Midlife Glow: Consistency, Self-Care, and Your Personal Reinvention

Consistency—not motivation, not perfection—is the true superpower behind every successful midlife transformation. In this richly packed episode, we explore how showing up for yourself day after day creates the foundation for profound change in your health, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

I take you behind the scenes of my personal 150-pound weight loss journey, sharing the two game-changing habits that transformed my relationship with food in my 40s: focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and learning to pause before emotional eating. These aren't quick fixes but sustainable practices that honor your changing midlife body.

We bust widespread myths about fruit that have likely been sabotaging your nutrition goals. Contrary to popular belief, studies show fruit actually supports weight loss, blood sugar balance, and overall health—especially for women in perimenopause and beyond.

For the beauty-conscious midlife woman, I share genius multi-purpose product hacks that simplify your routine without sacrificing that gorgeous glow. Learn how everyday items like balm, brown eyeliner, and eyeshadow can perform multiple beauty functions, saving you time and money.

Solo travel is trending among Gen X women, and for good reason! Discover practical tips for confident, safe adventures on your own terms. Plus, gain financial freedom with actionable strategies to cut phone and internet costs without sacrificing service.

The episode introduces two powerful mindset shifts: "the power of yet" that transforms limitations into possibilities, and the radical importance of consistent self-care as your foundation rather than an afterthought. This isn't about indulgence—it's about recognizing that when you prioritize your wellbeing, everything else in your life improves.

Your midlife isn't a crisis—it's a coming home. Start where you are, embrace consistency, and watch your glow transform from the inside out. Your reinvention journey begins now, one small, intentional step at a time.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Midlife Glow Report
• 4:38 The 30-Day Midlife Women's Glow Up
• 8:18 Monday Mindset: Consistency is Your Superpower
• 12:06 Weight Loss Tips That Work in Midlife
• 17:07 Debunking Five Common Fruit Myths
• 22:24 Money-Saving Phone and Internet Tips
• 23:24 Beauty Hacks: Multi-Purpose Products
• 27:03 Solo Travel Tips for Midlife Women
• 29:50 Life Coaching: The Power of Yet
• 31:57 Midlife Belief: Prioritize Self-Care

Transcript

Speaker 1: 1:02

Hey you, welcome back to the Midlife Glow Report. I'm your host, jax, and I'm so excited you're here for Episode 7. Because today's show is full of juicy, real and totally glow-worthy content to fuel your midlife reinvention journey. Whether you're walking your dog, driving to work or sipping your favorite iced coffee, you are in the right place. This is your space to reclaim your power, get inspired and glow up in every area of your life and on your own terms.

Speaker 1: 1:41

In this episode, we're kicking things off with your Monday Mindset Moment, where I'm sharing the not-so-secret superpower behind every successful glow-up consistency Yep, not perfection, not motivation, just the power of showing up for yourself over and over again. Then I'll take you behind the scenes of my personal 150-pound weight loss journey to share two of the most transformational habits that helped me heal my body and relationship with food in midlife. In today's wellness segment, we're busting the five biggest myths about fruit. If you've ever wondered whether fruit is sabotaging your weight loss goals, this one's for you. In our beauty segment, I'm showing you how to simplify your routine and still look amazing Using just a few multi-purpose beauty products. It's all about doing more with less and still glowing like a queen. And still glowing like a queen. We also talk solo travel tips in the travel segment, because Gen X women are packing their bags and heading out on their own adventures more than ever before, and I'll give you three savvy ways to stay safe, save money and get the best seats in the house In today's financial segment. I'm giving you real tips to cut costs on your phone and internet, because budgeting in midlife is powerful and every dollar saved is a step toward freedom. Then, in our life coaching corner, I'm sharing one little mindset shift that can unlock massive change the power of, yet it's simple, powerful and can help you approach your goals with curiosity and confidence. And finally, we'll wrap up with a midlife belief that I want you to carry with you this week and your midlife journey Prioritize self-care, not as an afterthought but as a foundation, because when you care for you, everything else gets better. So grab your journal, pop in your earbuds or just lean back and listen. This is your time. Let's dive in.

Speaker 1: 4:03

First things first, I've got something real-time and very real-life happening. Right now, I'm in the middle of a 30-day Midlife Women's Glow Up Challenge, and today's episode is all about why I'm doing it, what it means and how you can glow up with be inside and out, because, let's be honest, midlife can feel like a weird in-between space. Our bodies are shifting, our roles are changing and many of us we've spent years putting everyone else first Our kids, our jobs, our families Until we look up and barely recognize the woman in the mirror. I know this story because it was mine, but here's the truth. I've come to believe deep in my bones midlife is not a crisis. It's a coming home. It's a time to awaken, to reintroduce ourselves to ourselves and to rise stronger, wiser, softer and bolder. So what does it mean to glow up in midlife? For me, it means taking radical responsibility for my well-being. It means deciding I'm not going to coast through this season feeling tired, stuck or invisible. It means I'm choosing to upgrade how I move, eat, dress, speak to myself, show up in this world and dream.

