Energized with Dr. Mariza

Feeling like you’re doing everything right… but still struggling with unwanted weight, cravings, and low energy?  This episode is for you. We’re unpacking why your metabolism may not be broken at all—and how a dysregulated nervous system could be the real reason your body feels stuck.  For midlife women especially, chronic stress can quietly drive insulin resistance, hormonal shifts, and that frustrating loss of resilience that seems to hit in your 40s and beyond.  So this conversation sheds light on the powerful connection between stress and your ability to create and sustain energy in your body.  You’ll walk away with an empowering perspective on how supporting your nervous system can unlock real, lasting change in your health.  Tune in here to learn how to work with your body—not against it—and start feeling like yourself again! IN THIS EPISODE The correlation between stress and your metabolic health  What’s really happening in your body in a stressful state The negative impacts of stress-induced blood sugar responses  How you can experience a blood sugar spike without eating  Simple tips for calming your nervous system and stabilizing your metabolism and blood sugar levels  Movement recommendations for getting stress out of your system  How to take control of your body in my Midlife On Fire Collective  QUOTES“This is what's called a stress-induced blood sugar response, and it's completely normal in the short term, right? We are built for this…But the problem is, for most of us, this isn't happening once in a while. It's happening all the time, and over time research shows that it can lead to higher insulin levels, increased fat storage, especially in the abdomen, and more inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.” “Your metabolism is deeply connected to your nervous system. So what can you do about this? I want to keep this real simple because this isn't about doing more, it's about doing fewer things consistently.” “If we can start to create more safety in our bodies, it just changes everything. And we deserve that. We deserve to feel safe, because that translates into the safety of the people around us as well.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my Midlife on Fire Collective https://go2.drmariza.com/midlife-on-fire/ Join my 7- Day Metabolism and Hormone Jumpstart https://go.drmariza.com/lp/metabolism-jumpstart/ Order my latest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Jason Fung’s book: The Hunger Code https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/ RELATED EPISODES  729: Why Counting Calories Doesn’t Work (And What Actually Controls Hunger) with Dr. Jason Fung 730: The Metabolic Shift After 40: What’s Really Driving Weight, Energy & Mood Changes 732: The Silent Disruptor: How Chronic Stress Hijacks Perimenopause 698: Food Noise, Cravings, and Midlife Weight Gain: How to Regain Control Naturally with Sarah Kennedy

Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist who blends medical and integrative skin care, breaks down midlife skin shifts. She covers hormonal effects in perimenopause and topical estradiol, simple daily routines with sunscreen and retinoids, realistic use of Botox, and lifestyle steps that influence skin aging.

We have SO much information at our fingertips, and tons of science to back it up… but what REALLY moves the needle when it comes to wellness?  Here’s the truth– information isn't the problem. Isolation is. We’re not short on data. We’re short on the kind of environment that actually supports what we know we need to do. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and integrative health expert Dr. Shawn Stevenson to uncover what’s really missing in today’s health conversation.  Despite having more access to evidence-based information than ever, so many people still feel exhausted, inflamed, and metabolically unwell—and we explore why that gap exists.  Dr. Stevenson breaks down where even practitioners and wellness leaders are getting it wrong when it comes to creating lasting change.  We cut through the noise to focus on simple, science-backed strategies that actually make an impact on your health and longevity.  Ready to simplify your approach and finally feel better in your body?  Tune in here! Shawn Stevenson Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestsellers Eat Smarter and the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, as well as the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S.. A graduate of the University of Missouri, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Good Morning America, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. IN THIS EPISODE What society is getting wrong about “evidence-based” information Tuning into your body and emotions and tapping into its needs  Why sleep is a force multiplier for overall wellness  How to stack good habits in your favor and make them stick  Being intentional about your community and relationships  How your relationships with others can impact every aspect of your lifestyle choices  Simple healthy habits to adopt to enhance your wellness and improve your longevity More about Dr. Stevenson's podcast and best-selling books  QUOTES “We're swimming in information, we're swimming in content. There's just so much. We are being pulled away from the most important source of data that we will ever have, which is ourselves. Your body already knows. Your mind already knows what's best for you, but we are not listening.” “The longest running study in history where they follow people and after compiling all the data… the number one determinant of how long people live is the quality of their relationships.” “It's finding what works best for you, but giving yourself some form of an evening routine, something consistent so your brain knows that we're transitioning into rest. And communicating that with your loved ones, with your family, because they will be the potential obstacles or the potential supporters.”  RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! https://peri-revolution.com/ Order Dr. Stevenson’s Book: The Eat Smarter Family Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Smarter-Family-Cookbook-Connection/ The Model Health Show Dr. Stevenson on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  730: The Metabolic Shift After 40: What’s Really Driving Weight, Energy & Mood Changes 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 725: Exhausted, Wired & Not Yourself? The Hormone Havoc Causing Midlife Burnout with Dr. Amy Shah

Balancing the overwhelm of family, work, and midlife symptoms, all while just trying to feel like yourself again? You’re NOT alone.  In today’s episode, we explore stress as the silent disruptor of midlife—and why it can amplify so many of the symptoms you experience during perimenopause.  We go beyond surface-level stress management and dive into how chronic stress impacts your nervous system, hormones, and overall wellness.  We also highlight the often-overlooked power of connection and community, reframing them as a force multiplier for healing during this phase of life.  You’ll learn simple, practical tools you can start using today to calm your nervous system and navigate overwhelming days with more ease and resilience.  Ready to feel in control again? Tune in here to soften the stress and show up as your best self!  IN THIS EPISODE What makes stress so silent in perimenopause?  The biology of trauma and how unresolved trauma can show up as midlife symptoms  How connection and community enhance your longevity Forming meaningful relationships and cultivating a sisterhood Simple and practical tools to build community connection Recognizing triggers and learning ways to ease your nervous system Exploring the benefits of breathing techniques, movement, natural light, sleep, and quality connections  QUOTES “When you're under constant stress, which most of us are, this system gets stuck in the on position. And during perimenopause, we know that cortisol levels are often elevated, making every symptom feel worse.” “The effects of loneliness and social isolation have been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness increases your risk of premature death by 26%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%.” “When you heal your relationship with stress and build meaningful connections, you're not just helping yourself. You are modeling for your children what it looks like to prioritize mental health and community. You're also contributing to a larger global shift in how we talk about menopause, and how we talk about resilience.” RESOURCES MENTIONED 👉🏻 Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order ⛓️‍💥 http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED 👉🏻 Join my Midlife on Fire Collective HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://go2.drmariza.com/midlife-on-fire/ 👉🏻 Join my 7- Day Metabolism and Hormone Jumpstart HERE! ⛓️‍💥 https://go.drmariza.com/lp/metabolism-jumpstart/ 👉🏻 Order my latest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE ⛓️‍💥 https://peri-revolution.com/ RELATED EPISODES  722: Why Women Feel Unsafe Right Now: Trauma, Hormones & Protecting the Next Generation with Dr. Aimie Apigian 726: The Midlife Mood Shift: The Hormonal Rewire That Changes Everything with Dr. Sonya Jensen 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause #612: That Sucked. Now What? How to Navigate Health, Identity, and Life Transitions with Dr. Neeta Nawalkha

Sick of being told your labs are “normal” when you KNOW something’s off?  In today’s episode, I’m joined by functional medicine expert Dr. Robin Berzin to talk about what it really means to take control of your health in midlife.  Dr. Berzin shares the early warning signs to watch for and how to better interpret your health data so you can catch imbalances before they become bigger issues.  You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself, understand key lab markers, and explore why supportive options like supplementation and HRT could be game-changers for you.  We’re reframing health as an ongoing, flexible practice—not a rigid destination—helping you release perfection and stay curious about what your body needs.  Tune in here to feel empowered and take your health into your own hands with confidence!  Dr. Robin Berzin  Dr. Robin Berzin the founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. As a pioneer in functional medicine, she founded Parsley to address the rise of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine. She stresses the importance of not only medications and treatments, but more so why food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostics are just as essential– if not more. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, showing the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone. IN THIS EPISODE How to navigate feeling dismissed by your doctor  Why “normal” doesn’t always mean normal  The massive benefits of a functional medicine approach Proactively testing hormone levels earlier than you may think Tracking your metrics to better understand your body  Managing stress in your body and mind during midlife  How to realistically fit healthy habits into your busy routine Supplementation to support your body through midlife transitions  Hormone Replacement therapy and GLP-1 use in perimenopause & beyond  QUOTES “A lot of times, the labs may technically fall within the normal range, not the optimal range– normal range being based on an average of Americans today, and 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition, 40% have two. So our averages have drifted over time to kind of reflect a sick population.” “Whether it's aging parents or kids growing up, or something happening career-wise… all of that puts pressure on a physical system that’s in dynamic change hormonally, and I think we have to recognize that.” “Proactive, preventive medicine is where we're going. Proactive testing is required to practice that type of personalized preventive care, and I believe that HRT is going to become the default rather than the exception.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Robin’s Website Robin on Instagram Parsley Health Website RELATED EPISODES #661: When ‘Normal’ Isn’t Normal: How to Be Heard (and Taken Seriously) at the Doctor’s Office #650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond #541: Why Functional Labs Are a Game Changer for Your Health with Dr. Kela Smith #527: The Science Of Energy Production and Recovery & How To Balance Out Cortisol and Melatonin with Kristen Holmes

