by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue
3 Tips for an Instant Boost with Confidence and Energy
Struggling with Confidence and Energy? You’re Not Alone
Many women over 40 feel stuck, sluggish, and frustrated. As hormonal changes take over, it can seem impossible to lose weight, regain energy, and feel good in your body again.
Amanda, one of my clients, walked into my office out of breath and full of self-doubt. She had just hit 100kg as her 46th birthday approached. “I’ve tried eating healthier like before, but my body won’t budge,” she said. “I feel like I’ve lost control, and I don’t even recognize myself anymore.”
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—I’ve got you! It’s all fixable, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Try these three simple hacks to get an instant Energy boost, Confidence and Energy.
3 Simple Tips to Regain Confidence and Energy
#1: Nourish Your Body with Real Food
It’s time to ditch the diet confusion and keep it simple. The key is wholesome, colorful foods with a balance of protein and fiber.
Focus on:
- Mostly plant-based foods with moderate protein (beans, tofu, fish, chicken, eggs…)
- A variety of colorful vegetables (steamed or raw)
- Whole foods—no artificial additives, hidden sugars, or processed fillers
Avoid:
- Processed foods packed with chemicals
- High sugar snacks that spike blood sugar
- Excess salt and artificial ingredients
Why does this work?
- More energy – No need for endless coffee refills!
- Steady blood sugar – Say goodbye to cravings & mood swings.
- Weight loss & reduced bloating – Hello, flatter stomach!
Start today: Fill half your plate with colorful veggies and eat real food consistently. You’ll feel the difference with Confidence and Energy in just a few days!
#2: Move Every Day – No Excuses!
According to Kate Save, co-founder of Be Fit Foods, the secret to feeling better is daily movement.
“Get up and move every day, and you’ll unlock more energy while making better choices.”
Here’s why it works:
- Moving oxygenates your cells, boosting energy
- It flushes out toxins and reduces stress
- You’ll burn fat, not store it
How to start:
- Aim for 20 minutes of movement daily
- Choose what you love: Walk, cycle, yoga, pilates, weights—anything!
- Make it a habit, not a chore
Bonus: Moving first thing in the morning sets the tone for the day, making healthy decisions easier. Say goodbye to feeling frumpy when you’re bouncing with Confidence and Energy!
#3: Digital Detox – Take Back Your Time
Technology is draining your energy more than you think! The constant scrolling, swiping, and comparing wears you down.
Break the cycle with a digital detox:
- Schedule tech-free time daily
- Set an alarm one hour before bed to unwind
- Fill that time with self-care: Take a bath, read, meditate, or stretch
Why does this matter?
- Less screen time = better sleep
- Reduced stress = easier weight loss
- Being present = happier relationships
Try this: Step outside, feel the fresh air, and let your mind reset. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed, calmer, and in control.
Consistency is Key – Small Steps, Big Results
“That’s it? Just eat real food, move daily, and step away from screens?”
Confidence and Energy is necessity Yes! The hardest part is staying consistent, but the results are life-changing. When you change your daily habits, you transform your life.
You can also read this Struggling to create change in your life? or about Diaphragmatic Breathing and if you find it helpful, we love hearing your thoughts about it!
Ready to go from frumpy to fabulous? Book an online session and let’s make it happen together!
by Feeling Great | Body
4 Hidden Weight Loss Blockers
Weight Loss Blockers – Why Losing Weight Feels So Hard?
Reaching your ideal weight isn’t always as simple as eating well and exercising. Many people struggle despite their best efforts. The truth is, weight gain isn’t just about overeating or lack of movement—it’s influenced by your biology, environment, and habits.
Lisa’s story is a great example.
For 15 years, she fought to lose weight. She tried extreme diets, intense workouts, and even gave up when nothing worked. The cycle left her frustrated, exhausted, and at risk for diabetes.
That’s when she sought help.
Together, we created a personalized plan, identified what was blocking her success, and made consistent, tailored adjustments.
Six months later, Lisa had lost 25kg. She felt stronger, healthier, and happier. Seven years later, she’s still maintaining her goal weight and living life to the fullest.
