High on Life

166. 3 Pillars of Healthy Eating for Sustainable Weight Loss with Tedi Glik, RDTired of quick-fix diets that never last? In this episode, we break down the foundations of healthy eating for sustainable weight loss—without calorie counting, restriction, or dieting gimmicks.You’ll learn how to:→ Shut off hunger hormones and turn on satiety signals→ Reduce cravings and balance key hormones like insulin→ Naturally eat fewer calories without feeling deprived3 Pillars We Cover:1. Prioritize Whole Foods – Simple, real foods like apples, chicken, potatoes, and chia seeds keep you full and satisfied, unlike ultra-processed foods.2. Minimize Added Sugars – Reduce hidden sugars in yogurt, sauces, and protein bars to stabilize blood sugar and curb cravings.3. Include Protein + Fiber at Every Meal – Protein (20–30g/meal) and high-fiber foods help you feel full and support effortless weight management.Fibre “CHEAT SHEET” You can access the Fibre “Cheat Sheet” by signing up to receive a curated list of my podcast episodes, designed to gently guide you as you begin your journey. Once you sign up, the Fibre Cheat Sheet will be delivered straight to your inbox. → https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW SASHA HIGH MDInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

165. Become the Woman Who Trains: Consistency, Confidence, and Strength at Any Age with Coach Tina McInnesWe're kicking off a brand new year with the perfect conversation: how to build consistency, confidence, and real strength — no matter your age, stage, or starting point.So many women WANT to be consistent with exercise, but life, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations often get in the way. In this episode, we talk honestly about how to overcome those barriers, start where you are, and build a training lifestyle you’ll still be proud of next December.My guest is Coach Tina McInnes, an educator and strength coach who helps women understand their bodies, build confidence, and create sustainable habits that last. Through her program Women Who Want Muscle, Tina has created a supportive, science-backed community where women learn how to lift effectively, navigate midlife changes, and stay consistent through accountability and coaching.Together, we explore what actually creates consistency, how women’s training needs evolve in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, and how to design a realistic routine that supports longevity, resilience, and self-belief. About Coach Tina McInnesTina is the founder of Women Who Want Muscle, a community-based strength training program for women who want to become consistent lifters. She focuses on habit-building, coaching support, and simple, effective training — not complicated protocols or perfectionism.Learn more: coachmcinnes.caFollow Tina: @tinamcinnes_coaching on InstagramFOLLOW SASHA HIGH MDInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

164. Start 2026 with the Right Mindset (REPLAY)Join me for a special New Year’s Eve episode where I share 5 principles and 3 actionable tools to help you set yourself up with the right mindset for success in 2026. This episode first aired last year and I thought it was super valuable to revisit! Learn how to move beyond fleeting resolutions and instead build meaningful habits that align with your goals and values. Whether your focus is on health, weight loss, or general self-improvement, this episode is all about shifting your mindset for sustainable growth.Tools for Success in the New Year:Tool #1: Reflect on your WHY to anchor your actions in meaningful purpose. Tool #2: Celebrate your progress so far and build confidence from your wins. Tool #3: Use mantras to reinforce your belief in your ability to succeed.Success isn’t about perfection or quick fixes—it’s built on small, consistent actions rooted in purpose. This year, focus on creating a mindset that fuels sustainable growth, embraces the process, and keeps you connected to what truly matters.Connect with Dr. Sasha High:Instagram: @sashahighmdBest Weight Coaching Program for Women: www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightOntario OHIP-covered Obesity Medicine https://www.highmetabolicclinic.comHappy New Year! Wishing you health, joy, and peace in 2026. See you in the next episode! 🎉

163. Don't Wait for January: Why December is Perfect for Your Health Goals (REPLAY) In today’s REPLAY episode of High on Life, I discuss why December (with all the holidays and treats!) is actually the best time to focus on your health and weight loss goals. Rather than waiting for the New Year to roll around, I’m challenging my listeners to break free from the mindset that you need the “perfect time” to start and encouraging you to take small, manageable steps toward health and well-being—even during the busy holiday season. “Waiting for January is perpetuating an internal belief that your circumstances dictate how you show up for yourself.” Key Takeaways:→ Stop Waiting for the "Perfect Time": Waiting until January to start fresh is a misconception that can keep you stuck in a cycle of deferring action. Life is rarely perfect, and waiting for the ideal moment only reinforces the idea that external circumstances must align for you to take action.→ Progress Over Perfection: December is a great time to let go of all-or-nothing thinking. You don’t need to be perfect to make small, healthy choices. By focusing on progress, you can create a foundation for success that works with your real-life circumstances.→ Small Steps Lead to Big Changes: Starting small in December, like drinking more water or adding a short walk to your routine, is more effective than drastic resolutions. Small actions now will help you build momentum heading into the new year.Join Best Weight with Sasha High MD:If you’re a woman who is ready to prioritize your health and work toward your best weight, join Best Weight, my coaching program designed to support you in making lasting, sustainable changes. Inside Best Weight, you’ll learn how to optimize your thinking, build healthy habits, and create consistency that sticks. Visit www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight to join today.Links Mentioned: → Best Weight with Sasha High MD www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight → Organika Collagen Electrolyte Mix https://amzn.to/3Cx73vUFOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