Speaker 1: 5:35

This glow up isn't about vanity. It's about vitality. It's about wellness, weight loss, mindset, confidence, finances, relationships and rediscovery. It's about checking in with ourselves daily and asking what kind of life am I building now that I'm finally putting myself on my own priority list? Each day of this 30-day challenge has a focus, like getting honest about where you are resetting your nutrition, moving your body with intention, cleaning up your skincare, tackling your closet, facing your finances, setting boundaries, creating routines, reconnecting with your power and visualizing the next version of you. And let me tell you, it's powerful, not perfect, not easy, but deeply empowering. The truth is, we deserve to feel amazing in our bodies. We deserve clarity in our minds, joy in our relationships and confidence in how we walk through the world. So I'm doing this glow up challenge publicly. I'm sharing it on Instagram, not because I have it all figured out, but because I want to lead by example, because the women in my community, you deserve proof that it's never too late. So if you've been feeling stuck, unmotivated, tired and unsure of what comes next, consider this your invitation Start where you are, start messy, start scared, but just start, because your glow up isn't about changing who you are. It's about becoming the woman you were always meant to be. Keep showing up, keep glowing and remember midlife is your rebirth, not your retirement. Now, this is your Monday mindset moment.

Speaker 1: 7:49

Let's kick off this week with a truth bomb Consistency is your superpower. What's the difference between women who actually glow up their lives, who lose the weight? Build the confidence, launch the business the weight. Build the confidence, launch the business, find the joy. And those who get stuck, stall out or give up halfway? My answer is simple Consistency. It's not talent, it's not luck, it's not even motivation, it's the habit of showing up even when's hard, even when it's boring, even when no one is clapping.

Speaker 1: 8:31

Yet Dwayne Johnson, you know him as the rock once said success isn't always about greatness, it's about consistency. Constant hard work leads to success. Greatness will come, and I couldn't agree more. Let's break it down the average woman does it some of the time. The good one, she does it most of the time. But the great one, the one who reinvents, blows up and inspires others along the way, she does it all the time. That's the difference.

Speaker 1: 9:12

And here's the thing you don't need to be great to start being consistent, but you do need to be consistent to become great. Think about that. In midlife, we're rewriting the rules, we're shaking off the old stories of too late or too tired or too far gone and we're replacing them with bold new beliefs. Like I can start today, I can change my life. I can show up even when no one's watching, because what you do every day is more powerful than what you do occasionally. Want to get healthy, move your body consistently. Want to build confidence Speak to yourself kindly consistently. Want to reach your financial goals? Make those small, smart money choices again and again.

Speaker 1: 10:16

Consistency builds character, it creates momentum, it earns trust with yourself. And the best part, you don't need to be brilliant or perfect to be consistent. You just need to be committed. Effort and persistence will get you there, but consistency, it will keep you there. So today, as you map out your goals and intentions for the week, ask yourself what's one thing I can do today that I can also do tomorrow and the day after and the day after that? Then do that one thing. Calendar. It Show up for her. She's your future self and she's counting on you. All right, my friend, here's your Monday Mindset Challenge. Be consistent this week, be committed, be unstoppable, because excellence isn't a sometime thing, it's an all the time thing. You've got this and I'm cheering you on every step of the way. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Speaker 1: 11:32

Next, here are two weight loss tips that helped me lose over 150 pounds in my mid-40s. These aren't quick fixes or gimmicks. These are habits that help me transform my health, my mindset and my confidence, and I believe they can help you too. Tip number one avoid processed foods and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Let's be real Our bodies change in midlife, hormones shift, metabolism slows and what used to work in our 20s doesn't cut it anymore.

Speaker 1: 12:11

That's why cutting out processed foods was a huge game changer for me. Here's why Processed foods are often packed with added sugars, artificial ingredients, refined carbs and inflammatory oils. They spike your blood sugar, mess with your hunger signals and leave you tired, bloated and craving more. But when you fill your plate with whole, nutrient-dense foods think lean proteins, leafy greens, colorful veggies, berries, beans, whole grains and healthy fats, berries, beans, whole grains and healthy fats you're giving your body the fuel it needs to thrive. For women over 40, this means more stable energy throughout the day, fewer cravings and crashes, improved digestion and gut health, better skin, sleep and even mood. And let's not forget, nutrient-dense foods support hormone balances, which is huge in perimenopause and beyond. So now I build my meals around whole, real ingredients. I eat foods that love me back and, trust me, it's not about perfection. It's about progress and giving your body what it really needs to glow. Okay.

