The dopamine hit from sugar can feel like a reward, but the more you chase it, the more your brain demands.

In this eye-opening discussion, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim explore the complex world of sugar and its impact on our bodies, brains, and daily habits. Drawing from their experience as a metabolic health coach and an integrated health strategist, they unpack why sugar cravings feel almost impossible to resist and what we can do to regain control.

They examine how modern lifestyles, sleep deprivation, and emotional stress combine to fuel sugar cravings, weight gain, and mood swings. They also explain why quitting sugar is so difficult and how all-or-nothing mindsets can undermine even the most committed health efforts.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why sugar cravings are not about willpower, but about habit loops and brain reinforcement

• How evolutionary biology wired us to seek sweet foods for energy and survival

• The difference between addiction and habitual sugar consumption

• How processed foods and modern marketing exploit our biology to keep us hooked

• The impact of sugar on mood, hormones, and overall health

• Strategies for enjoying sugar without being controlled by it, including timing and balance

• How sugar disrupts gut health, feeds harmful bacteria, and contributes to mood swings and anxiety

• The impact of emotional eating and stress-related sugar consumption on overall health

Sugar isn’t inherently evil. It’s the relationship we build with it that shapes our health and wellbeing. Understanding our biology, habits, and environment gives us the knowledge and empowerment to outsmart the system and create sustainable, mindful eating patterns.

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CHAPTERS

05:07 — Sugar “addiction” is a habit loop

09:59 — Can warning labels and nutrition labels really help?

13:03 — Why are we addicted to sugar?

15:45 — Processed foods keep us overeating

18:51 — Cue-reward loops lock in habit

26:30 — “Healthy” foods often hide excess sugar

29:28 — Sugar hides under many label names

30:53 — Calorie counts don’t always change choices

33:15 — Singapore’s Nutri-Grade system and its flaws

47:53 — Use replacements to manage cravings

52:10 — Positive vs Negative reinforcement

54:22 — Exercise uses sugar in muscles and boosts endorphins

01:11:31 — Intermittent fasting can help if timed right

01:15:30 — Tricks: vinegar, meal order, timing

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🌿 Homeopathy doesn't just treat symptoms, it seeks the root, the reason, and the real you behind the imbalance.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with DR. RUKSHIN SHAH, a seasoned pediatric homeopath based in Singapore with deep expertise in childhood neurological conditions and autism spectrum disorders.

Together, they explore how conventional medicine often misses the emotional and energetic layers behind common midlife symptoms. Dr. Rukshin explains how homeopathy uncovers these hidden roots by looking at childhood experiences, family dynamics, and long-held emotional burdens, all through the lens of psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunology, the science of mind-body connection.

In this episode, we explore:

• The quiet exhaustion many women carry in their 40s and why standard medicine often fails to see it

• The limits of homeopathy and when conventional emergency medicine is necessary

• How personalized remedies are chosen and why they work

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CHAPTERS

06:00 — What conventional medicine often misses in women’s health in their 40s

09:16 — How mind, hormones, and immunity are connected

10:07 — What is homeopathy?

13:53 — How homeopathy treats the whole person

18:28 — Homeopathy uses natural remedies tailored to you

23:37 — Homeopathy supports the body’s healing, not suppress symptoms

26:19 — Research disproves homeopathy as placebo

28:32 — The limits of homeopathy

31:05 — The need for emotional introspection in chronic disease and cancer

36:33 — The importance of patient conversations for deep healing

45:26 — Homeopathy revealed the real root of a client’s fatigue

50:38 — Addressing concerns of vegans about animal-based remedies

52:30 — The forties formula: Start honoring your emotions

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“The best friendships are mirrors reflecting your growth, not shadows competing with your light.”

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with SHIREENA SHROFF MANCHHARAM, the visionary Founder and Principal Consultant of Sheens Consulting and the creator of the mental health movement Getting to Happy and ANJU CAWTHRA, a dynamic community leader, broadcaster, and the Director of Seasoned Singapore Expat Women, for an unfiltered conversation about female friendship.

Together, we reflect on the differences between friendships in our twenties and forties, from nights out and wide social circles to quieter and meaningful connections. We explore what it means to truly cherish low-maintenance, high-quality friendships that survive distance, time, and life’s many changes. This honest and thoughtful episode will have you nodding along, smiling, and reaching out to that friend you have been meaning to catch up with.

