Smart Weight Loss Coaching | Nutrition, Mindset and Fitness Tips for Women Who Want To Level Up Their Health, Wellness and Longevity

Can what you eat actually lower your risk of dementia? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down the MIND diet, the eating pattern designed specifically to protect your brain. She'll share what the research really shows about its effect on dementia and Alzheimer's risk. She'll also cover important new data on how ultra-processed foods and alcohol affect your brain health, plus why this same pattern of eating is just as helpful for weight loss as other proven healthy diets. Dr. Lisa will leave you with her top 10 nutrition changes you can start today to lower your risk. (Note...

Did you know that major life changes, like starting college, changing jobs, moving to a new city, getting married, going through a divorce, or retiring, are actually some of the most powerful opportunities to rebuild your health habits from scratch? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down the Habit Discontinuity Hypothesis, a research-backed concept that explains why our brains are uniquely open to behavior change during life transitions, and how to use that window before it closes. You'll learn why your old habits are so hard to break when nothing in your life changes, what the research says...

If you've ever thought "I just need more motivation" or "I need more willpower," this episode is for you. The truth is, motivation is unreliable, willpower is a limited resource that runs out by the end of the day, and neither one is the foundation of lasting healthy habits. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down the psychology and neuroscience of behavior change, including why action creates motivation (not the other way around), how your brain builds habits automatically through repetition, and four research-backed strategies for exercising, eating better, and sleeping more, even when you don't feel like...

A client recently told Dr. Lisa Oldson that a friend insisted she cut out bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes completely to lose weight. In this episode, Dr. Lisa breaks down what the research actually shows about these commonly demonized carbs, and why none of them need to be off-limits. Learn why pasta has a surprisingly low glycemic index, why brown rice can lower type 2 diabetes risk by 16%, why whole grain bread is linked to a 20% lower heart disease risk, and why potatoes may be the most satisfying carb of all. Dr. Lisa shares five simple, doable swaps, from a...

Most of us fall short on fiber, even when we consider ourselves healthy eaters, and it might be impacting us more than we realize. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down what the research actually shows about fiber's role in weight loss, heart health, cancer risk, and longevity, and why food sources are better than supplements. Plus, five simple ways to start increasing your fiber today without overhauling your entire diet. 

Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART weight loss & health focused journey, sign up for our FREE newsletter, or check out o...

In today's episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down the science of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and why they may be quietly working against your weight loss efforts. From a landmark New England Journal of Medicine study linking microplastics in arterial plaque to a 4.5x higher risk of heart attack and stroke, to the growing evidence that BPA and phthalates disrupt fat cell formation, hormones, and gut health, Dr. Oldson explains what the research actually shows, and offers five practical, evidence-informed steps you can take starting today.

Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART...

If you've ever ground away on a treadmill and wondered why the scale won't budge, this episode is for you. Lisa Oldson, MD breaks down one of the most persistent myths in weight loss culture: that exercise is the key to getting thinner. Decades of research say otherwise, and understanding why is one of the most liberating things you can do for your relationship with movement.

In this episode you'll learn why exercise triggers metabolic compensation (your body is smarter than any fitness tracker), what Herman Pontzer's landmark research on the Hadza people of Tanzania revealed about...

Could eating the same foods more often actually help you lose more weight? In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD digs into the surprising science behind dietary simplicity, and why reducing the variety of what you eat may be one of the most underrated weight loss strategies out there.

Dr. Lisa covers a brand-new 2026 study from the American Psychological Association showing that people who ate repetitive meals lost significantly more weight than those who constantly varied their food choices. She also explains the biology of sensory-specific satiety, the built-in appetite mechanism that food companies exploit to keep you...

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common hormonal conditions in women, just got a new, more accurate name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD breaks down what drove this historic rename, what the new name reveals about the condition's actual impact on insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, and weight, and what's changed in how PMOS is diagnosed. 

If you've ever been diagnosed with PCOS, struggled with insulin resistance, weight gain, or hormonal issues, this episode is essential listening. Discover what the new name means, how the diagnosis is evolving, and w...

What if the key to a healthier tomorrow started tonight? In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD shares a simple but powerful idea inspired by a New York Times quote: "The day starts the night before." If you've ever found yourself making impulsive food choices, skipping workouts because the day got away from you, or staying up too late scrolling your phone, this episode is for you.

Dr. Lisa breaks down why preparation, not willpower, is the real driver of healthy habits, and she draws on wisdom from productivity experts David Allen (Getting Things Done), Stephen Covey (The 7...

