Why Calorie Counting Is Failing Women: Blood Sugar & Menopause Science with Dr. Sarah Berry

What if the reason calorie counting has never worked for you isn’t a lack of willpower—but outdated science? In this episode, Brigid sits down with world-renowned nutrition scientist Dr. Sarah Berry to unpack why all calories are not created equal, how blood sugar dips (not spikes) drive hunger, and why menopause fundamentally changes how women metabolize food.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
Why calorie counting often backfires—especially for women
How blood sugar dips increase hunger, cravings, and fatigue
What the food matrix is and why whole foods matter more than labels
How ultra-processed foods change metabolism and fullness
Why menopause alters blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and gut health
How to build balanced meals without cutting carbs
The role of the gut microbiome in hormones, inflammation, and metabolism
Why how you eat matters just as much as what you eat
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Functional Nutrition and Guest Introduction
01:38 The Flaws of Calorie Counting
06:36 Understanding Weight Loss and Maintenance
12:02 Blood Sugar Dynamics and Satiety
18:00 The Importance of Food Structure
27:21 Smoothies and Their Impact on Satiety
31:32 The Significance of Eating Habits
39:21 The Order of Eating and Its Effects
49:28 The Interconnection of Gut Health, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance
54:10 Menopause and Changes in Gut Microbiome
01:01:47 Practical Tips for Managing Blood Sugar Post-Menopause
This conversation reframes nutrition through a functional, science-backed lens—without fear, restriction, or obsession. If you’ve struggled with energy, blood sugar, weight, or hormone health, this episode will change how you think about food.
Resources & Links:
+ Watch the full episode on YouTube
+ Brigid’s Website
+ Brigid’s Instagram
+ Dr. Sarah's Instagram
+ ZOE's Instagram
+ ZOE's Website
+ Join the ZOEverse
+ Get your MenoScale Score