We have all heard that there are things we can do to help increase our metabolism.  Today I am sharing with you 2 simple things that you can do to help increase your metabolism naturally in perimenopause.It starts with energy balance and although calories in and calories out are part of the discussion, there are things that can affect how those calories are converted into energy, therefore these two things are simple and effective for helping you to increase your metabolism.Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Today I am discussing things that can affect your cortisol levels.  With cortisol naturally increasing as we enter perimenopause, it is important to understand what may be causing our stress levels to rise so that we can work on decreasing it.  I provide you with a checklist to determine how many of these things that can increase cortisol are currently affecting you so that you can take a self assessment to work on decreasing your stress levels. Here is the link for the cortisol checklist for you:https://formfitonline.com/cortisol-checklist/Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Anna Tseng of Plant Nourished.  Anna is a plant-based Registered Dietitian with a Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition. She’s also the Founder of PlantNourished, a Podcast Host and an award-winning published recipe creator. Through private coaching and online courses, she helps busy people with health challenges move easily to plant-based eating for optimal health. Anna empowers them with key skills, practical strategies, and tasty nourishing plant-based recipes, so they can enjoy a health-transforming vibrant life...without long hours in the kitchen!We spoke about:What 'plant based' really meansHow she got into nutrition and plant-based eating?The benefits of eating plant-based foods?Is it possible to get enough protein from plant-based sources?What are some especially good plant-based protein foods? Start our day with protein and some ideas for plant based protein breakfasts.Contact Links:Website: www.plantnourished.com Contact email: healthnow@plantnourished.com Plant Based Eating Made Easy Podcast: www.plantnourished.com/podcast Plant-Powered Life Transformation Course: www.plantnourished.com/ppltcourseFree Resource: Quick Start Grocery Guide for Plant-Based Essentials www.plantnourished.com/groceryguideDescription of Free Resource:If you’re wanting to learn more about a plant-based diet or how to start plant-based eating, grab this FREE resource “Quick Start Grocery Guide for Plant-Based Essentials" to help you on your journey. This free guide will give you the essentials you need to get started, including a one-page recommended grocery list, money-saving shopping tips and easy starter plant-based recipes. This guide is perfect for all beginners interested in transitioning to a plant-based diet!Support the Show.Head to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

This week you can test your balance with this movement snack.Each month I like to focus on a movement to help us get stronger or increase mobility.  This month I want you to focus on your balance.  Try these balance exercises to see how well you do.  -First are you able to balance on one leg for 30 seconds?-Are you able to get the glute to fire on?-How does your visual system affect your balance?-Can you do the tandem balance?If you struggle to balance I provide balance exercises for beginners, but also have more advanced one leg balance exercises as well.Make sure to head over to our Moving through Midlife Community over in Facebook to watch a video and let us know how you did with your balance.Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Are you having a midlife crisis?Today I am discussing what exactly a midlife crisis is defined as, how you may feel about a midlife crisis, and ways to think about it differently.  How this time in midlife can be thought of as more of an awakening, when it tends to happen in our life, and tips on how to handle it.Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Today I am speaking with Alicia Berberich about the negative chatter in our head. She is passionate about helping women unleash their true potential to become who they are meant to become. She works with women to release the shackles that bind them to their old ways of thinking so they can achieve their goals, using motivation, mindset, and manifesting skills to provide the resources her clients need to move forward with confidence and gusto.We discuss: -how to work through what is happening with negative self talk-Why we tend to have these negative thoughts in our head-How to determine what is intuition and what is negative self talk-Finding your Purpose in Midlife-How to create an action plan for the next phase of life-How affirmations can help you move closer to your purposeAll of this and more in this podcast episode.  Learn more from Alicia:Alicia has used the power of manifesting to fulfill a lifelong dream to live in Paris. She has led workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Paris called Unleash Your True Potential. She loves helping successful women advance their lives even further by focusing on their calling. Alicia has also led the Spiritual Gifts program at her church and taught water aerobics for over 20 years.Motivation, Mindset & Manifestation Coach - Alicia BerberichManifest your DESTINY with ease. (@alicia_berberich) • Instagram photos and videosSupport the Show.Head to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Each month I like to share a movement snack for you to focus on and this month it is going to be about walking.  Walking can help to control cortisol, keep blood sugar stable, and is one of the best exercises for tight hips.When you head out for a walk work through different speeds, try different paths and distances, and don't be afraid of the weather as it will bring a different element to your walk.  