EP 187: Hidden Inflammation - The Foods Quietly Draining Your Energy

Feeling fatigue even after a full night’s sleep?

Struggling with persistent brain fog during busy workdays?

It could be that hidden inflammation may be quietly draining your energy.

Many high-achieving professionals are doing “all the right things,” yet still feel tired, unfocused, and off balance.

In this episode, we explore how everyday foods can fuel chronic inflammation—often with subtle symptoms.

You’ll learn ...

• How inflammation affects energy, focus, and long-term health

• Simple shifts toward an anti-inflammatory diet

• Whether food timing or intermittent fasting decreases inflammation

All of this so you have clearer thinking, steadier energy, and better recovery.

If you want more calm energy and fewer crashes, this conversation will help you spot the hidden triggers—and start making small changes that support your body’s natural healing.

EP 186: Why You Fall Off (And How to Always Come Back)

“I was sticking to my high-energy habits … until.”

Vacation ... a busy season ... unexpected stress ... social pressure ... FOMO.

And just like that — your habits disappear.

In this episode, you'll hear what happened during my trip to Panama — and the frustration of giving in to the moment and watching high-energy habits slip.

And you'll also learn the 3 steps I used to quickly got back on track after the trip.

Because that's the key.

It's not about if you fall off a wellness habit.

It's about how quickly you get back into it.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I was on track… until life happened. And now I don't know how to restart,” then this is for you.

Listen for:

• Why restarting everything at once guarantees failure

• The 3-step re-entry strategy that actually works

• How to become someone who always comes back

Listen in. Pick one habit. Start today.

EP 185: Burnout Starts with "Tomorrow"

Have you ever told yourself:

“Life will calm down tomorrow.”

“Next week will be easier.”

“After this launch, I’ll rest.”

What if that little promise is what’s keeping you exhausted?

On a recent trip to Panama, I realized something uncomfortable.

I fiercely protected some self-care habits — things like walking, lifting weights, eating vegetables.

But other habits I needed - like quiet time alone, meditation, journaling?

I let social pressure or the weather or "just the busy-ness" of the trip take control.

By the end of the week, I was exhausted.

This was the same pattern that once led me to burnout.

Here’s the truth:

You protect what you believe defines you.

Anything still negotiable will lose to pressure.

What about you?

In this episode you'll learn how to build a non-negotiable mindset around the high energy habits you want.

EP 184: Burnout is Breaking Your Heart (Literally)

What if burnout and being exhausted isn’t just miserable?

What if it is increasing your heart disease risk, too?

Research shows burnout is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, elevated blood pressure, and chronic inflammation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What lifestyle cardiologists emphasize beyond cholesterol management

• How stress reduction directly impacts your heart health

• Why your body can heal when given the right conditions

If you’re successful on paper but tired in your body and brain — this conversation matters today.

Press play to protect your energy—and your heart—before burnout becomes something bigger.

Here’s the Instant Energy Reset episode I mentioned. It will give you ideas on easy ways to reset your energy.

EP 183: The Invisible Habits Draining Your Energy

You’re doing the “right” things—sleep, movement, nutrition—

So why does your energy still disappear?

In this episode, I break down the invisible habits quietly draining your energy every day.

Not big life mistakes. Not lack of discipline.

But mental patterns like open loops, decision fatigue, and thinking styles that exhaust your nervous system before noon.

You’ll start to see why rest alone doesn’t fix fatigue.

Listen now to identify your biggest Energy Escapes

—and reclaim calm, focused energy you can actually sustain.

EP 182: Why Habits Are a Nervous System Problem

Ever notice how you know what to do to build more energy…

But still can’t stick with it?

It’s not a discipline problem.

And it’s not a motivation problem.

Habit change lives in your nervous system—not your willpower.

In this episode, I’m joined by therapist Sally Marciel, founder of The Hope Preserve, to unpack why pressure backfires, why all-or-nothing habits collapse, and how your body may be blocking change in an effort to keep you safe.

