Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife

Made for More — the podcast for women navigating midlife who are ready to stop surviving & start thriving.I'm Karen Renaud, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, integrative health practitioner, positive psychology coach & personal trainer. If you're in perimenopause or menopause, feeling exhausted & not quite like yourself — you are in the right place.Blending midlife wellness, positive psychology & integrative health to help you reclaim your energy, rediscover your purpose & transform your life.I cover mindset, habits, stress, fitness, confidence & whole-person transformation.You were made for more.

Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife is a health podcast hosted by Karen Renaud, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Karen Renaud hosts Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife, a health show with 12 episodes published.

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  Episode #13

  Exercise Isn't Punishment—It's Training for the Life You Want

  Aug 17, 202622 minS1

  What if the question "How many calories did I burn?" is the wrong question entirely? If you've ever exercised because you felt guilty, to "earn" your food, or simply because you thought you should, you're not alone. But what if there was a better reason to move your body? In this episode of Made for More: Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife , Karen explores why exercise isn't about punishment—it's about preparing your body for the healthy, active life you want to live over the next 20, 30, or even 50 years. You'll discover why strength training becomes even more important after 40, how everyday movement contributes to your health, why joyful movement makes consistency easier, and why recovery is an essential part of getting stronger. Karen also shares how her perspective on exercise evolved—from training to perform to learning how to train for a long, healthy, active life. Along the way, injuries, mystery health challenges, and menopause completely reshaped what fitness means to her. Because exercise isn't just about burning calories. It's one piece of a much bigger health puzzle. When you connect the dots between movement, sleep, nutrition, stress, hormones, mindset, and purpose, exercise becomes less about obligation and more about building the life you want to live. If you're ready to stop exercising out of guilt and start training for your healthiest, strongest next chapter, this episode is for you. This Week's Challenge: Choose one small way to move this week.Take a 10-minute walk.Do one short strength workout.Dance in your kitchen.Try the fitness class you've been curious about.Remember...You're not just exercising for today. You're training for the life you want to live tomorrow. CONNECT WITH KAREN Website https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com Free inSPIREd Reset Guide Start putting the pieces of your health puzzle together with my free guide. https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/free-reset-guide Join the Community Get practical wellness tips, podcast updates, and encouragement delivered straight to your inbox each week. https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/join-my-list Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inspiredintegrativehealth Facebook https://www.facebook.com/inspiredintegrativehealth LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrenaudiih ️ Enjoying the podcast? If this episode encouraged you, please follow Made for More: Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Every share helps another woman discover that her best chapter may still be ahead. Resources & Deeper Dive Dr. Stephen Cabral – The Rain Barrel Effect (DESTRESS Protocol) LaBlast® Fitness – Learn more about Louis Van Amstel and the LaBlast® program. MEDICAL & WELLNESS DISCLAIMER The information shared in this podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.I am not a physician, registered dietitian, or licensed mental health provider. The content of this podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, nor should it be considered a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, nutritional, or healthcare advice.Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing any exercise program, nutrition plan, supplement regimen, medication, or other health-related practice, particularly if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have concerns about your health.Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you heard on this podcast.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are intended to provide evidence-informed education and practical wellness strategies. Your health decisions are ultimately your responsibility, and you should work with your healthcare team to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs.

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  Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife

