Essentially You: Empowering You On Your Health & Wellness Journey With Safe, Natural & Effective Solutions

Unfortunately, today’s world is filled with misinformation about hormone replacement therapies (HRTs).  And often, our primary care docs don’t have the expert knowledge to explore menopause symptoms, hormone testing, and HRT options with their patients. That’s why Dr. Masghati joins me today, to dive deep into tons of research-backed hormone replacement therapies to aid you in smoother perimenopause and menopause transitions.  Because we all deserve to feel our best today, and every day from here on out.  Tired of getting your symptoms brushed off by your doctor? Or done with bandaid solutions that aren’t a long-term fix?  Check out this podcast for all you need to know about navigating perimenopause and menopause symptoms with the right HRT options for you!  Salome Masghati, MD, FACOG Dr. Salome Masghati is a gynecologist with specialized training in minimally invasive surgery. After dealing with multiple symptoms and hormonal imbalances, she reclaimed her health and shifted her practice to a holistic, root

You’ve heard of Dry January. Or Sober October.  But how ‘bout we normalize breaks from drinking year-round?  Trust me, I’ve enjoyed plenty of wine tastings, craft cocktails, and memories with friends over a bottle of champagne.  But as you know, alcohol consumption catches up with you.  Especially as we age into midlife and beyond.  Think: fertility impacts, hormone changes, and risks for chronic diseases. And as women, we’re much more vulnerable to alcohol’s negative effects than men.  Ready to ease up on the drinking, but worried about societal judgment or that you’ll miss your glass of wine after a long day?  Check out this podcast for my tips on how you can make giving up drinking easy, healthy, and even enjoyable!  IN THIS EPISODE How my life significantly improved after an alcohol detox Health risks from alcohol consumption Impacts alcohol has on women’s bodies specifically  Wind-down alternatives to alcohol  Finding supportive social circles to help detox from alcohol  QUOTES “There are days th

We’re all on the hunt for the best ways to manage our menopause symptoms in midlife.  But what really works to move the needle and feel a difference? Registered dietitian Jessica Jones joins the podcast today to emphasize how small lifestyle adjustments can make all the difference in how you feel each day and for the long term. Plus, we dive into the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, and why it may be a solution for you.  After struggling with perimenopausal symptoms and being diagnosed with primary ovarian insufficiency, Jessica has used her experience and background in women’s health and nutrition to help others prevent and manage conditions like prediabetes, diabetes, and menopause with a holistic approach.  So, if you’re a midlife woman, you WON’T want to miss all the details in this episode, because just a few small changes can turn into the best upgrade for you. Check it out here!  Jessica Jones Jessica Jones is a nationally recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Car

One simple habit can stabilize your blood sugar, boost your energy, and transform your metabolism… in just MINUTES each day.  The best part? You ALREADY know exactly how to do it! This one habit has been a game-changer for me over the past few years, and it couldn’t be easier to adopt and stay consistent with.  Check out this podcast to learn my favorite lifestyle hack and discover how easy it is to boost your metabolism, enhance longevity, sleep better, feel lighter, and show up as your best self every day.   IN THIS EPISODE Exactly HOW to add this game-changing habit into your day  All about my FREE 14-Day Walking Challenge & giveaways  How to time your exercise around meals for optimal results The top 5 benefits you’ll notice from daily walking  Tips on accountability and how to stick to a new habit  How YOUR life can improve with this one simple daily habit!  QUOTES “Postprandial exercise lowers your glycemic index, blunts a blood sugar response, reduces insulin resistance, improves your digestio

