Episode 378: Q+A - Why ‘Pushing Harder’ For Weight Loss Can Backfire

Episode Overview A caloric deficit is essential for fat loss—but do you have to count calories to achieve it? In this Q&A episode, Annie and Jen unpack what it really means to be in a caloric deficit and why tracking every bite isn’t the only path to success. They explore how behavior change, not just data collection, is the heart of sustainable weight loss. If you're tired of tracking or feel stuck relying on external tools like calorie or macro counting, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll learn how to gauge your progress without obsessively logging food, why most people don’t want to track forever, and how to build internal skills and habits that support fat loss naturally—no spreadsheets required. If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why calorie counting isn’t the only way to create a deficit How to use your body’s feedback to assess progress The difference between external rules and internal skills Why habit-based approaches are more sustainable for most women

Episode Overview Struggling with insatiable hunger after a bad night's sleep? You're not alone. In this episode, Jen and Annie unpack the very real connection between sleep deprivation and increased hunger. Whether it's a one-off early morning or ongoing sleep disruptions, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening in your body and how to navigate those hungrier-than-usual days with confidence and compassion. 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 poor sleep increases both hunger and cravings How perimenopause can impact sleep and eating behaviors Smart food strategies for tired days (think: protein, fiber, easy wins) Managing your environment when willpower is low

Episode Overview Today, Jen and Annie are talking about a common belief that simply swapping out junk food for healthier options automatically leads to weight loss. It seems like it should work, right? But the truth is, it’s not always that simple, and this episode will explain why. Maybe you’ve tried this approach yourself… You’ve swapped the pizza and garlic bread for salads and lean proteins, only to find that the scale has barely budged, if at all. If that’s you, you’re not alone. In this episode, Jen and Annie break down the concept of energy balance and why nutrient-dense foods may be impacting your body in ways you haven’t thought of before. If you’ve ever tried eating healthier, but feel like it hasn’t brought you any closer to your weight loss goals, this episode is for you. Enjoy. If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why eating nutrient-dense foods alone doesn’t guarantee fat loss. How the thermic effect of food affects calorie absorption. The real reason you can eat "clean" and still not lose weight. How nutrient-rich diets can impact body composition even if the scale doesn’t move. Related Content Episode 306: 3 Sneaky Reasons You’re Eating More Than You Think Episode 332: Can I Lose Weight While Eating Like A Normal Person?

Episode Overview Welcome back to another Q+A episode! Today, we are digging into something we don't hear talked about nearly enough: the fear of feeling hunger. Maybe you find yourself eating just in case, or reaching for snacks before you're truly hungry. Not because you're being dramatic, but because hunger feels unsettling, maybe even scary. This fear isn't random. For many women, it's shaped by years of dieting and being praised for enduring hunger like it's a badge of honor. We've been taught that hunger is a sign we're doing something right, and the more uncomfortable we are, the better. But as you probably know, too much hunger can backfire. It leads to urgency, overeating, and a chaotic relationship with food. In this episode, we unpack where the fear of hunger comes from, why it sticks around, and most importantly, how to work through it. If hunger makes you nervous or feels like an emergency, 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 Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points The difference between cognitive understanding and physical responses to hunger How restrictive dieting can disrupt natural hunger cues Practical steps to rebuild self-trust and respond to hunger cues appropriately The concept of "exposure therapy" for hunger: learning to feel hunger in small, manageable steps Related Content Episode 342: 4 (Unconventional) Fat Loss Mistakes Episode 227: Q+A – How to Support a Friend’s Weight Loss Goals and Discussing Hunger Between Meals

Episode Overview Today, Jen and Annie respond to a message that hits hard. A new listener shared that she's cutting carbs, skipping treats, tracking every bite… and yet, she's still gaining weight. She’s frustrated with her lack of progress, so she’s decided to double down, eat even less, and try even harder. Sound familiar? This is the diet cycle in action. And it's not just unhelpful, it's harmful. In today’s episode, they discuss why extreme approaches to weight loss *always* backfire. If you’ve ever felt the urge to eat less, cut more, or push harder because you feel stuck, this conversation is for you. Jen and Annie are here to help you stop the cycle and try a different path… one that actually supports your goals and your well-being. If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why more restriction leads to more cravings, binges, and burnout What the diet cycle is and how to get out of it How the “goal weight” mindset can wreck progress The problem with getting weight loss advice from unqualified influencers Related Content Episode 140: The Minnesota Starvation Experiment: What You Need To Know Episode 364: Q+A – How to Stop Counting Calories and Still Meet Your Goals

