Stop Self-Sabotaging Your Weight Loss (Especially if You’re a Woman Over 40)

Why This Feels So Hard (and Why It’s Not Your Fault)

If you’ve ever thought,

“I start strong every Monday, and by Wednesday, I’m right back where I started,”

you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not broken!

Most women I work with are smart, capable, and disciplined. They’ve done all the things: tracked calories, joined bootcamps, cut carbs, tried fasting, detoxes, even hormone supplements. And yet, despite all that effort, the scale won’t budge…or the progress doesn’t last.

If that sounds familiar, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, it’s because your brain and body are operating on an outdated program that no longer serves you.

In this post, I’m going to show you:

• Why you keep self-sabotaging your progress (even when you don’t mean to)

• What’s actually happening in your brain when you “fall off track”

• And how to reset your metabolism and mindset to finally see lasting results

(Plus, at the bottom, I’ll share my free Midlife Metabolism Jumpstart Guide to help you start applying this right away.)

Why Self-Sabotage Happens…Especially in Midlife

Let’s get one thing straight: self-sabotage isn’t a lack of discipline.

It’s your subconscious mind doing what it thinks is best to protect you.

Here’s the truth most diets never talk about — your brain is wired for familiarity, not change. Everything that’s familiar… even stress-eating after a long day or skipping your morning walk, feels safe to your subconscious because it’s predictable.

So when you start doing something new, like eating differently, exercising regularly, or saying no to that nightly glass of wine… your brain quietly panics. It whispers, “Wait, this feels different, and different might not be safe!”

The result?
You slide back into old routines, even when you want to change.

This is why you can feel so motivated one day and completely “off track” the next. It’s not weakness, it’s wiring.

Why It Gets Harder After 40

As women enter their 40s and 50s, hormone shifts, stress, and years of dieting all collide, and your metabolism becomes more sensitive to what’s happening in your nervous system.

Here’s what’s going on beneath the surface:

• Cortisol (stress hormone) becomes more reactive, which can trigger cravings, water retention, and disrupted sleep.

• Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations change how your body uses fuel and builds muscle.

• Your subconscious patterns, the ones that helped you survive busy seasons of life, start to conflict with what your body actually needs now.

So when you push harder, restrict more, or try to “willpower” your way through, your body resists, not because it’s stubborn, but because it’s protecting you from perceived stress.

How to Break the Self-Sabotage Loop

The good news? Once you understand this pattern, you can reprogram it.

Here’s where to start:

1. Expect Resistance

Change will always feel uncomfortable at first. That’s your brain’s “safety alarm.”
Instead of seeing it as failure, remind yourself: “This is just my brain adjusting to a new normal.”

2. Catch the Pattern Early

Notice when you start to talk yourself out of doing the things that make you feel better - like prepping meals, moving your body, or going to bed on time. Awareness always comes before change.

3. Recommit Without Guilt

You didn’t fail. You just paused.
Every time you recommit, you’re teaching your brain that this new pattern is safe.

4. Embrace Temporary Discomfort

That uneasy feeling? It’s proof that you’re growing.
Your subconscious is learning that the new familiar can also be safe, supportive, and sustainable.

5. Build Identity Over Outcome

Instead of focusing on “losing 15 pounds,” focus on becoming the woman who naturally eats well, moves daily, and speaks kindly to herself.
Because the more you act like her now, the faster your brain and body align with that version of you.

The Midlife Metabolism Reset (What Your Body Actually Needs Now)

Most women over 40 don’t need another diet - they need a reset that supports their metabolism and their mindset.

A few things that make all the difference:

• Prioritize protein at every meal (especially breakfast). It balances blood sugar and reduces cravings.

• Lift weights or resistance train 2–3 times per week - it boosts metabolism far more than cardio alone.

• Get quality sleep - your metabolism and hormones recalibrate overnight.

• Manage stress consciously - journaling, walking, or breathwork can reduce the cortisol spikes that lead to self-sabotage.

And most importantly, slow down enough to actually listen to your body.

You can’t force your way to lasting results. But you can support your body to work with you again.

Next Steps: Start Resetting Your Mind & Metabolism

You don’t need to “try harder.” You just need the right roadmap…one that works with your hormones, your metabolism, and your mindset.