  HEALTHY EATING AFTER 40: CUT THROUGH NUTRITION CONFUSION

  Aug 10, 202623 min

  EPISODE 12 — Nutrition advice has never been louder—or more confusing. Eggs are bad. Then they’re good. Carbs are the problem. No, fat is the problem. Try fasting. Don't try fasting. Count your Macros! Count your calories! Keto, Atkins, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian...protein goals, social media trends, and changing hormones... it’s easy to wonder what you’re actually supposed to eat! If you’re a woman over 40 who wants to feel stronger, more energized, and less stressed around food, this episode is for you. Karen Renaud offers a calmer, more sustainable approach to nutrition—one that moves away from restrictive rules and helps you pay attention to what supports your body in this season of life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why nutrition experts agree on more than what we've been led to believe The simple foundations that matter more than the latest trend How to move from food rules and all-or-nothing thinking toward curiosity Why protein and muscle health matter more in perimenopause and menopause Why extreme diets are rarely a long-term solution How mindful eating can help you better understand hunger, energy, and satisfaction One small, realistic step you can take this week—without overhauling your life This is not another plan to follow perfectly. It’s an invitation to build a way of eating that feels practical, supportive, and sustainable. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Website: inspiredintegrativehealth.comFree inSPIREd Reset Guide: https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/free-reset-guideTips, inspiration, updates: https://www.inspiredintegrativehealth.com/join-my-listEmail: karen@inspiredintegrativehealth.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredintegrativehealthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredintegrativehealthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrenaudiih MEDICAL & WELLNESS DISCLAIMER This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Karen Renaud is not a physician or registered dietitian. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your nutrition, exercise, supplements, medications, or health plan. CONCEPTS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Blue Zones — regions of the world with exceptionally high concentrations of people living to 100 or beyond, studied by researcher Dan Buettner. The consistent dietary patterns across Blue Zones informed the general principles discussed in this episode. Bio-individuality — the principle that each person has unique nutritional needs based on genetics, lifestyle, health history, and other individual factors. Sarcopenia — age-related muscle loss, referenced in the protein section. Mindful eating — the practice of paying full, non-judgmental attention to the experience of eating. DEEPER DIVE RESOURCES Buettner, D. (2008). The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. National Geographic Society.https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Zones-Lessons-Living-Longest/dp/1426202741 Cabral, S. (2017). The Rain Barrel Effect. Stephen Cabral.https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Barrel-Effect-Stephen-Cabral/dp/0999194909 https://www.amazon.com/ROAR-Physiology-Performance-Health-Strong/dp/1623366860Tribole, E. & Resch, E. (2020). Beasley, J.M., Shikany, J.M. & Thomson, C.A. (2013). The role of dietary protein intake in the prevention of sarcopenia of aging. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 28(6), 684–690.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3928027/ This is Episode 12 of the Made for More podcast. New episodes every week. Follow on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss one.

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  Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife

  Why Am I So Tired All the Time? What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

  Aug 3, 202623 min

  Why Am I So Tired All the Time? If that question has crossed your mind lately—this episode is for you. So many women in perimenopause and midlife assume it's just aging or menopause. "Everybody's tired. I guess this is what life feels like now." But chronic fatigue isn't something you have to accept. In this episode, we'll look at exhaustion in a completely different way. What if your tiredness isn't a character flaw—or even a sleep problem? What if it's your body trying to tell you something important? • Why exhaustion is common—but not inevitable • The "energy checking account"—and why you're likely overdrawn without realizing it • Five hidden energy drains: physical, mental, emotional, relational, and purposeful • Why brain fog and low energy aren't always about sleep • The relationship that may be draining you most • A simple 7-day Energy Detective experiment—no new habits required Whether you're navigating the menopause transition, burnout, or constant fatigue, this episode will help you understand what may be happening and give you a practical starting point for feeling like yourself again. inspiredintegrativehealth.com — Free inSPIREd Reset Guide + program information Concepts Referenced: Viktor Frankl — Austrian psychiatrist and author of Man's Search for Meaning . Referenced in the discussion of purpose. PERMA Model — Dr. Martin Seligman's framework for human flourishing. The Relationships pillar is referenced in the relational energy section. (Covered in depth in Episode 4.) SPIRE Model — Developed by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, Dr. Maria Sirois, and Megan McDonough at the Wholebeing Institute. The five pillars provide the framework for the five energy drains discussed in this episode. Multitasking and cognitive load — Referenced as well-established concepts in cognitive psychology. Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 Further Reading: Loehr, J. & Schwartz, T. (2003). The Power of Full Engagement. van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Frankl, V. (1946). Man's Search for Meaning. Seligman, M. (2011). Flourish. Happiness Studies Academy — happinessstudies.academy VIA Character Strengths (Free Assessment) — viacharacter.org Health & Medical Disclaimer: The content in Made for More —including all episodes and show notes—is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Karen is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Integrative Health Practitioner, Certified Personal Trainer, Positive Psychology Coach, and Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist. She is not a physician, licensed therapist, psychologist, or registered dietitian and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prescribe for any physical or mental health condition, nor does she provide medical nutrition therapy. Everything Karen shares is grounded in professional training and lived experience. Having navigated many of these same health challenges herself, she understands the value of becoming your own health detective while partnering with qualified healthcare professionals. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing any exercise program, nutrition plan, supplement regimen, medication, or other health-related practice, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have concerns about your health. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms—including fatigue, significant mood changes, or other physical or mental health concerns—seek appropriate medical care. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical care in favor of information shared in this podcast. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are Karen's own and are intended to provide evidence-informed education and practical wellness strategies. Your health decisions are ultimately your responsibility and should be made in partnership with your healthcare team.

