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"This is terrifying. I didn't think it was going to be like this." Jenn said as we peered over the edge of another cliff, we needed to down-climb in the middle of a nearly 4000-foot descent from a remote lake most hikers don’t venture to. Smart.

It's true. We thought our route down would be smooth sailing through a gentle-ish valley.

Instead, we followed 3 gym bros down a more direct route.

This left us triggering rock slides, clinging to granite walls, and removing leg hairs by butt-sliding down 45-degree slopes. We were desperate to return to the trailhead without major injuries or a helicopter evacuation.

How does this apply to intuitive eating?

When your critical voice is yelling “you HAVE to lose this meno-belly,” and you're worried about getting diabetes or heart disease like your parents, of course, you want to take the most direct route to lose weight.

That's what any diet is—the most direct route.

You'll lose weight with any diet with calorie restriction. It's worked for you in the past.

Until the direct route puts your health at risk.

Following food rules for intentional weight loss is risky for anyone, especially women in perimenopause and menopause.

Calorie restriction, and not eating enough carbs or protein, increases your risk of osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, and blood sugar control issues.

Not to mention increases symptoms of perimenopause like brain fog, irritability, and terrible sleep.

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I get it, Reader. Seeing your body physically change is rough.

Weight gain during menopause isn’t your fault.

For 85% of women who gain weight, it’s due to life being chaotic, not having enough capacity to put up with the chaos, and generally no more f*cks to give.

When hormones fluctuate wildly during perimenopause, you have less capacity to meal plan and prep, make fresh, whole food meals, and do consistent exercise.

It’s not your fault. I hear your desire to eat healthy and move more.

You’re not out of willpower. You're going through a major physiological shift!

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If you’ve been practicing intuitive eating for a while, but summer chaos took you off track, try this to get back on track.

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4-minute VIDEO

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Quick Breakfast Idea

Based on the Minimalist Baker Blog, I'm in love with these quick, satisfying energy balls for everything from breakfast, and dessert after lunch, to an on-the-trail pick-me-up. Roll the balls in hemp seeds to increase protein and omega-3 fats.

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1 cup raisins

1/2 cup tahini, unsalted

3 Tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp light miso or 1 Tbsp brine from Firefly Kitchens

⅓ cup Hemp Seeds (hemp hearts)

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In a 4-cup or larger food processor, add raisins and process until a ball forms.

Break the “raisin ball” up into smaller pieces, then add the tahini, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and miso or fermented brine. Process until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed to incorporate the cocoa powder, about 30 seconds total. Be careful not to over-process, or it will get very oily.

Taste and adjust as needed, adding more cocoa powder for chocolate flavor or tahini for richness.

Use a 1 – 1 ½ Tbsp scoop or cereal spoon, form the mixture into balls, and drop them into a shallow bowl or plate with the hemp seeds. Roll them around to fully coat, then shake off any loose seeds.

Enjoy right away or place finished truffles on a freezer-safe tray to freeze for several hours. This will give a fudgier texture.

Store balls in a freezer bag in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 1 month.​
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Enjoy your weekend savoring food and your body!

Amanda

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PS: When your critical voice is yelling “you HAVE to lose this meno-belly,” and you're worried about getting diabetes or heart disease like your parents, of course, you want to take the most direct route to lose weight. The direct route (dieting) isn't always the best choice. If you’ve been practicing intuitive eating for a while, but summer chaos took you off track, WATCH this to get back on track.​

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