From cardio to connection: how slowing down helped me move and feel better in midlife
Fab Female Nutrition
In your 20s and 30s, movement is often about keeping going - more cardio, more effort, more pushing through. But in this episode, I’m sharing how everything changed when I slowed down, tuned in, and started listening to what my body actually needed. I’ll tell you how qualifying as a yoga teacher at 51 reshaped my mindset, why mindful movement supports hormones and nervous system balance, and how walking, paddleboarding, and even open water swimming now bring me more joy (and better results) than punishing workouts ever did. Whether you’re feeling stiff, burnt out or just disconnected,...
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Food first - but not perfect: how I learned to eat for energy, not just fullness
Fab Female Nutrition
In this episode, I’m reflecting on how my relationship with food has changed over the years - from piling up toast and pasta just to feel full, to learning how to fuel myself properly for energy, mood, and hormone health. You’ll hear how my training in my 40s changed everything, how I approach food with joy (not guilt), and why eating well means you don’t need to snack your way through the day. I’ll also share how a simple test revealed my omega-3 levels were way too low - and what I did about it. 💛 My 28-Day Transformation Programme is now live! It’s been refined after guiding...
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What I wish I’d known about women’s health: hormones, energy, and learning to listen
Fab Female Nutrition
This month marks 6 years of the Fab Female Nutrition podcast, and I’m kicking off a special series by sharing what I wish I’d known in my 20s and 30s (and even 40's) about hormones, energy, and how to actually feel good in your body. Back then, I was powering through life on a contraceptive implant, ignoring my cycle, dealing with bloating and fatigue, and assuming it was all just part of being a woman. But through training, testing, and years of working with clients, I’ve learned so much about how we can support our bodies - and how important it is to tune in, not shut down. In this...
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Brain Fog in Menopause: What’s normal, Why does it happen & How to protect your future brain
Fab Female Nutrition
Is brain fog in menopause just “part of getting older” - or something you should worry about? In this episode of Fab Female Nutrition (part 4 of our menopause symptoms series), I’m tackling one of the most unsettling midlife complaints: brain fog, memory lapses, and the fear it could be something more serious. You’ll discover: • Why brain fog is such a common menopause symptom, and why it usually lifts • How fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone affect memory and focus • Why panic makes brain fog worse, and the importance of self-compassion • Dr Dale Bredesen’s “leaky...
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Weight Gain in Menopause: Hormones, Stress & What Really Helps
Fab Female Nutrition
Frustrated by weight gain in menopause — especially around the middle? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions my clients ask me, and I know how frustrating it can feel when your usual diet or exercise just doesn’t seem to work anymore. But here’s the good news: while these changes are common, they’re not inevitable. On this episode (part 3 of my 4-part menopause series), I share my expertise as a nutritional therapist to help you understand what’s really going on, and what you can do to support your body through this transition. And remember, your body isn’t...
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Hot flushes & night sweats: Why your internal thermostat goes haywire
Fab Female Nutrition
Fed up with waking up in a sweat or feeling like you’re overheating for no reason? In this episode, I dive into what is happeningand, when your internal thermostat malfunctions. I share some real-world strategies to help you restore balance and calm. We’ll cover: • What’s happening hormonally when hot flushes and night sweats kick in • The lifestyle “triggers” you might not have spotted yet • Practical tools and tips that can help You can also download my free Perimenopause Symptom Tracker from this blog post: Special thanks to our sponsor — their Meno Active...
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Early signs of menopause - It's not just your period.
Fab Female Nutrition
Think menopause is all about hot flushes and missed periods? Not quite. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real early signs of perimenopause, which are often the ones many women aren’t warned about. We’ll cover: Why anxiety, low mood, and poor sleep often show up first How fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone impact your brain and nervous system Why focusing on your health is vital at this transitional time Natural strategies to feel more like you again If you’ve been feeling “off” but your cycle’s still regular, this one’s for you. Download my free symptom tracker...
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Protein powders – do you really need them?
