#166: What if “healthy” is a pattern, not a prescription? Redefining lifestyle medicine in menopause
Description
The words “diet and exercise” often feel like a trap door into diet culture and the diet mentality. Given that the theme for this year's World Menopause Day is lifestyle medicine, I wanted to explore lifestyle medicine through a behavior-first lens and share compassionate, doable choices that actually fit your life. Starting with real stories—a cholesterol scare that triggered a Google spiral and a breast cancer survivor who felt she “failed” exercise—we'll explore why language carries weight and how reframing goals can lift the pressure without losing the science. I reframe lifestyle medicine as behavior change medicine and share practical ways to support menopause with flexible food patterns, mindful eating for satisfaction, and low-capacity day forecasting.
We'll cover:
• Why words matter
• Behavior change vs chasing an outcome
• Redefining healthy eating
• A plant-forward and fiber focused approach
• Persistence vs consistency as a food strategy
• Mindful eating to boost satisfaction and awareness
• Forecasting meals to reduce decision fatigue
• Capsule menus and targeting tough meal times
• Personalization over perfection in menopause care
• Community resources and ongoing support
Head to menopause nutritionist.ca to learn more about my one-to-one and group coaching programs, free resources, and where to get your copy of Eat to Thrive during menopause.
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Looking for more about midlife, menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links