The Fitnessista Podcast: Healthy In Real Life

Hi friends! I'm thrilled to share this week's conversation with Dr. Karyn Shanks, MD, IFMCP a certified functional medicine physician with nearly 40 years of experience. We dive deep into treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and how trauma, nutrition, and self-care all play a role in lasting health. This was an amazing conversation and I can't wait for you to hear it! Here's what we discuss: Why treating the whole person—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is key to healing How trauma can impact chronic illness and long-term health Strategies for nervous system regulation to support recovery The extensive intake process that helps understand a patient's full health story Why spending time with patients is critical for effective care Common nutritional deficiencies and how they affect even healthy eaters Daily self-care practices that support wellness and reduce anxiety How to feel empowered in your health care decisions Meditation, creative activities, and listening to your body as tools for well-being Karyn Shanks, MD is a physician-healer-teacher-writer who lives and practices in Iowa City. Her work is inspired by the science of Directable Human Potential—epigenetics, neuroplasticity, core Functional Medicine systems biology, and transformational psychology—and the wisdom gleaned from the healing journeys of thousands of clients over her thirty-year career. She approaches all of her work through the Unbroken philosophy and framework—that we all have vast untapped genetic, biological, psychological, and spiritual potential. Connect with her on Instagram here and on her website here. Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here. Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast Partners: Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they'll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here! Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little "thank you" gift from me to you. http://fitnessista.com/podcastreview

Hi friends! I have a brand new episode live, and today I'm diving into a powerful conversation with Kara from NutriSense all about metabolic health, continuous glucose monitoring, and the role of human connection in building sustainable lifestyle changes. I'm SO excited for you to listen to it!! Here's what we chat about: Why metabolic health is the foundation for your energy, focus, and long-term wellness The most common dietary mistakes that spike blood sugar (and how to avoid them) How continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can give you real-time insights into your body The importance of stress management and its impact on blood sugar regulation Why AI can support—but never replace—the empathy of human coaching Practical strategies for creating small, sustainable healthy habits that actually stick This episode is packed with insight and encouragement to help you take control of your metabolic health and feel your best every day. Kara Collier is the co-founder and VP of Health at Nutrisense, one of the fastest-growing health tech startups in the U.S. She's reshaping how we approach prevention, behavior change, and metabolic health. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, Kara has helped over 150,000 people improve their health by combining real-time data, like continuous glucose monitoring, with personalized coaching and practical lifestyle strategies. She's a passionate advocate for how technology and human support can drive sustainable health change. Kara is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and has been recognized with HLTH's "Food as Medicine" award. Her work has been featured by Forbes, UC Berkeley, and Medcitynews and she is a frequent speaker at health conferences and podcasts. When she's not talking about health and data, Kara is usually exploring the mountains, playing volleyball, or lifting heavy things. Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here. Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast Partners: Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they'll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here! Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little "thank you" gift from me to you. http://fitnessista.com/podcastreview

Hi friends! I have a brand new podcast episode live, and today I'm catching you up in a solo episode that's part life update, part travel tips, and part parenting reflections. We're talking about the lessons I've learned lately—both big and small—and I think you'll find plenty to relate to. Here's what we chat about: The 700% growth of the podcast this year and what's been working behind the scenes How I budget and plan for vacations (including my favorite credit card points hacks!) Raising daughters with a focus on positive body image and why certain conversations don't belong at the dinner table How creating a nag-free dinner environment has helped our family connect more Why I believe "balance" is a myth (and what I focus on instead) Tips for traveling with kids while keeping stress low and expectations realistic What our summer in Spain taught me about slowing down and savoring life The big "someday" dreams my family is talking about: Spain, Germany, or maybe even homesteading This is a cozy, chatty episode full of stories, reflections, and practical takeaways for creating more connection, joy, and ease in your family life. Take a listen and tell me which part resonated most with you! Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here. Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast Partners: This is the credit card I use for lounge access and free hotel stays + perks. Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they'll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here! Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little "thank you" gift from me to you. http://fitnessista.com/podcastreview