You already know GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound can be game changers for weight loss. But could they also be quietly protecting your brain from addiction?

In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD breaks down a landmark new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, the largest real-world analysis of its kind, which found that people taking GLP-1 medications were dramatically less likely to develop alcohol, opioid, nicotine, and cocaine use disorders. The numbers are stunning, and the brain science behind them is even more fascinating.

Whether you're on a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or...

What if the reason you keep falling off track has nothing to do with willpower, discipline, or the right diet plan, and everything to do with how you see yourself?

In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD draws on James Clear's Atomic Habits, Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research on the growth mindset, and Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer's Progress Principle to make the case for identity-based change. The goal isn't to lose weight. The goal is to become someone who prioritizes her health, because it turns out that shift changes everything.

You'll learn why outcome-based goals...

In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD shares a deeply personal story about her grandfather, who died of a heart attack at 47. His story is exactly why the brand new 2026 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Guidelines matter.

In this episode you'll learn:

Everyone gets off track with eating sometimes, even your host, Dr. Lisa Oldson. In this episode, Dr. Lisa shares an embarrassingly relatable Easter weekend story and walks you through her No Sweat, Reset Protocol. This compassionate, science-backed plan will help you get back on track after overeating or bingeing, without restriction, punishment, or shame. 

You'll learn why restricting after a binge makes cravings worse, what the dopamine crash after overeating does to your brain, and how to use psychologist Martin Seligman's optimistic explanatory style to stop the mean girl comments in their tracks. Plus: the 3-day reset e...

Back in Episode 118, Dr. Lisa introduced you to orforglipron, a promising weight loss pill that was still awaiting FDA approval. Well, the wait is officially over. The FDA just approved Foundayo (orforglipron), a once-daily GLP-1 pill for weight loss.

Dr. Lisa covers:

Weight loss medication is evolving fast, and in this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD breaks down three major developments you need to know.

First, the brand-new Zepbound KwikPen: what it is, how it works, how much it costs, and why it's a game-changer for people using tirzepatide. 

Next is Wegovy HD at 7.2 mg, the newly FDA-approved higher dose of semaglutide that delivers weight loss results approaching those of bariatric surgery. Importantly, she'll tell you about the most common side effects you need to know about before you ask your doctor about this o...

Is willpower something you're born with, or something you can build? In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD breaks down the science of self-control and shares research-backed strategies to help you stop running on empty by 9 PM.

You'll learn why willpower gets depleted throughout the day, and why hunger makes it even worse. Drawing on the work of Roy Baumeister (whose groundbreaking "ego depletion" research explains that late-night refrigerator raid) and Stanford health psychologist Kelly McGonigal, Dr. Oldson shares surprisingly simple "willpower workouts" you can start today; no gym required.

You'll also discover why the ultimate...

"I know I shouldn't, but I had a handful of almonds." Sound familiar? If you've ever felt guilty about eating nuts, this episode is for you. Lisa Oldson, MD breaks down the persistent myth that nuts are fattening, and shares the research that proves otherwise. From the Nurses' Health Study to the landmark PREDIMED trial, the science consistently shows that people who eat nuts regularly tend to weigh less over time, not more. Dr. Lisa also explains why nuts don't cause weight gain (hint: the calorie count on the label isn't the whole story), and how nuts can be...

Are you setting weight loss goals that are quietly working against you? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson reveals why fixating on a number on the scale is one of the most common reasons people quit before they ever see real results, and she'll tell you what to do instead.

Drawing on over a decade of experience as a weight loss physician, Dr. Oldson breaks down the psychology of goal-setting, including groundbreaking research from NYU psychologist Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, whose studies show that dreaming about your goal weight may actually make you less likely to reach it...

If the first thing you think about when trying to lose weight is everything you can't have, this episode is for you. Dr. Lisa Oldson introduces one of her favorite mindset shifts for sustainable weight loss: Add Before You Subtract. Instead of leading with restriction, deprivation, and a list of forbidden foods, Dr. Lisa explains why focusing first on adding more protein, fiber-rich fruits & vegetables, and whole foods is not only more effective, it's backed by science. 

You'll learn how the "crowding out" effect works, why restriction-first thinking triggers your brain's scarcity response, and how a simple a...

Is calorie counting sabotaging your weight loss? New research says you're missing something big. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down a newly published randomized controlled trial that challenges the "eat less, move more" approach to weight loss once and for all.

