Why does change feel so hard - even when you want it badly? In this episode, we’re having a grown-up conversation about change, weight loss, and why self-discipline is rarely the real issue. Most women aren’t stuck because they’re lazy, unmotivated, or lacking willpower. They’re stuck because change threatens survival - not just habits. And when obesity enters the picture, biology turns the volume all the way up. In this episode, you’ll learn: The four real blockers to change (and why mindset alone doesn’t fix them) How the obese brain complicates weight loss through hunger, food noise, and biological defence Why so many women are asked to change while unknowingly going against Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Why restriction, shame, and “try harder” approaches backfire And how sustainable change starts by working with the brain, not against it We explore how food, safety, belonging, identity, and nervous system regulation all sit at the core of weight struggles - and why self-blame stops making sense once you understand the science. If change has felt impossible, this episode will help you see why - and more importantly, what actually creates lasting freedom. Want support putting this into practice? If this episode resonated and you’re ready to stop fighting yourself, Become HER is our 6-week programme designed to help you rebuild safety, structure, confidence, and consistency - whether you’re on a GLP-1 or not. This isn’t about forcing change.It’s about creating it in a way your brain and body can actually sustain. You can find the Become HER link here - https://stan.store/Nicolemckeecoaching/p/become-her-in-6-online-only

GLP-1 doesn’t just change appetite - it changes how women need to train, recover, and fuel their bodies. In this episode, Nicole is joined by women’s health and fitness coach Angela Macleod to unpack what actually works for women using GLP-1 medications, especially through perimenopause and midlife weight loss. They talk honestly about why traditional “push harder” fitness advice often backfires… how fear of muscle loss can drive overtraining and burnout… and why exhaustion is not a badge of honour when it comes to health. This conversation explores the real shifts women need to make with strength training, recovery, protein, and nervous system support - so weight loss doesn’t come at the cost of confidence, shape, or mental wellbeing. It’s a grounded, evidence-based discussion for women who want to feel strong, supported, and in tune with their bodies - not punished by them. If you’re on GLP-1, considering it, or simply tired of fitness that leaves you shattered instead of empowered, this episode will change how you think about movement. Connect with Ange here - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angemaccoaching?igsh=cHhnajdjc3k2ODhs&utm_source=qr @angemaccoaching Website - https://www.angemac-coaching.co.uk/

Vision boarding has been sold to us as magic for years.Stick pictures on a board, hope the universe does the rest… and then wonder why nothing actually changes. In this episode of The You Lounge, we reframe vision boarding for what it really is: neural training. This conversation strips away the “woo woo” and breaks down the real brain science behind why vision boards can work - and why most don’t. We explore how attention, identity, emotional safety and behaviour change all play a role in whether your vision becomes reality… or just another forgotten January ritual. You’ll learn: The neuroscience behind vision boards and the Reticular Activating System (RAS) Why most vision boards activate fantasy, not follow-through How emotional distance and pressure quietly sabotage motivation The difference between wishing for change and training your brain for it Evidence-based approaches used in elite performance psychology How to build a vision board that supports identity, safety and action Simple ways to bridge vision into real-world behaviour This episode draws on:✔️ Mental imagery from elite sport✔️ Mental contrasting (Gabriele Oettingen)✔️ Implementation intentions (Peter Gollwitzer)✔️ Identity-based behavioural psychology Because vision boards don’t change your life.Your brain does. If you want support turning vision into follow-through, this is exactly the work we do inside Become HER - focusing on identity, habits, nervous system regulation and real, sustainable action. ✨ Become HER VIP (in-person experience with Empowerment Photoshoot) - https://stan.store/Nicolemckeecoaching/p/become-her-in-6-vip✨ Become HER Online Only - https://stan.store/Nicolemckeecoaching/p/become-her-in-6-online-onlyWe kick off 2nd January. And if you’d like my 10-step Future Self Vision Board process, I’ll give it to you completely free - but you have to ask for it. 📧 Email me at nicole@nicolemckeecoaching.com with the subject Vision Board and I’ll send it straight to you. No magic.No fluff.Just neuroscience, clarity, and follow-through.