Hi friends! I have a brand new episode live and I'm SO excited to listen to my chat with Dr. Jonathan Carp all about healing through nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and the mindset shifts that support long-term wellness. Here's what we discuss: Why your diagnosis doesn't have to be your destiny The healing power of food and the limitations of conventional medicine How to create supportive environments that promote lasting health The role of circadian rhythms, light exposure, and outdoor activity in overall wellness Plus insights on Miracle Noodle's mission, upcoming products, and so much more! About Jonathan Carp: Dr. Jonathan Carp is a board-certified dermatologist, wellness advocate, and the founder of Miracle Noodle, a brand dedicated to providing healthy, low-carb alternatives that support a variety of dietary needs. After witnessing the limits of traditional medicine in treating chronic illness, Jonathan became passionate about using nutrition, education, and lifestyle medicine as tools for real healing. His mission is to empower people to take control of their health through mindset, visualization, and supportive daily routines. Connect with Dr. Carp: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miraclenoodle Website: https://www.miraclenoodle.com Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here. Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast Partners: Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they'll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here! Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little "thank you" gift from me to you. http://fitnessista.com/podcastreview

Hi friends! A brand new podcast episode is live and I'm so excited to share this conversation with Mario Brainović all about the most essential element of health: Water 💧 Here's what we discuss: - Why Mario believes our bodies have an innate ability to heal—and how water plays a key role in that process - What Analemma technology is, and how it transforms regular water into a coherent state that supports energy, brain function, and vitality - The science behind hydrogen water, and why it's gaining momentum in the health world - How water stores frequencies, acts as an energy transmitter, and connects us to nature on a biological level - The link between water quality, cellular energy, and long-term wellness - Why meditation and whole foods are cornerstones of a sustainable healthy lifestyle - How our personal energy can influence the biology of those around us (!) …and so.much.more! If you've ever wondered whether the water you drink is truly supporting your health, this episode will leave you inspired to see it in a whole new light. ✨ Connect with him here and check out Analemma here (use the code FITNESSISTA for 10% off) Mario Brainović, CEO of New Earth Technologies Ltd. Mario is an entrepreneur, researcher and a visionary in the field of health and wellness. For years he ran a successful international advertising agency and a production house. He was always very passionate about health and wellness, about finding natural ways to heal, regenerate and restore the delicate balance between body, mind and spirit. This led him to establish a natural pharmaceutical company that successfully helped many people for years. After a while he became very passionate about water. Realizing its extraordinary significance he established New Earth Technologies, a company that offers Analemma Water to the world, as well as invests in the research of coherent water and its effects on biological systems - humans, plants and animals. Partners: Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they'll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA30 for 30% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here! The Lifewave X39 patches have been a gamechanger for my energy; the Pilot is obsessed, too! Check them out here. Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA50 for $50 off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here and my review of Level 2 here. Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little "thank you" gift from me to you.

Hi friends! I have a new podcast episode live and I'm hopping in today with another solo episode all about morning routines! Here's what we discuss: Why morning routines are so powerful and how they can impact your mood, energy, and productivity throughout the day. My previous "rat race" morning routines and how she's evolved to a more sustainable, habit-stacked approach. "Non-time-structured" morning habits, including avoiding phone scrolling, getting sunlight exposure, and prioritizing hydration. My go-to, autopilot breakfast that's packed with nutrition and protein. Incorporating PEMF, red light, and binaural beats into her mornings for optimal well-being. The power of journaling and gratitude, and how to manifest your goals by writing them as if they've already happened. Book recommendations for cultivating a positive mindset and effective habits Creative ways to use AI (like ChatGPT) to optimize your daily routine and maximize productivity. The importance of consistency over intensity and finding what truly moves the needle for you, rather than comparing yourself to others. and so.much.more! Partners: Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they'll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here! The Lifewave X39 patches have been a gamechanger for my energy; the Pilot is obsessed, too! Check them out here. Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA50 for $50 off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here and my review of Level 2 here. Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little "thank you" gift from me to you.