Perimenopause is a BRAIN Issue, Not Just a Hormone Issue

In this episode of Far From Perfect, I sit down with functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner Lainey Gray to talk about something so many women feel but can’t quite name: midlife isn’t the problem—the lack of information is.Lainey shares her journey from personal trainer to functional nutrition expert and breaks down why understanding your hormones, stress load, and nutritional needs is the key to finally feeling like yourself again. We dive into the power of comprehensive testing, simple lifestyle shifts that actually matter, the role HRT can play, and why advocating for your own health is non-negotiable in perimenopause and menopause.If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling dismissed…If you’ve ever been told “that’s just aging”…If you’ve ever thought, “something feels off, but I can’t get answers”…This conversation will feel like a giant exhale.Midlife doesn’t have to feel confusing, chaotic, or out of control. Once you have the right information, you can rebuild your energy, your joy, and your confidence—one empowered decision at a time.

In this episode of Far From Perfect, I sit down with therapist, Krista Day-Gloe to talk about something so many of us have struggled with — the hidden costs of elimination diets. We dig into why gut health is about so much more than food, how stress and your nervous system play a huge role, and what really happens when we try to “fix” things by cutting foods out. Krista shares why working with a professional matters and offers simple, effective ways to start resetting your system. This one’s a must-listen if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the cycle of restriction, frustration, and gut issues.Find Krista at https://healingrootswellnesscenter.com/meet-krista-day-gloe/https://healingrootswellnesscenter.com/meet-krista-day-gloe/Pre-order her book: https://healingrootswellnesscenter.com/shop/mood-and-moon-tracker/

In this episode, I share why I decided to start logging my food again after a long stretch in maintenance. Not from a place of restriction — but awareness.I talk about noticing shifts in my training motivation, how consistent eating affects my energy levels, and why tracking macros is less about perfection and more about curiosity.I also touch on the role of self-monitoring, small healthy habits, and even how sleep and “fun” fit into the bigger wellness picture.If you’ve been feeling a little off or wondering where your energy’s going, try logging your food for a few days — you might be surprised by what you learn. And if you need a little guidance, I’m here to help.

In this episode, I break down one of the trickiest parts of a fat loss phase—knowing when it’s time to call it. We talk about how to use biofeedback (energy, hunger, mood, sleep, and life stress) to guide your decisions instead of just relying on the scale. I also share why shifting goals means your nutrition needs to shift, too—and how consistency with tracking helps you see the full picture. If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I keep going or move into maintenance?”—this episode’s for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fat Loss Phases01:28 Understanding When to End a Fat Loss Phase03:21 Biofeedback: Key Indicators for Ending a Phase07:09 The Role of Hunger and Energy Levels12:20 Life Circumstances and Their Impact on Fat Loss16:11 Changing Goals and Their Nutritional Needs18:33 Consistency and Macro Tracking

We’re not broken—we’re just overwhelmed.Ali Damron and I explore how to quiet the noise, feel safe in your body, and start leading with acceptance instead of control.In this episode, Ali Damron and I unpack the difference between what you think you need and what you actually need when it comes to health, wellness, and feeling like yourself again.We talk about the endless noise out there—how easy it is to chase the next fix—and why the real work often looks less like control and more like compassion.We also dig into what it means to feel safe in your body, how lifestyle choices play a bigger role than most people realize, and why acceptance isn’t giving up—it’s where real change begins.Our conversation was inspired by what we are seeing in ourselves, with clients and the collective as a whole.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the concept of deload weeks—what they are, why they matter, and how they can actually help you get stronger. Spoiler: rest isn’t lazy, it’s part of the plan.We’ll also talk about auto-regulation—fancy word, simple idea. It’s about learning to adjust your workouts based on how your body feels, instead of forcing it to fit into a rigid plan.Because here’s the truth: sustainable training isn’t about going harder all the time, it’s about knowing when to pull back so you can keep moving forward.Want help dialing in your training? Check out out Elemental Training Only Membership! Chapters00:00 Understanding Deload Weeks10:16 The Importance of Auto-Regulation in Training20:41 Building a Sustainable Training Routine

In this episode, Kylie discusses effective strategies for weight loss without the need for macro tracking. She emphasizes the importance of awareness, starting small, and focusing on protein intake, regular meals, and mindful eating. The conversation also covers the significance of movement, sleep, and building sustainable habits for long-term success. Kylie encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards their goals while maintaining a balanced approach to nutrition and lifestyle changes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Weight Loss Without Macros02:54 Understanding Client Levels and Awareness05:51 Starting Small for Sustainable Change09:01 The Importance of Protein and Vegetables11:57 Eating Regularly and Mindfully15:13 Managing Fats and Alcohol Intake17:55 Incorporating Movement and Steps21:06 The Role of Sleep in Weight Loss23:56 Building Accountability and Community

In this episode of 'Far From Perfect', host Kylie discusses the evolving landscape of nutrition science and the importance of adapting one's mindset and strategies as the body changes over time. She addresses common challenges faced during fat loss phases, particularly plateaus, and emphasizes the significance of maintenance phases, tracking accuracy, daily activity, stress management, and gut health. Kylie encourages listeners to embrace a trial-and-error approach to nutrition and invites them to join her community for further support and guidance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nutrition Science and Mindset02:49 Understanding Plateaus in Fat Loss05:59 The Importance of Maintenance Phases08:52 Tracking Accuracy and Consistency12:07 Daily Activity and Its Impact on Fat Loss14:59 Managing Stress and Sleep for Better Results17:49 Adjusting Diet and Exercise for Progress21:13 Exploring Gut Health and Hormonal Factors23:50 Final Thoughts on Individualized Nutrition Strategies

In this episode, Kylie and Ali discuss the effects of overstimulation, particularly during transitions like summer, and how it can lead to anxiety and other symptoms. They explore the connection between perimenopause and anxiety, emphasizing that both hormonal changes and nervous system dysregulation play significant roles. The conversation delves into the problem of catastrophizing and how it stems from a hypervigilant nervous system. They highlight the importance of intentions behind actions, the challenge of change, and the need to redefine success for better well-being. The episode concludes with resources for support and working with Ali.Chapters00:00 Understanding Overstimulation and Its Effects02:51 The Connection Between Perimenopause and Anxiety05:37 Catastrophizing: The Role of the Nervous System08:30 Navigating Anxiety and Self-Perception11:19 The Importance of Intentions in Actions14:29 Breaking the Cycle of Overwhelm17:17 Creating Safety in Uncertainty20:10 The Challenge of Change and Neuroplasticity22:57 Redefining Success and Personal Fulfillment25:48 Finding Balance in Life and Work28:34 Holistic Approaches to Health and Well-BeingConnect with Ali on Instagram

In this conversation, Kylie Larson and JK McLeod delve into the concept of advanced training, exploring what it means and who it is for. They discuss the importance of understanding one's training capacity and the significance of consistency in achieving fitness goals. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of quick-fix programs, particularly six-week challenges, and emphasizes the need for a long-term approach to fitness that considers individual lifestyles and goals.Connect with JK on Instagram and find listen to his podcast, Help Me Understand.