Anna Desmarais, BSN, RN, NC-BC

Ready to transform your mindset and achieve your weight loss goals? Swipe through to discover the key shifts you need!

1. Embrace Your Own Journey

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your personal progress. Every step forward is a celebration, and your unique path is part of your success story.

2. Prioritize Yourself

As a woman over 40, you’re probably not used to putting yourself first. Well, it’s your turn now. Self-care isn’t selfish. Prioritizing your health & well-being sets the foundation for lasting weight loss. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body & soul.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Break your weight loss goals into manageable steps, like 5 lb. increments. Set realistic milestones and celebrate each achievement along the way to stay motivated and focused.

4. Build a Support System

There’s no reason you have to do this alone. Surround yourself with positive influences. Whether it’s friends, family, or a community, having a support system can provide encouragement and accountability.

5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

View challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of throwing in the towel, embrace setbacks as learning experiences and keep moving forward with resilience & optimism. More than anything, you have to stay consistent.

READY TO TRANSFORM?

Embrace these mindset shifts to achieve lasting weight loss and a healthier you.

👉 Follow for more tips and remember…

SHARING is caring! ❤️

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Here are 5 ways you are unintentionally slowing down your metabolism over 40...

(Swipe through the slides.)

📌 If you’re a woman over 40 ready to lose weight sustainably, start by watching my FREE Masterclass: The Ultimate Way to Lose Weight Over 40 (Without Depriving Yourself). Comment MASTERCLASS for the link!

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If you’re a woman over 40 and don’t want to (or are unable to) exercise but still want to lose weight, here are the things you should focus on...

1️⃣ Eating Whole Foods

Eating more whole (natural, unprocessed) foods will give you more nutrition for fewer calories.

Good nutrition = better health = easier weight loss.

You will also feel satisfied quicker and stay full for longer, reducing snacking and cravings.

2️⃣ Preparing Food at Home

Restaurant food & takeout has way more calories than you think. Plus, the portions are huge, which encourages you to eat more than you need.

Cooking and/or meal prepping at home ensures that you know exactly what’s going into your meals.

Making your own food shouldn’t be a chore; it’s self-care.

3️⃣ Getting Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep increases your appetite and causes cravings for high calorie foods.

It also decreases your energy levels, making you less physically active.

Don’t underestimate the importance of adequate sleep for weight loss.

👉 Although it’s not necessary to exercise to lose weight, it will help you reach your goals faster and do wonders for your health & longevity.

Remember...some exercise is better than none. Even if it’s just 5 minutes. 😊

📌 If you’re ready to sustainably lose weight over 40, check out my FREE masterclass: The Ultimate Way to Lose Weight & Keep it Off Over 40 (Without Depriving Yourself). Comment MASTERCLASS and I’ll send you the link!

Please SHARE this post if you found it helpful! ❤

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The 5 most common fears that show up right before you embark on a weight loss journey over 40…

1️⃣ Fear of Failure

Many women over 40 worry that they've failed at everything they’ve already tried before. It's natural to fear repeating past disappointments, but remember, every attempt is a step closer to success! Now that you know what DOESN’T work, you’re that much closer to figuring out what will.

2️⃣ Fear of Unrealistic Expectations

Setting realistic goals is key. Fear of not meeting overly ambitious goals can be daunting. You might want to try breaking up bigger goals into smaller ones, such as 5 lb. increments, and celebrate every victory!

3️⃣ Fear of Change

Change can be intimidating, especially later in life. Embrace small, gradual changes that fit your lifestyle so it doesn’t feel like a complete overhaul. Each step forward is progress towards a healthier you!

4️⃣ Fear of Judgment

Don't let fear of what others may think hold you back. Anyone who judges you is just mad at themselves for not participating in self-improvement. Surround yourself with supportive people or communities. Remember, this journey is about YOU and your well-being!

5️⃣ Fear of Regaining Weight

It's common to worry about sustainability. Focus on building habits that last beyond the initial weight loss phase. Make gradual changes in your lifestyle. Take it slowly. Consistency and patience are key to long-term success!

Know that these fears are perfectly normal. Everyone has them to some degree.

But don’t let them paralyze you. The only regret is not trying. Even if it didn’t work in the past, it CAN work this time.

