Heading Into Week 12: Healthy Habits, Hot Takes & Cassandra Sampson Joins the Huddle
This week on Girlfriends + Football, the energy was high, the laughs were abundant, and the hot takes were steaming. With Thanksgiving approaching and Week 12 ready to roll, the Girlfriends brought in the perfect guest: Registered Dietitian and fitness pro Cassandra Sampson, here to talk wellness, joyful movement, and how to keep your body in one piece during NFL season (even if your emotions aren’t as lucky).
But let’s get into it: football, fitness, fashion, and all the fun chaos in between.
Checking In: Life, Football & Trying Not to Be Stressed
The episode kicked off with some life updates including new jobs, busy schedules, and a shared determination to not let stress take over. And naturally, that led right into football talk.
Bills Highlights: Josh Allen & Good Vibes (For Once)
Bills Mafia finally had something to smile about. Beth came in glowing because Josh Allen showed up, Gabe Davis actually caught things, and the Bills offense remembered their job description.
Even with Keon Coleman sitting out as a healthy scratch (show up to practice, rookies!), the Bills rolled. And the defense? Better than it’s been in weeks, even if opposing offenses still run through Buffalo like they’re making a Costco trip. Baby steps.
49ers Talk: The Emotional Roller Coaster Continues
Dezi gave us another week of raw, unfiltered Niner feelings.
The consensus?
The 49ers are good.
The 49ers are chaotic.
The 49ers are giving their fans unnecessary wrinkles.
But the biggest concern was injury news, and thankfully, things might not be as severe as feared.
Well… try not to panic. Dezi’s already panicked enough for all of us.
Lions Love: Laura’s Cats Keep Clawing
Laura came in with cautious optimism for Detroit and honestly? She deserves it. The Lions facing the Eagles on Sunday Night Football was the kind of matchup that makes you light a candle, say a prayer, and check your blood pressure. And it did not pan out as hoped, partly due to Dan Campbell’s insistence to go for it on 4th down…EVERY TIME.
But Laura believes. Lions fans everywhere believe. Is it hope? Is it delusion? Who cares — it’s the holidays.
Special Guest Cassandra Sampson: Nutrition, Movement & Reality Checks
Then came the highlight of the episode: Cassandra Sampson, bringing nutritional science to balance out the Girlfriends’ emotional chaos.
She talked about:
Joyful Movement
Movement doesn’t have to be punishment. Athletes — and regular humans — thrive when exercise is enjoyable and sustainable.
Stress, Rest & Burnout
Football players run at 110% all season, and so do we; work, home, kids, pets, life.
Even Laura, as a proud cat mom, gets it.
Cassandra reminded everyone that good nutrition is non-negotiable. Even pros break down. Even podcasters break down. Even fans break down when their teams blow a lead.
The girlfriends also talked about how important good nutrition is for all athletes, starting at a young age.
Her insights were golden, and her delivery was warm, smart, and so easy to connect with.
Rate the Fit: Casual Edition
It wouldn’t be Girlfriends + Football without our weekly runway.
And there was just one choice: Jameis Winston with his brilliant smile and fuzzy sweater.
Hot Takes, Holiday Prep & Looking Ahead to Week 12
The Girlfriends wrapped up with their Week 12 picks, a few gentle arguments, and some truly unhinged predictions that will either age like fine wine or spoiled milk.
Laura is cautiously optimistic. Beth is bracing for Thursday Night Football. And Dezi has the Monday night game this week.
Watch the Full Episode on YouTube!
Want the laughs, the chaos, the Rate the Fit visuals, and Cassandra’s full wellness wisdom?
Watch the full Week 12 episode of Girlfriends + Football on YouTube!
Come hang out with us every Wednesday — you bring the snacks, we’ll bring the energy.