Episode Overview Today, Annie is answering a fantastic question, “What does it actually mean to be consistent?” We hear all the time that consistency is more important than perfection, but what does real-world consistency actually look like when you're trying to make lasting change? Today, Annie breaks it all down for you, including how much is 'enough,' why small actions matter more than you think, and how to keep making progress even when life gets messy. If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points What consistency really means and why it’s different from perfection Why your level of consistency depends on the habit and your personal goals. Why it’s important to increase consistency gradually. How repetition and flexibility are key when it comes to forming lasting habits. Related Content Episode 196: The Secret To Staying Consistent Longer Than 3 Weeks Episode 366: Q+A – I Messed Up—Now What? Getting Back on Track Without Starting Over

Episode Overview Welcome, everyone! Today, Annie and Jen tackle one of the most frustrating roadblocks in behavior change: knowing exactly what you need to do to feel better, eat better, move more… but you’re still struggling to follow through. In this Q+A episode, they explore what’s really getting in the way of your consistency, and why it often feels easier to keep commitments to others than to yourself. Plus, they talk about the importance of accountability and community, and how to overcome the resistance that tends to show up when you're starting new habits. Whether you’re struggling to build momentum or beating yourself up for not doing “enough,” the team at Balance365 gets it, and that’s why they’ve created this episode full of compassionate, practical advice to help you keep your head in the game. If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Why having information isn’t the same as achieving results What the "intention-action gap" is—and why it’s normal How to create the right systems, support, and accountability to follow through Tangible mindset shifts that make consistency easier over time Related Content Episode 263: The Importance of a Beginner’s Mindset Episode 150: Weight Loss Simplified

Episode Overview As temperatures rise, many women experience anxiety about summer clothing and body image. In this candid conversation, Annie and Jen address the seasonal panic that often leads to restrictive dieting and self-criticism. They explore the deeper issues of shame, societal expectations, and the pressure to conform, offering compassionate strategies to help you feel comfortable and confident in your body during the summer months. If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points Recognize and manage seasonal body image triggers without resorting to restrictive dieting. Understand the difference between true belonging and fitting in, and how societal pressures impact our self-perception. Embrace gradual exposure to discomfort by choosing clothing that aligns with your comfort and values. Shift from fear-based motivation to value-driven actions for sustainable health and wellness. Related Content Episode 326: 5 Summer Weight Loss Strategies That Work Episode 282: 3 Essential Body Image Shifts with Therapist Phaedra Gryz

Episode Overview Have you ever finished a meal only to find yourself *more* hungry afterward, or maybe left feeling unsatisfied with the cravings still going strong? Today, we are exploring what might be going on, whether it’s emotional hunger, lingering habits from your dieting days, or something else entirely. If you’ve ever felt confused about your hunger cues, this episode is for you. If you like what you hear in this episode, don’t miss your chance to join us when we open enrollment to Balance365 Coaching to get access to so much more! Get your name on our obligation-free waitlist, and we will waive the $199 registration fee. Click here to learn more. Key Points How to tell the difference between physical and emotional hunger. Why past restriction might be driving your urge to overeat. The role of undereating and low protein in feeling unsatisfied. Simple questions to help you understand what’s really behind your hunger. Related Content Episode 364: Q+A – How to Stop Counting Calories and Still Meet Your Goals Episode 342: 4 (Unconventional) Fat Loss Mistakes

Episode Overview In this special bonus episode, Annie opens up about the deeply personal impact that Weight Watchers (now WW International) had on her life, and what its looming bankruptcy really represents. This isn’t just about a company in debt. It’s about the harm done to millions of women who were taught to count points instead of listening to their bodies, who were praised for shrinking instead of being supported in healing, and who are still carrying the emotional and physical aftermath. Annie shares her story as a longtime WW customer and explores why its collapse means not just the end of a business era; it’s also a collective reckoning. But with endings come new beginnings, and this is also a story of hope, healing, and a new way forward. We hope you enjoy. Key Points Annie’s personal experience with Weight Watchers Why this bankruptcy hits deeper than a financial loss The emotional and cultural legacy WW leaves behind What we’re doing differently at Balance365 Related Content Episode 140: The Minnesota Starvation Experiment: What You Need To Know Episode 93: Annie’s Story – From A Size 24 To Size 12 Without Dieting