Are you a slave to cravings? In this episode of The Cycle Code, we’re cracking the craving conundrum by looking at a surprising source: your menstrual cycle. We explore the fascinating hormonal shifts that happen during ovulation; specifically the surge of estrogen and the dip of progesterone and how this can leave you with a high-stakes need for dopamine and a weakened internal "brake" to resist those sugary, salty, and carb-heavy temptations.

Tune in to learn how to understand your body's signals and build a personalized strategy to manage cravings, rather than just endure them.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Ovulation Hormonal Rollercoaster: How the natural rise of estrogen and the dip of progesterone during your cycle create a perfect biological storm for cravings.

• The Dopamine Connection: We dive into how estrogen can boost your brain’s pleasure-seeking drive, making you more susceptible to foods that provide a quick dopamine hit.

• The Progesterone "Brake": Learn why the drop in progesterone can feel like your body has less willpower to resist temptation, and how this is a normal part of your cycle.

• Actionable Strategies: Simple, practical tips to manage cravings, including:

  • Mindful Cycle Tracking: A powerful tool to recognize your patterns and remove the guilt.

  • Nutrient-Dense Dopamine Boosters: Healthier ways to get a dopamine fix, from specific foods to simple activities.

  • Supporting Your "Brake": Foods and habits that can help promote a sense of calm and stability.

  • Pre-emptive Planning: How to set yourself up for success by stocking your kitchen with the right foods before the cravings strike.

• Healthier Swaps: We share examples of what your body might actually be craving instead of the junk food you reach for, and offer delicious, nutrient-rich alternatives.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Foods to Boost Dopamine: Almonds, avocados, bananas, lean protein, and leafy greens.

• Foods to Support Your "Brake" (Magnesium-Rich): Dark chocolate (70%+), nuts & seeds, and those greens!

• Craving Swaps:

  • Instead of Candy: Try dark chocolate, Greek yogurt with berries, or roasted chickpeas.

  • Instead of Chips: Try lightly salted nuts, olives, or homemade kale chips.

  • Instead of White Bread/Pasta: Try whole-grain toast with nut butter or oatmeal.

Connect with Us:

• Website: www.thegoldilocks.life

• Instagram: @thegoldilockslife

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to The Cycle Code to never miss an episode!

In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey over the past year, navigating the complex world of alcohol, from exploring sobriety to embracing moderation. I open up about the reasons for this self-exploration, the challenges I faced, and the questions I had to answer to find a path that feels authentic. We discuss the importance of listening to your body, redefining your relationship with alcohol, and the incredible power of community support.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The personal "why" behind exploring a change in your relationship with alcohol.

• The difference between sobriety, moderation, and the "sober curious" movement.

• Helpful tips for anyone considering a similar journey.

• The value of finding a supportive community that understands your unique path.

Resources:

• Sober Mom Life: https://thesobermomlife.com/

• Sober Powered: https://www.soberpowered.com/

• Lighthouse Sobriety: https://lighthouserecoverytx.com/

Recommended "Quit Lit" Books:

• This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace

• Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker

• The Sober Diaries: How One Woman Stopped Drinking and Started Living by Clare Pooley

I'd love to follow you!! @thegoldilockslife

Questions or Support, please email me at: stacy@thegoldilocks.life

You go to the doctor with a problem, and you walk out with a prescription. But are you getting to the root of the issue?

In this episode, we talk about the "Goldilocks Method"—a way to find a balanced approach to your health that’s not too much, not too little, but just right. We break down the difference between the traditional "treatment-focused" model and the powerful world of preventative and holistic care.

Are you ready to stop just treating symptoms and start taking control of your health?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the "band-aid approach" of Western medicine can fall short for chronic issues.

• How to blend the best of both worlds, using the power of medical advances with the wisdom of holistic care.

• The essential questions you need to ask your doctor to get the answers you deserve.

• The signs of a great healthcare provider who will be a true partner in your health journey.

Subscribe to The Goldilocks Life for more insights on finding your unique path to well-being.

