{"id":11723,"date":"2025-09-30T16:42:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T16:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fitmotherproject.com\/?p=11723"},"modified":"2025-09-30T16:42:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T16:42:08","slug":"the-relentless-return-ep-166","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitmotherproject.com\/the-relentless-return-ep-166\/","title":{"rendered":"The Relentless Return: From 6.6 A1C to Senior Olympics Training with FMP Member Melissa (Ep. 166)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fit Mother Project Podcast number 166<\/a> introduces us to Dr. Melissa Mahan. A 59-year-old grandmother of six, higher-ed leader, and certified professional coach from San Antonio who refused to let family history dictate her future. After a routine checkup in early 2024 revealed an A1C of 6.6 with high cholesterol and blood pressure, she chose a structured, natural path over medication\u2014and found the Fit Mother Project. What followed was a systems-driven transformation built on consistent action, community support, and faith.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Within months, Melissa dropped her A1C to ~6.0, normalized her blood pressure, improved her lipid ratios, and lost ~35 pounds\u2014largely by dialing in \u201cprotein first,\u201d lifting consistently, and stacking simple habits like morning sunlight walks. She also learned powerful glucose-management strategies through a CGM, discovering how pairing protein\/fiber (and avoiding \u201cspike-on-a-spike\u201d combos like soda before pizza) dramatically changed her numbers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Melissa shares the tweaks that mattered (e.g., swapping coconut milk for almond milk in shakes and adding psyllium husk), along with her mantra of the \u201crelentless return\u201d\u2014not perfection, but always coming back to the next right action. She describes how Fit Mother retreats, small-group coaching, and the in-app sisterhood reinforced mindset shifts, helped her navigate menopause challenges, and kept her on track during celebration-heavy seasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, just shy of 60, Melissa is training for senior-level cycling events and planning a 500-mile Camino de Santiago ride in Spain\u2014proof that health creates possibilities. Her challenge to listeners: dare to dream, set a meaningful goal, and finish this year strong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Takeaways:<\/b><\/h2>\n
    \n
  • A1C 6.6 \u2192 ~6.0; BP\/lipids trending normal<\/span><\/li>\n
  • ~35 pounds down; energy and mood up<\/span><\/li>\n
  • \u201cProtein first\u201d meals; stronger satiety, fewer cravings<\/span><\/li>\n
  • CGM insights; smarter food order and pairing<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Skip soda-before-pizza; avoid \u201cspike on a spike\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Fiber + protein before carbs; steadier glucose<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Almond milk swap; lower sugar, cleaner shakes<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psyllium add-in; soluble fiber, better fullness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Morning sunlight + 20\u201330 min walk stack<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Strength training 2\u20134x\/week; progressive overload<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Power-meter cycling; targeted endurance gains<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Retreats + small groups; consistent accountability<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Menopause-aware tweaks; sleep and stress prioritized<\/span><\/li>\n
  • \u201cRelentless return\u201d mindset; progress over perfection<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Big goal: 500-mile Camino; senior cycling events<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The Relentless Return: From 6.6 A1C to Senior Olympics Training with FMP Member Melissa (Ep. 166)<\/h2>\n