The FIT Woman Podcast

Nourishing Menopause - 103 Documented Symptoms

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Tania sits down with Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, menopause researcher, and co-founder of Morphus, to unpack what women really need to know about perimenopause and menopause. With over 26 years of experience and multiple published research studies, Andrea brings both science and real-world insight to the conversation. Together, they break down the wide range of symptoms women experience, why so many feel dismissed or misunderstood, and what it actually takes to support the body through this phase. If you’ve ever felt like your body is changing and no one is giving you real answers, this episode will help you connect the dots and understand what is truly going on. In This Episode, They Discuss: * Why menopause is still widely misunderstood and under-discussed * The surprising number of symptoms connected to perimenopause and menopause * Why so many women are told “everything is normal” when they don’t feel normal * The role of nutrition and lifestyle in supporting hormone health * How to advocate for your health and get the support you need * The importance of education and awareness during midlife * What women can start doing today to feel better in their bodies Key Takeaways: * Menopause is not just hot flashes, there are over 100 possible symptoms * Feeling dismissed or unheard in your health journey is common, but not acceptable * Nutrition and lifestyle play a critical role in how you experience midlife * Understanding your body is the first step to taking back control of your health * You are not meant to just “live with it”, there are ways to support your body * Advocacy and education are essential for navigating this phase confidently About Andrea Donsky: Andrea Donsky is a nutritionist (RHN), 7-time published menopause researcher, and entrepreneur with over 26 years of experience in the health and wellness space. She is a multi-award-winning influencer, media personality, speaker, and author dedicated to helping women better understand and navigate perimenopause and menopause. Andrea is the host of the Menopause Reimagined podcast and co-founder of Morphus, a company focused on empowering women with science-backed education, nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and high-quality supplements. Her latest book, Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best, offers practical tools to help women thrive through midlife. Connect with Andrea: Website: www.nourishingmenopausebook.com [http://www.nourishingmenopausebook.com]Website: www.wearemorphus.com [http://www.wearemorphus.com]Symptom List (103+ symptoms): https://wearemorphus.com/pages/symptoms-list [https://wearemorphus.com/pages/symptoms-list] Follow Andrea on social media: Instagram & TikTok: @andreadonsky Instagram: @wearemorphus ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for tuning in to the FIT Woman Podcast. Remember, nothing thrives in a deficit — not your body, not your hormones, and not your mindset. You deserve to feel strong, energized, and confident through every stage of life. If you’re ready to ditch the diets and deprivation and finally take back control of your health, hormones, weight and happiness, watch my free video [https://www.fuelignitethrive.com/training] at fuelignitethrive.com [http://fuelignitethrive.com]. It’s the perfect next step to fueling your body, igniting your metabolism and your mind, so you can step into midlife with confidence, and thrive. Because healthy is happy, strong is the new sexy, and the rest of your life truly can be the best of your life. Hugs, Tania For daily tips and inspiration, follow Tania on social:  FB [https://www.facebook.com/fuelignitethrive]  |  IG [https://www.instagram.com/tania_gustafson/]  |   YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQQuHbCh_Mo6IFtUjTDv-g]