Navigating the GLP-1 Abuse Era | The Impact of GLP-1 on Body Image In this episode of The You Lounge, Nicole McKee and Marianne Bell unpack what they’re calling the GLP-1 abuse era - and why the conversation around weight loss medications has become so distorted. They explore how GLP-1 has been glamorised, misunderstood, and, in some cases, misused, alongside the relentless societal pressure to be thin at any cost. From media scare stories to quiet disordered behaviours no one’s talking about, this is an honest, nuanced conversation about what’s really happening beneath the headlines. Nicole and Marianne share personal reflections, challenge diet culture narratives, and highlight why education, mindset, and body image support matter more than ever in this new weight loss landscape. This episode isn’t anti-GLP-1 — it’s pro-informed choice, mental health, and sustainable transformation. If you’re on a GLP-1, considering one, or simply tired of the noise, shame, and misinformation around weight loss - this conversation is for you. ✨ Plus, hear about their upcoming programme designed to support deep mindset shifts, healthy identity change, and long-term success beyond the scales. Key moments you’ll hear: Why we’re living in the “GLP-1 abuse era” How media narratives shape fear and shame The hidden risks of misuse and diet mentality Why thinness still equals worth for so many women What real transformation actually requires 🎧 Because it’s not just about losing weight - it’s about how you live in your body.   Join Becoming HER - VIP - https://stan.store/Nicolemckeecoaching/p/become-her-in-6-vip Online only - https://stan.store/Nicolemckeecoaching/p/become-her-in-6-online-only  

🎙️ Why You Need a Health Coach to Fast-Track Your Journey (On a GLP-1 or Not) The You Lounge Podcast - with Nicole & Marianne In today’s episode, we’re diving into the real reason women hire a health coach - and it has nothing to do with macros, meal plans, or “trying harder.” Most women aren’t struggling because they’re lazy.They’re struggling because they’re exhausted from doing everything alone. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the same loops -✨ starting again every Monday✨ knowing better but not doing better✨ overwhelmed, overstretched, and under-supported✨ dipping in and out of consistency✨ or battling emotional eating, perfectionism, or self-sabotage… …this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. We break down: Why information isn’t the problem - identity is The psychology behind why women stay stuck Why support + structure is the fastest route to long-term change How coaching gives you the accountability, simplicity, and emotional safety your brain has been craving The exact moment most women realise: “I don’t want to do this alone anymore.” Whether you’re on a GLP-1 or navigating your journey without medication, this conversation will help you understand what actually moves the needle - and what keeps you circling the same patterns. And because not everyone is ready for coaching (yet), we also share the six pillars every woman should build at the very start of her health journey, so you can create progress and stability right now. This episode is your permission slip to finally stop white-knuckling your way through change - and step into a version of you who’s supported, empowered, and truly thriving. 🔗 Ready to fast-track your transformation? Join Become HER in 6 - your 6-week identity reset.VIP enrolment link:https://stan.store/Nicolemckeecoaching/p/become-her-in-6-vip Online Only: https://stan.store/Nicolemckeecoaching/p/become-her-in-6-online-only   Nic & Marianne x 

The Festive Season Survival Guide: 10 Tools That Actually Work December is the month where routines wobble, cravings creep in, and “I’ll start again in January” becomes the vibe. In this episode of The You Lounge, Nicole and Marianne break down 10 simple, realistic ways to stay on track in December - without feeling restricted, boring, or left out of the fun. From anchoring your mornings to outsmarting the buffet table, this episode gives you practical strategies that actually work in real life. You’ll hear how to protect your movement, tune into hunger and fullness cues, shift your social defaults, and keep your mindset strong when festive chaos hits. This isn’t about perfection - it’s about staying intentional, feeling good, and avoiding the classic December self-sabotage spiral. Inside the episode:• Why December is self-sabotage season for so many women• The 10 tools that keep you consistent (and proud of yourself)• How to anchor your morning for better decisions• The power of “pre-buffering” before events• Small plates, big impact• Protecting your movement when your schedule is busy• Listening to your hunger cues instead of the room• Smarter social swaps that still feel fun• Mindset shifts that stop all-or-nothing thinking We get fully into it at 7m20s if you want to miss out our babble 🙂 and get straight into the good stuff.

