In this episode, I sit down with nutrition expert and bestselling author Maria Emmerich to talk about a topic that rarely gets discussed honestly: what happens when health habits that seem beneficial start working against you. Maria shares her personal experience navigating years of caregiving, chronic stress, under-eating, muscle loss, and the wake-up call that forced her to rethink many of the strategies she had promoted and practiced throughout her career. Together, we explore the difference between pursuing health and simply chasing a number on the scale, and why maintaining muscle, supporting hormones, and properly fueling your body matter more than many people realize. We also take a closer look at some of the most common nutrition and weight loss trends women are using today, including keto, fasting, GLP-1 medications, and high-protein nutrition. Maria explains why protein has become a central focus of her work, how fasting affects muscle preservation, what insulin actually does in the body, and why many women struggle with metabolic health during perimenopause and menopause. What you’ll learn: Why Maria reconsidered many of her own nutrition practices after a major health setback How chronic stress and caregiving responsibilities can quietly impact metabolic health The difference between losing weight and losing muscle Why protein intake may matter more than calorie restriction for many women What insulin actually does in the body and why it isn't the villain it's often made out to be How fasting affects muscle mass, metabolism, and long-term health outcomes The role hormones play in body composition, energy, and insulin sensitivity during midlife What women should consider before, during, and after using GLP-1 medications If you are currently navigating weight loss, hormonal changes, fasting, keto, or GLP-1 medications - this episode is for you! Resources from Maria: KetoMaria.com Grab your Thyroid Fixer here: https://betterlifedoctor.com/ New here? Use code LISTEN20 for 20% off your first order Returning customers can use code LISTEN10 for 10% off SHOP DR. AMIE’S FIXXR® SUPPLEMENTS: betterlifedoctor.com LET'S GET YOUR LIFE BACK...Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman Book a free thyroid and hormone solution call: https://dramiehornaman.com/pages/book-a-call CHECK OUT MY FREEBIES... JUST CLICK BELOW Thyroid Optimization Guide: https://health.dramie.com/thyropause 7 Day Thyroid Healing Kickstarter: https://fixyourthyroid.com/7daykickstarter Thyroid on Trial: https://health.dramie.com/thyroid-on-trial-optin RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS Show your love for Dr. Amie and The Thyroid Fixer Podcast! If you’re enjoying our journey together, I’d be thrilled if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps me reach and help more people just like you, guiding them towards their optimal selves! Just click HERE, scroll all the way down, give us those 5 stars, and share what you enjoy about my episodes in a review. Haven’t subscribed yet? Make sure to follow The Thyroid Fixer Podcast to catch all the new episodes that come out every week. Follow HERE and never miss out on a moment of the journey! CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Join my exclusive Facebook Group and get questions answered LIVE weekly, Just Fix Your Thyroid, for a Community of HOPE and SUPPORT in your thyroid journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dramie/ Like me on Facebook: Amie Hornaman Nutrition and Functional Medicine Subscribe on YouTube: Dr. Amie Hornaman Follow me on Instagram: @dramiehornaman