272: Ditch the Diets, Build a Foundation - with Joe Hoye

Joe Hoye, a health coach and author of The Diet Detox, challenges the traditional dieting mindset and its negative impacts on the body. He offers an alternative approach that emphasizes sustainable wellness by focusing on building a strong foundation for long-term health. The Damage of Diet Culture Hoye's method stems from his experience working with clients, particularly women, who have endured repeated cycles of dieting. This pattern often leads to “metabolic nightmares”—a slowdown of metabolism caused by muscle loss and erratic eating habits.  When the focus is solely on weight loss, muscle mass is frequently sacrificed. Without a strong muscular foundation, the body struggles to maintain a healthy metabolism, making subsequent weight loss attempts even harder Building a Foundation for Long-Term Health Hoye's two-phase approach prioritizes creating a sustainable foundation over quick weight loss. This "foundations" phase concentrates on establishing habits that bolster muscle and metabolic health: Exercise Consistency: Regular, moderate exercise, such as going to the gym 3-4 times per week, helps build and maintain muscle while boosting metabolism. Nutrition Essentials: Hoye encourages incorporating protein into every meal to support muscle retention. He stresses the importance of understanding individual needs and getting balanced nutrition, rather than following restrictive diets. Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is crucial for metabolic health and muscle recovery. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and good sleep hygiene practices is essential. Reshaping with Purpose and Preparation Once a solid foundation is established, the focus shifts to a "reshaping" phase. This phase involves refining and personalizing goals, emphasizing preparation and consistency for lasting results. This approach contrasts with the instant-gratification mentality of diet culture, promoting sustainable, evidence-based methods instead. Detoxifying From Diet Culture: Key Mindset Shifts Hoye encourages these mindset shifts to help clients detox from diet culture: Shift Focus from the Scale: Instead of chasing a specific number, aim for a body that feels and functions well. Recognize Muscle as the Foundation: Building muscle supports overall health, helps maintain metabolism, and allows the body to adapt to changes in diet and exercise without drastic impacts on weight or energy levels. Simplify Health: Prioritize balanced eating, regular exercise, and quality sleep over trendy, extreme regimens. Embrace Discomfort for Growth: Building new habits can be uncomfortable, but this discomfort fosters lasting change and resilience. Logical Tracking Over Emotional Responses: Focus on measurable progress in areas like gym performance, sleep, and general energy levels to observe real improvements without being swayed by daily fluctuations in mood or appearance. EPISODE RESOURCES: GIVEAWAY! Instagram  

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly maintain a healthy weight while others struggle despite their best efforts? Or why do certain individuals experience anxiety and depression more intensely than others? The answer might lie within your DNA. The Impact of Genetics on Your Health Elwin Robinson's health journey is a testament to the powerful influence of genetics. While genetics can predispose us to specific health conditions, it doesn't mean we're destined to suffer. In his late twenties, Elwin experienced chronic fatigue, which he linked to both his genes and unhealthy lifestyle habits. His family history, marked by his father's chronic fatigue syndrome and his mother's passing from cancer, underscored the role genetics played in their health. Elwin embraced a healthier lifestyle, eliminating alcohol, smoking, and processed foods. He incorporated holistic practices like fasting, yoga, and detoxing into his routine. Despite these positive changes, he faced persistent health issues, including debilitating pain related to digestive problems. Genetic testing finally revealed his predisposition to conditions like sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and cholestasis. These conditions hindered his body's detoxification processes. Decoding Food Sensitivities Food allergies and intolerances can manifest in various ways, often with subtle, easily overlooked symptoms. Many individuals experience anxiety, depression, digestive discomfort, or even heart failure linked to undiagnosed food sensitivities. Elwin's experience exemplifies this. Even though genetic tests indicated no specific food allergies, Elwin's digestive issues worsened as he aged. Further genetic testing revealed that his food sensitivities were likely connected to bile toxicity and gut dysbiosis, not typical allergies. Genetic reports can pinpoint sensitivities to compounds like histamine, salicylates, and oxalates, often