Ever feel like your thoughts are actively working against your midlife health goals? Like, the moment you decide to try something new, your brain slams the brakes on with excuses like, "That's too hard," "I don't have time," or the classic, "My family will never eat that"? You are absolutely not alone! 

In my first-ever Ask Me Anything episode of The Family Fork, I tackle the questions that are truly keeping busy, midlife moms stuck. 

These are the real, raw struggles that pop up when you're navigating perimenopause, weight loss, and the daily chaos of family life. We're diving deep into the mindset traps that lead to overwhelm and overthinking, and I'm handing you the exact framework I teach my clients to break free.

Spoiler Alert: It's not about being more disciplined or motivated.

It's about training your brain to stop letting difficult feelings (like frustration and defeat) give you permission to do nothing at all. We're talking about everything from the dinner dilemma—how to eat anti-inflammatory when your family demands predictable meals—to overcoming major setbacks like injuries or health complications.

I promise you, there are simple, effective ways to move forward, even when you feel totally overwhelmed, your family is pushing back, or life has thrown you an unexpected curveball (like a shoulder injury or, yep, even breast cancer).  You deserve to feel strong, healthy, and confident, and it all starts with noticing the stories your brain is telling you and choosing to push forward anyway. Let's figure this out together!

What we cover in this episode:

🥑 The Dinner Dilemma Solved: How to eat the anti-inflammatory meals you need for perimenopause health while keeping your family (and your partner!) happy, without cooking separate dinners. (It's not your job to make everyone happy, but you can definitely compromise!)

🥑 The Power of Your Thoughts: Why letting yourself feel frustrated or defeated leads to giving up on your goals, and how that resentment builds toward your family.

🥑 The Overwhelm Trap: Why overwhelm and overthinking are simply the avoidance of feelings (like guilt, embarrassment, or disappointment), and how your brain uses this trap to give you permission to do nothing.

🥑 The Curiosity Cure: The simple, powerful two-step framework for getting unstuck: first, Notice the thoughts that stop you, and second, Get Curious to start collecting data and moving forward (risk-free!).

🥑 Bouncing Back from Setbacks: My personal story of navigating breast cancer and a double mastectomy and the exact mental shift you need to make to stop getting stuck in "survival mode" when life throws you an injury or major complication.


More Support For You

🙋‍♀️ Work with Me
🍳 How I Cook Just 3 Nights/Week
🧠 THINK Your Way To Weight Loss
📌 Connect on Instagram

You hear the phrase everywhere: gut health. It's on product labels, social media, and talked about by every wellness guru. But what does that even mean? More importantly, how does your gut health get impacted in perimenopause? And how are you supposed to fix it when you're already juggling a full life?

Trust me, I get it. For years, I struggled with mystery symptoms that felt completely disconnected, from bizarre skin rashes and sore joints to an inability to lose weight and chronic anxiety. It wasn't until I dug in and tested that I discovered the root cause: my gut was out of balance.

In this episode, I’m digging into the science of your gut microbiome, how fluctuating perimenopause hormones slow everything down (hello constipation!), and why your typical weight loss strategies feel impossible now.

I’m also going to get a little vulnerable with you and share my own personal story, including my decade-long battle with SIBO and candida overgrowth.

If you're struggling with constant gas, bloating (especially an hour after eating!), and feeling "backed up", this is an episode you can't miss!

In this episode, we're talking about:

✅ The Gut Microbiome, Simplified: A clear breakdown of what your "gut" actually is and the one thing it hates more than anything (hint: it's in your pantry right now).

✅ Hormones vs. Your Digestion: Why the drop in estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause is slowing your digestive tract down and causing a chaotic backup.

✅ Symptom Checker: The weird, surprising symptoms—like skin rashes, sore joints, and mental health issues—that can actually be clues to poor gut health.

✅ Easy Fixes That Actually Work: Simple, concrete steps you can take today, like a quick post-meal walk (without your phone!) and the non-negotiable diet change you need to make now.

✅ Your Family's Gut Health Matters: My slightly weird (but effective) ways to monitor my family’s gut health to keep the whole household healthier and happier.

You have the power to take control, even during perimenopause! Let's get to the root cause of your symptoms and start feeling vibrant again.

Resources Mentioned:

FREE 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan

More Support For You

🙋‍♀️ Work with Me
🍳 How I Cook Just 3 Nights/Week
🧠 THINK Your Way To Weight Loss
📌 Connect on Instagram

What if I told you September is actually the best time of year to lean into your health, wellness, and fitness goals?

Seriously. We’re talking about a season that’s naturally more structured, predictable, and calm. This is your chance to ride the “back-to-school effect” and actually get goals accomplished!

In this episode, we're going to dive into why ditching the New Year's Resolution mindset and adopting a September goal-setting strategy will change everything for you.

We'll uncover how the back-to-school season provides the perfect environment for creating new habits, and how to use that to your advantage so you can start the new year with a running start.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

• The truth about why January is a terrible time for new habits and how it sets you up for failure.

• The surprising reason your nervous system loves the predictability of the back-to-school season.

• The simple method that allows you to cook one healthy, family-friendly meal, so you don't have to cook two separate dinners.

• How to finally master your schedule and use your kids' after-school activities as a secret weapon for your own self-care.

It's time to ditch the "I'll start in the new year" mentality and finally get some momentum. This is a game-changer for every busy, midlife mom who wants to feel in control of her health and life.

Resources Mentioned

• My favorite online workout library - get BODi here for less than $10/month!
• The Supper Club monthly meal plan membership. Healthy, family meals in less time!
• My favorite planner from Crush the Rush
• Healthy After School Snacks FREE guide (50+ snacks you can buy!)

More Support For You

✅ Work with Me
✅ Start losing the perimenopause weight with this FREE plan
✅ Connect with me on Instagram

Feel like you're lacking "motivation" or "discipline" to build healthy habits?

What if you could build habits that stick without either of those things?

This week, Ashley shares three unconventional tips for building healthy habits, from her 10+ years of experience, that will help you finally create lasting change.

Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about building habits and learn how to make them an effortless part of your life, even when it feels like everything is working against you:

📌 Pick ONE Thing (and Stick with It): Stop trying to change everything at once. Learn how focusing on a single, specific habit protects your nervous system from burnout and sets you up for guaranteed success.

📌 Stop Planning, Start Doing: Planning is a form of procrastination that keeps you from taking real action. Ashley challenges you to stop making plans and start doing something today, to build momentum and break the cycle of inaction.

📌 Embrace the Chaos: Stop waiting for the "right time" to start. Ashley shares personal stories of building habits during the most chaotic moments of her life, proving that if you can do it then, it will be effortless when life feels normal.

This episode is the kick in the pants you need to get started today!

More Support For You

✅ Kick-start your healthy eating habit with the fast, easy, and family friendly meals in THIS guide.

✅ Get the perfect workout program here (for less than $10/mo!) The exact programs I used to lose 65 lbs in my late 40s!

It's a polarizing topic, but one that we should care about TODAY: the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet for our kids.

You might think kids should just be kids, but what if the food they're eating is secretly causing hyperactivity, poor concentration, and long-term health risks?

This week, Ashley makes a compelling case for why a healthy, anti-inflammatory approach is crucial for our children's well-being and shares a practical roadmap for making it happen without food fights.

Healthy Kids, Happy Family: A Balanced Approach to Food:

The "Why" Behind Anti-Inflammatory Eating: Learn how common ingredients in processed snacks (like TBHQ and artificial colors) are linked to hyperactivity, hormone disruption, and other serious health issues, and how removing them can have a lasting positive impact.

Winning Over Your Kids: Get practical strategies for getting your children's buy-in on healthy food. This includes respecting their choices (yes, even school lunches!), offering appealing alternatives, and making healthy eating a fun and collaborative family activity.

Balance Over Perfection: Discover how to focus on your child's overall nutrition over a two-to-three-day period, not just one meal. By filling nutritional gaps with healthy options, you can reduce stress and ensure your kids are getting the fuel they need.

