9 to Thrive

CiCi, The Nutrition Nerd
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9 to Thrive

Let's spill the tea on health. Wondering why your jeans are tight when your diet's right? Over fad diets and empty wellness promises? Welcome to '9 to Thrive,' your modern shortcast to getting healthified in 9 minutes or less. Think of this as your reality check on everything from blood sugar to gut health, thyroid to fertility and more. This is the no-BS, tell-it-like-it-is guide to help you Heal for Good™. Nine minutes is all you need to turn those health 'oh nos' into 'hell yeahs!' (Coach CiCi is a Certified Hormone Specialist, Pn-Level 1 Fitness & Nutrition Coach, Functional & Integrative Medicine Educator.)

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  1. EPISODE 1

    S4 E1 Insulin Resistance and Its Impact on Your Health

    Discover the hidden health challenge affecting millions: insulin resistance. In this episode, we break down what insulin resistance is, why it matters, and how it can silently pave the way for serious conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Learn how to recognize the signs, reverse the condition with actionable lifestyle changes, and regain control of your health. If you're ready to take the first step toward better energy, weight management, and overall wellness, this is a must-listen. Sources Prevalence of Insulin Resistance Among Young Adults: “UAB researchers find that 40 percent of young American adults have insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors.” National Diabetes Statistics: “National Diabetes Statistics Report.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Understanding Insulin Resistance: “Insulin Resistance: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. Reversing Insulin Resistance: “How to Reverse Insulin Resistance: 8 Ways to Improve.” Verywell Health. Impact of Lifestyle Changes on Insulin Resistance: “How to Reverse Insulin Resistance.” Yale School of Medicine. Dietary Strategies to Combat Insulin Resistance: “6 Ways to Reduce Insulin Resistance for Better Blood Sugar, According to Dietitians.” EatingWell. Natural Approaches to Improve Insulin Sensitivity: “10 Natural Ways To Improve Insulin Resistance.” Ben’s Natural Health. Medical Perspective on Insulin Resistance: “Insulin Resistance.” American Diabetes Association. Prevalence and Determinants of Insulin Resistance: “Prevalence and Determinants of Insulin Resistance Among U.S. Adults.” Diabetes Care.

    14 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    S4 E2 Unmasking Sugar: The Silent Saboteur of Your Health

    What if the real culprit behind weight gain and health struggles isn’t fat—but sugar? In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the hidden sugars lurking in “healthy” foods, explain their addictive nature, and reveal how they disrupt your body’s natural systems. With actionable tips to identify and reduce hidden sugars, you’ll learn how to regain control of your health and start making smarter dietary choices today. Sources Sugar’s Addictive Nature: “Sugar can be addictive, Princeton scientist says.” Princeton University. (princeton.edu)Sugar’s Addictiveness Compared to Cocaine: “Is sugar even more addictive than cocaine?” Saint Luke’s Health System. (saintlukeskc.org)Sugar’s Impact on the Brain: “Sugar vs. Cocaine: Surprising Brain Scan Similarities Revealed.” Neurolaunch. (neurolaunch.com)Sugar Addiction and Health Implications:“Sugar Addiction: More Serious Than You Think.” Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University. (alcoholstudies.rutgers.edu)Sugar’s Role in Weight Gain:“A sweet problem: Princeton researchers find that high-fructose corn syrup prompts considerably more weight gain.” Princeton University. (princeton.edu)Sugar Addiction: The State of the Science: “Sugar addiction: the state of the science.” European Journal of Nutrition. (link.springer.com)Sugar’s Impact on Neural Function: “Research shows sugar and cocaine provoke responses from different groups of neurons.” Medical University of South Carolina. (web.musc.edu)Sugar Addiction and Evolution: “Sugar Addiction: From Evolution to Revolution.” Frontiers in Psychiatry. (frontiersin.org)Sugar’s Addictive Properties: “Is Sugar More Addictive Than Cocaine.” Ramsay Healthcare. (ramsayhealth.co.uk)Sugar’s Role in Obesity and Diabetes: “Is Sugar Addictive?” American Diabetes Association. (diabetesjournals.org)Sugar’s Impact on Reward Systems: “Sugar addiction: is it real? A narrative review.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. (bjsm.bmj.com)Sugar’s Effect on Neural Circuits: “Decoding sugar addiction.” MIT News. (news.mit.edu)Sugar’s Addictive Potential: “The Rats Who Preferred Sugar Over Cocaine.” HuffPost Life. (huffpost.com)Sugar’s Impact on Mental Health: “Sugar Consumption Is Linked to a Higher Risk of Depression, New Study Finds.” Food & Wine. (foodandwine.com)Sugar’s Role in Chronic Diseases: “What salt, sugar, red meat and alcohol really do to your body.” The Times. (thetimes.co.uk)Sugar’s Impact on Children’s Health: “How giving kids too much sugar raises their risk for 2 chronic diseases.” New York Post. (nypost.com)Addictive Nature of Ultra-Processed Foods: “Can You Actually Be Addicted to Ultra-Processed Snacks? Here’s What the Science Says.” Health.com. (health.com)Genetic Factors in Sugar Consumption: “Your sweet tooth may be genetic - and your DNA could be pushing you to eat more, says new study.” New York Post. (nypost.com)Impact of Weight-Loss Drugs on Sugar Consumption: “Will weight-loss drugs lead to upheaval in the sugar market?” Financial Times. (ft.com)Public Health Perspectives on Food Addiction: “Dr Chris van Tulleken: ‘We should treat food like we do tobacco’.” The Times. (thetimes.co.uk)

