Rooted in Resilience

Cheryl tried everything: keto, vegan, carnivore, general calorie restriction, and like so many women, she kept losing and regaining the same weight over and over again.At nearly 70 years old and starting at 198 pounds, she decided to try something different.In this episode, Cheryl shares how she lost 52 pounds, improved her metabolism, and (most importantly) learned how to maintain her results for life.We talk about:- Why most fat loss approaches fail long-term- The missing piece almost no one teaches: maintenance- How her mindset, confidence, and identity completely shifted- What she actually eats day-to-day (including carbs 👀)- Why it’s never too late to take control of your healthThis is more than a weight loss story: it’s a story about taking ownership of your health, rebuilding your metabolism, and showing up fully for your life.If you’ve ever felt stuck, like nothing works, or like it’s “too late”… this episode is for you.Time Stamps0:00 – Intro1:38 - Meet Cheryl: background, life story & how she found Transform 7:36 - The Importance of Community10:31 - Mindset Shifts and Lifestyle Changes13:26 - Navigating Food Choices and Nutrition16:28 - The Role of Family in Transform19:40 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence22:41 - The Impact of Aging on Health and Wellness25:47 - Self Love and Personal Growth28:22 - Cheryls Encouraging Message41:00 - Full Day of Eating for Cheryl53:00 - Navigating Career Choices and Family Life59:00 - What Cheryl is Empowered to Work on In Life After Transform1:01:54 - Importance of A System and Support1:02 - Why We Don’t Use Meal PlansJoin Transform! https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! Join Nourish Food Club👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 350+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6th, learn more and join here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform

Why do so many people spin their wheels with fat loss, despite trying so hard? In this episode of the Rooted in Resilience podcast, Ashley, Sarah, Kathleen, and Tyler break down the most common reasons people fail in a fat loss phase: from program hopping and chasing the “secret sauce” to all-or-nothing thinking, supplement distractions, and misreading the scale.After helping hundreds of people improve metabolism, lose fat, and keep it off, we’re sharing the patterns we see over and over again, and the mindset shifts that actually move the needle forward.If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or like you’re doing everything right but not seeing progress, this episode is for you.We cover:- program hopping and protocol hopping- chasing the “secret sauce”- all-or-nothing thinking after one off-plan meal- trying new supplements and foods during a fat loss phase- weighing yourself too infrequently and misreading progressTime stamps:02:00 - Program hopping & lack of consistency07:30 - Why small habits matter more than hacks14:30 - The real reason people feel stuck29:20 - All-or-nothing mindset (one bad meal spiral)39:15 - Supplements, new foods & fat loss confusion48:45 - Focusing on the wrong goals at the wrong time58:45 - How to actually track progress (and what works)_____________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 300+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6th, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform

Most people focus on just calories and macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat) but ignore the micronutrients that actually allow the body to function. Both macros and micros matter.In this episode, we break down why vitamins and minerals are essential for metabolism, energy production, and overall health.Without adequate micronutrients, the body cannot efficiently convert food into energy, regulate hormones, or support detoxification pathways. Many modern diets provide enough calories but fall short in the essential nutrients needed for optimal health.In this episode we discuss:• Why micronutrients are necessary for metabolic function• How vitamin and mineral deficiencies develop• The limitations of focusing only on calories and macros• Why whole foods provide nutrients in ways supplements cannot replicate• Common micronutrient deficiencies today• How to track your micronutrients using tools like Cronometer• Why “detox” is really about supporting your body with nutrientsThrough the Transform program, we consistently see that individuals who hit their micronutrient targets through whole foods achieve better fat loss results, experience less hunger, and report higher energy levels.Transform helps you dial in both macro and micronutrient targets to support body recomposition, fat loss, and improved metabolic function so you can feel and perform at your best.TIMESTAMPS 0:01:19 Introduction – Why Micronutrients Matter0:02:47 How Vitamins & Minerals Power Metabolism0:06:20 Why You Can’t Survive on Macros Alone0:09:00 The History of RDAs and How They Were Created0:13:40 Why Whole Foods Beat Supplements for Nutrients0:20:00 Calories In vs Calories Out (And Why Nutrients Still Matter)0:26:15 The Most Common Micronutrient Deficiencies Today0:36:15 How to Track Your Micronutrients Using Cronometer0:40:10 Symptoms of Micronutrient Deficiencies1:28:55 Why Micronutrients Matter During Fat Loss1:36:15 The Truth About “Detoxing” Your Liver_____________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 300+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6th, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform

In this episode of Rooted in Resilience, Ash is joined again by Kathleen Stewart to break down my recent 5-week fat loss phase, where I lost about 10 pounds while maintaining muscle mass and lifts in the gym.We walk through exactly what I did, why it worked, and how we approach fat loss differently inside Transform, so you can use these principles on your own or join us inside the program.We cover why we don’t believe in jumping straight into a calorie deficit, the importance of building maintenance calories first, and why short, strategic fat loss phases tend to work better than staying stuck in long-term restriction.We also dive into the fear around muscle loss during a cut, why strength training, steps, cardio, and adequate protein matter, and how micronutrients play a major role in energy production, satiety, and overall success during a fat loss phase.In this episode, we cover: • why I split my fat loss goals into phases • how I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks • why maintenance calories matter before cutting • the difference between lean mass loss and muscle loss • how to protect muscle during a calorie deficit • why tracking steps is so important • how Transform structures fat loss phases • why micronutrients matter for metabolism and satiety • the importance of getting in, getting it done, and getting back to maintenanceIf you’ve been stuck in yo-yo dieting, under-eating during the week, and overdoing it on the weekends, this episode will help you understand a more sustainable and effective way to approach fat loss.TIME STAMPS01:03 — Intro: How I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks (fat loss overview)02:23 — Rapid fat loss vs slow dieting: will you lose muscle?08:03 — Strength training during a fat loss phase11:33 — Why I split my fat loss goals into two phases19:03 — Why you should build maintenance calories before dieting28:33 — Why tracking food intake helps fat loss31:33 — Volume eating: how to stay full in a calorie deficit37:03 — How we structure fat loss phases in Transform51:33 — Why micronutrients matter for metabolism and fat loss1:08:00 — Fat loss is simple, but consistency is the hard part______________________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/ _____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 300+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 6, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform

In this solo episode of the Rooted in Resilience Podcast, Ashley shares the word she’s carrying into 2026: surrender.For many of us who care deeply about our work, our health, and the people around us, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to control everything. We overthink decisions, carry responsibilities that aren’t ours, and constantly search for the next solution.But what if the answer isn’t pushing harder? What if it’s learning to surrender?In this vulnerable and reflective episode, Ashley explores the difference between giving up and surrendering, why letting go of control can actually lead to better outcomes, and how fear and information overload keep many of us stuck in cycles of stress and overthinking.She also shares practical reframes she’s been practicing to help release the pressure of trying to control every outcome: in business, health, and life.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much responsibility, this conversation will resonate.Because sometimes the most powerful shift isn’t doing more…It’s learning to let go of what was never yours to carry.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Ashley chose “surrender” as her word for 2026• The hidden mental burden of entrepreneurship and responsibility• The difference between surrender and giving up• How information overload and social media make surrender harder• The role of fear in controlling outcomes• Why uncertainty is required for growth• Practical reframes for releasing pressure and overthinking• How surrender applies to health and healing_____________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_____________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_____________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: {The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}https://nourishfoodclub.com/_____________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 250+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 1st, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform

Skinny culture is back, and it’s louder than ever.In this episode, we talk honestly about the pressure to be ultra-thin (at all costs!) and why chasing that look can quietly wreck your health, your hormones, and your long-term well-being.Ashley and Sarah share their own stories of growing up in the height of constantly under eating and thinking smaller always meant better. What felt like “discipline” at the time turned into years of physical and emotional consequences, from tanked metabolism to anxiety and body obsession.We unpack how social media has revived the thin ideal, how extreme low-calorie diets are being normalized again, and how trends like GLP-1 medications are shifting the goal from “healthy” to simply “smaller.” We also break down what actually happens inside your body during prolonged under-eating, from muscle loss and hormone disruption to immune suppression and poor detox capacity.But this conversation isn’t just about what’s wrong. We talk about what real health looks like: protecting your metabolism, preserving muscle, supporting your hormones, and building habits that are sustainable. We discuss why short, intentional fat-loss phases are very different from chronic restriction, and why strength, nourishment, and resilience matter more than a number on a scale.If you’ve ever felt caught in the cycle of dieting, comparison, or trying to shrink yourself to feel “enough,” this episode is for you.It’s an honest conversation about breaking the skinny mindset, and building a healthier future for ourselves and the next generation.Timestamps0:17 – What Is “Skinny Culture” & Why It’s Trending Again1:02 – The Return of the Ultra-Thin Ideal2:33 – Extreme Low-Calorie Diets: What Really Happens3:43 – How Social Media Glorifies Disordered Eating5:03 – Ozempic & GLP-1 Drugs: What’s Driving the Shift6:10 – Real-Life Stories & Consequences8:22 – The Hidden Dangers Behind “Healthy” Diet Trends10:47 – Lost Menstrual Cycles & Hormonal Disruption12:56 – Detox Pathways, Metabolism & Autoimmune Risk14:27 – Body Dysmorphia & the Psychological Toll19:16 – Long-Term Recovery: What No One Talks About25:06 – Why Muscle & Metabolic Health Matter30:22 – Healthier Alternatives to Skinny Culture35:47 – The Role of Parents & Culture in Body Image45:13 – Practical Steps to Raise Healthier Generations_______________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_______________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_______________________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: Low PUFA eggs/chicken/pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, sourdough, raw dog food, & morehttps://nourishfoodclub.com/ _______________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program Join 250+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 1, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform

Has modern naturopathic medicine lost its way? In this episode of Rooted in Resilience, we sit down with Dr. Alex Orton to explore an uncomfortable but important question: as naturopathic medicine has grown in popularity, has it quietly begun to resemble the very conventional system it once sought to challenge?Dr. Orton shares his personal journey into naturopathic medicine, which began after his own health crisis in college. What started as panic attacks and poor lifestyle habits ultimately led him to discover the powerful impact of nutrition, sunlight, meditation, and foundational health practices, and to pursue a career rooted in holistic healing.Together, we unpack common misconceptions around naturopathic and functional medicine, including the assumption that “holistic” automatically means whole-person care. Dr. Orton describes the naturopathic landscape as a kind of “Wild West,” where differing philosophies can leave patients confused and overwhelmed. He also highlights a concerning shift toward lab-driven, supplement-heavy approaches, what he calls “green allopathy”, and explains why this mindset can miss the body’s innate healing intelligence.At the heart of this conversation is the philosophy of vitalism: the belief that the body knows how to heal when given the right conditions. Rather than treating the body like a machine to be fixed, Dr. Orton emphasizes supporting energy production, mental-emotional health, and the foundational pillars of wellness. We also discuss food intolerance testing, the importance of mindset in healing, and why surrender, not force, often plays a key role in recovery.This episode is a thoughtful invitation to rethink what true holistic care looks like, and to reconnect with the body’s natural capacity for healing.Topics covered include:Has naturopathic medicine become too conventional?The rise of “green allopathy” and supplement overloadEnergy production is crucial for healing.Vitalism and the body’s innate healing intelligenceThe importance of mental-emotional healthFood intolerance testing and personalized careDr. Alex’s four pillars of health include detoxification, nutrition, lifestyle, and mental-emotional health.Why surrender can be an essential part of healingIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by protocols, confused by conflicting health advice, or disconnected from your body in the healing process, this conversation offers a refreshing and grounded perspective!TIMESTAMPS01:20 Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine and Personal Journeys04:43 The Downfalls of Current Naturopathic Medicine08:38 The Wild West of Naturopathic Practices12:26 Functional Medicine vs. True Holistic Healing16:20 The Importance of Energy in Healing19:39 Addressing the Mental-Emotional Component23:07 The Role of Consistency in Health26:00 Challenging Conventional Medical Perspectives31:53 Understanding Autoimmune Conditions35:39 The Four Pillars of Health42:46 Surrendering to the Healing Process53:45 Lab Work and Food Intolerance Testing—————————————————Learn more and work with Dr. Alex Orton: https://havenholistichealth.comDr. Alex Orton on socials: https://www.instagram.com/havenholistichealth/https://www.instagram.com/alexorton.nd/ 