Speaker 1: 13:42

So tip number two avoid emotional or binge eating and learn to pause. This one was big for me, and I know it's big for a lot of women. Midlife is an emotional rollercoaster. We're juggling stress, aging parents, career shifts, loneliness, big life transitions, and so often we turn to food for comfort, distraction or even just out of habit. But here's the truth Emotional eating can keep you stuck in a cycle of shame, guilt and physical discomfort. So I had to get real with myself, and one tool that helped me tremendously is the simple habit If I want to eat something that's outside of my plan and protocol for the day, I pause.

Speaker 1: 14:42

I wait 15 minutes. Then I ask myself Am I truly hungry or am I feeling something I don't want to feel? Sometimes I am hungry, and if I am, I eat mindfully, but other times I'm tired, I'm stressed, I'm lonely, I'm overwhelmed, and eating won't fix that. The 15-minute pause gives me space to breathe, assess and make an intentional choice instead of a reactive one. And guess what? That pause, those few moments of awareness, have saved me so many unnecessary binges. It puts me back in the driver's seat. So if you struggle with emotional eating, try this Keep a journal, practice checking in with your body before reaching for food, sip water or herbal tea and see how you feel after a few minutes and, most importantly, give yourself grace. You're human. These two habits eating whole foods and interrupting emotional eating patterns have changed my life. They helped me lose over 140 pounds and, more importantly, heal my relationship with food and with myself.

Speaker 1: 16:13

You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to overhaul everything overnight. Just begin, get curious, keep going. Your body is wise, your glow up is possible, and I'm here cheering you on Now.

Speaker 1: 16:32

In today's wellness segment, we're talking about fruit. Even though fruit is one of Earth's most natural nutrient-packed foods, it's been dragged through the internet like its public enemy number one. So today I'm clearing up five common fruit myths and sharing why the sweet snack deserves a spot on your midlife glow-up plate. Myth number one fruit is bad for weight loss. Let's be honest. We've all heard this one, but here's the truth. All heard this one, but here's the truth. A massive 20-year study that followed over 130,000 adults found that eating more fruit was linked to more weight loss, especially fruit like berries, apples and pears. Fruit is naturally low in calories, high in fiber, fat-free, is naturally low in calories, high in fiber, fat-free, and satisfies sweet cravings in a way that feels nourishing, not like you just crashed a bakery. So if you're trying to lose weight in midlife, fruit can be your best friend, not your enemy. Okay?

Speaker 1: 17:49

Myth number two Fruit sugar is just as bad as added sugar. Nope, not even close. The sugar in fruit comes wrapped in fiber, vitamins and minerals like a built-in health package. The fiber in fruit actually slows down sugar absorption in your bloodstream, meaning it doesn't spike your blood sugar like soda cake or sugary cereal. In fact, higher fruit intake is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So when someone tells you fruit is just sugar in disguise, just sugar in disguise, send them this podcast episode please.

Speaker 1: 18:38

So myth number three fresh fruit is healthier than frozen or canned. I used to think this too, but get this. Frozen fruit is often just as nutritious, sometimes more. Why it's packed at peak ripeness and flash frozen locking in the nutrients. One study even found that frozen blueberries and raspberries had more polyphenols than fresh ones. That's a fancy word for plant compounds that fight aging and inflammation compounds that fight aging and inflammation. Just be mindful with canned fruit. Choose the kind packed in water or its own juice, not heavy syrup, and check those labels for added sugar and sodium.

Speaker 1: 19:25

Myth number four people with diabetes shouldn't eat fruit. This is one of the most harmful myths out there. Studies show that people with diabetes who eat fruit actually have better blood sugar control and a lower risk of complications like diabetes-related vision problems. The key Portion control and pairing. Pair your fruit with healthy fats or proteins, like some cheese, almonds or peanut butter, and stick with whole fruit instead of fruit juice or dried fruit, which are easier to overdo. Fruit is a quality carbohydrate packed with fiber and nutrients. It's not off limits. It's about how you eat it.

