My story
I've been where you are. Here's how I found my way back.
I'm Francina Dryja — wellness coach, midlife woman, and someone who spent years trying every diet, every program, every fresh start on a Monday.
The turning point
For most of my adult life, I struggled with my weight and my relationship with food. I would lose weight, feel hopeful, and then find myself right back where I started.
And it wasn’t just about the number on the scale.
I remember feeling embarrassed by my body. I didn’t always feel comfortable in my clothes or confident in pictures. There were times I worried about how other people saw me — even the people I loved most.
One moment involving my son really stayed with me. It made me realize how deeply my weight was affecting the way I felt about myself and the way I was showing up in my life. For a long time, I thought I just needed to try harder or find the right diet. What finally changed was that I stopped looking for another quick fix and started paying attention to the bigger picture — my mindset, my eating patterns, my stress, my sleep, my routines, and the way I responded when life didn’t go perfectly. Over time, I lost 71 pounds. But the bigger change was that I stopped feeling like I was constantly fighting myself. That experience is personal to me. It isn’t a typical result or a promise of what someone else will experience. But it taught me something that now shapes the way I coach women: sustainable change has to work in your real life, not just on your best days.
* The 71-pound weight loss referenced is Francina's personal experience and is not a typical result. Individual outcomes vary.
My coaching philosophy
I believe sustainable change happens at the intersection of brain, body, and behavior. That's why every aspect of my coaching is built around three core principles:
Mindset first
Your thoughts and beliefs about yourself shape every choice you make. We start there — gently, without judgment.
Body wisdom
Your body is not your enemy. Learning to listen to it — hunger, energy, stress signals — is one of the most powerful skills you can develop.
Lasting behavior
Small, consistent actions compound over time. We build habits that fit your real life, not a perfect version of it.
Training & credentials
- ✦Certified Holistic Nutrition Weight Loss Coach
- ✦Trained in behavior change and habit formation
- ✦Specialized focus on women in perimenopause and menopause
- ✦Ongoing education in neuroscience-based coaching
A little more about me
When I'm not coaching, you'll find me enjoying time with my family, exploring new places, and yes — still working on my own health every single day. This is a lifelong practice, not a destination.
I started Francina's Midlife Wellness because I wanted to create the resource I wish I'd had — a place where women over 40 could get real support, real strategies, and a coach who truly understands what this season of life feels like.
Ready to start your own journey?
I'd love to learn about where you are and where you want to go.