    10 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    S4 E3 Breaking Free from Sugar to Reclaim Your Health and Energy

    Ever feel stuck despite following all the "healthy" rules? Hidden sugars in everyday foods might be sabotaging your weight loss, energy, and overall health. In this episode, we uncover the surprising sources of sugar in your diet, explain the havoc it wreaks on your hormones, and show you how to break free from the cycle of cravings and fatigue. Tune in to learn simple, satisfying swaps that can transform your health and restore balance to your body.

    10 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    S4 E4: The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: Why You’re Always Tired, Hungry, and Craving Carbs

    Are you caught in the blood sugar rollercoaster—feeling energetic one moment, then drained and craving carbs the next? This episode dives into how frequent blood sugar spikes and crashes wreak havoc on your energy, mood, and weight. Learn why stabilizing your blood sugar is key to breaking free from this cycle and discover simple, actionable strategies to regain balance, improve your health, and still enjoy the foods you love.

    9 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    S4 E5: Mastering Meal Sequencing and Carb Cycling for Steady Blood Sugar

    Unlock the power of timing and strategy in your diet with meal sequencing and carb cycling. This episode reveals how eating specific foods in the right order and adjusting your carbohydrate intake based on activity levels can stabilize blood sugar, boost energy, and enhance fat burning. Whether you're struggling with energy crashes or looking to optimize your fitness results, these science-backed techniques can help you achieve balance and long-term health.

    10 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    S4 E6: Unlocking Energy and Health with Post-Meal Movement and Ultradian Breaks

    Reclaim your energy and improve your health with simple strategies like post-meal movement and ultradian breaks. In this episode, discover how a quick 10-minute walk after meals can lower blood sugar spikes by 30% and stabilize energy levels, while intentional breaks throughout the day boost focus and productivity. From practical tips to overcome common excuses, this episode offers easy, actionable steps to transform your daily routine and achieve lasting results.

    9 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    S4 E7: Why Your Morning Meal Sets the Tone for the Day

    Start your day off right by unlocking the secret to a truly balanced breakfast. In this episode, discover why your morning meal sets the tone for your entire day’s energy, blood sugar stability, and cravings. Learn how to avoid the common breakfast traps that lead to crashes and sugar spikes, and find out how to build a protein-packed, nutrient-dense breakfast that fuels your focus and keeps you satisfied for hours. Even on busy mornings, practical tips and make-ahead options ensure you never have to skip this crucial meal.

    12 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    S4 E8: Why You Should Never Eat “Naked Carbs” (Except When You Should)

    Learn why "naked carbs"—carbs eaten without protein, fats, or fiber—might be the culprit behind your energy crashes and endless cravings. In this episode, we explore the art of food pairing to keep your blood sugar stable, boost your energy, and crush your cravings. Plus, discover the rare situations where naked carbs are actually the perfect choice, like before a workout or during a low blood sugar episode. Packed with simple tips and real-life examples, this episode makes balancing your meals effortless and impactful.

    11 min
See All Season 4 (8)

Trailer

About

Let's spill the tea on health. Wondering why your jeans are tight when your diet's right? Over fad diets and empty wellness promises? Welcome to '9 to Thrive,' your modern shortcast to getting healthified in 9 minutes or less. Think of this as your reality check on everything from blood sugar to gut health, thyroid to fertility and more. This is the no-BS, tell-it-like-it-is guide to help you Heal for Good™. Nine minutes is all you need to turn those health 'oh nos' into 'hell yeahs!' (Coach CiCi is a Certified Hormone Specialist, Pn-Level 1 Fitness & Nutrition Coach, Functional & Integrative Medicine Educator.)

Information

  • Creator
    CiCi, The Nutrition Nerd
  • Episodes
    37
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Clean

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