Episode 114: Why Healthy Habits Aren't Working Anymore: The Truth About Stress, Hormones & Fat Loss for Women Over 40 with Kerri Hallman

Episode 114: Why Healthy Habits Aren't Working Anymore: The Truth About Stress, Hormones & Fat Loss for Women Over 40 with Kerri Hallman

Have you ever wondered why the healthy habits that used to work suddenly aren't anymore? You're eating well, exercising consistently, trying to manage your stress, yet your energy is low, your weight won't budge, and you feel like your body has changed overnight. In this episode of The Balanced Body Podcast, Monika sits down with hormone coach Kerri Hallman to uncover why so many women—especially after 40—find themselves feeling stuck despite doing all the "right" things. Together, they explore how chronic stress silently impacts your hormones, metabolism, sleep, and ability to lose weight, why traditional weight loss advice often falls short, and how functional testing can help uncover the root causes that standard approaches may overlook. In this episode, you'll learn: • How chronic stress changes your metabolism and hormone health • Why healthy habits may stop producing results over time • The biggest myths keeping women stuck in the weight loss cycle • Why "eat less and exercise more" isn't the full answer • The importance of testing instead of guessing when it comes to your health • How personalized data can help you finally understand what your body needs If you've ever been told your blood work is "normal" but you know something still isn't right, this conversation will help you look beyond the surface and start making sense of what your body has been trying to tell you. Connect with Monika Eva Ready to uncover what's really preventing your body from releasing weight, balancing hormones, and restoring your energy? Start with my free Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment  [https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou]and discover the hidden stressors that may be keeping you stuck. Then come say hi on Instagram @monikaeeva [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] and let me know your biggest takeaway from today's episode. Connect with Kerri Hallman 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrihallman [https://www.instagram.com/kerrihallman] 🌐 Website: https://kerrihallman.com [https://kerrihallman.com/] 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerriHallman [https://www.facebook.com/KerriHallman] 🎁 Free Fat Loss Over 40 Guide: https://kerri-hallman.aweb.page/fat-loss-over-40 [https://kerri-hallman.aweb.page/fat-loss-over-40] Thanks for listening. Please rate & review so we can reach more women with this very important information. Share with a friend whom you know would benefit from listening to The Balanced Body Podcast. Follow your host, Monika Eva, on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] Take my FREE Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment to find out what's blocking you from releasing the weight & being energized here: https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou [https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou] Learn more about working with Monika here: https://www.monikaeva.com [https://www.monikaeva.com]

Episode 113: Stop Chasing Symptoms: Why Your Hormones Might Not Be the Real Problem with Patricia Elliott

You've been told it's your hormones. Maybe it's your thyroid. Maybe it's stress. Maybe it's just getting older. But what if your symptoms are pointing to something else entirely? In this episode of The Balanced Body Podcast, Monika Eva is joined by Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach Patricia Elliott to explore why so many women stay stuck treating symptoms instead of uncovering what's actually driving them. Fatigue, stubborn weight, brain fog, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, and thyroid concerns often look incredibly similar on the surface. The challenge? The root cause isn't always what you think. Together, Monika and Patricia discuss why conditions like Hashimoto's, mold exposure, chronic stress, grief, gut dysfunction, and hormone imbalances can all present with overlapping symptoms—and why chasing one diagnosis or one supplement rarely leads to lasting results. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still don't feel like yourself, this episode will help you understand why connecting the dots is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why it's not always "just hormones" • How different root causes can produce nearly identical symptoms • Why Hashimoto's, mold exposure, and hormone imbalances are often confused • The impact chronic stress and grief can have on your physical health • Why women often have more than one root cause contributing to their symptoms • How functional practitioners identify patterns instead of simply treating symptoms • Why personalized testing and a thorough health history matter • How shifting your focus from symptom management to root-cause healing can change everything Whether you're navigating stubborn weight, low energy, digestive issues, thyroid concerns, hormone imbalances, or simply know something feels "off," this conversation will give you a new perspective on what your body may actually be trying to tell you. Connect with Monika Eva Follow Monika on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] Click Here for Free Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment [https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou] Connect with Patricia Elliott 🌿 Website: www.lifecyclehealing.net [http://www.lifecyclehealing.net] 📖 Free Awareness Guide: https://lifecycle-healing-auvgfe.subscribepage.io/ [https://lifecycle-healing-auvgfe.subscribepage.io/] 📱 Instagram: @lifecyclehealing 📱 Facebook: @lifecyclehealing 📱 TikTok: @lifecyclehealing If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Balanced Body Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman who's been told "everything looks normal" but knows there's more to the story. Thanks for listening. Please rate & review so we can reach more women with this very important information. Share with a friend whom you know would benefit from listening to The Balanced Body Podcast. Follow your host, Monika Eva, on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] Take my FREE Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment to find out what's blocking you from releasing the weight & being energized here: https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou [https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou] Learn more about working with Monika here: https://www.monikaeva.com [https://www.monikaeva.com]

Episode 112: Don't Let Summer Become Your Setback | How to Enjoy BBQs, Vacations & Patios Without Sabotaging Your Health