You don't have to choose between healthy kids and happy kids. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can have both!

More Support For You

✅ Get 50+ healthy, kid-approved snacks (that you can buy) with the FREE Healthy After School Snack Guide here.

✅ Cook anti-inflammatory meals for your whole family with this FREE 7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan.

If you have a love-hate relationship with snacks (especially after school snacks!), this episode is for you!

While snacks can be a good part of a healthy day, they're often a source of stress, power struggles, and guilt for moms. This week, we're diving into how to reclaim snack time and turn it into a source of fun, health, and ease for the whole family!

Ashley gets real about the damaging ingredients in many popular snack foods and shares a roadmap to navigate snack time with confidence. 

Plus, she's giving you a secret weapon to make it all a breeze.

Your Guide to Healthy & Happy Snacking:

🍎 Involve Your Kids & Get Creative: Say goodbye to snack-time battles by including your kids in shopping and prep, and get tips for making even boring snacks look irresistible.

🍎 Look at the Big Picture: Ditch the pressure of every snack being perfect. Instead, examine the context of your kids nutrition over 2-3 days, ensure a healthy balance of everything they need.

🍎 Remove the "I Don't Have Time" Excuse: Learn simple strategies to pack healthy snacks ahead of time on the weekend, so you can easily grab a pre-packaged, healthy option (instead of an unhealthy impulse buy!) on even the busiest weekdays.

Snacks don't have to be a source of chaos! With a little planning and a lot of creativity, you can ensure your family is fueled by healthy, delicious food that supports their energy and long-term health.

More Support For You

✅ Simplify snack time with the FREE Healthy After School Snack guide, with 50+ healthy snacks you can buy!
✅ Need support with the other meals of the day? This healthy meal plan is designed for midlife moms, but is guaranteed to work for the whole family!

Get ready! We're celebrating a major milestone: the 50th episode of The Family Fork podcast!

To mark the occasion, Ashley gets vulnerable, sharing her personal journey—from healing after an abusive marriage to navigating cancer—to reveal the three most important lessons she's learned about health and life.

Whether you're just beginning or starting over for the tenth time, this episode is a powerful reminder that we all begin somewhere. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with the foundational tools to create the life you know you deserve.

Your Roadmap to a Healthier Life: 3 Foundational Lessons

📍 Food is Your Foundation: Food is the easiest, fastest place to start. Learn why an anti-inflammatory diet and understanding how food makes you feel is the most impactful way to improve your physical and mental health.

📍 Family is Your Co-Pilot: Any health strategy that doesn't work with your family is not sustainable. Discover how to prioritize your health while making it easy and appealing for your family to get on board.

📍 Mindset is Everything: Beyond being positive, learn to identify and rewire the quiet stories you tell yourself that sabotage your progress. Your self-talk is the ultimate key to achieving your goals and building a life of resilience and joy.

You have the strength to begin today, no matter what your past has held. These three lessons will help you get ahead faster!

More Support For You

✅ Take the survey for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card and help shape the future of this podcast! (Hurry! Survey closes 8/17/25)
✅ Download the 7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan that works for you AND your family!

You hear it all the time, "reduce inflammation", but do you know WHY it really matters? It's more than just bloating or puffy hands; it’s a silent force that can affect your brain, joints, and overall health.

This week on The Family Fork, Ashley gives you 5 compelling reasons why you need to start reducing inflammation TODAY:

Clearer Thinking: Learn how brain fog, forgetfulness, and dropping words can all be signs of inflammation in your brain.

Pain-Free Movement: Discover how reducing inflammation can ease sore joints, helping you stay active and mobile for years to come.

Easier Weight Loss: Find out why inflammation makes it so hard to lose weight, and how a week of anti-inflammatory eating can lead to surprising results on the scale.

Better Sleep & More Energy: Understand the connection between inflammation, cortisol, and sleep, and how a calmer body leads to more restful nights and energized days.

Prepares You for What Comes Next: Hear Ashley’s personal, powerful story of how her anti-inflammatory lifestyle helped her heal faster from breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for future health challenges.

This episode is a powerful call to action for your long-term health. Don't wait—your future self will thank you!

✅ Download the 7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan to start feeling the benefits this week!

You hear that you're supposed to eat protein in perimenopause, but you're still confused.

Knowing how much, what kind, and when can be a puzzle

This week, Ashley is breaking down everything you need to know about harnessing the power of protein for more energy, less cravings, and sustainable weight loss (yes, even in midlife!)

Discover why protein is your secret weapon against the challenges of aging, from muscle loss to hormonal fluctuations. Plus, stick around to the end for a special gift to help you put it all into practice!

Midlife Protein is Non-Negotiable: Learn how adequate protein helps build lean muscle (counteracting perimenopause muscle loss!), balances hormones and blood sugar, keeps you fuller for longer, and even aids in faster post-workout recovery.

How Much & What Kind?: Get clear on your daily protein target, and discover the best anti-inflammatory protein sources (while learning to ditch inflammatory protein bars.)

Mastering Protein Timing & Convenience: Find out why aiming for 40 grams of protein by 10 AM can revolutionize your energy and cravings throughout the day. Plus, get practical tips for incorporating protein into all your meals and easy, on-the-go strategies (yes, even cooked chicken in your purse!)

Protein isn't just a trend; it's a foundational nutrient for thriving in midlife. By making smart choices and front-loading your protein, you'll feel stronger, more energized, and gain control over your cravings.

More Support For YOU

✅ Your printable protein toolkit, designed for midlife moms. Grab it here!
✅ The right protein, all day long. This easy plan gets you started today.

It feels like you're doing everything to lose weight in perimenopause, but are you sabotaging your efforts without realizing it?

This week, we're cutting through the noise and revealing five common traps that won't help you lose weight, and more importantly, what you can do differently to finally see results!

Ashley shares common pitfalls, from calorie restriction to hidden "quick fixes," and shines a light on why your current approach might be stalling your progress.

Get ready to shift your perspective and discover sustainable strategies that lead to lasting transformation!

Calories In, Calories Out? Discover why severely restricting calories and doing intense cardio can actually make you hold onto weight in perimenopause by increasing inflammation and cortisol. Learn to prioritize nutrient-dense foods, balanced macros, and strategic strength training instead.

Chasing Quick Fixes: Beware of "wolf in sheep's clothing" solutions like certain supplements, detoxes, or even weight loss injections. While some can be supportive, they're not magic bullets. True, sustainable weight loss comes from consistent nutrition and fitness efforts.

Failing to Meal Plan: Without a clear, easy-to-execute meal plan, you're more likely to rely on takeout, derailing your goals. Learn why meal planning (even if you hate cooking!) is crucial for consistency and healthy choices.

Your Fixed Mindset: If you've ever thought, "It's just my hormones, I can't do anything about it," or "I'm too old to lose weight.", this fixed mindset is a major roadblock. Uncover how to change your thoughts, to get lasting results.

Trying to Get "Skinny": While wanting to look good is okay, a sole focus on "being skinny" often isn't enough motivation for long-term habits. Hear how to shift your focus to overall health, vitality, and longevity!

It's time to stop the cycle of frustration! By avoiding these common traps and adopting a flexible, proactive mindset with smart nutrition and movement, you can lose weight and thrive in perimenopause.

More Support For YOU

✅ Healthy, family-meals made EASY (seriously, cooking just 3 nights/week!) Check it out in the Supper Club
✅ Need to go deeper, and really change up your mindset? Let's do it together in The Method.

Want to know how to lose 8 lbs in 10 weeks -- right in the middle of perimenopause?!

This week Ashley's pulling back the curtain to share how YOU can start making this kind of progress today.

We're going beyond the typical advice (that doesn't usually work) to uncover powerful shifts that are essential for perimenopause weight loss.

Get ready to ditch what hasn't worked and embrace a fresh, empowering approach!

