Living Well Into Our Older Years

healthybygeorge

I'm Mary Catherine George, PhD (MC), a dedicated health and well-being coach with over 20 years of experience in medical research. Through my journey of overcoming the challenges of aging and maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit, I’ve learned what it takes to create a vibrant and sustainable life. Now, I’m here to share those lessons with YOU! Healthy by George is all about helping individuals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond take control of their health and live their best lives. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, balance nutrition,or nurture your mental and emotional well-being, this channel will provide the practical advice, motivation, and inspiration you need. 💪 Join me for health tips,fitness challenges,nutrition insights, and more as we work together to achieve sustainable health and well-being. Let's embark on this empowering journey toward a better, healthier YOU!🌱 Don’t forget to subscribe, and let’s thrive together! www.healthybygeorge.com

  1. 6d ago

    Rewards Don’t Work | Here’s Why

    Why Rewards Backfire (and the Better Way to Stay Motivated) Stop relying on traditional reward systems that kill your motivation. Learn why separating tasks from rewards often causes procrastination.Many people struggle to finish difficult tasks because they treat the reward as a prize to be earned only after the work is done. This strategy frequently backfires, making the effort feel like a burden to be endured rather than a process to be enjoyed. If you rely on these motivation tips to get things done, you might be setting yourself up for failure.This method explains how to apply the principle of temptation bundling. Instead of waiting until the end, try combining the reward directly with the difficult task itself. By only allowing yourself the reward while you are actively working, you create a positive association with the effort required for task completion. This shift in how to stay motivated helps you sustain focus without the typical mental resistance.This approach effectively improves your self discipline by making the journey as satisfying as the result. If you are looking for better productivity hacks that actually work, start applying this technique to your next project. Subscribe for weekly productivity breakdowns and comment below with a task you plan to tackle using this strategy. Use temptation bundling to fix your task motivation. Stop waiting for the end of a project to finally feel good. Relying on a reward at the finish line often ruins your focus. By setting up a system where the prize arrives only after the work is done, you unintentionally label the task itself as something to be avoided. This creates a mental barrier that leads directly to procrastination. A more reliable productivity strategy involves temptation bundling. Instead of treating your reward as a carrot on a stick, combine it directly with your work. If you enjoy a specific audio series, only permit yourself to listen to it while cleaning or doing data entry. This approach shifts your psychology. You stop viewing the effort as a burden that must be suffered through. By pairing the enjoyment with the labor, you build a consistent habit and improve your discipline without needing extra willpower. This is how you reclaim your time and energy. Subscribe for weekly productivity strategy breakdowns, and comment below with one difficult task you plan to bundle today. 00:00 Rewards Can Backfire 00:14 Bundle Reward With Effort 00:38 Gym Bundling Study 01:27 Channel Intro And Subscribe 01:34 Pick The Right Reward 02:12 Movement Needs Rewards 02:44 Your Ideas And Wrap Up 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

    4 min
  2. Jul 3

    Coming Off Ozempic Without Gaining Weight Back

    Discover practical healthy lifestyle tips to improve your daily routine. See how balancing nutrition and consistent exercise impacts your physical results. This video explores the intersection of healthy eating habits and effective fitness motivation. Whether you are looking to adjust your workout routine or refine your food choices, this overview highlights the essential components for a sustainable physical transformation. We cover the importance of consulting with professionals for guidance and integrating nutrient-dense foods like fish, dairy, and fresh produce into your meals. Learn how small, consistent changes in your daily habits contribute to long-term progress. We examine the role of proper nutrition advice alongside targeted physical activity, showing how dedicated effort in the gym aligns with a balanced diet. From understanding the impact of specific ingredients like cocoa to the reality of muscle building, this video provides a clear look at what it takes to maintain your health goals effectively. Subscribe for weekly healthy lifestyle tips, and comment below with which fitness topic you want to see covered next. 00:00 The Hard Part of Stopping 00:28 Surgery Stops and Hunger Returns 01:48 Channel Intro and Why It Matters 02:49 What the Studies Show 04:30 Tapering and Lifestyle Support 05:40 Your Step Down Game Plan 07:05 Fear of Regain and Mindset 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

    15 min
  3. Jun 30

    Day 10 No Sugar | I Didn’t Expect This To Happen

    10 Days Without Sugar: Hidden Sugars, Stress Cravings, and Smarter Sweet Options MC from Healthy by George shares lessons from day 10 of a 90-day break from processed sugar, describing how challenging it is to miss toast with preserves and afternoon chocolate, especially during the stress of her dog’s eye injury and diagnosis of a superficial corneal ulcer. She explains how the challenge has increased her awareness of how sugar appears in everyday foods—muffins, raisins, breads, yogurts labeled “zero sugar,” tomatoes, and even mayonnaise—and notes she kept her day under 10 grams of sugar while hitting 118 grams of protein. She plans fruit-based alternatives like no-sugar blueberry preserves, more high-fiber fruit, and banana date bread, considers low-sugar ice creams like Rebel and Nick’s, and reflects on sugar’s role in inflammation, energy, and long-term habits. 00:00 Starting Sugar Free 00:49 Channel Intro 01:08 Stress Cravings Dog Scare 02:13 Fruit Based Sweet Swaps 04:44 Hidden Sugars Everywhere 05:42 Label Wins And Habits 06:31 Sugar In Mayo Surprise 07:16 Low Sugar Ice Cream Hunt 09:21 Inflammation And Future Plan 10:28 Sugar Bombs In Drinks 11:57 Wrap Up And Takeaways 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/HealthyByGeorge

