Nutrition and Food in Perimenopause and Menopause

Nutrition and Food in Perimenopause and Menopause

Nutrition and Food in Perimenopause and Menopause

 

October is Menopause Awareness Month and I am on a mission to share helpful information on perimenopause and menopause so that you can be empowered through this transition.

I know it can be frustrating figuring out what to eat as our body starts shifting hormonally. Although what works for each person varies, there are some basic guidelines that can be a helpful place to start!

 

The basics:

Focus on nutrient-dense REAL foods! Lots of non-starchy vegetables (think eating a RAINBOW!), some whole grains or beans/legumes or fruits, the right amount of lean proteins, and healthy fats.

 

Protein Power

Prioritize lean protein sources at every meal/snack like poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu.

Protein supports muscle maintenance and helps manage appetite, crucial for weight loss.

 

Fiber for Satiety, Digestive Health and Hormonal Balance

Increase fiber intake through vegetables, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and fruits.

Fiber promotes satiety, aiding in appetite control and digestive health.

 

Mindful Eating

Eat slowly, savor each bite, and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.

Create a beautiful, inviting space when you eat.

Sounds silly but put your fork down in between bites and really chew your food (I’m still working on this one!)

 

Healthy Fats for Hormonal Health

Incorporate sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

These fats are essential for hormone production and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish (wild-caught salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts.

 

Limit Sugar and Processed Foods

Minimize added sugars and processed foods, which can disrupt blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain.

Regulating your blood sugar is probably one of THE MOST IMPORTANT things you can do to support healthy weight in perimenopause and menopause

 

Meal Planning and Portions

Plan balanced meals so that it is EASY and enjoyable to eat well

Aim for about half or more of your plate as vegetables, palm-size of protein, small amount of starches and 1-2 T. of healthy fats per meal

 

Individualized Approach

As always, each body is different so it’s important to listen to what YOUR body is telling you!

Need more guidance?: Book a complimentary Discovery Session today to see if working together will help you with your health and wellness goals!

 

Ready to learn more? Book a Discovery Session today!

I’m also available to give talks, webinars and discussion groups on perimenopause and menopause! 

CGM Experience with Michelle Dwyer

CGM Experience with Michelle Dwyer

Ready to join the next 2-Week CGM Experience?

Are you ready for more energy and vitality?

Are you curious to see what is going when you have that afternoon crash or wake up in the middle of the night?

Do you want to know more about how sugar and processed carbs affect your body?

And do you want to get personalized insight about your body while also in a supportive, fun environment led by a health expert?

 

Then Welcome to the CGM 2-Week Experience! 

Next one starts October 6, 2024 so reach out today! 

 

Did you know that a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) can be one the best ways to get personalized insight on how food is affecting YOUR body and blood sugar?

Blood sugar fluctuations can affect our energy, weight, hormones, sleep, mood and so much more!

A CGM is gently attached to your back arm for two weeks and allows you to see via an app the fluctuations to your blood sugar based on what and when and how much you are eating.

 

Why would I want to wear a CGM, Michelle?

Getting clarity about what is going on in real time with your blood sugar can help you support:

  • Balanced weight
  • Better energy
  • Sleep quality
  • Mental and emotional clarity
  • Stress and lifestyle management
  • Personalized food choices

 

This sounds great! What are all the details?

 

The Dates:

October 6-20, 2024

 

Three 60-minute Group Zoom calls (all will be recorded):

  • Kick-off Call: October 6 at 10 am PT
  • Mid-way Check-in Call: October 13 at 10 am PT
  • Celebrations and Next Steps Call:  October 20 at 10 am PT

 

What you’ll receive:

  • Three 60-minute group zoom calls (before, during and after the “experience”) to help guide you on how to make the most of the two weeks.
  • Private group page/thread via WhatsApp to post ahas, insights, questions and receive support, encouragement, and guidance from me (I’m a Holistic Health Coach and Certified Nutrition Consultant) the whole two weeks
  • Michelle’s expertise, encouragement, accountability, support!
  • Community and camaraderie! It’s more fun to do together!

