Improve Energy for Busy Moms | Gut Health, Hormone Imbalance, Fatigue, Moodiness, Bloating, Weight Loss

80. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) & Testosterone in Perimenopause and Menopause: Risks, Benefits, and What Actually Matters

Hi Listeners! 
If you’ve been feeling exhausted, gaining weight, struggling with brain fog, or just not feeling like yourself in perimenopause or menopause, you are not alone—and you are not broken. In this episode, we’re unpacking the truth about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and testosterone, including how the narrative has shifted in 2026 after years of fear stemming from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). You’ll learn the difference between relative and absolute risk, what the research actually shows, and why many women may have been unnecessarily steered away from a therapy that could have improved their quality of life.
But here’s the part most people skip—HRT is not a magic fix. Your metabolism, blood sugar balance, muscle mass, stress levels, and overall lifestyle play a massive role in how your hormones function. Whether you choose HRT or not, this episode will help you understand how to support your body in perimenopause and menopause so you can have more energy, better moods, improved sleep, and sustainable weight loss.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com 
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

79. Why You Feel Anxious (Even When Life is Good): The Holistic Root Cause Approach to Anxiety with Health Coach Colleen Ritz

Hi Listeners! 
Anxiety in women is rising — and it’s often misunderstood. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, on edge, reactive, or “wired but exhausted,” this episode is for you. Sara and Colleen take a holistic look at anxiety through the lens of nervous system health, hormones, blood sugar, and gut terrain. You’ll learn why anxiety is often a body-based stress response — not just a mindset issue — and how small daily habits can begin restoring calm from the inside out.
We also talk about progesterone as the calming hormone, the blood sugar rollercoaster that fuels adrenaline spikes, the gut–brain connection (including GABA production), and how chronic stress quietly depletes resilience. You’ll walk away with simple, realistic tools like breathwork, morning sunlight, journaling, grounding movement, nourishment strategies, and habit stacking — plus encouragement to release shame and trust that healing is possible. If you’re ready to feel more grounded, steady, and at peace, this episode will give you a path forward.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com 
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

Bonus Episode: Red Light Therapy Benefits: A Simple Daily Routine for Energy, Metabolism & Glowing Skin

Hi Listeners! 
If you’re a busy mom who doesn’t have time for complicated wellness routines, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down one of my favorite simple tools—red light therapy—and how it works at the cellular level to support your mitochondria, boost energy, reduce inflammation, and even improve skin and hormone balance. I’ll also share why I love using the Lumebox specifically, how I fit it into my daily routine in just 10–12 minutes, and the real-life benefits I’ve seen for everything from thyroid support to faster recovery. Plus, there’s a limited-time discount you won’t want to miss—check the link below to learn more!
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
 
LUMEBOX DISCOUNT LINK! Click here to save 50%!
 
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com 
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

78. Walking: The Most Underrated Form of Exercise for Metabolism, Weight Loss & Hormone Balance

Hi Listeners! 
What if the most powerful thing you could do for your metabolism, hormones, blood sugar, stress levels, sleep, and energy was completely free? In this episode, we’re talking about the most underrated form of exercise: walking. If you’re stuck in the cycle of crushing a hard workout and then feeling wiped the rest of the day — or if running hurts your joints — this conversation will be a breath of fresh air. We’ll cover how walking supports insulin resistance, lowers cortisol, boosts serotonin and dopamine, improves creativity, helps you sleep better, and keeps your joints and bones healthy… all without burning you out.
I’m also sharing simple, real-life ways to make walking part of your everyday routine — like taking a 10-minute walk instead of reaching for afternoon caffeine, walking after meals for better blood sugar control, parking farther away, or turning an evening walk into family time. If you want sustainable weight loss, better energy, and hormone support that actually fits into mom life, this episode will help you rethink what “exercise” really needs to look like. Grab your shoes — let’s go. 
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com 
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

