Capable & Worthy: Fitness, Nutrition, & Mindset for People Who Don't Want Life to Suck

In today’s episode, we welcome Renee Bellinger, a behavior change coach specializing in menopause and emotional eating. From her beginnings as an educator working with adolescents to becoming a health coach, Renee shares her unique journey and how she found her passion for guiding others through compassionate, evidence-based practices. We dive into the mindset shifts and practical skills needed to...

In today's episode, we talk about bits and pieces of our own transformative journeys, and reassess some previously held beliefs about fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Each story highlights a shift from a restrictive perspective to a more informed, balanced understanding of health and wellness. “We wanna have more nutrient density in our diet, but heck… We gotta have some pop tarts, donuts, and piz...

Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD is committed to combatting gut health BS, bridging the gap between current scientific research and its practical application, and helping individuals make informed decisions about their health and fitness. She holds a PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise and a BS in Exercise, Sport, and Health Education, as well as a decade of experience in both academia, research...

In today's episode, we discuss how mindset, stress management, SLEEP, and intentional practice play critical roles in achieving health and fitness goals. We discuss the negative impact that inconsistent sleep has on your hunger, hormones, and brain function, and share practical strategies and actionable insights that will teach you to pivot through life’s curveballs and prioritize yourself. We als...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! What an incredible year it has been! We want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who has joined us on this journey. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or just recently discovered us, your presence, feedback, and support mean the world to us. This platform has been an incredible space to explore, grow, and share not...

In today’s episode, we welcome back Coach Brandy from Team BFF for a deep dive into evidence-based coaching, critical thinking, and the nuanced world of fitness and nutrition. We chat about navigating the overwhelming noise in the health and fitness industry and how to separate anecdotal advice from actionable, evidence-backed strategies, and how to gather EVIDENCE of your own success that will pr...

In today's episode, we tackle the common pitfalls and misconceptions around goal setting, particularly with New Year's resolutions. We discuss the importance of defining goals that align with your values, breaking them into actionable steps, and allowing room for flexibility and growth, and most importantly… HOW to do it. We explore the benefits and how-tos of time-blocking, consistency calendars,...

In today’s episode, Josh Hillis, a specialist in emotional eating and behavior change, joins us to discuss how a flexible, acceptance-based, skills-based approach encourages people to make eating choices that align with their values and to work with, rather than against, cravings and emotions. Josh helps us define our “values” around food and eating, and how they play into how we feel and behave....

In today’s episode, Elaina Efird, Registered Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist, joins us to help clarify the fine line between disordered eating behaviors and clinically diagnosed eating disorders. She explains how the level of obsession and obsessive behaviors with food, weight, and body image can be a key indicator, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs of unhealthy patter...

In today's episode, we dive into the holiday season, touching on everything from festive treats to complex family dynamics. We discuss the blend of excitement and stress this season can bring, especially when it comes to maintaining nutrition and wellness goals amid endless gatherings and abundant holiday foods. We also explore the importance of mindful choices, setting realistic boundaries, havin...

In today’s episode, the spotlight is on Meri as she shares her personal journey through the world of fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Meri opens up about her upbringing in a household with contrasting food and lifestyle beliefs, shaped by her parents' diverse economical backgrounds, and how that has impacted the rest of her life. She shares her transformative experiences as an adult, how a pivotal...

In today’s episode, Registered Dietitian and Intuitive Eating Counselor Jessy Barron joins us to dive into the nuances of disordered eating and shares her journey from having and eating disorder to finding peace and real health through intuitive eating. We discuss the impact of diet culture and social media, addressing the misconceptions around "clean eating" and the influence of childhood beliefs...

In today’s episode, we interview Amy! We have a candid and heartfelt conversation about her journey from physical therapist to coach, as well as some of her personal experiences with diet culture, Weight Watchers, and a few pivotal moments that helped shape her mindset. We explore Amy’s evolution through motherhood, divorce, career pivots, life pivots, and how she learned to trust herself and take...