That’s exactly what I created inside The Midlife Metabolism Jumpstart Guide, a free step-by-step resource that helps you:
✅ Reset your metabolism naturally
✅ Rebuild habits that actually stick
✅ Start seeing results that last

It’s the first step I give to every woman who’s ready to stop starting over.

👉 Download your free guide here: The Midlife Metabolism Jumpstart Guide

And if this topic hit home, you’ll love my newest YouTube video:
🎥 Watch: Stop Self-Sabotaging Your Weight Loss (Women Over 40)

When you subscribe, you’ll get more practical tips each week to help you stay consistent, balanced, and confident in your midlife body - without restriction or burnout.

Final Thoughts

You’ve spent enough years thinking something was wrong with you.
It’s time to understand what’s really going on, and to start working with your body, not against it.

Because you’re not failing.
You’re just ready for a new way.

Progress, not perfection. 💛
— Genny Tonin, Holistic Nutritionist & Creator of The Midlife Metabolism Fix

Tired of Starting Over? Here’s How to Stay Consistent With Weight Loss After 40 (Without Restriction)

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “How am I back here again?”

Maybe you started strong, saw some progress, felt amazing…and then life happened.

Work got busy. The holidays rolled in. You skipped a workout (or three). And before you knew it, you were promising yourself you’d “start fresh on Monday.”

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re definitely not alone.

This pattern, making progress, losing momentum, starting over, is one of the most common frustrations I hear from women in midlife trying to lose weight, balance hormones, and rebuild energy.

But here’s the truth no one tells you:

You don’t need more motivation or discipline.
You need alignment.

What “Alignment” Actually Means (and Why It Matters More Than Willpower)

Alignment is when your thoughts, emotions, and actions all point in the same direction, toward the woman you want to become.

When you’re in alignment, healthy habits stop feeling like a chore.

They become natural, almost automatic. You make better food choices without overthinking them, move your body because it feels good, and show up for yourself consistently…even when life gets messy.

But when you’re out of alignment?
Everything feels forced. Heavy. Exhausting.

That’s when we reach for the quick fixes, the restarts, the “I’ll be better on Monday” plan.

Think of It Like a Compass

Your goals…feeling strong, confident, and energized, are your true north.
You can wander off course (we all do), but your internal compass never disappears.

Every small, intentional choice that brings you back toward your true north, like choosing a protein-rich breakfast, taking a quick walk after dinner, or simply breathing before reacting, is an act of realignment.

And the best part?
You don’t need to start over to find your way back.
You just need to return.

3 Simple Realignment Practices You Can Start Today

1. Morning Micro-Alignments
   Begin your day with one small act that grounds you in the identity of the woman you’re becoming - not the one who’s still “trying.”
   This could be a 10-minute walk, a mindful breath, or a high-protein breakfast. Direction over perfection.

2. Pre-Decide From Your Future Self
   When you know a trigger is coming (a party, trip, or holiday), ask: “What would my future self choose here?”
   Making decisions from intention, not emotion, helps you stay calm, empowered, and consistent.

3. The 3-Minute Realignment
   When you drift - and you will - take three minutes to breathe, reflect, and ask: “What’s one small thing I can do to realign?”
   Then do that one thing. Drink water. Go for a walk. Write one line in your journal.

It’s not about restarting, it’s about returning.

Watch: How to Stay Consistent With Weight Loss After 40 (Without Starting Over Again)

I dive deeper into these three alignment practices in my latest YouTube video.

It’s a short, practical breakdown of how to create consistency that feels natural…even when life, hormones, or the holidays try to pull you off course.

👉 Click here to watch the video on YouTube

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the start-over cycle, this one’s for you.

Let’s Talk About Your Alignment

If this message resonates with you, if you’re done “starting fresh on Monday” and you’re ready to finally see lasting progress, I’d love to help you get there.

You can book a free Midlife Metabolism Fix Discovery Call with me here → Book Your Call

In this relaxed, 30-minute chat, we’ll look at what’s really been keeping you stuck and map out your next steps to get your metabolism, mindset, and habits back in alignment.

No pressure. No guilt. Just clarity, compassion, and a plan that actually fits your life.

Final Thought

Staying in alignment isn’t about control or perfection.
It’s about connection…to your body, your goals, and the woman you’re becoming.

