We've been told our whole lives: "Calories in, calories out." If you want to lose weight, just eat less and move more. While this simple math might work in your 20s, the equation changes drastically when you hit perimenopause.
Suddenly, the diet that worked five years ago isn't budging the scale. In fact, you might even be gaining weight while starving yourself. Why?
The Cortisol Connection
Restricting calories places stress on the body. For a younger body, this stress is manageable. But in your 40s, your body is already under stress from fluctuating hormones. Adding the stress of starvation triggers a massive spike in Cortisol.
High cortisol tells your body: "Famine is coming! Store fat!" And where does cortisol love to store fat? Right around the belly area to protect your vital organs.
Metabolic Adaptation
When you chronically under-eat, your thyroid slows down to preserve energy. You might drop your intake to 1200 calories, but your body cleverly lowers its burn rate to 1100. It's a race to the bottom that you cannot win.
Focus on Density, Not Calories
Instead of counting numbers, count nutrient density. 500 calories of kale, quinoa, and avocado sends a completely different hormonal signal than 500 calories of "100-calorie snack packs."
What To Do Instead
Focus on Nourishment. Eat foods that signal safety to your body. Plenty of healthy fats, clean proteins, and fiber. When your body feels safe and nourished, it will naturally release the held weight.
Stop starving, start thriving.
See the Meal Plan