Stubborn weight. Body changes. Metabolic issues. These are common stressors most of us middle-aged women face. So what can we do to jump-start our metabolism and keep these frustrations at bay?  Here’s a secret…  It’s NOT by following the latest fad diets. It’s NOT by exercising hard for an hour or more each day. And it’s NOT by restricting the foods we love.  Dr. Stu Schaefer is here to offer you his top recommendations for optimizing your metabolism without totally overhauling your lifestyle! It comes down to creating the best environment for your body. Because when your body is put in the right environment, it IS capable of balancing itself.  Dr. Schaefer has helped countless women in perimenopause and menopause drop weight FAST. Ready to learn how?  Jump into this podcast to discover how to not only lose body fat, but how to enhance your longevity, look great, and feel ah-mazing!  Stu Schaefer Dr. Stu Schaefer is an award-winning weight loss coach who has helped countless people drop weight fast w

What if I told you that, in the next 30 days, you can lose some of that stubborn weight, improve your energy, and FEEL BETTER. In other words, waking up ready to ROCK YOUR day every day. …all just by making a few small tweaks to your morning routine? On today’s podcast shortie, I’m going to share THREE SIMPLE THINGS you can start doing every morning that will totally transform your life. Download my 5-Belly Slim Down Recipes Guide

What happens when you stop fighting against yourself and start fighting for yourself? When you lead with love, respect, and honesty, your relationship with yourself transforms. And THAT is where TRUE empowerment begins. In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Roxanne Saffaie, founder of Black Belt Beauty and a certified champion of self-confidence and self-trust.  Together, we dive deep into how life’s transitions—like perimenopause and menopause—invite us to redefine our relationship with ourselves, our bodies, and our paths.  From navigating disruptive symptoms like brain fog and fatigue to physical changes that demand more recovery time, Roxanne shares her insights on reframing these challenges as opportunities for growth.  With tools like self-compassion and positive affirmations, she reveals how to stop bullying yourself, trust your body’s wisdom… AND create a life rooted in authenticity and ease. If you’ve ever struggled to feel aligned with who you truly are—or just want practical tools to bui

When was the last time you had to buy a generic supplement at Walgreens or Target? I was recently out of Vitamin D and my husband needed it, so I took a look while at my local Target and was absolutely SHOCKED at what I found. The FDA requires supplement manufacturers to list all “non-medical” ingredients on the label–but it’s up to YOU to learn those terms and how they affect you. Catch today’s eye-opening podcast for a breakdown of the TOP 10 WORST INGREDIENTS you might find on a supplement label, including why they’re used and how they affect your body–and learn: Which supplements are the biggest offenders What types of ingredients are used and why The difference between active and inactive ingredients  The top 10 WORST inactive ingredients to avoid in your supplements Mentioned in This Episode Vitamin D Complete – The Sunshine-Hormone FREE DOWNLOAD: Dr. Mariza’s Top 11 Supplements for Hormone Health Additional Resources How to Spot a Glucose Spike on Any Nutritional Label On Packaged Food Junk Food

What do you do when a year shakes you to your core? When it throws curveball after curveball, leaving you questioning what’s truly important in this life? That was 2024 for me— A year of healing, hard lessons, and clarity I didn’t know I needed. As I sit down to record this episode, I’m reflecting on the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped my year— And how I’m using those lessons to step boldly into 2025. Now, I want to help you do the same. In this week’s special solo episode, I’m sharing 12 thoughtful questions that have been non-negotiable for me as I prepare for the New Year. These questions are your guide to: Reflecting on the past year Celebrating your wins Letting go of what no longer serves you Setting authentic intentions for the year ahead Trust me, the juice is worth the squeeze. Whether you’re seeking more clarity, craving a fresh start, or simply trying to process the whirlwind of emotions from the past year... Tune in and let’s get started TODAY. IN THIS EPISODE Why reflecting on your