162. Navigating Eating During the Holidays Holiday triggers are real — food pushers, pressure to “just try a little,” the sweets table, and the fear of offending someone. It can feel like a lot. In today’s episode, we dive into simple, compassionate tools to help you stay aligned with your goals, including:→ Setting your mindset for success→ Planning for social events without overwhelm→ Shifting out of the scarcity mindset around holiday foodIf you want community and coaching to help you thrive through the holidays, join us inside Best Weight, our women’s-only program with Dr. Sasha High. We’d love to support you. 💛WORK WITH USJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

In this quick update, I break down the newest Phase 3 data for retatrutide, Lilly’s investigational triple-agonist medication showing unprecedented results in obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Highlights: Up to 28.7% weight loss (~71 lbs) over 68 weeks 75% reduction in knee pain and major improvements in physical function Cardiometabolic benefits: lower triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, hsCRP, and blood pressure We also cover Common side effects and safety signals Perceived excessive weight loss — and what this means for clinical practice in a new era of powerful medications A reality check on Canadian availability (likely 3+ years away) A strong warning about illegal online sales and the risks of buying unregulated products A concise medical breakdown to help you stay informed and safe as the obesity-medicine landscape evolves.

161. The Overlap between Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity (Part 2) In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and the emotional or hedonic eating patterns we often see in obesity. While BED and obesity can overlap, they’re not the same — and treatment looks very different for each. I share who to screen for BED, how to ask about eating behaviours with compassion, and the most effective treatment options, including CBT-ED, nutrition therapy, and medications. Then I shift into understanding non-BED overeating patterns driven by emotional eating, all-or-nothing thinking, and over-desire around food. If you want a clearer, more compassionate understanding of eating disorders and obesity-related eating behaviours, this episode will guide you through both. WORK WITH ME  Recover Strong CBT-ED program for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bed O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com Join my Lifestyle Coaching Program for women, Best Weighthttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight Taking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

160. Eating Disorders vs. Obesity-Related Eating Behaviours (Part 1) In today’s episode, I walk through the spectrum of disordered eating — from everyday overeating to clinically significant eating disorders like binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.  I explain how these behaviours differ, where they overlap, and why so many people feel confused about their relationship with food. I also cover the science behind appetite, reward pathways, and why some individuals are more vulnerable than others. This episode will help you understand the foundations before we dig deeper next week!  WORK WITH ME  The Menopause Solution Coursehttps://www.sashahighmd.com/the-menopause-solution Health Coaching Program for women, Best Weighthttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight Recover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bed Ontario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

159. Nutrition in the Menopause Transition In this episode of High on Life, we dive into one of the most common and confusing challenges women face during the Menopause transition: understanding how to nourish their changing bodies.  Registered dietitian and Best Weight coach, Tedi Nikova, RD, MPH, breaks down what’s really happening with hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and insulin—and how these shifts impact hunger, metabolism, and fat distribution. You’ll learn clear, sustainable strategies for regulating blood sugar, building muscle, and creating balanced meals without cutting out major food groups or falling for social media myths. From practical protein goals to simple meal structure tips and mindset shifts, this episode gives you the tools to work with your body, not against it. Plus, get a sneak peek of the upcoming Menopause Course with Dr. Sasha High, designed to help women feel strong, informed, and empowered through midlife and beyond. The Menopause course is now live:https://www.sashahighmd.com/offers/QpxVQo7n/checkout  FOLLOW US: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/ WORK WITH US:  Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight Recover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bed Ontario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com Feeling ready to start your weight loss journey—but not sure where to begin? You don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes exclusively for my podcast listeners. This list is designed to gently guide you through those first steps toward lasting change. Download your free podcast list and let’s take that first step together!