hidden triggers. These substances are found in healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and oils. The Genetic Roots of Mental Well-being Anxiety and depression are often perceived as purely mental health issues, but genetics can significantly influence our emotional experiences. For Elwin, chronic pain and unresolved health concerns fueled his anxiety and insomnia. Genetic testing revealed a genetic variant that slowed his body's breakdown of stress chemicals, shedding light on the biological underpinnings of his mental health challenges. This highlights the concept that some individuals may be genetically predisposed to anxiety and depression, making it more difficult for them to regulate their emotions. These individuals may benefit from personalized support, including specific nutrients and lifestyle modifications, to achieve mental balance. For instance, low levels of oxytocin (often called the "love hormone") can contribute to feelings of emotional emptiness and even trigger addictive behaviors like overeating. DNA's Influence on Weight Management If you've struggled with weight loss despite trying various diets and exercise plans, your genes may be playing a role. Historically, obesity rates were low, even when diets included sugar and saturated fats. This suggests that modern environmental factors, combined with individual genetic differences, contribute to the obesity crisis. Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance, making it harder to shed pounds. Others may experience hormonal imbalances that affect hunger, fat storage, and metabolism. Even variations in thyroid function, like suboptimal or undiagnosed hypothyroidism, can lead to unexplained weight gain. In this podcast, you will learn: The impact of genetics on  conditions like chronic fatigue How food sensitivities may be related to bile toxicity and gut health The influence of genetics on anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being How DNA can affect weight loss efforts and metabolic processes The importance of personalized health insights based on genetic testing EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Facebook Twitter YouTube  Podcast  

Dr. Nayan Patel is a pharmacist and wellness expert who has worked with physicians to develop custom medications and personalized drug and nutrition plans for patients. He has been the pharmacist of choice for celebrities, CEOs, and even fellow physicians. Dr. Patel recently wrote a book about glutathione. After years of research on glutathione, Dr. Patel and his team developed a patented technology for topical glutathione delivery. This led to the creation of a skincare line designed for efficient and effective antioxidant delivery. Glutathione Helps Detoxify the Body Glutathione is a crucial molecule for human health. It plays a vital role in detoxification and neutralizing harmful toxins. It acts as the body's primary defense against oxidative stress, a major contributor to various chronic diseases. Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of shifting focus from merely extending lifespan to improving health span. This means striving to live longer while maintaining good health and avoiding chronic illnesses. Dr. Patel’s Glutathione Breakthrough Despite the availability of numerous glutathione products, many fail to deliver noticeable benefits due to scientific and regulatory constraints. There is a medically approved treatment for raising glutathione levels that is primarily used to counteract Tylenol toxicity. Conventional methods like IV administration, liposomal delivery, and nasal sprays have proven ineffective for long-term optimization. Dr. Patel dedicated years to exploring different delivery methods before achieving a breakthrough. He successfully developed a stable, water-soluble glutathione molecule. This innovative formula, perfected after years of rigorous trials, can be stored at room temperature and is readily absorbed by the body. Dr. Patel published his book and launched his product, though its widespread adoption was delayed. Glutathione Multiple Health Benefits Glutathione acts as an energy-saving molecule, helping to conserve molecules that are essential for vital functions like protein production, detoxification, and overall health maintenance. Dr. Patel's research indicates that maintaining youthful levels of glutathione can lead to several benefits: Reduced oxidative stress Improved detoxification Potential prevention or delay of chronic diseases Athletes have reported experiencing improvements shortly after using Dr. Patel's topical glutathione spray. This delivery method directly introduces glutathione into the cells, aiding the body in balancing oxidative stress levels and sustaining energy over time. In this podcast, you will learn: Why glutathione is crucial for health and longevity The impact of declining glutathione levels with age Effective ways to deliver glutathione to the body Benefits of glutathione for athletes and everyday individuals How to naturally boost glutathione levels through diet and lifestyle changes   EPISODE RESOURCES: Instagram Facebook Tiktok Youtube  

