Behind the Body

Andrea Cutuk

You’re eating salads for lunch, walking daily, and skipping dessert, but the older you get, the tighter your jeans get. You’ve tried cutting carbs, adding more cardio, and intermittent fasting. Your body is changing faster than your habits, and you’re tired of feeling like it’s out of your control. Welcome to Behind the Body! I’m Andrea Cutuk - NASM-Certified Nutrition and Fitness Coach - and I like to talk openly and honestly about weight loss (or lack thereof) after 40. After losing 20 pounds and maintaining it for almost 10 years through perimenopause, I talk about exactly what causes weight gain when hormones shift and what to do about it. No generic advice from 25-year-old fitness influencers. No extreme diets or programs that last two weeks. Just a woman like you who’s been there, with real strategies that work when estrogen drops, metabolism slows, and you’re juggling work, family, and a social life. Each week, we’ll chat about topics such as: * Why you gain weight around your midsection even when you eat the same foods * How to lose fat without giving up restaurants, wine, or your sanity * What specific foods and habits help (and hurt) fat loss after 40 * How to build strength and boost metabolism so you’re aging in the best way possible This isn’t necessarily about motivation. It’s about understanding the science of perimenopause and menopause weight gain, and getting practical tools that fit your actual life. You don’t need another 90-day challenge. You need sustainable habits that work for your lifestyle, and forever. I hope you’ll join the Behind the Body community! New episodes every Monday.

  1. EPISODE 38

    Why Your Healthy Eating Is Making You Gain Weight In Perimenopause + How to Fix It

    You know that rage-inducing moment when you can’t zip your jeans even though you’ve been eating salads for three months straight? Yeah, we need to talk about that. I spent six months eating “healthy” in my 30s while unknowingly gaining weight. The day I couldn’t fit into a single pair of jeans, I was so shocked and depressed. I had to figure out what was actually happening. In this episode, I’m talking about why your healthy eating isn’t working: the massive calorie miscalculation that you may not be recognizing, the three hidden calorie bombs in every “clean” meal, and the 3-minute measurement trick that’ll teach you exactly what’s behind your weight gain. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1️⃣ “Healthy” ≠ Weight Loss – That avocado toast is 600 calories. An egg white scramble is 150. Both are healthy, but only one helps you lose weight. 2️⃣ You’re Eating 600-800 Hidden Calories Daily – Your olive oil “drizzle” is 400 calories. Your handful of almonds is three servings. You can’t eyeball your way through perimenopause/menopause anymore. 3️⃣ Track For One Week, Not Forever – Seven days of data will open your eyes. TAKE ACTION TOMORROW: Measure three things: your coffee additions, your cooking oil pour, and one “healthy” snack. Don’t change them; measure once. This 3-minute reality check will reveal why your jeans don’t fit. TDEE Calculator: https://tdeecalculator.net/ GET THE FREE GUIDE: Download my “Portion Control + Tracking Guide” PDF showing exactly what portions look like with real food and a step-by-step guide to start tracking, plus a BONUS of 15 super healthy and easy recipes. MORE FROM ME Follow me on Instagram @behindthebody.co Join me on YouTube @behindthebody SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. Every review helps another woman like us find our community of strength, power, learning, and understanding.  New episodes every Monday.

    31 min
  2. EPISODE 39

    3 Hidden Triggers Making Weight Loss Feel Impossible Over 40

    Take the FREE quiz: ‘What’s My Metabolism Type’ and get your customized plan to help you break through weight loss plateaus. If you’re over 40 and feel like your body’s response to weight gain is all over the place, this episode breaks down the 3 hidden triggers that make weight loss feel impossible and out of your control, and none of them are about willpower, discipline, or eating “clean.” I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes: Why constantly waking up in the middle of the night is leading to next-day cravings and belly fat How losing even a small amount of muscle quietly lowers your metabolism year after year The stress-thyroid connection that slows everything down when you’re juggling work, family, and perimenopause symptoms I’m also sharing what’s personally helping me right now, from progesterone and magnesium supplementation to strategic strength training, protein, and small daily habits that actually move the needle when you’re over 40. If you’ve been eating well, exercising, and still gaining weight, this episode will finally make the “why” make sense, and give you clear, doable fixes that work with your hormones and life. ✨ Let's Stay Connected: Join my BTB newsletter for weekly insights, wellness strategies, and updates straight to your inbox. Sign up at behindthebody.com/newsletter Take the ‘What’s My Metabolism Type’ free quiz and learn how to reignite your weight loss! MORE FROM ME 📲 Follow me on Instagram @behindthebody.co 📸 Join me on YouTube @behindthebody SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. Every review helps another woman like us find our community of strength, power, learning, and understanding. New episodes every Monday.