Every moment gives you the chance to come back to yourself.
You don’t need to restart.
You just need to return. 💛

Why Weight Loss Feels So Hard After 40 (and What Actually Works)

If you’ve ever felt stuck on your weight loss journey… you’re not alone.

You start a new plan, maybe it’s a diet, a workout, or a morning routine, and you tell yourself,
“This time, I’m really doing it.”

You start strong. You’re motivated. You’re focused.
And then…

life happens.

You hit a wall, lose steam, or find yourself right back where you started, wondering why you can’t seem to make it stick.

And if you’re anything like most women in midlife, you start to question yourself.
You think, “What’s wrong with me?”

But here’s the truth: you’re not failing, you’re just in the middle of your story.

Your Weight Loss Journey graphic showing plan vs. reality inspired by a widely shared online concept illustrating nonlinear progress.

The Myth of the Straight Line

We all picture our weight loss journey looking like that neat, straight line from point A to point B predictable, steady, and smooth.

But in reality?
It looks a lot more like this:

Messy.
Nonlinear.
Full of dips, detours, storms, and the occasional meltdown in the kitchen while staring at a jar of almond butter.

And yet… that’s not failure.
That’s the process.

Transformation. Real, lasting transformation…well it NEVER follows a straight line.

The Real Reason Weight Loss Feels So Hard

Most women in midlife aren’t struggling because they lack willpower.

They’re struggling because no one ever prepared them for this part of the journey…what I call the messy middle.

We’ve been told if we just eat right and exercise, the results will follow.

But what no one tells us is what to do when:

• Motivation fades

• Hormones shift

• Life throws us curveballs

When we stop, we think it means we’ve fallen off track.

But what if it actually means we’re right where we’re supposed to be?

You’re not off track! You’re on the exact path you were meant to be on!!!

This is where the growth happens.

The Hero’s Journey and Why It Applies to You

There’s a pattern that exists in every great story ever told, from The Wizard of Oz to The Lord of the Rings to Star Wars.

It’s called The Hero’s Journey, a concept first described by mythologist Joseph Campbell.

Every hero starts in their comfort zone, gets called into something bigger, faces impossible obstacles, meets a guide, and ultimately discovers that the power they needed was inside them all along.

Dorothy didn’t need the wizard.
Frodo didn’t need to be fearless.
Luke didn’t need to be perfect.

And you?

You don’t need to do it perfectly either.

Because your weight loss journey…your transformation…It follows the same pattern.

You’re not broken.
You’re becoming.

Three Ways to Keep Moving Forward (Even When It Feels Impossible)

If you’re stuck in the messy middle right now, here are three things that can shift everything:

1️⃣ Accept the Path as It Is

Stop fighting against it.

The ups and downs, the plateaus, the setbacks… they aren’t proof that you’re failing.
They’re proof that you’re growing.
Every obstacle is direction, not detour.

2️⃣ Keep Moving Forward (Even in Tiny Steps)

Progress isn’t about speed, it’s about momentum.
One small action today creates ripple effects tomorrow.
As I often say to my clients, “consistency is the secret sauce”.

3️⃣ Don’t Go It Alone

Every hero has a guide.
Someone who helps them see what they can’t yet see themselves.
Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a mentor, having support doesn’t mean you’re weak.
It means you’re wise enough to accept help on the climb.
In fact, every successful person, in every area of life…business, sports, entertainment…they all have a guide

You’re Not Starting Over! You’re Still on the Path

Maybe right now you’re tired.
Maybe you’ve tried everything and you’re wondering if it’s even worth it.

Please hear me:
You are not lost.
You’re not starting over.
You’re still on the path, and every hill you climb is shaping the woman you’re becoming.

This journey isn’t just about losing pounds or inches.
It’s about rediscovering your strength, your confidence, your energy, and your identity.

You’re not failing.
You’re transforming.

A Note from Genny

If this message spoke to you, I’d love for you to watch the full video version here.  It’s a powerful reminder that even when things feel messy, you’re still moving forward.

And if you’re ready to keep walking this journey with me, come hang out over on YouTube. I share weekly videos to help you build energy, balance hormones, and find peace with your body again.