Summer doesn't have to mean starting over in September. In this episode of The Balanced Body Podcast, I'm sharing how to enjoy BBQs, vacations, patio dinners, weddings, and summer treats without falling into the all-or-nothing mindset that leaves so many women feeling bloated, exhausted, and frustrated by the end of the season. We'll talk about why one indulgent meal isn't what derails your progress, how to make empowered food choices without feeling deprived, and why supporting your hormones, gut health, and energy doesn't mean missing out on the memories that make summer so special. You'll also learn why asking "How do I want to feel tomorrow?" is far more powerful than asking "Can I eat this?" and how small, intentional choices throughout the summer can help you head into the fall feeling energized instead of feeling like you need another reset. If you've ever found yourself saying, "I'll get back on track after summer," this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why women tend to abandon healthy habits during the summer. * How to overcome the all-or-nothing mindset. * The difference between restriction and empowerment. * How to enjoy vacations, patios, BBQs, and celebrations while still supporting your health. * Why choosing foods that help you feel your best isn't deprivation—it's self-respect. * Simple ways to make healthier swaps without sacrificing the summer experience. * How to stop starting over every September. And if you're ready to finally release the stubborn weight, feel light, energized and incredible inside out, send me a DM with the word "SUMMER" [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] and I'll help you figure out your next best step. Thanks for listening. Please rate & review so we can reach more women with this very important information. Share with a friend whom you know would benefit from listening to The Balanced Body Podcast. Follow your host, Monika Eva, on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] Take my FREE Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment to find out what's blocking you from releasing the weight & being energized here: https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou [https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou] Learn more about working with Monika here: https://www.monikaeva.com [https://www.monikaeva.com]

Episode 111: PCOS/PMOS, Hormone Balance & Healing After Cancer with Maddy Pollack

If you've been told that irregular periods, stubborn weight, acne, mood swings, or feeling disconnected from your body are just something you have to live with, this episode is for you. In Episode 111 of The Balanced Body Podcast, Monika Eva sits down with Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Hormone Health Coach, and Yoga Instructor Maddy Pollack to discuss a whole-body approach to healing hormones and managing PCOS naturally. After surviving cancer at just 25 years old, Maddy's health journey transformed the way she views wellness, helping women move beyond symptom management and reconnect with their bodies through nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and cycle awareness. In this episode, we discuss: *  Common misconceptions about PCOS and hormone imbalance  *  Why weight loss can feel impossible with PCOS  *  Signs your hormones may be out of balance  *  The role of nutrition, movement, and mindfulness in hormone health  *  How to rebuild trust with your body  *  The mind-body connection and why it matters for healing  *  Lessons Maddy learned through her cancer survivorship journey  *  Simple steps women can take today to support their hormones naturally  Whether you're navigating PCOS, struggling with hormone symptoms, or simply looking for a more sustainable approach to health, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and hopeful. Connect with Maddy: Instagram: @maddypollack_health TikTok: @maddy.pollack.health Website: maddypollackhealth.com Free PCOS Starter Guide: https://maddypollackhealth.myflodesk.com/pcos-starter-guide [https://maddypollackhealth.myflodesk.com/pcos-starter-guide] BBT Membership: https://stan.store/maddypollackhealth/p/becoming-balanced-together-bbt [https://stan.store/maddypollackhealth/p/becoming-balanced-together-bbt] Thanks for listening. Please rate & review so we can reach more women with this very important information. Share with a friend whom you know would benefit from listening to The Balanced Body Podcast. Follow your host, Monika Eva, on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] Take my FREE Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment to find out what's blocking you from releasing the weight & being energized here: https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou [https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou] Learn more about working with Monika here: https://www.monikaeva.com [https://www.monikaeva.com]

Episode 110: Your Skin Is Talking: The Hidden Hormone, Gut & Detox Clues Behind Pigmentation, Melasma and Premature Aging with Ariana Juarez

On this episode of The Balanced Body Podcast, Monika sits down with Functional Nutritionist and creator of the Metabolic Beauty Code™, Ariana Juarez, to explore why chronic skin concerns are rarely just skin deep. If you've been struggling with melasma, pigmentation, accelerated aging, acne, or skin changes that seem to have appeared out of nowhere, this conversation will change the way you think about your skin. Ariana explains how your skin acts as an early warning system, revealing deeper imbalances involving hormones, gut health, metabolism, detoxification pathways, and toxic burden. Together, Monika and Ariana unpack the gut-skin connection, why many popular detox protocols can actually make symptoms worse, the importance of drainage and bile flow before detoxification, and the surprising factors that drive UV damage and premature aging beyond sun exposure alone. Whether you're dealing with stubborn pigmentation, estrogen dominance, insulin dysregulation, or simply want healthier, more radiant skin from the inside out, this episode offers a functional perspective on what your skin may be trying to tell you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • How your digestion influences skin health and aging  • The connection between gut health, pigmentation, and inflammation  • Why detox protocols often backfire  • The role of bile flow and drainage pathways in healing  • What melasma and pigmentation may reveal about estrogen dominance and metabolic health  • The hidden causes of accelerated skin aging  • Why the sun isn't the whole story when it comes to UV damage  • Simple foundational strategies to support healthier skin from the inside out Connect with Ariana Juarez 🌐 Website: Alura Wellness [https://www.alurawellness.com] 📸 Instagram: @alura.wellness [https://www.instagram.com/alura.wellness/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Thanks for listening. Please rate & review so we can reach more women with this very important information. Share with a friend whom you know would benefit from listening to The Balanced Body Podcast. Follow your host, Monika Eva, on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva [https://www.instagram.com/monikaeeva] Take my FREE Weight Loss & Energy Blocker Assessment to find out what's blocking you from releasing the weight & being energized here: https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou [https://www.monikaeva.com/whatsblockingyou] Learn more about working with Monika here: https://www.monikaeva.com [https://www.monikaeva.com]