Happy & Healthy with Amy

Do you want to know the truth behind the groundbreaking 2006 study that played a major role in the direction of research on Alzheimer's disease for the past 16 years? In this episode, Amy Lang delves into the history of Alzheimer's research and the shocking revelation that a landmark study on amyloid beta protein was based on manipulated data. As someone with a personal connection to Alz...

In this episode, we're take a closer look at one of the top fears we have about aging –  cognitive decline and specifically, Alzheimer's disease. Unlike mobility issues or cancer that affects what you can do, Alzheimer's is a disease that robs you of your very identity. Alarmingly, an estimated 6.9 million Americans over the age of 65 are living with the disease, and 2/3 are women....

In today's episode, we delve into the concept of feminine leadership with our special guest, Renae Fieck. She shares invaluable insights on slowing down, being mindful of our emotional needs, and using breathwork to connect with our bodies’ subtle signals. Throughout our conversation, Renae emphasizes the power of cycle thinking—understanding the natural rhythms of the female body—and how thi...

In this episode, we'll explore why you might want to postpone menopause, despite the freedom from your menstrual cycles. We'll discuss the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and brain fog, and why maintaining estrogen levels longer can offer significant long-term health benefits, including the protective effects of estrogen on b...

In today's episode, I discuss the symptoms of menopause, the effects of changes in our estrogen levels as you transition from pre-menopause to post-menopause, and explore the various options available to optimize your brain and body health during midlife and beyond. I’ll share the latest research on hormone therapies, dispel the fears related to breast cancer, and the importance of timing. Th...

In this episode, we're exploring what menopause really means, its impact on our bodies beyond just reproduction, and the significant and far-reaching role estrogen plays in our brain health, mental health, cardiovascular health, and metabolic health. From hot flashes and belly fat to Alzheimer's disease and frozen shoulder, I'm reviewing seven important (but not well known) ways est...

In this episode, I'm sharing some difficult and hard-earned lessons learned about caring for my aging parents. As a couple, despite my mother's moderate and progressing Alzheimer's disease and my father's mobility challenges, they are able to live independently.  This cherished independence was threatened by a recent fall and hip fracture that landed my father in the hospital f...

Are you familiar with the adulting or success playbook?  It looks kind of like a checklist, and it's all about doing things other people expect you to do... Go to school Get a job Find a spouse Buy a house Have some kids Raise them up right From all outward appearances, my guest today had the perfect life. Successful career, married to a handsome guy, beautiful home, vacation home, nice cars,...

In this fifth and final installment of the "Back To Basic" series, we're focusing on the keys to habit formation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Shifting Mindsets: Discover how a scarcity mindset can hinder your progress and the ways to pivot to an abundance mindset filled with gratitude and self-compassion. Amy shares how adopting positive language can change the game and offer...

In this episode of the “Back To Basics" series, I discuss: The myriad of reasons why diets fail The importance of lowering chronic stress Strategies to counter both physiological and psychological stress The role of hormones in regulating hunger, mood, and metabolism for lasting weight loss and overall health The foundational habits to create the conditions to lower your weight set point. RES...

Are you confusing hunger with thirst or inadvertently slowing your metabolism?  In this episode, I identify 9 of the most common pitfalls in most weight loss efforts and discuss what to do instead. Here are three key takeaways: 🔑 Listen to Your Body: Instead of relying on external rules like counting calories or portion control, become attuned to your body's natural signals—hunger, satiety,...

In this episode, the Back-To-Basics Series continues with a review of the simple but significant thought mistakes that can hinder your progress in your achieving lasting weight loss. From all-or-nothing thinking to the detrimental effects of perfectionism, I'm sharing insights and practical strategies to overcome these mental missteps. I'll also address the importance of specificity in g...

In this episode, I explain what's included in the "calories in, calories out" equation and why focusing on calorie restriction and the number on your scale is a serious oversimplification of what's required to lose weight and keep it off. More often than not, instead of shedding excess fat, your weight loss efforts may be slowing down your metabolism, and making it harder to ke...

In this episode, we're talking about how sensitive and easily offended we've become, why we take things personally, and how to stop. The infamous slap of Chris Rock by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars, in reaction to a joke he found offensive, highlights the importance of learning how to stop. I unpack the concept of healthy boundaries, understand the balance between enmeshment and detachme...

In this episode, I discuss the concept of the weight set point, and its role in your weight loss journey. I explain what it is and why we have one, and I explore the factors that influence your weight set point, such as sleep, stress, and the foods you consume. I also review what happens when you diet, and share the hormone-based habits that can help you lower your weight set point so lasting weig...

In this episode, Amy answers listeners' most burning questions on different health topics like belly fat, weight set point, and more. We’re also talking about healthy habits and how you can go into the summer season feeling stronger and happier. The Questions: 1. Should I avoid eating sugar? [Timestamp 2:07] 2. What causes belly fat? [Timestamp 6:27] 3. What do you mean by “play with the edge...

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the science of fat loss, how our current choices may be sabotaging our weight loss efforts, and specific strategies to increase your chances of burning fat instead of muscle. I review the different locations of storage fat – subcutaneous, visceral, and liver  – and why understanding this matters for your health. I reveal an essential and often ov...

Are you planning your summer vacation and thinking about the shorts or bathing suit you want to wear? Or maybe it's an upcoming wedding and a particular outfit? If you're about to start working out and not sure where to start or thinking about how to level up your fitness routine, tune in to this episode where I break down the essentials of a complete fitness program. But I'm not st...

On the heels of Oprah Winfrey's recent ABC Special, "Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution," and given all the recent discussions around weight loss drugs and their effect on appetite, this episode is dedicated to helping you quiet the food noise. For those struggling with this constant chatter, I address the root causes of food noise, the factors that contribute to its develo...

In this episode, we're diving deep into the complexities of autoimmune diseases and how we can thrive despite them with autoimmune health coach, Michele Spring. Michele, who has personally navigated the challenges of Hashimoto's and Celiac diseases, shares her journey from being misdiagnosed to finally discovering relief through tailored diet and lifestyle changes. Her experience highlig...

When it comes to chronic diseases, have you ever wondered what makes them chronic? Or did you just accept it as a fact? Something we have to live with? Well, in this episode, we're focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic illnesses, and I'm taking a deep dive into Type 2 diabetes. I'll be unpacking the concept of insulin resistance, the role of fat in the bo...

In this episode, I'm taking a hard long look at the way chronic diseases are treated in our healthcare system. My research started with the following documentaries on Netflix: You Are What You Eat What The Health The Game Changers Poisoned  These lead me to the following books: How Not To Die by Michael Gregor, MD The Obesity Code and The Diabetes Code by Jason Fung, MD Dr. Neal Barnard'...

In this episode, we're talking about the late-night snacking urge that not only undermines your weight loss efforts but disrupts your sleep as well. To start, we're looking at three common scenarios:  Mindless snacking while watching TV Giving in to cravings after being "good" all day Using food as a form of stress relief Perspective Shift: Instead of focusing on late-night sna...

Did you choose to do a Dry January or Dry February since it's a shorter month? Was it a walk in the park or more like a marathon? If it was the latter - maybe you're wondering if you have a drinking problem or if you're drinking because not drinking feels bad or you struggle with binge drinking, this episode is one you're going to want to listen to from beginning to end. My gue...

In this episode, we're talking about intimacy, pleasure and connection with sex therapist, Jessa Zimmerman. Jessa and I have a fun, lively conversation about a topic that many couples struggle with, especially in the context of long-term relationships, even for couples who are otherwise in a good place. We talk about the common misconceptions about sex, as well as how body image, weight issue...