"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 were halfway down a nearly 4000-foot descent from a remote lake most hikers don’t venture to.

Smart.

We thought our route down would be cruisy through a gentle-ish valley.

Instead, we didn't trust our instincts and 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 - determined to get back to the trailhead without a helicopter evacuation.

The experience made me think...

You know when your critical voice yells, “You MUST lose this meno-belly,” and you worry about getting diabetes or heart disease like your parents, it's hard to trust gentle nutrition instincts, isn't it, Reader?

You want to take the most direct route.

You were taught, if you lose the weight, you won’t be doomed to chronic diseases like your folks.

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

You can lose weight with any calorie restriction. It's worked for you in the past. It works in the research.

It works until the direct route puts your health at risk or you want to have more food freedom in your life.

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

Calorie restriction and not eating enough carbs (like complex carbs with fiber) or protein increases your risk of osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, and poor blood sugar control.

Not to mention, restricting carbs can increase symptoms like brain fog, irritability, and terrible sleep.

The direct route isn't always the best choice.

And as Jenn would say, "I'm here to help my friends make good choices" - even when it's tough to see your body change.

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is complex and not your fault.

When hormones fluctuate wildly, it feels like you have less motivation and energy to meal plan, prep fresh whole-food meals, and do regular exercise.

I know your desire to eat healthy and move more. And cut yourself some slack!

You're going through a major internal remodel project.

You care about your health AND you know dieting doesn’t work in the long term.

You know gentle nutrition is the route to take, but summer chaos took you off track. Now what?

This video will make getting started again easier.

The number 1 strategy to get back on track with gentle nutrition:

​Watch on YouTube​

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.

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)

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 1–1½ 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

PS: Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is complex and not your fault. When hormones fluctuate wildly, it feels like you have less motivation and energy to meal plan, prep fresh whole-food meals, and do regular exercise. I know your desire to eat healthy and move more. And cut yourself some slack!

​Watch this video for the number 1 strategy to get back on track with gentle nutrition.