106 | You Don't Need More Willpower. You Need This Instead!

109 | How to Eat Enough While Breastfeeding Without Tanking Your Milk Supply or Gaining Weight

You are breastfeeding, you are starving, and you are scared that if you eat more you will gain weight — but if you eat less your supply will tank. Sound familiar? In this episode Val breaks down exactly how to fuel your body while breastfeeding, why cookie cutter calorie advice does not work for nursing moms, and what eating enough actually looks like in real life — with specific food examples for three different stages of breastfeeding. In this episode we cover: * Why breastfeeding nutrition is highly individual — and why one size fits all advice fails most moms * What actually happens to your body when you do not eat enough while breastfeeding * The truth about lactation cookies, oats, and brewer's yeast — what the science actually says * The four things every breastfeeding mom needs to focus on: protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber and hydration * Three real mom scenarios with actual food examples: * 4 weeks PP exclusively breastfeeding * 10 months PP breastfeeding plus baby eating real food * 12+ months PP breastfeeding less frequently * Whether you can lose weight while breastfeeding — and how to do it without tanking your supply * Val's personal story: breastfeeding exclusively for 13 months, second breakfast every day, and why she did not own a scale during that time * A client story: 3.5 months PP, supply dipped when she went back to work, and the simple changes that turned it around Resources mentioned: * Free Protein Guide → https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide] * Core Comeback Challenge → wellnessbyval.com/core [http://wellnessbyval.com/core] * Episode 87 — The Truth About Breastfeeding Nutrition and Postpartum Weight Loss with Brooke Miller [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000749932242] * Episode 96 — Gut Health and the Momma Microbiome [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000762346478]  * Episode 93 — Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum Nutrition with Lily Nichols  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000758159283] * Episode 95 — The 4 Nutrient Deficiencies Stealing Your Energy as a Momma [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000761043946]  * Episode 104 — Stop Jumping Back Into Workouts Postpartum — Do This First [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000772731633] * Episode 108 | Losing Weight But Still Feel Soft? Here's What's Actually Happening in Your Body [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000776549201] Send me a voice message [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter]! 🎙️ Have a question or a topic you want me to cover on the podcast? Send me a voice message through SpeakPipe — link below in show notes! → https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] Connect with Val: * Instagram: @wellnessbyval_ [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbyval_/] * Website: http://wellnessbyval.com/https://wellnessbyval.com/ [https://wellnessbyval.com/] * Free Protein Guide: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide]  * Core Comeback Challenge: wellnessbyval.com/core [http://wellnessbyval.com/core] This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about breastfeeding, postpartum nutrition, or your individual health needs.

108 | Losing Weight But Still Feel Soft? Here's What's Actually Happening in Your Body

The scale is moving but you still feel soft, undefined, and not like yourself. Sound familiar? In this episode Val breaks down exactly why this happens — and it is not a willpower problem. It is a physiology problem. If you have been eating less, doing more cardio, and still not seeing the results you want, this episode is going to connect a lot of dots for you. In this episode we cover: * Why weight loss and fat loss are NOT the same thing * The eating pattern Val sees constantly in postpartum moms that stalls results (it is not what you think) * Why the weekday vs weekend eating swing is keeping your body stuck * How cortisol is actively breaking down your muscle and storing fat — especially around your midsection * Why cardio is not the answer and what to do instead * What body recomposition actually requires — protein, progressive strength training, and nervous system support * Why postpartum moms are starting from a different baseline and why that matters * Val's personal story — from pancake butt postpartum to stronger glutes at 3 years PP than before baby * How Val felt soft again in January 2026 and exactly what she did to fix it — labs, logging, stress, and sleep Resources mentioned: * Core Comeback Challenge — 4 week progressive postpartum core program → https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013 [https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013] * Free Protein Guide → https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide] * Episode 104 — Stop Jumping Back Into Workouts Postpartum — Do This First  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000772731633] * Episode 100 — Sleep, Cortisol & Fat Loss: Why Postpartum Moms Can't Out-Train a Stressed Nervous System [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-postpartum-weight-loss-postpartum/id1778776628?i=1000768347484]  ➡️ Loved this episode? Share it with another mom who needs this info and leave a review—it helps more moms find the podcast! 💬 Got a question for the show?! Leave me a voice message here: SpeakPipe voice note [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] at https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] for a chance to have your question featured and answered on an episode of the Strong & Nourished Momma Podcast. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, nutrition, or pelvic floor physical therapy advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise or nutrition program postpartum.

