welcome to my nourishing corner of the web!

Just when I thought I had cracked the code on “healthy eating” and wellness, menopause decided to crash the party uninvited.

Let’s rewind about 15 years. I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life that I didn’t notice the subtle shifts happening in my body.

It never even crossed my mind that the little signs—those creeping symptoms—were waving a red flag for menopause. I was eating well, staying active, and even coaching a running club, thinking that whatever was going on would sort itself out.

Reality hit hard about three years later when I stumbled across a photo of myself. I could hardly believe my eyes—I had gained 32 pounds, jumping from a comfortable 120 to 152 pounds, and I couldn’t understand why.

My diet and activity level hadn’t changed, so what was happening? Determined to get back on track, I leaned into what I knew best—nutrition.

I went back to basics with a simple healthy eating plan focused on a caloric deficit. The weight came off, and for a while, things felt normal again.

But then, as I entered my early 40s, the weight started creeping back. Even though I was sticking to healthy habits and staying active, nothing seemed to work anymore.

I felt lost and frustrated, so I did what many of us do—I jumped onto the latest diet bandwagons. I tried Ideal Protein, Minceavie (like Atkins), ProEnergy, and even dabbled in Keto. Sure, I’d lose some weight, but it would always come back, often bringing along extra pounds as souvenirs.

By my mid-40s, perimenopause was in full swing, bringing with it a storm of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It was overwhelming, and I reluctantly turned to medication.

As a nutritionist, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. Shouldn’t I have this all figured out by now?

I even started to buy into the myth that life after 40 was just a downhill slide filled with misery. You know the sayings: “It’s all part of getting older,” or “Maybe it’s just me; I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.”

The meds didn’t really help, and as time went on, my symptoms only got worse.

The breaking point came one day when I snapped at my mom—the kindest soul I know—for absolutely no reason. The guilt and regret hit me like a ton of bricks, and I knew I couldn’t keep going like this.

So, I went back to the basics—my books, my knowledge, and my passion for nutrition. I asked myself: Why couldn’t I use what I know to heal myself? I had helped so many women and even supported my husband through serious health challenges—why not me?

Slowly, I began to see that food wasn’t the problem. The real issue was that traditional diets and weight-loss strategies don’t work for women dealing with the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause. They’re not designed for our unique needs.

With this aha moment, I began weaning off the meds and focused on rebalancing my body with nutrition that actually supports menopausal health. The results were life-changing. My anxiety, depression, and insomnia lifted, and I felt like myself again. It was a powerful reminder to listen to what my body truly needed during this stage of life.

Now, in my 50s, I feel amazing—full of energy, with hot flashes and night sweats in the rearview mirror. I’ve broken through my weight

plateau, my digestion is on point, and I can enjoy food without discomfort.

I feel confident, vibrant, and attractive again. With my health in check, I can focus on what really matters—quality time with family, friends, and living a life I love. Life is truly beautiful!