Fab Female Nutrition
Wondering whether you actually need a protein powder? Or if it's all just a bit too gym bro for midlife women who simply want to feel energised and supported? In this episode of Fab Female Nutrition, I unpack everything you need to know about protein and protein powders: ✔️ Why protein matters more as we age – especially for metabolism, hormones and muscle health ✔️ How much you actually need (spoiler: probably more than you think) ✔️ How to get enough from food – and when a shake might be a good idea ✔️ What to look for in a clean, effective protein supplement ✔️ My...
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Multivitamins: Are they worth it or just expensive wee?
Fab Female Nutrition
— their advanced formulas include absorbable nutrients in meaningful doses, including vitamin D3, K2, B vitamins, and more. It's one of the few multinutrient blends I truly rate and recommend!
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Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin that does so much more than you think
Fab Female Nutrition
Think you’re getting enough vitamin D just because the sun’s out? You might want to think again. This week we’re diving into the sunshine vitamin - what it does, why it’s vital for your health, and how to know if you’re running low. In this episode, I’ll explain: – Why vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and immune support – The seasonal drop in levels and why we make none in winter – How low levels can affect your mood, metabolism, and hormone balance – Why I always recommend combining vitamin D with vitamin K2 – How to top up safely with...
info_outlineAnnie creates beautiful crystal armour that can support your at any part of your journey through life. This week we talk all about how crystals work together and some key ones that will support your perimenopause journey.
About Annie
Working with crystals Annie creates energy vessel cosmic armour jewellery pieces and personalised crystal sets to aid her clients needs. Teaching them how to harness their crystals and bring that magic into their every day lives.
How do you create a collection such as the menopause?
When creating any piece of jewellery, it's important to find out what the client wants from it. So, in the case of the menopause jewellery, we thought about the main symptoms and then looked at stones that could support this part of life.
Some stones are for protection, and they are signified as an amulet, and then there are talisman stones which are for boosting. As a crystal healer, Annie will spend time making sure that the balance is correct. She does this by meditating and listening to which crystals pop up and of course through research. The stones are adaptable and so it's important to get a clear understanding of how they can work with each person.
Key crystals for perimenopause:
Thinking specifically about perimenopause Annie suggests these three crystals
- MOONSTONE - for all female hormones. It has lunar energy and it is good to keep by you when you sleep
- MALACHITE - a more mature stone and also the midwife stone. This is often used to balance hormones.
- AMETHYST - travellers stone to support your in your journey through perimenopause, also very calming for anxiety which is another key symptom in perimenopause.
Some key do's and don'ts with crystals
Always clean your stones when you receive them. They will have picked up energy, negative or positive, during their journey to you. Annie suggests the simplest way is to lay them on a bed of salt, and then just throw the salt away. Then to recharge them every month in the same way.
Cleanse your stones every month. Moon bathing is often suggested for stones but it is much more complicated than just putting them out at night, as the different stages of the moon have different effects on the energy. So simple salt cleansing is still the best way to cleanse your stones.
Don't add them to water, some contain minerals that leach. If you want to charge your water you need to put them into a separate container, or use them outside the water.
Use them with intent. Think of crystals as your armour, and you can positively charge them and use them with intent. Spend time with your crystals and they will support and help you.
Quick fire!
- Favourite meal - spaghetti Bolognese
- Last drink you had - water
- What have you got for tea? Probably stir-fry
Annie's links
Annie has offered listeners 10% off the menopause collection - just enter code FAB10 at checkout
My links
Has this episode inspired you to buy a crystal? Which one called to you?
Want to know more about ways to work with me?
There are many ways that you can work with me to balance your hormones and improve your health and wellbeing.
I have a fabulous free community on Facebook Fab Female Nutrition Club I offer lots of support and advice on female health and wellbeing. I also love to cook and create recipes and I'll often be seen in the group cooking live and sharing all the wonderful health benefits of the ingredients used.
If you feel like you need a more bespoke option, then I also offer 1:1 coaching and support. Working with your specific needs creating nutritional protocols that support your health goals. This is an fully supported program that last 6 months. We take a full health history, then create and refine protocols so that you learn about your body and how to support it. I will be with you every step of the way, and may aim is that you feel empowered to continue with the changes forever. Find out more her
For the full episode notes please go to: hillstart.me.uk/176
To listen to the full episode head on over to your chosen podcast provider or follow this link here for itunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-really-going-to-eat-that/id1480678239