Episode 158 — How to Build Resilience When You Want to Quit In this episode, I’m talking about what to do when you hit that wall — when motivation fades, things feel hard, and you just want to give up. Resilience isn’t about being tough or forcing your way through. It’s about how quickly you can recover, adapt, and get back into action when life throws challenges your way. I share the psychology and neuroscience behind resilience — what’s happening in your brain when you want to quit, and how to train your thinking so you don’t get derailed by stress or frustration. You’ll learn how the prefrontal cortex and amygdala work together when you’re under pressure, why tolerating discomfort builds emotional endurance, and how small mindset shifts can literally rewire your brain for grit and perseverance. I also walk through practical, science-based tools you can start using right away: reframing stress as energy, practicing “micro-recoveries” throughout the day, using controlled doses of challenge to strengthen your nervous system, and labeling emotions to calm your brain before taking action. Resilience isn’t a personality trait — it’s a skill. And every time you show up when it’s hard, you’re training that skill. If you’ve been tempted to quit lately, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface — and how to keep going, without burning out or beating yourself up. Feeling ready to start your weight loss journey—but not sure where to begin? You don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes exclusively for my podcast listeners. This list is designed to gently guide you through those first steps toward lasting change.Download your free podcast list and let’s take that first step together!

Episode 157 — You’re Not Broken: Understanding Weight Changes in Menopause If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “What happened to my body?” — you’re not alone.In this episode, I’m reframing how we think about weight changes in menopause and midlife. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your body, why it feels so frustrating, and how to work with your body instead of against it.In this episode, I share:→ What’s actually happening hormonally during menopause — and why metabolism slows. → How muscle is the #1 key to protecting metabolism and preventing weight gain.→ Why diets and restriction don’t work — and what to focus on instead.→ How sleep and small daily habits make a big impact.→ When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, and why medical treatment can be a compassionate, science-based tool.You are not broken. Your body is wise, resilient, and capable of thriving through this season. Let’s talk about how to support it with understanding, not shame.👉 Reflection: What’s one small thing you can do today to honour and care for your body?WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comFOLLOWInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/ Feeling ready to start your weight loss journey—but not sure where to begin? You don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes exclusively for my podcast listeners. This list is designed to gently guide you through those first steps toward lasting change. Download your free podcast list and let’s take that first step together!

Episode 156 — Debunking Nutrition Trends: Fasting, Gut Health, and GLP-1 SupplementsConfused by all the nutrition trends on your social feed? In this episode, we’re breaking down three of the biggest ones — fasting, gut health, and GLP-1 supplements — so you can separate fact from marketing hype.You’ll learn:→ What the research really says about fasting for weight loss and who should (and shouldn’t) try it→ The truth about gut health — what actually supports it (hint: it’s simpler than you think)→ Why “GLP-1 support” supplements and powders might be more marketing than scienceBy the end, you’ll feel confident knowing what’s actually worth your time, energy, and money when it comes to sustainable nutrition and weight loss.If you want more support, check out Best Weight — my program for sustainable nutrition, movement, and mindset. Learn more at www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight.FOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH US:Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

🎙 Episode 155 — How to Stop Self-Sabotage Before It StartsToday I’m sharing practical ways to stop self-sabotage before it even begins.We all know the pattern: a stressful day, a busy week, or feeling tired and suddenly we overeat, skip a workout, or procrastinate. I want you to know — you’re not broken. Self-sabotage is your brain trying to protect you, and there are ways to work with it.In this episode, I cover:→ How to notice your triggers and patterns before the behaviour starts.→ Pre-deciding realistic, flexible strategies to handle vulnerable moments.→ Replacing all-or-nothing thinking with “next best step” thinking.→ Simple tools to pause, regulate, and respond instead of reacting automatically.→ How to anchor habits in your identity, not just outcomes.You’ll learn to build awareness, consistency, and self-compassion — so you can stop shame and guilt from running the show.If you want more support, check out Best Weight — my program for sustainable nutrition, movement, and mindset. Learn more at www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight.FOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

🎙 154. “Sexy vs. Boring: Why Complicated Feels Tempting but Simple Actually Works” Hey friends! In this episode, I’m tackling something I see all the time in weight loss (and honestly, in life too): our brains love the complicated, “shiny” solutions — the ones that feel exciting and sexy — while ignoring the boring basics that actually move the needle. We’ll talk about: Why complicated feels so tempting (hello, novelty bias and illusion of control!) Why simple habits feel boring (but aren’t) Six boring-but-powerful habits you can start today How to reframe boring as powerful so you can stay consistent A simple 7-day challenge to help you put it all into practice If my approach resonates with you and you want more support, accountability, and coaching, I’d love to invite you into Best Weight, my health coaching membership for women. You can learn more at www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight FOLLOW SASHA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/ WORK WITH ME  Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight Recover Strong for Binge Eating - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed Ontario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinic https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

