"I've never been happy with my body. I try to stay strong and active, and I appreciate what I'm able to do physically. But deep down, I'm not comfortable with the belly fat I've gained. I do my best not to vocalize any body issues around my 13-year-old daughter."

"I just want my spring clothes to fit this year. I've had to buy new clothes every season for the past year and a half because nothing fit like it used to."

It's tough to see your body change during menopause.

If the spring wardrobe you wore last year doesn't fit this year, you're not broken... or making the worst food choices ever... or not moving your body enough.

Before I share a body image pep-talk....

Did you get on the waitlist for the Gentle Nutrition Made Easy mini-course yet?

Maybe you tried to practice the gentle nutrition strategies we talked about in March, but weren't consistent thanks to craziness at work, spring break, and low-energy days.

The 4-week mini-course will help! Registration opens next week!

Remember the angst of your body not looking right when you were a pre-teen, Reader?

I felt like I was the biggest girl in my 3rd grade class.

My body felt square with no curves or definition. I was teased at recess, and one so-called friend told me I "was bigger than my Mom."

Well, here we are 35 years later, feeling similar but juggling WAY more responsibility at the same time! And hopefully better friends 😎

You've heard "menopause is like puberty in reverse."

One of my clients today referred to it as Courgar Puberty.

That sounds more fun than puberty in reverse or the other classic, "puberty with a mortgage."
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Symptoms of menopause, including weight gain around your waist, mood swings, night sweats, fatigue, and stress, fuel the negative body image thoughts in your head.

According to a study published online by The Menopause Society, the sociocultural "thin idea" increases body dissatisfaction.

Original study published online March 2025 by The Menopause Society

In other words, you're in good company.

Look around social media, print media, and the recent red carpet at the Oscars.

Aging and weight gain aren't allowed - especially with the increased promotion of GLP-1 medications.

Negative body image thoughts make it hard to make small, low-bar, behavior-based changes with food, exercise, or sleep. You feel like whatever small change you make isn't enough, so what's the point?

But it is enough, Reader!

Behavior-based changes, no matter how small, create a connection with your body from the inside instead of shaming what you see on the outside. This improves your health during menopause and for years to come.

Here's an episode from the Savor Food and Body Podcast archives to ease the discomfort of finding body acceptance in this season of life.

​How to Accept Your Body During Perimenopause with Nina Manolson

RECIPE:

“I LOVE a good cookie. That’s my diet downfall. I know I shouldn’t keep them in the house because they aren’t good for my heart health or waist.” Kate said in our session this week.

“What if you paired them with a meal that includes ingredients you feel good about, ingredients that align with your health goals?” I asked

Giving yourself permission to eat a variety of nutrient and pleasure-dense foods is essential to satisfaction, food joy, AND getting out of the all-or-nothing mindset that fuels negative body image.

This recipe is adapted from my favorite baker, Lisa Crawford, owner of The Tiny Kitchen. It's her classic chocolate chipper recipe with a few fun upgrades like crystallized ginger and coconut flakes. Each cookie is a party for your taste buds - especially warm out of the oven!
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Deluxe Ranger Cookies

⅓ cup butter or coconut oil, melted, or sunflower oil

½ cup brown sugar + 2 ½ Tbsp

1 large egg

½ tsp vanilla extract

¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

1 cup rolled oats

¼ unsweetened coconut flakes

½ cup crystallized ginger, chopped

½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% of higher cocoa content)

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter or oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix well for a couple of minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix again for a couple of minutes.

Add in the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Add in coconut flakes, crystallized ginger, and chocolate chips. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.

Preheat oven to 350F. Space cookies about 2 inches apart on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-13 minutes, until cookies are lightly golden brown.

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being amazing, 1 being meh), how's your body image these days?

Hit reply! I'd love to hear how you're doing 🤩
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Have a delicious weekend savoring food and your body!

Amanda

PS: Symptoms of menopause, including weight gain around your waist, mood swings, night sweats, fatigue, and stress, fuel the negative body image thoughts in your head. According to a study published online by The Menopause Society, the sociocultural "thin idea" increases body dissatisfaction. Listen to this episode from the Savor Food and Body Podcast archives to ease the discomfort of finding body acceptance in this season of life. How to Accept Your Body During Perimenopause with Nina Manolson