WAY Less Cardio: Discover why high-intensity cardio might be working against you in perimenopause. Uncover what you can do instead to build muscle, reduce inflammation, and get toned without bulking up. You can do this right from home!

What To Eat: Learn why an anti-inflammatory diet is crucial for balancing hormones and supporting your gut in midlife. PLUS, understand the power of balancing your proteins, carbs, and fats (macros) to fuel your body properly, avoid unnecessary calorie restriction, and see real scale changes.

THIS Trick Changes Everything: Discover how thoughts and feelings determine your outcome. It's not just "woo", this is THE strategy behind lasting transformation.

It's time to stop feeling out of control! You have the power to make significant changes and lose weight, even in perimenopause. This episode offer a new path forward, combining practical strategies with a powerful mindset framework.

More Support For YOU

✅ Ready to get started without an ounce of overwhelm? Start here with the Perimenopause Weight Loss Guide for Moms! Complete with a private podcast to support you every step of the way.

Are perimenopause cravings leaving you drained and frustrated? Your solution is right here!

Ashley knows the struggle is real, whether it's that 3 PM slump or the post-dinner sweet tooth. She's sharing powerful nutrition and lifestyle shifts that not only reduce cravings but also leave you feeling lighter, happier, and more energetic.

How to Fuel Up: Discover why eating enough calories is crucial, and how incorporating ample protein, healthy fats, and balanced carbs (especially a savory breakfast!) can stabilize blood sugar and keep hunger at bay. Ashley even shares her favorite breakfast bowl ingredients!

Hydration is Key: Learn why dehydration kicks-up cravings for quick energy (like sugar!), plus a simple method to get you drinking enough water throughout your day.

Beyond the Plate: Lifestyle hacks like stress reduction, prioritizing quality sleep, and strategic movement, can significantly diminish cravings by calming your body's stress response.

Quick Fixes & Gut Health: Get Ashley's favorite instant craving crusher (it's in your bathroom!) and understand how an anti-inflammatory diet supports gut health, which is vital for reducing those intense, unexplainable urges for sugar.

Cravings don't have to control you! By implementing a handful of these simple, yet powerful strategies, you'll gain control over your appetite, boost your energy, and make healthier choices that support your midlife journey.

More Support For YOU

✅ Reduce cravings instantly by eating enough to begin with. Start here!
✅ Add more protein like this, to help crush cravings today
✅ Relieve stress in as little as 5 minutes with Breathwrk

Today, we're diving into one of my favorite topics: food! But we're not just talking about what to eat; we're talking about how to do it without spending a fortune.

I know what you might be thinking—eating healthy, especially with an anti-inflammatory focus, is expensive. Maybe you have a big family to feed, or maybe you’re cooking for just a couple of people now that the kids are grown. Maybe your budget is tight. Whatever the reason, I want you to hear this loud and clear: eating healthy is accessible to everyone.

While some "healthy" foods can be pricey, I often find that my clients are spending a ton of money on pre-packaged things labeled as healthy, when the secret to saving money (and feeling great!) is sticking to whole foods in their most basic form.

In this episode, I'm sharing my top seven ways to eat healthy, anti-inflammatory foods on a budget. Get ready to take some notes because these are my go-to strategies for making every dollar count.

Here's a taste of what we’ll cover:

• Why a warehouse store membership might be the best investment for your health (and your wallet!) 💸
• The secret to saving money when buying animal protein
• Using frozen and canned produce to save money and get high quality
• Why you don’t need to buy organic to see real results in your health and weight loss
• Why a grocery list is your secret weapon against food waste (and budget-busting impulse buys)
• How to get your mindset right so you can make healthy food a priority, no matter what your budget is

I hope this episode helps you feel more confident about shopping for healthy food without breaking the bank. Healthy eating doesn't have to be expensive, and when it’s paired with delicious, family-friendly recipes, you’ll feel better, lose weight, and have a much better chance at reaching your health goals!

More Support For You

- Healthy, anti-inflammatory store bought snacks: FREE shopping guide
-How I Cook Just 3 Nights/Week
-Work with Me
-Connect on Instagram 

Feel like you're always behind with your health goals...especially now that perimenopause is in full swing? You're not alone!

This week, we're diving into how to make anti-inflammatory nutrition a sustainable lifestyle, not just something you try for a few days.

Big transformations always start with small changes, which is why you need to learn how to master the 3 levels of anti-inflammatory nutrition.

This isn't about perfection; it's about progress, understanding, and building lasting habits that work for your busy midlife.

Level 1: Gluten-Free & Sugar Awareness: Start with going gluten-free (which is much easier with today's options!) Begin to notice where added sugars sneak into your diet (like in common condiments!) and understand their impact on inflammation. Small changes here can lead to noticeable improvements in brain clarity, energy, and reduced joint pain.

Level 2: Basics & Balance: Dabble with dairy-free options, and add in low-impact workouts. This level incorporates family meals and learning to set healthier boundaries that support your choices.

Level 3: Anti-Inflammatory Mastery: Where anti-inflammatory eating becomes an effortless lifestyle – consistent, clean eating, prioritized sleep, and mindful movement. The bonus here is using mindset frameworks to stay on track (even with external pressures).

Ready to level up? Dive into this episode today!

More Support For YOU

✅ Healthy, family meals made easy with the Supper Club!
✅ Kick-start Level 1 of your anti-inflammatory diet with this simple guide

Ever scroll through social media and feel crushing resentment, seeing everyone else living their "best summer ever" while yours feels... less than ideal? You are not alone!

This week, Ashley gets raw and honest about her own challenging summer, filled with a breast cancer diagnosis, family caregiving, and busy schedules.

❌ This isn't an episode about complaining; it's about validating your feelings and sharing powerful strategies to cope, find joy, and maintain perspective when life throws unexpected curveballs.

If your summer looks different than you imagined – this episode's for you:

Embrace Your Anxiety: Learn to accept anxiety as a normal human emotion, especially when navigating overwhelming life circumstances. Understand that it's okay to feel it, and you're not "wrong" for experiencing it.
Combat Shame with Gratitude: Ditch the comparison trap and the spiral of shame by focusing on one single thing you're grateful for each day. This simple practice can gently shift your perspective and highlight the good.
Create Tiny, Meaningful Moments: Discover how to infuse joy into your everyday life with small, intentional moments that don't require money or huge effort.

This episode is a heartfelt invitation to be kind to yourself, validate your struggles, and find glimmers of happiness even when your summer isn't what you planned. It's about accepting where you are, finding peace in the present, and knowing that this season of your life is temporary.

More support just for YOU

⭐️ Drop Ashley a message here let her know how you're really, truly feeling right now
⭐️ Have MORE time for fun, when you cook these meals for you and your family

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, new symptoms, and the constant juggle of midlife? You are absolutely not alone. This week, we're diving deep into the ONE essential tool you need not just to survive, but to thrive in midlife and beyond.

In this episode I share that while we often seek external solutions like new diets, workouts, or supplements, the true key lies in something much closer to home: managing your thoughts and feelings. Get ready to look "under the hood" of your own brain and discover how to take back control, even when everything feels like too much.

In this episode, we unpack your brain's secret strategy:

📍The Overwhelm Trap: Discover how overwhelm often masks deeper feelings like overthinking, perfectionism, or confusion, and how your brain uses it as a "safety mechanism" to avoid perceived pain or wasted effort.
📍The Cycle of Frustration: Hear clear examples of how thoughts like "nothing I try works" lead to feelings of frustration and overwhelm, resulting in behaviors like quitting or giving up on your goals.
📍Breaking the Pattern: Learn to notice the direct correlation between your thoughts, feelings, and the behaviors you choose. This awareness is your first step to making different choices and getting the results you truly desire.

This episode is a powerful invitation to shift your perspective and embrace the incredible control you have over your midlife journey. It's about getting "your brain right" so all those other tools and strategies can finally work for you!

