Weight What?

Food can be a love language, a stress response, and a way we ask to be seen.

In this episode, we unpack why food is so deeply connected to comfort, memory, and connection, and what happens when it helps and hurts at the same time.

We explore the psychology of “loving with food,” from hospital pizzas and care packages to unwanted leftovers, and how food connects to all five love languages and all five senses. We also dive into dopamine, gut health, and the role of sleep, sunlight, exercise, music, and social connection in helping us feel good.

You’ll discover:

• Why food can say “I care about you” better than words
• How food gifts can communicate both love and listening
• The emotional cost of being the “food person” in a family
• Why healthy foods matter for mood, neurotransmitters, and energy
• How to redirect food love into hugs, conversation, and other meaningful connections

What actually works for weight loss and feeling better in your body? We’re getting real about everything we’ve tried—from Weight Watchers and calorie counting to acupuncture, gut cleanses, Ayurveda, and virtual personal training.

We share what worked, what backfired, and what we learned along the way about finding an approach that’s sustainable, personalized, and realistic for everyday life. We also dive into the power of accountability, why the “numbers game” can become a trap, and how the right support can change everything.

If you’re tired of conflicting advice and one-size-fits-all solutions, this honest conversation will help you rethink what it really takes to create lasting change.

We continue our conversation with Maren and Dr. Simon Mittal as we explore the communication skills that can transform both your relationships and your health.

Together, we share practical tools to build trust, create emotional safety, and turn conflict into deeper connection.

We role play to show you how you can integrate these skills into your own relationships. Whether you're navigating challenges with a partner, family member, or friend, this episode gives you actionable strategies to build empathy, strengthen connection, and improve your overall well-being.

We’re joined by Maren and Dr. Simon Mittal, experienced couples coaches with over 30 years of combined experience. They reveal how emotional dynamics influence our physical health .

Maren, a compassionate LICSW, and Dr. Simon Mittal, a physician and behavioral health expert, combine their expertise to provide practical, evidence-based strategies to help you create healthier relationships and a healthier life.

You can find them at https://www.smmcoachingconsulting.com/couples-coaching

Discover the powerful connection between relationships and health. In part one, we explore how relationship stress can impact weight, stress levels, and overall well-being, and share practical tools to create healthier connections.

We’re joined by Maren and Dr. Simon Mittal, experienced couples coaches with over 30 years of combined experience. They reveal how emotional dynamics influence our physical health .

This episode is part one of two. Learn about more than resolving disagreements, it’s about building relationships that support your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Maren, a compassionate LICSW, and Dr. Simon Mittal, a physician and behavioral health expert, combine their expertise to provide practical, evidence-based strategies to help you create healthier relationships and a healthier life.

You can find them at https://www.smmcoachingconsulting.com/couples-coaching

What if hope isn’t helping you move forward—but keeping you stuck?

We often hold onto hope like it’s the solution: hoping the weight will come off, our old routines will work again, or things will magically get easier. But hope without action can leave us frustrated and feeling defeated.

In this episode, we explore the difference between healthy hope that motivates change and false hope that keeps us waiting. We’ll talk about how to create realistic goals, focus on small habits, and adjust our expectations to fit where we are today.

We’ll learn how to turn “I hope things change” into “I have a plan to create change.”

If you’re tired of the cycle of wishing, restarting, and feeling stuck, this conversation will help you rethink hope and use it as a tool for real progress.

Why do life transitions feel so overwhelming? Your brain fights change, routines unravel, and suddenly you're left questioning who you are. But what if understanding these shifts could transform chaos into clarity?
When life throws you a curveball, from retirement and empty nesting to starting a new routine or recovering from a big move, your body and mind react in ways that often sabotage your progress.

In this episode, we reveal the surprising truths behind why transitions feel so destabilizing, and how recognizing these phases can actually empower you rather than paralyze you.

Discover why routines are the backbone of sustainable health during upheaval. We break down how your brain craves predictability and how losing your familiar cues can make healthy habits disappear overnight.

Whether it's the shift after a big trip, changing careers, or adjusting to new family roles, you'll learn practical strategies to maintain momentum. We'll explore how small constants, like a consistent morning walk or sleep schedule, can anchor you when everything changes.You'll uncover:

• The different types of life transitions that threaten your well-being (from grief to gran, parenting)
• The psychological-and-physical impact of routine loss—and why it triggers cravings and weight gain
• How to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth by embracing intentional transitions
• The importance of patience, acknowledgment, and celebrating small wins to rebuild your new normal

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, whether you're facing a big life event or just feeling stuck in your current routine.

We'll teach you how to ride the wave of transition with purpose, instead of waiting for life to "normalize." The key to thriving during upheaval isn’t avoiding change, but learning how to become a master of transition.

Join us and get inspired to turn life's disruptions into your most powerful growth opportunities. Because the truth is: the ones who stay healthy are those who learn to transition with intention, creating a new rhythm that fuels your life long after the change.

Your next chapter is waiting, are you ready to embrace it?Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about navigating life's many transitions. Listen now and master the art of changing with confidence.

If you've ever felt guilty for secretly hating your workout, your chores, or even your body, you're not alone.

