In today’s episode, the spotlight is on Meri as she shares her personal journey through the world of fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Meri opens up about her upbringing in a household with contrasting food and lifestyle beliefs, shaped by her parents' diverse economical backgrounds, and how that has impacted the rest of her life.

She shares her transformative experiences as an adult, how a pivotal moment in her 40s led her to a healthier relationship with fitness, nutrition, and her own self-worth, and a more sustainable, balanced, evidence-based approach. Through candid anecdotes, Meri reveals how small but powerful changes became the catalyst for lifelong health improvements, both for herself and her family. Meri's story is not just about physical transformation (to the tune of losing and keeping off over 100 lbs) but also about the powerful and necessary mindset shifts that came with it.

From navigating yo-yo dieting to breaking away from generational patterns, we dive into struggles and triumphs, things we weren’t taught growing up, and offer wisdom for anyone looking to overcome similar challenges.

"If you have never lifted and you start, and you get to a point where you think you can't do any heavier and then all of a sudden you break out from that, the feeling of accomplishment is topped by almost no other life experience. It's tangible proof that you can do beyond what you think you can do."

- Meri

“I was like, I don't wanna live like this… and I don't want my daughter to lose that smile on her face because she's gonna have to live like this one day."

 - Meri

This week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:

• How generational upbringing affected Meri’s views of food, diet, and body
• Meri’s turning point: a picture of misery and a pair of pants
• The connection between fitness, mindset, and overall life empowerment
• How strength training became a transformative force in Meri’s life
• Meri’s commitment to breaking generational cycles for her children
• The emotional challenges of adulting and parenting while focusing on self-care
• How to recognize when guilt is self-imposed and unnecessary
• The importance of discomfort for growth and transformation
• Why you need to address all aspects—fitness, nutrition, and mindset—for long-term success

Connect with Us:

• Meri on Instagram
• Iris Deadlifts on Instagram
• Amy Rudolph on Instagram
• The Next Best Decision with Meri (Podcast Episode from 2023)

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!

Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.