The Truth About Perimenopausal Weight Gain: What’s Happening to Your Body (and What You Can Do About It)
Feel like your body is working against you in midlife — especially when it comes to weight?You’re not imagining it. But you’re also not broken.In this episode, I break down exactly what’s happening to your body during perimenopause, why fat loss feels harder than it used to, and most importantly — what you can do to take back control.We’ll cover:🔹 What perimenopause really is (and when it starts)🔹 Why your usual workouts and diets aren’t working anymore🔹 How fluctuating hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and insulin affect fat gain🔹 The real reason so many women gain weight around their middle🔹 What HRT can and can’t do — and how to know if it’s right for you🔹 5 evidence-based strategies that support fat loss in midlife🔹 Why the Fit Positive Method works (even when other things haven’t)🎧 Whether you're already in perimenopause or just starting to notice the shifts, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take action — without extremes.—🛍️ Join the Fit Positive Membership: fitpositive.ie🎁 Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your first month—If you enjoyed this episode:📲 Share it with a friend who needs to hear it⭐ Leave a quick review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📸 Tag me on Instagram @fitpositive.ie — I love hearing what resonates with you!Let’s get leaner, stronger and more in control — together. 💪
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36:29
How to Avoid Self-Sabotage at Social Events (Without Missing the Fun!)
Social season is in full swing — weddings, birthdays, barbecues, weekends away — and if you’ve ever felt like your fitness and nutrition goals go completely out the window during these events, you’re not alone.In this episode, I’m talking about a challenge that comes up all the time with my Fit Positive members: how to enjoy social events without undoing your progress or falling into the all-or-nothing trap.We’ll cover:Why self-sabotage happens (and how to spot it early)How to set realistic expectations for yourself — without guilt or restrictionThe mindset shift that helps you stay consistent without being perfectSimple nutrition, movement, and mindset strategies that actually workHow to navigate weddings, weekends away, and nights out without starting over every MondayWhether you’ve got a full calendar of social events or just want to feel more in control around food, drinks, and busy social settings — this one’s for you.📩 Links & Resources Mentioned:➡️ Free cheatsheet: How to Avoid Self-Sabotage at Social Events ➡️ Join the Fit Positive Membership✨ Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your first month➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @fitpositive.ie
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35:41
Macros Made Simple: How to Eat for Fat Loss Without Dieting
Feel like you’re doing “all the right things” but still struggling with stubborn weight, sugar cravings, or low energy in midlife?This episode is for you.Today, I’m breaking down how to eat for fat loss without dieting by balancing your macros — protein, carbs, and fats — in a way that works with your midlife physiology, not against it.We’ll cover:Why dieting stops working in perimenopauseThe role of oestrogen in blood sugar regulation (and how to avoid the “roller coaster”)A simple breakdown of macros and how to balance themWhy macro-balanced meals are essential for fat loss, energy, and mood in midlifeA 3-step roadmap to get started todayWhether you’re brand new to macros or just want to stop second-guessing your meals, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to fuel your body — not deprive it.💡 Free Resources I Mentioned:[Macros 101 Guide] – easy-to-follow guide to calculating and tracking your calories and macros for accelerated results.[Macro Calculator] – figure out your personalised calories and macros💪 Want More Support?Inside the Fit Positive Membership, you’ll get:Custom macro targetsA meal planner with delicious macro-balanced recipesStrength workouts tailored for midlifeCoaching from me and the support of our amazing community✨ Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your first month – fitpositive.ieIf this episode helped you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag me on Instagram @fitpositive.ie — I love hearing what resonated with you!Until next time — fuel well, stay strong, and have an amazing week. 🎙️Cx
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28:34
Why Strength Training is Your Midlife Superpower
If you're in your 40s or 50s and still relying on cardio to stay fit, this episode is your wake-up call.We're diving deep into why strength training isn’t just helpful in midlife — it’s essential.In this episode, I share:Why fat loss feels harder now (and how muscle loss is part of the story)The truth about metabolism and muscleHow strength training protects your bones and long-term healthThe mental health benefits no one’s talking aboutWhat smart strength training really looks like in your 40s and 50sA simple 3-step roadmap to help you get started — safely and sustainably.Resources mentioned:Outlive by Dr. Peter AttiaDr. Stacy Sims’ interview with Mel Robbins - training in menopauseDr. Vonda Wright’s interview with Mel Robbins - insights on mobility, strength, and agingAtomic Habits by James ClearJAMA Psychiatry study on resistance training and mental health (Gordon BR et al., 2018)Ageing Research Reviews on sarcopenia (Mitchell WK et al., 2012)American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on muscle as metabolic tissue (Wolfe RR, 2006)GiveawayTry a free Fit Positive workout to get you started! This is a full body circuit that you can do with dumbbells and a mat, or even as bodyweight only! Let’s Stay ConnectedFollow me on Instagram for daily tips, inspiration, and support on your midlife health & fitness journey!Want to work out with me? Join the Fit Positive Membership and use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your first month, a little gift to celebrate the launch of my podcast! Thanks for tuning into the Fit Positive Podcast! See you next week!
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23:14
Steps: The Ultimate Fat Loss Tool for Midlife Women
Think you need brutal workouts to lose fat in midlife? Think again.In this episode:I share why daily steps are one of the most underrated (and powerful!) tools for fat loss, energy, and stress management — especially during perimenopause and beyond.I’ll walk you through why walking beats extreme cardio, how it impacts your metabolism and hormones, and exactly how you can start building more movement into your busy day without the overwhelm.If you’re tired of complicated plans and ready for something simple and sustainable, this one’s for you!3 Key Takeaways:Daily movement matters more than extreme workouts. Consistent steps can create a big impact on your fat loss and overall health.More is better, but small wins count. You don’t need 10,000 steps on Day 1 — even a few hundred extra each day can move the needle.Walking supports fat loss, blood sugar control, stress management, and better sleep — without exhausting your body.Resources Mentioned in this episode:The Glucose Revolution by Jesie Inchauspe, a book on glucose regulation. Jessie is also very active on Instagram at Glucose GoddessLet’s Stay ConnectedFollow me on Instagram for daily tips, inspiration, and support on your midlife health & fitness journey!Want to dive deeper? Join the Fit Positive Membership and use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your first month, a little gift to celebrate the launch of my podcast! Thanks for tuning into the Fit Positive Podcast! See you next week!
Hosted by Claire Farrell—health coach, personal trainer, and midlife transformation expert—The Fit Positive Podcast is your go-to space for honest, empowering conversations about strength, sustainable fat loss, and thriving through midlife.Each week, Claire breaks down the science of what actually works for women in their 40s and 50s when it comes to meals, movement, mindset and everything in between. Whether you're navigating perimenopause, feeling stuck in the all-or-nothing trap, or just want to feel strong and confident again, you're in the right place.Expect solo episodes, guests, practical strategies, and real talk—always with warmth, compassion, and zero judgment.This is your reminder that midlife is not the end. It’s the beginning of your strongest chapter yet.
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