#194 Fat Bodies, Starving Brains – The Real Story Behind Midlife Weight Struggles
Jul 03, 2025
🧠 Fat Bodies, Starving Brains: Quick Reference Guide for Midlife Women
Inspired by Chapter 4 of Dark Calories, - Fat Bodies, Starving Brains 🎧 Listen now #194: Spotify and Apple, You Tube
The Problem:
During menopause, hormonal shifts confuse the brain.
Your body stores fat.
Your brain thinks you're starving.
This creates fatigue, hunger, cravings, and weight gain — even when you're “doing everything right.”
3 Key Players:
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Leptin: Satiety hormone. Menopause often leads to leptin resistance.
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Insulin: Fat-storage hormone. Menopause makes us more insulin-resistant.
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Inflammation: Blocks brain-body communication.
Signs Your Brain Thinks You're Starving:
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Constant hunger
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Brain fog
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Belly fat
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Feeling tired after eating
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Mood swings
5 Ways to Rebuild Brain-Body Trust:
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Eat Enough – especially protein and healthy fats
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Balance Blood Sugar – no skipping meals, aim for stability - Pick up 5 Hacks to Cut Cravings Freebie!!
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Move Regularly – walking + strength training are powerful - need support, join my Vibant Living Academy for a month (mention this and I'll give you a discount!)!
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Sleep Well – it resets hormonal balance
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Lower Stress – emotional safety = metabolic safety
You're Not Broken. You're Wired for Survival.
Support your brain → and your body will follow.
🎙️ New Podcast Alert! 🌟
In today’s episode of Menopause Made Easy with Tanya, we explore Chapter 4 of Dark Calories by Dr. Catherine Shanahan — "Fat Bodies, Starving Brains."
If you’ve ever wondered why your body feels stuck, why you’re gaining weight despite eating "healthy," or why cravings feel out of control during menopause, this episode will be a total eye-opener.
We'll talk about why midlife weight gain is NOT about willpower — it’s about miscommunication between your fat cells and your brain.
Plus, I’m answering real listener questions on leptin resistance, feeling constantly hungry, and how to reset your metabolism after menopause.
You are not broken. You’re not imagining it. And you can reclaim your health.
What You’ll Learn Today:
✨ Why your brain can think you’re starving — even with extra body fat
✨ How menopause scrambles your hunger and fullness signals
✨ What leptin resistance is — and how to start healing it
✨ 5 practical steps to restore trust between your brain and body
✨ Why traditional dieting often backfires after menopause
Listener Questions Answered:
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"If I'm gaining fat but still hungry all the time, am I just imagining it?"
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"Is there a way to fix leptin resistance, or am I stuck with it forever?"
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"How do I know if my brain is stuck in starvation mode?"
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"Should I eat more even if I’m trying to lose weight?"
🎧 Listen now to understand how to become the CEO of your health so that you can THRIVE after 35!!!
Listen on Spotify and Apple, You Tube
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4lZBOZVDHUb
If you want to build muscle - invest in yourself and join The Vibrant Living Academy https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/vibrant-living-studio
If you want weekly support, your questions answered, a supportive group of women and PROGRESS, join the Midlife Reboot https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/midlifereboot
PLEASE share this episode - ladies - we need to lift each other up - we want our besties right with us as we navigate our 50's, 60's 70s and beyond!!
5 Hacks to Cut Cravings Freebie!! https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/5-Hacks-to-Cut-Cravings
For more support Midlife Reboot https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/midlifereboot
Want new movement classes every week plus follow along programs such as:
💙30 Day Roller Challenge
🔥🔥METABOLIC RESET🔥🔥
⭐Gut & Butt Challenge
🥰Face Lift Series
💪Sexy Arms & 🩱ABS Challenge
👣Mobility Matters
🏋️♀️Boost Your Bone Health
Join us at Vibrant living Academy https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/vibrant-living-studio
Cleaner beauty care:
Living Libations for dry brushes and lymph+ tonic THANK YOU for using my affiliate links https://ca.livinglibations.com/?transaction_id=102950a15fb7e770004db178f4ea10
ENERGETIC PEMF Device
https://resona.health/vibrant-living
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Cleaner Tea & Coffee
Thank you for shopping at my store https://vibrantlivingwithtanya.myorganogold.com/ca-en/
Cleaner meat
Upping the quality of our meat and fish - an option for you. I've been using Tru Local for a couple of years now.
When you use this coupon https://trulocal.ca/get-started/promo/TANYA67659 you will get: ⚡$75.00 off their first Mega box, ⚡$60.00 off their first Family box, or ⚡$30.00 off their first Starter box.
Connect with me:
5 Hacks to Cut Cravings Freebie!! https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/5-Hacks-to-Cut-Cravings
Lunch & Learn freebie - https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/lunchlearn
Vibrant Living Academy - Your ONE STOP for movement + nutrition +mindset https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/
Midlife Reboot https://www.vibrantlivingwithtanya.com/midlifereboot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibrantlivingwithtanya/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanya.willis.18
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuRI4yPidiK2SpdGAXffOWA
Email me: [email protected]
Menopause Made Easy Podcast with Tanya:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7kxh1LQ7Ol7yuoy576PbkF
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/menopause-made-easy-with-tanya/id1661982133
I look forward to seeing you inside the 5 day stronger to the core challenge
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