356 // Why You're Suddenly Puffy in Midlife (It's NOT Weight Gain)

What if the most powerful thing you could hear today isn’t another expert opinion—but someone simply saying, “Me too”? In this episode, I’m taking you on a walk with me as we talk honestly about the realities of midlife. From hormones and HRT to social media, comparison, and learning to let go of perfection, I’m sharing what’s happening in my own life in real time. No script. No filters. No pretending. Just one woman walking through midlife with Christ and inviting you to walk alongside her. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to figure it all out while everyone else seems to have it together, I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone—and that God is present in every step of the journey.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Ten years ago, I experienced one of the darkest nights of my life.For the first time, I’m sharing what happened, how it affected me, and the long journey toward healing. This episode is about more than trauma—it’s about finding the strength to move forward. I also share why forgiveness became one of the hardest, yet most freeing, decisions I’ve ever made. Forgiveness didn’t erase what happened or excuse it, but it helped me let go of the bitterness that could have kept me trapped in the past.Even in the same season that held unimaginable pain, God brought unexpected hope and new beginnings. If you’ve ever wondered whether healing is possible after heartbreak or trauma, I pray this story reminds you that your past does not have to define your future.Content note: This episode includes discussion of physical abuse that may be difficult for some listeners.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Do you constantly feel bloated, swollen, or puffy in midlife?You’re not alone.Many women notice changes in digestion, water retention, and inflammation during perimenopause and menopause.In this episode, we’re exploring why these changes happen, what may be contributing to them, and practical ways to support your body with grace instead of frustration.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Why does belly fat seem harder to lose in midlife?If you’ve noticed weight shifting around your middle, you’re not alone.In this episode of Fit & Fueled by Faith, we’re talking about the hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle factors that can contribute to stubborn belly fat during midlife.You’ll learn why this happens, what actually helps, and how to approach your health with wisdom instead of frustration.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Are you exhausted all the time even after a full night’s sleep?You’re not alone.In this episode of Fit & Fueled by Faith, we’re talking about one of the most common struggles women face in midlife: fatigue.We’ll explore why energy changes in midlife, the role hormones play, why muscle and protein matter more than ever, and practical steps you can take to feel stronger and more energized.If you’ve been wondering, “Why am I so tired all the time?” this episode is for you.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Still tired in midlife… even when you’re trying to eat healthy?In this episode of the Hello Hormones series on Fit & Fueled by Faith, I’m sharing what I personally eat in midlife to support energy, hormones, strength, and overall wellness.Because what worked in our 20s and 30s often stops working in midlife and many women are left feeling exhausted, frustrated, and confused about what their body actually needs now.In this episode, we talk about:• Why nutrition changes in midlife• The importance of protein for women over 40• Balancing blood sugar and energy• My pescatarian, Mediterranean-inspired approach• Simple ways to nourish your body without restrictionThis isn’t about perfection.It’s about learning to support your body with wisdom and grace.🌻 Fit & Fueled by Faith — where the female body meets faith.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

What if midlife isn’t the end of your story… but the beginning of a new one? A stronger one. A wiser one. A more grounded, faith-filled version of you. In this final episode of the Hello Hormones series on Fit & Fueled by Faith, we’re stepping back and looking at the bigger picture. Because everything you’ve been feeling... the changes in your body, your energy, your emotions it’s not a breakdown.  It’s a reset. In this episode, we talk about: • Reframing midlife as a season of renewal • Letting go of who you used to be • Stepping into who you’re becoming • How to move forward with strength, clarity, and faith • Building a lifestyle that supports your body and your purpose You’re not too late.You’re right on time. 🌻 Fit & Fueled by Faith — where the female body meets faith.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Have you felt more emotional lately… crying more easily, getting irritated faster, or reacting in ways that don’t feel like you? You’re not overreacting. And you’re not losing control. In this episode of the Hello Hormones series on Fit & Fueled by Faith, we’re talking about why emotions can feel more intense in midlife and what your body is actually going through. Because this isn’t just “your mood.” It’s hormonal, physical, and deeply connected to your nervous system. In this episode, we cover: • Why estrogen and progesterone affect emotional regulation • How cortisol and stress amplify reactions • Why your nervous system feels more sensitive • How emotional load in midlife adds to overwhelm • Faith-based ways to ground yourself in this season You’re not too emotional. Your body is asking for support. Fit & Fueled by Faith — where the female body meets faith.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

This is a conversation many women are having quietly… or not at all. Have you noticed a shift in your desire, your connection, or your interest in intimacy in midlife? You’re not broken. And you’re not alone. In this episode of the Hello Hormones series on Fit & Fueled by Faith, we’re having a respectful, faith-centered conversation about intimacy, hormones, and connection in midlife. Because this matters not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. In this episode, we talk about: • Why desire can change during perimenopause and menopause • The role of hormones like estrogen and testosterone • How stress, fatigue, and emotional load affect intimacy • Removing shame and opening honest conversations • Reconnecting with your spouse and yourself in a healthy way This isn’t about pressure. It’s about understanding, grace, and connection. 🌻 Fit & Fueled by Faith — where the female body meets faith.Download the Free 7 Holy Habits Guide: https:// bit.ly/7holyhabits📬 Sign-up for weekly newsletters and more: https://substack.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📸 Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaithFit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.