Sorry Not Sorry: Breaking Free From People Pleasing

Episode 72

Have you ever agreed to something you didn't want to do, simply to avoid disappointing someone else? That uncomfortable feeling in your gut might be trying to tell you something important.

In this revealing conversation with wellness expert Melanie Flower, we unpack the deeply ingrained habit of people pleasing that so many of us struggle with, particularly in British culture where politeness often trumps authenticity. As women, we're conditioned from childhood to be accommodating, pleasant, and constantly available – a cultural expectation that can lead to serious consequences for our wellbeing.

Melanie shares powerful insights on recognizing the subtle signs of people pleasing in our daily lives: the dread when certain names appear on our phones, the elaborate excuses we craft rather than simply saying no, and the physical symptoms that emerge when we consistently override our own needs. "If you don't listen to your body whisper, you'll hear it when it screams," she explains, highlighting how ignoring these signals eventually leads to burnout, illness, and resentment.

The episode offers practical, transformative language tools to help reclaim your boundaries without feeling rude or defensive. Learn why saying "I won't" instead of "I can't" closes the door to manipulation, how phrases like "If I were you, I'd feel exactly the same" can validate others while maintaining your position, and why sometimes "no" truly is a complete sentence. We explore the profound difference these small linguistic shifts can make, alongside practical boundaries like separate work phones and defined working hours.

Whether you're a lifelong people pleaser or simply looking to strengthen your boundary-setting muscles, this conversation offers compassionate strategies to honor your needs while maintaining relationships. Your relationship with yourself is the foundation for every other connection in your life – isn't it time to make it a priority?

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 71

The rise of weight loss injections has reached epidemic proportions, with people who aren't even clinically overweight seeking these "miracle solutions" for quick fat loss. What started as medications for type 2 diabetes has morphed into a mainstream approach to weight management—but at what cost?

Julie and Catherine dive deep into the concerning world of anti-obesity medications, exploring how these drugs actually work and the potentially dangerous side effects that aren't being openly discussed. They reveal how these medications essentially put users into "an anorexic state" by suppressing appetite and slowing digestion, potentially leading to malnutrition, muscle wastage, and serious inflammatory conditions like acute pancreatitis.

The conversation tackles the fundamental problem with this pharmaceutical approach: it completely fails to address the root causes of weight gain. Whether psychological factors, emotional eating, or our broken food environment, these issues remain untouched while the body experiences significant hormonal manipulation. Much like Weight Watchers (which recently went bust in America), these solutions offer temporary results without sustainable change.

For those currently taking these medications, the hosts offer practical advice on maximizing nutrition with limited appetite, the importance of protein supplementation, and why strength training becomes even more crucial. They emphasize that while these tools can be appropriate for certain individuals with clinical needs, the casual approach to prescribing them to anyone seeking weight loss is deeply troubling.

This thought-provoking episode challenges listeners to consider what true health looks like beyond numbers on a scale. Are we trading our vitality, strength, and long-term wellbeing for a quick fix? Join the conversation in the Far Too Fabulous Facebook group and share your experiences with these medications.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 70: The Joy of Being Far Too Fabulous

What can our bodies truly accomplish when we push beyond societal expectations? In this energising episode, Catherine and Julie celebrate their recent physical achievements while challenging the narrative about what women "of a certain age" should attempt.

Julie shares her triumphant story of winning gold at a level four adult gymnastics competition—despite competing with injured ankles and limited practice time beforehand. Her journey, which began at age 41, showcases how adult gymnastics provides extraordinary benefits for balance, strength, and mental wellness. "I'm not anything special," Julie emphasises, dispelling the myth that only certain people can achieve impressive physical feats. "I am literally the same as you, but I just chose to work on that."

Meanwhile, Catherine recounts her experience completing the London Marathon among a record-breaking 65,000 finishers. Despite scorching temperatures and crowded conditions, she describes the event as "like a carnival for 26.2 miles" with an atmosphere that fueled her determination. Catherine reveals how her approach of running for four minutes and walking for one helped her enjoy the experience far more than her previous marathon, proving that strategic adjustments can transform challenges into triumphs.

Both women discuss how these achievements have reinforced their resilience, with Catherine's mantra "I can do hard things" carrying her through difficult moments. The conversation takes an exciting turn as she hints at future adventures, potentially including a trek across the Sahara Desert, demonstrating that the appetite for challenge doesn't diminish with age.

Whether you're contemplating your first Couch to 5K or dreaming of more ambitious goals, this episode will inspire you to reconsider what's possible for your own body and mind. Share your own "far too fabulous" achievements with us in our Facebook group—we can't wait to celebrate alongside you!

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.