💛 Subscribe here 

Or, if you’d like more personalized support, you can learn about my coaching program, The Midlife Metabolism Fix, right here.

What No One Tells You About Weight Loss After 40

When most of us think about losing weight, we expect the obvious: hunger, cravings, workouts, and saying no to the foods we used to say yes to.

But there’s something nobody talks about when it comes to weight loss after 40.

It’s not just about fat.

Many women are blindsided by the emotional side of fat loss, and it can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself crying in your car for no reason, suddenly anxious or irritable, or flooded with old emotions that seem to come out of nowhere.

The truth?
When your body burns fat, it’s not just releasing stored energy, it can also stir up emotions you’ve been carrying for years.

My Own Experience

As a holistic nutritionist, I’ve studied weight loss science in depth. Calories, macros, metabolism, hormones, those tools are important. But when I first began losing weight myself, I was shocked by something no one had warned me about:

👉 I wasn’t just hungry.
👉 I wasn’t just tired.
👉 I was emotional…raw, vulnerable, and confused.

I’d find myself sitting in the car crying for no apparent reason. Old grief, anger, guilt, even anxiety rose up at the worst times. And each time, I thought something was wrong with me.

In fact, this is what tripped me up in countless past attempts at weight loss. I’d hit this emotional wall, assume I was failing, quit, and start all over again.

Only later did I discover: nothing was wrong with me.
My body was doing something powerful…releasing what it no longer needed, both physically and emotionally.

Why This Happens? 3 Key Reasons

1. The Science: Fat Is Alive

We often picture fat as just a “blob” sitting on the body. In reality, fat is a living organ. It stores hormones, inflammatory signals, even toxins. When you lose fat, those compounds re-enter circulation, influencing mood, stress, and sleep.

It’s like opening an overstuffed closet, the clothes fall out, but so does the dust, junk, and forgotten boxes.

2. The Somatic Side: The Body Remembers

Stress responses like fight, flight, or freeze can get “stuck” in the body. As your nutrition, sleep, and movement improve during weight loss, these stored patterns begin to loosen. That’s why old emotions may surface unexpectedly.

Animals know how to shake stress off…literally. Humans, not so much. Instead, we tend to carry it, often stored in fat tissue.

3. The Energetic/Spiritual Side

Traditional systems have long linked emotions with the body.

• Chinese Medicine: liver = anger, lungs = grief, spleen = worry

• Ayurveda: fat tissue carries impressions (samskaras)

• Louise Hay: weight can represent protection

Across cultures, fasting and bodywork have always been associated with emotional release. When you shed body fat, you’re not just losing weight…you’re peeling away a layer of protection.

I like to call it a double cleanse: releasing what you no longer need, physically AND emotionally.

Tools to Move Through the Emotional Side of Weight Loss

If you’ve felt this, you’re not broken. But you do need tools to process it, or you risk getting stuck.

Here are some simple practices that can help:

Quick Wins

• Two-Minute Journal Prompt
  Write: “What am I releasing right now?” or “What do I no longer need to carry?” Don’t judge it. Just get it out.

• Walk + Breath Combo
  Take a 10-minute walk after meals, focusing on longer exhales (inhale for 4, exhale for 6). This calms your nervous system and balances blood sugar.

• Hand-to-Heart Reset
  Hands over your heart, 3 deep breaths. A mini “reset button” that signals safety to your body.

Deeper Shifts

• Somatic Release (TRE-style shaking)
  Lie down, knees bent, and let your legs tremble for a few minutes. It feels strange at first, but it helps complete stress loops stored in the body.

• Release Ritual
  Write down an old belief or emotion. Tear it up, burn it, or speak out loud: “I release this with gratitude.” These symbolic acts help the brain anchor change.

You’re Not Failing! You’re Processing

If emotions rise up during weight loss, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your body is doing a deep reset. With compassion and the right tools, you can move through it gracefully instead of feeling stuck.

Ready for Your Next Step?

👉 Download my free Midlife Metabolism Jumpstart Guide. This is your first step toward sustainable fat loss after 40 that supports both your body and emotions.

👉 Watch the full video HERE.

And I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever experienced unexpected emotions during weight loss? Share your story in the comments on YouTube. You might help another woman feel less alone.