Want to find your own success story? Start by uncovering!
4 Hidden Weight Loss Blockers.
1. Your Metabolic Set-Point is Keeping You Stuck
Did you know your body weight is under unconscious control? Just like blood pressure and temperature, your body works to keep weight stable—even if that weight is higher than you want.
Your metabolic set-point determines how much fat your body holds onto. If you cut calories, your body slows metabolism and increases appetite to return to its set weight.
But here’s the good news—you can reset your set-point. The key is small, sustainable changes tailored to your unique body. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but with the right strategy, long-term success is possible.
- Want to adjust your metabolic set-point? Click here to create a plan.
2. Stress is Sabotaging Your Progress
Chronic stress is one of the biggest barriers to weight loss. When stressed, your body releases cortisol, which spikes blood sugar and triggers cravings for high-calorie, comfort foods.
Emotional eating is also a response to stress. You may reach for sugary, fatty, or processed foods without even realizing it. Over time, this leads to weight gain and difficulty losing fat.
The solution? Managing stress is just as important as diet and exercise. Building emotional resilience and finding healthy coping strategies can help break the stress-weight gain cycle.
- Need guidance? A naturopath can help you build stress resilience.
3. Poor Sleep is Slowing Your Metabolism
If you’re not sleeping well, losing weight becomes much harder. Lack of sleep:
- Lowers metabolism
- Increases hunger hormones
- Reduces willpower to make healthy choices
Research shows poor sleep is linked to weight gain, increased waist size, and a higher metabolic set-point. If you’re always tired, your body craves energy, making it easier to overeat and harder to stay active.
- Struggling with sleep? Let’s work on restoring healthy sleep patterns.
4. Hidden Inflammation is Holding You Back
Inflammation is an often-overlooked cause of weight struggles. It can:
- Raise blood sugar, triggering fat storage
- Make it harder to lose weight, even with diet and exercise
- Release toxins from fat cells, creating a cycle of inflammation
Losing weight can reduce inflammation, but sometimes, your body needs extra support to process toxins. That’s where a clinical detox program can help.
- Want to reduce inflammation? A naturopath can guide you through a safe detox.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Weight loss is a personal journey, and challenges are normal. But you don’t have to struggle alone. Working with a naturopath ensures you’re making the right changes for your body and getting support when obstacles arise.
Ready to break through your weight loss barriers? Click here to book a consultation. Topic about losing belly fat? Click Here!
Looking forward to supporting you,
Julie Smethurst (Feeling Great Naturopath)
by Feeling Great | Weight Loss
Ways to Maintain a Healthy Weight
How To Reach Your Healthy Weight With No Calorie Counting
Fortunately, you have the power to normalize eating — and none of these strategies involve counting calories. To lose weight, keep it off, I use these nine effective strategies with my clients:
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by Feeling Great | Weight Loss
Foods to Avoid When Trying to Lose Weight
Foods to Avoid – Cut These Out for Faster Results
This Foods to Avoid tips will help you with your weight loss journey! Struggling to shed those extra pounds? The foods you eat play a huge role in weight loss. Some foods slow your metabolism, spike blood sugar, and lead to unnecessary cravings.
Here’s the truth: If you want to see results, it’s time to remove these from your home. Donate them, toss them out—just don’t keep them in your kitchen. And next time you’re shopping, skip the junk aisle!
Want guaranteed weight loss success? Start by avoiding these:
Foods to Avoid When Losing Weight
High-Calorie, Low-Nutrition Foods
- Fried Foods – Loaded with unhealthy fats and excess calories
- Fast Food – Processed, high in trans fats and refined carbs
- Potato Chips – Packed with calories and linked to weight gain
Tip: Whole potatoes are healthy, but French fries and chips are not! Studies show they contribute more to weight gain per serving than any other food. Plus, baked or fried potatoes may contain acrylamides, harmful compounds linked to health risks.