Midlife is the time to measure, understand your body, and take proactive steps to support your future self.  In this episode, I’m diving into the massive metabolic shift that happens during perimenopause—and why this stage of life is the perfect time to build true metabolic resilience.  We explore how metabolism doesn’t respond to punishment or extremes, but instead thrives on consistent biological rhythms and supportive daily signals.  Even small, simple habits can create powerful changes when practiced consistently. Because over time, these small shifts can stabilize energy, reduce inflammation, and help eliminate those frustrating crashes.  If you’re ready to feel deeply supported in midlife, this episode will give you the roadmap to start today! IN THIS EPISODE One of the MOST important upgrades of your life  Preventing chronic disease and protecting your heart and brain health  Defining your own habits that bring you energy and clarity  Navigating hormone shifts and other physiological changes happening in midlife  Building life-changing habits that you can be consistent with  What to expect from my new FREE jumpstart program!  QUOTES “I am more committed than ever to protecting my metabolic and brain health. Even on the hard days, because at the center of everything, your energy, your mood, your weight, your resilience, is your cellular energy, your cellular capacity is what’s determining the symptoms.” “I believe a big part of our midlife journey is building daily habits that protect our cellular energy.” “Perimenopause is the most rapid intervention window for body composition change. A 2020 study showed the greatest decline in lean muscle mass occurs during perimenopause.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Kickstart your Energy in my FREE 7-day Jumpstart Program HERE! https://go.drmariza.com/lp/reignite-your-energy/ Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE!  https://peri-revolution.com/ RELATED EPISODES  728: Why Brain Fog Isn’t Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 727: The Missing Link in Perimenopause: How to Rebuild Energy, Resilience & Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Deanna Minich 725: Exhausted, Wired & Not Yourself? The Hormone Havoc Causing Midlife Burnout with Dr. Amy Shah #632: The Secret to Optimal Sleep, Resilience, Performance and Emotional Wellbeing with Dr. Kristen Holmes

There’s SO much more to a healthy diet than calories in vs. calories out.  That’s why in today’s episode, I’m joined by renowned physician and metabolic health expert Dr. Jason Fung to unpack the science of hunger and why we’ve totally dropped the ball on healthy eating habits in today’s society.  We dive into the concept of food noise and explore the different types of hunger—especially the environmental and conditioned cues that are quietly driving your eating habits.  Dr. Fung explains how awareness of these triggers can be a powerful first step in shifting your relationship with food so you can feel healthier than ever before.  Drawing from insights in his book The Hunger Code, he shares practical strategies to help you identify your triggers and regain control over your appetite. Tune in here for some empowering tools to feel confident and amazing in your body again!  Dr. Jason Fung  Dr. Jason Fung is a physician, researcher, and New York Times best-selling author currently practicing in Toronto. His books, including The Obesity Code, The Complete Guide to Fasting, The Diabetes Code, and The Cancer Code, challenge conventional thinking and offer loads of dietary strategies to improve overall health. He’s the co-founder of The Fasting Method, which provides the education, tools, and community needed to successfully implement intermittent fasting. He’s also the medical director of The Diabetes Code Clinic in Toronto, focused on type 2 diabetes remission. IN THIS EPISODE The importance of focusing on your hunger over calorie counting  Breaking our conditioned responses to eating  Looking at the social context and environmental factors for hunger What’s really triggering your hunger cues  Best tips for avoiding ultra-processed foods  Dr. Fung’s 3 golden rules of weight loss  Lifestyle choices that can make a drastic impact on your weight Understanding hedonic hunger and other important topics found in Dr. Fung’s book: The Hunger Code QUOTES “You can only take care of the problem if you understand the problem. So once you understand ‘this food noise, it's this conditioned hunger’, now you can actually come up with a plan so that [you’re] prepared for this.” “It's really a game changer in that it will hopefully really broaden people's perspective on the key issues. I have the three golden rules, but there's like 50 weight loss tips because everybody's different.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Order Dr. Fung’s book: The Hunger Code HERE– and get a FREE gift with your pre-order! https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/gift-with-purchase-offer https://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Code-Resetting-Thermostat-Ultra-Processed-ebook The Fasting Method Dr. Fung on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  708: Calories Aren’t the Problem: What Midlife Women Really Need to Know About Fat Loss with Brian Keane 698: Food Noise, Cravings, and Midlife Weight Gain: How to Regain Control Naturally with Sarah Kennedy 696: Why Diets Stop Working in Midlife—and What Actually Helps Instead with Lara Frendjian 682: The Simple Daily Habit That Balances Blood Sugar, Boosts Energy & Extends Longevity #613: Effective Tools for Curbing Your Appetite in Midlife and Optimizing Your Blood Sugar with Nagina Sethi Abdullah

