Ascend Lifestyle Performance Podcast

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed and stressed out? It’s that moment when everything seems too much to handle. You might feel the urge to numb out, cry, give up, or reach for comfort food. Perhaps you're even tempted to skip your workout because you’re just too busy. I can relate! That’s why I've put together this podcast on 7 powerful questions you can ask yourself when you're in such situations. And please, don't get overwhelmed by the number of questions. Simply choose one or two that resonate with you and focus on practicing them. Because, friend, you deserve to feel good. You deserve to find calm in the chaos. I am so glad that you’re here. Hit play, and let’s talk! -Tanja x

Over 300 episodes ago (episode 103), I recorded a podcast called The Diet "Rules" that are Actually Worth Following.  It was one of my most popular podcasts, and this week I'm doing an updated version. My goal is to simplify nutrition. To throw out the dogmatic cult like approach and start to explore what works for you, while allowing some flexibility so that you can still make progress while enjoying life. There’s no doubt, nutrition matters. What you put into your body will affect how you feel, how your body looks and how your body functions. One of the question I get asked ALL the time is “what should I eat?”. If you rely on Dr. Google for your answer, you’ll find a spectrum of answers, from Atkins to the Zone Diet (and everything in between), all backed by hundreds of success stories and before and after pictures. They all work… For somebody. And they all work, usually for at least 4-6 weeks. We keep searching for the ‘best diet’ or diet hack that will easily help us shed pounds, have more energy, or rea

Have you ever been intrigued or perhaps confused by the sensational health claims you see on social media? Whether it's the latest superfood, a miracle supplement, or a new diet trend, understanding the truth behind these claims can be challenging. What should you believe? How much evidence is enough to change your habits? I'm excited to share with you the latest episode of the Fit + Vibrant You Podcast, where I explore the limitations of health studies and provide examples of how these sensational health claims are often not relevant in real life. In this episode, we delve into: The critical difference between correlation and causation in health research. How to discern between statistical significance and clinical significance – and why it matters to you. What to look for when learning about studies. The internet is FULL of comments from people who really don't understand science. The goal of THIS podcast is to help all of us become critical thinkers so we can understand what the science ACTUALLY tells us

Everything was going well in her life… except her weight. She was a smart, successful, driven person, why couldn’t she lose weight? Can you relate? I am thrilled to share a very real conversation with Michelle Pfile. We decided to let the conversation unfold naturally and I’m so glad we did. Michelle is a former Top 100 Aveda Salon and Spa owner who pivoted everything at the height of her career to find true fulfillment and purpose by helping women find freedom through health and wealth. Today we discuss: ⭐️ The pivotal moment that lead Michelle to lose 80 pounds and change careers in her 40s ⭐️ How she swung into being obsessed with food and weight loss. finding the middle ground, and what she’s learned from the journey ⭐️ How Michelle handled weight loss plateaus, even for months at a time ⭐️ Why it’s so important to start listening to your own body, as hard as that may be ⭐️ How Michelle stays committed to taking care of her health and keeping the weight off. I can relate to so much of what Michelle has to

  Two months ago, If someone asked me if I take care of myself, I would answer yes. I strength train 2-3 x per week and hike or run the other days.  I stretch and go for a walk most days. I journal most mornings and practice gratitude. I mostly choose healthy foods. I drink very little alcohol (and now not at all) I mostly enjoy my work. But then I read the book God on a Harley, and now I'm not so sure. In the book, God, who takes the character of the motorcyclist Joe, gives the main character six commandments to live by.  One of them was to take care of yourself, first and foremost. He said to the main character "you spend 40 hours a week at a job you think you hate, and you spend the rest of your waking hours lamenting over how imperfect you think your body is and how lonely you are without a man in your life". Oh. That. Let me ask you... are you taking care of yourself? Join me in this week's podcast as we expand the definition of self care beyond health practices and spa treatments.  The new definitio

Autumn was told that her autoimmune condition would affect her ability to have another baby. She was told that it was incurable. But Autumn was determined to find another way forward. When you Know Better, You Do Better. That’s the name of her podcast, and Autumn McLees is on a mission to share an alternative to traditional practices in health care the food industry, dentistry, childbirth and beyond. and equip others to explore holistic health. Some of the key points from our conversation: The infomercial that changed her life How she healed an autoimmune disease with holistic health care That healing means figuring out what’s causing the INTERFERENCE with your health, removing it, and supporting the body’s ability to heal The specific protocols and modalities Autumn used to heal How to make simple swaps to remove the stressors to your body Enjoy! -Tanja x Download Autumn’s Clean Swap Guide here: https://know-better-do-better.ck.page/fd698ea11c The Book "Self Heal by Design" that was mentioned: ht