Laura-Lee's Journey - 40 Years of Diets and Putting Others First, Ends

In this heartfelt and relatable episode, Tania sits down with Laura-Lee Regnier, a pediatric nurse with over four decades of experience caring for others, who recently made the decision to prioritize her own health. At 63, Laura-Lee shares what it looks like to begin again, walking through her personal journey of rebuilding energy, regulating her nervous system, and creating sustainable wellness habits after years of putting herself last. This conversation is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to take your health back, and that small, consistent changes can create meaningful transformation at any stage of life. In This Episode, They Discuss: * What led Laura-Lee to finally prioritize her own health after decades of caregiving * The physical and emotional toll of constantly putting others first * How nervous system regulation plays a key role in healing and energy * The mindset shifts required to embrace change later in life * What sustainable wellness actually looks like in real life * The impact of nourishing the body properly versus dieting or restriction * Why it is never too late to start your health journey Key Takeaways: * You cannot pour from an empty cup—your health matters just as much as those you care for * Sustainable wellness is built on consistency, not perfection * Nervous system regulation is foundational for energy, resilience, and healing * Small, simple changes done daily can lead to powerful long-term results * It is never too late to rewrite your health story * Prioritizing yourself is not selfish—it is necessary About Laura-Lee Regnier: Laura-Lee Regnier is a pediatric nurse with over 40 years of experience caring for children and families. At 63, she continues to serve with compassion as a Patient Care Coordinator on the pediatric unit at KGH. After decades devoted to supporting others, Laura-Lee recently began her own health journey with Tania through FIT Nutrition, focusing on nourishing her body, regulating her nervous system, and creating sustainable wellness habits. She is passionate about lifelong learning and hopes her story inspires other caregivers to reconnect with their own health, energy, and vitality. FIT Nutrition Coaching: If Laura-Lee’s story resonated with you and you’re ready for your own transformation, this is your invitation to begin. The FIT Nutrition method isn’t about quick fixes or another plan to follow for a few weeks then abandon. It’s about understanding your body, stabilizing your blood sugar, supporting your hormones, and creating sustainable habits that actually fit your life. Just like Laura-Lee, you’ll learn how to nourish your body, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild your energy from the inside out so you can feel strong, clear, and in control again. If you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to finally have a strategy that works with your body, not against it, you can apply to work with Tania and start creating lasting change. Go to https://www.fuelignitethrive.com/training [https://www.fuelignitethrive.com/training] to see Tania’s training video and to apply for a free consultation call. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for tuning in to the FIT Woman Podcast. Remember, nothing thrives in a deficit — not your body, not your hormones, and not your mindset. You deserve to feel strong, energized, and confident through every stage of life. If you’re ready to ditch the diets and deprivation and finally take back control of your health, hormones, weight and happiness, watch my free video [https://www.fuelignitethrive.com/training] at fuelignitethrive.com [http://fuelignitethrive.com]. It’s the perfect next step to fueling your body, igniting your metabolism and your mind, so you can step into midlife with confidence, and thrive. Because healthy is happy, strong is the new sexy, and the rest of your life truly can be the best of your life. Hugs, Tania For daily tips and inspiration, follow Tania on social:  FB [https://www.facebook.com/fuelignitethrive]  |  IG [https://www.instagram.com/tania_gustafson/]  |   YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQQuHbCh_Mo6IFtUjTDv-g]

Hormone Code - Your Symptoms Are Real and They Can Be Reversed

If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you still feel exhausted, foggy, or stuck in your body, this episode is going to change the way you think about your health. In this conversation, Tania sits down with Dr. Pranav Vyas to unpack what’s often missed in midlife women’s health. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Vyas explains why conventional testing can overlook key hormone and metabolic imbalances, and how symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog are often signals—not problems to suppress. They dive into the role of cortisol, blood sugar, gut health, and why a “normal” lab result doesn’t always mean optimal health. Most importantly, this episode empowers women to stop settling for feeling “fine” and start advocating for real answers.   In This Episode, Tania and Dr. Vyas Discuss: * Why “normal” lab results don’t always mean your body is functioning optimally * The most overlooked hormone patterns in women over 35 * How cortisol (your stress hormone) impacts weight, energy, and other hormones * The connection between blood sugar, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance * Why conventional testing often misses key root causes * The difference between blood testing and saliva hormone testing * How chronic stress keeps your body stuck in survival mode * The real reason symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain persist * Why processed foods and poor gut health disrupt hormones * The importance of individualized care vs. one-size-fits-all solutions * How to advocate for your health and stop being dismissed   Key Takeaways * Symptoms are signals, not inconveniences. Your body is communicating that something is off, not failing you. * “Normal” is not the same as optimal. Wide lab ranges can overlook imbalances that still impact how you feel. * Hormones work as a system. Focusing on just one marker misses the bigger picture of how your body functions. * Cortisol plays a central role. Chronic stress can disrupt metabolism, digestion, and sex hormones. * Blood sugar balance is foundational. Stabilizing it supports hormones, reduces inflammation, and improves energy. * Gut health matters more than you think. A healthy microbiome is critical for hormone regulation and overall health. * Quick fixes don’t solve root problems. Sustainable change comes from addressing underlying imbalances. * You are your best health advocate. If you’re not being heard, it’s time to ask better questions or find better support.   About Dr. Pranav Vyas Dr. Pranav Vyas is a functional medicine physician and hormone specialist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He focuses on helping women over 35 identify overlooked hormonal and metabolic imbalances that are often missed in conventional care. His approach combines advanced hormone testing, root-cause analysis, and personalized strategies to help women address symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog at their source. Through his work, he empowers women to better understand their bodies and take control of their health with clarity and confidence.   Connect with Dr. Pranav Vyas Website: drvyashealth.com [http://drvyashealth.com] Hormone Questionnaire: Available on his website to assess your hormone health Program: 12-Week Hormone Mastery Free Resource: 7-Day Hormone Reset Instagram: @dr.vyas.health TikTok: @dr.vyas.health   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Thanks for tuning in to the FIT Woman Podcast. Remember, nothing thrives in a deficit — not your body, not your hormones, and not your mindset. You deserve to feel strong, energized, and confident through every stage of life. If you’re ready to ditch the diets and deprivation and finally take back control of your health, hormones, weight and happiness, watch my free video [https://www.fuelignitethrive.com/training] at fuelignitethrive.com [http://fuelignitethrive.com]. It’s the perfect next step to fueling your body, igniting your metabolism and your mind, so you can step into midlife with confidence, and thrive. Because healthy is happy, strong is the new sexy, and the rest of your life truly can be the best of your life. Hugs, Tania For daily tips and inspiration, follow Tania on social:  FB [https://www.facebook.com/fuelignitethrive]  |  IG [https://www.instagram.com/tania_gustafson/]  |   YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQQuHbCh_Mo6IFtUjTDv-g]

