Living On Mission
Follower of Christ, wife, mom, and entrepreneur. The Living on Mission Podcast is hosted by Rachel Mitchell. Mission - to know Christ and make Him known. Sometimes that happens in the board room. Sometimes in the laundry room. Jesus cannot be Compartmentalized! I’m here to encourage you to LIVE ON MISSION with me by sharing my messy middle and every day of chasing down Jesus!
Living On Mission
Episode 146: Sugar, Insulin, Artificial Sweeteners & Why Fat Loss Feels So Hard in Midlife
Sugar isn’t sinful. Artificial sweeteners aren’t automatically better. But confusion around both is keeping many women stuck—especially in midlife.
In this episode, we’re having an honest, science-based conversation about sugar, insulin, and artificial sweeteners, and how your body actually responds to sweetness. This isn’t about shame, restriction, or cutting everything out forever. It’s about understanding the biology God designed so you can change habits with clarity instead of guilt.
We’ll talk about why fat loss feels harder in perimenopause, how insulin controls fat storage, why “sugar-free” foods can still stall progress, and how artificial sweeteners affect your brain, gut, hormones, and cravings. You’ll also hear practical, realistic ways to reduce sugar and sweetness without extremes.
In this episode, we cover:
- What sugar actually is and how it affects blood sugar
- The role of insulin as a storage hormone
- Why chronically elevated insulin blocks fat loss
- Why midlife women are more insulin-sensitive
- How artificial sweeteners signal the body like sugar
- Why “calorie-free” doesn’t mean metabolically neutral
- The impact of artificial sweeteners on cravings, brain, and gut health
- Calories vs metabolic signals
- Biblical wisdom on self-control and stewardship
- Practical ways to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners sustainably
Key Scriptures Mentioned:
- 1 Corinthians 10:23
- Proverbs 25:28
- Galatians 5:22–23
Key Takeaway:
You don’t need to quit sugar forever. You don’t need “sugar-free” everything. When you understand how your body responds to sweetness, you’re free to make wiser choices without fear or guilt.
Reflection Question:
Where might clarity about how your body works help you release shame and build healthier habits?
🎧 Listen now and be sure to subscribe—next we’re talking about fasting, metabolic flexibility, and stewardship without extremes.
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Don't hesitate to reach out!
Personal Instagram: @racheljmitchell
Podcast Instagram: @livingonmissionpod
Email: rachel@racheljmitchell.com
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