E007: I’m Back: Pausing, Reflecting & Rising Again

More, Not Less: The Truth About Food, Energy & Hormone Balance

So many women spend years eating less — chasing smaller portions, lower calories, or the next quick fix — only to end up tired, anxious, and out of balance. In this honest and nourishing conversation, I am once again joined by Kirby Hendricks from @nutritionbykirby, a functional dietitian who helps women rebuild their relationship with food and their bodies. We talk about: 🍽️ Why so many women under-eat (without even realizing it) 🧠 How food impacts mood, hormones, and energy 💛 What it really means to nourish your body, not punish it If you’ve been feeling flat, foggy, or frustrated with your body, this episode will help you reconnect with what true nourishment feels like — body, mind, and soul. If you want to work with Kirby or make an appointment to consult with her, please see her web details and socials below. https://nutritionbykirby.co.za/ https://www.instagram.com/kirby_rd/ Connect with me: 📧 info@nourishalign.co.za 💛 Instagram: @candicenicholls https://nourishalign.co.za/

E007: I’m Back: Pausing, Reflecting & Rising Again

After a pause (because, well… life happens — from my mom’s surgery to school transitions and everything in between), I’m back behind the mic with fresh perspective and renewed energy. In this episode, I open up about the beauty of taking a step back — how stillness can bring clarity, and how to gently move from reflection back into aligned action. I also share some exciting new research about the neural system surrounding the ovary and what it means for women’s emotional and physical wellbeing in midlife. We’ll close with a dose of encouragement and a little preview of the meaningful conversations and topics coming your way. 💫 Welcome back to Nourish & Align — where we grow, heal, and rise together.

Smart Supplements: What to Take (and Skip) After 40

Supplements can feel overwhelming—especially after 40 when your body’s needs start to shift. In this episode of Nourish & Align with Candice Nicholls, I sit down with my colleague Kirby to unpack the confusing world of supplements. We discuss what’s truly worth taking, which ones you should test for before spending money, and the common products that may not be doing much at all. Whether you’re looking to support your hormones, energy, bone health, or overall wellbeing, this conversation will help you invest wisely and confidently in your health. Kirby is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrigenomics Specialist who takes a functional approach to health. That means she is focused on identifying and overcoming the root cause of your health issues rather than treating them at the symptom level. She has been in private practice for over a decade and worked with hundreds of patients. She has experienced the pitfalls of the conventional approach to women’s health first-hand and has dedicated her career to helping others avoid and overcome the issues she faced. If you want to work with Kirby or make an appointment to consult with her, please see her web details and socials below. https://nutritionbykirby.co.za/ https://www.instagram.com/kirby_rd/

E005 Calming your farm - how nutrition can minimize inflammation

Kirby is back in this episode and together we tackle the issue of inflammation. How does inflammation show up in the body, what is acute and chronic inflammation and how we can nourish and support ourselves to minimize its effects. Listen and enjoy! Kirby is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrigenomics Specialist who takes a functional approach to health. That means she is focused on identifying and overcoming the root cause of your health issues rather than treating them at the symptom level. She has been in private practice for over a decade and worked with hundreds of patients. She has experienced the pitfalls of the conventional approach to women’s health first-hand and has dedicated her career to helping others avoid and overcome the issues she faced. If you want to work with Kirby or make an appointment to consult with her, please see her web details and socials below. https://nutritionbykirby.co.za/ https://www.instagram.com/kirby_rd/ I will be part of a workshop on 24th May in Cape Town where we will tackle questions around perimenopause. If you are interested, please see the post on my Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/candicenicholls/

E004 Anxiety, mental wellness and perimenopause

In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down with Cindy Manho, Social Work Manager at Cape Mental Health, to explore the emotional rollercoaster that so many women experience in midlife. With over 11 years of experience as a social worker—and 8 of those years focused on mental health counseling—Cindy offers wisdom and practical tools for navigating the often-overlooked connection between perimenopause, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. We talk about: * Why mental health struggles often intensify in your 40s and 50s * How to emotionally prepare for this life stage * Grounding tools to help you manage anxiety and overwhelm * What to do if medication feels necessary And a refreshing take on midlife from Traditional Chinese Medicine—where this phase is known as the “Second Spring” If you need support or counselling, please reach out to Cape Mental Health: 📍 Cape Mental Health – capementalhealth.co.za 📧 Email: info@cmh.org.za Tel: 021 447 9040 📲 Follow me on Instagram for updates and real conversations about perimenopause and midlife empowerment: instagram.com/candicenicholls 📧 Email: info@nourishalign.co.za