VITALLY NOURISHED | Women's Holistic Nutrition & Wellness

Forget the scale—your body composition matters more than weight. In this episode, I share how to focus on strength, energy, and sustainable habits instead of chasing numbers. We dive into matching your goals to your capacity, building foundational sleep, nutrition, and movement habits, and approaching fitness without burnout or restriction. If you've ever felt stuck in dieting cycles or frustrated with quick fixes, this episode offers a practical, body-positive roadmap to feel strong, capable, and confident in your body. LINKS: Get on my Program Waitlist [EP 06] Thyroid & Time Conflicts: The Missing Link in Your Metabolism, Burnout & Stress [EP 11] As Within, So Without - Seasonal Eating, Chronic Fatigue & Omega 6 PUFAs   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Apologies  00:20 The Reality of Pursuing Passions 01:05 January Resets and Societal Pressures 02:13 Unpacking the Phrase: What You Do in Private Shows in Public 05:24 The Impact of Social Image and Belonging 08:31 Body Composition vs. Weight Loss 11:04 The Importance of Sustainable Health Practices 1 8:32 Personal Journey and Practical Tips 26:51 The Alternative Path to Health and Fitness 40:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Today I'm easing us into Season 2 with a slower, more sustainable rhythm — I'm exploring winter physiology, holiday eating, metabolism, cravings, and the emotional landscape of feasting traditions. You'll hear me break down why your energy shifts in the darker months, how circadian rhythms reshape appetite, and why carb cravings (and even going back for dessert) can make complete sense for your nervous system. I share how I personally navigate intuitive eating this time of year without slipping into restriction, the subtle difference between "saving room" and self-starvation, and how stress, sleep, and insulin resistance can show up in winter. I also talk through some real-life moments — including my infamous "angry food gremlin" — that show how body trust is built through lived experience, not perfection. If you're feeling the pressure of the season, or worried that feasting will unravel your progress, this episode offers a grounded, gentler lens. My hope is that you walk away with simple, practical ways to support your metabolism, regulate your body clock, and bring more pleasure and ease into your holiday rituals. FILL OUT THE SURVEY  JOIN ME ON INSTAGRAM - @live.vyta TIME STAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update 01:07 Balancing Work and Podcasting 03:20 Holiday Stress and Metabolism 04:10 Managing Winter Energy and Light Exposure 08:20 Carb Cravings and Insulin Resistance 13:10 Feasting and Relationship with Food 26:22 Practical Tips for Holiday Eating 33:57 Conclusion and Upcoming Plans

What if your gut is more than a digestive system—what if it's a guardian, translating the outside world into signals your body can understand? In this episode, we explore how seasonal foods, hidden fats, and your body's rhythms influence energy, mood, and vitality. Discover: How eating with the seasons can speak to your metabolism, immunity, and inner balance. The role of omega-6 PUFAs in triggering fatigue, inflammation, and hibernation-like states. Seasonal superfoods—salmon, root vegetables, pomegranate—that naturally support your hormones and energy. Practical ways to align your food, environment, and body's innate rhythms for more vitality and ease. Tune in to connect with the subtle signals your body is sending and learn how the rhythms of nature can guide your energy, metabolism, and inner harmony. TIME STAMPS 00:51 Welcome back to Season 2 02:01 Seasonal Eating: Embracing Autumn 07:35 The Benefits of Eating Seasonally 22:01 Nutritional Highlights of Autumn Foods 31:18 Understanding Omega-3 and Omega-6 40:15 Wrap Up - Come say hi on Instagram START HERE Join me on Instagram    Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days - Free Guide Apply for the VYTA Method - Autumn Enrollment    