Navigating Weight Loss, GLP-1s & the Mindset Shift No One Talks About In this candid, straight-talk conversation, Nicole McKee and Marianne Bell dive into the real side of weight loss - the science, the psychology, and the messy bits in between. From breaking down the differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro to unpacking how weight loss changes the way the world responds to you, this episode blends practical coaching with lived experience. Expect honest reflections, expert insights, and the kind of transparency that makes you feel instantly less alone. Nicole and Marianne explore why those last few kilos feel impossible, how confidence subtly shifts interactions, and why body image perception doesn’t magically fix itself when the weight drops. They also share strategies for plateaus, adjusting nutrition as your body changes, and keeping your mental health intact while transforming your physical health. Whether you're on GLP-1s, supporting someone who is, or simply committed to feeling better in your body, this episode gives you the mindset tools, the coaching lens, and the compassion you need for the journey ahead. ✨ What you’ll learn: Wegovy vs Mounjaro - how they differ and what that means for your results Why weight loss experiences vary wildly from person to person Why the final kilos are often the hardest How to break plateaus through movement, nutrition tweaks & routine shifts Why confidence changes how people treat you How sharing your story helps others feel seen Perfect for listeners curious about: weight loss, GLP-1 medications, Wegovy, Mounjaro, body image, self-care, health coaching, nutrition, fitness, and mental wellbeing. If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this still so hard?” - this one’s your sign to press play.

The You Lounge - The Body Positivity Lie & Stepping Into Main Character Energy on GLP-1 This week, we’re getting honest - brutally honest - about the body positivity movement and why some of the messaging is keeping women stuck, small, and silently suffering. If you’ve ever felt torn between “love yourself as you are” and “I want more for my life,” this episode will feel like a deep exhale. We’re unpacking the nuance that nobody wants to talk about: you can love yourself and want to change. You can accept your body and desire a healthier, stronger one. You can be grateful and still want better. And if you’re on GLP-1 medication? This is your permission slip to step fully into your main character era - not the watered-down version of you, but the woman who owns her goals, heals her mind, and leads her life with intention. Inside this episode: ✨ The real reason body positivity can become another cage✨ Why wanting to transform isn’t shameful - it’s powerful✨ How GLP-1 gives you the clarity to finally hear your true desires (even if it's scary)✨ Stepping out of survival mode and into your main character energy✨ The mindset shifts that actually create long-term change This is not a fluffy empowerment chat. This is a recalibration. A call-forward. A reminder that you’re allowed to want a bigger, brighter, more regulated life - without apology. Grab your coffee, your AirPods, and settle in. Your main character moment starts now.

The Gut Brain Axis and GLP-1 Made Simple Your gut isn’t just digesting your food… it’s holding a full-on conversation with your brain, narrating your mood, your cravings, your anxiety levels - and even how resilient you feel in midlife and weight loss. In this episode, we dive deep into the gut–brain axis:the hormones, the microbes, the neural superhighway between your belly and your mind… and how stress, poor sleep, GLP-1 medication, and midlife changes can throw the whole system off. Expect science made simple, story made relatable, and solutions you can actually use. We cover:• What the gut is really “saying” to your brain• How stress and emotional eating are rooted in this axis• Why fibre, protein, and microbiome support matter more than you think• How GLP-1 affects gut–brain signalling (in a good way)• The tiny daily tweaks that make your mood, hunger, and energy so much more predictable If you’re a woman who’s ever wondered why your stomach is basically your second brain - or why your mood and digestion are so tightly connected - this episode will make everything click. Hit play, grab a cup of something warm, and let’s decode the messages your body has been sending you all along.

