I wanted to share this with you as as a preview of a blog series being published in March. I know a lot of us suffer through sleep and this is my effort to help. It will be a 4 part series and if you like it, I'll keep sharing as early previews for you with additional strategies. Would love the feedback... The "Night Shift": Why your brain needs a dishwasher (and why menopause broke it). If you have ever walked into a room and forgotten why you were there, or struggled to find a simple word in a meeting, you know the panic. It is that specific, "dirty glass" feeling where your brain just feels... clogged. Most women quietly fear this is early dementia. Your doctor might tell you it’s "just aging" or "stress." I am here to tell you the clinical truth: It is neither. It is a plumbing issue. For decades, we thought the brain was the only organ in the body that didn't clean itself. We were wrong. In 2012, researchers discovered the Glymphatic System - a macroscopic waste clearance pathway that acts like a nightly "power wash" for your brain. But here is what the research also shows: Menopause unplugs the machine. In this series, "The Night Shift," we are going to explore exactly what happens to your brain at night, and how to turn the cleaning crew back on. The Science: The Brain’s Dishwasher During the day, your brain is busy processing information, firing neurons, and keeping you alive. This activity creates metabolic waste - specifically sticky proteins called Amyloid-Beta and Tau. Think of this like the food stuck to the plates after a dinner party. When you enter Deep Sleep, a fascinating shift happens. Your brain cells (glial cells) actually shrink by 60%, creating space between them. This allows your Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) to rush in, power-wash the plaque and toxins away, and drain them out through the lymph nodes in your neck. This is why you wake up feeling refreshed. The dishes are done. The kitchen is clean. The Menopause "Power Outage"

Hi everyone, I know I have been a little absent from the group lately. The truth is, I have been deep in the "lab" working behind the scenes. I’ve been pouring over the latest research and building new resources to make sure that this year isn't just another year of "trying" - but the year we finally turn the lights back on. To kick things off, I have uploaded several brand new blog posts to the site. They are packed with the latest research on midlife metabolism and hormone health. If you want to start your year with clarity instead of confusion, go give them a read https://www.12steps2radiance.com/blog But I wanted to give this group something extra today. I wanted to give you a tool to help you start 2026 feeling steady, grounded, and fueled. Your gift is my newest food guide. It's called "The Metabolic Stability Protocol". I want to be very clear: This is not a diet. We are done with diets. We are done with starvation. This is a commitment to yourself to nourish deeper. It is designed to switch your body from "Storage Mode" back to "Burn Mode" by focusing on chemistry, not calories. Because it focuses on Clinical Glycemic Control, this protocol is safe and highly effective for everyone—including those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. Inside this guide, you will find: - The Difference: Why the standard "Mediterranean Diet" might be failing you in midlife (and the tweaks you need to make it work). - The "Go" Lists: The specific Proteins, "Safety Signals" (fats), and Anti-inflammatories to stock your kitchen with. - The Formula: A simple visual guide to building your plate so you never have to count a calorie again. - A Full 7-Day Meal Plan & Shopping Guide: Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners fully mapped out for you. There are no strings attached. No opt-in page, no email required. It is just a gift from me to you because I appreciate this community so much. Click here to download the PDF directly

Last week, we uncovered the truth about the "Menopause Metabolic Code" ~ and why your metabolism has slowed to a crawl (it's not your fault!). This week, we start building it back up. If your muscle is your "metabolic engine," then the nutrient in this week's blog post is the high-octane fuel. This blog is Part 2 of "Reversing the Midlife Metabolic Shift." We are talking about Protein and Insulin Resistance, and why your needs are higher now than ever before. If you're "too exhausted to work out" or frustrated by cravings, this post is for you. In this new post, you will discover: - The exact daily protein target you should be aiming for (it's higher than you think). - The "30-Gram Anabolic Signal": Why when you eat protein is just as important as how much. - The "Fiber Fix": Your secret weapon for stabilizing blood sugar and taming cravings. - A caution on Intermittent Fasting and why it can backfire if you're already stressed. This is the key to building your metabolic engine and feeling strong again. Read it here: https://www.12steps2radiance.com/blog/reversing-the-midlife-metabolic-shift-2 Post your questions! Let's get those answered.

New Blog Alert! Hope everyone is gearing up for a beautiful holiday season! In this weeks blog, learn The Foundational Fix for Metabolic Safety, Action 1: How to Prioritize Cortisol Control and Action 2: Reverse the Metabolic Adaptation - How? Stop restricting calories aggressively. If your metabolism is slow, you need to eat more, not less. That may not sound intuitive...come read more.. Reversing the Midlife Metabolic Shift Part I: The Menopause Metabolic Code: Why Restriction Makes You Gain (And the 2 Things to Fix First) https://www.12steps2radiance.com/blog/reversing-the-midlife-metabolic-shift-1

You love your family. You are grateful. But by 4:00 PM on Thursday, you might find yourself fighting back tears, sweating through your sweater, or feeling a sudden, intense urge to snap at someone you love. And then comes the shame. "Why am I being so difficult? Why can’t I just enjoy this?" I want you to stop that thought track right now. You aren't a "Grinch." You are navigating a biological sensitivity that no one warned you about. In midlife, our "buffer" against stress and sugar shrinks. - The Sugar/Wine Spike: That second glass of wine or slice of pie spikes your blood sugar. - The Crash: When it drops 2 hours later, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline to stabilize you. - The Result: That surge of adrenaline feels like anxiety, irritability, and hot flashes. You aren't "moody." You are riding a chemical rollercoaster. Here is your "Holiday Survival Protocol" to keep your calm: 1. The Protein Anchor. Do not fast before the big meal to "save calories." That guarantees a crash (and a mood swing). Eat a high-protein breakfast (eggs, greek yogurt, or a shake). Protein creates a safety buffer for your blood sugar. 2. The "Bathroom Break" Reset. When the noise gets too loud or the questions get too intrusive, excuse yourself to the restroom. Do the 90-Second Reset we teach in the Gentle Reset: - Hand on heart, hand on belly. - Inhale for 4, Exhale for 8. - Tell your nervous system: "I am safe."This manually turns off the "fight or flight" response so you can walk back out feeling grounded. 3. Permission to Pause. You do not have to do the dishes immediately. You do not have to stay up late if you are exhausted. Prioritize your sleep this week - it is the only way to clear the cortisol from your system. Enjoy the pie. Enjoy the people. But most importantly, protect your peace. You’ve got this. 💛 Rebecca