Elegantly Unhinged

Rima Kleiner, MS, RDN

Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for badass women doing brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Honest, irreverent conversations about midlife clarity, nutrition, wellness, creativity, desire, self-trust, nervous system regulation and taking up space—no sugarcoating.

  1. Aug 11

    Safety is a Nutrient

    August 11, 2026 Elegantly Unhinged EPISODE 15: Safety is a Nutrient Description: If you’ve been eating well, moving your body and doing everything “right”—but still feel like your body isn’t cooperating—this episode is for you. We revisit a phrase first introduced in Episode 2: safety is a nutrient. No, safety isn’t literally a vitamin, mineral or macronutrient. But it is a foundational biological input—and when your nervous system doesn’t sense enough of it, digestion shifts, blood sugar becomes harder to regulate, appetite cues get wonky, inflammation increases and recovery gets pushed down the priority list. In this episode, we explore: Why your body prioritizes protection before optimization—and what that means for digestion, muscle building, blood sugar regulation and recoveryWhy your nervous system can respond to a difficult email, an overloaded calendar or a cursed to-do list as though the threat were much biggerHow chronic stress can affect appetite, cravings, gut motility, inflammation, hormones and metabolic healthWhat nervous-system regulation looks like beyond bubble baths and deep breathingHow consistent meals, adequate fuel, balanced blood sugar, boundaries, rhythm and rest can provide evidence that you are safe and supportedRima also shares what happened when several weeks of stress began showing up in her own body—and why she realized she couldn’t out-protein, out-lift or out-organize what she was carrying. As summer winds down and the pressure to “get back on track” starts creeping in, this episode offers a different invitation: Your body may not need more discipline. It may need a steadier landing. Because metabolic health isn’t built through restriction. It’s built through regulation. 🎁 And don't forget to check out: 10 Foods That Feed Your Nervous System—Not Your Stress Response, a free practical guide featuring real foods, clear science and realistic ways to create more nutritional safety and support. Click HERE to download now! Show Notes: Connect with Rima Rima on Instagram Rima on Facebook Rima on Substack Rima on YouTube Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

    Safety is a Nutrient

  2. Jul 28

    You Know What to Eat—Why Is It Still So Hard? The Brain Science Behind Your Food Choices

    Episode 14: Why Knowing Isn't Enough: The Missing Piece Smart Women Keep Overlooking You know what to eat. You've known for years. So why is it still hard? In this episode, Rima breaks down the real reason health knowledge doesn't automatically translate to health behavior—and it has nothing to do with willpower. We're talking neuroscience, subconscious wiring, your nervous system and the habit science that actually explains the gap between intention and action. What we cover: Why 95% of your behavior runs on autopilot (and what that means for your health goals)The prefrontal cortex vs. limbic system showdownWhy stress eating is a physiological response, not a character flawThe intention-behavior gap (it's real, it's studied, you've definitely lived it)5 practical ways to start rewiring your habitsResources mentioned: Smart Mouth Nutrition 1:1 Metabolic Reset Coaching with RimaAtomic Habits by James ClearThe Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce LiptonStanford Huberman Lab research on physiological sigh/breathworkPhillippa Lally et al. habit formation research, UCL Connect with Rima Rima on Instagram Rima on Facebook Rima on Substack Rima on YouTube Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

  3. Jul 14

    Creatine Isn't Just for Gym Bros: Why I Take It Every Day (And Why You Might Want To, Too)