More support just for YOU

⭐️ Drop me a message and tell me how this episode landed with you, and where you're feeling overwhelmed
⭐️ Share a screenshot, or send me a message on Instagram @theashleymalik
⭐️ Feel less overwhelmed with a meal plan (here) that acutally works for you AND your family 

Summer is the PERFECT time to make small changes, that give you a BIG impact!

This week, dive into a powerful 7-day mini-challenge designed to significantly reduce inflammation in your body.

Get ready to feel more energetic, focused, and truly enjoy all your summer activities without feeling like garbage!

Your 7-Day Anti-Inflammation Challenge:
Nourish & Hydrate for Energy: Start your day with protein and veggies, drink half your body weight in ounces of water, and replace refined sugars - all to reduce inflammation.
Move & Recharge Your Body: Increase your daily step count, and aim for 40 grams of protein by 10 AM to stay fuller and more energized.
Mindset for Success & Gut Health: Commit to removing basic, inflammatory ingredients, and write down your wins every single day to build confidence and lower stress, allowing your body to thrive.

More support just for YOU

⭐️ Cook just 3 nights/week all summer long, with this easy, family-friendly meal plan
⭐️ Need your question answered in a future episode? Send me a note here!

Get ready for the most fun and actionable episode in our Summer Success Series!

In this episode, we're celebrating the joy of summer – the sun, the music, the relaxation – without any of the food guilt.

I'm sharing my top 5 easy, actionable tips for enjoying the pool, beach, or your dream vacation with absolute freedom and confidence. You've gathered all the tools from the previous episodes, and now it's time to put them into practice with a mindset that supports pure summer enjoyment!

Here's your guide to a guilt-free summer:

🚗 Smart Snacking on the Go: Learn how bringing your own healthy, energy-boosting snacks sets you up for success, whether you're at the pool or exploring a new destination.
🍹 Mindful Merriment: Alcohol & Treats: Discover how to navigate social drinking with smart alternatives and master the "three-bite rule" to truly savor your favorite summer treats without overdoing it.
🍉 Prioritize Fresh & Hydrating Foods: Embrace fresh fruit and hydrating options to keep your energy up, reduce bloating, and satisfy sweet cravings under the summer sun.

This episode empowers you to relax, enjoy, and make incredible memories without stressing about food. It's about remembering that one meal or one day doesn't derail your entire summer, and getting back on track is always just a moment away.

More support just for YOU

⭐️ Cook just 3 nights/week all summer long, with this easy, family-friendly meal plan
⭐️ Need your question answered in a future episode? Send me a note here!
⭐️ Adorable wine tumblers like these will make sparkling drinks taste extra special
⭐️ Add Grapefruit CURE to your sparkling water for a tasty treat
⭐️ Learn how to fit workouts into your busy summer schedule here
⭐️ Curious how to make summer mealtime more fun? This episode has all the answers!
⭐️ Time blocking is your answer to fitting it all in. Learn how in this episode
⭐️ The right THINKING is what will help you see success this summer. Grab this framework to make it easy!

Get ready for an episode that truly unlocks the magic behind your summer goals!

We've talked about workouts, healthy meals, and time blocking, but today, we're diving into the most powerful tool of all: your mindset.

I share how our thoughts and feelings directly shape our reality. If you've ever felt stuck with "not enough time," struggled with making progress, or felt deprived while trying to eat healthy, this episode is for you! We're exploring how to use your brain to design the confident, energetic, and fun summer you truly desire.

Here's what you'll discover:

Your Brain's Hidden Blocks: Unpack common thought patterns around time, progress, and desire that might be sabotaging your summer health goals.
Shifting Your Story: Learn how to recognize feelings like frustration, shame, or feeling left out, and proactively shift your mindset to unlock creative solutions instead.
The Power of Proactive Thinking: Understand how a positive, intentional mindset makes healthy eating, consistent workouts, and effective time blocking so much easier to achieve.


⭐️ This episode is the cornerstone of our "Summer Success Series," bringing all the pieces together. It's about empowering you to control your narrative and make choices that lead to your dream summer, no matter what challenges come your way.

More support just for YOU

🥗 Cook just 3 nights/week AND have a list of emergency/back-up meals, when you join the Supper Club
🍡 Fast, easy, and healthy snack ideas that your whole family will love can be found here and here
💪 Learn how to create an effective workout schedule here, then sign up for my favorite workouts here
⏰ Check here for essential time blocking tips, for your best summer ever!

Summer's here, and that means fun, sun, and...total schedule chaos? I get it...and that's why I'm sharing my tried-and-true method for surviving (and thriving!) during summer break: time blocking!

In this episode, I share how to effectively time block your summer so that you have time and space and capacity to eat well, move your body, do all of those things that are important to your health so that you can keep up with your activities, with your family, and with everything else you have going on this summer.

Think you don't need time blocking? Think again:

Tools for Time Blocking Success: How Google Calendar manages your life, plus printable calendar for family visibility.
Prioritize Fun: Schedule those vacations, barbecues, and lazy days first to ensure they actually happen!
Movement Matters: Block out specific times for workouts or walks, treating them like non-negotiable appointments.
Nutrition on Autopilot: Schedule meal planning, grocery shopping, and even snack prep to avoid last-minute, unhealthy choices.
Ashley's Time Blocking Breakdown: If it doesn't get planned, it won't get done. I'll show you how!

By time blocking your schedule, you'll feel more in control of your nutrition and wellness, freeing you up to enjoy all the fun summer has to offer!

More support just for YOU
🥗 Cook just 3 nights/week AND have a list of emergency/back-up meals, when you join the Supper Club
🍡 Fast, easy, and healthy snack ideas that your whole family will love can be found here and here
💪 Learn how to create an effective workout schedule here, then sign up for my favorite workouts here

Welcome back to our Summer Success Series! Last week we tackled realistic planning, and this week, we're diving into one of the best parts of summer: FOOD!

But how do we keep ourselves and our families on track with healthy, anti-inflammatory meals when schedules go haywire and the heat is on?

Summer should be about fun, not endless kitchen duty. That's why I'm sharing a fantastic roadmap for easy and delicious anti-inflammatory eating all summer long, whether you're road-tripping, vacationing, or just trying to keep cool at home. Get ready to ditch the takeout temptation and embrace flavorful, feel-good food that supports your energy and confidence!

Here's your guide to effortless summer eating:

Travel Like a Healthy Pro: Discover simple and portable anti-inflammatory snack ideas for road trips and airplanes, ensuring you stay energized and avoid those sugary convenience store traps.
Vacation Vibes, Healthy Habits: Learn how to navigate restaurant menus, stock your hotel fridge like a pro, and even leverage rental properties for easy and healthy meal options without being stuck in the kitchen.
Creative & Fun Summer Meals at Home: Get inspired with easy and exciting ideas for grilling, backyard picnics, and kid-friendly presentations that make healthy eating feel like a summer celebration!

This episode is packed with practical, family-friendly tips to make healthy eating a breeze all summer long. Say goodbye to feeling bloated and sluggish and hello to fueling your adventures with delicious, anti-inflammatory foods that everyone will enjoy!

Let's make this summer your most delicious and energized one yet!

More support just for YOU

🥗 Cook just 3 nights a week, and serve dinner all summer long with easy recipes in the Supper Club
💪 Workouts that work with your crazy summer schedule can be found here (ask me to help you get started with the right program!)
🙋‍♀️ Want help building a custom plan for your summer? Get started here!

Are you dreaming of a confident and energized summer? Well, dream no more! This week, we're kicking off an exciting "Summer Success Series" designed to help you make your summer dreams a reality.

It's time to stop wishing and start planning for the summer you deserve!

This episode gets you started with a 3-part approach to get you on track with your fitness and weight loss goals now, so you can enjoy every moment of summer feeling fantastic.