Dr. Oldson shares what she observed early in her career about why calorie restriction alone almost never leads to lasting results, and what the science actually says about sustainable weight loss. Spoiler: it has a lot more to do with stress hormones, sleep, self-compassion, and community than it does with counting calories.

...

Why do you order pizza, pour a glass of wine, or reach for chocolate or chips when you’re not actually hungry?

It may not be about willpower. And it may not even be about food.

In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD explains how distress tolerance, your ability to sit with uncomfortable emotions without immediately trying to escape them, may be the missing link in sustainable weight loss and healthy habit change.

Drawing from research in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Oldson walks you through how increasing psychological fl...

Tired of following diet plans that work temporarily but never stick? In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD explains why she doesn't give clients a specific menu or meal plan, and why that's actually better for long-term weight loss success. Drawing on research about habit formation, dietary adherence, and incremental change, Dr. Lisa shares why personalized, gradual modifications to your current eating habits are more sustainable than radical diet overhauls. Learn how small, manageable changes compound over time to create lasting transformation without the yo-yo dieting cycle. Discover the science behind why the best diet is the one you'll actually...

Is low-carb better than low-fat? Should you be eating 120 grams of protein a day? The internet says yes, but the science says it's not that simple. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson digs into Dr. Kevin Hall's groundbreaking NIH research to explain why your macro ratio matters far less than you think. The real key to weight loss? The quality of the food on your plate; not the ratio of macros in it. Plus, Dr. Lisa shares why she's never counted her own macros, what to know if you're on a GLP-1 medication, and how to find your NBA...

Discover the powerful connection between weight loss, exercise, and cancer risk. Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down the latest research showing how intentional weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes, GLP-1 medications, or bariatric surgery, can significantly reduce your risk of 13 different types of cancer. Learn why exercise is one of the most effective tools for both preventing cancer and improving outcomes after diagnosis, with reductions in recurrence rates of up to 48%. This episode empowers you with five actionable strategies you can implement today to lower your cancer risk and lengthen your health span.

Thanks for listening! If you'd...

Have you already abandoned your New Year's Resolution? No judgement! You're not alone. New Year's resolutions often fail because they feel like obligations rather than invitations. In this episode, a month after the new year, Lisa Oldson, MD shares why choosing a single word to guide your year, especially the word PRACTICE, can transform your approach to weight loss and building healthier habits. Drawing from her own experience learning Argentine tango, sports psychology research, and Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule, she explains why healthy habits are skills that require deliberate practice, patience, and repetition. If your resolution has already fallen...

Ready for a game-changer? In today's episode, Dr. Lisa shares eye-opening insights about how even that casual glass of wine with dinner might be holding you back from your weight loss goals. She also delivers the latest science about the impact of even light social drinking on your risk for cancer. But here's the good news, you're about to learn exactly what to do about it! Discover the latest research on alcohol's real impact on your body and brain, plus practical, science-backed strategies from experts like Anna Lembke, James Clear, and Charles Duhigg that actually work for breaking the...

What if the reason weight loss feels so hard isn’t lack of willpower, but lack of balance? In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD explores the concept of yin and yang through an unexpected yoga class, and how a gentler, more sustainable approach to weight loss can reduce burnout, perfectionism, and all-or-nothing thinking. Learn how finding your “edge” (without pain or punishment) can reduce stress and help you create lasting weight loss and better health. 

You'll learn:

The first highly effective oral GLP-1 weight loss medication is here. In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD breaks down the FDA-approved PILL version of semaglutide (oral Wegovy), how GLP-1 receptor agonists work for weight loss, expected results, side effects, cost, and who qualifies for these medications. She also discusses why weight loss medication is not “cheating,” how GLP-1 oral meds compare to injectables, and the World Health Organization’s new recommendations supporting long-term use of GLP-1 medications for excess weight. If you’re curious about GLP-1 weight loss pills, obesity treatment, and evidence-based approaches to long-term health, this episode is for y...

Why is sticking with exercise so hard, even when we know it’s good for us? 

In this episode, Lisa Oldson MD explains why using exercise primarily for weight loss often backfires, and how reframing it as a tool for physical and mental health, stress relief, and emotional resilience makes consistency much easier. Learn how small, realistic workouts can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help you build a sustainable exercise habit, without punishing your body. 

If you’re tired of starting and stopping exercise, or feeling like you’re failing because weight loss isn’t happening...