    13 min
  4. Jun 27

    Temptation Bundling: Why Crime Podcasts Beat the Gym

    Reward Yourself Smarter: How Temptation Bundling Helps You Move More (Without the Food Traps) Building healthy habits is the key to mental clarity and physical energy. Learn how daily routines impact your overall brain health. This video explores the connection between your daily choices and long-term wellness. If you are looking to improve your lifestyle, we break down how simple actions—like consistent exercise and mindful eating—can influence your cognitive function and physical performance. We examine how habits like tracking your steps with fitness tracking tools or choosing nutrient-dense foods fit into a balanced routine. Understanding these patterns helps you make better decisions for your body and mind. Whether you are aiming to increase your daily exercise or simply want to be more intentional about your diet, these insights provide a clear path forward. By focusing on healthy habits, you can create sustainable changes that support both your mental sharpness and physical stamina. Subscribe for weekly wellness tips and insights into brain health, and comment below on which healthy habits you find hardest to maintain. 00:00 Crime Junkie Confession 00:58 Movement Needs Rewards 02:57 Reward Slippery Slope 04:52 Why Habits Feel Hard 08:31 Temptation Bundling Science 11:07 When Rewards Backfire 13:45 Finding Your Workout Hook 15:32 Build Your Own Bundle 17:08 Make Movement The Reward 17:48 Final Takeaways And Checklist 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

    19 min
  5. Jun 23

    Fiber Works Better Than You Think | Here’s Why

    Mounjaro Plateau After 3 Years: What I’m Doing Now (Calorie Tracking, Fiber, Protein & Strength Training) MC shares that after reducing her Mounjaro dose to 12.5 due to intolerable side effects at higher doses, her heartburn, fatigue, and nausea are now manageable, but her weight loss has stalled with 10–15 pounds left to lose. She explains weight-loss plateaus as common metabolic adaptation, citing SURMOUNT-1 data showing about 90% of participants plateaued by week 72 and that energy expenditure dropped while appetite pushed back. To stay engaged, she plans to track calories, build a reward system for consistency, increase fiber (including fermentable options) and water, prioritize protein (aiming for 100g/day), and do resistance training Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. She notes her Hum Band shows increased muscle and decreased fat despite a stable scale, plans a DEXA scan, and emphasizes working with a care team and focusing on long-term health and maintenance. Discover the essential fiber benefits that contribute to long term wellness and a healthier lifestyle. Learn how simple dietary adjustments impact your body. This guide explores why fiber is a foundational component for anyone focusing on weight loss nutrition or overall physical health. Healthy by George breaks down the science behind daily intake, showing how these nutrients interact with muscle function and digestion. Whether you are consulting with a doctor or simply planning your weekly meals, understanding this nutrient is a critical step in your health journey. We look at the connection between consistent healthy eating habits and sustained energy levels. By incorporating specific foods highlighted in this presentation, you can better support your body's natural processes. This overview is designed for anyone seeking clear, actionable advice to improve digestion and long term wellness through natural food sources. Subscribe for weekly healthy diet tips and comment below: what is one high-fiber food you plan to add to your meals this week? 00:00 Dose Change Update 00:55 Slow Progress Mindset 01:51 New Plan Calorie Tracking 02:40 Why Plateaus Happen 04:02 Study Data And Pushback 06:29 Maintenance And Next Steps 09:45 Fiber For Fullness 14:06 Scale Lies Body Recomp 15:51 Protein And Muscle Focus 17:01 Training Rewards And Care Team 18:46 Community And Closing 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

    21 min
  6. Jun 19

    Sugar Addiction Ends Here: 90-Day Challenge Results Incoming

    90 Days No Sugar Challenge (Day 1): Can Quitting Sugar Reduce Inflammation, Joint Pain & Cholesterol? MC of Healthy by George begins day one of a 90-day no-sugar challenge after being challenged to give up sugar, admitting a daily chocolate habit and emotional eating. She plans to check in every five to seven days and will avoid table sugar and added sweeteners like honey, agave, and maple syrup, while still allowing natural sugars from fruits and foods like dates. Her goals are to see whether eliminating sugar reduces inflammation linked to chronic knee pain and hand arthritis and whether it improves slightly elevated cholesterol before an August wellness visit and blood test, with the 90 days ending September 6th. She shares turning down ice cream from a colleague, discusses supporting healthy aging at 68, mentions being on a GLP-1 drug for nearly three years, and invites viewers to join a similar whole-foods-based challenge. Can you actually complete a sugar free challenge? I tested my chocolate addiction over nine days to see if quitting sugar is possible. This video documents my personal sugar free challenge, focusing on the difficult reality of breaking a dependence on sweets. If you struggle with chocolate addiction or feel like sugar controls your daily routine, this breakdown offers a realistic look at the withdrawal and mental shifts involved in a short-term detox. I share the specific struggles I faced during these nine days and why I am now considering extending this to a 90 day journey. By removing sugar from my diet, I began to see food differently. This experiment provides insights into the psychological battle of changing eating habits and managing cravings for anyone attempting their own sugar free challenge. Subscribe for weekly healthy habits breakdowns, and let me know in the comments if you have ever tried to quit sugar for more than a week. 00:00 90 Days No Sugar 00:40 Why Sugar Matters 01:35 Rules And Exceptions 02:42 Day One Temptations 03:55 Join The Challenge 05:03 Cravings And GLP1 06:37 Mindset And Check Ins 07:34 Health Story And Wrap 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

