Mend Your Midlife Metabolism | Lose Weight, Insulin Resistance, Metabolism, Blood Sugar Levels, Cortisol Belly

Carrie Schrader - Registered Pharmacist, Insulin Resistance Solutions Practitioner, Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach

**TOP 5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST FOR MIDLIFE WOMEN SEEKING SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME WEIGHT LOSS RESISTANCE.** Have you tried everything to lose weight — eating ‘right,’ exercising, cutting calories — yet your belly fat still won’t budge? Are you heavier than you’ve ever been, feeling stressed and exhausted, and wondering why your metabolism seems completely broken? Do you feel stuck in a cycle of low energy, cravings, and frustration — thinking about food and weight constantly but never seeing results? Are you sick of trying and crying, watching the scale climb even though you’re doing everything you can to not gain weight?  Are you overwhelmed by all the weight loss advice out there and just wish someone could help you understand what your metabolism actually needs in midlife?  I am so glad you’re here, friend! This podcast will give you the tools to lose stubborn weight, rebuild confidence in your body, and move with strength and energy, so you can feel better inside and out and show up fully in every area of your life. Hey, I’m Carrie. A faith-driven midlife mom, and Pharmacist Health Coach. For years I struggled to feel comfortable in my body as the weight crept up and nothing I tried seemed to work. Even with all my medical and wellness knowledge, I was frustrated, exhausted, and questioning what was really going on inside my body — until I discovered the missing piece. Becoming a Certified Insulin Resistance Solutions Practitioner helped me finally connect the dots — it wasn’t about willpower, it was about my metabolism. Once I learned how to balance my blood sugar, calm my stress hormones, and support my body the way God designed it, everything changed. I created simple, sustainable strategies that fit my life, ones I could actually stick with, and now I’m ready to share them with you. If you’re ready to finally find real-life strategies that fit your midlife lifestyle… Weight-loss solutions that are practical, effective, and built to last… Results that are undeniable like lasting fat loss, steady energy, renewed strength, and the confidence to feel at home in your body again. This podcast is for you! So whip up your matcha, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    11 | Stressed and Stuck? The Cortisol Belly Connection in Midlife

    Have you ever felt tense, exhausted, and stuck in your body—despite trying to make healthy choices? Are you gaining weight in midlife, especially around the belly, during seasons of stress—even when your eating and movement haven’t changed? Do you ever wonder, “Why won’t my body let go when I’m trying so hard?” In this episode, we talk about stress, cortisol belly, and why midlife weight can stay stuck even when you’re doing everything you know to do. We break down what stress really is, how your body experiences both real and perceived stress, and why chronic stress shifts your body into survival mode. You’ll learn how cortisol, blood sugar, and insulin work together in what I call the survival loop—and why that loop tells your body to hold on instead of releasing weight. Most importantly, this episode helps you understand that your body isn’t broken or failing you. It’s responding exactly the way it was designed to when it senses ongoing demand. In this episode, you’ll discover: • What stress really is—and why it’s more than just feeling busy • The difference between real stress and perceived stress (and why your body treats them the same) • How chronic stress keeps your body in survival mode • How cortisol raises blood sugar—even without food • Why insulin responds by increasing storage and turning down fat burning • Why “doing more” often makes things worse in midlife • Why cortisol belly develops—and why the effects go far beyond the belly • Why weight that appears during stressful seasons often releases when the body feels safe again This episode is not about blame, fear, or quick fixes. Because clarity always starts with awareness. Free Resource: If you’re ready to support your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way, download my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide here: 👉🏼 https://carrieswellnessrx.com Community Support: Join my free private Facebook group for Midlife Menders navigating metabolism, insulin resistance, and midlife weight: Insulin Resistance and Midlife Metabolism Guidance For Women Community Contact: 💌 Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix

    13 min
  2. FEB 2

    10 | Midlife Metabolism Myths Blocking Weight Loss

    If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve tried everything… and nothing works,” this episode is for you. In midlife, weight loss advice can feel overwhelming and contradictory. One expert says eat every two hours. Another says fast. One says cut carbs. Another says eat fruit freely. And you’re left wondering — who am I supposed to listen to? In this episode, we talk about the midlife metabolism myths that keep women stuck — not because they aren’t trying hard enough, but because they’ve been given generic advice for a very personal body. You’ll hear my own story of trying elimination diets, paleo, keto, vegan, and everything in between — and how creating a personalized approach for my body changed everything. We break down four common midlife metabolism myths, including: • Eating every 2–3 hours to “keep your metabolism going” • Eating less to lose more weight • Searching for the perfect diet plan • Blaming carbs for weight gain You’ll learn why these approaches often fail in midlife and what to do instead — with clarity, compassion, and practicality. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why insulin sensitivity matters more than constant eating • Why restriction makes midlife weight loss harder, not easier • Why there is no universal diet plan — only personal patterns • Why blood sugar response matters more than food labels • Why stress and safety play a role in weight release Most importantly, you’ll learn that you were never failing. You were following generic advice for a very personal metabolism. Instead of telling you to change everything, this episode invites you to begin noticing patterns. Because clarity always starts with awareness. Free Resource: If you’re ready to support your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way, download my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide here: 👉🏼 https://carrieswellnessrx.com Community Support: Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Insulin Resistance and Midlife Metabolism Guidance For Women Community Contact: 💌 The #1 Metabolism Mistake Sabotaging Midlife Weight Loss Stop Weight Loss Resolutions — Fix Insulin Resistance Instead

    13 min
  3. JAN 26

    9 | Weight Gain in Midlife: Labs That Reveal Insulin Resistance

    Have you ever been told your labs are “normal,” yet your body still feels off? Are you gaining weight in midlife, struggling with energy, or dealing with cravings — even though your blood work looks fine? Do you ever wonder, “If my labs are normal… why don’t I feel normal?” In this episode, we talk about what your blood work is really showing you — and what it might be missing. We break down fasting glucose, A1C, triglycerides, HDL, and especially insulin, and explain why insulin is often the most important number most women are never taught to look at. You’ll learn why “normal” lab ranges are based on an unhealthy population, why normal is not the goal, and what ideal really begins to look like when it comes to metabolic health. You’ll hear why symptoms often show up before labs do, and how your body uses both to communicate with you. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why fasting insulin is the missing piece in insulin resistance • Why you can have normal glucose and still have insulin resistance • Why fasting glucose in the 90s can be an early stress signal • What A1C really tells you — and what it doesn’t • How triglycerides and HDL together tell your sugar story • Why patterns matter more than single numbers Most importantly, you’ll learn that lab numbers are not labels. They are information. They don’t define you — they guide you. This episode is not about diagnosis, fear, or overwhelm. Because clarity always starts with awareness. Free Resource: If you’re ready to support your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way, download my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide here: 👉🏼 https://carrieswellnessrx.com Community Support: Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Insulin Resistance and Midlife Metabolism Guidance For Women Community Contact: 💌 carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes: 10 Signs of Insulin Resistance Behind Stubborn Weight Loss Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing

    17 min
  4. JAN 19

    8 | 10 Signs of Insulin Resistance Behind Stubborn Weight Loss

    Do you feel like your body just doesn’t respond the way it used to in midlife? Have you noticed stubborn belly fat, energy crashes, cravings, or mood swings that don’t make sense no matter how “well” you try to eat? Do you ever wonder, “Why does this feel so hard now?” In this episode, we talk about 10 common signs of insulin resistance that often show up in midlife long before anything appears on lab work. You’ll learn why weight gain in the midlife middle, post-meal fatigue, cravings, shakiness, sleep disruptions, and even skin changes can all be part of the same blood sugar story. We break down insulin resistance in simple, gentle language and explain why this is not about willpower, failure, or doing something wrong. It’s about understanding what your body has been trying to communicate. You’ll learn: • Why insulin resistance is really a blood sugar story • Why your body whispers before it ever screams • How stress, sleep, hormones, and muscle loss change the metabolic picture in midlife • The difference between single symptoms and meaningful patterns • Why awareness comes before action This episode will help you stop blaming yourself and start understanding your body with compassion. You’ll walk away knowing: “This explains my body. I’m not broken.” Instead of telling you to change everything, this episode invites you to simply begin noticing: How you feel after meals When your energy drops What cravings feel like How your body responds day to day Because clarity always starts with awareness. In the next episode, we’ll take those patterns and look at your blood sugar and lab markers to see how the data supports what your body has already been showing you. Your Next Gentle Step For now, you don’t need to fix anything. Just begin paying attention. Awareness comes first. Clarity comes next. Free Resource If you’re ready to support your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way and want a clear place to start, be sure to download my free **Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide.** It walks you through foundational steps to stabilize blood sugar, reduce metabolic stress, and help your body feel safe again in this midlife season. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com Community Support 👉🏼 Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Insulin Resistance and Midlife Metabolism Guidance For Women Community Contact 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at: carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing Stop Weight Loss Resolutions — Fix Insulin Resistance Instead