Focus on looking off in the distance to help relax the eye muscles.  (listen to Ep 6.2-Relax your Eyes for more information), notice your arm swing when you walk and focus on what is happening behind you as you walk.  Think about the big toe pushing off the ground with each step to help naturally strengthen the pelvic floor.Join us over in our FB Community to join us in walking as I will provide tips for you along the way.  Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Today is Part 3 of our Why is My Body Changing Series and today I am talking about Mindset.I discuss:-Statistics for the midlife changing body-Body Positivity and the younger generation-How we need to take a moment to look in the mirror and really see ourselves-Determine how you want to feel-Identify what will help you to feel that way from within not anything on the outside-and then start practicing that-Acceptance will come from that rather than worrying about changing anythingSupport the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Today we are discussing Part 2 of why is my body changing and what can I do about it in midlife.  Part 1 we discussed the exercise portion and now I will be discussing the things you can do to help support your body with nutrition. I discuss:-Statistics for midlife belly fat increases -Are you eating enough food, calorie restriction, how to support your body with food in midlife-Supporting your gut in midlife discussing your microbiome and what foods to help your gut bacteria, decrease inflammation, and raise your metabolism.-Eating protein in the morning, how protein after a workout supports your body-Carbs aren't bad, instead focus on the fiber aspect and eating more fruits and vegetablesSupport the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

One of the questions I get asked the most is why is my body changing in midlife and what can I do about it.I discuss:-what most women will do when they start gaining weight.  With higher intensity workouts and calorie restriction.-Understanding hormones in perimenopause-Insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance in midlife-Muscle loss in midlife-Midsection weight gain in midlife-Cortisol and midlife3 ways to exercise in midlife-Lift heavy-Zone 2 cardio & walking-PlyometricsMove to live and enjoy is the most important to practice. Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

This is a great stretch to help you lengthen through your side especially if you notice tension or tightness in your mid to lower back.  When doing this, notice if one side is tighter than the other.  If so, pay attention to how you sit throughout the day and notice if you tend to sink into that side more.  I mention both:Episode 12.2: Align in your CarandEp 122: Discover the Power of Breathing Techniquesto dive into to get a deeper understanding of movement. Join our Weekly Movement Snacks  Head to our FB Community to watch the video of this stretch.Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

As the world of adolescent skincare often goes unnoticed, today we crack the code on self-care for teen boys. My enlightening chat with Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, a pediatric dermatologist and co-founder of Stryke Club, reveals the untold hurdles teen boys face as they navigate the stormy seas of skincare. We're busting myths left and right—from charcoal's real impact on acne to the proper way to wield a razor. It's about time we tailored conversations and routines to the reality of boys' lives, helping them, and their parents, foster confidence through simplicity and clarity in their self-care practices.Skincare doesn't discriminate, and neither should we. That's why this episode also casts a spotlight on the significance of gender-neutral products and the fine print on those 'natural' labels that might do more harm than good to young skin. Ever wondered why your child's skin reacts unexpectedly to that botanically-infused lotion? We've got you covered with personal stories of navigating allergies and the lowdown on ingredients that could trigger them. Plus, for those teens breaking a sweat in sports or life, we share the ins and outs of choosing the right antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory body washes, making sure your child's skin stays as resilient as they are.Lastly, we wrap up with some hard-earned wisdom on managing eczema and acne—the twin peaks of teen skin concerns. Discover the art of rehydrating and shielding skin from the sun, and why starting conversations early about self-care can make all the difference in destigmatizing these routines for boys. And for those moments when over-the-counter just doesn't cut it, Dr. Maguiness and I lay out the roadmap to professional dermatological care. So, whether you're a parent looking to guide your child or a teen ready to take the reins of your skin health, this episode is your ally. We're here to share a laugh, shed some light, and support you through the journey of growing up skin-savvy.Support the Show.Head to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Discover the little-known secret to transforming your midlife experience with something as simple as 'movement snacks'—daily exercises that promise to rejuvenate both body and mind. As your movement guru, I, Courtney, will share the power of stacking these small, healthy habits to boost your energy and make every day more fulfilling. Together, we'll explore the journey of self-care and how it leads to a more serene and satisfying life.In this episode, we'll discuss a restorative technique, straight from the insights of Jill Miller's 'Body by Breath,' designed to counteract the stress response our fast-paced world often triggers. I'll guide you through a calming practice using just a small ball or pillow to help induce a restful state, stimulating the vagus nerve and ushering in the 'rest and digest' phase. You'll also hear from my early risers who have found profound peace by adding this practice to their nightly routine—a testament to the power of simple, mindful movements. Join our conversation and see how these movement snacks can help you wind down and move through midlife with grace.Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Ever feel like your get-up-and-go got up and went without you? You're not alone in your midlife motivational drought, but I'm here to share a secret: it's action that sparks motivation, not the other way around. Join me, Courtney, as we tackle the daunting peaks of our ambitions by scaling them down into manageable foothills. It's goal refinement time, and we're zooming in on a single aspiration, giving it the one-month royal treatment it deserves. With a personal strategy session that outlines mini-milestones and preps for potential hurdles (and a handy goal-setting worksheet from the show notes), we're turning the 'too hard' basket into a 'heck yes' plan. Get ready to embrace daily movement, strength training, or a nutrition overhaul with a simplicity and adaptability that feels like it's been custom-made just for you.Transformations aren't just for caterpillars, and in this journey through midlife, your goals are due for a metamorphosis too. I'm not just talking shop; I'm inviting you to become an active player in our 'moving through midlife' community, where your goals aren't just written in the stars—they're planned, tracked, and celebrated on terra firma. Think of me as your personal assistant, mapping out the alignment of your monthly objectives with the grand ambitions of the year. With the 'moving through midlife' community at your back, we're sharing exercise calendars, cheering each other on, and fielding the curveballs life throws our way. So, whether you're slipping on your walking shoes or rewriting your life's to-do list, let's march forward into a year teeming with achievements and habits that not only last but enrich every step of the way.Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Have you ever chuckled at the simplicity of a habit that could change your life? Join me, Courtney, and the exceptional Michelle, a health and wellness coach illuminating the path through midlife. Together, we unwrap the secrets of 'laughable habits'—those small yet mighty steps that dissolve the overwhelm plaguing many women in their 40s and 50s. Michelle's quarter-century of wisdom shines a light on setting achievable goals, cultivating gratitude, and embracing mindfulness in everyday life, turning daunting transformations into delightful journeys of self-care and empowerment.As your guide through the transformative terrain of midlife, I reveal an exercise so straightforward, it will have you wondering why you didn't start sooner. It's all about aligning your actions with your ambitions while swaddled in a blanket of self-compassion. You'll learn how to leverage your natural inclinations—be it whipping up a storm in the kitchen or tackling gentle challenges—to build habits that stick. We celebrate personal growth as an adventure of empowerment, urging you to savor each small, patient step towards the summit of self-discovery.Wrapping up this episode, we delve into the immense power of perspective—how the meaning we assign to life's events crafts our stories of success and failure. I introduce my reimagined podcast, "Midlife Magic," and invite you to join a community of women who are crafting their own enchanting narratives. We're on a quest to redefine midlife, not as a period of decline but as an epoch ripe for creation, where every small victory is a sparkling thread in the tapestry of an extraordinary life.Learn more from Michelle:Website: Michelle Bazinet Schedule a Call: Select a Date & Time - CalendlyIG: Michelle Bazinet: Nutrition, Fitness & Mindset Coach (@michellebazinet_) • Instagram photos and videosWorkshop: "True transformation transcends the physical; it's the evolution of heart, mind, and soul." (ck.page)Support the Show.Head to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Are you genuinely ready to redefine your relationship with your body and your understanding of weight loss? Settle in, because that's what we're about to do. I'm Courtney, your guide, personal trainer, and movement specialist. We're going to start by asking the hard question - why do you want to lose weight? Your answer to this question will be the bedrock of your weight loss journey. Let's walk this path together, examining my Transform coaching program, where a commitment to consistency can lead to a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week. This journey is about celebrating your body, both as it is now and as it transforms.But remember, weight loss isn't just about the numbers on a scale. It's a lifestyle change, a shift in perspective. It's about managing stress, getting a good night's sleep, and integrating more movement and healthier eating habits into your life. We'll explore how your level of commitment can influence your weight loss, potentially ranging from half a pound to two and a half pounds per week. And to support you all the way, I'm inviting you into our free community. Here, we'll explore ways to move more, feel better, and support each other every day. So, grab your earbuds, take a leisurely walk, and let's move through midlife together.Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

