NEW! Support your strength and muscle goals with PUORI Creatine+ — a clean, effective creatine monohydrate supplement enhanced with taurine. Get 20% off at puori.com/VANESSA

In today's episode, we take a powerful deep dive into women's metabolism during perimenopause and midlife with Dr. Hannah Cabré, postdoctoral fellow at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and 2025 Fellow of the Year.

We break down why body composition changes so dramatically for women in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s — and what the latest science says you can do to stay strong, lean, and metabolically healthy through this transition.

Dr. Cabré explains what's actually driving muscle loss, increased protein turnover, shifts in fat distribution, and changes in fuel use, and she shares evidence-based nutrition and training strategies that truly move the needle.

OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchasee

In this episode, we cover:

• What perimenopause is and why symptoms vary so much

• How estrogen loss increases protein turnover and belly fat

• Aging vs. menopause: what's hormonal and what's not

• Protein needs for women (1.2–1.6 g/kg) and how to hit them

• Simple meal-by-meal protein goals for muscle retention

• The best diet pattern for postmenopausal women

• Mediterranean-style eating, nitrates, and vascular health

• Olive oil, fish, omega-3s & lowering inflammation

• Creatine for women: strength, mood, cognition & hydration

• Key micronutrients for each stage of a woman's life

• Cycle syncing vs. what the science actually shows

• Sleep, hydration & recovery strategies to reduce fatigue

• Nutrition approaches that support fat loss & body recomposition

If you're navigating perimenopause, noticing body composition changes, or simply want to understand how to fuel and train smarter in your 30s, 40s, and 50s, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and science-based tools you can use today.

NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide 

Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl

Get 20% off on the Tone Device breath ketone analyzer or the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy Mask or the at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code VANESSA

Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast.

Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast

The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.