Menopause Journey – Hunger and Cravings
Hello to all the incredible women in our Embracing Menopause community! In today’s post, we delve into the common yet often misunderstood journey of menopause, focusing on a major concern for many: the intense hunger and cravings that come with this transitional phase. Drawing from both personal coaching experiences and scientific insights, we aim to shed light on how a tailored approach to fitness, nutrition, and wellness can empower you through these changes.
Menopause is a transformative time marked by significant hormonal fluctuations, which can profoundly affect our bodies and appetites. Contrary to the myth of a drastically slowing metabolism, research reveals that our metabolic rate remains fairly stable until around age 60. Instead, it's the hormonal shifts, particularly in oestrogen, leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol, that play pivotal roles in altering our hunger levels and food preferences.
Oestrogen, known to dampen appetite, decreases during menopause, potentially leading to increased hunger. Ghrelin, the "hunger hormone," increases, signalling our brains more forcefully that it's time to eat. Meanwhile, leptin, which helps regulate energy and inhibit hunger, may decrease with age, making us feel hungrier. Additionally, cortisol, the stress hormone, can rise during menopause, further influencing our appetite and cravings.
Anna’s Path to Empowerment Through Personalised Coaching
Let's explore these concepts through Anna's story, a client who navigated her menopausal years with the guidance of a fitness and nutrition coach. Anna experienced the common menopausal symptoms of increased hunger, cravings, and changes in body composition. Together, we embarked on a holistic approach that went beyond diet and exercise, incorporating life coaching techniques to address her emotional and psychological well-being.
Recognising the impact of hormonal changes on Anna’s appetite, we focused on mindfulness practices to distinguish between hunger and emotional eating and to tackle the hormonal changes affecting her appetite, we crafted a personalised food plan focusing on hormone-supporting, nutrient-rich foods aimed at keeping cravings under control. Alongside, we introduced a low-impact strength training program tailored to what Anna actually enjoyed, turning exercise from a chore into a highlight of her day. This approach helped Anna manage her cravings and maintain a healthy weight through her menopausal years.
Understanding the hormonal roots of menopausal hunger and cravings is crucial. Opting for restrictive diets can often lead to frustration. Instead, a balanced diet rich in nutrients, combined with personalised, low-impact strength training, proves to be more effective. Incorporating stress management techniques and ensuring adequate sleep are also key components of a holistic approach to navigating menopause with ease.
By sharing Anna's story, the aim is to shed light on the importance of a tailored approach to wellness during menopause. It's not just about battling symptoms but about embracing this phase with a strategy that supports both body and mind.
Embracing Menopause with a Holistic Approach
Menopause is not just a physical journey but an emotional and psychological one as well. As Anna's story illustrates, addressing the complex interplay of hormones, cravings, and lifestyle changes requires a compassionate, tailored approach. Through personalised coaching, focusing on fitness, nutrition, and emotional well-being, women can navigate this transformative phase with grace and empowerment.
Our mission at Embracing Menopause is to support you through this journey, offering insights and strategies that resonate with the unique experiences of menopausal transition. By understanding the root causes of menopausal hunger and cravings and embracing a holistic approach to wellness, we can navigate these changes together, fostering a community of strength and support.
Stay tuned to our blog for more empowering stories and tips for your menopause journey. Together, we can embrace change and thrive during menopause, celebrating each step towards a balanced and fulfilling life.