Motivated With Meg

Food Shopping Without Stress: Tips for Finding Your Routine

Does food shopping feel like just another stressful chore on your to-do list? Whether it’s juggling a busy schedule, dealing with picky eaters, or not knowing where to start, grocery shopping can quickly feel overwhelming. But what if you could create a routine that actually works for your life, not against it?
Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! Today, we’re talking about finding a food shopping routine that feels manageable and realistic, no matter what season of life you’re in. I’ll share simple strategies, personal stories, and an experiment to help you take the stress out of grocery shopping and bring more ease to your meals. Let’s dive in!
Topics Covered
My personal tips for creating a food shopping routine that works for you
How stress spending on food can lead to a cycle of overeating, guilt and dieting
The benefits of using apps to simplify your food shopping process
A relatable story of a friend who found her grocery shopping solution with curbside pickup
The importance of adapting your shopping routine to different seasons of life
How to approach food shopping flexibly without guilt or perfectionism
Resources:
Stop & Shop Curbside Pickup – Example of grocery stores offering curbside service.
Meal Planning Apps – Apps for creating food shopping lists and meal plans.
Registered Dietitians via Health Insurance – Support for personalized nutrition advice.
 
Connect with Meaghan
Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
Follow @meaghanmcelroen

The Scale Doesn’t Define You: Finding Freedom from Numbers

Does the number on the scale control how you feel about yourself? Do you let it decide what or how much you eat, the amount of cardio you’ll do or even how you see your own worth?
For years, I let the scale dictate my choices and emotions—but luckily I learned to let that habit go. 🙂
Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! Today, we’re exploring how to break free from the scale’s hold, why weight fluctuations are normal, and how to embrace gentle nutrition. If you’re ready to step off the emotional rollercoaster of scale obsession and into a space of self-trust and balance, this episode is for you.
Topics Covered
Storytime: back when I was consumed by the number on the scale..
How the scale became a habit I didn’t question—and how I broke free
Why weight fluctuations are like the stock market
What gentle nutrition is and how it helps you make choices, and
Your weekly experiment!
Resources:
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – Learn more about the principles of intuitive eating.
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) – Resources for support with eating disorders and body image concerns.
 
Connect with Meaghan
Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
Follow @meaghanmcelroen

Social Pressure at the Table: How to Stay True to Your Needs

Does eating out with friends or family ever feel overwhelming? Whether you fear someone will comment on your body, feel pressure to join in on drinks and dessert or worry about what others might think of your food choices, it can be tough to enjoy these moments. But what if you could attend social gatherings with peace instead of pressure?
This week on Motivated with Meg, we’re exploring how to reframe social eating, stop overthinking others’ opinions, and honor your needs. From navigating family gatherings to choosing what feels good for you at happy hour, this episode will help you let go of guilt and find freedom in your choices.
Topics Covered
Why social eating feels so stressful for so many of us
How past experiences with comments about my body or eating habits shaped my worries
The emotional roller coaster of “being good” at events and why it often leads to overindulging
How to decline food or drinks gracefully without guilt or over-explaining
The importance of showing up for yourself, not for others’ comfort
Your weekly experiment!
Resources:
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – A resource on breaking free from food rules and judgment.
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) – For support with body image concerns and eating habits.
Connect with Meaghan
Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
Follow @meaghanmcelroen

How She Learned to Fuel Her Body Without Diet Rules

Ever feel like you're on empty by the middle of the day, sluggish and ready for a nap? Or like your mood is all over the place, and you can’t figure out why? It’s easy to blame stress or not getting enough sleep, but what if it’s actually about what (or how much) you’re eating? 🤔
What if giving your body nutrient-dense foods (and eating enough of them) could change how you feel every single day? 
In this final episode of The Eating Experiment, we’re diving into how nutrition isn’t just about eating-it’s about feeling good in your skin, having steady energy, and even boosting your mood. I’ll share the story of a client who stopped skipping meals, started fueling her body, and saw her energy and mindset completely shift—and how you can do it too. 🙂 
If you’re ready to stop overthinking food and start listening to what your body really needs, tune in!
P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!
Topics Covered
Reflecting on the Eating Experiment: lessons from the season
A client’s journey: fueling her body with mindful nutrition and intention
How nutrition impacts mood, recovery, and overall health
Simplifying nutrition
Resources for diving deeper into nutrition and self-care
Your final experiment of the season
Season 2: The Movement Experiment!
Final reflections
Resources:
Join the waitlist for the Motivated with Meg group
 