Submit your questions to: stacy@thegoldilocks.life

Follow us @thegoldilockslife

Welcome to a new episode of The Goldilocks Life!

For so long, my personal quest was all about pushing my body to its absolute limit to get that perfect "before and after" photo. I was working out 6 days a week, always on, and while I saw some initial progress, I felt miserable. My body was sending me signals: poor sleep, new injuries, and constant fatigue....but I just kept ignoring them.

I was living in the all-or-nothing trap, and honestly, it was counterproductive. The truth is, the goal isn't to be perfect; it's to find what's just right for you.

In this episode, I'm sharing my journey from fitness burnout to finding a sustainable, joyful way to move my body. We’re breaking up with the "before and after" mindset for good and talking about how to get lasting results by working with your body, not against it.

In this episode, we get into:

• The Science of "Too Much": Why over-exercising can actually work against you, especially for women in their 30s and 40s. I’m talking about cortisol, hormones, and why a more moderate approach can lead to better results.

• Cycle-Syncing Your Workouts: This was a total game-changer for me. We break down the four phases of your cycle and how to choose the "just right" type of movement for your body each week.

• The Mind-Body Connection: The secret to lasting fitness isn't just about the workout—it's about listening to your body's wisdom.

A Simple Guide to Cycle-Syncing

This was a total game-changer for me. It’s the ultimate form of listening to your body. Instead of fighting with your hormonal cycle, you can work with it. Here’s what that looks like:

• Phase 1: Follicular Phase (Post-Period): Your estrogen is rising, and so is your energy! This is your body's "just right" time for higher-intensity workouts, like heavy lifting and HIIT.

• Phase 2: Ovulation: With hormones at their peak, this is your body's natural window for peak performance. It’s a great time to go for a personal record or try a new challenge.

• Phase 3: Luteal Phase (Post-Ovulation): Your body is transitioning and preparing for your period. Progesterone is dominant and your energy will naturally start to drop. This is the "just right" time to shift to more moderate workouts, like a moderate strength session or a long walk.

• Phase 4: Menstruation: Your hormone levels are at their lowest. The "just right" approach here is gentle movement. Listen to your body and prioritize rest, restorative yoga, or light stretching.

Your "Just Right" Takeaways to Start Now:

We all need a little help to put these big ideas into practice. Here are three simple, tangible steps you can take today to find your "just right" fitness routine:

1. The Rule of Three: Let go of the pressure to work out every day. Instead, aim for three intentional sessions per week that align with where you are in your cycle.

2. The "Just Right" Movement Audit: Grab a journal and reflect: "What kind of movement brings me genuine joy?" Swap out one of your "should-do" workouts for something you actually love.

3. Prioritize Recovery: True progress happens on your rest days. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine to get 7-8 hours of sleep, stay hydrated, and nourish your body.

If you’re ready to let go of the guilt and find a joyful relationship with your body, this episode is for you.

Read the Blog Version!

Connect with The Goldilocks Life:

• Website: www.thegoldilocks.life

• Instagram: @thegoldilockslife

Welcome to the very first episode of The Goldilocks Life!

Are you constantly caught between doing too much and feeling like you're not doing enough? If you're a mom, you know this feeling all too well. It’s the constant pressure to have the perfect home, career, and family life, and it's leaving us utterly exhausted.

In this episode, your host [Your Name] introduces the core concept of the Goldilocks Life, moving away from extremes and finding your personal "just right." We dive deep into the modern phenomenon of mom burnout, what it really means, and why our generation is feeling it so intensely.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The difference between simple tiredness and true burnout.

• Why the pressure to be "extra" is a recipe for exhaustion.

• Three powerful, actionable steps to start your journey out of burnout and into a more sustainable and joyful way of life.

If you've ever felt like you're running on empty, this episode is a breath of fresh air. It’s time to stop the battle and find a more gentle, effective way to live.

Connect with The Goldilocks Life:

• Instagram: @thegoldilockslife

• Email: stacy@thegoldilocks.life

Come on in and have a seat at the table, where the conversations are not too heavy or too light, but "just right."

Thanks for being here & Welcome Home!