I believe in you. 🫶

🚨 Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to grab one of the last spots for the Find Food Freedom After 40 workshop. If you’ve been wanting to lose weight (and keep it off!), comment YES below and I’ll send you the details!

👉 It’s absolutely FREE and what you have the power to learn inside, can quite literally transform your life. Excited to see you there!

5 things that helped me overcome yo-yo dieting & finally step into a sustainable way of eating to manage my weight in midlife...

1️⃣ I eased up on all the restrictions

2️⃣ I focused on nutrition instead of calories

3️⃣ I became more mindful

4️⃣ I found ways to move my body that I enjoyed

5️⃣ I turned it into a lifestyle

(Swipe through the slides for more details.)

👉 For all you women over 40 ready to lose weight & keep it off for good, I’m super excited to show you how inside my upcoming FREE workshop, Find Food Freedom After 40!

Comment WORKSHOP below if you want to join & I’ll share the link!

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The 1st step in a weight loss journey over 40 is crucial and one that is all too often overlooked...

AWARENESS.

It's about tuning into your body & emotions, understanding your patterns & habits, recognizing what truly fuels your health & happiness, and seeing how you self-sabotage or otherwise get in your own way. 🫶

🔑 Here’s why awareness is key...

1️⃣ Mindful Eating

Start by paying attention to what you eat and when. Notice how certain foods make you feel and how they affect your energy levels. Observe your hunger level before you eat and your fullness level afterwards. Do certain foods make you feel fuller than others? How long does it take before you get hungry again?

2️⃣ Habit & Pattern Exploration

Identify patterns that don’t serve you. Are there times you eat out of boredom or habit? Do you associate certain activities, such as watching TV at night, with snacking (even if you’re not hungry)? Awareness helps you pinpoint these moments.

3️⃣ Emotional Connection

Explore the emotional aspects of eating. Are you using food to comfort yourself when you’re stressed, angry, sad, or lonely? Do you have other ways to deal with these emotions? Awareness helps you find healthier coping mechanisms.

Remember...

Awareness isn't about judgment—it's about understanding and empowering yourself to make positive changes. 🙌

👉 After all...you can’t change something you’re not aware of in the first place!

📌 If you’re ready to sustainably lose weight over 40 and would like to create more awareness, I invite you to my FREE workshop: Find Food Freedom After 40. Comment WORKSHOP and I’ll send you the link!

Please SHARE this post if you found it helpful! 🙏❤️

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🌟 “If you can’t do it for 2 years, don’t do it for 2 weeks.” 🌟

As a weight loss coach for women over 40, I often stress the importance of habits that stand the test of time. Quick fixes & fad diets might show short-term results (sometimes), but true, lasting transformation comes from sustainable lifestyle changes.

👉 Consistency is key. It's about making choices that you can stick with not just for a couple of weeks (followed by “falling off the wagon” with a binge fest), but for years to come.

This doesn’t look like:

❌ Cutting your calories too low
❌ Making certain foods or food groups “off-limits”
❌ Exercise programs that burn you out
❌ Giving up your social life
❌ An all-or-nothing mindset
❌ Grinding & suffering through it

What it DOES look like:

❤️ Nourishing your body and eating enough to satisfy you
❤️ Still having your favorite foods in moderation
❤️ Moving your body in ways that bring you joy
❤️ Feeling in control at restaurants & events
❤️ Staying consistent even through perceived setbacks
❤️ Genuinely enjoying the process!

In order to be free from the cycle of restriction & guilt, you have to start doing things differently. You want to shift your perspective from NOW to ALWAYS.

Before starting any diet or weight loss plan, ask yourself:

“Can I do this consistently for 2 years?”

If not, you might want to reconsider the plan. Instead of going all in with a complete overhaul, start building sustainable habits one by one so the changes become a lot more manageable.

This is how you lose weight and KEEP IT OFF.

✨ Did this land for you? Let me know in the comments!

👉 If you’re ready to experience more health, vitality, energy, confidence & weight loss, I invite you to watch my FREE masterclass: The Ultimate Way to Lose Weight & Keep it Off Over 40 (Without Depriving Yourself). Comment MASTERCLASS & I’ll share the link with you!

Please SHARE this post if it was helpful! ❤️

Why I became a weight loss coach for women over 40...

(Swipe through the slides for my story.)

As a board-certified Integrative Nurse Coach, I am trained to help you reach your goals. That means we’re going to dig deep and get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck and how to find what it takes to make permanent lifestyle changes.