In this episode we cover:

Realistic Expectations for Real Moms: Learn how to set achievable weight loss goals with the timeframe you have, ditching unrealistic expectations and focusing on sustainable progress.
Your Summer Fitness Toolkit: Discover effective and convenient workout resources, including Ashley's go-to online platform, and how to gather portable equipment for consistency wherever you are.
Fueling Your Success with Nutrition: Get a powerful reminder of the impact of anti-inflammatory nutrition and how the free Perimenopause Weight Loss Guide can kickstart your journey with delicious, family-friendly meals (plus a private podcast for extra support!)

It's time to take action and make this summer your best one yet! Let's plan ahead, gather our resources, and step into summer feeling strong, healthy, and confident!

More support just for YOU:

🚀 Download the free Perimenopause Weight Loss Guide for Moms, to get started with your weight loss journey today
💪 No more excuses! The BODi workout platform has the perfect program, that you can start right away!
🙋‍♀️ Have other questions, or need a different way to get started? I'm just an email away!

High protein snacks - they sound like a good idea, but why are they so hard to fit into your day? If you feel the same way, you're in the right place!

This week, we're diving deep into the incredible benefits of high protein snacks for everyone in your family, especially for us amazing women navigating perimenopause and beyond.

Ashley breaks down why protein is so much more than just a fitness fad. We'll explore how it can help manage your appetite, build lean muscle (so important!), support healthy skin, hair, and nails, and even keep those kiddos going strong. Forget those processed protein bars – we're talking real, delicious ways to power up your day!

In this episode we'll cover:

• Why Protein is Your Perimenopause BFF (and Everyone Else's Too!): Learn the key benefits of protein for appetite control, energy, muscle health, bone density, and even those pesky perimenopause symptoms.
• Snacks as Mini-Meals: Rethinking Your Protein Intake: Ditch the processed snacks and discover how to strategically incorporate protein throughout your day with satisfying and healthy "mini-meals."
• Delicious & Family-Friendly High-Protein Snack Ideas: Get five easy, portable, and yummy snack recipes that everyone in your family will love

This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration to help you and your family easily incorporate more protein into your daily routine. Say goodbye to energy slumps and hello to feeling fueled, strong, and ready to take on anything!

Grab Your Protein Power-Ups:

• Download the free guide, Protein for Perimenopause, which includes links to my favorite protein powders
• Make my famous grain-free granola with this recipe
• An endless supply of protein-forward recipes in The Supper Club
• Have other questions, or want to connect directly with me? Start here!

Feel like you'll never get anywhere with perimenopause weight loss? You're not alone!

It can feel like your body is working against you, making it impossible to see consistent results. You might be exhausted, feeling a little fluffy around the middle, and wondering if this is just your new normal. I see you, and I get it.

But what if you didn’t have to give up? What if there was a different way?

This week, I’m sharing five simple, powerful steps to help you lose one pound a week consistently, so you can stop yo-yo dieting forever.

It's not about doing more; it's about doing things differently, in a way that actually works with your body in perimenopause. This approach should feel different from anything you've tried before, but that’s the whole point.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

📌 The REAL reason you’ve struggled with consistency in the past, and how to fix it from the inside out. (Hint: it’s not willpower!)
📌 The one simple habit you need to ditch right now if you want to lose weight and stop cravings in their tracks.
📌 A game-changing breakfast swap that will stabilize your blood sugar, boost your energy, and keep you full all day long.
📌 How to move differently, to reduce inflammation and finally build a strong, lean, and energetic body.
📌 The secret to lasting weight loss that will help you break free from the frustrating cycle of dieting and give you a sense of peace and control.

If you’re ready to stop feeling defeated and start feeling strong and in control again, this episode is for you. Let's make this the beginning of your most consistent and confident health journey yet!

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE GUIDE: 5 Steps To Lose 1 Lb/Week in Perimenopause

More Support For You
-Work with Me
-How I Cook Just 3 Nights/Week
-Connect on Instagram

It's a constant debate as you get older, between "should I lose weight" or "should I eat healthier" as you navigate perimenopause or menopause. This week, we're diving into this very topic and exploring how these two goals can actually go hand-in-hand.

Ashley shares her personal journey and insights, reminding us that feeling good in our bodies is the ultimate aim. We'll unpack why weight gain in midlife can impact our health and how embracing an anti-inflammatory nutrition approach benefits us in so many ways.

In this episode we cover:

• The Intertwined Goals: Discover how losing weight can positively impact your overall health markers and how healthy eating naturally supports weight management.
• Navigating the Challenges: We'll tackle common hurdles like being swayed by others' opinions, the fear of failure, and the importance of having the right support system.
• The Power of Feedback: Learn why starting with a focus on weight loss can provide valuable and immediate feedback to keep you motivated and on track.
• Building a Sustainable Lifestyle: Ultimately, it's about creating a way of eating and living that makes you feel strong, healthy, and confident for the long haul.

Whether your primary focus is shedding pounds or simply embracing healthier habits, this episode offers encouragement and practical insights to help you achieve your goals and feel fantastic in your own skin!

You deserve to feel your best! Let's make it happen together.

Connet & Share

• The fastest way to start your anti-inflammatory nutrition journey is right here (and it's free!)
• Spend less time in the kitchen, while making healthy meals that are family-friendly, when you use the resources in The Supper Club
• Working out happens effortlessly when you use this at-home solution (the exact workouts I used to lose 65 lbs in my late 40s!)
• Have other questions, or want to connect directly with me? You can do that here!

Feeling that spring energy and ready for a fresh start? This week, we're not just cleaning out closets; we're giving your health and fitness a total spring refresh.

Ashley guides you through a powerful process of re-evaluating your goals, decluttering your pantry and fitness space, and most importantly, cleaning up your mindset. It's time to create a clear path to feeling your best, both inside and out.

In this episode we cover:

• Goal Clarity for Real Life: Learn how to define goals that truly resonate, focusing on how you want to feel and what you want to do, not just the number on the scale.
• Pantry Detox & Smart Swaps: Ditch the sugary, processed foods and discover delicious, healthier alternatives that your family will actually enjoy (yes, even the kids!)
• Fitness Equipment Freedom: Declutter your exercise space, release the guilt, and create a fitness plan around activities you genuinely love.
• Mindset Makeover: Tackle overthinking, embrace imperfection, and learn why "fumbling and struggling" is actually essential for growth and consistency.

This episode is all about creating a sustainable and empowering approach to health and fitness. Ashley provides actionable steps and practical advice to help you feel energized, confident, and ready to take on the season!

Let's spring into a healthier, happier you!

Connect & Share

• Get a huge list of kitchen swaps, that will even make your family happy! Find it in the Supper Club
• Need a good starting point? The Perimenopause Weight Loss Guide for Moms is the perfect place to begin (and it's FREE!)
• Fitness programs that work with the equipment you already have (and the exact programs I used to lose 65 lbs in my late 40s!)
• Other questions or need to connect directly with me? Reach me here!

Feeling the pressure of summer approaching and dreading those shorts and sleeveless tops? You're not alone! This week, we're ditching the unrealistic "quick fixes" and diving into real-life strategies for busy, midlife moms who want to feel confident and strong.

I get it – you're juggling work, kids, and everything in between. That's why I'm sharing actionable tips that fit seamlessly into your already packed schedule. No crazy diets, no impossible routines, just smart and effective ways to feel your best before summer hits.

Today we'll cover:

• Smart Strategies for Busy Days: Learn simple hydration hacks, the power of mid-week meal planning (plus grab a free guide!), and how to use time blocking to prioritize your health.
• Family & Fitness Integration: Discover how to get your family involved in the kitchen to reduce stress and create quality time, and explore the convenience and benefits of at-home workouts.
• Confidence & Action: Get empowered to feel your best with realistic, sustainable strategies. We're focusing on feeling confident, not diet culture.

This episode is all about empowering you to take control of your health in a way that's sustainable and enjoyable. Let's make this summer your most confident one yet!

