How to 'Get Through' Menopause with Ease

Perimenopause & Menopause; a effing shit time with the hallmark of constant frustration, body not working properly, a time in life when shit hits the fan

The Menopause Transition is a time when shit often hits the fan. Our bodies stop responding to what has always worked which leaves us frustrated and overwhelmed with all the things we ‘should be’ doing.  

By focusing solely on actions—what we should and shouldn't do, you’ll end up feeling like your body is working against you. As humans, we are more complex than a simple list of do's and don'ts.

If you want lasting change that doesn't feel like a constant struggle if you want to figure out your changing body without feeling overwhelmed with all the shoulds… you will need more than just action.

Understanding any change through the three fundamentals below will put you in the sweet spot for change with ease:

Awareness: Become aware of your body’s triggers, cycles, and emotions.

Knowledge: Empower yourself with knowledge about foods, your body, and the skills you need to upgrade to make life easier.

Action: Take consistent action to build habits or upgrade your skills. Living healthy is a skill that becomes a daily habit.

Living a healthy life can be simple.

Awareness, knowledge, and action, grounded in a growth mindset, are the keys to long-lasting health and vitality.

The perimenopause transition is an opportunity. Your body is changing, and you can't stop that, but you can seize this moment to transform and upgrade your health and wellness.

Awareness: Listening to Your Body’s Signals

Perimenopause is like a symphony where your body is the orchestra. To navigate this transition gracefully, you must tune in to your body’s whispers. Awareness is about recognizing the subtle cues your body gives you—those tiny signals that can make all the difference in understanding your health.

Imagine your body as a well-trained athlete. Just like an athlete knows when to push harder and when to rest, you can develop an intuitive understanding of your body’s needs. Are you feeling more fatigued than usual? Is your skin reacting differently to your favourite foods? These are the whispers of your body, guiding you toward better choices.

The Emotional Dance with Food

Our relationship with food is deeply emotional. Picture your eating habits as a dance, where your emotions lead, and food follows. Awareness means observing how your emotions influence your food choices. Do you reach for chocolate when you’re stressed, or do you skip meals when you’re busy?

By becoming aware of these patterns, you can start to understand the emotional triggers behind your eating habits. This understanding is the first step towards making mindful choices that nourish both your body and soul.

The Impact of Choices

Every bite you take and every meal you skip sends ripples through your body, affecting both your physical and emotional well-being. Think of it as throwing stones into a pond—each choice creates waves that shape your overall health. Awareness helps you see the bigger picture, enabling you to make choices that align with your long-term health goals.

Knowledge: Your Empowerment Tool

Understanding Perimenopause

Knowledge is the key to unlocking your potential. By understanding what typically happens during perimenopause, you can approach this transition with confidence rather than fear. Perimenopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, characterized by hormonal shifts that can affect everything from your mood to your metabolism.

Imagine knowing the playbook of perimenopause—anticipating the changes and understanding how to respond. This knowledge can transform your experience, turning uncertainty into empowerment.

Food and Nutrition Basics

Let’s dive into the basics of nutrition. Knowing what foods fuel your body best is like having a map for your journey. Picture your body as a high-performance car; you wouldn’t fill it with low-quality fuel and expect it to run smoothly. Similarly, understanding the nutritional value of foods helps you make choices that optimize your health.

For instance, incorporating a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can stabilize your energy levels and mood. Knowledge of nutrition basics empowers you to design a diet that supports your well-being through perimenopause and beyond.

Patterns and Cycles

Our bodies operate in cycles—daily, monthly, and over the years. Understanding these cycles can help you align your eating habits with your body’s natural rhythms. For example, you might notice certain cravings or energy dips at specific times of your cycle. By recognizing these patterns, you can plan your meals to support your body’s needs, rather than working against them.

Action: The Path to Lasting Change

Developing Healthy Habits

Consistency is the bedrock of lasting change. Developing healthy habits tailored to your lifestyle can make a world of difference. Imagine your habits as the bricks that build the foundation of your health. Each small, consistent action contributes to a sturdy, resilient structure.

Start with simple steps, like incorporating more vegetables into your meals or setting aside time for regular physical activity. These small changes, when practised consistently, become habits that support your long-term health.

Personalizing Your Approach

One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to health. Your journey through perimenopause is unique, and so should be your approach to nutrition and wellness. Think of your health plan as a bespoke suit, tailored to fit your individual needs and lifestyle.

Consider what works best for you. Do you thrive on structured meal plans, or do you prefer a more flexible approach? By personalizing your action plan, you create a sustainable path that aligns with your life.

The Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the cornerstone of lasting change, it affects all of the above, your ability to become self-aware and your ability to be open to learning more. If you are going to take any action it is to develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset is about viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Picture yourself as a gardener, nurturing your health with patience and care. Some days, the garden will flourish; other days, it might need extra attention. The key is to stay committed to your journey, understanding that progress is a series of small steps forward.

Conclusion: Navigating Perimenopause with Confidence

Embracing a nutrition philosophy centred on awareness, knowledge, and action can transform your perimenopause journey from a daunting challenge into an empowering adventure. By tuning into your body’s signals, understanding the changes happening within you, and taking consistent, personalized actions, you can navigate this transition with grace and confidence.

Remember, the way you view your life, your body, and your food is the mindset that will guide you through perimenopause and beyond. With awareness, knowledge, and action, you have the power to shape your journey, feeling empowered and confident every step of the way.

So, stand tall at that crossroads, knowing you hold the map to your own well-being. Your journey through perimenopause is not just a transition; it’s an opportunity to rediscover and reclaim your health, one mindful choice at a time.