Medication helps, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Let’s be honest - everyone wants a quick fix. The magic wand that makes the weight disappear, quiets food noise forever, and somehow resets life. But GLP-1 medication isn’t that. And that’s actually the best part. In this episode, Nicole breaks down what GLP-1 can do -from regulating hunger and blood sugar to giving you the mental space to make better choices - and what it can’t do, like healing emotional eating or rebuilding self-trust. This isn’t another “before and after” chat; it’s a conversation about empowerment, not dependency. You’ll learn:✨ The real science of how GLP-1 works (and why it’s not “cheating”)💔 The emotional patterns medication alone can’t fix💪 The 3 pillars that create lasting transformation🔄 Why you are still in the driver’s seat of your journey If you’ve ever wondered why the scale moved but your self-worth didn’t, or if you’re ready to build a stronger, freer, more connected relationship with your body - this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember: GLP-1 might start your story, but you write the ending. 👉 Share this episode with someone on their own GLP-1 journey, and come join the conversation on Instagram

Episode 29 | The You Lounge Podcast🎧 Perimenopause & Brain Health Optimisation: Training Your Mind Like a Muscle Your brain is your most powerful asset - yet most of us spend more time training our biceps than training our brain. In this episode, we’re diving into brain optimisation for women in perimenopause - because mental clarity, focus, and resilience aren’t just luck… they’re trainable. We explore the science of neuroplasticity and how your brain can rewire and strengthen at any age. You’ll learn how lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, movement, and nutrition shape brain function - and why brain fog, mood swings, or memory lapses in midlife aren’t something you just have to “live with.” Nicole breaks down cutting-edge tools and treatments for cognitive health - from TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) like Exomind and red light therapy to nootropics, adaptogens, and brain-boosting nutrition - all grounded in evidence and experience. You’ll also get practical, science-backed strategies to:💤 Improve sleep hygiene and recovery🏋️‍♀️ Boost BDNF through movement and strength training🥑 Nourish your brain with omega-3s, hydration, and micronutrients🧘‍♀️ Train your mind with meditation, journaling, and learning 3 takeaways: Your brain health is dynamic - and can be trained. One small habit (like magnesium before bed or morning red light) can change everything. Treat your brain as your most valuable investment - because it is. ✨ Your brain drives everything you do. Choose one upgrade this week - a supplement, a habit, or a mindset shift - and watch your clarity expand. If this episode gave you a boost, share it with a friend who needs one too.

Biohacking for Busy Women: The Truth Behind the Trend Summary This week, Nicole McKee and Marianne Bell unpack what biohacking really means for women - and spoiler alert, it’s not all ice baths, supplements, and expensive gadgets. They explore how women can use simple, science-backed habits to optimise their energy, focus, and emotional wellbeing without overcomplicating it. From journaling and nutrition to hypnosis and NAD+, they share practical ways to experiment safely and find what genuinely works for your body. Expect an honest, no-nonsense conversation about what biohacking looks like in real life - from balancing hormones and managing energy to aligning with your natural rhythms. Because real wellness isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about awareness, alignment, and editing your life to work for you. Key Takeaways The Mindset Biohacking is about optimising your biology for health, energy, and longevity. It’s not about tech obsession - it’s a holistic, lifestyle-based approach. Bio-individuality matters: what works for one woman might not work for another. Awareness is the first step - you can’t change what you don’t understand. The Practice Track your energy levels to spot natural highs and lows in your day. Pick one habit at a time and build consistency before adding more. Journaling supports emotional awareness, gratitude, and self-reflection. Hypnosis and wearable tech can enhance progress - but start simple. The Perspective Celebrate the healthy habits you already have in place. Emotional health is as vital as nutrition or movement. Experiment, observe, and let your body lead the conversation. True wellness is about living life on your terms, not someone else’s protocol. biohacking, wellness, women, health, nutrition, productivity, mindfulness, self-care, lifestyle, coaching, biohacking, wellness, energy management, journaling, hypnosis, wearable technology, self-awareness, NAD Plus, emotional health, personal growth

