In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Powerhouse Academy client Sabrina, a 43-year-old mom, wife, and clinical research director who knows what it’s like to juggle it all — a demanding career, two kids in sports, and a busy home life.
Sabrina opens up about how she went from feeling stuck, bloated, and inconsistent to confident, energized, and finally at peace with her progress without giving up her favorite foods or family time.
Inside this conversation, we talk about:
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Why perfectionism was her biggest roadblock to progress
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How GI issues, bloating, and low energy impacted her consistency
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The simple nutrition shifts that brought relief and results
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How training flexibility (and resistance bands) changed everything
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What “coachability” really means and how to get better results faster
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The mindset behind giving yourself grace when life gets chaotic
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Why support and accountability matter more than more information
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How her son noticing her progress became a powerful motivator
Sabrina’s story is the reminder every woman needs: it’s not about being perfect — it’s about showing up, pivoting when life happens, and giving yourself permission to grow.
When you stop chasing perfect and just start showing up, everything changes — your body, your mindset, your peace. -Sabrina
If you’ve been doing “all the right things” but still feel stuck, you’ll walk away from this episode with a renewed sense of clarity and confidence.
Grab Your 12-Step Plan to a Healthier Gut and a Flatter Belly here.
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More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Consistency Over Perfection: How Sabrina Found Her Groove Again
Nathalia Melo [00:00:01]
Hello, hello there fam! Welcome back to another episode of The Unfiltered Fit Life podcast. Today I’m sitting down with an amazing guest — one of our Powerhouse Academy clients, Sabrina Buzzerd — who’s proof that perfection isn’t required to make progress.
Why We Brought Sabrina On
Nathalia Melo [00:01:14]
Sabrina has been incredibly coachable, and her story hits home for so many women who say, “I’m not that big” or “I don’t really need help.” She’s a busy mom, full-time professional, and was doing most things right — but still didn’t feel good in her body.
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:01:44]
I’m a 43-year-old married mom of two. I work full-time in clinical research — fast-paced, demanding, always changing. I used to work out a lot, but lately, consistency was hard. I didn’t have a plan that fit my life anymore.
The Real Struggle: Consistency & Overwhelm
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:02:50]
Even though I’ve worked out most of my life, what used to work no longer fit. Between kids’ schedules, travel, and work stress, I couldn’t stay consistent. I was gaining weight and just didn’t feel like myself.
Nathalia Melo [00:04:06]
And there was more to it — you were also dealing with GI challenges, right?
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:04:41]
Yes. I’ve had acid reflux since I was a kid, and bloating has always been an issue. Some weeks I could eat something fine, the next week it would wreck me. I was constantly guessing what foods would trigger me and felt frustrated trying to hit my protein goals without feeling miserable.
When “I Know What to Do” Isn’t Enough
Nathalia Melo [00:05:46]
This is what I love about your story — you knew what to do. You understood macros. But as I always say, if information alone were the fix, we’d all have six-packs.
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:06:57]
Exactly. I didn’t need more info. I needed guidance. Someone to tell me what worked for my schedule and body right now — not 10 years ago.
What Changed Inside Powerhouse Academy
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:07:53]
The difference was personalization. Kara adjusted my meals to what I actually eat. Jen adjusted my training when my kids’ sports ramped up. They helped me stay consistent without feeling like I was failing.
Nathalia Melo [00:08:20]
And that’s what people miss — fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all. When life changes, your plan should too.
Letting Go of Perfection
Nathalia Melo [00:09:32]
I noticed how much your mindset shifted. When you said, “Last week wasn’t perfect,” you didn’t even flinch — which is huge.
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:10:34]
Yeah, I’ve learned to give myself more grace. In my 20s, I believed if I didn’t train 2 hours a day, I’d fail. Now, I’m okay adjusting. I show up when I can, and that’s made me more consistent than ever.
Healthy Skepticism & Online Coaching
Nathalia Melo [00:11:44]
You were skeptical at first, right?
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:12:07]
Oh, 100%. I didn’t know how an online program could give me real support. But you proved me wrong. Between the app, text check-ins, and office hours — I’ve never felt more connected or supported.
What Made Her Commit
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:16:37]
Honestly, I followed you for years and saw you stay consistent through everything — kids, business, life. What I was doing wasn’t working, and I didn’t want to keep spinning. That’s when I knew I had to make a change.
Not “Big Enough” for a Coach? Think Again
Nathalia Melo [00:18:15]
I love this topic — people think they need to hit rock bottom to ask for help. You weren’t “unhealthy,” but you were unhappy.
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:19:24]
Exactly. It wasn’t about losing 20 pounds. It was about feeling better, having energy, and being confident again. If you can feel better, why wouldn’t you?
From Frustrated to Free
Nathalia Melo [00:20:16]
You mentioned peace — being more present, enjoying your body again. That’s huge.
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:20:58]
Totally. I was avoiding photos, dreading being in a swimsuit, even skipping social things. Now I’m confident again, and my energy shows up everywhere — with my husband, my kids, and at work.
How Coaching Changed Everything
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:23:14]
The biggest shift has been patience — and how I show up for my kids. I’m calmer, more patient, and they even notice. My son literally told me, “Mom, you’ve got muscles.” That made my day.
The Mindset Shift That Stuck
Nathalia Melo [00:26:23]
That’s the goal. Not chasing extreme changes — but building a lifestyle that lasts.
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:26:42]
Right. I can still have wine, chocolate, travel — all within moderation. If this program were extreme, I’d have quit. It works because it’s realistic.
Final Thoughts
Nathalia Melo [00:28:26]
So what would you tell someone sitting on the fence, skeptical like you were?
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:29:13]
That it’s worth it. You get what you put in. The resources, the community, the coaching — it’s all there. But you have to communicate and commit. It’s the best investment I’ve made in myself.
Nathalia Melo [00:31:31]
That’s what I love hearing. You’ve done the work, and it shows — not just physically, but in how you carry yourself.
Sabrina Buzzerd [00:31:55]
Thank you. It’s been life-changing.
Nathalia Melo [00:32:43]
If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time,” this is your sign. Start small, stay consistent, and watch what happens.
Want to work with us inside the Powerhouse Academy?
→ DM me the word “coaching” on Instagram for details.
