In today’s episode, Coach Carmen Hayward joins us! She’s a nutrition coach, personal trainer, and proud menopausal woman, who shares her story of breaking free from decades of dieting and finally creating lasting change. From her first Weight Watchers diet at age 10 to owning a salon for nearly 20 years before switching careers, Carmen’s journey is all about reclaiming and embracing food freedom through education and self-trust.

We dive into why tracking your food isn’t automatically disordered - it’s actually the exact opposite. Carmen opens up about the myths she used to believe, the guilt she shed around eating carbs, and the common roadblocks holding many of you back. We share personal stories and practical strategies to help you keep it simple without sacrificing results. As Carmen says, not every meal needs to be a masterpiece… just a balanced plate that supports your goals.

If you’ve ever felt like you were doing everything “right” and still not getting anywhere, this one’s for you. It’s raw, real, and deeply empowering.

“There’s no rules anymore. There’s no scarcity. I look at food for what it is.”

- Carmen Hayward

“Not every meal needs to be a party. Just relax, eat the basics, and learn the skill.”

- Carmen Hayward

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

• How dieting from childhood shaped Carmen’s early beliefs about food
• The hormonal “fix” that promised magic, and what actually worked instead
• Why tracking food gave her freedom, not obsession
• Simple but critical food tracking mistakes so many people make
• How front-loading calories can reduce cravings and food noise
• How to make progress without overhauling your whole life overnight
• The difference between “being bored” and resisting change

Connect with Carmen Hayward:

• Coach Carmen Hayward on Instagram
• Coach Carmen Hayward Website

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.