Connect & Share:

• Download the Perimenopause Weight Loss Guide for Moms (and your meal plan and grocery list is covered for next week!)
• Get started with at-home fitness here (the exact programs I used to lose 65 lbs in my late 40s. YOU can, too!). Use this link to get 1-year for only $130!
• For more resources and information visit Ashley online, or on Instagram @theashleymalik

This week, we're celebrating a milestone – Ashley's 50th birthday! But more than just cake and candles, we're diving into the joy and empowerment that comes with this incredible chapter of life. 

Forget the negativity about aging; we're flipping the script!

Ashley shares 10 powerful insights that have brought her peace, calm, and happiness as she steps into her 50s. Whether you're approaching 50 or well beyond, this episode is a reminder that aging is a gift, and we have the power to make it amazing.

Here's what you'll discover:

• Empowering Mindset Shifts: Learn how setting boundaries, embracing your true self, and chasing passions leads to a more fulfilling life.
• The Power of Perspective: Discover how to prioritize what truly matters, find peace with your journey, and embrace the power of forgiveness.
• Prioritizing Health & Joy: Understand the importance of prioritizing health, wellness, and the joy of family connections as you age.
• Sharing Your Story: Recognize the value of your experiences and the impact of sharing your stories with loved ones.

This episode is a warm invitation to shift your perspective on aging. You have the agency to create a positive and fulfilling life at any age. Let's celebrate the journey together!

Connect and Share:

• Share this episode with two friends who need a dose of positivity in midlife
• Connect with Ashley on Instagram: @TheAshleyMalik
• Visit Ashley online

You "thought" you knew what it took to lose weight, but since it hasn't worked, it's left you wondering...what does it really take to lose weight, anyway?!

In this episode of The Family Fork, get ready to dive deep into the real reasons you might be struggling to lose weight, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Forget the endless meal plans and grueling workouts! We're tackling the mindset behind your health journey. We'll uncover how your thoughts and feelings are actually driving your results, not just your actions.

Here's what you'll discover:

• Why traditional weight loss strategies often fail us in midlife.
• The powerful connection between your thoughts, feelings, and weight loss.
• How to break free from negative thought patterns that sabotage your progress.
• Practical tips to shift your mindset and create sustainable change.
• Real-life examples of how changing your thoughts can transform your results.
• The power of a supportive community and coaching, like The Method, to guide you through this process.

If you're ready to ditch the quick fixes and embrace a sustainable approach to health and wellness, this episode is for you! You're smart and capable, and you deserve a solution that truly works. Let's unlock your potential together!

Links mentioned and ways to get in touch:

• Learn the simple framework for unraveling your thoughts and feelings in The Method
• Jumpstart your weight loss with a healthy, family-friendly plan here
• Wondering how much protein you need in perimenopause? This gives you everything you need to know!

How often do you feel stuck by your own thoughts? Constantly telling yourself, "I don't have time," "I can't stay motivated," or "This will never work for me?" This week on The Family Fork, we're diving deep into the limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving our health goals.

It's easy to mistake our thoughts for facts, especially when they feel so real. But what if those "truths" are actually just stories our brains tell us to keep us safe? We'll explore six common phrases that women often believe about weight loss and healthy living, and uncover the reasons behind these limiting beliefs.

This episode will help you:

Identify your limiting beliefs: Discover which phrases resonate with you and understand why you believe them.
Understand the "why" behind your thoughts: Explore the three main reasons our brains cling to these limiting beliefs.
Learn practical solutions: Discover three actionable strategies to break free from these thought patterns and achieve your goals.

We'll discuss how to:

• Reevaluate your goals and break them down into manageable steps.
• Reverse engineer your goals by focusing on how you want to feel.
• Take accountability and delay gratification to create lasting change.

Get ready to challenge your beliefs, shift your mindset, and take control of your health journey. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered.

Links mentioned and ways to get in touch:
Need a family-friendly (but healthy) meal solution? Grab your free meal plan here!

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work directly with Ashley by clicking here.

Ever feel like throwing in the towel? Like you just want to give up on it all? This week on The Family Fork, we're diving deep into those feelings of overwhelm and frustration that can leave you wanting to escape to a deserted island. (And honestly, who hasn't felt that way lately?!)

But here's the thing: even in the midst of challenges, there are valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. This episode is your permission slip to acknowledge those struggles, but also to find the strength to keep going.

We'll explore two recent personal stories that highlight the feelings of overwhelm, failure, and uncertainty that can make us want to quit. Through these stories, we'll uncover four powerful lessons to help you reframe your thinking and move forward with renewed hope:

• Redefining Failure: Discover why failure isn't the end of the road, but rather a stepping stone on your journey to success.
• The Power of Mindset: Learn how negative thoughts can lead to negative choices, and how to break free from that cycle.
• Choosing Curiosity: We'll explore why curiosity is your secret weapon against defeat, and how it can empower you to find creative solutions.
• Creating Safety: Discover the importance of feeling safe and supported, and how it can give you the courage to try again, even when things get tough.

This episode is your reminder that you're not alone in your struggles. It's about finding the strength to keep going, even when you feel like giving up. Get ready for a dose of encouragement and practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of midlife with resilience and hope.

Links mentioned and ways to get in touch:

• Ready to transform your life and your health? The Method will jumpstart perimenopause weight loss, and give you tools for lifelong health!

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work directly with Ashley by clicking here.

Tired of the dinnertime struggle? Juggling perimenopause, family, and healthy eating can feel like a constant battle. This week on The Family Fork, we're tackling a common challenge: how to get your family on board with anti-inflammatory eating, without the drama.

We'll explore a unique approach – think of it as "project managing" your family's meals! Discover practical strategies to:

• Gain family buy-in: Learn how to involve your family in the decision-making process to ensure everyone feels heard and respected.
• Navigate the challenges: We'll discuss how to address common roadblocks, like picky eaters and busy schedules, to keep your healthy eating goals on track.
• Create a sustainable system: Discover simple yet effective strategies to make healthy eating a sustainable part of your family's lifestyle.

Join me as we explore these strategies and more. You'll gain valuable insights and actionable tips to make mealtimes more enjoyable for the whole family.

Listen now and get ready to transform your dinner table!

Links mentioned and ways to get in touch:

• Listen to Ep. 24 for easy and fun snack ideas
• Start your plan this week with a free, 7-day meal plan for midlife moms (and their families!)
• Need a plan for emergency/911 meals? Grab it here in the Supper Club (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coaching, and more!)

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work directly with Ashley by clicking here.

Feel like you've tried absolutely everything to lose weight in midlife, but nothing seems to work?

It's natural to want to blame perimenopause, hormones, or your age. And in desperation you start looking for a supplement, medication, or quick diet to help you kickstart weight loss.

But what if progress required something more? What if losing weight over 40 took something completely different?

In this episode of The Family Fork we explore:

• Why "eating healthy" isn't enough for midlife weight loss
• Why you believe that weight loss over 40 is impossible...and what to do about it
• What HRT really does for your waistline
• Why reverting to old beliefs is keeping the scale stuck

After listening to this episode, you'll have more confidence in knowing exactly how to move forward, so that you can finally see progress on the scale!

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work directly with Ashley by clicking here.

Struggling with cravings? As a midlife mom, you might think you've lost all willpower when it comes to food. Because when those cravings come on, they are so strong!

The good news is that you CAN do a lot to manage (and prevent!) your cravings!

In this episode of The Family Fork podcast we dig in to see what causes cravings in midlife, and how you can take proactive steps to minimize and eliminate cravings (yes, even in perimenopause!)

We explore:
- Simple nutrition strategies to combat cravings
- How to regulate hormones so that we have fewer cravings
- Easy lifestyle changes that make cravings a thing of the past

With a few simple strategies, you can finally take control over your body and say goodbye to cravings!

Links mentioned and ways to connect:

• Lock in your daily protein intake with the free Protein for Perimenopause guide
• Eat a full week of anti-inflammatory foods with Perimenopause Weight Loss for Moms
• Learn simple, fast, easy breathing techniques to reduce stress, with the Breathwrk app

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work directly with Ashley by clicking here. 