This week, Marianne takes the mic solo to unpack something far deeper than split ends - why our hair holds so much emotional power. From teenage “Rapunzel” memories to the science behind midlife hair loss, she explores how our strands are woven into identity, confidence, and self-worth. You’ll hear Marianne’s personal story of rediscovering herself through hair changes, wigs, and growth - both emotional and literal - plus the science behind hair loss during weight loss and perimenopause. Because it’s never just about hair. It’s about who we become when we finally feel like ourselves again. What you'll learn: Why hair plays such a powerful role in women’s confidence and identity The emotional and psychological meaning behind hair changes The science of hair loss during rapid weight loss or hormonal shifts How to support healthy hair through nutrition, scalp care, and gentle styling Why confidence comes from owning your choices, not your hair length ✨ Plus, a sneak peek into The Life Edit Masterclass  - where real confidence starts from the inside out. Join The Life Edit Masterclass Want to rebuild your confidence from the inside out?Sign up for The Life Edit Masterclass a free, science-backed 3-day experience designed to help you reconnect with your body, mind, and identity. 🔗 Join Here Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always speak to your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication or health routine.

The You Lounge Episode 26 - The Brutal Truth About Midlife Weight Gain   Why does weight gain suddenly feel inevitable in your 30s and 40s?   In this episode of The You Lounge, hosts Marianne and Nicole unpack the brutal truth about midlife weight gain, and why the strategies that worked in your 20s stop working now. This isn’t about willpower or motivation. It’s about understanding the biological shifts happening in your body and learning to work with them, not against them. What You’ll Learn: 🔬 The Hormonal Reality of Perimenopause & Menopause How declining estrogen and progesterone trigger fat redistribution (especially around the midsection), slow your metabolism, and accelerate muscle loss, and what you can do about it.   💪 Why Strength Training After 40 Is Non-NegotiableThe science behind preserving lean muscle mass, protecting bone density, and maintaining metabolic health as you age.   💤 The Sleep-Weight ConnectionWhy poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), increases cortisol, and makes weight management nearly impossible, plus actionable sleep hygiene tips backed by research from sleep scientist Dr. Matthew Walker.   🧘‍♀️ Stress, Cortisol & The Burnout CycleHow chronic stress keeps your body in fat-storage mode and why managing stress is just as important as diet and exercise.   🎶 Healing Music & Hertz Frequencies for RecoveryAn introduction to sound healing: 432 Hz for deep relaxation and 528 Hz for stress reduction  and how these frequencies can calm “food noise” and support nervous system regulation.   ⚡ The Midlife Energy Audit A practical framework for identifying where you’re over-giving, under-recovering, and how to reclaim your time, energy, and vitality. 3 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Midlife weight gain is rooted in biology, not personal failure. Understanding hormonal shifts empowers you to make informed choices. 2️⃣ Protein, strength training, and quality sleep are your three non-negotiables for metabolic health and long-term vitality. 3️⃣ Midlife is not a decline, it’s an opportunity to reset, rebuild strength, and thrive with intention.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker Amazon Link | 🎵 432 Hz & 528 Hz Healing Frequency Playlists - Spotify | YouTube💡   💬 What’s your biggest struggle with midlife weight gain? Drop a comment or DM us, we read every message!   ⭐ If this episode resonated, leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend who needs to hear this.

Episode 25 – ADHD, Autism, Perimenopause & Female Health with Jess Lindo In this episode of The You Lounge, Nicole and Marianne sit down with female health coach Jess Lindo for a powerful, real, and wide-ranging conversation on women’s health. We dive into: ADHD and autism in women – why it often goes undiagnosed and the unique challenges it brings The impact of perimenopause on the mind and body How hormones, neurodivergence, and female health intersect in ways most people aren’t talking about Practical strategies for women navigating this season of life Plus, Marianne shares openly about her own journey with dyslexia and the importance of understanding how neurodivergence shows up differently for each of us. This episode is honest, supportive, and packed with insights for any woman wanting to better understand her health, hormones, and unique wiring. ✨ Listen in and join the conversation - because women deserve to feel seen, supported, and thriving. You can connect with Jess here: FREE Info - https://linktr.ee/jesslindocoachingJess's Insta - http://instagram.com/jesslindocoachingLinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/jess-lindo/

Episode 24 - How to Find the Joy in the Journey, Not Just the Destination In this week’s episode of The You Lounge, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of transformation: JOY! And learning to love the process. Too often we live in the mindset of “I’ll be happy when…” - when the weight is lost, when the job is landed, when the relationship arrives. But what about the joy available right now? We talk about how to romanticise your everyday life, how to shift your focus from the finish line to the present moment, and why waiting for happiness only robs you of it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in “destination thinking,” this conversation will help you find meaning, gratitude, and excitement in the small moments that make up your journey. ✨ Practical tips, mindset shifts, and a whole new perspective on how to live with more joy, every single day.

