmations that you know a lot already 😉

You've got this (and I'm always here to help) ❤️ 

Links:

Ep 19: Your Questions - What Should I Eat? https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2147904630

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

Have you ever felt totally stuck with your weight loss—and wondered if that stubborn plateau means something’s gone wrong? Time to turn that frown upside down.

Plateaus get such a bad rap in weight loss, but in my world, they’re actually a sign of phenomenal progress!

In this week's episode of the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast learn how to can give your plateau a little wink and see it for the gift it truly is:

When your weight holds steady—especially when life is full of travel, work trips, or even surviving PMS—give yourself credit! You’ve proven you can maintain that hard-earned weight loss, which is exactly what you’ll want for lasting change.

Don’t let two or three funky scale readings fool you: a real plateau only starts after at least four weeks at the same weight. Water retention, salty meals, your cycle? All normal, all temporary. You’ve got to give your body time to show you real data.

A plateau means your body has settled into a groove—now you’re ready for something new. By fine-tuning your “hunger scale” (my secret saucy tool), and getting curious about those last few bites you leave, you unlock the next stage of sustainable weight loss. Listen to your body, trust yourself, and swoosh—off you go!

Each plateau is the universe’s reminder that you’re not starting over—you’re moving forward, learning, and getting ready for your next leap. All without shame, guilt, or beat-downs required. Only gentle curiosity and powerful self-trust.

So celebrate your “stuck” moments—they’re the stepping stones to the weight loss you deserve.

And as always, if you need a loving nudge or a wise word, I’m just a DM away.

Links:

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

We’ve all had that moment—we swear up and down a new healthy habit is here to stay…until it quietly sneaks out the back door when life gets busy or schedules change.

This week on the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast, it's the third installment of a real-life habit-change journey, and it’s oh-so-relatable—two years after making a simple (but not easy!) change from eating meals on the couch to eating at the table.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

You deserve a process that honors your resilience and your real life.

Tune in for practical tips, gentle encouragement, and proof that every step (and misstep!) brings you closer to lasting transformation 💛

Links:

Ep 17: How To Change a Habit for Weight Loss - My Real Life Example https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2147893014

Ep 51: How to Change a Habit for Weight Loss: Follow-Up https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148261611

Ep 52: Urges -The Key to Food Freedom https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148261618

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

Ever feel like your brain just won’t stop thinking about your next bite, even when you’re not hungry?

There’s a name for that: food noise.

And if you’re in the thick of an IVF cycle (or waiting for test results, or just trying to have a “normal” Tuesday), food noise can crank up louder than ever—and make weight loss feel impossible.

But there’s a way through.

In this week’s episode of the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast, I reveal why food noise isn’t your fault—and exactly how to quiet it.

Here’s what you’ll get when you tune in:

It's possible to have peace around food—even when you’re juggling hormones, stress, and hope by the truckload.

Discover tools you can use today to enjoy food, honor your hunger, and calm the chaos in your mind.

Listen now 🎧

Links:

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

If you find yourself feeling guilty every time you even think about that bag of Cheetos, you’re not alone.

But what if I told you that guilt—and its cousin, self-judgment—are not only unnecessary, but actually making your weight loss harder?

Here’s how guilt trips you up, and what you can do about it:

Food is not a moral issue. Unless you’re stealing your neighbor’s cupcakes eating is just a decision, not a crime.

The more we tell ourselves we “shouldn’t” have something, the more likely we are to rebel, rush, or even inhale our food—leaving us unsatisfied and, ironically, wanting more.

When food isn’t vilified and guilt is out of the picture, we’re free to be curious: “How does this taste? Am I still hungry? Does my body like this?” With this kind of insight, decisions around food are so much easier to make.

Ready to step off the guilt-go-round and finally feel free? Join us for this episode of the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast 🎧

Together we'll make meals a pleasant, present experience, not a battleground.

Links:

Ep 78: I Deserve It! - https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148609425

Ep 12: No "Bad" Foods - https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2147856444

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

It’s amazing how something as simple as an apple can teach us the most profound lessons about weight loss—and self-love.