77. Menstrual Cycle Explained: Painful Menstrual Cramps, Heavy Bleeding & Severe PMS (with Hormone Expert Amanda)

Hi Listeners! 
Is your period something you dread every single month? Heavy bleeding, painful cramps, brown spotting, mood swings, irritability, or a full week of PMS before your cycle even starts? In this episode, Sara sits down with hormone expert Amanda Jeffres to explain what’s really happening during the four phases of your menstrual cycle — menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal — and why ovulation (not your period!) is actually the main event. They unpack how symptoms like heavy bleeding, estrogen dominance, low progesterone, PCOS, and endometriosis can be signs of deeper imbalances — not just “bad luck” or aging.
You’ll also learn how inflammation, blood sugar spikes, gut health (yes — your microbiome is like an endocrine organ!), and chronic stress directly impact your hormones. Sara and Amanda share practical, foundational steps you can take — from anti-inflammatory nutrition and insulin regulation to healing the gut and lowering cortisol — to create cycles that are more balanced and far less miserable. If you’ve ever felt hopeless or dismissed at your annual appointment, this conversation will empower you with clarity and next steps.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com (Moms- joining with daughters- mention this podcast for a discount!) 
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

76. Tired of Being an Irritable Mom? The Hidden Neurotransmitter, Hormone, & Gut Health Reasons You Feel Overstimulated and Anxious

Hi Listeners! 
If you feel overstimulated, anxious, or constantly on edge, this episode is for you. I’m sharing a very personal story about the moment I realized I didn’t want to be remembered as the irritable mom — and how that realization led me to uncover three major root causes: gut dysbiosis, chronic stress, and blood sugar instability. We’ll talk about how low GABA production, serotonin loss, leaky gut, progesterone deficiency, and cortisol dominance all contribute to mood swings, PMS, and overstimulation — and why this isn’t just a “personality problem.” It’s physiology.
You’ll walk away with five actionable strategies to calm your brain and body: improving gut health, increasing progesterone naturally, stabilizing blood sugar with high-protein breakfasts, un-busying your schedule, and replacing worry with gratitude and prayer. If you’re ready to feel more patient, peaceful, and present with your family — this episode will give you both the science and the spiritual reset to get there.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
Magnesium supplement I use: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/sarapaxtonnourish-magnesium-glycinate
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com (Ask about the Better Together discount by joining with a friend!)
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

75. Frustrated with a Weight Loss Plateau? My Method for Resetting Metabolism So You Can Lose Fat Again

Hi Listeners! 
If you’re frustrated with a weight loss plateau, this episode breaks down the real reasons you’re stuck — and how to get momentum back. We’re talking blood sugar and insulin (the true gatekeepers of fat loss), portion creep from “healthy” snacks, grazing habits that keep you in storage mode, and how walking — especially after meals — can dramatically improve glucose control. I also cover strategic fasting (when appropriate), stress and cortisol’s impact on belly fat, and the sneaky liquid saboteurs like alcohol, sugary drinks, and even excess coffee on an empty stomach.
But this isn’t just about food. Your mindset matters. If you keep telling yourself you’ll never get past this weight, your behavior will follow that belief. We’ll talk about identity, consistency, and why the number on the scale means far less than how you feel. Most importantly, I’ll remind you that plateaus are not punishment — they’re information. With a few refinements — balancing blood sugar, tightening portions, managing stress, walking daily, and surrounding yourself with supportive community — your body responds. You are not broken. Your metabolism is adaptive. And momentum can return.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com (Ask about the Better Together discount by joining with a friend!)
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

