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BODYBUILDER REVEALS WHY PERFECTIONISM IS DESTROYING WOMEN’S HEALTH
Season 8 Episode 5
💪🏿 “Strength, health, and self-respect are achieved not for anyone else’s approval, but for the fulfillment of living authentically in your own body.”
In this inspiring episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with comedian MELISSA SARAH WEE, founder of Guilty Pleasure by M.S.W, lifestyle and fitness enthusiast, and experienced personal trainer. Melissa shares her powerful journey of body transformation, from battling eating disorders and societal pressures to becoming a competitive bodybuilder and embracing motherhood.
We explore the complexities of body image, the pressures women face around perfection and muscle, and the messy, yet empowering road to self-acceptance. Melissa opens up about pregnancy, fitness over 40, meal planning, and how building muscle isn’t just about appearance but about longevity, strength, and confidence.
Tune in to hear practical advice, candid reflections, and encouragement for anyone who’s ever felt at war with their body. This episode is a celebration of strength, self-love, and reclaiming your relationship with your own skin.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 – Episode Snippet
01:29 – Sarah’s early struggles with eating disorders
04:31 – Parallels between bodybuilding and eating disorders
06:28 – Emotional triggers behind eating habits
08:47 – Learning to value strength over just being thin
10:04 – Pregnancy fitness routine and adjustments
12:00 – How is it going to be after your pregnancy?
14:45 – Fuel Your Forties: Planning meals and eating enough protein
18:07 – Cultural pressure on Asian women’s body image
21:02 – Societal pressures on women’s appearances
22:06 – Muscle growth and self-perception
24:13 – Common mistakes in muscle building
27:04 – Sustainable diet vs. strict bodybuilding diet
31:02 – Self-acceptance over external validation in relationships
32:04 – Hot or Hype
36:06 – Take the first step
38:17 – Accountability is showing up even when motivation is low
40:21 – The Forties Formula: Everything is temporary, stay present
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Published on 3 weeks, 1 day ago