249 - Big Rocks

Most women in midlife don’t struggle because they’re “not disciplined enough.” They struggle because the wellness world has trained them to focus on details that don’t actually change their health. So they spend time, energy, and money on supplements, special drinks, detox protocols, tracking tools, and wellness trends—while overlooking the simple habits that create real, lasting results.

In this episode, I’m talking about the difference between the health “big rocks” that move the dial and the marbles and sand that make you feel like you’re working hard while barely getting anywhere. I share the Costco hot dog story, the ice conversation, and my own tendency to chase fixes before building a strong foundation.

If you’re overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice online—or if you’re trying hard and still not feeling better—this episode will help you understand exactly why things haven’t been clicking. And more importantly, what to do next.

The goal of this episode is simple: help you stop wasting energy, start feeling better, and finally build a health routine that actually works for your life.

The Biggest Problem Midlife Women Face Regarding Big Rocks in Health

The biggest problem midlife women face is not a lack of motivation—it’s a lack of clarity about what actually matters. Many women are unknowingly putting their time into low-impact habits like supplements, alkaline water, or optimization techniques because the wellness industry amplifies these activities as essential. But without the fundamental daily habits—hydration, protein, vegetables, movement, sleep, stress management—these smaller practices make almost no measurable difference.

Midlife also brings physical changes that make the basics more important, not less. Hormonal fluctuations affect energy, cravings, sleep, digestion, and stress levels. When big rocks are missing, these symptoms feel more intense, which leads women to reach for even more complicated solutions. The result is a constant sense of “trying everything and nothing works,” even though the real issue is simply that the essentials aren’t in place consistently.

This episode addresses the root cause of this frustration: women are focusing on advanced techniques without stabilizing the foundational behaviors that regulate hormones, metabolism, and overall well-being. Once the big rocks are solid, hea

Free Quiz: Still saying "I know what to do, I just don't do it"?  You don't need more information. You need to know why you're not applying the information you already have. This free quiz identifies the exact reason your healthy habits keep breaking down, and it's not willpower. 15 questions. 3 minutes or less. 4 possible patterns. 1 honest answer. 

Go to https://elizabethsherman.com/quiz

If you’re a woman in midlife who wants better health without obsessing over weight, you’re in the right place. I’m Elizabeth Sherman, a life and health coach and host of the Total Health in Midlife Podcast.

After coaching hundreds of women, I know the real problem usually isn’t “not enough information” – it’s too much of it, and not knowing where to start. With close to 300 episodes, this show can feel that way too.

To make it easy, I created a free Listener’s Roadmap that helps you figure out which episodes are right for you right now. Tell me what you’re struggling with – low energy, emotional eating, stress, sleep, exercise, or all of the above – and I’ll point you to a curated path of episodes and resources to get you moving.

Download your free roadmap at https://elizabethsherman.com/roadmap.