Keri Glassman, a nationally recognized Registered Dietitian, acclaimed author of four best-selling books, and media personality, has spent over two decades empowering individuals to lead healthier, happier lives.  As the founder of the award-winning lifestyle and media company, Nutritious Life, and the education platform Nutritious Life Studio, Keri has touched the lives of millions of women who transition through midlife, hormonal fluctuations often bring changes in weight, energy, and health.  According to Keri, understanding how hormones impact gut health, liver function, and metabolism helps women navigate this stage with confidence.  By focusing on gut health, liver support, and balanced hormones, women can manage these changes while maintaining a healthy lifestyle year-round, especially during summer months, when routines may be disrupted by vacations and social events: 1. Prioritize Gut Health for Hormonal Balance and Weight Management Gut health is vital for hormone regulation and metabolism. During midlife, the balance of gut bacteria may shift, affecting weight and mood. Focusing on gut health supports overall well-being during this phase. Probiotics and Prebiotics: Incorporate foods like yogurt, kefir, and garlic to nourish the gut microbiome. Fiber-Rich Diet: Eat fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes to support digestion and eliminate excess estrogen. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water aids digestion and metabolism. 2. Support Liver Function for Better Hormonal and Weight Regulation The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body and metabolizing hormones. Supporting liver health during midlife ensures efficient functioning and improved energy and weight management. Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli and Brussels sprouts help the liver eliminate excess estrogen. Minimize Processed Foods: Reducing processed foods lessens stress on the liver. Liver-Supporting Supplements: Milk thistle and turmeric are natural supplements that promote liver health. 3. Natural Approaches to Hormonal Balance Many women seek to maintain hormone balance without hormone replacement therapy. Lifestyle changes and dietary improvements can support natural hormonal equilibrium. Incorporate Healthy Fats: Omega-3s from salmon or walnuts help hormone production. Manage Stress: Yoga, meditation, and nature walks reduce cortisol, supporting hormone balance. Prioritize Sleep: Consistent sleep helps regulate hormones related to appetite, mood, and metabolism. 4. Exercise and Movement for Midlife Health Staying physically active is essential for sustaining muscle mass and metabolism. A combination of strength training and aerobic exercise can improve both physical and mental health during midlife. Strength Training: Preserve muscle mass through resistance exercises like weightlifting. Consistency Over Intensity: Walking or swimming regularly helps maintain health without requiring extreme effort. 5. Maintaining Health Goals During Summer Months The summer season can disrupt routines, but with some adjustments, it’s possible to stay on track with your health goals. Adapt Your Exercise Routine: Morning workouts help avoid the heat and keep you active. Stay Hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after exercise to stay energized. Incorporate Seasonal Foods: Enjoy summer produce like watermelon, berries, and cucumbers to keep meals light and refreshing. Balance Social Events with Healthy Choices: Practice portion control at gatherings while enjoying healthier options. 6. Flexibility and Mindset: Key to Long-Term Success Long-term success in midlife health requires a flexible mindset and sustainable habits. Consistent small efforts lead to lasting results. Set Achievable Goals: Focus on manageable goals, like increasing daily steps or adding more vegetables to your meals. Stay Flexible: Enjoy summer without stressing over occasional indulgences or missed workouts. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge small successes, like staying hydrated or exercising consistently.  In this podcast you will learn: How hormone changes during midlife impact gut health, liver function, and metabolism. Why gut health is essential for weight management and hormonal balance. Key strategies for supporting liver health and reducing processed foods. The role of exercise and movement in maintaining muscle mass and metabolism. Practical tips for balancing summer routines with health and wellness goals.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Instagram:  @nutritiouslifeofficial @thenutritiouslifestudio @keriglassman Facebook Pinterest Twitter https://nutritiouslife.com - Use the word BIO for $2000 off!  