From Patient to Practitioner - How this Mom of 5 Helps Families Restore Health

In this episode, Tania sits down with Rachel Borntrager, a board-certified health & wellness coach, lifestyle coach,  and wellness provider, to unpack the deeper roots of weight struggles, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Rachel shares her personal journey from childhood obesity to losing over 70 pounds and how that transformation shaped her mission to help other women create lasting change. Together, they explore why obesity has become so common, why it is not as harmless as many believe, and how understanding the body’s design can change everything. This conversation goes beyond surface-level weight loss advice. Rachel breaks down how blood sugar imbalance, gut health, stress, and sleep all play a role in energy, hormones, and long-term health. She also shares how her work evolved after a life-changing experience with her nephew’s severe food reaction, leading her to focus on identifying root causes rather than masking symptoms. If you are tired of quick fixes and want a more sustainable, root-cause approach to your health, this episode will give you a new perspective and practical direction.   In This Episode, Tania and Rachel Discuss * Rachel’s personal journey with obesity, confidence, and identity * Why obesity is common but not benign * The impact of blood sugar imbalance on weight and overall health * How gut health influences inflammation, hormones, and energy * The role of stress and sleep in sustainable weight loss * Why quick fixes fail and what actually works long term * The importance of addressing root causes instead of masking symptoms * How a personal family health crisis shaped Rachel’s approach to care   Key Takeaways * Sustainable weight loss starts with understanding how the body is designed to function * Blood sugar balance is foundational for energy, hormone health, and inflammation control * Gut health plays a central role in overall wellness, not just digestion * Chronic stress and poor sleep can block progress, even with “perfect” nutrition * Lasting change requires addressing root causes, not relying on quick fixes * When women are educated and supported, they can create meaningful, long-term transformation   About Rachel Borntrager Rachel Borntrager is a board-certified health and wellness coach, lifestyle coach, and wellness provider who specializes in helping busy moms achieve sustainable weight loss through a root-cause approach. After losing over 70 pounds herself, Rachel now helps women restore energy, balance blood sugar, support gut health, and renew their mindset for long-term results. Her work centers on sustainable lifestyle changes that align with how the body is designed to function. Following a life-changing experience with her nephew’s severe food reaction, Rachel expanded her work to focus on uncovering root causes rather than masking symptoms. Through her practice, Purposeful Health, she integrates nutrition, nervous system support, and advanced tools to help reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and restore the body’s natural rhythm. Her mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to create lasting health from the inside out.   Connect with Rachel Website: https://purposefulhealth.net/ [https://purposefulhealth.net/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Purposeful-Health-For-You/61558132594343/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Purposeful-Health-For-You/61558132594343/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purposefulhealth4u [https://www.instagram.com/purposefulhealth4u]   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for tuning in to the FIT Woman Podcast. Remember, nothing thrives in a deficit — not your body, not your hormones, and not your mindset. You deserve to feel strong, energized, and confident through every stage of life. If you’re ready to ditch the diets and deprivation and finally take back control of your health, hormones, weight and happiness, watch my free video [https://www.fuelignitethrive.com/training] at fuelignitethrive.com [http://fuelignitethrive.com]. It’s the perfect next step to fueling your body, igniting your metabolism and your mind, so you can step into midlife with confidence, and thrive. Because healthy is happy, strong is the new sexy, and the rest of your life truly can be the best of your life. Hugs, Tania For daily tips and inspiration, follow Tania on social:  FB [https://www.facebook.com/fuelignitethrive]  |  IG [https://www.instagram.com/tania_gustafson/]  |   YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQQuHbCh_Mo6IFtUjTDv-g]