I talk A LOT about mindset… but if you're trying to fight your physiology with mindset or willpower, you're going to lose.  In this week's episode I go over 3 hormones you MUST pay attention to if you want to get the body, and life you want. We'll dive into WHY they matter, and most importantly WHAT TO DO to balance hormones so you can get to your happy, healthy body weight AND love the journey. Press play, better yet, go for a walk and press play, and join me on the Fit + Vibrant You Podcast! When you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how I can help. Work with me: http://www.tanjashaw.com/apply  Take my FREE Quiz to Uncover Your Weight Loss Roadblock http://www.tanjashaw.com  Subscribe to the Fit + Vibrant You Podcast on your favourite podcast player Join our Newsletter: https://www.tanjashaw.com/join-our-newsletter/ Join Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/fitvibrantcommunity

Are you feeling burned out? Are you chasing success but feeling unfulfilled? Do you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? My friends, I am deeply honoured to have my good friend, Christine Jewell, on the Fit + Vibrant You Podcast. I personally get so much out of my conversations with Christine, whether as a guest on the podcast, or when we do our ‘walk and talks’. Christine is not only a true friend, but mentor and role model. In this podcast Christine shares:

Exercise.  Diet. Have a positive mindset. That pretty much sums up what most of us are taught about weight loss.  And it can work... until it doesn't anymore. Join me on today's podcast as I share 5 things I wish more women knew about weight loss. If your goal is weight loss (or weight maintenance), this podcast is for you. And, if you're looking for help, I have a 12 week coaching program to coach women 40+ to  end the struggle with food so they can lose weight without the obsession and feel free in their body and their life. Go to www.tanjashaw.com/apply to book a time to chat. You deserve to feel good, -Tanja x

Greta had struggled with food for decades. She could stick with it for a while, but then would fall off the 'wagon'. And now, she's feeling FREE with food.  She takes care of her health with joy. She no longer sneaks food. She is excited to go on vacations knowing she can enjoy herself AND feel good about her choices. And she's losing weight. So what does is really take to end the struggle with food? Join my conversation with my amazing client, Greta, as she shares the mindset shifts and strategies that worked for her. If you have been struggling with food and weight for too long, let's chat. I have a 12 week coaching program to coach women 40+ to  end the struggle with food so they can lose weight without the obsession and feel free in their body and their life. Go to www.tanjashaw.com/apply to book a time to chat. You deserve to feel good, -Tanja x

Do you want to live a fit, vibrant life for many, many years? Do you want to ENJOY those years? Do you want to do it without following complicated or arduous plans? If so, you are going to LOVE my interview with Celine Vadam. Celine Vadam, is a holistic health and lifestyle coach, yoga teacher and host of Blue Zones Retreat. Join our conversation as we discuss: The 9 health practices for longevity The power of community and connection on our health and enjoyment of life Simple nutrition principles to follow What are Blue Zones How to curate an environment that makes health living EASIER Whether we really need as much protein as ‘they’ say we do How to get started The importance of looking at wellness on a more holistic perspective (not just diet/exercise/supplements) I would love to hear what YOUR biggest takeaway was from the conversation or from watching the documentary on the Blue Zones. -Tanja x   Get in touch with Celine and learn more about the Blue Zones: http://www.bluezones.com/retr

In the last few months, I have been eating more plant based meals, and less meat, dairy and eggs.  When I learned about a local plant based cooking class (that included a lot of tasty samples), I said YES PLEASE! At the beginning of the class, one gentleman gave a presentation on the benefits of plant based meals. What piqued my interest more than the benefits of eating more fibre and veggies, was what he said about creating CHANGE. Whether you are working on eating less sugar, more plants, less alcohol, exercising more or ANYTHING at all, this podcast is for you. In fact, even if you're not working on anything at all, this podcast is still for you ❤️ Press play and let's chat! -Tanja x   If this podcast helps you in anyway, I would love for you to help me spread the message by: 1. Leaving a review on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts, 2. Share this podcast with a friend 3. Take a screenshot of the podcast (or a pic of you listening to it!) and share it to social media. Tag me in it so I can

Eat less. Move more. Count your calories. Or points. Or macros. Eat at much protein and fat as you want but avoid carbs and sugar. Eat anything you want as long as it fits your macros. Just follow this simple meal plan. Only eat within a 8 hour window. Stop eating after 7. How many of these have you tried to lose weight? How is it working for you? You might have heard someone argue that you shouldn't cut carloies, you should just avoid carbs instead. Or that instead of restricting calories, just focus on the TIME you eat. That weight loss has nothing to do with calories, just hormones. Someone else says that you should cut meat and all animal products. And that you NEED breakfast and that fasting will tank your hormones. And perhaps BOTH can be right for somebody, but the real question is... Why are you going to food when you're not hungry? Learning and focusing on nutrition is both necessary to lose weight AND a distraction from working through your emotional eating, all or nothing thinking, bi

