Have you, or someone you care about, ever been told by your doctor that everything is normal, even though you barely have enough energy to make it through the day? Do you have an autoimmune condition and are not sure how you should be eating (or never told that what you eat even matters?) Do you have dietary restrictions (either due to a health condition or a desire to take care of your health) and have trouble navigating restaurants and travel without feeling deprived? Do you want to listen to ...
Nov 20, 2023•53 min
Do you or someone you know have high cholesterol? Were you simply prescribed a statin or told to limit your intake of cholesterol or saturated fat? Are you trying so hard to take care of your health, but your blood chemistry shows otherwise? Many of my podcasts focus on mindset, our beliefs, our energy, and being consistent. In this episode, we're diving into the SCIENCE. I find it so FRUSTRATING that when you have high cholesterol, there is rarely any investigation into WHY these markers are hi...
Nov 13, 2023•33 min
I get it, mindset talk is everywhere these days, but most people have it all wrong. You've probably heard a thousand times that your mindset is crucial, but nobody really teaches you HOW to transform it. Coaches often throw inspirational quotes at you or say, "Just stay positive" or "Stick with it," leaving you with that nagging feeling of, "I need the right mindset, but how?" These positive affirmations, like "just stick with it," might give you a temporary boost in motivation, but they're like...
Nov 06, 2023•22 min
When you hear the words "learning opportunity", what comes to mind? For me, its an euphenism for a failure or mistake. "No, you didn't fail, you learned!" "We learn from failure, not from success". I do agree that failures and mistakes are opportunities to learn. I do NOT agree that we don't learn from success. I think that we can learn A LOT from success, and in podcast I share how to do it. Recall a time in life (maybe it's right now) when things were working. Maybe it's a time that you were f...
Oct 30, 2023•28 min
[Re-release with correct audio] Today, we're diving deep into the world of relationships on the Fit + Vibrant You podcast. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Christine Bongiovanni, a love and relationship coach with over thirty years of experience in helping women thrive in their relationships - not just with their partners, but with themselves too. 💖 No matter where you are in your relationship journey - whether you're navigating the choppy waters of divorce, still searching for your perfect mat...
Oct 24, 2023•56 min
Today, we're diving deep into the world of relationships on the Fit + Vibrant You podcast. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Christine Bongiovanni, a love and relationship coach with over thirty years of experience in helping women thrive in their relationships - not just with their partners, but with themselves too. 💖 No matter where you are in your relationship journey - whether you're navigating the choppy waters of divorce, still searching for your perfect match, or celebrating decades of ma...
Oct 23, 2023•56 min
I ventured out on a solo hike last weekend. Tears streamed down my face as I climbed to the peak. And on the descent, I couldn't hold back the uncontrollable sobs. It's definitely harder to cry while hiking up a mountain :) During a coaching session last week, one courageous woman shed tears. She kept repeating, "This is silly. I shouldn't be struggling like this." The pressure to maintain a perpetual positive facade weighs heavily on us. We're bombarded with messages urging us to "stay positive...
Oct 16, 2023•21 min
If you've been on a quest to achieve your goals, whether in health, fitness, or any area of life, you've probably heard of SMART goals – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. They're like the trusty compass guiding us toward success. But let's dive deeper as there's more to the story. 😉 In the past, you may have sat down together to craft these SMART goals. They're neat, precise, and sound pretty good on paper. For instance, "lose 15 pounds by November 1" or "run a 5K in u...
Oct 09, 2023•27 min
"I'm basically lazy" "I'm fat and ugly" "Your skin is so saggy. Everytime you move you wobble. It's ugly" These are actual words that women in my recent 5 Day Challenge would say to themselves. Ouch. I have done a few podcasts in the past on body acceptance and appreciation (check out episode 46 and 222 of the podcast) AND I believe it's a topic we need to speak about often. It's not like we can listen to a podcast or read a book and then consistenly have positive, kind, helpful thoughts about o...
Oct 02, 2023•23 min
You can have the best sex of your life in midlife. Angie Byrd, my guest on this week’s podcast, stands behind that statement, and I would like to agree. This podcast is all about helping you do midlife and beyond well. And in order to thrive and be our best selves, we need sex, connection, love and pleasure. Plus, when we are nourished through meaningful relationships, pleasure, passion and purpose, we can have a more relaxed relationship with food and body. Angie Byrd turns life's big question...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 4 min
“I fell off the wagon” “I went totally off the rails” I hear that all of the time. Then comes the guilt and shame spiral, or making the failure epic. After all, if we’ve already fallen off the wagon, we may as well play in the mud puddles while we’re there (aka chips, chocolate, extra wine, leftover cold pizza, skipped workouts, etc.) Feeling like we're broken, or 'what's the point' it can take weeks, months, or even years to recommit. My friend, even if you've identified as a serial starter or ...