    July 14, 2026 Elegantly Unhinged Creatine Isn't Just for Gym Bros: Why I Take It Every Day (And Why You Might Want To, Too) Creatine isn't just for gym bros—and it definitely isn't just about building muscle. In this episode, I break down why creatine has one of the worst PR teams in nutrition and why it may be one of the most underrated supplements for women in midlife. We talk muscle, yes—but also brain health, recovery, healthy aging, bone health, and why strength is about so much more than looking good in a tank top. If you've ever wondered whether creatine is worth taking, this episode is for you. Episode Description Creatine has been misunderstood for decades. Somewhere along the way, it became the unofficial supplement of gym bros, gallon water jugs and people who think grilled chicken is a personality trait. Meanwhile, women in midlife were over here navigating perimenopause, losing muscle, feeling more fatigued, struggling with brain fog and wondering why nobody ever mentioned one of the most researched supplements available. In this episode, we're giving creatine the reputation rehab it deserves. We'll talk about why creatine isn't just a muscle supplement—it's really an energy supplement—and why that matters even more as we move through midlife. We'll cover: 💪 Why muscle matters for so much more than aesthetics 🧠 The surprising connection between creatine and brain health 🦴 What the research says about bone health and healthy aging ❤️ Emerging science on heart health and concussion recovery 🚫 The biggest myths about creatine (bulking, kidneys, loading phases, expensive brands—you know, all the fun stuff) 🥄 Exactly how much to take, when to take it and whether it's okay in your morning coffee (spoiler: yes!) Because this episode isn't really about supplements.  It's about building a body that's capable. One that lets you travel, recover, think clearly, stay strong and keep saying yes to your life for decades to come. Connect with Rima Rima on Instagram Rima on Facebook Rima on Substack Rima on YouTube Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

    Creatine Isn't Just for Gym Bros: Why I Take It Every Day (And Why You Might Want To, Too)

  4. Jun 30

    Why Muscle Matters More Than the Scale: Because Strength Changes Everything After 40

    June 30, 2026 Elegantly Unhinged Why Muscle Matters More Than the Scale: How Strength Changes Everything After 40 For years, many of us were taught that the key to health was eating less and doing more cardio. But what if we've been focusing on the wrong goal? In this episode, I'm joined by fitness expert Cindy Barbour for a conversation about why strength training becomes one of the most important things we can do in midlife—not just for our bodies, but for our metabolism, confidence, independence and long-term health. And Cindy would know—she not only teaches about getting fit for a healthy life, she truly embodies it. We dish about why muscle matters, how to fuel your workouts, common mistakes women make and why getting stronger—not smaller—may be the most empowering shift you can make. In this episode, we discuss: • Why muscle is your metabolic powerhouse • How strength training changes after 40 • The biggest mistakes women make when trying to "tone up" • Why eating enough (especially protein) is essential for building strength • Cardio vs. lifting: what deserves more attention in midlife • How to start strength training safely if you're new to it • Why consistency beats perfection every time Whether you're already lifting weights or just thinking about getting started, this episode will leave you feeling informed, encouraged and excited to build a body that supports the life you want to live.  Because your goal isn't just to live longer. It's to stay strong enough to enjoy every year along the way. Show Notes: Connect with Cindy Cindy on Instagram Cindy on Facebook   Connect with Rima Rima on Instagram Rima on Facebook Rima on Substack Rima on YouTube Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

    Why Muscle Matters More Than the Scale: Because Strength Changes Everything After 40

  5. Jun 16

    Your Body Isn't a Summer Project: Stop Waiting

    Jun 16, 2026 Elegantly Unhinged Episode 11 Your Body Isn't a Summer Project: Stop Waiting Description: Summer is here, and with it comes a familiar set of messages: Get your summer body. Get back on track. Lose the weight. Do the challenge. Start over Monday. But what if summer doesn't need another diet? In this episode, I'm sharing a personal realization I had while looking at my summer calendar—and how it sparked a bigger conversation about the pressure so many women feel this time of year. We'll talk about: ✨ Summer body culture and perfectionism ✨ Why doing everything "right" still isn't working ✨ Under-fueling, over-exercising and nervous system stress ✨ The connection between metabolic health and feeling supported ✨ How to stop treating yourself like a project ✨ What a truly healthy summer actually looks like If you've ever felt caught between wanting to enjoy your life and wanting to improve it, this episode is for you. Because maybe the goal isn't to spend the summer becoming someone else. Maybe the goal is to fully participate in the life you already have. More From Rima Kleiner, MS, RDN: Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

    Your Body Isn't a Summer Project: Stop Waiting

  6. Jun 2

    How Much Protein Do You Need in Midlife? (More than you think.)