In this episode, I'm sharing what intuitive eating really means—beyond the myths and diet culture noise. I open up about my own journey, from strict restriction and burnout to learning how to trust my body again. Intuitive eating has become the foundation of my approach, especially for women dealing with gut issues, metabolism struggles, and body image challenges. I explain why intuitive eating isn't just "eating whatever you want," but about tuning into your body's true signals and honoring your health in a way that feels balanced, nourishing, and empowering. I also talk about the common challenges you might face along the way—like hormonal imbalances, emotional ties to food, and the impact of processed foods. With evidence-informed insights and practical tips, I hope to offer gentle encouragement and guidance for anyone who's ready to step away from dieting and food stress, and instead build a more connected, peaceful relationship with food and yourself.   START HERE Join me on Instagram    Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days - Free Guide Apply for the VYTA Method - Autumn Enrollment   TIME STAMPS 00:50 Understanding Intuitive Eating 06:31 The Science Behind Intuitive Eating 12:26 Common Pitfalls of Intuitive Eating 25:14 Practical Tips for Intuitive Eating 36:02 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode, In this episode, we dive deep into how mainstream wellness culture often masks diet culture's old narratives: pushing narrow archetypes of beauty and health that don't serve long-term wellness. We unpack the influence of social media wellness gurus, the "hot girl" aesthetic, and why focusing solely on being skinny can disconnect us from true vitality. Learn how mirroring, co-regulation, and expanding your inner definitions of beauty can help reclaim your wellness on your own terms. We explore why a hyper-focus on being smaller, prettier, or more controlled often backfires on the nervous system and metabolism, and what it actually means to desire vitality, confidence, and body sovereignty. This episode is for anyone ready to break free from external pressure and cultivate body trust, confidence, and sustainable self-care.   You'll hear about: The difference between being well vs performing wellness How beauty archetypes influence behavior, food choices, and self-worth The hot girl, it girl, and clean girl aesthetics — and what's underneath them The role of mirroring and co-regulation in how we perceive beauty Why it's okay to want to feel hot or lose weight — and how your approach is what matters How to shift from self-objectification to self-connection This episode is both a call-in and a reclamation — a soft but honest mirror for any woman who's ever felt like she was doing everything "right" and still not feeling like enough.   START FOR FREE Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days - Free Guide Start the VYTA Method for Free   TIME STAMPS 00:52 Is Wellness the New Diet Culture? 04:24 The Impact of Social Media on Wellness 10:03 True Wellness vs. Performative Wellness 14:54 The Return of Diet Culture in Disguise 22:43 Redefining the 'Hot Girl' Archetype 25:31 Building Your Own Wellness Archetype 26:46 Reframing Hotness Beyond Aesthetics 29:46 The Impact of Social Media on Body Image 30:59 Embracing Body Changes and Self-Worth 32:39 The Importance of Being Seen and Feeling Safe 35:11 Challenging Negative Thoughts and Expanding Perspectives 39:54 Listening to Your Inner Voice 44:03 Practical Tips for Reclaiming Wellness 47:02 Nutritional Support for Mental Health and Wellness 49:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Is the sun actually your enemy—or is it your disconnected modern lifestyle? In this episode, we explore what it really means to build sun resilience from a holistic, bioenergetic perspective. From regulating your circadian rhythm and reducing PUFAs to understanding melanin and building your solar callus through intuitive exposure, I walk you through ancestral sun care that doesn't come from a bottle. You'll learn: Why you burn easily (and how to change that) How early light, melatonin, and vitamin E support your skin Why industrial seed oils may be making your sun sensitivity worse The connection between nervous system dysregulation and summertime depression Whether you're sun-phobic or sun-obsessed, this episode will shift how you approach light, skin, and seasonal wellness—so you can live in rhythm with nature, not fear it. LINKS: Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days - Free Guide Start the VYTA Method for Free Sign up for supplements - 10% discount from my dispensary Follow me on Instagram - Learn about melanin here   TIME STAMPS:   00:43 Exploring the Power of the Sun 01:27 Understanding Solar Health and Resilience 04:21 The Sun as a Nutrient 08:47 Building Your Solar Callus 24:37 Smart Sun Care Practices 30:25 The Role of Diet in Sun Protection 30:56 The Impact of Industrial Seed Oils on Health 32:06 Balancing Fats in Your Diet 34:42 Understanding the Role of Sunlight and Diet 36:48 Personal Experiences with Diet Changes 39:31 Nervous System and Sunlight 45:55 Practical Tips for Sunburn Recovery 52:14 Building a Solar Resilient Lifestyle    

Is Your Metabolism Broken? Carbs, Hormones + What Women Aren't Being Told: What if your fatigue, cravings, and stubborn weight gain weren't a sign of failure — but a cry for fuel? In this episode, I'm breaking down the misunderstood connection between metabolism, carbs, blood sugar, and female hormones. You'll learn: Why eating more (not less) might be exactly what your body needs How carbs support progesterone, thyroid, and mental health Signs your metabolism is under stress — and how to repair it Different starting points for supporting your metabolism The ancestral foods that rebuild energy, mood, and resilience You'll walk away with practical tools and a new perspective on metabolic health that honors your biology, emotions, and energy needs. Contact Shay or request a topic: shay@vytaessentia.com Share this episode and tag @shay.vyta on Instagram! Grab your free guide - Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days Start the VYTA METHOD for Free  

In this episode, I'm diving deep into the energetic and biological layers of thyroid health, metabolism, and the often overlooked stress of living in a constant state of urgency. Together, we'll explore how disrupted circadian rhythms, a chronically activated nervous system, and the pressure to "keep up" can quietly suppress your thyroid — impacting everything from your energy levels to your sense of purpose and voice. I share how the thyroid acts not just as a metabolic regulator, but as a symbolic timekeeper in the body — a bridge between biology and intuition. We talk about time anxiety, nervous system regulation, emotional suppression, and what it means to surrender to your own natural pace of transformation. If you've been feeling stuck, burnt out, or like you're moving through life in survival mode, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with your inner rhythm, and rebuild trust with your body's timing. Whether you're navigating thyroid imbalances, struggling with your energy, or feeling disconnected from your voice — this one's for you. We'll touch on: The circadian-thyroid connection and how light cues impact hormones German New Medicine's view on the thyroid and time urgency conflicts The throat chakra, self-expression, and energetic signs of thyroid stress What it means to live in alignment with your metabolic truth Why healing doesn't have to be rushed — and how to reframe transformation Let's redefine what it means to feel "energized" from a bioenergetic, somatic, and spirit-centered lens.   Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days - Free Guide Start the VYTA METHOD for Free