Let me introduce you to the “purse apple”. No, it’s not the latest iPhone upgrade. It’s that trusty apple you toss in your bag each morning—not always glamorous, sometimes a bit bruised, but always ready to save the day. My brilliant client coined the term, and honestly, I think it deserves a spot in the self-care hall of fame.

Here’s the magic behind the humble purse apple (and her protein-packed friends):

When we do these things, we’re not just losing weight more easily—we’re nurturing trust with ourselves, building resilience, and learning the art of self-compassion.

If we miss the mark? No problem! No shame or beatdowns—we simply notice, adjust, and move forward, knowing we’re making progress in all the best ways

You’re learning new things—one bite, one promise, one day at a time. I’m cheering you on, every step of the way 🍏

Listen to Episode 141 now

Links:

Ep 71: Security Blanket Food - https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148568350

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

It’s wild how a single, unexpected compliment in a dreary elevator can change the entire trajectory of our day.

What if we learned to create that magic for ourselves, every day, especially on the bumpy path of weight loss and fertility?

This week on the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast, we dive headfirst into the secret superpower we all have—but rarely use: choosing where to put our focus, and how that rewires our brains for positivity, progress, and a lot more ease.

Here’s how to rewire our brain for those glimmers of good:

Left unchecked, our minds will zero in on complaints, comparisons, and self-criticism (it’s how our ancestors avoided sabertooths, apparently). But just like we can build muscle, we can absolutely build a brain that notices—and enjoys—what’s lovely.

Every time we pause to appreciate green lights, sweet puppies, a smile from a stranger, or a Hunger Scale win, we’re not deluding ourselves. We’re literally changing the tone of our days, dialing down stress and nipping the need for “emotional eating” in the bud.

The trick isn’t to banish the grumpy thoughts. Instead, we gently notice them (no judgment), make the link between how we think and how we feel, then deliberately seek out something genuine and good, no matter how small. That’s where the upward spiral begins!

Even Mr. Rogers’ mom knew this trick: in crisis, look for the helpers. It doesn’t negate pain, but helps you spot light in the darkness—and that’s what makes change (yes, even weight loss!) both possible and sustainable.

Don’t miss this episode—your mindset (and mood) will thank you! 

Links:

Ep 98: How to get Unstuck - The Model - https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148872545

Ep 133: “Energized” Came from Thoughts not Juice - https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2149036221

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn

Isn’t it just wild how well we plan for vacation… but forget to plan for coming home?

We’ve all mastered the art of vacation checklists—swimsuits, sunscreen, even healthy snacks for the road. But that wobbly, off-kilter feeling as soon as we walk through our front door? That’s classic post-vacation reentry, and let me tell you, it trips up even the best of us.

This week, we’re diving into the art (and loving science!) of setting up our “future selves” for success.

Here’s what we discover together:

When you plan with love and have realistic expectations for your Future Self, it’s like giving her a big supportive hug. Go beyond wild expectations or harsh restrictions—get practical by being honest.

Want the wedding cake? Don’t set your Future Self up for a willpower wrestling match if you know you’ll want it. Plan for a piece.

The magic happens when you meet yourself where you are, not where you “should” be.

Every time you plan ahead—whether it’s bringing a snack in your purse, scoping out a menu ahead of time, or building in a recovery day between challenging family events—you strengthen trust with yourself.

You’re showing up as your own best ally, and that partnership makes anything possible, whether it’s losing weight or facing fertility hurdles with grace.

Planning for your future self is the ultimate act of self-care. Whether vacation is on the horizon or you’re just bracing for “Monday You,” show her some love by making things easier, not demanding heroic acts of willpower.

Click play and join us for all the details and encouragement on this week’s episode of the Weight Loss for Fertility podcast—your future self will thank you.

Links:

Ep 65: Loving Up Your Future Self Helps You Lose Weight https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148506565

Ep 83: Unexpected Risk to Weight Loss of Your Vacation https://www.stephaniefeinmd.com/podcasts/weight-loss-for-fertility/episodes/2148685092

Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way:

Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn