Ep. 157 The Systems Behind Metabolism: Why Calories Aren’t the Whole Story
Wed Feb 04 2026
If you’ve been told metabolism is just about calories in and calories out, this conversation offers a much-needed reframe.
In this roundtable episode, Cindi is joined by several HER+ Experts from the free online Inclusive Provider Directory to explore the systems behind metabolism—and why it’s about far more than food or willpower. Together, they break down how hormones, sleep, stress, muscle, nourishment, and the nervous system all work together to influence metabolic health, especially through motherhood and midlife.
The experts discuss common red flags moms often overlook, including disrupted sleep, fatigue, appetite changes, mood shifts, and stubborn weight changes, and how these signals can point to deeper hormonal or metabolic needs. You’ll hear why strength training is essential for women, how building muscle supports metabolism and longevity, and why sleep quality plays a critical role in how the body functions.
The conversation also highlights under-recognized issues like insulin resistance and sleep apnea in women, along with realistic strategies to improve sleep, manage stress, and support the body as a whole—without chasing perfection.
This episode is a compassionate reminder that metabolism is dynamic and interconnected. When you understand the systems behind it, you can stop blaming yourself and start supporting your body in ways that truly matter.
These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode:
Metabolism is shaped by multiple systems—not just calories.You will learn how hormones, sleep, stress, muscle, and the nervous system all work together to influence metabolism, and why focusing only on food or willpower often leads to frustration rather than results.
Common “normal” symptoms are actually important metabolic signals.This episode will help you recognize red flags like disrupted sleep, fatigue, mood changes, appetite shifts, and stubborn weight changes as meaningful clues—not personal failures—that may point to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or unmet nutritional and recovery needs.
Strength training and sleep are foundational, not optional.You will understand why building muscle is critical for metabolic health at any age, how it supports blood sugar, hormones, and longevity, and why improving sleep quality (not perfection) can dramatically impact energy, metabolism, and overall well-being.
HER+ Experts:
● Katherin Andrew, Registered Dietitian - https://www.katherineandrew.com/
● Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/
● Sarah Parise, ACE Certified Fitness Professional - https://greatdaysbysarah.com/
● Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/
Episode Notes and Resources:
FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness
HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership
Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.
More
If you’ve been told metabolism is just about calories in and calories out, this conversation offers a much-needed reframe. In this roundtable episode, Cindi is joined by several HER+ Experts from the free online Inclusive Provider Directory to explore the systems behind metabolism—and why it’s about far more than food or willpower. Together, they break down how hormones, sleep, stress, muscle, nourishment, and the nervous system all work together to influence metabolic health, especially through motherhood and midlife. The experts discuss common red flags moms often overlook, including disrupted sleep, fatigue, appetite changes, mood shifts, and stubborn weight changes, and how these signals can point to deeper hormonal or metabolic needs. You’ll hear why strength training is essential for women, how building muscle supports metabolism and longevity, and why sleep quality plays a critical role in how the body functions. The conversation also highlights under-recognized issues like insulin resistance and sleep apnea in women, along with realistic strategies to improve sleep, manage stress, and support the body as a whole—without chasing perfection. This episode is a compassionate reminder that metabolism is dynamic and interconnected. When you understand the systems behind it, you can stop blaming yourself and start supporting your body in ways that truly matter. These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode: Metabolism is shaped by multiple systems—not just calories.You will learn how hormones, sleep, stress, muscle, and the nervous system all work together to influence metabolism, and why focusing only on food or willpower often leads to frustration rather than results. Common “normal” symptoms are actually important metabolic signals.This episode will help you recognize red flags like disrupted sleep, fatigue, mood changes, appetite shifts, and stubborn weight changes as meaningful clues—not personal failures—that may point to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or unmet nutritional and recovery needs. Strength training and sleep are foundational, not optional.You will understand why building muscle is critical for metabolic health at any age, how it supports blood sugar, hormones, and longevity, and why improving sleep quality (not perfection) can dramatically impact energy, metabolism, and overall well-being. HER+ Experts: ● Katherin Andrew, Registered Dietitian - https://www.katherineandrew.com/ ● Dr. Abby DeVries, Family Medicine Doctor - https://www.sabiahealthnc.com/ ● Sarah Parise, ACE Certified Fitness Professional - https://greatdaysbysarah.com/ ● Kate Layman, Certified Nurse Midwife - https://motherlovewellness.com/ Episode Notes and Resources: FREE Expert Provider Directory - https://herhealthcollective.com/search-the-directory/?type=fitness HER Circle (A Mom community by HER Health Collective) - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.