In this episode, we explore:

• How female friendships shift as we grow older and priorities change

• How personal growth and life stages affect who we stay close to

• The difference between texting and truly showing up in friendship

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CHAPTERS

05:47 — Friendships easier in twenties

10:06 — Maintaining friendships takes effort

11:44 — Saying “no” helps focus on real friends

17:43 — Let go of draining friends

27:26 — The superficial standards

28:44 — Red flags and green flags for female friendships

31:23 — The best friendships accept you in every season

33:23 — Respect how people choose to share their lives

36:26 — Don’t wait to be invited, create the moment

37:00 — Say yes to connection, even when it’s not perfect

47:02 – Friendships can rekindle even after decades

50:05 – Let the community carry itself

52:05 – The formula for friendship in your 40s

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Society praises the woman who holds everything together but rarely asks what it costs her to keep performing.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with MARISSA NASUTION, a Research Psychologist, Coach, Speaker and emotional education specialist dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and empowering women to set healthy boundaries and redefine success on their own terms.

Together, they unpack the emotional weight of people-pleasing, the deeply rooted cultural and societal expectations that condition women to prioritize everyone else’s needs above their own, and the silent burnout that often follows. Marissa opens up about how motherhood, marriage, and midlife prompted her to re-evaluate what success and fulfillment truly mean and how saying “no” became her pathway to healing, clarity, and empowerment.

In this episode, we explore:

• The “good girl” pressure in Asian cultures and its influence on identity and choices

• How to pause before automatically saying yes

"Saying no isn’t rejection, it’s redirection toward what truly matters. It’s not about pushing people away, it’s about making space for what’s right for you. Every time you say no to something that drains you, you’re saying yes to something that fills you. You’re choosing peace over pressure, purpose over pleasing, and showing yourself and others that your time and energy are worth protecting."

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CHAPTERS

05:31 — Why women struggle to say no and set boundaries guilt-free

12:26 — Motherhood calls for self-care boundaries

15:55 — You can have it all, just not all at once

19:39 — Know your priority

20:12 — It's OK not to be perfect

25:35 — If it’s not a 100% yes, it’s a no

31:13 — Reflecting on why you say yes to things that should be no

34:02 — Seeking counseling or objective help to unpack difficult patterns

46:21 — Give a little and take some

48:40 — To thrive, align with your values and honor your boundaries

49:18 — Your 40s are the perfect time to rediscover yourself

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Forget the stereotypes, menopause isn’t just night sweats and mood swings. It’s a real challenge that’s changing how women work, lead, and live.

In this insightful episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with LISA TARQUINI, a UK Registered Nutritionist and Licensed Menopause Champion dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and empowering people impacted by menopause.

Together, they dive into the real-life impact menopause has on women’s professional and personal lives, highlighting how a lack of understanding often leaves many struggling quietly. Lisa also shares how the “MenoVest” is helping men understand what menopause really feels like, creating more empathy and support at work.

In this episode, we explore:

• The silent toll of early menopause on mental health, memory, and confidence

• Why brain fog and burnout are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed

• The powerful link between hormonal shifts and mental health

• What it takes to create corporate cultures that support women in midlife

• Reshaping the conversation around menopause at work

• Key lifestyle and health strategies to thrive through menopause

The more we normalize conversations about menopause, the less women are forced to suffer in silence, second-guess their experiences, or shrink themselves to fit a system that doesn’t see them. Menopause is real, and support shouldn’t be optional.

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CHAPTERS

05:18 — A cervical cancer diagnosis at 31

09:20 — Menopause symptoms affecting work performance and confidence

13:48 — Menopause awareness is critical to prevent misdiagnosis and fear

15:59 — Workplaces need menopause support policies

18:05 — Menopause is still taboo at work

30:30 — Conversations and empathy can change a woman’s career path

33:06 — How women with lower SES are hit harder by menopause

35:45 — Women’s health research still falls dangerously short

50:30 — Mental health awareness and seeking help are vital

53:11 — Normalizing protein shakes for women needs

58:00 — Treat your body well and it will take care of you

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

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🎙️ Hormones are only part of the story, stress, diet, and lifestyle play the leading roles in how we feel.

