639. The Keto, GLP-1 & Fasting Mistakes Wrecking Midlife Women — with Maria Emmerich

In this episode, I sit down with nutrition expert and bestselling author Maria Emmerich to talk about a topic that rarely gets discussed honestly: what happens when health habits that seem beneficial start working against you. Maria shares her personal experience navigating years of caregiving, chronic stress, under-eating, muscle loss, and the wake-up call that forced her to rethink many of the strategies she had promoted and practiced throughout her career. Together, we explore the difference between pursuing health and simply chasing a number on the scale, and why maintaining muscle, supporting hormones, and properly fueling your body matter more than many people realize. We also take a closer look at some of the most common nutrition and weight loss trends women are using today, including keto, fasting, GLP-1 medications, and high-protein nutrition. Maria explains why protein has become a central focus of her work, how fasting affects muscle preservation, what insulin actually does in the body, and why many women struggle with metabolic health during perimenopause and menopause. What you’ll learn: Why Maria reconsidered many of her own nutrition practices after a major health setback How chronic stress and caregiving responsibilities can quietly impact metabolic health The difference between losing weight and losing muscle Why protein intake may matter more than calorie restriction for many women What insulin actually does in the body and why it isn't the villain it's often made out to be How fasting affects muscle mass, metabolism, and long-term health outcomes The role hormones play in body composition, energy, and insulin sensitivity during midlife What women should consider before, during, and after using GLP-1 medications If you are currently navigating weight loss, hormonal changes, fasting, keto, or GLP-1 medications - this episode is for you!