What if cancer is a metabolic problem that can be cured? (Instead of a genetic chronic disease)In this episode, I’m joined by a repeat guest Georgi Dinkov to explore cancer through the lens of cellular energy, metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Instead of framing cancer as a “war” on tumor cells, we discuss a different paradigm: restoring energy, supporting respiration, and addressing systemic metabolic stress.We cover:- Cancer as a reversible metabolic problem, rather than a genetic one- Glycolysis vs oxidative metabolism and why it matters- CO₂, lactic acid, pH, and mitochondrial health- Where Georgi’s views differ from mainstream oncology, and even other researchers (like Dr. Seyfried) who view cancer as a metabolic problem- Georgi's recent surprising research findings and future cancer study directions- How to support his ongoing workThis conversation challenges conventional narratives and offers a hopeful, systems-based way of thinking about health, disease, and the future of cancer medicine.**for educational purposes only, not medical advice. Consult with your doctor for best treatment options**TIME STAMPS 0:00 - Intro1:01 - Welcome & life update with Georgi2:48 - What is Georgi eating these days6:00 - Diet perfection, stress, and sustainable eating13:23 - Update on Georgi's cancer studies20:00 - Cancer as a metabolic disease vs genetic theory27:00 - Quorum sensing & cellular decision-making30:00 - Mitochondria, CO2, and lactic acid36:00 - Radiation, EMFs, and metabolic suppression40:30 - Why killing cancer cells may be the wrong strategy 49:00 - Warburg effect: glycolysis vs oxidative metabolism58:55 - Where Georgi disagrees with some other 'metabolism focused' cancer researchers like Dr. Seyfried 1:00:15 - Future studies with Meldonium (Mildronate)1:10:30 - PUFAs, saturated fat, and tumor resistance1:12:30 - How to support Georgi’s research1:16:40 - Closing thoughts: hope, metabolism, and self-healing_______________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063_______________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup_______________________________________________________Support Us & Our Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Clubhttps://nourishfoodclub.com/ 🥚Join waitlist for our low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs:https://nourishfoodclub.com/pages/why-join-angel-acres-egg-waitlist_______________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program Join 250+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts April 1, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform_______________________________________________________About Georgi Dinkov:Georgi is a computer scientist, researcher, and biochemist focused on pro-metabolic approaches to health and disease, with an emphasis on mitochondrial function and systemic energy balance.Link to his blog: https://haidut.meSupport Georgi’s work at Idea Labs:https://idealabsdc.com/

In this conversation, we break down what true metabolic health actually means, and how to restore it. We explore how metabolism becomes dysregulated, what truly improves insulin sensitivity, and why many common “health” approaches unintentionally make the problem worse.Drawing from both the science and our hands-on experience working with 200+ individuals inside the Transform program, we share the core lifestyle and nutrition principles we use to help people regain energy, stabilize blood sugar, and rebuild metabolic flexibility. This includes practical, actionable steps around food, movement, recovery, and stress (without hacks, extremes, or quick fixes.)You’ll hear real-world patterns we’ve observed, the most common mistakes that keep people stuck, and what actually works when the goal is long-term metabolic health, not short-term results. Whether you’re navigating insulin resistance, stubborn weight gain, or simply want to better support your metabolism as you age, this episode will leave you with clarity, direction, and a more sustainable framework for health.TIME STAMPS00:01:16 - Introduction to restoring metabolic health.00:02:05 - Overview of the Transform approach and its successes.00:05:23 - Defining metabolic health through proper utilization.00:06:15 - Restoring proper carbohydrate metabolism.00:10:13 - Our two-pronged approach to restoring metabolic health.00:10:48 - Insulin sensitivity as a proxy for cellular energy production.00:15:00 - The role of micronutrients in metabolic health.00:16:12 - Summary of macronutrient and food-related insights.00:37:10 - Our Eight strategies from the Transform program.00:58:45 - The importance of consuming carbohydrates.______________________________________________________________________Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g ⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063______________________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup______________________________________________________________________Follow Us On Social Media➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 150+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts Dec 29th, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform

Your personality changes based on what you eat. And your constant worry about your health, food obsession, and low energy may not just be “in your head”... they can be direct, physiological symptoms from a Low Energy Availability (LEA) state.In this episode, we dive deep into Chapters 40 & 41 of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment: one of the most revealing studies on what happens to the human mind under LEA, not eating enough food for the body's needs.We break down the shocking data on how semi-starvation systematically changed the subjects' personalities, leading to hypochondria, depression, hysteria, and more.The MSE is a lens to understand the modern dieting struggle, anxiety, and why willpower often fails. We connect the 1944 data to today's health crisis and explain what this means for you.TIME STAMPS1:36 - Welcome & Experiment Overview: Can Diet Change Your Personality?2:49 - The Personality Shift: From Irritable to Introverted4:20 - Is Your Personality Really Fixed? Spoiler: No.7:00 - Your Childhood Trauma Gets Louder in a Calorie Deficit9:00 - The Hidden Cost of Yo-Yo Dieting: Diet Fatigue11:19 - The Scientific Personality Tests (MMPI & Guilford)13:07 - The 3 Biggest Personality Changes in Starvation16:24 - Are You Actually Sick, or Just Undernourished?18:37 - The 7-Month Rule for Real Healing20:36 - Why "Specialists" Fail You (The Holistic View)22:15 - Anxiety, Rumination & Catastrophizing - It's The Deficit24:35 - The Pie Metaphor: Is Your Issue Biochemical or Emotional?27:33 - Paranoia, Distrust & Adrenaline Dumps30:10 - The Proof: It's The Starvation, Not "You"31:52 - Loss of Creativity & "Feminine Interests"33:50 - The Somatic Checklist: "I Feel Weak All Over"37:18 - The Unprofitable Truth: "You Just Need to Eat More"39:25 - The Psychic Checklist: "I Can't Focus or Read"41:48 - Recovery is SLOW: Refeeding & Lingering Symptoms44:29 - Why Maintaining Weight Loss is the Hardest Part47:20 - The Yo-Yo Diet Cycle & Never-Ending Struggle51:10 - Do Supplements & Protein Powder Fix This?53:09 - If You Can Only Eat X Diet Right Now...55:30 - The Light at the End of the Tunnel: 20-Week Recovery57:02 - The "Why" - Mechanistic Theories Behind the Change1:03:43 - Extreme Cases: When Dieting Leads to Self-Harm1:08:28 - Normalize This: You WILL Be Irritable on a Cut1:10:14 - Are You in a Good Life Season to Diet?1:12:44 - The Subject Who THRIVED on the Challenge1:14:11 - Odd Behaviors: 40 Packs of Gum & Eating from Garbage1:17:12 - Chopping Off Fingers: A Cry for Help & Exit Strategy1:20:16 - "Accident Prone" - A Symptom of Undernutrition1:23:24 - The Overweight Subject & The Danger of Long Deficits1:26:26 - Timing: When Do Breakdowns Happen? (Weeks 8-12)1:28:19 - The Transform Solution: A Cut Designed with MSE in Mind1:30:12 - "Why Add Stress?" The Case for Strategic Short Cuts1:32:39 - No Solutions, Only Trade-Offs1:35:03 - Zoom Out: Health is a 3-Year Project, Not a 30-Day Sprint1:36:29 - Conclusion: You're Not Broken, You're Undernourished______________________________________________________________________Keep Up With Us!🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/news...______________________________________________________________________On a Mission to Change the food system! 👩🏼‍🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish Food Club: https://nourishfoodclub.com/ 🥚Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggshttps://nourishfoodclub.com/collectio...____________________________________________________⭐️ The Transform Fat Loss and Metabolic Restoration Program ⭐️Join 150+ people who’ve lost fat and kept it off, without giving up their favorite foods. This science-backed, metabolism-first program helps you rebuild your foundation, restore energy, and finally achieve fat loss results that last.Next group starts Dec 29th, learn more and join the Early Access List here:https://www.armstrongsisters.com/transform