    11 min
  5. JAN 12

    7 | Weight Gain in Menopause: A Faith-Centered Conversation About Metabolism and Walking Worthy with Alejandra Kottke

    Do you feel discouraged by weight gain in menopause and wonder why your body feels so unfamiliar? Have you started questioning whether your struggles are physical, spiritual—or both? Do you want to honor God with your health but feel confused about how to do that in midlife? In this episode, I’m joined by Alejandra Kottke for a faith-centered conversation about weight gain in menopause, metabolism, and what it truly means to walk worthy in this season of life. We talk honestly about how hormonal shifts impact weight, energy, and confidence, and why menopause weight gain is not a sign of failure, lack of discipline, or weak faith. Together, we explore the intersection of faith and physiology—why your body’s changing needs matter, how insulin resistance and stress can show up during menopause, and how striving harder often pulls us further away from peace. This conversation reframes midlife health as stewardship, not punishment, and invites you to listen to your body while staying rooted in truth. If you’ve been wrestling with guilt, confusion, or pressure around weight gain in menopause, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and hope. It’s a reminder that walking worthy doesn’t mean pushing harder—it means aligning your body, mind, and spirit with how God designed you to function in this season. If you’re ready to support your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way and want a clear place to start, be sure to download my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide. It walks you through foundational steps to stabilize blood sugar, reduce metabolic stress, and help your body feel safe again in midlife. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com 👉🏼 Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Insulin Resistance and Midlife Metabolism Guidance For Women Community 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix

    20 min
  6. JAN 5

    6 | Stop Weight Loss Resolutions — Fix Insulin Resistance Instead

    Do you feel frustrated that weight loss resolutions never seem to work anymore in midlife? Have you started the New Year determined to “do better,” only to feel stuck, exhausted, or discouraged already? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try, your body just won’t respond the way it used to? In this episode, we unpack why weight loss resolutions so often fail women in midlife—and why it’s not a motivation or willpower problem. You’ll learn how insulin resistance quietly blocks fat loss, drives stubborn belly fat, and makes traditional dieting backfire after 40. We talk about why trying harder actually increases metabolic stress, why your body isn’t broken, and how understanding insulin can completely change your approach to weight loss in the New Year. This episode walks you through a simple 3-step metabolic reset rhythm focused on supporting insulin, gentle movement, and renewing your mind—without restriction, punishment, or extremes. You’ll learn why stabilizing blood sugar matters more than cutting calories, how small daily habits can turn fat burning back on, and why alignment with your physiology leads to sustainable results. If you’re tired of setting health resolutions that collapse by February, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and a better way forward. If you’re ready to support your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way and want a clear place to start, be sure to download my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide. It walks you through foundational steps to stabilize blood sugar, reduce metabolic stress, and help your body feel safe again—especially in this midlife season. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com 👉🏼 Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Insulin Resistance and Midlife Metabolism Guidance For Women Community 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix

    11 min
  7. 12/29/2025

    5 | Holiday Weight Gain: Try This 3-Day Metabolism Reset

    Do you feel bloated, off your routine, or discouraged after the holidays? Have you started worrying that you “ruined everything” with holiday eating? Does weight gain feel harder to bounce back from in midlife than it used to? In this episode, we unpack why holiday weight gain feels worse in midlife—and why it’s not a willpower problem. You’ll learn how hormonal shifts, slower insulin response, disrupted sleep, and stress all combine to make weight gain show up faster and stick around longer during this season. We talk about why one holiday season does not create insulin resistance, why your body isn’t broken, and how a simple metabolism reset can help restore balance quickly and gently. This episode walks you through a 3-day metabolism reset focused on blood sugar support, gentle movement, and sleep—without dieting, restriction, or shame. You’ll learn why protein-first meals matter, how simple daily movement helps lower blood sugar, and why eating too close to bedtime can block fat-burning hormones and lead to weight gain overnight. If you’re feeling discouraged, stuck, or afraid to step on the scale after the holidays, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and practical next steps. If you’re ready to support your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way and want a clear place to start, be sure to download my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide. It walks you through foundational steps to stabilize blood sugar, reduce metabolic stress, and help your body feel safe again—especially after the holidays. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com 👉🏼Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Midlife Metabolism Community 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix

    11 min
  8. 12/22/2025

    4 | Low Energy in Midlife? It’s a Metabolism Issue

    Do you feel exhausted even when you’re eating “healthy” and trying to do all the right things? Are you dragging through the afternoon, relying on coffee just to get through the day? Have you started wondering if this constant lack of energy is just part of midlife? In this episode, we unpack why lack of energy in midlife is often a metabolism problem — not a motivation problem. You’ll learn how chronic stress and elevated cortisol quietly slow metabolism, drain energy, and keep your body stuck in survival mode. We talk about why fatigue often shows up before weight gain, why fixing female hormones alone doesn’t work if stress isn’t addressed, and how cortisol acts as a master hormone that influences energy, insulin, and overall metabolic function. This episode also walks you through three simple, non-diet lifestyle shifts that help calm cortisol and begin restoring energy — including gratitude, intentional pauses, and daily moments of fun. If you’ve been feeling worn down, overwhelmed, or discouraged by your midlife body, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and practical next steps. If you’re ready to begin supporting your metabolism in a simple, sustainable way and want a clear place to start, be sure to download my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide. It walks you through foundational steps to support blood sugar, reduce metabolic stress, and help your body feel safe again. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com 👉🏼Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Midlife Metabolism Community 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes: Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix

    16 min
  9. 12/16/2025

    1 | Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing

    Are you eating healthy, exercising, and doing everything “right,” yet the scale refuses to budge… especially in menopause? Do you feel those afternoon crashes, constant cravings, or that stubborn midlife belly that will not move no matter what you try? Have you ever wondered why your body seems to be working against you? In this episode, we uncover the deeper reason most weight-loss plans fail midlife women: blood sugar imbalance and insulin resistance. You’ll learn why menopause makes this more common, how stress and nutrition affect your metabolic health, and the simple steps you can begin today to steady your energy, reduce cravings, and finally see your body respond again. This conversation is for every woman who feels frustrated, confused, or stuck — and needs clarity, hope, and a starting point. If you are ready to start putting these strategies into action and want a simple way to begin balancing your blood sugar, calming cravings, and getting your energy back… have you downloaded my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide yet? It walks you through the exact first steps to stabilize blood sugar and support your midlife metabolism. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com 👉🏼Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Midlife Metabolism Community 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes: Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix The #1 Habit Sabotaging Weight Loss in Midlife

    9 min
  10. 12/16/2025

    2 | Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix

    Are you doing everything you can to lose weight, yet your midlife belly seems to grow no matter how hard you work? Do you feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or constantly “on,” and notice it shows up in your cravings, sleep, and waistline? Have you wondered why stress — even the emotional kind — seems to make weight loss feel impossible in menopause? In this episode, we uncover the deeper reason so many midlife women struggle with belly fat that will not respond to dieting or exercise: the powerful impact of cortisol, chronic stress, and hormonal shifts in menopause. You’ll learn why stress keeps your body in fat-storage mode, how cortisol raises blood sugar and drives cravings, and the simple, realistic steps you can begin today to calm your system, lower cortisol, and finally start seeing change in your midlife middle. This is the clarity every frustrated, overwhelmed midlife woman deserves — a hopeful and practical starting point to reclaim your energy and confidence. If you are ready to start putting these strategies into action and want a simple way to begin balancing your blood sugar, calming cravings, and getting your energy back… have you downloaded my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide yet? It walks you through the exact first steps to stabilize blood sugar and support your midlife metabolism. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com 👉🏼Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Midlife Metabolism Community 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes: Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing The #1 Habit Sabotaging Weight Loss in Midlife