You’ll discover how to stop fighting yourself and start building habits that feel supportive, sustainable, and actually doable—even in a full, high-pressure life.

Listen now to learn how to work with your nervous system so your habits finally stick—without burnout or self-pressure.

EP 181: Your Goals Aren't Too Big. They're Just Draining You.

Your goals aren’t the problem.

They are just designed in a way that is draining your energy.

After speaking to CEOs and executive directors last week, one thing was clear:

Big goals weren’t burning people out — how they were pursuing them was.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• A life-changing filter to evaluate any goal or commitment

• A simple shift from Return on Investment to Return on Energy

• The practical planning tool that turns the year from overwhelming to exciting

This is about about getting the results you want, without the exhaustion.

Listen now and learn how to set goals that fuel you — not drain you — for the rest of the year.

For the free planning tool I mention, reach out to me at sheri@thevireolife.com

EP 180: These 4 Nutrients Keep Your Immune System Ready

Immune health isn’t built from a bottle.

It’s built at your meals.

While supplements get the spotlight, it is food that does the real work.

In this episode, you'll uncover the busy-lifestyle-friendly foods high in the four key immune nutrients:

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin A

• Zinc

All with a food-first approach.

If you want to:

• Stay well through winter

• Support immunity without extremes

• Protect your energy as a busy professional

This episode gives you the essentials.

Listen to learn:

• What parts of your immune system nutrients strengthen

• When supplements help — and when food is enough

• Fast meal ideas you can use immediately

Listen now and share with someone who wants simple winter nutrition.

For the quick reference list I promised, reach out to me at sheri@thevireolife.com and type "Best Immune Foods"

For the recipe video I mentioned, head here.

This podcast is for you: a busy professional who wants to have it all: Energy. Wellness. For a life you love!

EP 179: 7 Must-Know Habits to Beat Colds Before They Start

You don’t get sick in winter because it’s cold.

You get sick because your energy and immune defenses are depleted.

Most "how to stay well" advice focuses on supplements as the superstar.

But the strongest immune protectors are behavioral and biological.

Listen and learn:

• Why winter actually creates higher illness risk

• How sleep loss, stress, and low sunlight weaken immunity

• Why simple precautions still matter

• How exercise can help — or hurt — immune function

If you want to:

• Avoid the fatigue → illness → deeper fatigue cycle

• Stay clear-headed and energized through winter

• Protect your immune system without overhauling your life

This episode gives you a smarter framework.

EP 178: Stop Chasing "Should" Goals - Choose Your Year, Your Way

Still have the same New Year's Resolution you've had for 5 years?

Or you've set a goal someone on social media said you should have?

In this short episode, I share a moment that stopped me mid-goal review—and a coaching conversation where a client realized his “right” workout no longer fit his life.

Same values.

Different season.

Different path.

You’ll see how choosing goals that actually fit your current season can:

• Lower stress

• Free up time and energy

• Increase follow-through

• Make your goals feel exciting again

Because goals only work when they belong to you.

Listen now—and ask yourself one powerful question: What would choosing my year, my way look like right now?

EP 177: What High Performers Listened to Most This Year

What did high performers listen to most - and use!?!

This is your shortcut to the most impactful high energy insights of year.

In this year-end recap, I’m breaking down the most popular episodes across:

• Beating burnout

• Fitness

• Stress management

• Energy boosting

• Intuitive Eating

• Nutrition

• Making habits stick

These rose to the top for one reason:

They helped people feel better and perform better.

For each episode, you’ll get:

• Why listeners loved it

• The one big takeaway to listen for

• Ways to use the insights in your own life

Missed one? Start there.

Loved one? Revisit it with fresh perspective.

Listen through and pick one episode to queue up next.

Share this with a high performer who wants more energy—without extremes.

EP 176: ADHD Isn't the Problem - Your Habit System Is

Starting healthy habits - but worried you won't stick with them?

It's probably not willpower.

It might be how you work with your brain.