What if you could sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed, free from jaw pain and tension? In this riveting conversation with myofunctional therapist Jessica, we promise to take you through a journey of discovery - from understanding the importance of looking at the body systems, not just the symptoms, to navigating through midlife in a way more graceful manner than before. Jessica's personal journey with her daughter, who experienced feeding, sleeping, and headache issues, serves as a powerful testimony of the crucial need to address the root cause of health problems.We then dive into the often overlooked connection between sleep disorders and genetics in children and the importance of early intervention. Jessica enlightens us about the negative implications of mouth breathing such as snoring and sleep apnea, and the significance of proper tongue posture and breathing for overall oral health. You'll learn about tongue gymnastics, an innovative technique that can improve our smile, eye movements, and address compensations in our facial muscles.As we wrap up the episode, Jessica shares fascinating insights on strengthening the muscles in the mouth, which can improve tongue posture and potentially prevent the need for orthodontic interventions. She also highlights the connection to pelvic floor strength and how these changes can positively impact the appearance of the face. Get ready to join our vibrant free community and learn how to move more and feel better. So, tune in and let's engage in this insightful discussion.Learn more from Jessica:Checklist she mentioned: Jessica Miller How to Stop Stress-Clenching Naturally (jessicamillerwellness.com)Snore No More- https://pages.snorenomoremethod.com/stop-snoring-tonight Support the Show.Head to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Ever wished your kitchen was as efficient as a professional chef's? Ever wondered why your meals don't turn out as flavorful? In this episode of Moving Through Midlife, we fill you in on the magic of healthy cooking and the essential tools you need in your kitchen. You'll discover why a good knife is worth your investment and how a rice cooker is a true game-changer in meal prepping. We also share tips on using cast iron pans without battling the infamous sticking.Moving forward, we delve into the practicality and health benefits of other kitchen essentials. We discuss the convenience of a food processor and the versatility of an immersion blender. Also, we navigate the world of cookware, laying out the pros and cons of different types and how to select the ones that suit you best. We even give you tips on using a mini chopper effectively. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to turn your kitchen into a healthier, happier place. Tune in and be ready to take your culinary skills to a whole new level!Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Are you feeling those niggling aches and pains more often as you journey through midlife? Brace yourself for some relief! In this enlightening episode, we’ll share five life-changing tips to keep discomfort at bay. Discover the potent role fascia plays in our bodies, and the simple tactics to keep it healthy. Learn just how much power small movements can hold - from adjusting your sitting position to the unconscious tapping of your foot. But just as we need to keep our physical bodies moving, we need to keep our mental spirits engaged too. That’s where the magic of community shines! Staying active and mobile as we age can be a daunting challenge when tackled alone. This episode shines a spotlight on the profound benefits of being part of a supportive community. You’ll hear about the power of shared experiences, and the impact they can have in shaping our journey through midlife. So, whether you're strolling in the park or seated at your desk, let's journey through midlife together, with buoyancy and serenity. Tune in!Support the showHead to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit

Have you ever looked into your closet and felt overwhelmed by the choices or even underwhelmed by the lack of them? If you've ever felt uncertain about your personal style, particularly as you navigate midlife, you're not alone. Join me and personal style coach, Ashli Anna Hurley, as we demystify the world of capsule wardrobes and discuss dressing for midlife. Gain insight into Ashli's journey from working with Mary Kay and Premier Designs to becoming a style coach and learn how to dress for your body, right here, right now.Ashli, a style expert with a wealth of experience, shares tips on creating a core wardrobe list and discusses the crucial clothing items every midlife woman should have in her closet. We'll get down to the nitty-gritty of personalized capsule wardrobes, exploring everything from tops and bottoms to underwear, accessories, and shoes. Ashli also offers strategies on finding the right clothes to fit your lifestyle and tips on creating a polished look that transitions well from day to night.But beyond the practicality of clothing, we'll delve into the emotional and logical aspects of dressing for midlife. Help boost your confidence with Ashli's tips on how to create a balanced look that is authentic to you. We'll be discussing the importance of accepting our bodies in their current state, focusing less on our insecurities, and more on what makes us unique and beautiful. Lastly, we'll explore how to dress intentionally for our kingdom calling—how to change our mindset around dressing in a way that not only attracts people to us but also helps to share the gospel and build up the church. Join us for an empowering conversation on confidence, personal style, and midlife fashion.0:05 Capsule Wardrobes and Dressing for Midlife8:44 Personalized Core Wardrobe and Styling24:47 Confidence in Personal Style30:38 Essential Wardrobe Items for Midlife Women44:42 Dressing for Attractiveness and PurposeLearn more from Ashli Anna:Grab the Style Guide:Subject Line: Style Guideboldfaithandfashion@gmail.com Facebook Group:Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas For Working Midlife WomenSupport the Show.Head to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn moreJoin our Free FB Community:Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebookor follow me on IG or Tik Tokcourtney_formfit