Strong Over Skinny with Dr. Sara Tariq

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. 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. Thanks to our sponsors! ➡️ Get 15% off your order at OneSkin: http://www.oneskin.co/meetyourbody Resources mentioned in this episode: ⚫︎ Dr. Tariq on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / drsaratariqnvfp   💪🏽 Want my full length workouts, daily routines, women's health info and more? Get a full home workout library, monthly fitness plans, recipes, free app and more http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited 📣 Free one week workout program and my favorite resources for healthy aging - https://jessicavalant.com/sign-up-below ➡️ Subscribe to my newest YouTube channel to listen and watch all my podcast episodes -    / @meetyourbodypodcast   🎧 Find my podcast Meet Your Body anywhere you listen to podcasts! Or listen here http://www.jessicavalant.com/podcast 💥 Find the Jessica Valant app here! Apple IOS - https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8r Google - https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp 💪🏽 Four Week Beginner Workout Program: https://payhip.com/b/d3ARC 🙌🏻 Instagram:   / jessicasvalant   ✅ All my resources and services: https://jessicavalant.com/home-workou... ⭐️ Join my UNLIMITED program and app and get immediate access to over 400 workout videos you can do anywhere and anytime! Members get two new workouts every month that aren't available anywhere else and a monthly workout calendar telling you what to do every day for the best exercise program. You also get full length versions of your favorite YouTube videos, monthly healthy recipes and a supportive and encouraging community. Join here 👉🏼 http://www.jessicavalant.com/unlimited 🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀 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. Please stop if you feel any pain or dizziness. You understand that physical activity can pose a risk and by watching this channel and these videos you assume all risk and release Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, from all liability.