In today’s episode, Dr. Marie Whitt, DPT, joins us to dive deep into the importance of movement, even after injury. We challenge the common advice to stop moving when pain strikes, emphasizing how the right kind of gentle movement can be the key to recovery. Marie shares her expertise on building strength for runners, reframing rehab as a training opportunity, and the role of breath work in managi...

In today’s episode, we interview Iris! We dive into Iris’s personal story, uncovering the deeply ingrained struggles many of us face around food, body image, and exercise, and the path to self-acceptance. The conversation takes us through the early influences of her childhood, the pressures of dieting, and how she eventually found balance and peace in a world that often pushes extremes. This episo...

In today’s episode, Matt Van Der Laar joins us for a deep conversation on the topics of obesity, processed foods, and the shame-driven messaging often found on social media. We explore how fear-mongering and oversimplified comparisons—like equating processed foods to smoking cigarettes—overlook deeper issues such as emotional regulation, mental health, and societal factors that contribute to obesi...

In today’s episode, we chat about some of the most common misconceptions floating around the health and fitness world. Does muscle really weigh more than fat? Is eating fruit just the same as eating plain sugar or highly processed food? Should everyone be taking creatine? How important is protein beyond muscle building? Can you really only digest 35 grams of protein at a time? Should you rely on c...

In today’s episode, Team BFF Coach Peggie Larsen joins us again to dive into the challenges and mindset shifts that come with fitness, weight loss, and body image, especially for women navigating midlife and beyond. Peggie shares her personal journey of achieving a lean physique, only to realize it wasn’t sustainable for her health or happiness. Now, she focuses on feeling strong, healthy, and con...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the realities of fitness expectations, dismantling the idea that in training, "more is always better." We share insights on training frequency, and explain that even one to two days of intentional strength training per week can yield incredible health benefits. The conversation expands into how listeners can adapt workouts to their individual lives and goals,...

In today’s episode, Coach Brandy Schroeder from Team BFF joins us to share her journey from battling weight issues as a tween to becoming a seasoned health and fitness coach. Brandy opens up about struggles she faced, including the mental and physical toll of competitive bodybuilding and her fight to find a healthier relationship with food and her body. Brandy shares the harsh realities behind the...

In today’s episode, we discuss the challenges of maintaining reasonable nutrition when life throws unexpected curveballs. From dealing with family emergencies, quick trips, and navigating traveling for work, we chat all about how to stay on track—or give yourself grace when you can't. With personal real-life scenarios and practical advice, we emphasize the value of practicing maintenance along the...

In today’s episode, Heather Adams, Strength and Nutrition coach and mom of 6, joins us to share her own fitness journey, from a shy, timid kid who was afraid to try anything new… to playing tackle football and qualifying to run the Boston Marathon and becoming a personal trainer and dedicated coach who is helping women achieve “peaceful striving” in their health, nutrition, and fitness goals. We c...

In today’s episode, we dive into the often misunderstood world of calorie tracking and break down why it’s a valuable tool that doesn’t need to be as complicated or intimidating as if often seems. We discuss the common hurdles people face when starting to track their food intake, why some find it to be rather triggering, and offer practical advice on how to simplify the process. We tackle the emot...

In today’s episode, Candace Smith, Women’s Strength and Nutrition coach, joins us to share her own relatable fitness journey, and to discuss how shifting from exclusively cardio based activities and fitness classes to intentional strength training will transform your fitness routine and body, and give you long-lasting results. Candace emphasizes the importance of mindset, nutrition, and intelligen...

In today’s episode, we answer more listener questions! We discuss proper footwear for weight training and the importance of taking rest and recovery days even though many fear them. We explore the effectiveness of body weight exercises in building strength muscle, especially after menopause, and touch on the concept of progressive overload and how it's not just about adding more weight, but also a...