Jessie Hehmeyer’s journey into functional medicine began with her personal struggles with weight and digestion. Searching for solutions beyond conventional methods, she discovered the importance of mastering balance instead of relying on extreme behaviors or quick fixes. Jessie emphasizes the importance of defining clear, personal health goals, such as more energy or improved digestion, rather than focusing on vague desires like weight loss. This clarity sets the foundation for lasting change. The "All or Nothing" Trap Jessie identifies a common obstacle: the "all or nothing" approach, where individuals oscillate between extreme diets and indulgence, punishing themselves for failures. She views this as self-aggression, which leads to burnout rather than balance. Shifting toward moderation and self-love, she argues, is key to sustainable health. True health, according to Jessie, stems from self-love, not self-punishment. Instead of resorting to extreme diets or harsh self-talk, she advocates for a balanced, sustainable approach that begins with breaking unhealthy cycles and setting realistic goals. Functional Medicine: Personalized and Holistic In her practice, Jessie uses lab testing to uncover issues like inflammation and insulin sensitivity, addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Her personalized interventions offer a holistic view of the body’s systems, going beyond traditional approaches. Weight Mastery vs. Weight Loss Jessie differentiates between short-term weight loss and long-term "weight mastery," which involves setting realistic goals and building lasting habits. It’s about creating and maintaining desired health outcomes over time. Jessie promotes small, manageable changes, such as healthier food choices or strength training, which she calls "metabolic money." She also highlights the limits of willpower, encouraging clients to cultivate mindfulness and create a personalized "blueprint" for long-term health. Jessie’s work focuses on helping people find balance—rejecting the "all or nothing" mindset and embracing sustainable health rooted in self-love, leading to lasting change and alignment with long-term wellness goals. In this podcast, you will learn about: Jessie Hehmeyer’s personal journey with weight and digestion issues that led her to functional medicine. The importance of setting clear, personalized health intentions for long-term success. How the "all or nothing" mindset harms progress and why shifting from self-aggression to self-love is crucial for sustainable health. The difference between "weight mastery" and "weight loss" and how mastering health outcomes is more effective than short-term results. The role of functional medicine in addressing root causes like inflammation and insulin sensitivity through personalized, holistic care. EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Instagram  

Dr. Laura Capina, a seasoned acupuncturist and health enthusiast, has eagerly anticipated the opportunity to share her insights on a podcast for three years. Growing up in Latvia, she was immersed in a culture that embraced natural remedies for healing.  This upbringing laid the foundation for her lifelong interest in health and wellness. Upon moving to the United States, she observed alarming rates of obesity and allergies, which further ignited her curiosity about the stark health differences between the two countries. A transformative trip to India played a pivotal role in Dr. Capina's journey. During this trip, she immersed herself in yoga, Asian philosophy, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese medicine. These experiences profoundly influenced her approach to health and healing. For nearly two decades, she has practiced acupuncture, incorporating cupping, electroacupuncture, and herbal medicine into her treatments. The Importance of Essential Nutrients Faced with an overwhelming number of herbs and remedies, Dr. Capina focused on identifying the most powerful superfoods and essential substances that promote optimal health. Guided by her mentors, she learned to prioritize foundational nutrients that are crucial for bodily functions. She advocates for nourishing the body with essential nutrients such as healthy fats, minerals, iodine, and digestive enzymes. Dr. Capina is a staunch opponent of synthetic vitamins and enriched foods, citing their potential harm. She criticizes products with synthetic additives, even if they appear to be organic and healthy. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of obtaining nutrients from natural sources, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain, eye, and cell membrane health.  Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, play a critical role in maintaining cellular health and facilitating communication within the body. Dr. Capina notes the low conversion rate of plant-sourced Omega-3 (ALA) to DHA and EPA, underscoring the need to obtain these nutrients directly from fish or algae. She highlights the historical impact of Omega-3 consumption on human brain development and draws an interesting parallel between the human nervous system and that of dolphins. Innovative Health Solutions Sea salt and algae are highlighted as rich sources of beneficial substances, including EPA, DHA, minerals, and iodine. Algae, in particular, is significant as it is considered the seed of life on the planet, forming the basis of the food chain. The purity and extraction methods of algae oil are crucial, and Dr. Capina ensures that high-quality algae oil from Canada is used in her products. Vitamin E is another essential nutrient that Dr. Capina champions. It is the only antioxidant that protects fats from oxidation, making it crucial for anti-aging and protecting against free radicals.  She warns against synthetic vitamin E, recommending natural forms that include eight different types, with delta tocotrienol being the most powerful. The discovery of tocotrienols from the annatto plant by Dr. Tan revolutionized the understanding of vitamin E's benefits. Tocotrienols, particularly the delta and gamma forms, offer superior protection to cell membranes compared to tocopherols. Dr. Capina's innovative product combines algae oil with tocotrienols, providing extensive health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. The formulation includes sprouted organic almond butter and MCT oil, enhancing absorption and effectiveness. Proper absorption of these oils is facilitated by the product's micelle formulation, which makes the oils water-soluble. While the product is safe for most individuals, Dr. Capina advises those on blood thinners or with severely compromised liver and gallbladder function to consult a doctor. Overall, her product offers foundational nutritional benefits, improving health and aiding in the detoxification and nourishment of the body. In this podcast, you will learn about: The critical role of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, in maintaining brain, eye, and cell membrane health for overall wellness. Differences between synthetic and natural vitamins, highlighting potential health impacts and the benefits of obtaining nutrients from natural sources. The extensive health benefits of algae oil and tocotrienols, including improved cardiovascular health, lowered cholesterol, and reduced inflammation. Dr. Capina’s holistic health approach, integrating yoga, Asian philosophy, and traditional Chinese medicine for optimal health and wellness. The importance of sourcing essential nutrients from natural, high-quality ingredients to ensure proper absorption and maximize health benefits. And much more. EPISODE RESOURCES: Website - 10% discount automatically applied Instagram Synerchi health Facebook Youtube  

Yogi Aaron's journey in the yoga world began in the mid-1990s, a time when the practice was gaining traction globally. Practicing alongside notable individuals like Wade Morrison and witnessing the rise of brands such as Lululemon, Yogi Aaron has seen the yoga community evolve over the years. He takes pride in Lululemon's international success, particularly given its Canadian roots. Born into a "hippy dippy" family, Aaron's early years were steeped in alternative spiritual practices, including time spent at a spiritual healing center in Vancouver. This background clashed with his Christian evangelical upbringing, creating an internal conflict that would later shape his approach to yoga and spirituality. Challenges and Transformations As Aaron aged, he noticed his body tightening and saw yoga as a solution for maintaining mobility. Initially, his practice focused on physical stretching and hardcore power yoga. However, a pivotal moment came when Wade Morrison commented that Aaron lacked true practice. This critique pushed Aaron to seek a deeper understanding and more profound guidance in yoga. Aaron's yoga practice not only improved his physical flexibility but also enhanced his mental focus, helping him manage his attention deficit disorder. His formative years at a boys' boarding school in Alberta, filled with outdoor activities, had taught him the importance of managing his energy effectively. Despite early improvements, Aaron faced worsening back problems due to incorrect adjustments and stretching practices in yoga. These injuries led him to delve deeper into yoga beyond physical postures, exploring its spiritual dimensions.  He studied with various influential yoga teachers, including Rod Stryker, Rajmani Tigunait, and Alan Finger, embracing the deeper, spiritual aspects of yoga. This journey took him beyond physical poses to a greater understanding of energy management and enlightenment. Innovations in Yoga Practice Aaron's commitment to yoga, despite significant injuries, led him to question traditional practices and seek new understanding. He discovered muscle activation techniques, which provided profound insights into biomechanics and muscle function. This newfound knowledge transformed his approach to yoga, shifting the focus from traditional stretching and alignment practices to proper body mechanics and muscle activation. Recognizing the need to challenge misconceptions in the yoga world, Aaron began to understand his body's pain and stiffness, particularly in his hamstrings. This exploration led him to integrate muscle activation techniques into yoga, aiming to replace traditional stretching with muscle activation.  