    Your body's protein needs change in midlife—and most of us are under-eating it in all the wrong ways. Here's what the science actually says, and how to fix it without turning every meal into a math problem. 6/1/2026 Elegantly Unhinged How Much Protein Do You Need in Midlife? (More than you think.) If your energy is inconsistent, your recovery feels slower and your metabolism feels like it's working against you—this episode might be the conversation you didn't know you needed. In this episode, we're getting into the real science of protein in midlife: why muscle is metabolically active tissue that's literally working even when you're not, how declining estrogen and testosterone impact muscle protein synthesis and why the old RDA of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight was always the bare minimum—and what the new 2025 Dietary Guidelines and ESPEN recommendations actually suggest instead. We talk about the leucine threshold—the little-known amino acid "on switch" for muscle building that changes everything about how you think about meals—and why distributing protein evenly across the day produces measurably better results than loading up at dinner. Spoiler: your muscles don't care that dinner was great. They do care when you eat protein. And then we get practical. Real food, real ideas, real life—including the weight loss and brain signaling research around high-protein breakfasts that will genuinely surprise you. Plus the protein and resistance training connection, because one without the other really is only half the equation. Evidence-based, practical and served without a side of guilt. No shaker bottles required.  Other Episodes Mentioned in Today Famine With Snacks: The Power of Consistent Eating and Why Your Body Thrives on Rhythm Your Protein Formula Step 1 — Find your weight in kg: Weight in lbs ÷ 2.2 = weight in kg (Example: 154 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 70 kg) Step 2 — Calculate your target: Goal | Formula | Example (using 70kg or 154 lbs body weight) Maintain muscle (healthy adults) | 1.0–1.2 g protein × kg | ~70–84g/day Active adults / build muscle | 1.2–1.5 g × kg | ~84–105g/day Simple daily shortcut | 1g × lb of goal body weight | e.g. 130g of protein per day if goal weight is 130 lbs Step 3 — Distribute it: Aim for 25–30g per meal to hit the leucine threshold and trigger muscle protein synthesis at each meal—not just at dinner.  Studies Referenced in This Episode The Leucine Threshold Wilkinson et al. (2023) — Association of postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates with dietary leucine — Physiological Reports Read the study → High-Protein Breakfast & Brain Signaling Leidy et al. — Protein-rich breakfast reduces brain signals controlling food motivation and reward-driven eating behavior — University of Missouri / ScienceDaily Read the study → Protein Distribution Throughout the Day Mamerow et al. (2014) — Dietary protein distribution positively influences 24-hour muscle protein synthesis in healthy adults — Journal of Nutrition Read the study → Learn More About Rima and Smart Mouth Nutrition Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

    How Much Protein Do You Need in Midlife? (More than you think.)

  7. May 19

    Your Metabolism Called. It Says Fix Your Sleep.