👉 I’m not your “typical” weight loss coach…this isn’t just about diet & exercise.

This is about changing thoughts & behaviors that no longer serve you and getting you in the mindset to create new, healthy, sustainable habits for life.

Are you ready to become that woman? 🫶

I’m passionate about empowering women like you with the tools & knowledge to look and feel your best as you navigate what should be the prime of your life.

I know that the weight loss and healthcare industries don’t provide you with the support you need. I’ve seen it firsthand.

It’s my mission to provide you with evidence-based information on how to lose weight the healthy way over 40. It’s never too late to take back your body & your health. I’ll show you how! 🙌

📌 If you’re ready to build simple, sustainable habits for the body & mind that lead to weight loss & optimal health, comment YES or send me a DM and I’ll give you info on how to apply for my 1:1 coaching program exclusively for women over 40, Lighter Self.

Get ready for life-changing results! ❤️

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6 things to do today to lose fat right away (especially if you're a woman over 40)...

1️⃣ Keep eating your favorite foods (in moderation).

2️⃣ Reduce refined carbs & added sugars.

3️⃣ Walk every day.

4️⃣ Prioritize protein.

5️⃣ Get 7-9 hours of sleep.

6️⃣ Manage your stress.

(Swipe through the slides for more details.)

👋 Hey, there! I'm Anna, Nutritionist, Nurse & Weight Loss Coach for Women Over 40.

👉 If you’re ready to sustainably lose weight over 40 and would like more in-depth tips, I invite you to watch my FREE Masterclass: The Ultimate Way to Lose Weight & Keep it Off Over 40 (Without Depriving Yourself). Comment MASTERCLASS and I’ll send you the link!

Make sure to SAVE & SHARE this post!

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Does it seem like your metabolism is slowing down as you get older?

Weight gain over the age of 40 is very common. It could be due to nutrition & lifestyle factors...

Or it could be due to changes happening in your body, especially having to do with certain hormones, which put a damper on your metabolism.

No matter the reason, there are 3 key things that you can do to help give your metabolism a little boost...

1️⃣ Eat more protein

Protein keeps you full for longer and burns more calories to digest than any other macronutrient. If you exercise while also increasing your protein, you will build more muscle, which will further increase your metabolism!

2️⃣ Hydrate

Drinking water actually creates a stimulus in your body that increases your metabolic rate. Plus, it’s necessary for hormone health and it’s also a mild appetite suppressant, which helps curb cravings.

3️⃣ Start walking more

Walking has so many health benefits! It’s a form of exercise that will increase your metabolic rate without increasing your cortisol levels or appetite. Even if you’re short on time or energy, a quick walk counts!

👉 For those of you ready to experience more health, vitality, energy, confidence, and weight loss this summer, I invite you to watch my FREE masterclass: The Ultimate Way to Lose Weight & Keep it Off Over 40 (Without Depriving Yourself). Comment MASTERCLASS & I’ll share the link with you!

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If you're a woman over 40 who wants to lose fat, here's your step-by-step game plan to do it this summer.

Gentle reminder: 2024 is already halfway done. It's time to do this. 🫶

(Swipe through the slides for the plan.)

🗣 If you're ready to kickstart your plan AND your metabolism, I’m hosting a FREE workshop on June 19 to help you learn how to boost your metabolism & optimize your hormones for weight loss. Comment WORKSHOP below and I’ll send you the link!

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Stress may be keeping you from losing weight! 😳

✔️ When your nervous system is always on high alert, it can affect the hormones that influence weight management.

✔️ Stress can also cause you to overeat and indulge on high-calorie comfort foods. (Or too much alcohol.)

✔️ And, of course, it can disrupt sleep and lower your energy levels, which means even more bad news for your weight loss goals.

Here’s a surprisingly easy technique to lower stress levels immediately...

(SWIPE THROUGH THE SLIDES)

👉 If you’re ready to sustainably lose weight over 40, I invite you to watch my FREE Masterclass: The Ultimate Way to Lose Weight & Keep it Off Over 40 (Without Depriving Yourself). Comment MASTERCLASS and I’ll send you the link!

Make sure to SAVE & SHARE this post! ❤️

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Age is just a number on the path to wellness.