Sugary & Processed Carbs
- Table Sugar & Corn Syrup – Cause blood sugar spikes and cravings
- Soft Drinks (Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, etc.) – High in sugar, no nutritional value
- Cakes, Cookies, Pies & Pastries – Made with refined flour and sugar
- White Bread & Pasta – Low in fiber, leads to hunger spikes
- Canned Fruits with Added Sugar – Strips away natural nutrients
Sneaky Sugary Treats
- Chocolate Fudge, Lollies & Toffee – Pure sugar with no benefits
- Sweet Pickles & Puddings – Hidden sugars add unnecessary calories
- Flavored Popcorn – Often coated with butter, sugar, or artificial additives
Artificial Sweeteners – Not a Better Option
- Nutrasweet, Equal, Splenda, Sweet’N Low & Sugar Twin – May disrupt metabolism and increase cravings
Did you know? Artificial sweeteners may actually make you crave more sugar, leading to overeating.
Alcohol & Weight Loss
- Alcohol – Slows metabolism by up to 73% and adds empty calories
Think twice before that extra drink! Alcohol not only affects metabolism but also increases hunger, making it easier to overeat.
Need Help Cutting Junk Food?
Finding it hard to ditch unhealthy foods? You’re not alone! If you need support, motivation, or a meal plan to help you stay on track, reach out today. I’ll make it easier for you—guaranteed!
You can also check this Blog of mine about weight loss! and share it with your love ones!
by Feeling Great | Healthy Ageing, Personal Growth
Protect Your Greatest Asset
Are you going through a tough time? Maybe you’ve been through one or feel like you’re heading toward it. It’s inevitable. But your greatest asset—YOU—deserves care before the chaos hits.
Your Body: The One Thing You Can’t Replace
When you think of assets, material possessions often come to mind. But your body is the only thing you arrive in and leave with. When it wears out, so do you.
Taking care of yourself means better decisions, more balance, and greater energy. Sure, challenges will come, but when you’re strong, you’ll handle them with resilience.
How have you been treating yourself lately?
Are you fueling your body with what it needs, or just getting by? Many people, including me, realize too late that neglect leads to breakdown. I’ve been there—running on empty, dealing with brain fog, exhaustion, and chronic pain. Life was a struggle until I made a change.
How to Keep Your Greatest Asset in Peak Condition
1. Move Daily
Exercise for at least 20 minutes a day. Combine cardio and strength training. Strong muscles improve energy, sleep, and overall health.
2. Eat the Right Fuel
Focus on vegetables, protein, fruits, nuts, and seeds. If you’re vegetarian, ensure you get enough protein at every meal.
3. Hydrate Properly
Drink at least two liters of water daily. Herbal teas are great in winter, but avoid caffeinated options like green tea.
4. Reset Your Stress Response
Practice deep breathing or meditation daily. Try this simple technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 16, and exhale for 8. Repeat for 2 minutes each morning. End your day with 10 minutes of meditation to calm your mind.
5. Prioritize Sleep
Respect your circadian rhythm. Aim for sleep by 10 PM to allow your body to repair and reset.
6. Practice Self-Care
Take 10 minutes daily to do something that recharges you—watch a sunset, sit in the sun, stretch, or journal. Before bed, disconnect from screens and indulge in a bath, music, or meditation.
7. Take Breaks and Holidays
Recharge regularly. You don’t need an expensive trip—plan a three-day weekend or act like you’re on holiday at home.
This is especially true for caregivers. As Beyond Blue states: “It’s important for people who are supporting someone with anxiety and/or depression to look after themselves, both physically and emotionally.”
Time for a Tune-Up?
Is your greatest asset in need of a major overhaul, a service, or just a minor adjustment?
Are you stuck in unhealthy patterns and need guidance? Whether you need a complete reset or just some fine-tuning, I’m here to help. No challenge is too big or too small.
CLICK HERE to book an appointment and get back on track.
You can read Get Your Spark Back and Let’s get you feeling amazing—inside and out! or you can read this 5 Tips to Get Back Into Exercise After an Injury or Illness and if you find it helpful share your experience with us!
Julie xxx
Naturopath, Pharmacist, Life Coach