Health, Mindset, and Resilience

In this powerful episode, Tania sits down with entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and wellness advocate Cassiah Setnar to talk about resilience, health advocacy, and navigating life when everything changes overnight. Cassiah is the founder of luxury skincare brand Belle & Capri and Agency N9ne, where she helps companies grow through strategic branding, marketing, and digital strategy. But behind her success as a business owner and mother of three is a deeply personal story of a sudden health scare that forced her to rethink how she approached her health and life. After unexpectedly losing vision in her right eye due to optic neuritis, a condition often associated with multiple sclerosis, Cassiah found herself facing the possibility of a chronic illness. With young children at home and businesses to run, she made a decision that would change everything: she would become the strongest advocate for her own health. In this conversation, Cassiah shares how she began exploring deeper testing, lifestyle changes, and mindset shifts to support her health and regain control of her future. Her journey is an inspiring reminder that our health truly is the foundation for everything we do.   In This Episode, Tania and Cassiah Discuss: * Cassiah’s sudden health scare and loss of vision * What optic neuritis is and how it can relate to autoimmune disease * Why many traditional medical systems focus on treatment rather than prevention * The powerful role of nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset in health outcomes * How data-driven health testing can provide deeper insights into your body * The importance of advocating for your own health and seeking answers * Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and personal wellness * Why community, purpose, and gratitude play a role in long-term wellbeing   Key Takeaways * Health challenges can happen unexpectedly, even to people who prioritize wellness. * Being proactive and informed about your health can make a significant difference in outcomes. * Lifestyle choices — including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management — play a powerful role in long-term health. * Mindset matters. Believing in your ability to heal and improve can influence your path forward. * Small, consistent habits often lead to the most meaningful and sustainable change. * Building a strong support system — family, friends, and community — is essential during difficult seasons of life.   About Cassiah Setnar Cassiah Setnar is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and founder of the luxury skincare brand Belle & Capri. She is also the founder of Agency N9ne, where she helps companies grow through branding, marketing, and digital strategy. As a mom of three young children, Cassiah balances building multiple businesses while navigating personal health challenges and sharing her journey to inspire other women to pursue success without sacrificing their health, family, or purpose.   Connect with Cassiah Website: BelleAndCapri.com [http://belleandcapri.com] Genetic testing: GeneticLifeSpan.com/AllSet [http://geneticlifespan.com/AllSet] Facebook: facebook.com/cassiah [http://facebook.com/cassiah] Instagram: @cassiah ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for tuning in to the FIT Woman Podcast. Remember, nothing thrives in a deficit — not your body, not your hormones, and not your mindset. You deserve to feel strong, energized, and confident through every stage of life. If you’re ready to ditch the diets and deprivation and finally take back control of your health, hormones, weight and happiness, watch my free video [https://www.fuelignitethrive.com/training] at fuelignitethrive.com [http://fuelignitethrive.com]. It’s the perfect next step to fueling your body, igniting your metabolism and your mind, so you can step into midlife with confidence, and thrive. Because healthy is happy, strong is the new sexy, and the rest of your life truly can be the best of your life. Hugs, Tania For daily tips and inspiration, follow Tania on social:  FB [https://www.facebook.com/fuelignitethrive]  |  IG [https://www.instagram.com/tania_gustafson/]  |   YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQQuHbCh_Mo6IFtUjTDv-g]