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In this episode of Fit for Real Life, I’m joined by Liz from The Mid Size Optimize for a conversation that feels honest, grounding, and refreshingly real.

Liz creates content that cuts through the noise of extreme fitness, unrealistic beauty standards, and performative confidence. We talk about how we connected, why her work feels so steady and supportive, and what it looks like to show up fully in a real body while balancing two jobs, fitness goals, and everyday life.

We dive into her running journey, how movement supports her confidence and mental health, and what she’s learning about balance, consistency, and self trust. Liz also shares where she finds inspiration, what she’s working toward in 2026, and how she stays grounded in a space that can feel loud and overwhelming.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to feel more at home in their body, less pressured to fix themselves, and more supported as they move through real life with confidence and care.

You’ll walk away feeling like you just talked with a friend who truly gets it.

Liz can be found on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themidsizeoptimize/

TikTok: themidsizeoptimize1

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

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In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Barronton from the Sunshine Travelers Podcast, a source I’ve come to trust for practical, real world travel advice.

I first discovered Melissa and her husband Scott through their podcast and Instagram and never expected them to respond when I sent a question during their Egypt trip question box. They not only replied, but thoughtfully answered my son’s questions too, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

We talk about what travel looks like beyond highlight reels. Melissa shares the trips that shaped her most, what 2025 taught her about how she wants to travel in 2026, and how Sunshine Travelers helps people plan confident, thoughtful trips through their podcast, destination guides, packing resources, and travel planning services.

This episode is especially for anyone who wants to travel smarter and safer while still visiting dream destinations. We cover driving internationally, personal safety, tech security, and how to make big trips feel manageable for families, couples, and solo travelers. Some of my personal favorite resources they share are their packing and planning guides, and the deals they share through their Travel Deal Insiders!

Where to find Sunshine Travelers:

Sunshine Travelers Podcast searchable here: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast

More Destinations on the Sunshine Travelers Blog:

https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog

For trip planning https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/plan-your-trip

Follow our travels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/

Travel Deal Insiders: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/newsletters/2147703369/subscribe

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

From In-Between to Intentional: Choosing Consistency Over Another Restart

This week between Christmas and New Year’s can feel awkward — not quite holiday, not quite “back to normal.” And for a lot of women, it’s where consistency quietly slips away.

In this episode, I’m building on what we talked about in Episode 2: staying on track isn’t about perfection or willpower — it’s about having simple anchors you can return to. I’m sharing how I personally approach this in-between season so January doesn’t feel like another reset, but a natural continuation of progress.

You’ll hear:

• Why consistency isn’t a streak — it’s a practice
• How I simplify food and movement during unstructured weeks
• The small anchors I rely on when motivation is low
• Why support and structure matter more than discipline
• And how to move into January already feeling grounded

I’m also sharing one of my go-to, realistic meals — Crockpot Protein Oats — because consistency starts with meals that actually work in real life.

If you don’t want another “start over” next week, this episode is for you.

🍓 Bonus Recipe: Crockpot Protein Oats

(Simple, balanced, and perfect for busy mornings)

This is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts when life feels full. It’s warm, satisfying, high-protein, and easy to portion — exactly what I lean on when consistency matters more than variety.

Base:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 6 cups milk (or half milk / half water)
• 2 tbsp basil seeds
• 1 tsp salt

Protein — choose ONE:

• 👉 Protein powder: 2 cups total (≈ 25g protein per serving)
• 👉 Greek yogurt: Optional, 3 cups total, (stir in after cooking) basil seeds + salt to crockpot

1. Cook LOW 6–7 hours
2. Cool 10 minutes
3. Stir in protein
4. Portion for the week or freezer

How to add fruit 🍓

• Frozen fruit → stir in after cooking
• Fresh fruit → add after reheating
• Skip freezing bananas (trust me)
• Add a splash of milk when reheating if it thickens

High protein. Zero morning stress. One less decision all week 🙌

Why This Works

This meal supports:

• Protein first (a FASTer Way core principle)
• Blood sugar balance
• Satiety and energy
• Consistency without overthinking

It’s not fancy — it’s functional. And that’s the point.

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA