In this powerful episode of Meet Your Body, Jessica sits down with Dr. Sara Tarek to challenge the harmful myths women have been told about health, weight, aging and what it truly means to thrive in midlife and beyond.
Together, they unpack why chasing “skinny” often leaves women feeling exhausted, discouraged and disconnected from their bodies — and why building strength, resilience and metabolic health is a far more sustainable path forward.
Dr. Tarek explains how childhood experiences, cultural messaging and chronic stress can quietly shape our relationship with food, exercise and self-worth for decades. She also shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support long-term health, including simple daily movement, sleep, mindset shifts, hormone therapy considerations and the surprising power of a short walk after meals.
You’ll learn:
Why metabolic health matters more than the number on the scale
How menopause and hormonal shifts affect fat distribution, energy and muscle mass
The connection between trauma, stress and health behaviors
Why strength training and daily movement are essential for longevity
Small lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve long-term health
How to step away from diet culture and build trust with your body again
This conversation is important for any woman navigating midlife, menopause or a changing body. You will walk away with practical tips you can apply to your life today and an empowering reminder of the importance of being strong over skinny.
About our guest:
Dr. Sara Tariq, an internal medicine physician at Northern Virginia Family Practice with more than two decades of clinical and academic experience. A longtime advocate for healthcare equity and cultural transformation, Dr. Tariq is known for her relationship-centered approach to patient care – with a focus on chronic conditions, women’s health, mental well-being, and LGBTQ+ health. Before joining NVFP, she spent over 20 years in academic medicine, mentoring thousands of physicians and driving important conversations around medical education reform, systemic bias, and social justice. Fluent in English, Spanish, Urdu and Hindi, Dr. Tariq brings a global perspective and a deeply personal commitment to patient empowerment and community healing.
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Resources mentioned in this episode:
⚫︎ Dr. Tariq on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsaratariqnvfp/
⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com
⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited
⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast
⚫︎ YouTube workouts: https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates
⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilates
Jessica Valant app:Apple IOS - https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r
Google - https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp
Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition.
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