This is not your average lemon-salt-in-water episode – we're going cellular, ancestral, and practical. In this episode, I break down what true hydration actually is—and why it's not just about chugging more water or tossing a pinch of salt in your cup. We're going deeper than your average hydration chat. We'll cover surprising signs of dehydration, how mineral imbalances happen (and how to fix them), plus why so many people are unknowingly peeing out their minerals.  You'll also learn: The best times to drink water for optimal absorption Ice water vs warm water – does it really matter? How food—especially carbs—impacts hydration What electrolytes actually are and why they matter The real deal on water quality, filtration, and hidden contaminants like heavy metals How EMFs and modern environments disrupt cellular hydration Whether you're constantly thirsty, bloated, fatigued, or just confused about what "hydration" really means, this one's for you. Grab your free guide - Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days Start the VYTA METHOD for Free

This episode is a big one. We start with the foundation of all lasting change: a strong why. Not a surface-level goal, but a deeper motivation that anchors you when life gets hard—and keeps you from always "starting over" on your wellness journey. From there, we explore the food landscape many of us are navigating: What is a whole food, really? How diet culture, social media, and body image skew our perception of "healthy" Why nuance matters when it comes to processed foods and plant vs. animal foods The hidden scarcity mindset behind overeating and setting rigid boundaries The connection between ultra-processed diets and metabolic dysfunction Pesticides, the shikimate pathway, and how our environment impacts our biology Detox support through real, traditional foods—not extremes This episode is a call-in, not a call-out. It's about meeting yourself with compassion, evaluating choices without shame, and choosing nourishment that supports your body, your brain, and your sense of self-worth. Let me know how this lands with a review or star rating. Thanks for being here! Get your dirty dozen download here Grab your free guide - Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days Start the VYTA METHOD for Free

Welcome to episode one! I'm sharing and overview of my personal health journey—the ups, the downs, and everything in between. I was never someone who was naturally healthy; I had to work for it (and still do). From childhood GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) to multiple cycles of weight gain and loss, brutal PMS, immune struggles, and eczema—I've been through it all. I went from a diet of frozen meals, pizza, and Kraft Dinner to navigating pescatarian, vegetarian, and eventually vegan lifestyles. For a while, I thrived. But over time, my health declined, leading me to reintroduce meat and explore carnivore, low carb, and pro-metabolic eating. In this episode, I open up about body dysmorphia, swinging between restrictive and permissive eating, living a destructive lifestyle, and struggling with food aversions. I also share why chasing nutrition trends doesn't work—and how finding what truly works for you is the key to long-term health. I'll also talk about my fitness journey—from powerlifting to long-distance cycling on a plant-based diet—living what seemed like the "dream" holistic lifestyle, yet still watching my health unravel. If this episode resonates with you, let me know! Leave a comment, drop a rating, and tell me what hits home—I'd love to connect. Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days - Free Guide Start the VYTA METHOD for Free

Your gut is more than just a digestion machine—it's an entire ecosystem that influences your immune system, brain, and overall health. In this episode, we're diving deep into the idea of your microbiome as a "gut garden"—and why keeping it in balance is crucial. I'll break down: Fun & surprising gut health facts you've never heard before How your gut and brain talk through the vagus nerve The gut-immune connection (including histamine issues & immune imbalances) Signs your gut is out of balance—and what to do about it Why wild foods, seasonal eating, daylight & grounding matter Most importantly, I'll share why the #1 step in gut healing isn't just about food— it's about what you're telling your brain. If you've ever struggled with bloating, brain fog, anxiety, histamine intolerance, or immune issues, this episode is for you. Loved this episode? Don't forget to rate, review, and share—it helps more people find this info! Let's keep growing this gut garden together.   Grab your free guide - Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days Start the VYTA METHOD for Free

Intermittent fasting is everywhere, but are we doing it wrong? Pulling from the science of circadian rhythm fasting, or circadian meal timing, I'll break down the real science behind fasting, blood sugar, metabolism, and female hormones—and why for many people (especially women), eating breakfast may actually be the better choice. We'll cover: The benefits of fasting for insulin resistance, blood sugar balance, cell regeneration & brain health Why stopping eating earlier in the evening may be more effective than skipping breakfast How breakfast impacts cortisol, metabolism & PCOS symptoms Signs your blood sugar is out of balance (that most people overlook!) Why you're not hungry in the morning—and how to reset your appetite naturally Ghrelin & hunger hormones: Why listening to your body is better than following the clock An optimized daily eating pattern for better energy, metabolism & digestion This episode is all about understanding your body's natural rhythms so you can make informed choices—not just follow another food rule. Loved this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts with me!   Grab your free guide - Rewild Your Gut in 7 Days Start the VYTA METHOD for Free