    12 min
  11. 12/16/2025

    3 | The #1 Metabolism Mistake Sabotaging Midlife Weight Loss

    Are you eating healthy but find yourself constantly snacking, grazing, or reaching for something between meals just to keep going? Do you feel hungry shortly after eating, or notice cravings and afternoon crashes even when you’re trying to eat clean? Have you wondered why you feel stuck with stubborn midlife weight even though you’re not overeating or eating “junk”? In this episode, we uncover one of the most overlooked habits that keeps midlife women stuck: snacking. You’ll learn how frequent eating—yes, even healthy snacks—raises blood sugar, triggers insulin all day long, and quietly shuts off fat-burning. We break down why grazing leads to cravings, exhaustion, and stubborn belly fat, and the simple, sustainable steps you can begin today to lower insulin, stabilize hunger, and finally see your metabolism respond again. This episode brings clarity, hope, and science-backed encouragement for any woman who feels frustrated, confused, or defeated by her midlife body. If you are ready to start putting these strategies into action and want a simple way to begin balancing your blood sugar, calming cravings, and getting your energy back… have you downloaded my free Jumpstart Your Metabolism Guide yet? It walks you through the exact first steps to stabilize blood sugar and support your midlife metabolism. 👉🏼 Grab the free guide here: https://carrieswellnessrx.com 👉🏼Join my free Facebook community for midlife women navigating metabolism and insulin resistance: Midlife Metabolism Community 💌 Questions or feedback? Email me at carrie@carrieswellnessrx.com Related Episodes: Menopause Weight Loss Plan Not Working? The Hidden Blood Sugar Connection You Might Be Missing Cortisol Belly: The Stubborn Belly Fat No Amount of Crunches Can Fix

    15 min
4.9
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

**TOP 5% GLOBALLY RANKED PODCAST FOR MIDLIFE WOMEN SEEKING SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME WEIGHT LOSS RESISTANCE.** Have you tried everything to lose weight — eating ‘right,’ exercising, cutting calories — yet your belly fat still won’t budge? Are you heavier than you’ve ever been, feeling stressed and exhausted, and wondering why your metabolism seems completely broken? Do you feel stuck in a cycle of low energy, cravings, and frustration — thinking about food and weight constantly but never seeing results? Are you sick of trying and crying, watching the scale climb even though you’re doing everything you can to not gain weight?  Are you overwhelmed by all the weight loss advice out there and just wish someone could help you understand what your metabolism actually needs in midlife?  I am so glad you’re here, friend! This podcast will give you the tools to lose stubborn weight, rebuild confidence in your body, and move with strength and energy, so you can feel better inside and out and show up fully in every area of your life. Hey, I’m Carrie. A faith-driven midlife mom, and Pharmacist Health Coach. For years I struggled to feel comfortable in my body as the weight crept up and nothing I tried seemed to work. Even with all my medical and wellness knowledge, I was frustrated, exhausted, and questioning what was really going on inside my body — until I discovered the missing piece. Becoming a Certified Insulin Resistance Solutions Practitioner helped me finally connect the dots — it wasn’t about willpower, it was about my metabolism. Once I learned how to balance my blood sugar, calm my stress hormones, and support my body the way God designed it, everything changed. I created simple, sustainable strategies that fit my life, ones I could actually stick with, and now I’m ready to share them with you. If you’re ready to finally find real-life strategies that fit your midlife lifestyle… Weight-loss solutions that are practical, effective, and built to last… Results that are undeniable like lasting fat loss, steady energy, renewed strength, and the confidence to feel at home in your body again. This podcast is for you! So whip up your matcha, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!

You Might Also Like