Episode 405: Creatine for Women: Worth It or Waste?

Episode Overview If your social media feed is buzzing with creatine talk, you're not alone—and you're probably wondering if it actually lives up to the hype. In this episode, Annie and Jen kick off a new series called "Worth It or Waste?" by breaking down one of the most researched supplements on the market: creatine. Whether you're lifting weights, walking hills, or simply trying to stay strong and sharp as you age, this episode explains who might benefit from creatine and how it works. Annie shares her personal self-experiment, Jen gets real about her inconsistent use, and both coaches unpack what the latest research says—especially for women in perimenopause and menopause. They also clear up common concerns around weight gain, bloating, and safety, so you can decide if it's worth adding to your routine—or not. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points What creatine is, how it works, and how to take it safely Benefits beyond muscle—including brain health, recovery, and aging Why women 35+ may want to pay attention to creatine research What to expect in terms of results, dosage, and side effects

Episode Overview Holiday meals, parties, and family gatherings can bring up a lot of anxiety about food. Many women worry about overeating—and what to do after it happens. In this episode, Annie and Jen dive into how to set yourself up for success around food during the holidays, and more importantly, how to recover when things don't go as planned. Whether it's a Thanksgiving feast or a random Tuesday night, overeating happens. The key is learning how to respond without spiraling into guilt, restriction, or punishment. If you've ever felt like the holidays throw you off track and you spend January "starting over," this episode is for you. Annie and Jen share five common post-overeating impulses—and what to do instead—to help you stay grounded, empowered, and on track with your long-term goals. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why holiday food anxiety is so common—and what makes it worse What to do before indulgent meals to avoid the all-or-nothing trap Five common impulses after overeating (and better alternatives) How to stop the guilt-restriction-overeating cycle for good

Episode Overview We're bringing this powerful coaching session back to your ears—just in time for the holidays. If you've ever felt panicked to hit your "goal weight" by the end of the year, you're not alone. In this conversation, Jennifer coaches Nancy, a busy mom of two, through the deeper beliefs driving her holiday weight loss pressure. This isn't just a conversation about eating during the holidays—it's about how we tie our self-worth to our size, and what it looks like to become the role model we want to be for the next generation. If you missed this episode the first time around, or need a reminder to take the pressure off this holiday season, this one's for you. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why weight panic often spikes at the end of the year—and what it's really about The unintended lessons kids learn from how we treat ourselves How to shift your focus from weight loss to long-term self-care One simple reframe that could change your entire approach to food, movement, and worth

Episode Overview If you've ever found yourself in front of the pantry after a long day, wondering why am I doing this again?, this episode is for you. Inspired by a real text from a friend, Annie and Jen tackle a deeply relatable topic: emotional eating when life feels overwhelming. Whether it's stress, exhaustion, parenting, work, the state of the world—or all of the above—many women turn to food for comfort. Annie and Jen explain why that happens and how to begin shifting out of the emotional eating loop even when your bandwidth feels microscopic. With practical tools and compassionate honesty, this episode offers a new perspective on what it actually looks like to love yourself when life is hard. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why emotional eating makes sense when you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and stretched thin Our 3-step process for managing emotional eating (Stop → Identify → Swap) What emotional eating actually feels like (and why it's not always dramatic) How self-compassion—not self-criticism—is key to sustainable change

Episode Overview If you've ever tracked macros, calories, or points, chances are you've hit a point where it no longer felt empowering—it felt exhausting. In this episode, Jen and Annie open up about their own histories with tracking, why it worked until it didn't, and what actually helped them build a healthier relationship with food. They break down the major downsides of tracking, including mental fatigue, food anxiety, and the inability to trust your own body. You'll also learn about the two powerful internal cues—hunger and satiety—that helped them and thousands of women in Balance365 Coaching ditch the food obsession and build lasting habits. If you're wondering "but if I'm not tracking… what do I do?"—this episode is your answer. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why tracking macros or calories can feel so satisfying—and why that doesn't last The 3 most common downsides to food tracking (and what no one tells you about them) How hunger and satiety cues can help you regulate your eating naturally What to do if you're totally disconnected from your internal cues

Episode Overview The holiday season can feel like one long buffet table—especially when Halloween hits and suddenly there's candy everywhere. If you've ever felt like one "fun-size" chocolate turns into weeks of overeating and guilt, this episode is for you. In this powerful live coaching session, Jen works with Andrea, a long-time listener and mom of three, who shares how her normally balanced habits get totally derailed during the holidays. Together, they explore practical strategies for reducing food anxiety, building self-trust, and creating eating experiences that feel intentional—not reactive. If you're bracing yourself for another season of spiraling, this episode will help you break the cycle without giving up your favorite foods. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why Halloween often kicks off months of overeating (and how to interrupt that pattern) The emotional and environmental triggers that lead to food spirals How to identify your "hell yes" eating experiences vs. the ones you regret The power of self-soothing and planning your indulgences without guilt

Episode Overview Listener Michelle wrote in with a great question: What do I do about gym anxiety when I'm traveling? In this episode, Annie and Jen unpack the all-too-common experience of wanting to work out but anxiety about a new gym environment holding you back. They offer practical, empowering strategies to help you stay committed to your workouts—no matter where you are. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points How to reduce anxiety before you even step into a new gym Why a flexible plan (with familiar exercises) makes all the difference What to say to yourself when anxiety spikes The truth about what really stops most people from taking action

Episode Overview What do you do when your 66-year-old body can't keep up with what you used to do at 40? That's the honest and relatable question sent in through our new Balance365 hotline—and it's one that so many women will resonate with. In this episode, Annie and Jennifer unpack the sneaky comparison trap of measuring your progress against your past self and offer clear, compassionate guidance on how to move forward with realistic, empowering expectations. They also break down exercise guidelines, mindset shifts, and how to parent yourself through this season of change. If you're feeling frustrated by your body's changing needs, this conversation will help you stop resisting, start accepting, and rebuild a plan that works for you. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why comparing yourself to your younger self is a trap—and how to get out of it What "meeting yourself where you're at" really looks like A breakdown of realistic fitness guidelines in midlife How to reframe your workouts as wins, not failures

Episode Overview In this listener Q+A episode, Annie and Jen answer a curious listener's question about how they are personally preparing for perimenopause and menopause. They talk honestly about their own experiences navigating midlife transitions, how stress, mindset, and lifestyle all factor in, and what habits they're doubling down on (without going all-or-nothing). This episode is full of big sister energy, practical wisdom, and a much-needed reminder that you are not powerless here. Aging is inevitable. Suffering through it is not. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why perimenopause often amplifies already "slippery" habits The most common fear women face in midlife (hint: it's not hot flashes) What habits actually matter most in this season How to shift from panic and control to self-trust and consistency

Episode Overview If you've ever looked at your goals—whether it's losing weight, improving your habits, or changing your relationship with food—and thought, "This feels impossible," you're not alone. In this episode, Jen and Annie tackle one of the most common barriers they hear from women in the Balance365 community: the overwhelming pressure to change everything right now. They share their own experiences with big behavior and body goals, and why self-compassion, radical acceptance, and focusing on the process (not just the outcome) is key. This episode is a reminder that it's okay to take your time, and more importantly, it's necessary if you want lasting results. If you like what you hear in this episode, don't miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to join Balance365! Add your name to our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why overwhelm happens when goals feel too big—and how to break that cycle How catastrophizing keeps you stuck (and how to stop) The mindset shift that helped Annie become someone she never thought she'd be Why enjoying the process is essential, not optional