You've heard me say it before: perimenopause and midlife can feel like an uphill battle. You're juggling a career, a family, and all the stress that comes with it, and it feels like your body is just not on your team.

You're tired, you're bloated, and the number on the scale just keeps creeping up no matter what you do.

I used to think eating "healthy" was enough. I was eating salads, whole grain bread, and oatmeal, and still, my body was sending up a million smoke signals—brain fog, sore joints, and stubborn weight gain. My body was screaming, but I was ignoring it. 

An anti-inflammatory diet was the game changer for me. It’s what helped me finally lose the weight and feel amazing again, and it's what I believe every single woman over 35 needs to be doing.

It's not about being on a "diet." It's a way of eating, a lifestyle. 

An anti-inflammatory diet works to both lower and not add to inflammation by cutting out foods that cause it, and eating more of the good stuff.

In this episode you'll discover:

📍What's REALLY going on with your body: why inflammation happens in perimenopause, how your body sends you signs when it's struggling, and how to spot them so you can address the root cause of your weight gain and fatigue.

📍 A roadmap for how to start, so it feels approachable and not overwhelming.

📍 Solutions for your real life, so you never feel deprived and can keep up with your family’s meals and schedule.

📍 The magical side effect: While not specifically designed for weight loss, find out why an anti-inflammatory diet is THE secret to shedding that stubborn midlife pounds.

Plus, you'll learn why my anti-inflammatory diet includes dark chocolate—because life is too short to give up on the good stuff. You deserve to feel amazing every day.

More Support For You

Get your FREE 21-Day Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan here
Mindset Framework to Stop Relying On Motivation
-Connect on Instagram

Juggling perimenopause, family, and weight loss goals can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like "healthy" and "anti-inflammatory" food means "no fun."

In this episode of The Family Fork, we're tackling a common struggle: how to love the food you eat, even while navigating perimenopause, raising a family, and working towards your health and weight loss goals. It's absolutely possible, I promise!

This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you rediscover the joy of eating. We'll explore:

Volume Eating: Discover the power of big portions of nutrient-dense foods to satisfy cravings
The Perfect Snack: Learn how to create a go-to snack that you genuinely look forward to every day
Creating Variety: Combat food boredom! We'll explore ways to bring variety to your meals
Mealtime Connection: We'll explore how focusing on connection can shift your focus, to create a more enjoyable experience

You deserve to love the food you eat! Let's make it happen.

Links mentioned and ways to connect:

- Find value, joy, and variety with the recipes and meal plans in The Supper Club!

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here.

Ready to take charge of your health with anti-inflammatory food on a budget? This week on The Family Fork, we're diving deep into how to eat healthy, delicious, anti-inflammatory foods without breaking the bank. I know, it can feel overwhelming with busy schedules, family needs, and the rising cost of groceries, not to mention the ups and downs of perimenopause. But trust me, it's totally doable!

This episode is your guide to navigating grocery shopping like a pro. We'll cover:

- Warehouse and Grocery Store Strategies: what to buy in bulk, and the truth about canned/frozen options
- Organic vs. Affordable: We'll bust the myth that organic is the only way to go and explore smart choices for every budget
- Amazon Finds and Smart Shopping: Discounts, circulars, and what to buy for pantry staples.
- Meal Planning Magic: The game-changing power of component cooking (less cooking, less waste!) to save you time and money.
- Mindset Matters: Because you deserve to feel good about what you're eating, no matter your budget.

This episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement. You've got this! Let's make healthy eating both delicious and affordable!

Links mentioned and ways to connect:

- Time and money-saving meal plans that are easy, anti-inflammatory, and family-friendly: The Supper Club is exactly what you need!
- Want to get started with anti-inflammatory nutrition but don't know where to start? Grab the FREE Perimenopause Weight Loss Guide for Moms, and get recipes for a week of meals + snacks!

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here.

Want to get unstuck by simply asking yourself 2 questions?

When we feel stuck in our health or weight loss journey, it can be difficult to see a way out. We often blame it on our circumstances (hello, perimenopause!)

But by asking yourself 2 basic questions, you can help yourself get unstuck...so that you can ultimately reach your goals!

In this episode, we talk about

• The 2 questions that can get you unstuck
• How to guide your thoughts and feelings to change your situation
• Why you need more than a meal plan to lose weight (and what you need instead)

Plus, you'll hear about two of my students who have used these questions to get unstuck, and the results that it gave them!

Links mentioned and ways to connect:

• Feeling stuck and need more support on this framework? Check out The Method, the only perimenopause weight loss program built specifically for moms! We cover this approach and so much more. Check it out here!
• Need to get unstuck with a simple set of meal plans that move you into action? The Supper Club is exactly what you need!

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here.

Curious to know how to make your workouts more effective? So that you finally start losing weight in perimenopause?

In this episode of The Family Fork, we're looking at four different levers you can pull, for more effective workouts and FASTER weight loss. Isn't that what we're after?

You're smart, resourceful, and driven to reach your goals. But at the same time, you feel stuck, and can't figure out to move the needle. In this episode we'll look at:

• Whether or not you have set the correct expectations with your workouts
• How your feelings get in the way of you working out (and what you're trying to avoid!)
• What to do when your family doesn't respect your boundaries for a good workout
• Why tracking everything is essential to a good workout, and ultimately losing weight

I'd love for you to drop me a message on Instagram @theashleymalik, to let me know what your biggest takeaway is from this episode!

Links mentioned and ways to connect

• Need workouts that work with all the progress you're making? Here are the ones that I swear by (and that have helped me lose 65 lbs!)
• If you can't get unstuck, and don't know what to do next, The Method is absolutely your next step

Ashley Malik is a women's health and life coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here.

DId you know you CAN weigh yourself everyday while you're losing weight, if you want to? The world of weight loss is filled with so many "dos" and "don'ts", it can be tough to know what the right thing is.

But in this episode of The Family Fork, I'm pulling back the curtain to reveal 3 pretty taboo things that you CAN do on your weight loss journey. (I do all three of these things. EVERY day!)

Because all it takes for weight loss is a plan that works for your life, and the right mindset But in order to do that, you have to find an approach that truly works for you.

Listen to hear:
- 3 taboo things that I do everyday for weight loss, and you can, too
- How to manage your mindset and emotions, regardless of what the scale says
- Why being in midlife gives you permission to chart your own health and wellness journey

Can't wait to hear which of these taboo things you're going to try first!

Links mentioned and ways to connect
- The workout library I use can be found here (it's the only thing I used to lose 65 lbs!)
- Want my weight loss/health tracking sheet? Send me a message on IG, and I'll share you on a copy of the spreadsheet

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here.

Have you tried an anti-inflammatory diet before, only to crash and burn? Maybe it was too hard to stick to. Perhaps it was too hard when you needed to cook a meal for yourself, and then a separate meal for your family.

Imagine feeling relief in learning that there are various levels of an anti-inflammatory diet. And in order to get to each level, you have to master the one before it.

In today's episode, we're looking at the three different levels of an anti-inflammatory diet. I'll help you see what roadblocks come up in each level, how to avoid them, and what to do when you need to course correct.

Anti-inflammatory nutrition is meant to be a lifestyle, not a diet. But with the tips and solutions in today's episode, you'll be able to transition to an anti-inflammatory diet that lasts a lifetime!

Links mentioned and ways to connect
- The Supper Club, with recipes that are anti-inflammatory AND family friendly (without extra cooking!)
- Listen to these episodes to learn more about an anti-inflammatory diet: Episode 2 and Episode 6

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here!

Struggling to lose weight in perimenopause? If you're doing any of the things we talk about in this episode, you may think you're helping weight loss...but you're not!

If you're sitting there feeling bloated, overweight, and fed up (thanks to crazy hormones in perimenopause!), it's easy to give up and think "well, this is just the way that it is".

The good news is that you can do something about your midlife weight gain!