Aaron discovered that muscle tightness, such as in the hamstrings, is a protective mechanism due to other muscles not contracting properly. True mobility and stability, he realized, come from muscles contracting and shortening correctly, not lengthening. To bring this biomechanical awareness into yoga, Aaron developed the A.Y.A.M.A. (Applied Yoga Anatomy and Muscle Activation) method. His teachings emphasize the importance of proper body mechanics and muscle activation for true mobility and stability. Aaron's Blue Osa Yoga Retreat & Spa serves as a sanctuary for yoga teachers, individual retreat-goers, and hosts his yoga teacher training sessions. To distance his yoga retreat from his previous naked men's yoga group, he rebranded himself from Aaron Star to Yogi Aaron. He leverages online platforms like YouTube and the Yogi Club to provide content and courses on becoming pain-free. Commitment to a Pain-Free Life A key message in Aaron's teachings is the importance of finding a real teacher who challenges and inspires growth. Despite facing resistance and skepticism from the yoga community due to his unconventional views on stretching, Aaron remains steadfast in his mission. His book "Stop Stretching" and his teachings aim to help people live pain-free lives. For those interested in exploring Yogi Aaron's innovative approach to yoga and mobility, his website, yogiaaron.com, serves as a comprehensive hub. Here, visitors can access his book, podcast, and free resources, including a "7 Days to Becoming Pain-Free" series. Aaron's commitment is clear: to help anyone who comes into his space live their best pain-free life. In this podcast, you will learn about: The emphasis of Yogi Aaron's A.Y.A.M.A. method on muscle activation and proper body mechanics over traditional stretching. The integration of physical flexibility, mental focus, and spiritual understanding in Aaron's journey, enhancing overall well-being and managing attention deficit disorder. The impact of significant injuries on Aaron's shift to muscle activation techniques, transforming his approach to yoga and mobility. Aaron's use of YouTube and the Yogi Club to provide courses like "7 Days to Becoming Pain-Free," aimed at helping people live pain-free lives. The focus of Aaron's trainings and retreats on proper biomechanics and muscle activation for achieving true mobility. And much more. EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Book Podcast Practice 7 day pain-free series Join+learn Instagram

Hannah Minardi, a passionate advocate for health and wellness in skincare, offers profound insights into maintaining youthful beauty without compromising health. Recently, she emphasized the importance of holistic well-being in her discussions, highlighting shared values with her hosts. Introducing Cosmeceuticals and Clean Ingredients Minardi introduced "cosmeceuticals," high-quality cosmetics that blend pharmaceutical standards with wellness principles. These products not only enhance appearance but also promote overall health, steering clear of harsh chemicals that can harm the skin and disrupt hormones. Unlike many skincare brands, Minardi strives to balance purity with effectiveness. Her approach focuses on using clean, natural ingredients to achieve results like anti-aging and skin brightening without compromising safety. Recognizing the diverse definitions of "clean" in skincare, Minardi partners with resources like Think Dirty to educate consumers on ingredient transparency. She acknowledges gender differences in skin care practices and critiques social media's influence on beauty standards, advocating for a balanced approach to beauty and health. Minardi's product development journey underscores her commitment to excellence, with rigorous testing ensuring her offerings are vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, and free from harmful chemicals. Her transparency extends to listing all ingredients, empowering consumers to make informed choices. Promoting Safer Skincare Practices She cautions against the overuse of invasive cosmetic procedures, promoting safer alternatives like her temporary lip-plumping gels. Minardi also advises on the risks associated with DIY methods, urging consumers to prioritize safety in their skincare routines. Central to her philosophy is enhancing natural beauty while safeguarding health. Her innovative cleansing balm exemplifies this, providing gentle yet effective skincare suitable for diverse needs. Minardi's holistic approach extends beyond skincare, emphasizing the importance of understanding hormone balance and its impact on overall health. Her products undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety, reflecting her personal commitment to quality and efficacy. In conclusion, Hannah Minardi champions a holistic approach to skincare, advocating for products