Ep 173: Why Mindset Alone Won't Solve Your Food and Hormone Struggles with Tanja Shaw

Wits & Weights | Smart Science to Build Muscle and Lose Fat

Are you feeling overwhelmed with dieting struggles? Do you think you have the right mindset, but it doesn't seem to be working? Discover when mindset isn’t enough and the secret to supercharging it for your health goals.
Today, Philip (@witsandweights) brings on Tanja Shaw, a seasoned Functional Health Coach, Kinesiologist, and weight loss expert dedicated to helping women overcome their struggles with food and achieve a healthy weight without obsession. Tanja owns Ascend Fitness + Lifestyle in Chilliwack, BC, and is the voice behind the popular Fit + Vibrant You Podcast.
Philip invited Tanja to share a unique perspective on mindset: the idea that mindset is NOT everything. This challenges the popular belief that mindset is everything. They explore the limitations of the “mind over matter” approach and advocate for a balanced strategy that integrates mental and physical health. You’ll learn how thoughts and emotions impact hormonal balance and discover practical techniques to shift your mindset.
Tanja brings a wealth of knowledge from her hands-on experience with functional lab testing, personalized wellness protocols, and mindset coaching. She helps her clients thrive by addressing not just what they do but how they think and what they believe about themselves and the world.
Find out why mindset isn’t everything and how combining it with an understanding of body science is key to not just achieving but LOVING your health results.
Today, you’ll learn all about:

2:44 Definition and relevance of "mind over matter" in health and fitness
7:19 Practical techniques for mindset shifts
22:58 Impact of thoughts and emotions on hormonal balance
33:27 Mindset strategies to change and improve stress
39:17 The benefits and disadvantages of having an optimism bias
44:05 Where is mindset alone insufficient
47:28 Predictive biomarkers in functional lab testing and their impact on mindset coaching
49:07 The role of outdoor activities in promoting mental and physical well-being
52:38 The question Tanja wished Philip had asked
53:18 Where to reach Tanja
53:45 Outro
Episode resources:

• Podcast: Fit + Vibrant You
• Website: tanjashaw.com/
• Instagram: @tanja_shaw
• Facebook: www.

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Chapters

1. Balanced Approach to Mindset & Health (00:00:00)

2. Balancing Mindset and Body Awareness (00:03:43)

3. Mindful Eating and Changing Thoughts (00:11:29)

4. Impact of Thoughts on Body (00:23:05)

5. Navigating Challenges With Optimism and Realism (00:34:09)

6. The Role of Mindset in Health (00:44:14)