#169: Sacred Metabolism - Why midlife energy and weight are not just about food
Tue Feb 03 2026
You have probably been told midlife is a slow slide into decline. Weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog – “just part of the deal now.”
Most women already know the basics: eat well, move more, manage stress. But knowing has not been the problem. The problem is that midlife demands a different approach – one that works with your body, your hormones, and your nervous system… not against them.
In this episode, I am joined by “midlife alchemist” Carla Wainwright to explore metabolism as more than biology. We talk about physical metabolism (blood sugar, hormones, mitochondria) and the deeper layer Carla calls sacred metabolism – the energetic, intuitive, embodied part of you that so many women have learned to override.
This is not an episode to consume and forget. It is an invitation to implement something small, steady, and meaningful – so you can stop firefighting symptoms and start leading your health.
In this episode, we unwrap:
What metabolism actually is (and why it is not just about weight).
Why women’s metabolism changes across the cycle, perimenopause, and post-menopause.
The link between chronic stress, blood sugar, and poor metabolic health.
Why what used to work may stop working when women reach menopause because of the shift in hormones and stress responses.
What Carla means by “sacred metabolism” and why energy matters.
Why midlife can be a portal into your most powerful years.
How small actions create big outcomes when they are consistent and matched to your nervous system capacity.
Three simple, practical steps you can start today (even with a full life).
About Carla Wainwright:
Carla Wainwright is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Sexual Awakening Facilitator, and Midlife Alchemist.
She supports women 40+ to reclaim vitality, balance their hormones, and reconnect with their pleasure and power through a blend of metabolic health, nervous system healing, and sensual embodiment.
With a background in biology, homeopathy, and over two decades of experience in the healing arts, Carla bridges science with sacred wisdom. She is especially passionate about helping women reframe midlife as a transformative rite of passage – a portal to deeper clarity, creative power, and authentic expression.
Connect with Carla:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Get Carla's FREE 'The Vibrancy Guide' to boost energy, balance hormones, and feel good in your body again.
About Life Now Coaching with Nicola:
We unwrap what healthy living really means, helping you cut through the confusion and overwhelm to build sustainable, healthy habits that actually fit your life. We’re here to strip back the noise and show you why prioritising your health is the key to the happy, vibrant life you’re striving for.
We specialise in supporting women in midlife to take control of their wellbeing and menopause journey using our RESET plan focused on: Mindset, Movement, Nutrition, Sleep, and Stress. Because when you feel strong, capable, and in control, everything changes.
Explore Our Free Resources & Support:
👉 Take the free Midlife Reset Quiz and find out what’s holding you back — and the first step to feeling like yourself again: https://nicola-w4qugfu9.scoreapp.com
🌎 Visit our website
📸 Follow on Instagram
💼 Connect on LinkedIn
🎥 Watch podcast episodes on YouTube
📖 Full episode notes available on our website here
🎙 Love the podcast? Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women create their own healthy habits and thrive through every season of life - including menopause!
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You have probably been told midlife is a slow slide into decline. Weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog – “just part of the deal now.” Most women already know the basics: eat well, move more, manage stress. But knowing has not been the problem. The problem is that midlife demands a different approach – one that works with your body, your hormones, and your nervous system… not against them. In this episode, I am joined by “midlife alchemist” Carla Wainwright to explore metabolism as more than biology. We talk about physical metabolism (blood sugar, hormones, mitochondria) and the deeper layer Carla calls sacred metabolism – the energetic, intuitive, embodied part of you that so many women have learned to override. This is not an episode to consume and forget. It is an invitation to implement something small, steady, and meaningful – so you can stop firefighting symptoms and start leading your health. In this episode, we unwrap: What metabolism actually is (and why it is not just about weight). Why women’s metabolism changes across the cycle, perimenopause, and post-menopause. The link between chronic stress, blood sugar, and poor metabolic health. Why what used to work may stop working when women reach menopause because of the shift in hormones and stress responses. What Carla means by “sacred metabolism” and why energy matters. Why midlife can be a portal into your most powerful years. How small actions create big outcomes when they are consistent and matched to your nervous system capacity. Three simple, practical steps you can start today (even with a full life). About Carla Wainwright: Carla Wainwright is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Sexual Awakening Facilitator, and Midlife Alchemist. She supports women 40+ to reclaim vitality, balance their hormones, and reconnect with their pleasure and power through a blend of metabolic health, nervous system healing, and sensual embodiment. With a background in biology, homeopathy, and over two decades of experience in the healing arts, Carla bridges science with sacred wisdom. She is especially passionate about helping women reframe midlife as a transformative rite of passage – a portal to deeper clarity, creative power, and authentic expression. Connect with Carla: Website Instagram Facebook Get Carla's FREE 'The Vibrancy Guide' to boost energy, balance hormones, and feel good in your body again. About Life Now Coaching with Nicola: We unwrap what healthy living really means, helping you cut through the confusion and overwhelm to build sustainable, healthy habits that actually fit your life. We’re here to strip back the noise and show you why prioritising your health is the key to the happy, vibrant life you’re striving for. We specialise in supporting women in midlife to take control of their wellbeing and menopause journey using our RESET plan focused on: Mindset, Movement, Nutrition, Sleep, and Stress. Because when you feel strong, capable, and in control, everything changes. Explore Our Free Resources & Support: 👉 Take the free Midlife Reset Quiz and find out what’s holding you back — and the first step to feeling like yourself again: https://nicola-w4qugfu9.scoreapp.com 🌎 Visit our website 📸 Follow on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎥 Watch podcast episodes on YouTube 📖 Full episode notes available on our website here 🎙 Love the podcast? Subscribe, rate, and review to help more women create their own healthy habits and thrive through every season of life - including menopause!