Episode Details

The scale is moving but you still feel soft, undefined, and not like yourself. Sound familiar? In this episode Val breaks down exactly why this happens — and it is not a willpower problem. It is a physiology problem. If you have been eating less, doing more cardio, and still not seeing the results you want, this episode is going to connect a lot of dots for you.

In this episode we cover:

• Why weight loss and fat loss are NOT the same thing
• The eating pattern Val sees constantly in postpartum moms that stalls results (it is not what you think)
• Why the weekday vs weekend eating swing is keeping your body stuck
• How cortisol is actively breaking down your muscle and storing fat — especially around your midsection
• Why cardio is not the answer and what to do instead
• What body recomposition actually requires — protein, progressive strength training, and nervous system support
• Why postpartum moms are starting from a different baseline and why that matters
• Val's personal story — from pancake butt postpartum to stronger glutes at 3 years PP than before baby
• How Val felt soft again in January 2026 and exactly what she did to fix it — labs, logging, stress, and sleep

Resources mentioned:

• Core Comeback Challenge — 4 week progressive postpartum core program → https://my.playbookapp.io/wellnessbyval/programs/core-comeback-challenge-4-week-program/45013
• Free Protein Guide → https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide
• Episode 104 — Stop Jumping Back Into Workouts Postpartum — Do This First 
• Episode 100 — Sleep, Cortisol & Fat Loss: Why Postpartum Moms Can't Out-Train a Stressed Nervous System 

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This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, nutrition, or pelvic floor physical therapy advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise or nutrition program postpartum.