The Radiance Blog

๐ŸŒฟ Fueling Your Future โ€” Nutrition for Menopausal Health

calcium vitamin d menopause hormone health menopause nutrition metabolic health perimenopause diet protein women over 40 Jun 27, 2025

“I eat healthy… So why do I still feel off?”

In perimenopause and beyond, nutrition plays a vital new role. As hormones shift, so do your body’s needs — for energy, bone protection, muscle preservation, and symptom relief.

But this isn’t about restrictive dieting. This is about fueling your future with nourishment that works with your changing biology.

๐Ÿชด Protein: The Unsung Hero of Midlife Wellness

Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders. For women in midlife, it’s the secret to preserving strength, mood, and metabolism.

๐Ÿ’ช Why it matters:

  • Protects lean muscle, which naturally declines after 40
  • Boosts metabolism, supporting weight management
  • Strengthens bones, reducing fracture risk
  • Regulates blood sugar, keeping energy steady
  • Improves satiety, helping curb emotional eating

๐Ÿงฎ How much do you need?

๐Ÿ‘‰ Aim for 1.0 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight per day.
For a 70 kg woman: 70–84 grams daily.
โœ… Spread it out: 20–25g of protein per meal.

๐Ÿณ Best sources:

  • Animal-based: Salmon, tuna, eggs, Greek yogurt, poultry
  • Plant-based: Lentils, quinoa, tofu, edamame, nuts, seeds (combine for a full amino acid profile)

 “Muscle is your metabolic currency — the more you have, the richer your health becomes.”

๐ŸŒพ Carbs & Fats: Not the Enemy — If You Choose the Right Ones

๐ŸŒพ Complex Carbs

Whole grains, legumes, fruit, vegetables = your energy allies
โœ… High fiber → balances blood sugar, reduces cravings, supports digestion
๐ŸŽฏ Target: 45–65% of total calories from complex carbs

๐Ÿซ’ Healthy Fats

Support hormones, brain function, and heart health
๐Ÿซ’ Sources: Olive oil, avocados, walnuts, seeds, fatty fish
๐ŸŽฏ Target: 25–35% of calories from unsaturated fats

 “Your brain is 60% fat — give it what it needs to stay sharp.”

๐ŸŒผ Bone-Building Nutrients: Calcium & Vitamin D

Menopause accelerates bone loss — so your diet becomes a frontline defense.

๐Ÿฆด Calcium

Essential for strong bones
โœ… Aim for 1,200 mg/day post-menopause
๐Ÿฅฆ Sources: Dairy, leafy greens, almonds, sardines, fortified drinks

โ˜€๏ธ Vitamin D

Helps calcium absorption
โœ… Aim for 1,000 IU/day
โ˜€๏ธ Sources: Sunlight, salmon, fortified foods, supplements

๐ŸŒธ Foods to Embrace & Foods to Limit

โœ… Embrace:

  • Rainbow of fruits & veggies
  • Whole grains
  • Plant-based proteins
  • Anti-inflammatory herbs (turmeric, ginger)

๐Ÿšซ Limit:

  • Sugary drinks + desserts
  • Refined carbs + white bread
  • Processed meats
  • Excess alcohol + caffeine
  • Spicy foods (may worsen hot flashes)

 “Quit dieting. Start nourishing.”

๐Ÿ’ง Hydration & Hormone Support

Hormone shifts can trigger dehydration, which worsens:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Constipation

๐Ÿฅค Tip: Drink half your body weight in ounces daily. Add lemon or a pinch of sea salt if needed for better absorption.

๐ŸŒท Your Nutrition Reset Starts Here

This is more than symptom management. This is building a foundation for your next 40 years — with nourishment that supports your bones, brain, muscles, and mood.

Coming up next in our 7-part series: How to Protect Your Bones in Menopause

Want Help Building a Balanced Plan?

Join the free Midlife Hormone Reset masterclass: “How to Support Your Hormones Naturally and Find Your Midlife Rhythm” Register here: https://rebeccafrancisteamw78030.myclickfunnels.com/evergreen-webinar-optin 

๐ŸŒŸ You Deserve Options That Respect Your Whole Self
Whether you choose HRT, holistic tools, or a blend of both - you deserve a care plan that fits your values, your symptoms, and your life.
The future of menopause care is integrative. Compassionate. And customizable.

๐Ÿง˜‍โ™€๏ธ Want support while you explore these options?
Join my free Skool Community, built for real conversations, private support, and access to resources that help you navigate midlife with confidence.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Join here:  https://www.skool.com/12steps2radiance-9796/about?ref=fe021492ab4c44a6afc87107cfc97aac

 

๐ŸŽ ย Start with a FREE Guide: The Freedom Formulaโ„ข
Your Gentle Reset for Food Freedom & Midlife Hormone Support


Ditch the calorie math and food guilt. Discover a kinder, proven way to support your metabolism, cravings, and energy โ€” with nourishing steps that actually work
for your midlife body.