E218: Reversing Extreme Weight-Loss And Balancing Hormones w/ Nikki Zahka

Nikki Zahka is a fitness enthusiast in Austin, Texas. She is a full-time tech sales rep, but also has an interest in health and wellness. She fell in love with the process of fitness and nutrition after becoming a D1 athlete in college, losing 25 pounds in the process. She posted a picture of her transformation on Instagram, which sparked her interest in the fitness world.

Nikki talks about the prevalence of weight loss pressure in social media and magazines, and how this can have a reverse effect on people's health if they don't have much to lose. She shares her own experience of body dysmorphia and how she didn't recognize how skinny she was. She talks about the human condition of wanting more and how it can be detrimental to one's health. Finally, she reveals that it was her lab results that opened her eyes and made her realize she needed to make a change.

Timestamps

(00:00) Interview with Nikki Zahka: Fitness Enthusiast and Tech Sales Rep

(00:03) Challenges of Reversing Weight Loss and Fat Loss for Females

(00:05) Journey of a Fitness Influencer: A Conversation with [Name]

(00:07) Dangers of Unhealthy Weight Loss Practices

(00:10) Jo's Weight Loss Journey

(00:12) Impact of Hormones on Weight Fluctuation in Women

(00:16) Menopause Symptoms in a Twenty-Year-Old Female

(00:18) Examining the Progress of Reversing Hormonal Imbalances in Women

(00:20) Hormone Dysregulation and Insulin Resistance

(00:26) Impact of Over-Exercising on Hormone Levels

(00:27) High Cholesterol, Liver Enzymes, and Liver Health

(00:29) Adrenaline and Cortisol Levels in Endurance Athletes

(00:31) Healthier Eating Habits and Exercise Regimen

(00:33) "Journey to Self-Confidence Through Fitness"

(00:38) Benefits of Mindful Meditation

(00:39) "Healthy Addictions: Finding Balance in Life"

(00:41) Overcoming Body Dysmorphia and Gaining Weight

(00:42) Body Image and Long-Term Health Goals

(00:45) Benefits of Having a Health and Wellness Community

(00:47) Holistic Wellness and Hormone Balance

(00:49) Power of Community in Achieving Health and Wellness Goals

(00:51) Benefits of Healthy Living and Fitness

(00:52) Health and Self-Confidence

(00:54) Social Media and Body Image Testimonials

(00:56) Gaining Weight and Healthy Eating Habits

(00:59) Allergies, Weight Loss, and Women's Hormones

(01:02) Metabolism and Healthy Eating Habits

(01:05) Mindful Eating Habits

(01:07) Changing Eating Habits and Introducing Healthy Snacks to Kids

(01:08) Healthy Eating Habits and Avoiding Processed Foods

(01:09) High Energy Snacking and Apple Eating

(01:11) Navigating Social Pressure to Eat Unhealthy Foods and Drink Alcohol

(01:12) "Benefits of Not Drinking: A Conversation on Confidence and Self-Awareness"

(01:13) Enjoying People and Socializing without Drinking Alcohol

(01:17) Allergic to Everything: Refusing a Delicious Pizza

(01:18) Eating Habits and Cravings

(01:19) Engaging with Followers on Social Media