Huberman Lab - A podcast and resource by Andrew Huberman, focused on health, science, and wellness. Explore Huberman Lab
Dr. Stacey Sims - Researcher and expert on female physiology, nutrition, and exercise. Learn more about Dr. Stacey Sims
 
To connect with registered dieticians, send me a DM!
Connect with Meaghan
Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
Follow @meaghanmcelroen
 
Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/1776913379
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r
Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p
 

A Taste of Self-Love…and it Starts with Chocolate!

In this special Valentine’s Day bonus episode, I get real about how diet mentality can steal your joy and block the love you deserve—especially self-love. I share five powerful tips to help you break free from guilt, embrace mindful eating, and celebrate every aspect of who you are. From savoring that piece of chocolate without shame to moving your body as an act of self-care, this episode is your invitation to rediscover the transformative power of self-love and body positivity. 
A message from Meg:
Hey there, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether today is about romance, friendship, or simply showing yourself some love, I want you to know—you are already enough, just as you are. Diet culture loves to sneak in and tell us we need to ‘earn’ joy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You deserve to enjoy, savor, and celebrate today without guilt. So here’s my Valentine to you: permission to love yourself fully, unapologetically, and in the body you have right now. Sending you all the self-love vibes today and always! XO - Meaghan
 
Topics Covered
00:00:00-00:00:57 Reflecting on Valentine’s Day
00:00:59-00:02:58 Tip #1
00:02:58-00:03:53 Tip #2
00:03:54-00:05:21 Tip #3
00:05:22-00:06:48 Tip #4
00:06:48-00:08:41 Tip #5
00:08:41-00:09:14 Final Thoughts
Resources:
Tip#1 
Tip #2 & #3 
Tip #4
Tip #5
Connect with Meaghan
Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
Follow @meaghanmcelroen
 
Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts:https://pod.link/1776913379Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p 
P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!

Rediscover Joy in Movement: Welcome to The Exercise Experiment!

“Movement isn’t about punishment—it’s about celebrating what your body can do right now.”
Ever feel like your workout is just another chore on your list? Like it’s something you "have to" do, so you can “earn” your food or “fix” your body? In this first episode of Season 2, I invite you to experiment with redefining what exercises and movement mean to you. 
If you're ready to break free from exercise guilt and embrace movement as a gift 🎁, this episode is your starting point for a more vibrant, balanced life. 🙂
Topics Covered
Welcome to The Exercise Experiment! 🎉
Redefining movement as self-care 
Overcoming exercise guilt
Exploring new forms of movement
My insights on experimenting with movement
Benefits of trying new workouts
Your exercise experiment for the week
Resources:
Morning Stretch Video
Article: Prolonged sitting can sabotage health
Article: Mindful movement 
Article: Insights on movement as medicine
Connect with Meaghan
Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
Follow @meaghanmcelroen
Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/1776913379Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p 
 
P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!

Fun Over Obligation - Let's Play | The Exercise Experiment #2

Do you ever miss the days when movement was just… fun? Before workouts had rules and goals, there was skipping down sidewalks, dancing in the living room, or running to race your friend. In this episode of Motivated with Meg, our goal is to bring that spirit back.
Let’s shift the focus from "have to" to "want to & enjoying it." Together, we’ll explore what it’s like to move your body in a way that feels joyful, playful, and free from pressure. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen or walking with a friend, this week is all about experimenting with movement that makes you feel alive, not boxed in.
We'll reflect on:
How childhood play can inspire your current movement habits
Why fun matters more than fitness trackers
Creative ways to experiment beyond the gym
What happens when you let go of expectations and just move for you
💡 Your Experiment for the Week: Try one form of movement that feels fun, not forced, and notice how your body and mindset respond. Then, if you're up for it, share what came up for you!
Your body was built to move, and you deserve to enjoy it.
 