    18 min
  3. EPISODE 40

    How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain This Holiday (Without Giving Up Your Favorites)

    Grab the free Thanksgiving Healthy Recipe Guide (includes nutritional info and calorie-reduction options): https://behindthbody.kit.com/holidayrecipes Many people approach Thanksgiving thinking they have two options: restrict all day and binge at dinner, or say "screw it" and start over Monday. Both strategies fail. In this episode, my sister Monica joins me to break down exactly how to navigate Thanksgiving when you're trying to lose weight or maintain in your 40s and 50s. Monica lost 120 pounds over the last year at age 53, and this is her first Thanksgiving at her new weight. What we cover: The 5 Thanksgiving Diet Derailers (and how to avoid them): Anticipation anxiety that makes you restrict before the meal (then overeat)The guilt spiral that turns one indulgent meal into a 4-day benderSocial pressure to eat someone else's cookingDisrupted routine that eliminates your normal structureAlcohol consumption lowers inhibitions and adds empty calories Our actual Thanksgiving strategies: How Monica approaches cooking and hosting without overeatingWhy I front-load protein and water instead of restrictingThe "little bit of everything" approach that satisfies without overdoing itHow to handle leftovers when you love Thanksgiving foodMaking lower-calorie cocktails that still taste incredible Plant-based cooking hacks that don't sacrifice flavor: Monica's famous mushroom lentil Wellington that even meat-eaters loveHow to make stuffing with Hero Bread (high protein, high fiber)Reduced-calorie mashed potatoes the whole family requestsThe psychology of getting people to eat healthy food without telling them it's healthy The maintenance mindset: Monica shares how she transformed her relationship with food at 53, from "I can't eat this" to "I don't eat this" without feeling deprived. This isn't about perfection. It's about enjoying Thanksgiving while staying aligned with your goals, because one meal doesn't derail or define you, but the story you tell yourself about that meal absolutely can. ✨ Stay Connected: Join my BTB newsletter for weekly insights, wellness strategies, updates, and no sugarcoating, straight to your inbox every Tuesday morning → https://behindthebody.com/newsletter. MORE FROM ME 📲 Follow me on Instagram @behindthebody.co 🎥 Join me on YouTube @behindthebody 👩🏻‍💻 Website: https://behindthebody.com/ SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. Every review helps another woman like us find our community of strength, power, learning, and understanding. New episodes every Monday.

    32 min
  4. EPISODE 41

    Can You Drink Alcohol and Still Lose Weight After 40?