Feeling like even the smallest things are suddenly overwhelming you?  This is actually part of a much bigger hormonal and neurological shift happening beneath the surface.  In today’s episode, I’m covering one of the most common—and least talked about—midlife experiences: the brain-related changes that come with perimenopause.  Even women who experience few classic symptoms like hot flashes are still undergoing silent physiological changes affecting the brain, bones, muscles, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.  We explore why perimenopause can be a destabilizing but deeply transformative recalibration where everything from hormones to lifestyle habits comes up for review.  So I’m breaking down simple daily habits you can start right away to support your brain, stabilize your energy, and reduce overwhelm without adding more to your already full plate.  Ready to clear the fog and feel like yourself again in midlife? Tune in here for the science-backed tools to start today. 🧠 IN THIS EPISODE The massive neuroendocrine shift happening in midlife What’s actually happening to the brain during perimenopause  Managing midlife inflammation and your immune system  The benefits of balancing your blood sugar and metabolism  How short bursts of activity can help you reclaim your energy  Honoring your circadian rhythm and prioritizing sleep  Why building strength and resilience in midlife is so important Managing your nervous system and avoiding cortisol spikes  How to join my FREE 7-day reset challenge to reignite your energy and metabolism!  QUOTES “Over 70% of women in perimenopause experience brain-related symptoms: mood changes, sleep disruptions, hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, irritability, cognitive shifts, memory lapses, and low stress resilience. Eight out of the 10 most common symptoms in perimenopause are brain-related.” “This is metabolic neuroscience, and this is exactly why we cannot just push through the brain fog. We need to stabilize glucose. We need to lower insulin spikes. We need a calm cortisol. We need to reduce the inflammatory load.”  “These are the signals that we get to listen to, and that's why I created something to help you decode those signals and give your body back what it has been asking for.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Discover my Morning Metabolic Ignition Method in my FREE 7-day Jumpstart Program https://go.drmariza.com/lp/reignite-your-energy/ Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Moscone RELATED EPISODES  721: No, It’s Not All in Your Head: The Medical Truth About Perimenopause with Dr. Jila Senemar 718: Low-Grade Inflammation: The Hidden Root of Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Hormone Imbalance with Dr. Shivani Gupta 717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 701: Mood Swings, Brain Fog & Exhaustion: The Hormone Conversation You Deserve with Dr. Carrie Jones 690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self