74. Gluten and Wheat Revisited: How Fresh Milled Flour and Sourdough Improve Gut Health and Blood Sugars

Hi Listeners! 
For years I told clients to cut gluten completely — and in many cases, that advice helped. But recently, God challenged my pride and refined my understanding. In this episode, I share how a former client introduced me to research on fresh milled flour and traditional wheat preparation that completely shifted my thinking. We’ll unpack the real history of industrialized flour in America, how modern processing strips wheat of its nutrients, why blood sugar spikes so dramatically with store-bought flour, and what that means for gut health, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. You’ll also hear why many people can tolerate wheat in places like Europe but struggle here in the U.S. — and why gluten itself may not be the whole story.
If you’ve benefited from going gluten-free, this conversation may surprise you. And if you’ve grieved giving up bread entirely, there is hopeful news. I’ll explain the difference between industrial flour and fresh milled wheat, how fermentation (like sourdough) improves digestibility, practical ways to start incorporating fresh milled flour (even if you’re not a “pioneer woman”), and why this shift goes far beyond food. This is about humility. Renewing your mind. Getting back to God-designed nourishment. And reclaiming the sacred rhythm of gathering around the table — one loaf of bread at a time.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
Access to recipes I mention in the podcast: https://nourishhealthcoaching.myflodesk.com/empowher
Sue Becker and Dr. Ben Edwards Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/73QyWbQ14MKDNOlbKi4R0v?si=oTKjQXexSU23vQrmjX0IXg
Save $20 on a Nutrimill: https://nutrimill.com/SARA20
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

73. Eating Low Calorie and Whole Foods but Still Feel Stuck? Why Your Metabolism, Energy, and Weight Loss Won’t Budge

Hi Listeners! 
Are you exhausted even though you’re “eating clean”? In this episode, we’re uncovering how common healthy foods like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, low-calorie snacks, salads, gluten-free products, bananas, and even protein bars may be causing blood sugar spikes, insulin resistance, gut issues, and metabolic slowdowns. We’ll talk about how modern processed grains differ from traditional wheat, why low-fat diets can increase insulin and fat storage, and how calorie restriction can tank your metabolism over time. If you’ve ever felt worse after trying to eat better, you are not crazy — and it’s not your fault.
You’ll also learn why blood sugar is like your body’s personal dashboard, how two people can eat the same food and have completely different metabolic responses, and why food quality matters far more than calorie counting. We’ll cover smarter swaps for salad dressings, better sugar-free alternatives, when fiber might actually worsen gut symptoms, and why protein needs to be your foundation. This episode will help you stop chasing food trends and start learning what actually works for your body — so you can regain energy, balance your metabolism, and finally feel satisfied instead of constantly hungry.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!

72. Cortisol Belly: How Stress & Your Nervous System Are Blocking Weight Loss and Slowing Your Metabolism

Hi Listeners! 
Have you noticed stubborn midsection weight gain, increased anxiety, poor sleep, salt and sugar cravings, and that “wired but tired” feeling — even though you’re doing everything that used to work? You go to the doctor, your labs are “fine,” and you’re told it’s just part of getting older. But over time, 5 pounds turns into 25… and frustration keeps rising. In this episode, we unpack cortisol belly — abdominal weight gain driven by chronic stress — and why it’s nearly impossible to lose weight when your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. You’ll learn how cortisol affects your hormones (including progesterone), your gut health, your blood sugar, and ultimately your metabolism.
We’ll also talk about the surprising solution: not more restriction, not harder workouts, not longer fasts — but regulating your nervous system. Breathwork, rest, oxytocin, blood sugar stability, and surrendering your stress to God are not “doing nothing.” They are powerful, free tools that reset your stress response and allow your body to feel safe enough to heal. If you’ve been white-knuckling your health journey, this episode will give you permission to step off the gas — and finally start seeing progress.
Sara — Nourish Health Coaching
To learn more about my 12-week Gain Health, Lose Weight, Grow Closer to Your Creator Program, book a FREE discovery call here: www.callwithsara.com
Follow Nourish Health Coaching on social media:
New Improve Energy and Confidence Facebook Public Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092112296115850
Facebook - Nourish Health Coaching - https://www.facebook.com/sarapaxtonhealthcoach
Instagram - sarapaxtonnourish - https://www.instagram.com/sarapaxtonnourish/
 
My Website:https://www.sarapaxtonnourish.com/home
 
If you love my podcast, leave me a review!  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-energy-to-feel-amazing-transform-your-life/id1778860724
Team Nourish’s Favorite Products FREEBIE Click HERE!