In this episode, I talk with ADHD coach Ron Souers on why traditional habit advice fails neurodivergent brains — and what actually works instead.

You’ll discover how sensitivity, perfectionism, and boredom sabotage habits… and how small shifts like gamification, self-compassion, and purpose-driven systems create real follow-through.

Listen now to stop blaming your brain — and start building habits that finally work with it.

EP 175: The 5 Year-End Filters to Beat Burnout Next Year

What if the way you review your year is actually setting you up for burnout next year?

Most high performers look at results, revenue, and completed goals—

but miss the impact on energy that made those results not sustainable.

In this episode, you'll hear the five year-end filters I use with leaders to identify:

• What actually fueled success

• What drained energy without delivering real ROI

• What’s creating burnout risk—before it becomes a problem

This isn’t about achieving less.

It’s about reaching more, but smarter.

If you want next year to feel:

• More focused

• More energized

• More sustainable

... These five filters will help you see patterns and priorities in your life, so you can keep them or level them up.

Listen now and use these five filters to review your year—

so you don’t repeat the same burnout patterns next year.

Press play and start designing a calmer, more energized year ahead.

EP 174: The 5 Holiday Foods to Boost Your Brain and Energy

Want to feel energized, clear-headed, and healthy during the holidays—not just after them?

In this episode, you’ll learn the exact vegetables and herbs that make your holiday plate taste incredible while secretly protecting your brain and stress levels.

Most holiday foods leave you tired, foggy, and riding the blood-sugar roller coaster. But a few seasonal ingredients do the opposite: they stabilize your mood, support your microbiome, sharpen your focus, and give you steady, calm energy.

Imagine walking into celebrations feeling sharp, vibrant, and balanced… while at the same time bringing simple elevated dishes everyone loves.

Listen now to learn:

• The vegetable that acts like “brain armor” during stress-heavy holidays

• The root that boosts calm, steady energy and supports serotonin

• The herb that instantly enhances focus (even through marathon conversations)

Hit play—and feel your best this holiday season.

Here are the two bonus episodes I mentioned.

https://www.thevireolife.com/podcast/2025/7/31/ep-155-the-summer-bbq-foods-that-boost-your-brainpower

https://www.thevireolife.com/podcast/2024/11/21/ep-118-unexpected-holiday-superfoods-and-how-to-eat-them

And if you’re grabbing fast food between the holiday busy-ness, make sure you get my 21 Fast Food Fixes. Email me at sheri@thevireolife.com and I’ll get it to you!

EP 173: How Hot Is Too Hot? The Truth About Your Morning Coffee

Love your hot coffee, tea, or winter cocoa for a cozy energy lift?

There’s one simple thing most people overlook that can protect your throat and boost long-term wellness: the temperature of your drink.

New research shows that regularly drinking liquids that are “very hot” — even just 10–15 degrees hotter than you realize — can irritate the delicate lining of your mouth and esophagus.

And some studies show an increase risk of cancer of 90%.

But the good news? It's easy to eliminate this increased risk - and you don’t need a thermometer to do it.

In this episode, you’ll hear ...

• A simple at-home temperature experiment I did for you. It makes estimating the temp of your tea super easy.

• What scientists have discovered about 140°F vs. 150°F drinks

• How to use visual cues to tell when your beverage is in the “comfortably hot” zone.

Listen now and learn how to enjoy your winter drinks with cozy confidence.

EP 172: Eat What You Want This Season - Without Regret (Re-Release)

Holiday parties shouldn't come with a side of guilt.

Yet between relatives policing your plate and well-meaning friends pushing "just one more bite," enjoying seasonal food feels like navigating a minefield.

What if you could show up to every holiday gathering with confidence—enjoying the foods you love, handling awkward food comments with grace, and maintaining your energy levels throughout the busiest season of the year? This episode gives you the science-backed framework to do exactly that.

