Episode 80

Ever returned from holiday feeling like you need another holiday just to recover? You're not alone. That "sod it" holiday mindset can leave us feeling sluggish, bloated, and exhausted – the complete opposite of the rejuvenation we crave.

In this practical episode, we explore how to genuinely enjoy your holiday indulgences without sacrificing your wellbeing. From rich restaurant meals and tempting desserts to disrupted sleep patterns and travel stress, holidays present unique wellness challenges that can derail even our best intentions.

We dive into real strategies that work, starting with digestive support – the foundation of feeling good while traveling. Learn why probiotics before and during travel, digestive enzymes for those indulgent meals, and simply slowing down to properly chew can transform your holiday experience. Discover the essential elements of a travel-friendly homeopathic first aid kit that addresses everything from sunburn to food poisoning naturally.

Beyond digestion, we explore how maintaining some grounding habits from home creates stability amidst the holiday excitement. Whether it's bringing your favorite tea bags, keeping up a gentle morning movement practice, or capturing holiday inspiration in a fresh notebook, these simple routines provide anchoring without restriction.

During our conversation, we challenge the harmful mindset that you must "earn" holiday food or punish yourself after enjoying it. Instead, we offer a balanced approach where you can savor the gelato, enjoy the cocktails, and still maintain energy and wellness throughout your trip.

With thoughtful preparation and these practical tips, your next holiday can be truly restorative – a break that leaves you feeling fabulous rather than depleted. Share your own holiday wellness tips in our Facebook group – we'd love to hear what works for you!

How do you balance indulgence and wellness while traveling? Have you discovered strategies that help you feel great during and after your holidays?

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Ever felt paralysed by contradicting wellness advice? One expert swears by intermittent fasting while another warns against it. A fitness guru promotes one approach while doctors recommend something entirely different. Welcome to what Catherine aptly calls "wellness noise"—that overwhelming cacophony of health information that leaves many midlife women feeling more confused than empowered.

This candid conversation cuts through the clutter to reveal why so much wellness advice feels contradictory yet simultaneously correct. The missing piece? Context. Those experts aren't necessarily wrong—they're simply speaking to different audiences without making that distinction clear. Dr. Mindy Peltz's fasting protocols might work wonders for someone with obesity or pre-diabetes, while Dr. Stacey Sims' contrary advice better serves active midlife women. Understanding these nuances transforms overwhelming information into applicable wisdom.

Catherine compassionately acknowledges the unique challenges midlife women face: bodies that respond differently than they did decades ago, marketing that preys on insecurities, and the exhaustion of constantly second-guessing ourselves. Rather than adding to the noise, she offers a refreshing perspective—your body already knows much of what it needs. The fundamentals remain straightforward: nourishing food, regular movement, quality sleep, adequate hydration, and stress management form the foundation. Everything else should complement these basics, not replace them.

The path forward involves getting specific about your unique circumstances and goals, finding experts who truly speak to your demographic, and connecting with communities of women navigating similar journeys. Most importantly, wellness should never become another source of stress. It should fit realistically into your life, empowering rather than overwhelming you. If you're tired of wellness whiplash and ready for clarity, this episode offers the guidance and permission you've been seeking to trust yourself again.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 78

Have you ever wondered why you seem more prone to injuries as you navigate perimenopause or menopause? That twinge in your knee, the persistent ache in your shoulder, or the way your body feels stiffer during certain weeks might all be connected to your changing hormones.

As a 54-year-old competitive gymnast, I've had to rethink my entire approach to training after experiencing injuries that seemed to come out of nowhere. The truth is, they weren't random at all – they were perfectly predictable based on my hormonal fluctuations. When estrogen rises during the first half of your menstrual cycle, it boosts collagen production, giving your tendons and ligaments more elasticity and resilience. Think of them like fresh, stretchy elastic bands that can extend and snap back easily. But after ovulation, when hormones begin to drop, those same tissues become more vulnerable – like old elastic bands sitting in a drawer that snap when stretched too far.

This episode unpacks exactly how to work with these changes rather than against them. You'll learn how to time high-intensity workouts for when your body has natural hormonal protection, how to recognize your personal warning signs of increased injury risk, and specific nutrition and supplement strategies that can support your joints when your hormones no longer do. I'll share practical tips for adapting your warm-up routine, why strength training becomes even more crucial during this life stage, and recovery practices that help keep your body resilient.

Whether you're still experiencing regular cycles, navigating the unpredictable patterns of perimenopause, or adjusting to the consistently lower hormone levels of menopause, you can create a training approach that honors your body's current needs. This isn't about slowing down or giving up the activities you love – it's about getting wiser about how you pursue them. Join me to discover how tracking your symptoms, listening to your body's signals, and making strategic adjustments can help you stay active and injury-free for decades to come. Have you noticed changes in how your body responds to exercise? Share your experience in our Far Too Fabulous Facebook group!

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.