In today’s episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know about Zepbound (tirzepatide) — the newest obesity medication now available in Canada. I’ll explain how this dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist works, how it’s different from semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), and who it may be helpful for.We’ll talk about expected weight loss results, side effects, cost, and access, as well as one really important topic: how to protect your muscle and bone health while on these medications. Rapid weight loss can come with downsides — and I’ll share what you can do to make sure your journey is sustainable and healthy.In this episode, I cover: → How tirzepatide works and what makes it unique → Expected weight loss and blood sugar improvements → Common side effects and safety considerations → Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide — what’s the difference? → Cost, access, and insurance coverage in Canada → Why protein and strength training are essential during weight lossAs always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.Come connect with me on Instagram @sashahighmd, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a Monday episode! Other episodes: 108. All About Wegovy97. All About Mounjaro53. All About Ozempic145. Which one is better, Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro?

152. 🎙 Start Smart: The Nutrition Basics for Your Weight Loss JourneyEpisode DescriptionBefore you jump into a meal plan, you need a strong foundation. In this episode, Tedi—registered dietitian and lead coach inside Best Weight—shares the 3 nutrition foundations every woman should focus on before starting her weight loss journey. You’ll learn how to:➡ Identify your eating patterns and triggers for overeating➡ Set consistent eating times to prevent over-hunger and backloading➡ Build a go-to list of staple proteins to keep you satisfied and preserve muscle ✨ Reflection prompts:➡ What are your triggers for overeating? What are the most challenging times of day to manage eating patterns?➡ After listening to this episode, consider what your next best step is to set yourself up for success in your weight loss journey.I hope this episode helps you set a strong foundation for sustainable weight loss!Episode 132. Reconsidering Alcohol (January 2025)https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcasts/high-on-life/episodes/2148951199FOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH USJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

151. 🎙 Alcohol, Menopause and Metabolism: What Women Need to KnowMany women in midlife notice alcohol affects them differently — from sleep and hot flashes to weight and energy. In this episode, I share my own journey with stepping back from alcohol and unpack the science on how it impacts hormones and metabolism in menopause. Plus, practical strategies to help you rethink your relationship with alcohol without guilt or extremes.In this episode, we’ll explore:➤ What alcohol does to hormones, sleep, and metabolism in midlife➤ Why it feels emotionally and culturally hard to change our drinking habits➤ The myths (like red wine and heart health) that still linger➤ Practical ways to rethink alcohol without guilt or extremes✨ Reflection prompts:➤ What’s your current relationship with alcohol — habit, treat, stress relief, or something else?➤ If you experimented with cutting back, what small change would you try first?   I hope this episode helps you reflect intentionally on your choices, especially during a season when your health and wellbeing matter more than ever.My favourite Organika Passionfruit electrolyte for daily consumptionhttps://amzn.to/3KaxAmFEpisode 139. Reconsidering Alcohol (March 2025)https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcasts/high-on-life/episodes/2148986132FOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weighthttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

150. The Top Cognitive Distortions Keeping You StuckMost of the time, what keeps us stuck in our health journey isn’t food or exercise — it’s our thought patterns. All-or-nothing thinking, “shoulds,” catastrophizing… these distortions twist reality and keep us cycling in guilt, shame, and frustration. In this episode, I break down the top cognitive distortions I see in my coaching clients (and in my own life too!), with real examples and practical ways to shift them. If you’ve ever thought, “I blew it, might as well start again Monday,” this one’s for you.You’ll walk away with tools to catch unhelpful thoughts, reframe them, and start renewing your mind so that lasting change actually feels possible.FOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario OHIP-covered Obesity Medicinehttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

We all love quick fixes, but when it comes to health they rarely work — and often leave us stuck in a cycle of starting over. In this episode, I share why quick fixes are so tempting, the hidden costs they carry, and what lifelong change really looks like.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of starting over with every new diet, this episode will encourage you to slow down, build trust with yourself again, and embrace sustainable habits that bring peace and freedom. FOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sashahighmdWORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eating - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario Obesity Management Clinic - https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

In this episode of High on Life, I’m joined by Margo Green, a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) who specializes in body image, disordered eating, addiction, burnout, and self-compassion—especially for women navigating menopause and mood disorders. We’re talking all about how we relate to our bodies—and how practicing self-compassion can transform your health journey. Together, we explore: What body image is and how it impacts our behaviours Why self-worth and weight often get tangled together How self-compassion supports sustainable change without shame What therapy can offer on a weight management journey Practical steps you can take to start healing your body image today This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt discouraged in their body, stuck in shame, or unsure how to care for themselves with both structure and kindness. 💛 You are not alone—and there is hope. 📍 If you’re in Ontario and want support with body image or mental health, you can connect with Margo at www.highmetabolicclinic.com/psychotherapy