It’s never too late to embrace your health journey and rewrite your story. ❤️

👉 For all you women over 40 ready to rewrite your story and experience more health, vitality, energy, confidence, and weight loss before summer, I have a few openings available for my coaching program that teaches you exactly what to do to lose weight sustainably and take your health to the next level. Simply comment REWRITE and I’ll share more details with you!

➡️ SAVE and SHARE this post to inspire someone!

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Eating for fat loss doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy.

No food group is off limits. Focus on what you can add rather than cut out. ➕

Prioritize protein & fiber. You can do this by making a plate with a protein, veggies, and whole grains. Include some healthy fats for good measure. Done! 🥳

Swipe through the slides for ideas...

👉 Are you ready to kickstart your fat loss for summer? Join me and an amazing group of women over 40 as we embark on a FREE 7-day challenge to raise our energy levels and get motivated. Starts on Monday June 3! Comment CHALLENGE if you want in and I'll send you more info!

Don’t forget to SAVE and SHARE this post with your friends. ❤️

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For most women over 40, your biggest obstacle to weight loss success isn't your metabolism, hormones, or lack of willpower.

⭐️ It's your own mindset and self-limiting beliefs.

Try reshaping your thoughts. Letting go of these stories you tell yourself is the first step towards achieving your weight loss goals. 🙌

➡️ Swipe through the slides to see some of the most common mindset roadblocks.

Which one resonates with you most? Let me know in the comments! 👇

If you think this post was helpful, please SAVE and SHARE!

📌 For all you women over 40 ready to experience more health, vitality, energy, confidence & weight loss before summer, I have a few openings available for my coaching program that teaches you exactly what to do to lose weight sustainably and upgrade your health. If you’re interested, simply comment YES and I’ll share more details with you!

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Once we women reach midlife, we start to lose quite a bit of muscle mass. This reduces our strength, of course, but also our bone density and our metabolism, which makes it harder to lose fat.

🔥 In order to increase your metabolism and make it easier to burn fat, it’s important to build muscle.

Going to the gym and lifting heavy weights may not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you are a beginner on your fitness journey.

Luckily there are alternative ways in which you can start building strength, all of which can be done in the comfort of your own home with little or no equipment. 💪

Swipe through the slides for some of the ways...

👉 For all you women over 40 ready to experience more health, vitality, energy, confidence, and weight loss before summer, I have a few openings available for my FREE 7-day challenge that teaches you exactly what to do to boost your energy and kickstart your weight loss. If you’re interested, simply comment CHALLENGE and I’ll share more details with you!

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Tips to boost your midlife metabolism.

(Swipe through the slides for more information.)

1️⃣ Prioritize Protein

2️⃣ Fuel with Fiber

3️⃣ Walking

4️⃣ Resistance Training

5️⃣ Stay Hydrated

6️⃣ Get Quality Sleep

7️⃣ Manage Stress

8️⃣ Optimize Your Health

👉 If you’re ready to build sustainable habits that lead to fat loss and optimal mind-body health, I invite you to book a FREE consultation call with me to see if my 1:1 program, Lighter Self, is a good fit for you. Link in bio or send me a DM.

Don’t forget to SAVE and SHARE this post! ❤️

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True Health Is More Than Just Weight Loss

I want to celebrate the incredible journey each of you is on—because it's about so much more than just shedding pounds. Swipe through to discover why I admire the holistic approach our community of women over 40 takes towards true wellness & self-care.

Nourishing Body & Soul

We understand that wellness isn't just about the number on the scale—it's about nourishing our bodies & souls from the inside out. With a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods without restriction or deprivation and practices like mindful eating, we're fueling ourselves with kindness every step of the way.

Embracing Joyful Movement

Exercise isn't punishment—it's a celebration of what our bodies can do! Whether it's a dance session in the kitchen, a peaceful nature walk, mindful yoga, or pumping weights, we move our bodies in ways that bring us joy. Together, we're redefining what it means to "exercise" with our own unique preferences.

Cultivating Mind-Body Connection

True health isn't just about the physical body—it's about nurturing the mind-body connection & honoring our emotions. Through practices like meditation & mindfulness, we've tapped into our inner wisdom and found peace amidst life's chaos. Stressors are inevitable, but the way we deal with stress is within our control.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential! We prioritize our well-being by carving out time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and fun. Whether it's a warm bath, a good book, or a solo adventure, we know that filling our own cups allows us to pour into others from a place of abundance.