    10 min
  7. Jun 15

    When GLP-1 Stops Working: My Honest Update

    GLP-1 Side Effects, Dose Adjustments & Whole-Food Habits for Healthy Aging MC of Healthy by George shares what to do when experiencing side effects from a GLP-1 drug, explaining they couldn’t tolerate 15 mg/week and reduced to 12.5 mg/week to ease symptoms like heartburn while working with an insurance wellness coach. They emphasize a comprehensive approach—calorie tracking, testing apps (dropping a photo-based one), and using the Hum Band’s new nutrition features—alongside whole-food eating that has noticeably changed their taste buds, making packaged foods and overly sweet desserts unappealing. After nearly three years on Mounjaro, they note slow progress with muscle gain and weight loss, prefer gradual change to avoid a gaunt look, and are focusing on sleep and adjusting diet to address slightly elevated cholesterol. They discuss planning an enjoyable, mindful birthday meal and encourage viewers to invest in long-term wellness through food, movement, rest, and stress management. 00:00 GLP-1 Side Effects Fix 00:51 Tracking Apps Tested 01:50 Channel Intro Mission 02:35 Whole Foods Change Taste 04:28 Slow Loss Muscle Gain 05:32 Cholesterol Food Tweaks 06:15 Dessert Hacks Birthday Plan 08:02 Wellness Beyond Insurance 09:42 Let Go Old Identity 10:33 Weekly Routine Callout 11:01 Final Sendoff 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

    12 min
  8. Jun 12

    The Movement Secret Neurologists Don’t Talk About

    Qigong for Healthy Aging: Calm Your Nervous System, Sleep Deeper, and Support Vagal Tone After noticing Qigong classes at work and hearing a science-minded colleague say it calms her nervous system like nothing else, the host begins exploring this ancient Chinese movement practice to address chronic low-grade stress, poor sleep, and aging concerns. He explains Qigong as slow intentional movement combined with rhythmic breathing and meditative awareness, and connects its effects to the autonomic nervous system, the HPA axis, cortisol, and the vagus nerve. He describes how extended exhales can stimulate the parasympathetic system and improve vagal tone, which declines with age and is linked to inflammation and cognitive decline. Citing recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, he notes reported benefits for stress reduction, clinically meaningful sleep improvements, cognitive function, and reduced frailty, while emphasizing it complements—rather than replaces—resistance training. Use Qigong for healthy aging to maintain vitality as you get older. Learn how to treat your body like a garden to stay active and mobile. This guide explores simple, holistic wellness practices designed for older adults who want to improve their daily movement. We focus on gentle Qigong for healthy aging techniques and effective stretching routines that you can easily perform in your own living room. Whether you are looking to increase flexibility or support long-term physical health, these routines offer a practical approach to maintaining your well-being. Aging is a garden that requires consistent care and attention. By integrating these holistic wellness habits, you can support your body through the natural aging process. We look at how consistent movement, such as yoga and Qigong, impacts your physical state and longevity. This video is for anyone seeking sustainable, low-impact ways to nurture their body and improve their quality of life. Subscribe for weekly healthy aging breakdowns, and comment below with which stretching routine you want to see next. 00:00 Curious Discovery 01:09 Why I Need It 02:41 Qigong Basics 05:11 Aging Nervous System 06:05 HPA Axis Stress 08:49 Vagus Nerve Power 10:37 How Qigong Helps 11:50 Research On Benefits 14:49 Frailty And Strength 16:09 How To Practice 17:45 Garden View Of Aging 19:04 Beginner Invitation 19:25 Final Sendoff 📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop 💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news... 🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living. 📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

    21 min

About

I'm Mary Catherine George, PhD (MC), a dedicated health and well-being coach with over 20 years of experience in medical research. Through my journey of overcoming the challenges of aging and maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit, I’ve learned what it takes to create a vibrant and sustainable life. Now, I’m here to share those lessons with YOU! Healthy by George is all about helping individuals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond take control of their health and live their best lives. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, balance nutrition,or nurture your mental and emotional well-being, this channel will provide the practical advice, motivation, and inspiration you need. 💪 Join me for health tips,fitness challenges,nutrition insights, and more as we work together to achieve sustainable health and well-being. Let's embark on this empowering journey toward a better, healthier YOU!🌱 Don’t forget to subscribe, and let’s thrive together! www.healthybygeorge.com

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