What'd you do over Memorial Day weekend, Reader?

Go on any adventures? Eat delicious foods? Maybe started your garden?

Our Savor Adventure Crew hit the trails.

"Ooof! That last mile and a half! I definitely don't have my August body anymore," Jenn said on our first backpack adventure of the season.

"I can feel a knot come on in my right shoulder, and my legs feel like lead." She said.

It felt like dusting winter cobwebs off our bodies as we adapted to carrying 20+ pound packs.

It was nearly 7 miles into camp at The Forks. But it felt like 12 miles.

I wondered, "Would my body be strong enough to do 15+ mile days with a heavy pack by August, the month reserved for more intense adventures?"

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

As Mary, one of our Savor Adventure Crew members, described…

"...August Bodies are the euphoric, both mental and physical state, where we can power through anything. Early season conditions [and life] throw obstacles at us: sketchy log crossings, postholing, and winter-beaten trails. It takes fortitude, desire, and occasional tears of frustration or fear to overcome these." ​
​

Here's the important truth about an August Body. A truth diet culture doesn't agree with.

Your body needs fuel, physically and mentally, to power through outdoor adventures and life challenges. And by fuel, I mean carbs.

Carbs are demonized for women in midlife, just like fat was 25 years ago.

But here's what the social media posts aren't telling you about carbs.

Your brain and your body NEED them (about 120-150 grams per day) - even if you're concerned about perimenopause, weight gain, and blood sugar control.

Here's why.

Carbs are broken down into glucose, your brain and muscles' primary fuel source.

Your body prefers to burn carbs for fuel first, especially if you're active and want to improve your physical fitness and mental well-being (both are part of an August Body).

Simple carbs are easy or simple to digest because they don't have fiber. They quickly digest into glucose, which your brain and body can use immediately or store for fuel later.

Complex carbs take more time to digest because they have fiber. Fiber is complex to break down, which means these carbs are digested slowly. This gives your brain and body a steady supply of glucose.

Knowing the difference between the 2 types of carbs is essential if you want to have better moods and energy during menopause.

Complex carbs with fiber keep you satisfied longer between meals, which means less random snacking between 3 and 10 pm.

Bonus! Complex carbs help tryptophan from protein convert to serotonin, so you can reduce anxiety during the day or wind down in the evening.

Put it into practice: 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.

⚠️Important! One type of carb isn't better than the other.

Simple carbs are important during menopause, too. It's helpful to understand how they can be a part of gentle nutrition if you want to live an active lifestyle and feel stronger.

If it's been a long day and you feel unmotivated to exercise after work or while the kids are at soccer practice, try having a simple carb snack around 3 pm to boost your energy and mood.

Put it into practice: dark chocolate or your favorite cookie, plus a small handful of peanuts; crackers and cheese; chips and black beans mashed with avocado.

​
​

As a woman in my mid-40s, I'm on the hormone-related emotional and energy roller coaster with you. I get how challenging this season of life is.

And, if you shy away from eating enough carbs, the emotional roller coaster and fatigue of perimenopause and menopause will be worse.

Been there. Felt that!

Put it into practice: Add in more complex carbs to your main meals. See how that affects your mood and energy levels later in the afternoon and evening. Is it easier to relax in the evening if you add whole grains to dinner?

​
​

What's the number 1 carb food you'd never give up?

Hit reply! I'm always looking for delicious adventure-fueling ideas 😎

PS: Carbs are demonized for women in midlife, just like fat was 25 years ago. But here's what the social media posts aren't telling you about carbs. Your brain and your body NEED them (about 120-150 grams per day) - even if you're concerned about perimenopause, weight gain, and blood sugar control. It's true, not all carbs are created equal.

Scroll up for 3 ways to use carbs for energy or to calm your nerves at the end of a crazy day.