What if the reason calorie counting has never worked for you isn’t a lack of willpower—but outdated science? In this episode, Brigid sits down with world-renowned nutrition scientist Dr. Sarah Berry to unpack why all calories are not created equal, how blood sugar dips (not spikes) drive hunger, and why menopause fundamentally changes how women metabolize food.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

1. Why calorie counting often backfires—especially for women
2. How blood sugar dips increase hunger, cravings, and fatigue
3. What the food matrix is and why whole foods matter more than labels
4. How ultra-processed foods change metabolism and fullness
5. Why menopause alters blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and gut health
6. How to build balanced meals without cutting carbs
7. The role of the gut microbiome in hormones, inflammation, and metabolism
8. Why how you eat matters just as much as what you eat

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Introduction to Functional Nutrition and Guest Introduction
2. 01:38 The Flaws of Calorie Counting
3. 06:36 Understanding Weight Loss and Maintenance
4. 12:02 Blood Sugar Dynamics and Satiety
5. 18:00 The Importance of Food Structure
6. 27:21 Smoothies and Their Impact on Satiety
7. 31:32 The Significance of Eating Habits
8. 39:21 The Order of Eating and Its Effects
9. 49:28 The Interconnection of Gut Health, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance
10. 54:10 Menopause and Changes in Gut Microbiome
11. 01:01:47 Practical Tips for Managing Blood Sugar Post-Menopause

This conversation reframes nutrition through a functional, science-backed lens—without fear, restriction, or obsession. If you’ve struggled with energy, blood sugar, weight, or hormone health, this episode will change how you think about food.

Resources & Links:

+ Watch the full episode on YouTube

+ Brigid’s Website

+ Brigid’s Instagram

+ Dr. Sarah's Instagram

+ ZOE's Instagram

+ ZOE's Website

+ Join the ZOEverse

+ Get your MenoScale Score