Fibroids, sushi-but-not-sushi, and muscle in midlife

22 Aug Fibroids, sushi-but-not-sushi, and muscle in midlife

Posted at 04:45h in Midlife Health, Notes with NJ by

💌 Notes from Natalie

This week has been a mix of mom-feels, health detective digging, workouts, sushi-but-not-sushi, and my usual obsession with keeping every ounce of muscle I can. Let’s get into it.

Life Lately

My daughter came to visit last week and it was amazing. Since she mainly lives in San Diego now, I had her go through the stuff still in her room here. She looked around and basically said, “Mom, that’s my 12-year-old self. Get rid of it.”

So, picture me later, sitting in her closet, holding little outfits and tearing up like I was in a Hallmark movie. Cue the empty nest feels. đŸ˜«

I was talking to my hair girl about this and we laughed about how when our kids were toddlers, we used to think, “Oh once they are older we’ll finally worry less.” Biggest lie ever. When they were little we worried about Cheerios being choking hazards. As pre teens, it was whether they will fit in and be liked by others (and like themselves). Now as young adults, it’s whether they’ll remember to call us back before we cave and text them three times. The worrying never stops. It just changes outfits.

Health Detective Update

You know I share everything I walk through. Lately I started noticing mild cramps, which confused me because I haven’t had a period in ages. I am on hormone replacement therapy, so I decided to dig deeper. đŸȘ

I went for an ultrasound and surprise
 fibroids. Not fun, but super common. Usually they shrink after menopause, but not always if you are on HRT. Which brings me to an important point: HRT is not one-size-fits-all. It is so unique to each of us. The dose, the type, the delivery method, and even how our bodies metabolize it can be completely different from one woman to the next. What feels amazing for one woman might cause symptoms for another. That is why it is so important to work with a knowledgeable provider, check labs, and keep adjusting until it is right for YOU.

I’ve lined up some amazing guests to talk about this on the podcast soon. I’ll share what I learn as I learn it because this is such an important conversation for us in midlife.

Nervous System Fascination

Another rabbit hole I am deep into right now is nervous system regulation. Honestly, the more I learn, the more I realize our nervous system is the hidden conductor of our entire body.

Here is the quick science: your nervous system has two main settings. One is “fight or flight” (sympathetic), which is survival mode. The other is “rest, repair, digest, and heal” (parasympathetic). The problem? Most of us in midlife are stuck in survival mode on repeat. That constant stress state can mess with everything:

  • Hormones (hello hot flashes, mood swings, and cortisol belly)

  • Digestion (bloating, IBS, constipation when stressed)

  • Sleep (tossing and turning at 3 AM)

  • Pain (a dysregulated nervous system can actually turn the volume up on pain signals)

  • Energy and focus (brain fog loves stress mode)

When we learn to regulate our nervous system and shift back into that rest-and-heal state, our bodies can finally do what they are designed to do. Muscles recover better, hormones work easier, inflammation calms down, and even our cravings get quieter.

I have some incredible guests lined up who specialize in this and I cannot wait to share their insights with you. Think of this as the missing link in health that nobody taught us in school but makes all the difference once you get it.

📾 On the Gram:

I shared a couple of quick ab and leg workouts that are all back-friendly. These are perfect if you want something simple, safe, and effective to jump back in with. See the latest posts here.

Ohhhhh and for those who love (or hate) my winged eyeliner
I shared a tutorial on how I “try” to do it. Don’t laugh lol It is not very pretty. Click below to check it out!

đŸŽ„ On YouTube:

I have been posting some recovery-friendly workouts. Think lower body and abs that you can do even if you have back issues, are starting over, or just want safe movements.

Plus, I filmed some longer form content with a friend this week that I am excited to release soon. If you have a topic you really want me to cover, reply to this email and let me know. I read your replies and I love your ideas. Click below to go to the channel and explore 💖

đŸŽ™ïž On the PODCAST:

🎧 A powerful episode on trauma and healing. Her story is wild, and the breakthroughs around grief and trauma blew me away. If you have ever felt stuck, this one is a must-listen. Listen on Apple here or Spotify here.

🎧A fun twist: my friend Helen interviewed me for her podcast and then gave me the audio to share with you. If you have ever wanted my unfiltered thoughts on fat loss, nutrition, and mindset, this episode will be right up your alley. Listen on Apple here or Spotify here.

🏆 What I’m Loving This Week


  • Semi-Sushi Rolls. My friend Lauren made these for me and now I am obsessed. It is basically salmon baked and mixed with a little rice, wrapped in nori with cucumber and avocado, dipped in tamari with ginger and wasabi. Sushi without the fancy sushi chef or the raw fish stress. So simple, balanced, and seriously addicting. 😛

  • Muscle-preserving supplements. Because midlife lesson number one: protect the muscle at all costs. Lose the drama, keep the glutes.

    • KION Aminos – My ride-or-die for recovery and preserving lean muscle. These are especially helpful since I am still in recovery mode and not training as hard. BERRY is my favorite flavor. You can try them with a discount HERE

    • Mitopure Gummies – I take two a day. Easy, tasty, and powerful for energy and cellular health (helps clean up our mitochondria!) while keeping muscle strong. They are YUMMY GUMMIES for real. And so simple to take. You can learn more about these and save on them HERE

Anyways.. That is all for now! Until next week…

xo Natalie Jill

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Natalie Jill

Natalie Jill is a leading Fat Loss Expert and high-performance coach. She helps you change the conversation around age, potential, pain and possibility. She does this through a SIMPLE and FUN unique method that you can find in her best-selling books, top-rated podcasts, interactive programs and coaching sessions. As a 50-year-old female, she KNOWS the struggles and pain that can come with aging! She takes the guesswork away and help you kill the F.A.T. (False Assumed Truths) holding you back from achieving your goals. To know more about Natalie Jill, you can visit her Facebook Profile, Tiktok, and Instagram.