Perimenopause Belly Fat Isn't Your Fault (Why Eating Less Can Backfire) | Dr. Mariza Snyder

Dr. Mariza Snyder and I talk HRV, HIIT, belly fat and testosterone in perimenopause, and how to keep performing without burning out. Why do high-performing women hit a wall in perimenopause? Dr. Mariza Snyder and I recorded this in person in London and swapped seats to interview each other. I share why HIIT can tank HRV and how I bring intensity back with short sprints and box breathing. Mariza explains the first signs she sees, why eating less can backfire for belly fat, how insulin resistance can hide behind a normal fasting glucose, and why testosterone is about energy and drive, not just libido. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why HIIT can tank your HRV in perimenopause, and how to bring intensity back with short sprints The first signs of perimenopause Mariza sees most, and why hot flashes usually are not one How insulin resistance can hide for years behind a normal fasting glucose Why testosterone for women may be more about energy and drive than libido TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro: How High-Performing Women Stay Resilient in Perimenopause 03:08 – HRV and HIIT for Women Over 40: Why Intense Workouts Can Tank Recovery 10:52 – Box Breathing, Mindfulness Snacks and How to Improve Low HRV in Midlife 23:07 – Perimenopause and Your Career: How to Protect Your Ambition and Energy 28:55 – Perimenopause Mindset: How to Get Through the Messy Middle 38:37 – Caffeine, L-Theanine and Protein: How to Fuel High-Pressure Days 43:44 – First Signs of Perimenopause: Brain Fog, Irritability and Slower Recovery 46:34 – Perimenopause Belly Fat: Insulin Resistance and Why Eating Less Backfires 50:33 – Estrogen, HRT and Testosterone for Women: Energy, Motivation and Drive 59:04 – Perimenopause Energy Habits: Sleep, Sunlight, 10,000 Steps and Protein 1:05:01 – Late-Night Screens and Alcohol in Perimenopause: Is It Worth the Next Day? 1:08:57 – Blood Sugar and CGMs: Dr. Mariza's Number One Tip for Perimenopause VALUABLE RESOURCES The Perimenopause Revolution (Dr. Mariza's book) https://peri-revolution.com/ Subscribe to Dr. Mariza on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Drmariza Dr. Mariza's website https://drmariza.com Follow Dr. Mariza Snyder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/ A BIG thank you to our sponsor who makes the show possible: 🧬 Stride - Find out your biological age and how your daily habits are influencing it with DNA, bloodwork and microbiome testing with a Stride One membership 👉 https://www.getstride.com/angela/ for 10% off ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner, author, and leading expert in women's hormones and metabolic health. She is the host of the top-rated podcast Energized with Dr. Mariza (13M+ downloads), and the author of eight books, including The Perimenopause Revolution and the #1 National Bestselling book, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution. She brings 17+ years as a practitioner, author, and speaker to her mission of helping midlife women navigate perimenopause through lifestyle medicine, metabolic health and hormone therapy.