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In this episode of Fit for Real Life, I’m joined by Jax Stys for a deeply grounding conversation about reinvention, presence, and confidence in midlife. Jax shares her personal journey of rebuilding identity, wellness, and financial trust after years of caretaking and pouring into others — and what it looks like to create steady, sustainable change in this season of life.

Jax is the host of The Midlife GlowGetter Podcast and the creator of The Midlife GlowGetter Community, where she supports women navigating midlife through wellness, mindset, money, and intentional living. Her work spans coaching, writing, and reflection-based tools designed to help women move from stuck to steady progress.

She shares daily insights and encouragement across Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, and her Facebook Group, The Midlife GlowGetter Community. You can also find her long-form writing and reflections on Substack, her newsletter, and through her website at jaxstys.com.

If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or ready for a more aligned way forward, this episode is your permission to begin again — right where you are.

Jax can be found across IG, Threads, FB, and Tik Tok platforms here- @JaxStys

You can join her Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1NHbmCB4p6/

Podcast: The Midlife GlowGetter and newsletter: https://www.pages.jaxstys.com/newslettersubscribe

Substack: https://jaxstys.substack.com

She also shares her top 6 podcasts here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-glowgetter/id1817860252?i=1000714153506

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-glowgetter/id1817860252?i=1000729059228

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-glowgetter/id1817860252?i=1000743791713

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-glowgetter/id1817860252?i=1000720576955

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-glowgetter/id1817860252?i=1000746339526

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

You've heard this before...

If you feel tired but wired…
If you’re doing “all the right things” but your body isn’t responding…
If stress feels baked into your daily life and rest feels hard — this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, I’m breaking down what cortisol actually is, how it’s meant to work in the body, and why so many women — especially in this season of life — feel dysregulated even when nutrition and workouts are dialed in.

This isn’t about trends, extremes, or doing more. It’s about biofeedback — learning how to listen to your body and respond in ways that support healing, energy, and long-term progress.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why cortisol isn’t the enemy — and what happens when it stays elevated too long
• How chronic stress quietly impacts fat loss, sleep, cravings, digestion, and mood
• The difference between “pushing through” and supporting your nervous system
• Why more intensity isn’t always the answer (and when it actually backfires)
• Simple, evidence-based lifestyle shifts that help your body feel safe again

Practical tools I share:

• Why 7–9 hours of sleep is foundational (and how to make it more realistic)
• How 4-7-8 breathing can calm your nervous system in minutes
• The underrated power of morning sunlight and daily walking
• Smarter caffeine timing (and why matcha can feel different than coffee)
• How consistent, protein-rich meals stabilize blood sugar and cortisol
• Strategic hydration + electrolytes to support stress resilience
• Gentle nervous system resets like legs-up-the-wall, cold rinses, and stillness

Throughout the episode, I share personal stories and patterns I see over and over again with women who are doing their best — but whose bodies are asking for something different.

A gentle invitation:

If this episode resonates and you feel like your body needs a reset — not a restart — I created a short, supportive Cortisol Reset designed to help you apply these principles in real life.

Here's the link to learn all about the Cortisol Reset: : https://fasterwaycoach.com/cortisol-reset?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

It’s not a cleanse.
It’s not extreme.
And it’s not about doing everything perfectly.

It’s about giving your body the signals it needs to calm down, recover, and respond again — through simple habits, structure, and guidance.

You can learn more about the Cortisol Reset in the show notes or through the link I’ve shared. Whether you join or simply take one small habit from today’s episode, know this: progress doesn’t come from pushing harder — it comes from support

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with someone who knows my story — and whose story has shaped mine — my lifelong best friend.

She’s a wife, a mom, a high school teacher, a former collegiate athlete, a world traveler, and a woman whose life has been shaped by both unexpected challenges and deep resilience. In this conversation, we talk about how movement and fitness have remained a constant through every season — from competitive athletics, to surviving a stroke, navigating breast cancer, loss of a parent, motherhood, and finding healing through travel.