that nurture natural beauty while preserving well-being. Her dedication to clean ingredients, simplicity, and transparency sets a standard for healthy, effective skincare in today's beauty landscape. In this podcast you will learn about: Balancing effectiveness and cleanliness in skincare with bioactive ingredients and avoiding harsh chemicals. Educating consumers on clean ingredients through transparency and partnerships like Think Dirty. Examining gender differences in skincare routines influenced by societal norms and preferences. Analyzing social media's impact on beauty standards and advocating for balanced beauty and health. Exploring safer alternatives for lip enhancement and cautioning against DIY methods. And much more. EPISODE RESOURCES: BIO40 for 40% OFF any order on StandardSelfCare.com Instagram TikTok  

Jessica Corbin's journey into understanding and addressing burnout began with early creative expressions in her grandparents' backyard. As a child, she thrived in activities that allowed her to channel her energy creatively, such as building obstacle courses. This creativity extended into her athletic pursuits, where she found joy and expression through the power, strength, and agility of her body. Her unexpected success in cross country during high school, where she joined Nina Lennon, led her to become an All-American athlete and later attend UCLA. This journey taught her the importance of aligning willpower with right action and principles, a lesson that would become crucial in her later work. The Reality of Burnout and the Road to Recovery Despite her achievements, Jessica's unchecked ambition led to severe burnout and adrenal fatigue before she turned 30. This experience highlighted the dire consequences of the relentless grind culture and underscored the necessity of addressing burnout and promoting energetic literacy. Energetic literacy involves understanding one's energy and its impact on relationships and work. Jessica critiques the mechanistic age for creating a disconnect between inner truth and external actions, causing friction within individuals. She advocates for a paradigm shift towards a living system paradigm, which values creativity, intuition, and right-brain thinking alongside logic and rationality. Heart Rate Variability (HRV): A Tool for Energetic Literacy Organizations can benefit immensely from visualizing energy patterns through metrics like heart rate variability (HRV). HRV serves as a truth-teller, helping individuals maintain integrity and decondition harmful patterns by trusting their inner wisdom. For Jessica, HRV was instrumental in her recovery, enabling her to understand her stress responses and manage them based on her bio-individuality. HRV assesses various aspects, including physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and relational health, distilled into a single data point. Sorce.io, the platform Jessica developed, uses HRV to help individuals understand how previous activities or stressors affect their health and guide them to adjust accordingly. Implementing HRV in Organizations Sorce.io has evolved to work with large companies, collecting data to visualize organizational nervous systems. Simple acts of inquiry based on HRV data can stabilize and support teams, making strategic planning more efficient. HRV data helps organizations make informed, holistic decisions, improving overall energy management and reducing absenteeism, healthcare costs, and attrition. Jessica emphasizes the need to redefine business models to be less extractive and more regenerative, considering the well-being of all stakeholders. Strategic planning should incorporate the energetics of a business, making the process more efficient and humane. Recovery from burnout requires a gentle and slow approach, counter to the prevailing grind culture, involving significant surrender and patience. Jessica's journey reflects the importance of aligning ambition with inner wisdom, supported by her strong family background and personal resilience. Despite facing severe health issues from a young age, her willpower and innovative thinking led her to create a platform that helps others understand and manage their energy. Embracing Energetic Literacy Using HRV helps individuals reconnect with their wisdom, allowing for personal experiments to understand the effects of various factors on their physiology. It encourages a shift from a win/lose perspective to one of exploration and experience, providing unique insights into what is beneficial for each individual. Understanding HRV can help people run experiments on their own bodies, seeing the effects of different diets, activities, or protocols. This practice of self-discovery without immediate action reduces the intensity of resistance and fosters greater personal freedom. Jessica's future plans include launching consumer products and mentorship programs to help people align energetically with themselves, their relationships, and their work. Proper timing of efforts can increase one's baseline capacity to handle challenges, benefiting both individuals and organizations. In this podcast, you will learn about: The profound impact of energetic literacy on personal and organizational health. How HRV tools can guide individuals in managing stress and recovering from burnout. The transformation from a mechanistic to a living system paradigm in business. Strategies for implementing HRV in large organizations to enhance overall well-being. Future directions for expanding the use of HRV in personal and professional contexts. And much more. EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Instagram    

