👉 Mastering Midlife starts this Sunday! This is my most in-depth program of the year, and inside we’ll cover everything from hormones to metabolism to why weight loss feels harder in midlife. In this episode, I’ll also give you a sneak peek into one of our topics: plateaus—why they happen, and what to do when your body stalls. If you’re ready to finally understand your body in midlife (instead of fighting it), join us at www.midlifemonth.com.

Ever wondered why your best friend thinks cilantro is fresh and zesty, but you swear it tastes like dish soap? Or why coconut oil makes some people swoon, while others gag like they’ve just inhaled vomit fumes? Spoiler: it’s not drama—it’s genetics.

In this episode of Midlife Mayhem, I break down the science of taste and why we’re all living in slightly different “flavor universes.” You’ll learn how genes control what we taste, why some of us are cursed with bitter broccoli, and how your sweet tooth might actually be written into your DNA.

And as a bonus, I’ll walk you through one of the biggest frustrations in weight loss: plateaus. You’ll hear why your body stalls, what’s happening under the hood, and the strategies I use with clients to break through and keep momentum going.

• Genes 101: your body’s instruction manuals and why they shape your food experience.

• The five main tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami) and how most “flavor” is actually smell.

• 🌿 Cilantro (OR6A2 gene): soap or salsa, depending on your DNA.

• 🥥 Coconut oil & butyric acid (TAS2R38 + OR51E1): why some people gag—and why those genes are also tied to sweet preference.

• 🥦 Broccoli & Brussels sprouts (TAS2R38): bitter for some, fine for others.

• ☕ Caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2): why some people thrive on coffee while others shake.

• 🍷 Alcohol flush (ALDH2): the “red face” gene.

• 🥦 Asparagus pee (OR2M7): the gene that decides if you can smell it.

• 🍭 Artificial sweeteners (TAS1R2/TAS1R3): sweet vs. metallic aftertaste.

• 🔄 Can taste change? Yes—palate training, exposure therapy, sugar sensitivity resets.

• ⚖️ Plateaus: the science behind them and how to break through when progress stalls.

Your genes influence what foods you love, hate, or find downright disgusting. But while DNA sets the stage, your habits, diet, and mindset decide how you adapt. You can actually learn to enjoy healthier foods, break through plateaus, and make midlife your strongest chapter yet.

👉 Join me for Mastering Midlife—starting this Sunday. Don’t waste another year wondering why your body feels stuck. Learn how to work with your genetics, hormones, and metabolism instead of fighting them.

➡️ Sign up now at www.midlifemonth.com