Sep 18, 2023•26 min
Aging is not synonymous with decline. Read that again and let it sink in. It is possible for this decade of your life to be better than the last. It is possible to experience vibrant health and energy in your second half of life. It is possible that your best years are still to come. If that sounds like a ‘yes please!’ to you, you’re going to love my interview with Karen Viesta. Karen Viesta is a Certified Health and Lifestyle Coach who works with women over 40 who want to transform their bodies...
Sep 11, 2023•52 min
Do you ever feel like there's just not enough to go around? Maybe you feel restricted around food. Maybe you feel like success is a limited resource? I certainly feel like that. I wish I could write that last sentence that in past tense, but truthfully its a feeling that comes up a lot. I don't feel like there's enough. Wayne Dyer wrote "abundance is not something we acquire. It's something we tune into". And on this last week's hiking adventure I was given the opportunity to tune in. While this...
Sep 04, 2023•22 min
This podcast was inspired by a workout I did at home yesterday. It took less than 30 minutes, used very little equipment and definitely got the job done. Side note: I REALLY didn't feel like working out. But once I made the DECISION, I stopped arguing with myself and getting started became so much easier. I talk all about decision making in episode 352. Today I want to take you behind the scenes and share what I do for my workouts, my favourite fitness apps and favourite pieces of fitness equipm...
Aug 28, 2023•32 min
Isn't it interesting how we're armed with so much information, yet creating meaningful change often feels like an uphill battle? They say "Knowledge is the first step, but application is where transformation truly happens," and I agree. You and I both know that change goes beyond theories – it requires action, and that's where the real challenge lies. It’s a classic case of "easier said than done." We've all been there, nodding our heads as we acknowledge that applying change is no walk in the p...
Aug 21, 2023•31 min
My epic hike a few weeks ago was made possible by strong legs, a good attitude and a well functioning digestive system. We hiked 5 hours into the wilderness, and camped by a lake with no facilities. Arguably, squatting in the woods to poop is more pleasant than most pit toilets. Nonetheless, the trip would have been much different (or non existant) if I struggled with diarhea, stomach pain, bloating or constipation. Digestive issues affect many people, but is often overlooked, and we certainly d...
Aug 14, 2023•32 min
My dad always says that any decision is better than no decision, and I think he's right. When we waffle in indecision, we waste time and energy, and I don't know about you, but I need all the time and energy I can get. It's simple, but not always easy. I waffled in indecision on this podast. Which topic should I speak on? Should I redo it? Is it good enough? Should I record one or two today? Should I wait to record tomorrow after I plan it out better? Time wasted. Motivation wasted. Energy waste...
Aug 07, 2023•29 min
What if there was something free, simple to use that could help you sleep better, reduce stress, improve your immune system, digestion and metabolism? What if you already had access to it? My friends, do not skip this episode! For years (in fact, just until the last few months), I avoided learning or engaging in anything related to breathwork. I thought I already was good at breathing. I thought I knew how important it is to breath properly. I thought learning to use your breath could be done in...
Jul 31, 2023•48 min
I'm fresh off a week long vacation, getting lost in the woods with my son Jacob. We hiked just over 50K (and it was a tough 50K!) from Port Renfrew to Jordan River on the Juan de Fuca Trail. And it was AWESOME. Most of it, anyway. The first day was tough. The hike was a bit more 'up and down' and challenging than I expected. After 7 hours of hiking, my knees were sore, and I realized just how heavy my backpack was. By the time we got to our first campsite, I started doubting myself. I started wo...
Jul 24, 2023•32 min
Do you WANT to take better care of yourself, but find that there is always something competing for your time? Do you wear multiple hats, balancing being a mom or grandmother, or caregiver with work, taking care of the household, and always find self-care and health goals at the bottom of your list of things to do? My friend, you’re not alone, and you’re going to love my interview with Caroline Milne. Caroline is an executive coach, helping women level up their health and lifestyle, with practica...
