Nicole Smith

Transforming Your Body Without Tracking: A Mindful Approach

For some, the idea of stepping on a scale or measuring every bite of food can feel overwhelming or even triggering. These tools—while effective—can carry emotional weight for individuals who have had negative experiences with dieting or body image. While it’s worth addressing these psychological barriers over time, there’s a way to create the body […]

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Meal Timing for Workouts: Fueling Your Body in Perimenopause

The days of fasted cardio and fasted exercise are behind us—especially for women in perimenopause and menopause. While these trends may have seemed beneficial in the past, research shows they can actually increase stress on the body, elevate cortisol levels, and lead to increased belly fat and a slower metabolism. For women navigating the hormonal

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Sleep Apnea and the Perimenopausal Transition: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Sleep apnea, a common yet often underdiagnosed sleep disorder, becomes a significant health concern for women entering their 40s and beyond. During the perimenopausal transition, hormonal changes increase the risk of sleep apnea, even in women who have never experienced symptoms before. Recent guidelines recommend that all women over 40 be screened for sleep apnea,

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Nutrition for Menopause: Supporting Health Through Dietary Changes

Menopause is a time of profound hormonal and metabolic changes, and dietary adjustments can play a pivotal role in maintaining health, managing symptoms, and preventing long-term conditions. Insulin resistance, weight gain (particularly around the belly), and cardiovascular risks become more pronounced during menopause, making nutrition the cornerstone of a healthy transition. Why Dietary Changes Are

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Nutrition for Perimenopause: The Key to Balancing Hormones, Gut Health, and Energy

Perimenopause is a time of significant hormonal shifts, and these changes profoundly affect the gut microbiome, metabolism, and overall health. While medications and supplements have their place, nutrition is the cornerstone of managing perimenopausal symptoms, rebalancing hormones, and improving body composition and energy levels. No quick fix or supplement can replicate the power of a

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Building Muscle Through Perimenopause and Menopause: Why It’s Essential

As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, many experience changes in body composition that can feel frustrating and out of control. One of the most significant changes during this time is the loss of muscle mass, which can impact strength, metabolism, and overall health. Prioritizing muscle-building activities, such as strength training, is one of the

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Understanding Progesterone: Natural vs. Synthetic Options

Progesterone is a critical hormone for women’s health, influencing everything from menstrual cycles and fertility to mood and metabolic health. However, not all progesterone is created equal. The differences between natural progesterone and synthetic progestins can have profound impacts on the body. Understanding these distinctions is essential for making informed decisions about hormone replacement therapy

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Measuring Body Composition in Perimenopause and Menopause

Body composition becomes increasingly important during perimenopause and menopause as hormonal changes lead to a redistribution of body fat and an increase in visceral fat. While BMI (Body Mass Index) has long been used as a measurement of health, it is outdated and does not provide an accurate picture of body composition or fat distribution.

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Gut Health and Its Role in Perimenopause, Menopause, and Metabolism

The gut is often referred to as the “second brain,” but its influence goes far beyond digestion. During perimenopause and menopause, changes in gut health can profoundly impact metabolism, hormone balance, and overall well-being. Addressing gut inflammation is key to healing the body, rebalancing hormones, and improving metabolic health. The Gut-Hormone Connection When the gut

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Understanding Anemia in Perimenopause and Menopause

Anemia is a common condition, particularly in women during the perimenopausal and menopausal transitions. Among the various types, iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent, especially as we age. During perimenopause, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles can exacerbate iron loss, and dietary changes or underlying health conditions may limit the body’s ability to replenish it.

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