Meet Barbara Kris

We were lucky to catch up with Barbara Kris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Barbara Kris, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I didn’t always know this was my purpose.

If you had told me years ago that I’d be coaching women through some of their most frustrating struggles of their lives, and helping them break free from restrictive dieting, food guilt, and exhaustion, I wouldn’t have believed you!

And if you told me I’d one day step on a bodybuilding stage, let alone turn pro at 41; Seriously, would have laughed!

For nearly 20 years, I worked in aerospace, investing every ounce of energy into thriving in a structured, often high-stress and male dominated environment. I was good at what I did, and loved the work, but as time went on, something always felt… off.

It was like I was checking the boxes of what was “expected” for success but not actually living in alignment with who I was meant to be.

Then life forced me to take a hard look at myself.

I went through a long separation that resulted in divorce. Then single motherhood. The pressure of raising my son alone while holding everything together nearly broke me. I was exhausted, putting myself last, running on caffeine and stress, and barely making it through the day. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was slowly losing myself

That’s when I started turning inward. I knew I needed to start taking care of myself … a healthy outlet, and not some diet or hack. I started lifting weights, to build strength—inside and out. I started focusing on my nutrition to feel better in my skin and have the energy that I used to have!

And little by little, I became someone my son could look up to, not just as his mom, but as a woman who refused to settle for a life that didn’t serve her.

Then came bodybuilding. Competing was never on my radar! In fact, I never saw myself as an athlete, let alone someone who would step on a stage in a sparkling bikini under bright lights. But something inside me needed to know just how far I could push myself. I wanted to see what was possible, despite fighting the mind game that “I was too old”.

And let me tell you—stepping on stage, at 41, as a professional athlete, was one of the most powerful moments of my life.

That experience taught me everything about belief—about the untapped potential we all have inside us.

The truth is, we’re all walking around carrying limiting stories we’ve been told (and unfortunately believed) for years. Stories like “I could never do that,” or “I’m too old,” or “I don’t have what it takes.”

But I learned firsthand that when you break through those stories, you unleash something unstoppable.

That’s exactly why I coach women today. Because I know what it feels like to be stuck. To doubt yourself. To wonder if change is even possible. And I also know what it feels like to come out the other side—stronger, more confident, and finally free.

I left aerospace behind, stepped into coaching, and never looked back. Now, I help women over 40 break free from dieting, stop obsessing over food, and finally feel at home in their own bodies. Not by following more rules, but by learning how to eat in a way that fits their life, without guilt, without restriction, and without waiting for “someday” to feel good in their skin.

Because once you stop believing the stories that hold you back, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My focus is on something deeply personal and incredibly important: helping women over 40 break free from the dieting cycle and finally feel at home in their bodies, without restriction, guilt, or exhaustion.

As a Nutritionist & Weight Loss Coach, my approach isn’t about rules or rigid plans. It’s about giving women simple tools to eat in a way that fits their life, fuels their energy, and helps them look and feel their best, without constantly second-guessing themselves.

So many women come to me feeling frustrated and burnt out after years (or even decades) of trying every diet under the sun. They’re tired of losing and regaining the same weight, exhausted from the constant food obsession, and honestly… They’re just over it!

They want something that actually works for their body and their life.

That’s exactly what I do!

I work 1:1 with women who are ready to finally get off the dieting hamster wheel and build a way of eating that works for them, for LIFE!

Beyond Coaching, I have a passion for elevating the conversation for women around midlife.

My purpose for helping women thrive in midlife goes beyond just my coaching practice.

I’m also a founding member of My Saheli, a growing women’s network dedicated to supporting and empowering women in midlife as they navigate career shifts, health changes, and personal growth. Through this community, I’m able to connect with and support incredible women who are redefining what’s possible for themselves at this stage of life.

Additionally, I recently hosted a roundtable discussion at the Woman in Bloom retreat, an all-day event focused on helping women step into their fullest potential in midlife and beyond. This conversation will be all about breaking free from outdated beliefs about health, weight loss, and aging, and I was extremely proud to have been a part of it.

What’s New & Exciting?

STRONG FOUNDATIONS – A Woman’s Guide to Thriving After 40:
I’m co-hosting this 4-part in-person workshop series in Ojai, CA, with my sister and physical therapist designed to help women reconnect with their bodies, build real strength, and create a foundation for long-term health, inside and out.

FINALLY DITCH THE DIET – A Free Guide:
On my socials, I have a new and free downloadable guide called Finally Ditch The Diet: The Real Way To Lose Weight & Boost Energy After 40. It’s perfect for any woman who’s tired of the diet culture and wants a simple, sustainable way forward.

My 12-Week Signature 1:1 Coaching Program: This is for women who are ready for a real transformation—not just with weight loss, but with how they think about food, their body, and their confidence. It’s where we customize a plan that fits their life, removes the guesswork, and gives them the support they need to actually succeed for the long haul.

At the end of the day, my work is about freedom and helping women finally feel in control of their body and their choices without feeling like they have to give up everything they love.

Because when a woman feels strong, confident, and in charge of her health, she is unstoppable!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, there are three qualities that truly shaped my journey, and I wish I had embraced them sooner:

1. Self-Compassion

For a long time, I was my own worst critic and sometimes, I still can be.

I pushed myself extremely hard and expected perfection. It wasn’t until I started practicing self-compassion that things began to shift.

So, be kind to yourself. We all struggle. Beating yourself up only makes it harder to grow. And remember, you are enough. Allowing God’s grace into my life was a key part of my own transformation, and it can be for yours too.

2. Belief in My Potential

When I decided to step on that bodybuilding stage in my 40’s, it felt like a huge leap into the unknown. I had to break through major limiting beliefs I’d carried for years.

I’m a firm believer that we all have untapped potential, but to reach it, we MUST believe in it, even when others don’t.

Tune out the negativity from people who haven’t been where you’re going. You can’t let their doubts define your path. Your faith will serve as a reminder that you have everything you need to succeed; you simply have to believe it.

3. Investing in Myself

I firmly believe I would have moved faster if I’d invested in myself earlier.

Working with coaches, especially now, (as I have one myself), has been a game-changer.

It’s been a huge boost to my progress, my confidence, and my success.

Invest in yourself. Whether it’s coaching, education, or simply taking time for self-care, it pays off in ways you can’t imagine. Don’t hesitate to seek out the help you need; it makes all the difference.

My advice: Be compassionate with yourself, believe in your potential, and don’t be afraid to invest in your growth. You don’t have to do it alone.

Your journey is worth the time, energy and resources, and with faith and the right support, you’ll reach your goals!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

After listening to countless podcasts, interviews and talks from incredible women who were brave enough to share their stories, I realized how powerful it can be to speak up and inspire others.

Years ago, their stories lit a fire in me, and now it’s my turn to do the same!

My mission is to get my story out there, share my message, and partner with other women and platforms that are equally passionate about empowering women.

I’m looking for opportunities to speak on podcasts, participate in interviews, and collaborate on book projects or other exciting media ventures.

If you’re looking for someone who’s passionate, experienced, and ready to bring energy and authenticity to the table, I’d love to connect!

If you’re interested in collaborating or would like me to share my story on your platform, let’s talk!

Whether it’s for a podcast, event, or creative project, I’m always open to exploring ways we can make an impact together.

You can reach me through my website, social media, or email! I’d love to make it happen!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barbarakris.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbarbarakris/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008793461146