Jul 17, 2023•55 min
You've probably heard that if you want to create change, you need to find your WHY I agree. I think knowing the reasons why you want to do something, such as losing weight or improving your health is important. But what if you don't have a good reason why? Is wanting to be thin enough? I have some thoughts 🙋♀️ 1. You need a earth-moving reason why you want to lose weight. I have seen many people completely transform their life with a reason such as "I want to feel a bit better" or even "why no...
Jul 10, 2023•25 min
Do you suffer from fatigue, joint and muscle pain? Have you ever through that these symptoms could be due to iron overload? Iron is a crucial mineral necessary for maintaining good health. It plays a vital role as a primary component of hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. By carrying oxygen to the cells, hemoglobin facilitates energy production and supports cellular development and repair processes. During the menopausal transition, which can be like...
Jul 03, 2023•45 min
A few weeks ago I went on a camping trip and it was LOVELY. I spent the long weekend with my family, disconnected from the 'real world'. No cell phones, no social media, no day-to-day 'to-do's'. I slowed down, walked each day, I spent time in nature, and many hours sitting on a boat, watching the rhythmic pattern of the fishing rod. And yes, we caught lots of trout as well. I felt calm and I felt happy. And those are two feelings I want more of in my life. To state the obvious, it's much easier ...
Jun 26, 2023•24 min
Are you tired of pushing through each day, checking off the boxes, only to get up and do it all over again? Have you chased weight loss for the promise of happiness and confidence, only to still filled with self-doubt and criticism, just in a smaller dress size? Do you feel like you always must be doing something and have a hard time taking rest? My friends, I am deeply honoured to have my good friend, Christine Jewell, on the Fit + Vibrant You Podcast. Christine Jewell is a Certified High Perfo...
Jun 19, 2023•51 min
What is thyroid dysfunction, exactly? What causes it? Is it reversible? Do we need medication? In this episode of the Fit + Vibrant You Podcast, I have a conversation with Dr. Alan Christianson, author of the Thyroid Reset Diet, where we discuss: The most common causes of thyroid disease and dysfunction How the foods we choose to fuel our body can actually help reverse thyroid disease What to look for on a blood test to assess thyroid function Why your lab results might appear ‘normal’ even thou...
Jun 12, 2023•42 min
Ever find yourself standing in the pantry, pondering the options for a midday snack when your energy dips? Do you negotiate the wine on a Tuesday night, even though you committed you would reserve the pinot for weekends only? Do you feel like you have too many things on your to-do list? Often we try to fight these urges and unhelpful habits by arguing with ourselves. “I want this”. “I shouldn’t have this”. “Just this one time won’t hurt”. “I can make up for it tomorrow”. “If I have it now I’ll b...
Jun 05, 2023•27 min•Ep. 343
There are so many people out there saying things like “we all have the same 24 hours in our day” as if lack of time is the issue. In my experience, lack of time is NOT the issue. The real issue is a lack of bandwidth, the mental capacity to make better choices, and all-or-nothing thinking. it’s so much easier to make better choices when we feel calm, focused, and peaceful. Yet it’s so easy for stress and feelings of overwhelm to overtake our life. If you want to create change in your life, the f...
May 29, 2023•27 min
If you’re like many people, you feel inspired, motivated, and enthusiastic when you start a project or program. Maybe you've had a health scare, or are motivated to get in shape for an upcoming vacation. Either way, you are DRIVEN to take action. It almost feels easy. But over time, that motivation wanes. You feel less excited to close the kitchen after dinner. You feel less enthusiastic about drinking sparkling water instead of wine. You feel less motivated to get up before sunrise to go to the...
May 22, 2023•31 min
You've probably heard about "calories in, calories out" when it comes to weight loss. Those "for" it say that this is the principle that governs weight loss: that weight loss or gain is determined by the balance between the calories consumed and the calories burned through physical activity and metabolic processes. Others say that this model is antiquated, and just downright wrong. In this week's podcast I share the real science behind the usefulness of the CICO model AND its limitations. If you...
May 15, 2023•20 min
In our final episode in the Energy Series, we're going to take a look at the thyroid gland, thyroid hormones and how it impacts your ENERGY. Fun fact: Did you know you have thyroid hormone receptors on every single cell of your body? Although we often associate the thyroid gland with our metabolism, the thyroid gland affects MANY functions in your body. Signs of an underactive thyroid gland (which is far more common and overactive) are: brain fog or memory problems hair loss low energy/ fatigue ...
May 08, 2023•26 min