How you feel is a direct response to how you nourish your body each day. …and I can speak from experience, because there was a time when I ran on empty, lived miserably, and honestly thought that it would always be that way. If you have been wanting to cultivate that feel-good energy by creating some simple, yet effective daily rituals, then this short episode is for you. Download my Ultimate Morning Self-Care Guide to create your perfect morning self-care routine so you’re ready to tackle each day RESOURCES MENTIONED 5-Minute Daily Self-Care Journal Ziva Meditation Organifi Harmony Drink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when the body you’ve always trusted starts to feel out of control? When weight gain creeps in despite your best efforts, and everyday tasks suddenly take more out of you than they ever have? In today’s episode, I’m joined by weight loss expert and founder of MasalaBody.com, Nagina Abdullah, who shares her deeply relatable journey of navigating perimenopause, unexpected weight gain, and the frustration of feeling stuck. Together, we unpack how shifting hormones can derail even the best health habits—and, more importantly, how to turn things around. You’ll walk away with actionable insights into why midlife metabolism changes, how to fuel your body with smarter nutrition, and simple strategies to burn fat, build muscle ,and balance blood sugar.  Whether it’s the hidden role of testosterone or the power of walking after meals, Nagina’s tools are refreshingly doable and life-changing. If you’re ready to take back control and feel like yourself again… Tune in now for a roadmap to better YOU.  IN TH

More often than not, we are getting blindsided by hidden carbs, nasty seed oils, and sneaky sugars embedded in some of the MAIN foods we have been told were “good for us” our entire lives.  Some of these foods could be regularly skyrocketing your blood sugar–leading to a vicious cycle of energy crashes, mid-afternoon slumps, intense cravings, or belly fat that will not go away… …and even chronic issues like metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, and heart disease. Catch today’s to find out what some of these sneaky foods are, as well as a few amazing alternatives–and learn:  The two types of belly fat you need to be aware of How belly fat can lead to system-wide inflammation and more Why certain “healthy” foods are actually very dangerous Which hormones are affected the most by these foods The top 5 worst foods on the list 4 ways to overcome the food industry’s shortcomings  Mentioned in This Episode Gluco Support – Powerhouse herbs and nutrients proven to balance blood sugar better than conventional medicat

Life has a way of throwing us curveballs—like unexpected health struggles, career changes, or personal challenges.  And if you let them, they can leave you feeling incredibly isolated, uncertain, or emotionally drained.  But I’m here to remind you:  Curveballs can also be the catalyst for reinvention. In today’s episode, I’m joined by the fierce Dr. Neeta Nawalkha., who is an acclaimed author and founder of The Brave Table. Together, we’ll help you embrace life’s toughest transitions with radical self-acceptance and resilience. As someone who has faced countless challenges herself, Dr. Neeta shares how moments of adversity can unlock new levels of identity, strength, and connection… As long as we’re willing to lean in! Whether you’re navigating midlife, personal relationships, or redefining your identity—this conversation will empower you to turn life’s "Now What?" moments into your next chapter. Tune in now to take the first step toward your boldest, most authentic self. IN THIS EPISODE Rebuild your life af

Do you have a habit or ritual in your life that makes a huge, positive difference in your day and in your life?  I certainly have a few that I do almost every single day because the juice is worth the squeeze. But as you continue to develop new healthy habits, there are a few research-backed ground rules that can help get you started. Catch today’s podcast for the top 5 rules that, when followed consistently, can make a huge impact on your energy levels, metabolism, and general well-being–and learn:  My top habits and rituals for a better life An epic resource to help you level up your game in every way The best drink swaps When and how to snack  When to stop eating for the day and why What to do after dinner that will dramatically improve your life The one exercise you should be prioritizing Mentioned in This Episode Gluco Support – The Blood Sugar-Balancer  Additional Resources Top 10 Self-Care Rituals for Today’s Woman Health Hack: The One Thing Every Woman Should Do After Dinner Episode #414: Th

Feeling drained, gaining weight in new places, or dealing with nagging brain fog—but chalking it up to “just midlife”?  You might be missing a key piece of the puzzle:  Your thyroid. I know this firsthand.  Before I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in my 30s, I spent years powering through exhaustion, thinning hair, unexplained weight gain (over 30 pounds!), and mood swings—thinking it was just life catching up with me.  But ignoring the signs only made things worse. That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome McCall McPherson, founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic and Modern Weight Loss, to this week’s podcast.  McCall’s journey from frustrated thyroid patient to one of today’s top hormone experts fuels her innovative, no-stone-unturned approach.  She’s helped thousands of women heal their thyroids, balance hormones, and reclaim their energy—without guesswork. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Spot the real signs of a thyroid issue your doctor might miss. Advocate for a full thyroid panel beyond standard labs. Balanc