Topics Covered
Remember your childhood: moving naturally for joy
Fun over obligation
Experiment beyond the gym 🏃‍♀️‍➡️🤾‍♀️⛹️🕺🚶‍♀️‍➡️
Reflect and share: how does movement without pressure feel?
Your experiment for the week 🙂
Resources:
Desk Stretches Video
Articles on mindful and playful movement 
Article on the benefits of unstructured exercise.
Connect with Meaghan
Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
Follow @meaghanmcelroen
 
Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/1776913379Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p 
P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!

Rethinking Workout Times | The Exercise Experiment #3

“If I don't have a full hour, what's the point of doing my workout?” Oh, the lies I chose to believe. 😅
Old me used to think that exercising wasn't worth it if I couldn’t commit to 60 minutes. In this episode, we will challenge that belief. 
We’ll explore how breaking free from the all-or-nothing mindset can lead to a more flexible, enjoyable approach to exercise. Whether you're squeezing in a quick stretch, a brisk walk, or a brief bike ride after a long day, every minute counts toward nurturing your body and mind.
Key Points:
Challenge the 60-minute workout myth and embrace shorter, more attainable bouts of movement.
Understand that consistent, smaller movements can shift your mood and energy without overwhelming your day.
Explore the benefits of integrating quick movement breaks into a busy routine, especially when work and other obligations stack up.
Discover how being flexible with your movement routine can create more freedom for movement and downtime.
Resources:
5 Minute Body Weight Exercise Video on YouTube  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U04GtwnIJO8 
Connect with Meaghan:
Follow me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@motivatedwithmeg 
Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/1776913379Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!
 

Rethinking Fitness Tracking | The Exercise Experiment #4

“When numbers start to dictate your mood or worth, it might be time to reevaluate your tracking habits.”
Do you really need to track everything? In this episode of The Exercise Experiment, I speak about the world of fitness trackers, apps, and metrics, and explore the impact they can have on our mindset. I’ve been that person who logged every calorie, every step, every workout. But at some point, I had to ask: Is this helping me or just adding pressure?
If you’ve ever felt like the numbers are running the show and dictating your happiness, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about tracking with intention, not obsession. I’ll share the few things I still track (like sleep, hydration, and my menstrual cycle), and how to know when it’s time to take a step back and reassess if tracking is helping or hindering for you.
Topics Covered:
Welcome back to The Exercise Experiment
Tracking: supportive or stressful?
My early obsession with tracking everything
Why intention matters more than data
When tracking is helpful
When tracking becomes toxic
What I choose to track now (and why)
Your weekly experiment
Resources Mentioned:
5-Minute Ab Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3VrsyciCWk
Dr. Stacy Sims (on weightlifting around your menstrual cycle)
Connect with Meaghan
Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/1776913379Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p 
 
P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!

Your Body’s Talking…Are You Listening? 👂Why Mindful Movement Matters | The Exercise Experiment #5

“Mindful movement turns exercise into a conversation, not a demand.”
Have you ever finished a workout and realized you barely paid attention to what your body was doing?? Like your mind was racing through a to-do list while your body went through the motions? In this episode of The Exercise Experiment, we’re slowing things down and tuning in.
Mindful movement isn’t just about being present. It’s about listening to your body and respecting what you hear. Whether it’s pushing a little harder when you have energy or permitting yourself to rest when you need it, mindful movement is a game-changer for building a sustainable and joyful relationship with exercise.
If you're tired of pushing through pain, feeling disconnected, or just treating workouts like another box to check, this episode is your invitation to move differently.                                                                   
Topics Covered
Mindless workouts vs. mindful connection
What is mindful movement really about?
When pushing through pain backfires
How I learned mindful movement through hiking
Respecting your body’s signals
Knowing when to push vs. when to rest
Why mindful movement is smart training
Your weekly experiment
Connect with Meaghan
Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/1776913379Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p 
P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!