Most women I work with are either in perimenopause, or are postmenopausal (makes sense as I work with women in midlife and beyond, and menopause is technically just one day). They tell me “what worked before is no longer working… it's my hormones.” It’s TRUE that hormones change and that hormones can absolutely affect your weight loss.  But so often we focus so much on the fact that our hormones are changing that it distracts us from the thing that is actually getting in our way, which is our basic habits. Things like… ✨constantly being on your phone ✨not prioritizing sleep ✨not getting enough movement  ✨not getting enough sunlight ✨having a to-do list of 37 things that you're never getting done ✨your negative self-talk ✨eating carb heavy meals or not enough protein + fibre ✨the extra-curricular eating that ‘doesn’t count’ So yes, hormones can change, and they can affect weight loss, but start with the foundations. Press play on today's episode to dive into the foundational habits to improve your energy,

You WANT to lose weight. You WANT a healthier relationship with food. You WANT to get off the on-again-off-again diet cycle. I believe you. And yet... you still don't put in the effort. You don't get help. You let life get in the way. What gives? Press play and join me to discover the five most common roadblocks to losing weight. If you this message resonates with you and you are ready to OVERCOME your roadblocks to weight loss, let's chat. Go to www.tanjashaw.com/apply to book a 45 minute call to learn more about working together.  I'm so glad you're here! -Tanja x P.S. If this podcast helps you in anyway, I would love for you to help me spread the message by: 1. Leaving a review on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts, 2. Share this podcast with a friend 3. Take a screenshot of the podcast (or a pic of you listening to it!) and share it to social media. Tag me in it so I can celebrate you!

“Less stress, more calm” is one of my goals. And it’s been a goal for the past 6 years. Some days I live into that goal. I feel joyful. Light. Present. Grateful. Calm. Many days I don’t. And while I KNOW that a meditation practice would help… and yet as I write this I am wildly inconsistent. Five weeks on. Four months off. Three days on. Two years off. I know I’m not alone. And that’s why I’m thrilled to have Jeff Patterson on the Fit and Vibrant You Podcast. Jeff Patterson has over 36 years of experience, practicing and teaching the meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts/Portland Tai Chi Academy, where he emphasizes the transformative power of meditative and martial arts practices, particularly the yielding concept. In this podcast, Jeff shares Why meditation is beneficial (and why it might initially be hard to get started) The three types of meditation and finding the best meditation practice for you Common myths about meditation that might lead you to believe ‘you’re doing

You asked, I answered! Today’s podcast comes from questions asked in the Fitness, Nutrition and Weight Loss Support for Women 40+ Facebook Group. Today’s questions: 1. I don't look at my body in the mirror. How can I get over my body image issues? 2. In a society that idealizes youth, how can I embrace aging? 3. I'm new to strength training! How can I get started? 4. What are your thoughts on Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs? This is YOUR show. If you have a question or topic suggestion, DM on Instagram or Facebook, email me at tanja@tanjashaw.com or ask in the Facebook group. -Tanja x P. S. Have you registered for the LIVE training on the 5 Critical Mistakes Women 40+ Make When Trying to Lose Weight? You can register for FREE here. 

Should you train fasted or is it wise to eat before you train? What should you eat after your workout? Is low carb the best method for weight loss? With the vast amount of information out there, my conversation with Philip Pape offers much-needed simple and practical guide to improve your fitness and physique without needing a science degree or making it a fulltime job. Philip Pape is a high-performance nutrition coach, physique engineer, and host of the Wits & Weights top 25 nutrition podcast. Through his personal transformation to become the strongest, leanest, and healthiest version of himself, Philip understands the effectiveness of using strength training and evidence-based nutrition to enhance your physique and finally “look like you lift.” Philip helps lifters with demanding lifestyles achieve a more defined, muscular, leaner physique without wasting time. He works with clients to do more with less, break through plateaus, fuel their performance, and optimize their metabolism, energy, and health wi

Over this past spring break, I spent some time at a bookstore. As a health professional, I was drawn to the wellness section, and found myself lost in a maze of information. It’s no wonder so many people tell me they are confused by all the conflicting information! I believe that simplicity is the cornerstone of sustainable health and fitness. It's easier to stick to AND delivers great results. Let this podcast episode be a breath of fresh air as we cut through the noise and get back to the foundations so that you can have more energy, eat foods you love and feel good in your body.  Hit play as I share: ✔️Why the information is not as conflicting as you might think ✔️How to determine what plan is best for you ✔️Why all the different options to lose weight and improve your health is actually a good thing✔️Two resources to get started on the foundations for weight loss and healthy living If this podcast helps you in anyway, I would love for you to help me spread the message by: 1. Leaving a review on