Speaker 1: 20:19

And finally, myth number five blending fruit destroys its nutrition. Smoothie lovers breathe easy, you're good. Blending fruit doesn't zap the nutrients or fiber. Easy, you're good. Blending fruit doesn't zap the nutrients or fiber. It just changes the texture. In fact, it can make soluble fiber easier to digest, which is great if you ever feel bloated from eating raw fruit. The one caution since it's easy to drink more than you'd eat, smoothies can sneak in more fruit and more calories than you realize. So try using smaller portions of high sugar fruits like bananas and mango, adding protein like Greek yogurt, protein powder or nut butter, and sipping slowly instead of slurping it down like a milkshake. So here's the bottom line. Fruit is not the enemy, especially for women over 40 who are working to lose weight, balance hormones and feel amazing again. Fruit gives you natural energy, fiber, antioxidants and even supports heart health and digestion. So go ahead, grab that apple, blend that smoothie and toss some frozen berries on your yogurt. Your body will thank you for it.

Speaker 1: 21:49

Next, the financial segment. Budgeting is important, especially in midlife, when you are getting ready for retirement. Here are some ways to save on phone and internet bills and charges. First, switch to a cheaper phone plan like Mint or Visible. Second, use Google Voice or WhatsApp for free calling. Third, negotiate internet rates annually. Fourth, bundle internet with phone only if it saves you money. Fifth, use your phone as a hotspot to skip Wi-Fi fees when traveling. Sixth, turn off mobile data and use Wi-Fi only. Seventh, downgrade to a cheaper internet speed tier. And finally, eighth, share family phone plans.

Speaker 1: 22:49

Here we are with one of my favorite segments all things beauty In beauty, less really is more when you know how to repurpose your products. Here are some of my favorite ways to do just that. Balm If you've got clear balm think petroleum jelly or beeswax salve you've got magic in a tin. Here's how you could use it Mix it with a bit of bronzer and tap it into your chest or shoulders for that sun-kissed glow. Or dab some on your cheeks, then top with powder blush for a soft, dewy flush. Finally, press a little into your cheekbones for a highlighter that catches the light just right. It's glow-in-a-jar and it travels well too.

Speaker 1: 23:43

Brown Eye Pencil Never underestimate a classic brown eyeliner. I always keep one handy. It's like having five products in one. Here's what it can do. Smudge it across your lids and blend with your finger and it's an instant smoky eye. Flick it through your brows. It fills in sparse spots in a pinch. If you're deeper skinned, try adding a bit to your lips. Top with a clear gloss and boom. Natural looking, elevated pout. One pencil endless options.

Speaker 1: 24:23

Next, eyeshadow. Your eyeshadow palette can do so much more than you think. Try this. Use a small brush to apply it like eyeliner, especially when you dip the brush in water for a bolder look. Mix shadow with a touch of water to create a creamy shadow effect that's more intense and lasts longer. Have grays peeking through at the roots. Dust a bit of dark shadow on the part line. It buys you time between color touch-ups. Finally, for my dry shampoo lovers like me use a powder eyeshadow at the roots to absorb oil and add volume between wash days. Who knew one little pot of powder can do all that?

Speaker 1: 25:17

Lip gloss we love a good gloss, but it's not just for lips anymore. Try this Rub a pink or coral gloss into the apples of your cheeks. It makes an amazing dewy blush. Tap a clear gloss onto your cheekbones for a glossy highlighter effect. Just be sure it's an actual gloss and not a tint, or you'll end up with stained cheeks instead of glowy ones. Gloss gives your skin that youthful, hydrated glow, and we're all about that in midlife. Listen. Looking beautiful in midlife isn't about owning every product at Sephora. It's about learning to use what you have in smart, creative ways that make you feel confident, fresh and fabulous. So pare it down, get a little playful and don't be afraid to bend the beauty rules to make them work for you. You already shine, my friend. These tips will help you glow a little brighter.

Speaker 1: 26:28

Here now is today's travel segment. We're talking about something that's becoming more and more popular, especially among midlife women like us Solo travel. Did you know that 26% of Gen Xers are planning a solo trip this year? That's right. We're not waiting for permission or a partner. We're booking the flights, packing the bags and going anyway, and I'm here for it. But let's be honest traveling solo as a woman over 40 can feel both empowering and a little intimidating. So today I'm sharing a few smart, stress-saving tips to help you glow up on the go confidently and safely.

Speaker 1: 27:15

Tip number one book ground transportation before you land. One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until they land to figure out how to get to their hotel. Here's the fix Pre-book your ground transportation, whether it's a car service, shuttle or train pass, before you leave home. It saves you from wandering the airport tired and jet-lagged, dealing with pushy cab drivers or, even worse, getting stranded late at night. Tip number two snag front row seats. Here's a solo traveler perk no one talks about. You can grab last minute event tickets. Others can't. Why? Because one seat, especially a good one, often gets released right before a show, game or concert, whether it's a Broadway show or a local jazz night. You have way more flexibility as a solo guest. So don't be shy. Check the ticket apps the day of you just might find yourself front and center with the best view in the house.