Listen to this week's episode to learn about 5 things that aren't going to help you lose the weight in perimenopause...and we'll talk about what to do, instead!

You'll walk away with solutions and action steps you can implement TODAY!

Links mentioned, and ways to connect:
- The Supper Club monthly recipes, bonus guides, coaching sessions, and more!
- Get THE solution for perimenopause weight loss with The Method, the only weight loss program for midlife moms

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here!

When I tell women that I've lost 65 lbs in my late 40s, they're always shocked, and want to know how I did it.

I'm not always sure of the best answer, to be honest! You already know the typical things for weight loss: watching what you eat, working out, getting sleep.

But losing 65 lbs took more than that! in today's episode I'm excited to share with you 5 very-useful things that I did to lose the weight. It's not your traditional advice, but these these things are going to help you move the needle, especially in perimenopause.

If you're stuck on your weight loss journey, feeling like it's not possible for you, this is a must-listen-to episode!

For more details about the building blocks of weight loss, check out these episodes:
- All about anti-inflammatory diets here
- Why gut health matters to your weight loss journey here
- And exactly what you need to do to lose weight in perimenopause here

For Component Cooking meal plans, check out:
- The Method
- The Supper Club

How would you like THE solution to losing weight in perimenopause? It's one thing to have the strategy (which we covered in Episode 15, which is Part 1 of this conversation).

In today's episode, you're getting a complete coaching session, to help you develop YOUR solution for losing weight...finally!

And it doesn't have anything to do with getting to the gym, or watching your portions.

No, in today's episode we're looking at how your thoughts and feelings actually determine if you lose weight (or not). I'll teach you how to look at your feelings about nutrition, weight loss, working out, and how those feelings dictate your behaviors.

Then, we'll dive into my 5-step framework for creating weight loss goals that you WILL achieve, using a feelings-centered approach.

If you've tried everything to lose weight, and nothing has worked, this framework is going to change the game!

If you need more help with this, check out The Method, where I give you weekly, hands-on coaching to help you build AND achieve your weight loss goals!

How would you like to build your exact strategy for losing weight in perimenopause, and know that it was going to work for YOU?! Wouldn't that be great?

Losing weight in perimenopause is really a two-part project. First, you have to nail the strategy - the nutrition, the workouts, the timing. Then, you have to make sure you have the right mindset for weight loss, so that you can reach your goals no matter what obstacles get in your way.

In this episode you get the chance to build your weight loss strategy, so that it actually fits into your life! We'll talk through building nutrition and fitness plans that are realistic, achievable, and sustainable.

Then, in the next episode we'll unlock the secrets to managing your brain, so that you don't get derailed along the way.

Listen to this episode, then remember to subscribe, so that you get notified when Part 2 is available!

• Curious about the workouts I used to lose 65 lbs in my late 40s? Check them out here (and let me know if you need a recommendation specific to your needs)
• To get meal plans that are family-friendly, and have you cooking just 3 nights a week, click here.
• For more details on an anti-inflammatory diet, listen to this.

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here!

Feeling like you're stuck in a cycle of "I've tried everything, but nothing works"? I hear you, and honestly, I've been there myself.

For over a decade, I've been on a health journey, and while I've done a lot of healing and made a bunch of changes, I've also made a ton of mistakes.

The thing is, mistakes are part of the game! If you want to see different results with your health, you have to be willing to try something different, even if it doesn't work out perfectly.

In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes and sharing the 5 biggest mistakes I've made on my health and wellness journey over the past 11 years:

• How I learned that "mindset" isn't just some kind of woo woo, but the most impactful driver of your results.
• The truth about supplements: Why a pill won't save you and what you need to focus on instead to get to the root cause of your health issues.
• How I learned the hard way that you can't outrun a poor diet, and how to know when it's time to be honest with yourself about what you're eating (or drinking).
• Excuses vs. accountability: The most surprising way you can start making progress by recognizing when you're making excuses, even when you don't realize it.

This episode is your permission slip to stop beating yourself up about past failures and start learning from them. I'm sharing the honest truth about what it really takes to feel strong, confident, and in control of your health, especially in perimenopause.

More Support For You

🙋‍♀️ Work with Me
🍳 How I Cook Just 3 Nights/Week
🧠 Mindset Framework for a concrete solution to "working on your mindset"
📌 Connect on Instagram

Raise your hand if you can look back in time, and wonder how in the world you survived that difficult week, month, or year. It felt so difficult in the moment, it's a wonder you didn't fall apart!

Believe it or not, there's a lot to be learned from getting through difficult seasons in your life. If you take time to pause, and follow the framework I share in this week's episode, you'll be better prepared the next time challenge strikes!

Listen to this week's episode of The Family Fork where I share a personal account of the major challenges I faced last month. I'll tell you what I learned, how I took an honest look at myself, and how it helped me plan for a better month ahead.

When your life feels like its swimming in chaos, and you're hanging by a thread, it's unlikely you're doing what you need to take the best care of yourself. This episode will help you unlock a refreshed mindset for feeling more calm, collected, and in control...regardless of what's happening around you.

To learn more about reclaiming your life with an easy-to-follow framework, check out The Method: the only weight loss and mindset program designed for moms in perimenopause.

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here!

How do you feel when you hear the phrase "What's for dinner"? If you're anything like me, it brings up a bunch of different emotions!

If you're trying to prioritize your OWN health, with anti-inflammatory meals, you might find that it's hard to cook for your family, too.

But what if I told you that I have a solution that let's you cook family meals just THREE nights a week - anti-inflammatory, easy, delicious, and family-friendly?! Sounds too good to be true, right?

In this week's episode of The Family Fork I'm giving you the complete method for making this way a cooking a reality. It's called the Component Cooking method, and it's going to completely change your life!

Once you've listened and taken notes, try the method for yourself, using the Family Fork Dinner Guide (available here for free!)

Then, grab monthly meal plans in the Supper Club, so you're never without a Component Cooking plan again.

Links mentioned, and ways to connect:
- The Family Fork Dinner Guide
- The Supper Club monthly recipes, bonus guides, coaching sessions, and more!

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here!

Feel like you're always looking for that ONE THING that will finally help you lose weight in perimenopause?

I wish I could tell you there was an "easy button". But the truth is that it takes a well coordinated effort of a few approaches, to finally lose weight in perimenopause.

Don't worry though, it's easier than you think!

In this episode of The Family Fork I'm giving you the exact, step-by-step playbook of what it took for me to lose 10 lbs (and gain muscle!) in perimenopause. There's no holding back, and I'm giving you the exact roadmap, which will work for you, too!

Be sure to listen to the last half of the episode, where you'll hear a real-world example of how to use THE secret sauce for weight loss!

Links mentioned, and ways to connect:
- The Perimenopause Weight Loss Method program details
- The ONLY workout programs I use (that helped me lose 65 lbs!)
- Protein for Perimenopause (free guide)

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping busy moms lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here.

Are you trying to manage your weight, and other perimenopause symptoms...but you're worried about falling off track over the holidays? (Or worse yet, thinking about "restarting" in the new year?!) Don't let the upcoming season throw you off course!

Grab a notebook and a pen, because you're going to want to take notes! In this episode of The Family Fork we're looking at how holiday traditions around food and alcohol can derail your health and wellness goals.

Plus, you get very specific strategies for maintaining anti-inflammatory eating throughout the holidays...without feeling deprived...without saying goodbye to holiday food traditions.

And we definitely cover how to manage alcohol, not drinking, and how to get into the mindset of being ok with that.

Links mentioned, and ways to get in touch:

• Savor the Season Holiday Cookbook
• Prime Protein (my top fav protein!)
• Vegan Chocolate Protein (creamy like hot cocoa!) **Use code ASHLEYS1NOV15 for 15% off!
• Swig tumblers as conversation starters
• More anti-inflammatory resources here

Ashley Malik is a women's health and wellness coach, helping women lose weight in perimenopause. You can learn more, and discover how to work with Ashley, by clicking here.