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

Today is all about real talk, real life, and real wellness for women over 50.Join me for a "Get Ready With Me" where I share my simple 5-minute makeup routine, how I handle thinning eyebrows and melasma, and my favorite trick for natural, heatless beach waves! But I’m also keeping it raw.I’m checking back in at the end of a long day after teaching water aerobics and grocery shopping to share the reality of midlife. We’re talking about hot flashes, the transition of perimenopause, my experience with HRTs, and how I find gratitude even when I'm "pooped out."In this video, I share: My quick "Morning Glow" makeup and hair routine. The truth about midlife "hot mess" moments and managing energy. How I use faith and prayer (like my daily Rosary walk) to stay centered.Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We’re caring for our bodies, renewing our minds, and strengthening our soul God’s way. 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's the best investment you've ever made?Most of us think about money, retirement, or financial returns. But what if the greatest investment you'll ever make isn't in your bank account it's in yourself?In this episode, I share a personal story about finally stepping outside my comfort zone, trying something new, and discovering that real growth often begins the moment we're willing to invest in becoming the person God created us to be.We'll talk about:• Why doing the same things often keeps us stuck• The courage to invest in your health, faith, and personal growth• Why consistency matters more than perfection• The return that comes from showing up, even when it's hardWhether you're considering hiring a coach, starting a new program, improving your health, growing your faith, or simply making a change you've been putting off, I hope this episode reminds you that the greatest return on investment isn't measured in dollars.It's measured in the woman you're becoming.💛 If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs this reminder today.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 ever found yourself saying, "I can't wait until..."?Until the wedding, the arrival of a baby, the weekend, retirement, better health, or the next chapter of your life?In this episode, I share how waiting for marriage became one of the greatest seasons of spiritual growth in my life. Through surrendering my timeline to God, I discovered that the waiting wasn't wasted it was where God was preparing my heart.Together, we'll explore why we often rush toward the next milestone while overlooking the ordinary moments that truly shape us. Because it's often the small, faithful steps we take today that lead to tomorrow's greatest celebrations.If you've been feeling impatient, anxious about the future, or simply longing for what's next, this episode is an invitation to slow down, trust God's timing, and embrace the gift of today.Remember: Stop waiting to live. Today is already a gift worth celebrating.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.

Dating in midlife can feel intimidating, especially if you’re starting over after divorce, the loss of a spouse, or many years of being single.In this episode of Fit & Fueled by Faith, I’m sharing my personal experience with online dating—how I met my husband, what I learned along the way, and why I believe online dating can be a wonderful option for finding love in this season of life.We talk about: 💛 My journey through online dating💛 The pros and cons of dating apps💛 Why online dating may actually reduce unnecessary rejection💛 The importance of taking action instead of waiting for love to find you💛 Trusting God’s timing while remaining open to new opportunitiesIf you’re wondering whether online dating is right for you, I hope my story encourages you to approach this season with wisdom, courage, and faith.✨ Sometimes God works through unexpected paths… and for me, that path began with an online dating profile.Subscribe for weekly conversations on faith, midlife, health, hormones, and living with purpose.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 ever felt like you’re just one "wrong egg" away from a total emotional breakdown?In today’s video, I’m getting real about my recent vacation to Cape Cod and why midlife wellness is about so much more than just hormones. I’m sharing a raw update on my first month with HRT, including the emotional highs and lows, and a funny (but very real) story about a breakfast that became my breaking point.We’ll also dive into the power of trust, the importance of confession and forgiveness, and how we can make sure our thoughts and actions are truly glorifying God. In this video, we cover: My 1-month HRT update: Does it really solve your emotional problems?Finding trust when you're feeling anxious (my "barefoot walk" story). The healing power of forgiveness—for others and ourselves. Why we need to "check ourselves" before we gossip, complain, or lose our peace.Remember, you aren't behind you are becoming. Let’s learn how to care for our bodies and strengthen our souls, God’s way.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.

I started HRT 30 days ago and I’m opening up about what this journey has really been like so far. Before starting hormone replacement therapy, I spent a lot of time trying to get my health, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle in order. I was exercising, eating well, staying active, and doing the things I knew were important for my health in midlife. And while I was seeing some results, I still didn’t feel like myself. Then came the decision to start HRT. Now, 30 days in, I’m sharing what I’m taking, what has changed, what hasn’t, and some of the things that surprised me along the way including waking up one morning and realizing I felt many of the same symptoms I had before starting. I’ve experienced things like fatigue and leg cramps, and I’m still figuring out what my body is telling me. This isn’t medical advice or a promise of what HRT will do for anyone else. It’s simply my personal experience as a woman navigating midlife, menopause, hormones, fitness, nutrition, and faith and I want to be transparent about the journey. I’m not sharing this because I have all the answers. I’m sharing it because I’m living it. And I’ll continue documenting this journey as I learn what’s working, what’s not working, and how my body changes over time. If you’re a woman navigating perimenopause, menopause, hormone changes, or simply trying to feel like yourself again in midlife, I hope you’ll follow along. We’re figuring this out together. 🌿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 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.