How was your Memorial Day weekend, Reader?

My back was sore. My shoulders ached under the 25+ pound pack I carried for our first Savor Food and Body Backpacking Adventure of the season.

"Ooof! That last mile and a half! I definitely don't have my August Body anymore," I thought.

It was 6.3 miles into camp at The Forks. But it felt like 12.3 miles. Would my body get strong enough to do 15+ mile days with a heavy pack by August?

To be clear, an August Body IS NOT the same as the diet culture version of beach body.

As Mary, one of our Savor Adventure Crew members, described…
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"...August Bodies are the euphoric, both mental and physical state, where we can power through anything, and that's pushing through. Early season conditions [and life] throw obstacles at us: sketchy log crossings, postholing, and winter-beaten trails. It takes fortitude, desire, and occasional tears to overcome these." ​
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It's worth it to see Mother Nature unfold into Summer.

But here's the IMPORTANT truth about getting to that August Body. A truth that diet culture doesn't agree with.

Your body needs fuel, physically and mentally, to power through trails and life challenges. And by fuel, I mean carbs.
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Before you unsubscribe, here's what you need to know about the nutrition science behind carbs and...

...why you don't need to be afraid of them, even if you're concerned about weight and blood sugar control (aka insulin resistance).

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Try these ideas to increase complex carbs: add whole grains to your lunch and dinner like brown rice, quinoa, corn tortillas, and whole grain pasta. Enjoy fresh fruit with trail mix or cheese for a mid-afternoon snack.​
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Try these ideas for quick energy or a mood boost from simple carbs: dark chocolate or your favorite cookie and a small handful of peanuts, crackers and cheese, chips and cheese, or black bean hummus.​
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As a 45-year-old woman in the thick of hormone-related emotional and energy roller coasters, I know this season of life is a challenge.
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Do your brain and your body a favor. Start adding in more complex carbs at your main meals.

See how that affects your mood and energy levels later in the afternoon and evening.

Notice if it's easier to relax in the evening if you add a serving of whole grains at dinner.

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What's your go-to carb-based snack? Hit reply! I'm collecting new ideas :)

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Hope you have a terrific weekend savoring food and your body,

Amanda

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PS: Curious how gentle nutrition can make eating easier during menopause - without dieting? Schedule a discovery call! I'm now an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Vermont, Colorado, and California residents. Click here to schedule a call. Let's see if we're made for each other!

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PSS: Here's the IMPORTANT truth about carbs and midlife. A truth that diet culture doesn't agree with. Your body needs carbs physically and mentally to power through life challenges. But here's what the social media posts aren't telling you about carbs. Not all carbs are created equal AND your brain and your body NEED them (about 150 grams per day). Watch this short video about the nutrition science behind carbs and why you don't need to be afraid of them, even if you're concerned about weight and blood sugar control.

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