Graced Health: Perimenopause and Menopause Wellness for Christian Women

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this toxic fish tale episode, I share my personal experience with ciguatera poisoning - a rare form of food poisoning that landed me on the bathroom floor of a Bahamas resort and changed how I think about seafood forever. While this isn't our typical "age with grace and strength" content, it's an important story about advocacy, a...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode This episode explores the transformative power of positive self-talk, challenging the double standard many Christian women over 40 live with—showing grace to others while being harsh on themselves.  Key Scriptures: Luke 6:31 - "Do to others as you would have them do to you" Mark 12:29-31 - "Love your neighbor as yourself" 2 Corinthi...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode You are welcome in advance! This episode is a comprehensive guide to selecting, fitting, and purchasing athletic shoes based on your individual foot needs.  Key points discussed in this episode:  When It's Time for New Shoes  ( Mileage Guidelines + Visual Inspection Method)  Types of Athletic Shoes   Finding the Right Fit for You  Foot Assessments...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode, we explore the concept of periodization - intentionally changing your workout routine for a specific period of time. As we enter summer, it's the perfect opportunity to consider how to adapt your fitness approach to match the season, your energy levels, and your lifestyle.  Things you'll hear in this episode: 1.  What is Peri...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode, I welcome Stephanie Ravenscraft for an inspiring conversation about breaking free from others' expectations, embracing your true identity, and navigating life transitions with confidence. Stephanie shares her personal journey of transformation and offers practical advice for women who are experiencing major life changes, particula...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode, we explore the growing trend of weighted vests, especially among women in perimenopause and beyond. I noticed several women in my neighborhood wearing these vests during their morning walks, which prompted me to research their benefits, proper usage, and whether they might be right for you.  Key Points Discussed: Benefits of Weighted V...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode of the Graced Health Podcast, Janice McWilliams joins us, a psychotherapist, spiritual director, and author of "Restore My Soul: Reimagining Self-Care for a Sustainable Life." We discuss how to practice meaningful self-care that goes beyond "Barbie-style" pampering to create sustainable rhythms that prevent burnout w...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode, we discuss the modern quest for optimization and maximization in health practices and how it might be making us miserable. Drawing from an article from the Sunday Times, we chat about this trend through the lens of this podcast's six core values: knowledge, discernment, diversity, encouragement, faith, and grace. Key Topics Covere...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode, I interview Ann Swanson, author of "Meditation for the Real World" and "Science of Yoga." Ann, a new mother who recently published her meditation book, shares practical meditation techniques for everyday life.  We chat today about: 1.  Meditation Benefits  2. How to Meditate with 3am Insomnia 3. Common Meditation Mi...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode Today we have a different style episode for you to enjoy and learn from.  There are three sections in this episode - a rant about misleading health headlines, a rave about taking a break from social media, and a review of an interesting article about understanding tiredness. This format is a departure from our usual in-depth topics on aging, nutrition,...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode, Alexandra Yu, a registered nurse, author, and podcaster, discusses seeking God's wisdom first for health and healing. She shares her journey from being focused on food and natural remedies to discovering a more holistic approach to health that also prioritizes spiritual well-being. Alexandra emphasizes the importance of going to G...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode Today we are diving into six essential nutrition guidelines for women navigating perimenopause and beyond. Our approach here at Graced Health is rooted in Intuitive Eating, self-care, flexibility, and individual needs rather than strict diet rules. Also, loads of GRACE! It's not about being perfect but simply trying your best to steward well and c...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode This conversation discusses the importance of strength training for women, particularly those in perimenopause and beyond. You'll learn four essential areas to strengthen to protect bones and build muscle health with aging. The episode emphasizes that many women already know they should strength train but feel overwhelmed about how to begin safely...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode This episode explores the critical role of strength training for women in perimenopause and beyond, specifically focusing on bone health.  Key points discussed: -Explanation of two key bone cells and what they do - What happens when estrogen declines, osteoclasts increase activity while osteoblasts don't keep pace - A powerful cooking analogy to h...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode Sherry Shaban shares a powerful personal journey from being a competitive athlete to overcoming a life-changing back injury and a tumultuous relationship with food and fitness. After a car accident at 16 that ended her athletic career, she struggled with identity and health, eventually discovering a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond tradit...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode This conversation explores the often hidden issue of addiction within church communities. In part 2 of this series, Sarah Pritchard and Amy discuss addiction and recovery, emphasizing that addiction is an illness rather than a moral failing. They explore how shame and guilt often accompany addiction but aren't helpful since the person is suffering...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode This is part one of our two-part series on addiction, where we'll tackle difficult questions with honesty, grace, and hope. Remember, whether you're directly affected by addiction or supporting someone who is, there is help, hope, and healing available. Key points discussed in part 1: Explain how addiction is actually a disease Why "just...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode Chronic pain is an enduring challenge for many, often poorly understood and difficult to manage. My own journey began with persistent lower back pain that wouldn't ease with traditional treatments. It wasn't until an email from a therapist sparked my curiosity about the brain's involvement in chronic pain that I explored new avenues for...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In the ever-expanding world of health and wellness, it can be challenging to discern fact from fiction. With vast amounts of information available at the click of a button, knowing which advice to trust, especially on social media, is critical. Today on the podcast we have Michael Ulloa, an online personal trainer and performance nutritionist known for...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode The food industry spends billions making ultra-processed foods irresistible. As a personal trainer and nutrition coach with a focus on intuitive eating, I've often pondered the complex relationship between these foods and our health. Today, let's explore practical strategies to enjoy ultra-processed foods while still honoring your health and...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode Inviting the Lord into your time of reflection is Biblical. Even King David did it (see Psalm 139) as he asked God for wisdom in his self-examination of his life. What better One to ask for help but the One who knows us completely?! Today I offer the conclusion to last week's Part 1 of 8 Questions to Ask Yourself in the New Year. Today's ques...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this episode, recorded several weeks into January, I share reflections on the new year after taking a break since mid-December.  We hear a lot of January chatter about eating differently and exercising. Instead of getting consumed by messaging from the socials and diet culture, today's episode offers you an opportunity to reflect and plan so yo...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode That's a wrap! What did season 22 hold? We focused on practical guidance across nutrition, healing, stress management, and aging well, both with solo episodes and guests. This season's categories fell into: Food and Nutrition  Healing from Diet Culture Stress Management Aging Well Practical Health Tools I also have a few announcements at the...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode Need a moment of calm during the holiday rush? In this mini-episode, discover three practical one-minute methods for de-stressing through intentional breathing. Learn how to incorporate simple three-breath practices into your daily routine, even during the busiest moments. Perfect for high-achieving women who are feeling the 'more' of the sea...

Click to Text Thoughts on Today's Episode In this mini-episode, I discuss three important mindset shifts for the holiday season, especially when spending time with family. Learn why we should rethink how we talk about exercise (hint: it's not about 'having to'), stop attaching moral value to food choices, and embrace traditional recipes without feeling the need to 'healthif...