From autoimmunity to brain fog to gut disorders and hormone imbalances, excess inflammation in your body could be what is making you sick. BUT once you understand which foods may damage your health, you can really start the shift toward eating a nutrient-dense diet without a worry, healing your body with every bite. On today’s podcast shortie, I’m going to share the TOP 10 MOST INFLAMMATORY foods for your body and why they are so bad for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a secret Mother Nature has been keeping from us… The most nutrient-dense food on the planet isn’t in your local produce aisle. It’s algae. For centuries, spirulina and chlorella have been fueling everything from ancient civilizations to NASA astronauts. But their undeniable benefits are just now being recognized—especially for women who are navigating the demands of midlife and beyond. That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome Catharine Arnston, founder and CEO of ENERGYbits®, to this week’s podcast—as we unlock the untapped potential of these two superfoods. Catharine’s journey began with her sister’s recovery from breast cancer. It sparked a passion that led her to become a global advocate for algae—and today, she’s sharing the science, benefits, and practical tips for adding these game-changers to your daily life. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Nourish your mitochondria to fuel energy, metabolism, and longevity. Detoxify heavy metals, lactic acid, and everyday toxins with ease. Support your i

Intermittent fasting continues to be all the rage, but what if we get the timing wrong?  Current research points to endless benefits of intermittent fasting, no matter which method you choose to embark on.  But the most recent research published in JAMA shows that early time-restricted eating is more effective than eating in a 12-hour window during the day.   Catch today’s cutting-edge podcast for everything you need to know about early time-restricted fasting (aka reverse fasting), as well as three easy ways to get started today–and learn: The top benefits of intermittent fasting What early time-restricted fasting actually means  How early time-restricted fasting actually works Why eating with your circadian rhythm is SO important Three easy ways to get started right now Mentioned in This Episode 14 Hormone-Loving Foods Guide – FREE when you register for the Summit Gluco Support – The Blood Sugar-Balancer  Additional Resources 3 Surefire Ways to Make Intermittent Fasting Easier  Podcast #358: Researc

No matter how many times we hear it.. When our hormones begin to shift, it can still feel like no one prepared you for what’s coming.  I’ll never forget the moment I realized I was officially in perimenopause:  At 44, I felt an overwhelming sense of dread, bouts of rage I couldn’t explain, and the exhaustion of crawling through mud just to get through the day.  As someone who has supported thousands of women through midlife transitions, I knew exactly what was happening—and yet, I wasn’t prepared for how destabilizing it would feel. That’s why in this week’s solo episode, I’m sharing the advice I wish I could have given my younger self—practical tools and insights to help you thrive in this transformative season. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Recognize the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of early perimenopause. Reclaim the belief that you deserve to feel good—and how to make it happen. Build rituals that bring more joy, energy, and presence into your daily life. Set fierce boundaries and let go o

Every single one of your daily activities and behaviors either move your body closer OR further away from hormone homeostasis. This means that every decision you make can impact how you feel the rest of the day.  In fact, it’s actually your hormones’ job to elicit actions on our cells and organ systems based on the input they receive from us living our daily life!  Tune in to today’s podcast for 3 things we do every day that make the biggest impact on our hormones, PLUS 5 ways to keep levels in check–and learn: How to notice when you are triggered  How to focus on your senses and/or breathing How to get BETTER sleep The power of meditation, increasing progesterone, avoiding sugar and alcohol, and having good sleep hygiene  The BEST supplements for deep, restorative sleep Mentioned in This Episode Magnesium Restore – The Anxiety-Buster Zen Sleep – The Sleep-Restorer Hormone Balance – The Hormone-Balancer Essentially Whole Store – Your Home for All-Things Healthy  Additional Resources Sleep Better with