Celebrating Non-Scale Victories

We celebrate every victory on this journey towards wellness. From increased energy & confidence to improved sleep & mental clarity, we recognize that progress comes in many forms. Together, we're rewriting the narrative around weight loss & embracing the beauty of holistic health.

📌 If you’re a woman over 40 ready to lose weight & keep it off, comment COACHING below! I am gifting FREE 1:1 sessions to those of you who are ready to shed some pounds in a sustainable & holistic way. I only have 2 spots left, so don’t miss out!

It's time to set the record straight about hormones and their impact on our weight loss journey during midlife. 💪

🔍 Myth: Hormones are the enemy of weight loss.
👊 Truth: Hormones are powerful allies when we understand how to support them.

Here's the scoop:

1️⃣ Estrogen

As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause & menopause, it can affect our appetite and how our body stores fat. But with the right nutrition & lifestyle tweaks, we can support estrogen and promote fat loss.

2️⃣ Progesterone

This hormone plays a role in water retention & metabolism. When progesterone levels decline, it can lead to bloating & weight gain. We can support progesterone with nutrient-dense foods & stress management techniques.

3️⃣ Insulin

Insulin resistance can increase as we age, making it easier to gain weight and harder to keep our blood sugar regulated. But by keeping our blood sugar in check by eating plenty of fiber, we can optimize insulin levels and support fat loss.

4️⃣ Cortisol

The stress hormone cortisol can sabotage our weight loss efforts by slowing down our metabolism, increasing cravings for high-calorie foods, decreasing muscle mass, and promoting fat storage, especially around the abdomen. Combat stress with relaxation techniques, physical activity, and plenty of sleep.

5️⃣ Thyroid

Thyroid function can slow down with age, leading to weight gain & sluggishness. You can support your thyroid with iodine-rich foods like seaweed, selenium from Brazil nuts, and zinc from pumpkin seeds.

6️⃣ Ghrelin & Leptin

These are the hunger & fullness hormones. When they’re out of whack, you might be hungry all the time or you might continue to eat even if your body has had enough. Getting plenty of protein, fiber, omega-3s, and sleep will help these hormones function at their best.

Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding how hormones work can empower us on our weight loss journey! 💫

📌 If you’re a woman over 40 and are ready to make your hormones work FOR you, not against you, comment COACHING below! I am gifting 5 FREE 1:1 sessions to those of you who are ready for help coming up with a personalized plan to lose weight & keep it off!

We’ve been conditioned to believe that willpower is the magic ingredient for shedding excess fat. But here's the truth: relying solely on willpower is like building a house on shifting sands. It's unreliable, unsustainable, and sets you up for disappointment. 👎

🔍 Willpower Fails

Think of willpower as a finite resource. You can muster it up for a while but eventually it runs dry. Life throws curveballs, stress hits you in the face, and suddenly that iron-clad willpower starts to waver.

🔄 The Cycle of Guilt & Shame

When willpower falters, what often follows? Guilt. Shame. Feeling like a failure. But here's the thing: it's not your fault! You're not lacking in discipline or determination. You're human!

💪 The Power of Habit

Instead of relying on willpower alone, focus on building sustainable habits. Habits are like autopilot for your goals. They require less mental energy and, with consistency, become part of your daily routine.

🍽️ Change Your Palette

If you keep eating highly processed, hyperpalatable foods that are literally designed to make you crave more, you’re never going to prefer healthier food. The more you eat nutritious food, the more your body & brain will appreciate it. After a while you won’t even really want the junk, I promise you.

💡 Set Yourself Up for Success

Stop with the restrictive diets. These literally depend on willpower to work. Take a look at your environment. If you know that seeing a tub of ice cream is going to make you want to devour the whole thing, either don’t buy it in the first place or hide it behind the frozen blueberries. Sometimes you just need to get it out of the line of sight.

🌟 Practice Mindfulness

The more mindful you are, the more in control you are. Being mindful will help you differentiate between physical hunger & emotional hunger…and help you have 1 or 2 cookies instead of the whole package.

💬 Comment READY below if you’re ready to break free from the willpower trap and I’ll send you a link to book a FREE 1:1 coaching session where I help you come up with a personalized, sustainable weight loss plan. (Limited spots available, so don’t miss out!)