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Real Food Stories

Real Food Stories

Written by: Heather Carey MS
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Real Food Stories is where we stop overcomplicating food, and start getting honest about what actually works.


Hosted by culinary nutritionist Heather Carey, this podcast is a grounded, real-life take on eating well in midlife. If you’re tired of conflicting advice, wellness trends that promise everything, and the constant pressure to “optimize” your body, you’re in the right place.


Here, we talk about real food - how to cook it, how to enjoy it, and how to trust yourself around it again. But we also go deeper. Into the stories we’ve been told about weight, health, and aging. Into the habits that no longer serve us. And into the noise of the wellness world that can subtley pull us further away from what we actually need.


Heather brings her experience as a nutritionist and chef, along with her own lived experience of midlife, to cut through the confusion. You’ll hear conversations about metabolism, menopause, food trends, and the everyday reality of trying to take care of yourself without turning it into a full-time job.


This isn’t about perfection, restriction, or chasing the next fix. It’s about finding a steadier, more realistic way to eat - one that supports your health and still leaves room for your life.


Because at the end of the day, food shouldn’t feel this hard, and it doesn’t have to.


Send questions and connect with Heather at heather@heathercarey.com or visit her website at www.heathercarey.com

© 2026 Real Food Stories
Hygiene & Healthy Living Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Menopause and Intimacy: How Nutrition and Emotional Connection Can Transform Your Midlife Experience
    May 26 2026

    Have you ever felt that intimacy and desire take a backseat during menopause? You're not alone. Join host Heather Carey in this enlightening episode of Real Food Stories as she welcomes Lori Davis, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and certified sex counselor, to explore the often-taboo topic of intimacy during menopause and midlife. Together, they dive deep into the emotional and physical challenges women face during this significant life transition, moving beyond hot flashes and weight gain to uncover the complexities of connection, sexuality, and self-acceptance.

    Lori emphasizes that intimacy is not just about sex; it’s about fostering emotional connections and authentic sharing between partners. They discuss how stress, hormonal changes, and body image can impact intimacy, as well as the cultural pressures that often complicate women's sexuality. This conversation is a powerful reminder that women can reclaim their desires and navigate changing relationships with openness and curiosity.

    As a culinary nutritionist, Heather shares valuable nutrition advice and healthy eating tips that can enhance your well-being during menopause. The episode highlights the significance of nourishing your body and mind, encouraging women to embrace their experiences and redefine intimacy in ways that feel authentic and fulfilling. With insights into midlife nutrition and the importance of self-acceptance, Heather and Lori inspire listeners to prioritize pleasure and intimacy, even as life changes.

    Are you ready to explore how menopause can be a time of empowerment rather than limitation? Tune in to discover how to navigate your personal food journey with mindful eating practices and healthy lifestyle choices that resonate with your unique experience. From sustainable eating to the Mediterranean diet insights, this episode is packed with nutritionist insights that will help you embrace the beauty of midlife.

    Whether you're seeking to understand the role of hormonal changes in intimacy or want to learn how to cultivate midlife body positivity, this episode of Real Food Stories is a must-listen. Join us as we empower women to take charge of their health, redefine their relationships, and celebrate the journey of menopause with confidence and joy.

    Reach out to Lori, click HERE

    I would love to hear from you! What did you think of the episode? Share it with me :)

    Support the show

    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • From Misinformation to Empowerment: Nutrition Insights for Weight Loss and Healthy Living During Menopause
    May 19 2026

    Are you tired of the misleading narratives about weight loss and menopause flooding your social media feeds? Join host Heather Carey, a passionate nutritionist and chef, as she cuts through the noise and unveils the truth behind weight gain during midlife. In this enlightening episode of Real Food Stories, Heather addresses the pervasive myths surrounding menopause health, particularly the misguided belief that hormonal changes, specifically estrogen levels, are solely responsible for weight gain. Instead, she reveals how lifestyle factors like decreased physical activity, poor sleep, and unhealthy eating habits play a more significant role in our bodies' transformations during this critical phase of life.

    Drawing from her personal food journey through perimenopause and menopause, Heather empowers women to reclaim their health without falling prey to expensive supplements or the latest diet fads. Discover her insightful nutrition advicethat emphasizes the importance of strength training, prioritizing sleep, and embracing healthier eating habits. As a culinary nutritionist, Heather shares practical cooking techniques and healthy eating tips that align with the Mediterranean diet, helping you navigate the complexities of midlife nutrition.

    This episode is not just about weight loss; it’s a call to action for women to embrace their power and make sustainable lifestyle changes. Heather passionately debunks the weight loss myths propagated by wellness influencers and encourages listeners to make informed choices based on science rather than hype. With her empathetic approach, she fosters a sense of community support for women, emphasizing the importance of body positivity and self-care during midlife.

    Are you ready to challenge the diet culture and redefine your relationship with food? Tune in to hear how to nourish your body and mind through mindful eating practices and healthy lifestyle choices. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped to take charge of your health journey, armed with the knowledge to overcome food confusion and embrace a joyful, sustainable approach to eating.

    Join us on this transformative journey as Heather shares her personal food stories, insights into nutrition for women, and the empowering message that you have the agency to manage your health and weight. Let’s break free from the cycle of dieting and explore the vibrant world of real food together!

    If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. You are always welcome to email me — I personally read and respond to every message.

    Read About the Studies

    The SWAN study click HERE

    The Menopause Journal click HERE

    The Menopause Society click HERE

    I would love to hear from you! What did you think of the episode? Share it with me :)

    Support the show

    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Unmasking Supplement Hype: Real Food Stories and Nutrition Insights for Women Facing Menopause Challenges
    Apr 21 2026

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the supplement hype surrounding menopause? You're not alone! In this enlightening episode of Real Food Stories, host Heather Carey dives deep into the misleading wellness culture that often targets women, particularly those navigating the complexities of midlife and menopause. With a keen focus on the misinformation that floods social media, including supplement hype, Heather sheds light on the dangers of quick-fix solutions and the marketing tactics that prioritize profit over genuine health benefits.

    As a culinary nutritionist, Heather draws on her expertise to empower women to reclaim their health through real food and nutrition. She discusses a revealing study that highlights how a staggering percentage of menopause-related posts on Instagram promote supplements instead of providing valuable education. This episode is a wake-up call for listeners to be discerning about where they seek advice and to challenge the nutrition myths that clutter their feeds.

    Throughout the conversation, Heather emphasizes the importance of focusing on whole foods and sustainable eating practices rather than succumbing to the latest diet fads and trends. She encourages women to embrace their personal food journeys, question the information they encounter online, and prioritize healthy lifestyle choices that truly nourish their bodies. By advocating for a return to midlife nutrition and self-care, Heather inspires listeners to cultivate a positive relationship with food that supports their changing bodies.

    With insights into menopause health and the role of nutrition, this episode offers practical healthy eating tips and cooking techniques that resonate with women 40 and over. Heather's empathetic approach shines through as she shares personal stories and encourages women to embrace body positivity during this transitional phase of life. Discover how to empower your menopause journey by nourishing your body with real food, and learn to navigate the complexities of hormonal changes with confidence.

    Join Heather Carey on this transformative episode of Real Food Stories as she unpacks the truth behind the supplement hype and encourages women to embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness. It's time to ditch the confusion and reclaim your health journey with knowledge, compassion, and the power of culinary wellness. Tune in and take the first step towards a nourished, empowered you!

    I would love to hear from you! What did you think of the episode? Share it with me :)

    Support the show

    Let's Be Friends
    Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.

    Let's Talk!
    Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.

    Did You Love This Episode?
    "I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
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