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  Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife

  Episode 10: When Did "Busy" Become Who You Are? The Cost of Living With Your Foot on the Gas

  Jul 27, 202625 min

  When Did "Busy" Become Who You Are? — The Hidden Cost of Chronic Urgency for Women in Midlife When someone asks, "How are you?"—what do you say? Busy. Tired. Keeping my head above water. Hanging in there. Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped describing our schedules and started describing ourselves. In this episode, Karen Renaud asks an important question:What is living at full speed actually costing you? You'll discover: • The science behind allostatic load—what chronic stress and urgency can do to your body over time, and why it matters, especially during midlife. • Why your nervous system gets good at whatever you practice—and how to begin practicing something different. • The difference between functioning and having the capacity to truly live. • How to identify your exhaustion point and what it may be telling you. • Why recovery is a skill—not an event—and what recovery can actually look like in everyday life. • The difference between survival mode and capacity mode. • A simple 7-Day Capacity Check Challenge to help you begin creating a healthier rhythm. Question one: When did I hit my exhaustion point today? Notice the time and what was happening. Were you physically tired, mentally overloaded, emotionally depleted — or all three? Question two: How quickly did I recover from the hardest moment of my day? Did you reset within a few minutes? Did the tension follow you all afternoon? Are you still replaying it at bedtime? Question three: What helped me return to myself today? Medical & Wellness Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a physician, registered dietitian, or licensed mental health provider. The content of this podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, nor should it be considered a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, nutritional, or healthcare advice. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before beginning or changing any exercise program, nutrition plan, supplement regimen, medication, or other health-related practice, particularly if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have concerns about your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are intended to provide evidence-informed education and practical wellness strategies. Your health decisions are ultimately your responsibility, and you should work with your healthcare team to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs. Resources, References, Further Exploration: McEwen, B.S. & Stellar, E. (1993). Stress and the Individual: Mechanisms Leading to Disease. Introduced the concept of allostatic load —the cumulative wear and tear on the body caused by chronic stress. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8215752/ McEwen, B.S. (1998). Stress, Adaptation, and Disease: Allostasis and Allostatic Load. A foundational review explaining how chronic activation of the stress response affects long-term health. https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb09546.x Tal Ben-Shahar – Concepts related to recovery, wellbeing, and creating "Islands of Sanity." https://www.happinessstudies.academy Matthew 11:28 — "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Sapolsky, R. Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers. An accessible, evidence-based exploration of the science of stress and its effects on long-term health.

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  Made for More — Holistic Health and Purpose for Women in Midlife

  What Are You Training For? — How to Build a Body That Says Yes to Life (Strength Training for Women over 40)

  Jul 20, 202619 min

  Whether you're looking to build muscle after menopause, improve your healthspan, support healthy aging, or simply create a stronger body for the life you want to live, this episode is for you. Most of us have been asking the wrong questions about our health. Did I lose weight? Did I hit my macros? What does the scale say? Did I earn dessert? Those aren't bad questions. They're just not the most important ones. What are you training for? Not for a number on the scale — but for the hiking trail, the dance floor, the spontaneous trip, the grandchildren on the floor. For the future you'll thank yourself for building today. In this episode you'll discover:— Why genetics are only one part of the story—and how your daily choices play a powerful role in shaping your future health.— The science behind sarcopenia — age-related muscle loss — and why strength training matters more in midlife than ever— How strength training supports bone density, metabolism, mood, and brain health— How getting stronger physically changes what you believe is possible in every area of life— Karen's personal story — from the Reebok National Aerobic Championships to training for future Karen— Why "I don't want my world to get smaller" is the philosophy behind everything Plus the challenge Karen wants you to answer in the comments:I'm training for ____________. inspiredintegrativehealth.com — free inSPIREd Reset Guide + program info RESOURCES & REFERENCES Books:McGonigal, K. (2019). The Joy of Movement. Avery/Penguin Random House.amazon.com/Joy-Movement-Exercise-Happiness-Connection/dp/0525534946 Ratey, J. (2008). Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Little, Brown.amazon.com/Spark-Revolutionary-Science-Exercise-Brain/dp/0316113514 Research:Sarcopenia & resistance training in menopausal women — PMC (2023)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10647115/ Resistance training & depression — Gordon et al., JAMA Psychiatry (2018)doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0572 Scripture: Philippians 4:13

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