What Sugar Cravings Are Really Telling You (It’s Not About Willpower)

If you’ve ever felt like sugar cravings are controlling your life, you’re not alone. So many women over 40 blame themselves, thinking they’re weak, undisciplined, or “broken”, because they just can’t get control of their cravings.

Here’s the truth…it’s not a discipline problem!

Cravings aren’t a sign of weakness. They’re signals from your body. Think of them like warning lights on your car’s dashboard. They’re clues that something inside needs attention.

As a holistic nutritionist who’s worked with hundreds of women in midlife, I’ve seen how powerful it is when you stop fighting cravings and instead learn how to decode them. In this post, I’ll share:

• Why sugar cravings happen in midlife

• My personal story of the cravings roller-coaster

• 3 simple fixes you can start today to calm cravings naturally

• A bonus hydration tip that makes a surprising difference

By the end, you’ll see cravings not as enemies, but as messages that can guide you toward balance and control.

Living on the Cravings Roller-coaster

For years, I didn’t even realize I was struggling with sugar cravings. I didn’t consider myself someone with a “sweet tooth” I wasn’t binging on chocolate bars or candy.

Instead, it was carbs. Pasta, bagels, muffins, rice, crackers, any kind of starchy food became my quick fix.

Here was my daily pattern:

• Skip breakfast at home

• Crash mid-morning at work = grab a coffee drink or muffin

• Feel better briefly, then crash again

• Lunch helped, but by mid-afternoon I’d be rummaging for snacks, granola bars, popcorn, or running to the store

• By evening, I was hangry, cranky, and staring into the cupboards looking for relief

Sound familiar?

Back then, I thought I was just hypoglycemic or someone who needed to eat often to “keep blood sugar even.” What I didn’t realize was that I was on a blood sugar roller-coaster and my cravings were the flashing warning lights.

When I finally learned how to stabilize my blood sugar, my cravings vanished. That was my “aha” moment: cravings aren’t the enemy…they’re messengers!

3 Ways to Fix Sugar Cravings From the Root

Instead of relying on willpower or trying to fight cravings, let’s address the root cause. Here are three simple strategies you can start today:

1. Prioritize Protein at Every Meal

Most midlife women I work with aren’t eating nearly enough protein and this is the fastest way to stop cravings in their tracks.

• Aim for a minimum of 30 grams of protein per meal

• Protein slows digestion, keeps blood sugar steady, and helps you feel full and energized

• Easy swaps: eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, whey protein shakes instead of cereal, muffins, or toast

Ask yourself: Did my last meal set me up for this craving? Did I hit my protein target?

2. Boost Your Magnesium Intake

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of processes in the body, including blood sugar regulation. And most of us are deficient due to depleted soil, stress, poor sleep, and processed foods.

Signs of low magnesium can include muscle cramps, fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, and of course cravings.

• Eat magnesium-rich foods: leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds, dark chocolate

• Consider supplementing with magnesium glycinate (bisglycinate) for better absorption and calming benefits

• Bonus: it also helps with mood, stress, and energy

3. Try Emotional Repatterning

Not all cravings are physical. Sometimes they’re triggered by stress, boredom, or habit.

Next time a craving strikes, pause for just a minute and ask yourself: What do I really need right now?

Try this instead of reaching for sugar on autopilot:

• Drink a glass of water

• Take a short walk

• Breathe deeply for 60 seconds

• Shift your focus before deciding if you’re truly hungry

Over time, this helps you retrain your brain so sugar isn’t the default answer.

Bonus Tip: Hydrate First

Dehydration is one of the most overlooked causes of sugar cravings. Hunger and thirst can feel the same inside your body.

Use this simple formula:
Drink half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water daily.
Example: If you weigh 160 lbs, aim for ~80 ounces of water per day.

Pro tip: Add a pinch of sea salt or trace mineral drops to your water. This supports electrolyte balance without expensive flavored mixes.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, cravings don’t mean you’re broken, they’re just clues your body is sending you. When you learn to decode those messages, you’ll feel more in control, more energized, and less stuck on the cravings roller-coaster.

Your Next Step

Want to balance your blood sugar and cut cravings naturally?
Download my free Midlife Metabolism Jumpstart Guide here.

In it, I’ll walk you through simple, proven steps to calm cravings, stabilize energy, and finally feel like yourself again.