As Mareya Ibrahim-Jones approaches her 55th year, she prepares for her second bikini competition, reflecting on her long commitment to fitness, health, and wellness.  Ibrahim's journey showcases the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive later in life, particularly for women. She offers valuable insights into physiological changes after 50, emphasizing the importance of nutrition for muscle growth, fat management, and metabolic enhancement through exercise. Embracing Change and Overcoming Struggles Mareya´s path to health has been challenging, starting with an eating disorder in her late teens and leading to various health issues over the years. The perimenopausal phase introduced new challenges, intensified by the pandemic's stress. These experiences motivated her to deeply understand her body and aim to feel as good—or better—than in her youth. Mareya emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach—encompassing food, mindset, physical activity, and supplementation—for her healing process. She advises women to be proactive about their health, not solely relying on doctors. Also, she discusses the early use of birth control and hormone replacement therapy, stressing the need to evaluate one’s lifestyle, diet, exercise, supplementation, and stress management thoroughly. Understanding Hormonal Shifts Women's hormonal changes before, during, and after menopause can cause symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, weight gain, and night sweats. Ibrahim shares her experiences with these symptoms, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing these changes for overall well-being. Strength training becomes crucial for women over 50 to maintain muscle mass, boost metabolism, and improve overall health. Ibrahim underscores the need for adequate protein to support muscle growth and recovery. As dietary needs evolve post-menopause, adjusting nutrition is essential. Ibrahim’s vegan diet and its impact on her health demonstrate that dietary needs can change over time. Changes in her tolerance for alcohol and late nights have prompted a healthier lifestyle. She promotes a positive aging outlook, encouraging new ways to find joy and fulfillment. Building a Supportive Community Having a strong support system is essential. Ibrahim values community building and connecting with friends who share similar experiences. She observes positive transformations in women who prioritize their emotional and psychological health along with physical changes.  In addition, she criticizes quick-fix solutions, advocating for natural body regulation through strength training, proper nutrition, and understanding the gut-brain axis. Mareya Ibrahim-Jones highlights the importance of self-discovery, personal power, and setting individual goals. Comparing oneself to others is unproductive; consistency is key to achieving long-term health goals. Her preparation for a bikini competition exemplifies the closure and confidence attainable through dedication. She also emphasizes the need to educate about the long-term impacts of poor lifestyle choices on cognitive health and calls for a broader health discussion beyond aesthetics, focusing on metabolic and cognitive well-being.  Her program, "Fit and Fab over 40," is a 21-day challenge designed to optimize women's health in body, mind, and spirit, offering diet, exercise, and lifestyle guidance, supported by an accountability group. As she prepares for her second bikini competition at 55, Mareya Ibrahim continues to inspire with her commitment to health and fitness. Her story is a powerful reminder that significant achievements are possible at any age, emphasizing the importance of personal power, goal setting, and a positive outlook for a fulfilling life. In this podcast, you will learn about:  Mareya Ibrahim-Jones personal journey through perimenopause and how she overcame health challenges. The importance of strength training, protein intake, and healthy lifestyle choices for women over 50. How to manage fat loss and promote metabolic function through proper nutrition and exercise. The significance of self-awareness, self-care, and building a supportive community for long-term health. The impact of hormonal shifts on physical and emotional well-being and strategies to maintain overall health. EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Chef Mareya website Instagram Facebook Free recipe booklet download  The Perfect 10 Recipe Booklet Free masterclass called Fit and Fab over 40 FIT + FAB OVER 40