We dive into what strength really looks like when life doesn’t go as planned, how movement can support both physical and emotional recovery, and why staying active isn’t about aesthetics — it’s about being able to say yes to life. She also shares reflections on walking the Camino, traveling the world, losing her mom, and how those experiences continue to shape the way she shows up today.

This episode is a reminder that fitness isn’t just about workouts — it’s about resilience, curiosity, and continuing to move forward, even through life’s hardest chapters.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be strong in real life — this conversation is for you.

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m sharing a detailed recap of our recent Sedona and Grand Canyon family trip — from red rocks and slow mornings to a scenic train ride to the South Rim that turned into a birthday memory we’ll never forget.

I talk about staying at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Pinion Pointe, why Sedona being an International Dark Sky Community matters, and how we’ve learned as a family that we don’t need to jam-pack every vacation to make it meaningful. Instead, we do what we can, enjoy it fully, and keep a list of what we’ll come back for next time.

I’m also sharing how I support my body while traveling — including:

• My simple grocery strategy and “plug-and-play” travel meals
• How I enjoy one meal out a day without feeling inflamed or bloated
• Why hydration, tea at night, and skipping alcohol make such a difference
• Gentle movement, early-morning gym sessions, walking, and resting when needed
• Why travel bloat happens (especially with flying and elevation) and what actually helps

I’’ll cover highlights like:

• Visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument (a perfect family stop with fascinating history)
• Pool days, books, ping pong, and doing less on purpose
• Walking the South Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon
• Lunch at Bright Angel Lodge and sitting in the historic lodge area
• Riding the Grand Canyon Railway, where the train sang Happy Birthday to my son

Where we stayed:

https://www.hyattvacationclub.com/destinations/sedona-arizona/pinion-pointe

Other Resources:

Visit Sedona | The official site of the Sedona Tourism Bureau

Grand Canyon Train | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

Montezuma Castle National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

Dry January is everywhere each January, but for many people it doesn’t lead to lasting change. In this episode, I share why deprivation often backfires and why consistency, balance, and awareness create far better results long term.

I talk about my own decision to stop drinking over a year ago, not because of a challenge or a label, but simply because I didn’t like how I felt. We explore what alcohol actually does in the body, how it’s processed, and why observing patterns over time matters more than short term restriction.

This episode is for high performers who are tired of extremes and want a more sustainable approach to habits, health, and growth. We cover how to track alcohol without judgment, how to separate the need for relaxation from the habit itself, and why replacement rituals are more effective than rigid rules.

I also share reflection prompts to help you notice where deprivation may be showing up elsewhere in your life and how to shift toward balance and consistency instead.

This isn’t about telling you what to do. It sees you where you are and offers perspective, awareness, and options so you can choose what truly supports your life.

My mocktails guide is linked for anyone looking for supportive, realistic alternatives that fit real life.

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/guides/mocktails-motivation?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

In this episode of Fit for Real Life, I’m joined by Liz from The Mid Size Optimize for a conversation that feels honest, grounding, and refreshingly real.

Liz creates content that cuts through the noise of extreme fitness, unrealistic beauty standards, and performative confidence. We talk about how we connected, why her work feels so steady and supportive, and what it looks like to show up fully in a real body while balancing two jobs, fitness goals, and everyday life.

We dive into her running journey, how movement supports her confidence and mental health, and what she’s learning about balance, consistency, and self trust. Liz also shares where she finds inspiration, what she’s working toward in 2026, and how she stays grounded in a space that can feel loud and overwhelming.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to feel more at home in their body, less pressured to fix themselves, and more supported as they move through real life with confidence and care.

You’ll walk away feeling like you just talked with a friend who truly gets it.

Liz can be found on IG: https://www.instagram.com/themidsizeoptimize/

TikTok: themidsizeoptimize1

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Barronton from the Sunshine Travelers Podcast, a source I’ve come to trust for practical, real world travel advice.