You'll discover the three-part system successful professionals use to navigate holiday eating:

• The Intuitive Eating approach to parties (so you can enjoy special foods without regret)

• Exact scripts to handle food pushers and food police (protecting your boundaries without awkwardness)

• The between-parties eating strategy that keeps your energy high and your body feeling great

No restrictive rules. No January regrets. Just a practical, time-efficient approach that lets you fully participate in the season while keeping your energy up.

This is a re-release of one of our most popular episodes—because this straightforward strategy works year after year.

Listen now so you can walk into your next holiday event with a clear plan and zero food stress.

EP 171: Eight Sneaky Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays (No Gym Required)

Think the holidays mean pressing pause on fitness? Think again.

The truth is, the holidays are actually the PERFECT time to move—not in spite of the chaos, but because of it.

Movement isn't just about burning calories. It is your secret weapon for stress relief when your schedule is packed and your to-do list is endless.

In this 10-minute episode, you'll find 8 creative, sneaky ways to build fitness into your holiday plans without adding a single gym session to your calendar.

We're talking stairs at the mall, walk-and-talk catch-ups with family, and turning holiday traditions into active memories that actually feel fun.

You'll discover:

• Why shifting your mindset around holiday fitness changes everything

• Simple ways to sneak movement into moments you're already living (phone calls, shopping, family time)

• How to create active holiday memories—from golf driving ranges to family dance parties

• Gift ideas that get you moving (from charity runs to rock climbing gyms)

• Why ditching the "all or nothing" approach is the key to feeling energized all season long

Ready to make this your most active—and stress-free—holiday season yet? Press play now.

And here’s the Bonus video on an Easy Ab Workout you can do anywhere - even standing in line shopping!

EP 170: The Science of Sticking with Healthy Habits - Without Perfection

Ever miss one workout or make one food choice you regret—and suddenly your whole wellness plan falls apart?

You’re not alone. And it’s not a discipline problem. It’s science.

In this episode, you'll hear the research behind the “all-or-nothing” trap, why perfectionism destroys consistency, and how your brain reacts to a single slip.

Learn why one missed day triggers the “what-the-heck” effect and how to stop that spiral instantly.

Imagine showing up as the consistent leader who sticks with habits effortlessly. With simple mindset shifts, data-backed strategies, and an identity upgrade, you can build wellness rhythms that feel natural no matter how busy life gets.

EP 169: How to Turn Off Inflammation and Turn On Energy - Turmeric

Feeling stiff, tired, or foggy and calling it “just aging”?

Think again.

Chronic inflammation drains your brain, body, and energy… and there are simple science-backed ways to reverse it.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to recognize early signs of hidden inflammation.

• The three high-ROI habits that calm inflammation fast.

• The right way to use turmeric (and what most turmeric supplements get wrong).

• How your gut and brain are linked in the inflammation equation.

My guest is Dr. Shivani Gupta—Ayurveda expert, PhD researcher in turmeric, and author of The Inflammation Code.

If you’re ready to feel sharp, focused, and pain-free again—tune in now.

EP 168: Is Halloween Candy Really That Scary?

What's actually scary about Halloween candy is not the sugar.

Before you try to hide the candy corn and mini-chocolates, take a breath — because one night of candy isn’t the problem.

Listen and learn why Halloween treats don’t wreck someone's health — though, of course, daily ultra-processed foods might.

Most important, you’ll learn how to build a healthy, calm relationship with sweets (without guilt or restriction) and why mindful eating is the real secret to balance.

You’ll also hear creative ideas for candy alternatives — from bounce balls that look like eyeballs to pretzels and ghost finger puppets — because Halloween can be fun, inclusive, and still aligned with your wellness values.

Imagine a Halloween where candy isn’t forbidden, kids don’t binge, and you don’t have to stress over sugar.

Instead, you’re teaching awareness, balance, and body trust — lessons that last long after the candy’s gone.

Also, watch the ViREO Life YouTube video to see fun Dollar Store candy-alternative finds.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to enjoy Halloween candy without guilt — and without chaos.