 

Investment: NOTE: There are TWO pieces

#1: The Sensor

Everyone: $99 for TWO CGM devices (Each one lasts for two weeks)—you will order this on your own with a link I’ll provide (you are paying face value to the company—no affiliate or benefit to me—this is just what it costs out of pocket). You are also welcome to order it elsewhere but you do need a CGM sensor (Abbott and Dexcom are the two main companies).

NOTE: You may be able to use your HSA/FSA for the CGM–please check with your provider for details.

***If you can get a prescription from your doctor, there is a way to get it for FREE as your first trial or for a discount. 

Ask your doctor for a prescription for the Abbott Freestyle Libre 3 and that you will be paying CASH (not asking for it to be covered by insurance)

 

#2: For the group experience with Michelle as the guide 

$200 Regular rate for the two-week experience together

$100 off if you are a returner

 

Special bonus for new clients only: If you decide you’d like to work with me 1:1 when the CGM Experience is over, you can apply the $300 you invested towards my services!

 

 

What previous clients have shared are the benefits of wearing a CGM:

I sometimes have a strong urge for a carb or sweet in the late afternoon and was able to see that it often correlated with a drop in blood sugar. Knowing that helped me pick a protein/fiber snack instead of a carb/sweet. It also helped me correlate my frequent afternoon emotional slumps (feeling overwhelmed, sad, distracted, wanting to give up on productivity for the day) with a drop in blood sugar. There is power in knowing that the emotional piece is caused by something physiological.

 

“My CGM did so much to raise my awareness of how food impacts my body, and it has helped me make wiser decisions about what I eat.”

 

“After consistently wearing a CGM for a couple months and making changes to my eating patterns, I’ve lost the ‘stubborn’ ten pounds in my belly, my energy feels great, and I know I’m making positive changes for my long-term health.”

 

“I realized that not only what I ate but how much and at what time really affected my blood sugar. I’m not sure I realized the impact before seeing it in the app and now I feel motivated to make shifts that have me feeling more sustained energy and sleeping better than before.”

 

 

Who is this NOT for:

X No one pregnant.

X No one under 18.

X No one with diagnosed Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. (Okay if you have been diagnosed with “prediabetes.”)

X No one with active cancer, liver disease, kidney disease or other major illness.

X No one in a current place of an eating disorder.

Please consult with your doctor if you have any questions on whether a CGM is right for you.

 

 

FAQ:

Will it hurt?

No, there is some slight pressure applying the device and maybe a little soreness after but it is mild to nothing.

 

Can I invite a friend or family member?

Yes, please do! It really is more fun to do with a buddy or partner. 

 

What do I need to participate?

You will need to purchase a CGM out of pocket (insurance only covers it if you have diabetes) and you will need to download the free app that comes with a CGM. I will provide a link for an easy place to get a CGM but you are welcome to get it elsewhere. Note: I receive NO MONEY from you ordering a CGM.

 

 

If you’re interested in joining the next round, the best next step is to EMAIL me at [email protected] and I’ll send you all the details to join!

10 Helpful Strategies for Weight Loss or Weight Management

10 Helpful Strategies for Weight Loss or Weight Management

Whether you want to maintain your current weight or feel the need to lose a few pounds after the holidays, the key is losing weight slowly and mindfully. We know diets don’t work and counting or cutting calories doesn’t work for most people over the long-term. Of course it is also important to look at weight loss from a holistic perspective, where you address healthy changes that support your body, mind and spirit. 

fork with spirals

1. Get plenty of sleep.
2. Always eat breakfast and never skip meals.
3. Eat every three and a half to four hours to keep blood sugar, cortisol and appetite under control.
4. Eat within an hour of waking and stop eating at least three hours before bedtime.
5. Treat yourself one meal a week—eat anything you want for that one meal and really enjoy yourself without the guilt.
6. Eat slowly and mindfully. Enjoy your food and chew it well.
7. Drink more water. Basic rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink 80 ounces of water. Herbal teas count as well!
8. Eat off smaller plates and measure your portions if you find that helpful. When in doubt, always make at least half your plate non-starchy vegetables.
9. Move your body a little bit everyday. Take a walk, play with your kids, do 10 minutes of yoga, have a dance party in your living room, take the stairs, park a little farther away.
10. Find ways to manage your stress like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or journaling.

Which one of these suggestions could you start today? Which ones have you tried and had success doing? What other suggestions to do you have? I want to hear from you!