107 | Is Your Core Ready to Level Up? 5 Signs You're Progressing Too Fast (Or Not Fast Enough)

Are you doing postpartum core work but not sure if it's actually working? In this episode, Val breaks down exactly how to know where you are in your core recovery — and whether it's time to progress or time to pump the brakes. If you've ever felt like you're going through the motions, still feel weak months (or years) postpartum, or you're not sure if what you're feeling during exercise is normal — this episode is your checklist. In this episode we cover: * Why postpartum core training is fundamentally different from regular ab work * The "canister" concept — what your core actually is and why all four parts have to work together * Why "just listen to your body" fails so many postpartum moms * 5 signs you're NOT ready to progress your core training (including the one most moms ignore) * 5 signs your core IS ready to level up * Why random Instagram exercises aren't a program — and what progressive core training actually looks like * Val's personal story: how she went from early postpartum breathing work to lifting weights at 2 months PP — and why she still goes back to basics at almost 3 years postpartum Links mentioned in this episode: 💪🏼 Core Comeback Waitlist — https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013 [https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013] https://wellnessbyval.com/core Connect with Val: 📱 Instagram: @wellnessbyval_ [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbyval_/] 🌐 wellnessbyval.com [http://wellnessbyval.com/] ➡️ Loved this episode? Share it with another mom who needs this info and leave a review—it helps more moms find the podcast! 💬 Got a question for the show?! Leave me a voice message here: SpeakPipe voice note [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] at https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] for a chance to have your question featured and answered on an episode of the Strong & Nourished Momma Podcast. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or pelvic floor physical therapy advice. If you are experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, please work with a qualified pelvic floor PT.

106 | You Don't Need More Willpower. You Need This Instead!

How many times have you told yourself you just need more willpower? More discipline. More motivation. More of something you feel like everyone else has — and you just don't. What if willpower was never the answer? In this episode Val introduces The Willpower Trap — the all-or-nothing cycle that keeps so many moms stuck — and breaks down what actually creates lasting change: guidelines, curiosity, and systems. Since this is the last episode of Q2, Val also weaves in a half-year reflection throughout — because if you've been relying on willpower since January and wondering why it keeps falling apart, this episode is going to reframe everything. In this episode: * What The Willpower Trap is and why it's not your fault * Why willpower and discipline are two completely different things * Guidelines vs. rules — and why guidelines don't have an off switch * Curiosity over judgment — replacing shame with strategy * Systems over willpower — practical examples from Atomic Habits (James Clear) and Tiny Habits (BJ Fogg) * A half-year reflection and one action item to carry into the rest of the year   Links mentioned in this episode: 🎁 Free Protein-Packed Snack Guide: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide] 🥗 Free 3-Day Balanced Meal Plan: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/mealplan [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/mealplan] 💪🏼 Core Comeback Waitlist — https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013 [https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013] https://wellnessbyval.com/core 💊Join Val's Fullscript dispensary — a free account that gives you up to 25% off practitioner-grade, third-party tested supplements (because what you take matters just as much as if you take it) — https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/vwarner1670162649 [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/vwarner1670162649]  📖 Atomic Habits by James Clear 📖 Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg   Connect with Val: 📱 Instagram: @wellnessbyval_ [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbyval_/] 🌐 wellnessbyval.com [http://wellnessbyval.com/] ➡️ Loved this episode? Share it with another mom who needs this info and leave a review—it helps more moms find the podcast! 💬 Got a question for the show?! Leave me a voice message here: SpeakPipe voice note [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] at https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] for a chance to have your question featured and answered on an episode of the Strong & Nourished Momma Podcast.

105 | 3 Nutrition Non-Negotiables for Every Busy Mom

What if eating well as a busy mom didn't require a complicated meal plan, a new diet, or hours of Sunday meal prep? What if it came down to just three things — done consistently — no matter what phase of life you're in? In this episode Val Warner, board-certified sports dietitian and postpartum nutrition expert, shares the three nutrition non-negotiables she has used through every phase of her own postpartum journey — from early recovery to going back to work, building muscle, losing fat, and now trying for baby number two. These are the habits that actually stick. The ones that work when life is smooth and when it's completely chaotic. And they're the foundation Val uses with every single client. What you’ll learn: * Why protein and fiber at breakfast changes your entire day — energy, cravings, blood sugar and mood * How much protein you actually need at breakfast (hint: most moms aren't getting close) * Val's go-to overnight oats formula + 4 other high protein breakfast options * The Balanced Plate Framework — protein, fat, fiber-rich carbs and vegetables at every meal * How to eat balanced anywhere — at home, at restaurants, at birthday parties * Why meal planning doesn't have to be rigid or overwhelming to work * Val's real approach to weekly meal prep — including the swim night hack * The tools that make healthy eating easier as a busy mom (grocery pickup, pre-chopped veggies, rotisserie chicken and more) * How these three habits adapt through every phase of postpartum life * Your one action item to start this week Links mentioned in this episode: * 🎁 Free Protein-Packed Snack Guide: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide] * 🥗 Free 3-Day Balanced Meal Plan: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/mealplan [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/mealplan] * 💪🏼 Core Comeback Waitlist — launching July 10:  https://wellnessbyval.com/core [https://wellnessbyval.com/core] * Join Val's Fullscript dispensary — a free account that gives you up to 25% off practitioner-grade, third-party tested supplements (because what you take matters just as much as if you take it) — https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/vwarner1670162649 [https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/vwarner1670162649]    Connect with Val: 📱 Instagram: @wellnessbyval_ [https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbyval_/] 🌐 wellnessbyval.com [http://wellnessbyval.com/] ➡️ Loved this episode? Share it with another mom who needs this info and leave a review—it helps more moms find the podcast! 💬 Got a question for the show?! Leave me a voice message here: SpeakPipe voice note [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] at https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter [https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter] for a chance to have your question featured and answered on an episode of the Strong & Nourished Momma Podcast.