Speaker 1: 28:35

Traveling solo in midlife isn't just a vacation. It's a powerful act of self-love and rediscovery. So, whether you're headed across the country or across the globe, know this you are capable, worthy and more than ready to explore the world on your own terms. Pack light, plant smart and take up space, because this season of life is yours to roam. So now here's the life coaching concept of the week Embrace the power of yet.

Speaker 1: 29:14

Have you ever said I can't do that and left it at that? Let's reframe that. Instead, say I can't do that yet. Instead, say I can't do that yet. Adding that one word yet opens your mind to growth, curiosity and possibility. It reminds you that you're not done learning or growing, and midlife is the perfect season to expand, evolve and try new things. Why this matters for midlife women.

Speaker 1: 29:50

As women 40 plus, we often feel pressure to already have it all figured out, but the truth, we are just getting started. Whether it's starting a business, getting fit, dating again, learning tech or trying a new hobby, it's not too late. The power of yet gives you permission to be a beginner again, and that's where the magic of reinvention begins. So here's your coaching exercise I can't do that yet. Journal prompt Exercise I can't do that yet. Journal prompt.

Speaker 1: 30:28

Open a blank page of paper, write one thing you've said I can't do, I can't run a mile or I can't speak up for myself and add yet at the end of the sentence. Then write three small steps you could take this week to get closer to learning and trying it. Example I can't do strength training yet. Step one find a 10-minute beginner workout on YouTube. Step two set a time this week to try it. Step three journal how it felt afterward. Do this. Weekly small steps equal big shifts. Finally, we'll wrap things up here with a midlife belief for you to think about.

Speaker 1: 31:22

Today, let's talk about one of the most foundational midlife beliefs you must adopt if you want to feel energized, confident and deeply connected to yourself again Prioritize self-care. Now, I know what some of you think Self-care. I don't have time for bubble baths and face masks. But let me tell you something Self-care isn't indulgent, it's essential. In your 20s and 30s, you might have been so focused on taking care of everyone else your kids, your partner, your job that you forgot to pour back into you. That you forgot to pour back into you. But midlife midlife is your permission slip to reclaim that time and energy, and not just once in a while, every single day. Whether it's five minutes of meditation in the morning, a nourishing skincare routine at night, taking a midday walk, journaling, reading a few pages of a book, or simply saying no to things that drain you, these small moments of care add up. They tell your nervous system I'm safe, I matter, I'm taking care of me.

Speaker 1: 32:46

When you prioritize health care in midlife, here's what actually happens. You feel more grounded and present instead of scattered and reactive. Your confidence grows because when you honor your needs, you strengthen your sense of worth. You strengthen your sense of worth. Your body starts to respond with more energy, less inflammation, better sleep and even weight balance. Your relationships improve because you are no longer pouring from an empty cup.

Speaker 1: 33:23

Midlife comes with its own set of challenges. Midlife comes with its own set of challenges Hormonal shifts, aging parents, career pivots, even identity rediscovery. So it's not selfish to take care of yourself. It's strategic, it's powerful, it's necessary. And here's the truth If you don't choose to prioritize your wellness, life will eventually force you to prioritize your illness. That's the hard reality. But the beautiful opportunity is you get to choose now, and it starts with tiny rituals done consistently. So today, ask yourself what's one small act of self-care I can give myself today that the future self will thank me for. Then go, do it without guilt, without apology and with full permission to put yourself first, because here in midlife you are the main character and she deserves to be cared for like a queen she is. That's your midlife belief for today. Remember, self-care isn't a luxury, it's how you rise. And that's a wrap of episode seven. And that's a wrap of Episode 7 and the Midlife Glow Report.

Speaker 1: 34:49

Thank you so much for spending this time with me. I hope something in today's episode lit a little spark in you, whether it was MindShift, the wellness tip, the beauty hack or the travel and financial glow-up ideas. You deserve to feel supported, seen and inspired, and I'm honored to be a small part of your journey. If you enjoyed this episode, would you do me a favor? Take a moment to leave a review, hit that follow or subscribe button and maybe even share this podcast with another midlife woman who needs a little glow up in her life. Seriously, this show grows because of you. Your support helps me reach more incredible women who are ready to reinvent, awaken and thrive in the second half of life. Awaken and thrive in the second half of life, and if you have feedback, ideas or just want to say hi, you can always message me on Instagram at Jack Sties. I love hearing what resonates with you. Until next time, stay kind to yourself, take one small step toward your glow-up today and have an amazing week ahead. Keep glowing beautiful. You've got this Love, jax.