    You don't have to quit drinking to maintain your weight through the holidays, but you should understand why alcohol affects you completely differently in your 40s. I maintained a 20-pound weight loss for over 8 years while still drinking. Here's exactly how I do it, backed by science. What you'll learn: Why alcohol derails weight loss in your 40s: Your liver metabolizes alcohol more slowly as you age, while simultaneously processing fluctuating hormonesYou're losing 3-8% of muscle mass per decade, which means higher blood alcohol levels from the same amount of drinksAlcohol stops fat burning entirely while your body processes it, not just empty caloriesIt increases cortisol, disrupts sleep, and triggers next-day carb cravings My actual holiday drinking strategy: How to identify your real "drinking events" The 1:1:1 rule I use at every partyFront-loading strategy: what I eat and drink before eventsLower-calorie drink swaps that don't taste like punishmentMy morning-after protocol that stops the spiral The moderation approach that actually works: Why all-or-nothing thinking guarantees failureHow I drink at 42% of events without guiltStrategic drinking vs. "relaxing" drinking (there's a difference) This isn't about quitting alcohol. It's about understanding how your body processes it now vs. your 20s, and making strategic choices that let you enjoy the holidays without gaining weight. 🎯 TAKE MY FREE METABOLISM TYPE QUIZ: Find out what's stalling your weight loss + get your personalized action plan → Quiz: https://behindthebody.com/quiz  LET'S CONNECT!  📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebody.co/  🎥 Follow along on YouTube  💌 Join my Newlsetter: https://behindthebody.com/Newsletter  👩🏻‍💻 Website: https://behindthebody.com/  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. Every review helps another woman like us find our community of strength, power, learning, and understanding.  New episodes every Monday. 👋🏻 ABOUT ME:  I'm Andrea. I spent years doing cardio and avoiding weights because I thought I'd get bulky, and I didn’t understand the impact it would have. At 40, I did a diet overhaul, and I finally started lifting 3-4 times per week, basic compound movements, nothing fancy. Now at 44, I have the strong, toned body I'd been chasing for decades. I've maintained these results for over 8 years with the same simple approach. Now I help women over 40 stop overcomplicating fitness and start building sustainable strength.

    19 min
  5. EPISODE 42

    GLP-1 Weight Loss: What No One Tells Women Over 40

    12.4% of Americans are now on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, but here's what nobody's talking about: research shows more than 50% regain the weight within 2 years, and 80% by year 5. Why? Because weight loss and weight maintenance require completely different skill sets. In this episode, I break down the real data on GLP-1 usage: the 16% average weight loss, the side effects (nausea, hair loss, cost), and the critical question: what habits are you building while you're on it? Whether you're considering a GLP-1, currently using one, or losing weight naturally, you need the same maintenance skills to keep weight off long-term. I'm not here to tell you what to do with your body. But as someone who's maintained 20 pounds of weight loss for 8+ years without medication, I know this: only 1 in 5 people succeed at long-term weight loss, and it's not about the transformation method. It's about the maintenance skills. Topics covered: Current GLP-1 usage statistics (especially for women 50-64)Real side effects and costs nobody mentionsWhy 40% of users stop taking themThe difference between weight loss and weight maintenanceHow to build sustainable habits regardless of your methodWhat happens when you stop the medicationQuestions to ask yourself if you're considering or using GLP-1s No judgment. Just an honest conversation about long-term considerations and planning. 🎯 TAKE MY FREE METABOLISM TYPE QUIZ: Find out what's stalling your weight loss + get your personalized action plan → Quiz: https://behindthebody.com/quiz LET'S CONNECT!  📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebody.co/  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthebody 💌 Join my Newlsetter: https://behindthebody.com/Newsletter  👩🏻‍💻 Website: https://behindthebody.com/  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. Every review helps another woman like us find our community of strength, power, learning, and understanding.  New episodes every Monday. 👋🏻 ABOUT ME:  I'm Andrea, a certified fitness and nutrition coach. I spent years doing cardio and avoiding weights because I thought I'd get bulky, and I didn’t understand the impact it would have. At 40, I did a diet overhaul, and I finally started lifting 3-4 times per week, basic compound movements, nothing fancy. Now at 44, I have the strong, toned body I'd been chasing for decades. I've maintained these results for over 8 years with the same simple approach. Now I help women over 40 stop overcomplicating fitness and start building sustainable strength.