In this brutally honest episode, we dive into the stigma around disliking activities meant to improve our lives, and reveal why accepting your dislike is the first step toward real change.You’ll discover why it's completely normal to hate exercise, cleaning, or even healthy eating, and how refusing to sugarcoat those feelings can actually help you stick with what matters most.

We share eye-opening stories, from gym struggles at day 13 to the emotional weight of not seeing results, and unpack the powerful mindset shift that comes with naming your dislikes.

We break down practical strategies like focusing on which hated task you dislike least, making goals ridiculously small, and trusting actions over fleeting feelings.

Plus, learn how to handle societal judgments around hating things like dieting, socializing, or even hair color, yes, sometimes you just hate it, and that's okay.Ignoring this truth can lead to unnecessary self-criticism and burnout—but embracing it opens the door to realistic, sustainable habits that fit your authentic self. Whether you’re tired of pretending to enjoy activities you despise or seeking permission to dislike what everyone insists should bring joy, this episode is your permission slip to be real.

Perfect for anyone wrestling with motivation, self-acceptance, or just tired of the “hustle,” this conversation normalizes the universal experience of disliking certain aspects of self-improvement, and shows you how to keep moving forward without pretending to like it.

What if peer pressure isn't just a high school problem, but a silent force shaping our confidence and choices as adults?

Discover how the roots of self-esteem and subtle social influences shape our habits, food decisions, and even our sense of happiness, and learn the surprising ways we can build unshakeable confidence.This episode dives into the often-overlooked power of peer pressure beyond childhood.

We share relatable stories and eye-opening analogies, like comparing confidence to deep roots and peer influence to wind, revealing how external opinions can quietly influence our eating habits, self-worth, and even traditions. From feeling judged at restaurants to navigating social media pressures about food, dieting, and holiday routines, we explore why these moments challenge our confidence and how we can stand strong together.You'll discover:

• The direct link between confidence and resisting peer influence.
• How subtle social cues can lead to habits like overeating, food choices, or hesitating to speak our truth.
• Simple "what if" questions to help us check whether we're staying true to ourselves.
• The tree analogy: deep roots = strong confidence, wind = peer pressure, and how we can nurture those roots daily.
• Hidden peer pressures in everyday life: at the gym, restaurants, work, or even family traditions, and how we can navigate them with less guilt and more clarity.

When we recognize these influences, we can step out of self-doubt and into authenticity. This episode is all about strengthening our roots so we can stay aligned with what we really want, no matter what social wind blows our way.Perfect for anyone who wants to stop living by everyone else’s expectations and start trusting themselves more. Tune in and build the confidence to say no, stay grounded, and choose what feels right for us.

Most of us spend too much time hiding or shaming the parts of our bodies we dislike. But what if embracing these vulnerabilities could actually free us?

In this brutally honest and relatable conversation, we tear down the walls of body shame, revealing the embarrassing truths most people never talk about, sweat lines, bra marks, cellulite, double chins, and the struggle to feel confident at any age.

You’ll discover why the stories we tell ourselves about our bodies aren’t the truth, and how shifting your mindset can lead to genuine acceptance and happiness.

This episode breaks down common body image myths, explores the power of self-compassion, and offers practical tools to change the way you see yourself—no matter where you are in your journey.

Hear the surprising science behind aging, the real reason why perfectionism is sabotaging your confidence, and the hidden importance of owning your emotions instead of running from them.

We share our own most cringe-worthy confessions, yes, even the sweat stains and skin folds, and show you how to find humor and grace in imperfection.

If you're tired of endless self-criticism, this episode is your permission slip to embrace your authentic self. Perfect for anyone struggling with body image, aging, or simply looking for a little reassurance that you're not alone. Empower yourself today with honest talk, laugh-out-loud stories, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to love your body.

Remember: your true worth isn’t defined by a mirror or a photograph. It’s built on acceptance, kindness, and owning every part of your story. Hit play now—your future self will thank you.

Craving childhood comfort foods? You’re not alone—and there's a fascinating reason why certain tastes and memories hit us harder than others.
Discover how food nostalgia and emotional anchors shape what we crave, what we remember, and what we mourn when we change our diets.

From Swiss rolls that lit up lunchtime to the magic of childhood candies, explore how our food memories aren't just about taste, they’re about safety, routine, and identity. We break down the science behind the Proust effect, revealing how smells and flavors trigger emotional memories that can influence your food choices today.

You’ll discover how nostalgia keeps some foods alive in our hearts (and mouths), even if they no longer serve our health. Plus, learn why your palate evolution, and the changing ingredients in beloved treats, make some foods taste completely different now.

This episode is perfect for anyone navigating dietary changes, battling food cravings, or curious about the deep connection between food and emotion. Whether you miss the thrill of a childhood treat or want to understand your ongoing food rituals, you’ll leave with a new perspective on the grief, and joy, of eating.

Why do we grieve our favorite foods? How do memories shape your current cravings? And what does your food nostalgia say about who you are today? Tune in to explore these questions—and maybe even find the courage to indulge in that nostalgic snack guilt-free.

Warning: listening may inspire you to revisit some old favorites, but beware—you might just start craving a Swiss roll or a big bag of Doritos all over again.