What if weight loss didn’t depend on motivation, but rather on who you believe you are? In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD explores how identity and self-labels shape habits, health behaviors, and long-term weight loss. Drawing on research from James Clear, Dr. Carol Dweck, Dr. Hazel Markus, and other experts, you’ll learn how to choose a more helpful identity for the new year, and take small, sustainable actions to transform your health. 

Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART weight loss & health focused journey, sign up for our FREE newsletter, or check...

Today, Dr. Lisa explores why weight loss feels so hard, especially during the holidays, and how you can make it easier. She shares the powerful impact of food noise, ultra-processed foods, and GLP-1 medications, and offers a simple two-step plan anyone can use today to make progress. This easy approach mitigates the frustration that can come with working on your weight during the holidays season. Dr. Lisa shares her practical approach to healthier habits, sustainable weight loss, and longevity going into the new year.

Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART weight loss...

This holiday season, skip the drama, not the treats. In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD shares a smarter, kinder strategy for managing your weight during the busiest, most food-centric time of year. You’ll learn why holiday weight loss goals typically backfire, how to quiet food noise, and the 5-step plan that lets you enjoy the season without gaining weight.

If you want to avoid the holiday weight gain cycle, ditch the all-or-nothing thinking, and finally feel in control around splurges, this episode is for you. Perfect for women focused on weight loss, longevity, healthy habits, and st...

In this episode, Lisa Oldson, MD explores how your thoughts (not your weight), shape your confidence, self-esteem, and ultimately your comfort with intimacy. Using real-life examples, she explains why women of all sizes can struggle with body shame and how to cultivate stepping stone thoughts that gradually replace negative self-talk with empowering, body-positive thinking. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, these strategies can help you feel desirable, confident, and open to love, without waiting to reach your goal weight. Take control of your mindset, reduce stress, and learn how to feel lovable and confident at any size.

Discover why creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders and how it can support lean muscle, body composition, metabolism, and potentially even brain health, especially for women in midlife. Should creatine be part of your weight loss plan? Maybe. Part of your health plan? Quite possibly. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson breaks down the science-backed benefits of creatine, safe dosing, potential side effects, and how it works best when paired with resistance training. Learn how to use this supplement wisely to enhance strength, improve body composition, and support long term health, all while avoiding common misconceptions about this supplement. 

Feeling unmotivated to cook healthy meals, choose vegetables, or skip sugar? You’re not alone, and you don’t need to wait for motivation to take action. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson, MD, explains how tiny habits, implementation intentions (“if-then” plans), and sports psychology strategies can help you create momentum for weight loss and better health. Learn how action leads to motivation, how to boost engagement when motivation is low, and practical tips for meal prep, making healthy menu choices, and staying consistent with exercise. Whether you’re struggling with burnout from years of dieting or just need...

If you’ve ever thought, “I know what I should do, I’m just not doing it," this episode is for you. Lisa Oldson, M.D. shares why it’s completely normal to struggle with follow through, even when you know what works for your health, weight, and wellness. Learn how asking for help, hiring support, or building accountability can make change easier, more consistent, and far more sustainable. Weight loss is hard, and even experts need support at times. You deserve that support too! 

Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART weight loss & he...

In today's episode, Lisa Oldson, MD, talks about the guilt that so many women feel when taking time for self-care, and how that guilt can sabotage even our best intentions around weight loss and wellness. Using insights from habit science, Dr. Lisa explains how to change your mindset, build routines that last, and make self-care a natural part of your daily life. Whether you want to exercise regularly, eat more vegetables, or simply feel at peace prioritizing your own health, this episode will help you reframe your thoughts in order to make self-care a habit that sticks for good.<...

Earlier this year, we released an episode with author and marketing guru Bridget Brennan, who happens to also be a dear friend of Dr. Lisa. Bridget interviewed Dr. Lisa for episode 100 in order to pull back the curtains a bit for our loyal listeners. Today, we’re releasing PART 2 of that interview. Dr. Lisa will be back next week to help you with some tips to live healthier, longer, and at your happy weight! 

Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART weight loss & health focused journey, sign up for our FREE newsletter, or che...

When life gets busy with travel, weddings, or family events, healthy eating can feel impossible. In this practical episode, Lisa Oldson, MD, shares a story about her client Carol, her son Avi, and what it really means to “get your ducks in a row.”

You’ll learn three simple, doable strategies for eating well when you’re on the road or facing a hectic week, and how to shift your mindset so you stay in control instead of letting “the food happen to you.”

Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a work trip, or a weekend away...