Midlife is a time for rebirth… a time to come into who you truly are.  In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with the brilliant Dr. Deanna Minich to dive into how this stage of life can bring you to the best version of yourself after years of balancing roles, expectations, and responsibilities.  Dr. Minich shares why midlife is the perfect time to rediscover your voice, clarify your needs, and define your non-negotiables so you can live the next chapter on your own terms.  We’re reframing menopause not as an ending, but as the beginning of a powerful second half of life filled with purpose and authenticity.  Ready to reclaim your energy and step into midlife with clarity and confidence?  Tune in here!  Deanna Minich, PhD, MS, CNS, IFMCP Deanna Minich is a nutrition scientist, international lecturer, educator, and author with over 25 years of experience in academia and in the food and dietary supplement industries. She’s the Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health, and has written seven books and over 50 scientific publications. Her work aims to help others live well by using therapeutic lifestyle changes that impact their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. IN THIS EPISODE Uncommon signs that you’re entering  perimenopause  The importance of musculoskeletal strength in midlife What’s really going on with female hormones in perimenopause  Setting boundaries in midlife in your relationships and career Balancing lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy for optimal results  How to navigate stress and manage your nervous system Finding your authentic self in perimenopause and beyond How to connect with Dr. Deanna for more midlife expertise  QUOTES “I think it's a really powerful system and I think the best thing for women, no matter if you're going through perimenopause, you're just about to enter, or even if you're post, it's really connecting into that wisdom within that we have as the endocrine system.” “There's no way I could ever do women's health on my own. I want to be connected to a collaborative, to a team, to other people in the space where we rise together and we really get the message out. So that's what I've been doing.” “Here’s the message for women: we all need a way to bring ourselves into better coherence, better emotional, mental status, like where we feel in the zone.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your Troscription Order http://troscriptions.com/ENERGIZED Use code ENERGIZED and get 15% off on your entire purchase https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/products/herbatonin https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/products/macalife Dr. Deanna’s Website Dr. Deanna on Instagram Dr. Deanna on Facebook Symphony Natural Health Website RELATED EPISODES  724: Age Like A Girl: Why Midlife Women Stop Shrinking and Start Leading with Dr. Mindy Pelz  721: No, It’s Not All in Your Head: The Medical Truth About Perimenopause with Dr. Jila Senemar 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You  574: The Connection between Trauma, the Immune System, and Autoimmune Disease: Lab Testing and Solutions with Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried

Struggling to reclaim your identity and find joy in midlife?  You’re far from the only one! In this episode, I’m joined by women’s health and hormone expert Dr. Sonya Jensen to explore how you can turn your midlife overwhelm into a true awakening.   We talk about the reality of this season—juggling kids, careers, aging parents, and big life transitions—while your body undergoes one of its most profound hormonal and emotional shifts.  Unresolved trauma can surface out of nowhere during perimenopause and menopause, but we cover why these mental and emotional shifts make sense biologically. Dr. Jensen invites you to reframe midlife as a powerful opportunity to celebrate change rather than resist it, and to reconnect with peace, joy, and self-trust.   This conversation is packed with tools to help you refocus your mind and reclaim the parts of yourself that may have been lost along the way.  Tune in here to redefine who you are in midlife! Dr. Sonya Jensen ND Sonya Jensen is a Naturopathic Physician, international speaker, author, and embodied healer who guides women to reclaim their power through hormonal wisdom, emotional depth, and ancestral healing. She integrates trauma-informed modalities, herbs, nutrition, hormone therapy, longevity medicine, and nervous system support to address the unseen patterns behind hormonal imbalance. Dr. Sonya Jensen is the founder of the HER Method and the HER Community, where she helps women decode the stories their bodies are telling to transform relationships, fertility, perimenopause, and life’s transitions.  IN THIS EPISODE Shifts that happen physically and mentally in perimenopause  How to handle the resurfacing of trauma that comes in midlife  Changing the narrative around women’s hormonal shifts in all stages of life  Showing yourself grace and recognizing that shifts in your mental capacity are normal and okay Making changes to help support your emotions during perimenopause and menopause  Best lifestyle tips to regulate your mind and body back to a state of peace  Discussing boundaries and discernment in midlife and what that can look like for you  How to learn more about healing your hormones with Dr. Sonya Jensen’s latest book  QUOTES “I wish I had just sat down with other women and just talked about these transitions, and just talked about the challenges I'm feeling. But when you have this pressure on yourself to make it seem like you have it all together so you can hold space for others, it's really challenging to ask for help.” “When we normalize that, then we can normalize perimenopause and the changes that we go through and the suffering that we may go through, but we can have a different relationship to that suffering.” “We're losing those hormones. We're losing that armor. We're losing that protection that those hormones we're giving you. So if we're low in estrogen, most women will feel less motivated, maybe a little bit more depressed, maybe more fearful too because estrogen does help to stabilize that fear center.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my latest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE https://peri-revolution.com/ Order Dr. Jensen’s Book: Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself http://www.healyourhormonesbook.com Dr. Jensen’s Website Dr. Jensen on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  722: Why Women Feel Unsafe Right Now: Trauma, Hormones & Protecting the Next Generation with Dr. Aimie Apigian 720: Why No One Talks About Loneliness in Midlife—And Why It’s Not Just You  717: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore”: The Mental & Emotional Reality of Perimenopause 702: How to Heal Trauma and Rebuild Trust Through Connectability with Anna Runkle