Were you really “on it” before a GLP-1… or were you just kidding yourself? Be honest: how many times did you swear you were doing everything right before starting GLP-1… but deep down, you knew you were half-in, half-out? Skipping workouts, nibbling through the evening, promising yourself “Monday will be different.” In this episode of The You Lounge, we’re ripping the plaster off the “I was on it before” myth. Why do we rewrite the past to make ourselves feel better? Why do we cling to the idea that we were perfect, when in reality we were exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in survival mode? Here’s the truth: you weren’t failing - your brain, your hormones, and your habits were working against you. And until you see it clearly, you’ll stay trapped in the cycle of guilt and self-sabotage. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I don’t know why I need this medication, I was already healthy,” this episode is your wake-up call. Let’s get raw, real, and set the record straight. 🎧 Listen now - and get ready to trade the self-delusion for self-awareness that actually changes everything.

Episode 22: Only the Wealthy Can Be Healthy - The Real Impacts of the UK Mounjaro Price Rise In this episode of The You Lounge, we’re unpacking the UK Mounjaro price increase and what it really means for patients. This isn’t just about a higher prescription cost. It’s a wake-up call that exposes the cracks in our healthcare system: Why access to obesity treatment is now even further out of reach for many. How the rise highlights deep-rooted health inequalities in the UK. What can you do if you are on this medication? Why this moment should make us rethink what healthcare The truth? The UK’s Mounjaro price rise has made one thing brutally clear: only the wealthy can be healthy. Join us for an unfiltered, thought-provoking conversation on affordability, stigma, and the future of obesity care. Join the GLP-1 Success Hub for our FREE 6 weeks to Success, support from Nic & Marianne. - CLICK HERE

🎙️ Episode 21: The GLP-1 “Skinny” ShameThe stigma is real - and it’s hurting people who need help. We feel it daily online, the shame, the bullying, the abuse, so we are talking about it here. In this episode, we’re unpacking the rising wave of GLP-1 “skinny” shame - from strangers online making unsolicited comments about people’s bodies, to healthcare professionals casually calling it “the skinny jab” as if it’s a fad instead of a legitimate medical treatment. We’ll talk about: Why these labels are fuelling shame and misinformation. The ripple effect on people who feel too embarrassed to seek medical support. How shame keeps people stuck in cycles of silence, self-blame, and unhealthy coping. Where to turn if you’re using GLP-1 and need a safe, non-judgemental space for guidance. This is a conversation we need to have - because no one should be made to feel ashamed for seeking the tools that help them reclaim their health. If you are on a GLP-1 like Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy (or maybe considering it) then this one is for you.

The You Lounge Episode 20 - From GLP-1 to Glow-Up: The Sexy in 6 Method Welcome to the You Lounge. Join me for this solo episode on the couch for my official kickoff of my brand-new 6-week plan for strength, energy, and a full-body glow-up - where GLP-1 is just one tool in a much bigger transformation. If you’ve ever thought, “If I’m on GLP-1… isn’t that enough?” - this episode is your wake-up call. No it's not. Inside, I’m breaking down why the injection is only one piece of the puzzle and how to build your own Hot Girl Health Plan that covers:✨ Strength training - lift for shape, mood, and metabolism✨ Hormone health - because your hormones rule the show✨ Nervous system support - regulate first, lose weight faster✨ Gut health + inflammation - heal the inside for visible results✨ Skin health - glow through weight loss✨ Sleep + recovery - hot girls sleep✨ Boundaries + biohacking - protect your energy, own your mornings This is not a diet. Not a challenge. Not punishment.It’s a reset, a reclamation, and a reminder that weight loss without emotional healing, muscle, or hormonal balance can leave you thin, tired, and still unhappy. 💌 Join me on the journey You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re about to become the most embodied, empowered, hot girl version of yourself.Let’s do this. 💪💋