If you’ve ever wondered why your body seems to respond differently to diets, exercise, or even your favorite comfort foods now that you’re in midlife, you’re not alone. In episode 28 of the Midlife Reset Podcast, I sat down with holistic nutritionist (and metabolism mechanic!) Sharlene Styles to answer your burning questions about midlife metabolism.
Together, we dug into hot topics like anti-inflammatory diets, intermittent fasting, collagen supplements, and how to navigate cravings with mindfulness instead of guilt. Here are the highlights.
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet: What Really Works
When it comes to fighting inflammation, the first rule is simple: eat real food. That means vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, healthy fats (like olive oil and walnuts), and wild-caught fish.
What to limit? Ultra-processed foods like packaged meats, refined oils, pastries, breads, pastas, and sugary snacks. For some women, dairy or alcohol can also be inflammatory.
But here’s the thing: inflammation is personal. What causes a flare-up in one woman may not affect another. The key is paying attention to how your body feels and adjusting accordingly.
Intermittent Fasting: Helpful or Harmful?
There’s no denying intermittent fasting has scientific backing—but most of the research has been done on men, not women. And for midlife women already juggling hormone shifts, adrenal fatigue, or chronic stress, fasting can actually add more stress to the body.
Many women start their day with black coffee while fasting, but caffeine spikes cortisol and inflames the body further. Combine that with under-eating and over-exercising, and it’s a recipe for hormonal chaos.
Instead, Sharlene suggests focusing on stabilizing blood sugar: eating every 4–5 hours with balanced meals that contain protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. This signals safety to your body and supports fat burning without stress.
Comfort Foods and Cravings: Mindfulness Over Guilt
Who doesn’t love a gooey cinnamon bun or a bowl of creamy mac and cheese? Comfort foods often aren’t about nutrition—they’re tied to memories, emotions, and the need for soothing.
Instead of labeling them as “bad,” Sharlene suggests asking: What makes this food comforting? Then, find healthier swaps that still give you the cozy, satisfying feeling—like rye bread instead of white, or a nourishing muffin made with whole ingredients.
And yes—there’s room for the real thing too. With mindfulness and intention, you can enjoy ice cream or birthday cake without guilt. As I’ve learned personally, weight loss and wellness don’t mean cutting out all the foods you love—they mean choosing them consciously.
Collagen: Worth the Hype?
Collagen is one of the most buzzed-about supplements for women over 40—and for good reason. As we age, our natural collagen production declines, affecting skin, joints, and connective tissue.
But here’s the truth: collagen isn’t a miracle fix. It’s a protein, and while rotating different types can be beneficial, the foundation is still eating a protein-rich diet with a variety of amino acids from whole foods. Think of collagen as an add-on, not the base of your nutrition.
The Bottom Line: Gentle, Sustainable Shifts
Whether it’s food, fasting, or fitness, the most powerful changes aren’t the extreme ones—they’re the gentle, sustainable shifts you can stick with. Quick fixes and harsh restrictions rarely work long-term.
Instead, focus on:
* Eating whole, anti-inflammatory foods that feel good for your body
* Stabilizing blood sugar to calm hormones and reduce stress
* Approaching cravings with mindfulness, not guilt
* Supporting your body with sensible supplements and protein-rich meals
This is how you build energy, balance, and health in midlife—not just for now, but for decades to come.
💡 Want more guidance? The SHE Mindfulness Program provides a step by step framework to help you
* sleep better
* lose weight
* feel stronger
employing the tools of yoga and mindfulness. This unique blend of ancient wisdom, practical worksheets, video courses, movement classes and personalized support is a transformational journey custom crafted for midlife women.