    18 min
  6. EPISODE 43

    The Thyroid Problem Blocking Your Weight Loss

    If you can't lose weight no matter what you try, your thyroid might be the problem. And, 60% of women with thyroid issues don't know they have it. In this episode, I'm sharing my personal story of being told I was "fine" by multiple doctors while struggling with exhaustion, weight gain, and brain fog. It wasn't until I saw an endocrinologist that I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease. You'll learn: Why "within normal range" doesn't mean optimalThe exact thyroid tests to ask for (most doctors only run one)How hypothyroidism blocks weight loss in women over 40What to do if your doctor dismisses your symptomsWhy thyroid problems spike during perimenopause If you're eating well, working out, and still gaining weight, this episode might change everything and give you a roadmap on how to move forward. ✨ Stay Connected: Join my BTB newsletter for weekly insights, wellness strategies, and updates straight to your inbox. Sign up at behindthebody.com/newsletter 🎯 TAKE MY FREE METABOLISM TYPE QUIZ: Find out what's stalling your weight loss + get your personalized action plan → Quiz: https://behindthebody.com/quiz LET'S CONNECT! 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebody.co/ 📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindthebody.co 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-body/id1698226037 💌 Join my Newlsetter: https://behindthebody.com/Newsletter 👩🏻‍💻 Website: https://behindthebody.com/ 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. Every review helps another woman like us find our community of strength, power, learning, and "glowing up". New episodes every Monday.

    14 min
  7. EPISODE 44

    New Year Weight Loss Over 40: Why Spring Is Your Real Deadline

    🎯 Take my FREE 'WHAT'S MY METABOLISM TYPE' Quiz: Find out what's stalling your weight loss + get your personalized action plan → Quiz: https://behindthebody.com/quiz Your New Year motivation will fade quickly if you treat January like a 30-day transformation. Here's what to do instead. This episode is for women over 40 who are excited about 2026 but also exhausted, because you've been here before. You've made the goals, felt the motivation, and watched it fizzle by February. I'm showing you how to use January's energy without burning out. Your real deadline isn't February. It's spring. You have 3-4 months until April. That's 12-16 weeks, and enough time to lose 15-25 pounds, fit back into your jeans, and feel strong. But only if you stop sprinting and start building habits that last. I break down why transformational thinking kills maintenance, the 60% consistency rule that kept my 20-pound loss off for 8 years, and the exact 8-step roadmap to make this year different. What you'll learn: Why transformation happens in January but maintenance happens in MarchHow to lose 1-2 pounds per week sustainably (not through restriction)The small win strategy that builds habits without willpowerHow to reverse engineer your spring goal starting todayWhat to do when motivation fades, and real life happens LET'S CONNECT! 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebody.co/ 📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindthebody.co 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthebody 📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BehindtheBody/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://pod.link/1698226037 💌 Join my Newlsetter: https://behindthebody.com/Newsletter 👩🏻‍💻 Website: https://behindthebody.com/ ✨ Stay Connected: Join my BTB newsletter for weekly insights, wellness strategies, and updates straight to your inbox. Sign up at behindthebody.com/newsletter 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify Podcasts. Every review helps another woman like us find our community of strength, power, learning, and "glowing up". New episodes every Monday.

    20 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

You’re eating salads for lunch, walking daily, and skipping dessert, but the older you get, the tighter your jeans get. You’ve tried cutting carbs, adding more cardio, and intermittent fasting. Your body is changing faster than your habits, and you’re tired of feeling like it’s out of your control. Welcome to Behind the Body! I’m Andrea Cutuk - NASM-Certified Nutrition and Fitness Coach - and I like to talk openly and honestly about weight loss (or lack thereof) after 40. After losing 20 pounds and maintaining it for almost 10 years through perimenopause, I talk about exactly what causes weight gain when hormones shift and what to do about it. No generic advice from 25-year-old fitness influencers. No extreme diets or programs that last two weeks. Just a woman like you who’s been there, with real strategies that work when estrogen drops, metabolism slows, and you’re juggling work, family, and a social life. Each week, we’ll chat about topics such as: * Why you gain weight around your midsection even when you eat the same foods * How to lose fat without giving up restaurants, wine, or your sanity * What specific foods and habits help (and hurt) fat loss after 40 * How to build strength and boost metabolism so you’re aging in the best way possible This isn’t necessarily about motivation. It’s about understanding the science of perimenopause and menopause weight gain, and getting practical tools that fit your actual life. You don’t need another 90-day challenge. You need sustainable habits that work for your lifestyle, and forever. I hope you’ll join the Behind the Body community! New episodes every Monday.