In this heart-opening episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with JO BROWNLOW, a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach and Bootcamp Trainer passionate about helping women reclaim their health through balance, nourishment, and rest.

Together, we explore how to balance hormones naturally, support your liver and gut health, and why loving yourself first is the foundation for thriving in your 40s and beyond.

In this episode, we explore:

• The hidden dangers of overexercising and its impact on hormones

• How alcohol affects liver health and gut

• Why loving yourself is key to feeling your best in your 40s and beyond

As we navigate the complexities of our health and the inevitable shifts that come with age, it becomes clear that the story of wellness is not just about what we consume, but about how we honor the delicate balance within ourselves. Loving yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s essential. When you prioritize your health and wellbeing, you unlock the freedom to live fully with strength and grace.

CHAPTERS

05:02 – The hidden harm of overexercising

08:47 – Rest is just as important as exercise

16:25 – Gut health impacts mood & hormones

19:24 – Why sleep is a big deal

23:31 – The 3 F’s: Fresh, Fermented, Fibrous

26:14 – Self-Diagnosis vs. Real Help

31:55 – How alcohol stresses the liver and gut

38:35 – The role of testosterone in women’s health

41:31 – Client case study: Cholesterol and estrogen link

51:17 – 9D Breathwork: Healing through breathing

53:07 – Put self-love at the top of your list

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

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💊 AVEA Longevity - Use code FORMULA20 for 20% your entire purchase at avea-life.com

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🎙️ Your story has power, and you get to choose how it’s told.

In this heart-opening episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with CHRISSIE CHOO, a speaker, educator, mindset coach, and the go-to guide for anyone ready to reframe their story and reclaim their voice.

Together, they explore how pain can point us toward purpose, why storytelling isn’t just for brands but for healing, and how showing up as your most human self is the most powerful way to lead and connect in today’s world.

In this episode, we explore:

• What it means to face the “identity wobble” in your 40s and why it hits so hard

• How productivity, roles, and routines can slowly erase your sense of self

• The shift from performing for applause to posting with intention

• Why giving your pain a name creates distance and clarity

• What it means to be the director of your own story

When you become the director of your own story, you gain the freedom to choose how you respond and what your story means. Your story belongs to you, and it deserves to be told with intention, courage, and love.

CHAPTERS

05:11 Letting go of shame-based “shoulds”

09:04 When productivity becomes self-worth

13:50 Boredom is a portal to ideas

28:42 Triggers reveal what needs your attention

31:11 Be careful what you practice

41:53 Constant digital activity is draining connection

45:05 Passion is simply joy in motion

47:48 The messy middle is where we connect most

51:04 Fear is the internet’s favorite control tool

52:15 Be the director of your own epic movie

56:43 Write your own script

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Self-worth isn’t up for debate even on your heaviest days.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with LAURA PHILLIPS—Asia’s only genetics-based coach and the woman behind countless midlife glow-ups.

Together, they explore why high-achieving women struggle to prioritize their wellbeing, how shifting your beliefs can unlock lasting change, and why investing in yourself is the ultimate business strategy.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why self-judgment is a false motivator that keeps women stuck in shame cycles

• How separating your self-worth from the number on the scale changes everything

• The truth about “getting bulky” and why strength training should be every woman’s priority

• How chasing success can mask deep-rooted feelings of unworthiness

• Real talk on excuses, internalized pressure, and what finally cuts through the nonsense

It’s time to stop making excuses and start choosing yourself. No more blaming your career, your kids, your circumstances, or even your hormones. The truth is, if you don’t prioritize your health and well-being, everything else suffers, and that’s on you. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of guilt and self-neglect, this episode is your wake-up call.

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CHAPTERS

05:59 What gets lost when you don’t choose you

11:21 Your body keeps the score and your excuses

17:05 Boundaries don’t start with them, they start with you

20:15 The weight came off when the shame did too

28:31 Why chasing comfort is the biggest barrier to change

35:14 Why muscle is your best anti-aging strategy

46:05 Trial, error, patience: your nutrition plan

48:40 How your beliefs shape your habits

52: 43 Building strength now to thrive in every decade

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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

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