Energy Crashes & Stubborn Belly Fat After 40 (and what to do about it)

Dealing with stubborn belly fat after 40 is reality for many women. It may happen in your 40s, 50’s, 60s or even 70s. And no one… not even an 87 yo likes it. 

My guest reminded me there is no “pre” … there is diabetes. 

So let that be a wake up call. We can’t control aging. We can over control carbs to the point blood sugar levels spike. You heard that right. We can fast so long blood sugar levels spike. 

Learn more surprising insight inside this episode. Stay to the end for an invite to a free summit coming up regarding blood sugar levels too. 

 

My Guest:

Dr. Nana Ama Quansah is a Root Cause Care Practitioner, Pharmacist, and Blood Sugar Optimization Expert dedicated to helping high-achievers reclaim their energy, focus, and health. As the founder of Ditch Diabetes Academy, she empowers individuals to stabilize blood sugar and put type 2 diabetes in remission without restrictive diets or overwhelm through her international online programs.

With a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience spanning Fortune 500 healthcare companies, hospitals, and personalized coaching, Dr. Nana bridges the gap between conventional medicine and root-cause healing. She’s been featured on global podcasts and international TV, sharing insights on reversing blood sugar imbalances naturally.

 

Questions We Answer in This Episode:

• [00:05:22] Why does blood sugar matter (even if you’re not diabetic)?
• [00:08:55] What are the hidden signs of blood sugar imbalance women should watch for?
• [00:12:42] What are some so-called 'healthy habits' that backfire and make blood sugar issues worse?
• [00:16:20] What’s going on under the surface? 
• [00:21:49] Why do we need to go deeper with comprehensive functional testing?
• [00:26:39] What are the simple shifts for better blood sugar balance to help them now if they feel stuck.

 

Unlocking the Blood Sugar Connection to Stubborn Belly Fat After 40

• Blood sugar affects every system in the body—brain function, muscle energy, mood, and sleep. 
• Daily spikes in blood sugar can cause fatigue, cravings, and brain fog—even in "healthy eaters."

 

Common Hidden Signs of Blood Sugar Imbalance

• Afternoon energy crashes
• Cravings
• Brain fog
• Poor sleep
• Mood swings
• Hormonal shifts (especially around menopause or PCOS)

These symptoms are the body’s “whispers” that something’s off.

 

Healthy Habits That Might Be Hurting You

• Skipping meals or prolonged fasting can worsen hormonal imbalance.
• Drinking coffee without food increases cortisol and leads to crashes later.
• Low-carb diets can backfire by raising stress and depriving your gut of fiber-rich, insulin-balancing foods.
• Eliminating carbs without strategy = increased cravings, mood issues, and stalled fat loss.

 

What Actually Helps Stabilize Blood Sugar

• Eat a protein-rich breakfast—especially before coffee.
• Focus on fiber-rich carbs like veggies, nuts, chia, and flax instead of slashing carbs.
• Don’t ignore stress and sleep—they’re as important as food.
• Aim for balance, not restriction.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Blood sugar imbalance is common and sneaky—even in women without diabetes.
• Listening to your body is the first test—trust what it tells you.
• Insulin resistance is the doorway to metabolic issues—even if you're just in the “pre-diabetic” zone.
• Blood sugar dysfunction affects belly fat, energy, brain clarity, and long-term health.

Connect with Dr. Nana:

• Join the Redefining Diabetes Summit on April 21-29th 2025. Register here: https://ditchdiabetesacademy.com/flipping50
• Facebook - Ditch Diabetes Academy
• Instagram - @dr.nanapharmd
• YouTube - @dr.nanapharmd
• TikTok - @dr.nanapharmd

 

Other Episodes You Might Like:

• Previous Episode - Whole Body Vibration for Women over 50
• Next Episode - Is This Perimenopause or Something Else?
• More Like This - Walking Off Weight in Menopause | Controlling Blood Sugar

 

Resources:

• Join the Flipping50 Membership for evidence-based workout programs.
• Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra.
• Grab the FREE GUIDE to know the root causes of sugar cravings and Type 2 Diabetes with strategies to improve your health.