Menopause is everyone's (other than my kids) new favorite topic. Medication, supplements, bioidentical hormone replacement, weight lifting, protein loading -- you name it, women in this season of life have a directive on it.
Never have I felt so seen as both a woman and eating disorder clinician was when I tuned in to this year's Within Summit presentation on Unveiling the Hidden Connection: Perimenopause and Eating Disorders. If there is nothing else you do with this website/blog, please follow the link and listen to it/watch it. You do not have to have an eating disorder or be a provider to find deep value in this presentation. It is entirely free to watch and is absolutely brilliant work that cuts through some of the fog created by the now $18.78 billion dollar menopause industry. Much to write on this industry in future posts!
For now, enjoy this transcription of Christine Stokert, RN intro to this topic.
"If we were to put all of it together, here is something that someone might hear on any given day…
Eat your weight in protein daily – at least 30 grams of protein in every meal. And more in snacks. And why not just add a bunch of protein powder as well? Because no one would be able to eat enough protein to do what we’re telling you.
But make sure to make the majority of what you get is from real food, not supplements. And it can’t be too much at once, because your body can’t process all of it.
And make sure you have variety in what you eat, but don’t eat carbohydrates, because they’ll kill you.
But make sure you’re also eating your weight in fiber, or you’ll never poop again and your sugar will go out of control.
Also make sure you’re not eating too many calories, but make sure you have a lot of fat in your diet. And make sure it’s good fat and not bad fat because good fat will make you good and bad fat will kill you tomorrow.
And make sure you’re eating lots of meals throughout the day. But don’t graze, because you’ll gain weight – and no one wants that.
And while you’re spending your day thinking about what you have eaten and will eat, make sure you’re not obsessing about food, because it’s really about movement. So make sure you’re heavy lifting about 4-5 times a week. You should do weight-bearing activity, and walk with a weighted vest, and be able to carry your body weight around a gym a few times. And don’t forget to jump! But also don’t do too much, because your cortisol levels will go up, and that isn’t good for you.
So make sure that you’re meditating daily for stress reduction. And that you’re doing gentle yoga at least five times a week. While you’re at it, make sure that you’re sprinting for heart health. But make sure that you don’t do too much cardio because it’s all about weight lifting now. But you have to get your heart rate up or your heart will fail you early in life. You’re at increased risk now, you know, because you’re in perimenopause…and it will all go downhill from here.
Oh! And by the way, make sure you still put in 100% while you still have brain fog, and haven’t been sleeping well. And make sure you taking care of your children, and your aging parents, and above all else, don’t forget to have constant gratitude."
Genius. What did she miss? Shout 'em out!