    Four weeks of wrecked sleep taught me something I already knew — but needed to feel in my own body all over again: you cannot out-train, out-eat, or out-supplement bad sleep. Not even close. If your energy is tanking, your cravings are loud, your motivation has gone MIA, and you're doing everything right and still feel off — this episode is for you. 5/19/2026 Elegantly Unhinged: Your Metabolism Called. It Says Fix Your Sleep. Let's talk about sleep. Not in a "have you tried a white noise machine and some lavender" kind of way. In a "here's what's actually happening to your metabolism when sleep is disrupted and why everything else feels so hard" kind of way. Because here's the truth: you can eat well, train consistently, manage your stress, and do all the things — and if your sleep is chronically off, you will still feel like you're pushing a boulder uphill. I know because I just spent four weeks doing exactly that. And up to 61% of women in perimenopause and postmenopause report frequent sleep problems. So if you've been lying awake at 3am wondering what is wrong with you — nothing is wrong with you. You're in very good company. And this episode is going to tell you why. In this episode we're getting into: What poor sleep is actually doing to your metabolism — blood sugar, cortisol, hunger hormones, and brain function all shifting at the same timeWhy your cravings get absolutely out of control when you're sleep deprived — and why it has nothing to do with willpowerWhy you can be doing everything right with food and movement and still not get the results you're working toward if sleep is offThe stat that stopped me cold: consistently getting just 5.6 hours of sleep has been shown to double reaction times and increase attention lapses by five timesSix practical, real-life ways to start supporting your sleep — no perfect routine requiredWhy sleep isn't just one piece of the puzzle — it's the piece that makes all the other pieces workThis one is for the women who are doing the hard work — eating well, moving their bodies, showing up every day — and still wondering why everything feels so heavy. Spoiler: your metabolism called. It says fix your sleep. Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

    Your Metabolism Called. It Says Fix Your Sleep.

  8. May 5

    Famine With Snacks: The Power of Consistent Eating and Why Your Body Thrives on Rhythm

    May 5, 2026 Elegantly Unhinged Famine With Snacks: The Power of Consistent Eating and Why Your Body Thrives on Rhythm If your energy is unpredictable, your cravings are running the show and nothing seems to be working the way it used to—this episode is for you. Spoiler: It may not be what you're eating, it me be how inconsistently you're eating. And yes, there's a difference. A big one. Plus, we'll talk about why grazing all day is not giving you the results you want. Full description: Let's talk about something nobody's making sexy enough: meal timing. And no, this isn't about intermittent fasting or eating every two hours like a newborn. This is about giving your body a rhythm it can actually rely on—especially when your hormones are doing their whole midlife thing. In this episode we're getting into: Why your body is basically running a famine-detection algorithm 24/7—and what that means for your energy, cravings, and metabolismWhat "eating consistently" actually means (hint: it's not grazing all day and calling it intuitive)Why the stakes are higher in midlife—and what reproductive hormones, cortisol and muscle loss have to do with your skipped lunchThe real reason you're waking up at 3am (and it might not be hormones)Six simple starting points to build a rhythm your body can trust—including why protein is non-negotiable and your gut has its own dishwasher cycleWhy we are done eating less and done taking up less space—and what we're doing insteadThis one's for the women doing the hard work—raising kids, caring for aging parents, working hard, playing harder and trying to feel good in their bodies while they're at it. And for the few brave men who listen too. 😉 No perfection required. Just rhythm. To learn more about Smart Mouth Nutrition, where we dive deep into the topics we talk about here on Elegantly Unhinged... Subscribe to our Smart Mouth Nutrition newsletter here. Learn more about my Smart Mouth Nutrition Metabolic Reset program here. For questions, contact: rima@smartmouthnutrition.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine. Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for women who look fine on the outside—but are doing deep, brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Hosted by integrative and functional dietitian-nutritionist Rima Kleiner, this podcast explores midlife, body trust, nervous system health, nourishment, identity shifts and what happens when women stop playing small. New episodes drop weekly. 🎧 Subscribe and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode.  💛 Learn more, read the blog and download free resources at Smart Mouth Nutrition.

    Famine With Snacks: The Power of Consistent Eating and Why Your Body Thrives on Rhythm
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Elegantly Unhinged is a podcast for badass women doing brave, disruptive inner work behind the scenes. Honest, irreverent conversations about midlife clarity, nutrition, wellness, creativity, desire, self-trust, nervous system regulation and taking up space—no sugarcoating.

Information

  • Creator
    Rima Kleiner, MS, RDN
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Elegantly Unhinged
  • Show Website
    Elegantly Unhinged

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