I first discovered Melissa and her husband Scott through their podcast and Instagram and never expected them to respond when I sent a question during their Egypt trip question box. They not only replied, but thoughtfully answered my son’s questions too, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

We talk about what travel looks like beyond highlight reels. Melissa shares the trips that shaped her most, what 2025 taught her about how she wants to travel in 2026, and how Sunshine Travelers helps people plan confident, thoughtful trips through their podcast, destination guides, packing resources, and travel planning services.

This episode is especially for anyone who wants to travel smarter and safer while still visiting dream destinations. We cover driving internationally, personal safety, tech security, and how to make big trips feel manageable for families, couples, and solo travelers. Some of my personal favorite resources they share are their packing and planning guides, and the deals they share through their Travel Deal Insiders!

Where to find Sunshine Travelers:

Sunshine Travelers Podcast searchable here: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/podcasts/sunshine-travelers-podcast

More Destinations on the Sunshine Travelers Blog:

https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/blog

For trip planning https://www.sunshinetravelersexperiences.com/plan-your-trip

Follow our travels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinetravelerspodcast/

Travel Deal Insiders: https://www.sunshinetravelers.com/newsletters/2147703369/subscribe

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA

Send us a text

From In-Between to Intentional: Choosing Consistency Over Another Restart

This week between Christmas and New Year’s can feel awkward — not quite holiday, not quite “back to normal.” And for a lot of women, it’s where consistency quietly slips away.

In this episode, I’m building on what we talked about in Episode 2: staying on track isn’t about perfection or willpower — it’s about having simple anchors you can return to. I’m sharing how I personally approach this in-between season so January doesn’t feel like another reset, but a natural continuation of progress.

You’ll hear:

• Why consistency isn’t a streak — it’s a practice
• How I simplify food and movement during unstructured weeks
• The small anchors I rely on when motivation is low
• Why support and structure matter more than discipline
• And how to move into January already feeling grounded

I’m also sharing one of my go-to, realistic meals — Crockpot Protein Oats — because consistency starts with meals that actually work in real life.

If you don’t want another “start over” next week, this episode is for you.

🍓 Bonus Recipe: Crockpot Protein Oats

(Simple, balanced, and perfect for busy mornings)

This is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts when life feels full. It’s warm, satisfying, high-protein, and easy to portion — exactly what I lean on when consistency matters more than variety.

Base:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 6 cups milk (or half milk / half water)
• 2 tbsp basil seeds
• 1 tsp salt

Protein — choose ONE:

• 👉 Protein powder: 2 cups total (≈ 25g protein per serving)
• 👉 Greek yogurt: Optional, 3 cups total, (stir in after cooking) basil seeds + salt to crockpot

1. Cook LOW 6–7 hours
2. Cool 10 minutes
3. Stir in protein
4. Portion for the week or freezer

How to add fruit 🍓

• Frozen fruit → stir in after cooking
• Fresh fruit → add after reheating
• Skip freezing bananas (trust me)
• Add a splash of milk when reheating if it thickens

High protein. Zero morning stress. One less decision all week 🙌

Why This Works

This meal supports:

• Protein first (a FASTer Way core principle)
• Blood sugar balance
• Satiety and energy
• Consistency without overthinking

It’s not fancy — it’s functional. And that’s the point.

I'd love and appreciate a 5 star review, and sharing my content with a friend who might love to listen!

Find me on Instagram for daily life, tips and fun content: @wellness.with.virginia

Helpful Links:

Join my 21 Day Reset:

https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

Want to try a FREE workout and try my FAVORITE seasonal crock pot dishes?

• Free FASTer Way 30-Minute Workout: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/workout-free?aid=wellnesswithvirginia
• Free Crockpot Meal Guide: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/guide/crockpot-meals?aid=wellnesswithvirginia

My favorite high quality protein use this for a discount!

https://www.equipfoods.com/WELLNESSWITHVIRGINIA