Blog
Motivation to Blog!
I was motivated to start a blog because I struggled with navigating perimenopause and menopause. Despite being a natural phase in every woman's life, I was woefully unprepared and lacked essential information. While I acknowledged my part in not seeking out knowledge sooner, I was also disheartened by the inadequate guidance from my doctor and the general silence on the topic. It often felt like my concerns were dismissed as "all in my head," making it easier for others to avoid the conversation. This lack of discourse and support around menopause is a disservice to all women, and it drove me to create a platform where we can openly discuss and share valuable insights, experiences, and advice.
"So, let's talk about it."
"I can support you on your journey with my experience and knowledge, and the best part is that I have your best interest at heart. Knowledge is a powerful tool and can be a great ally when dealing with perimenopause and menopause. I will provide the information, skills, and knowledge I have gained through my journey. Subscribe to my blogs today, and let's start the conversation."
Debra
“The Bittersweet Truth:The Link Between Added Sugars Aging and Menopause and You"
As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and women, in particular, experience another significant transition during menopause. Menopause and aging are often accompanied by a range of symptoms, including weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases, and fluctuations in mood. While factors like hormonal changes and lifestyle choices play crucial roles, one often overlooked culprit is the consumption of added sugars.
"Healthy Eating Habits for Vibrant Living: A Guide to Nourishing Your Body in Your Menopausal Journey"
Fuel your body, boost your energy levels, and prioritize longevity! This should be everyone's motto.
However, many people still need to acknowledge the importance of proper nutrition. In this post, I want to share the significant changes I have made to my approach to nutrition. Instead of following diets, I have shifted my focus towards a more holistic view of my nutritional lifestyle. I focus on fueling my body with “good” carbs, sugars, fats, and fiber. This change resulted in sustainable adjustments that improved my health. I lost 15.4 lbs, 3 points of visceral fat, and 4 inches off my waist; I have more energy, sleep better, and have maintained it.
As we navigate through life, especially during the transition of menopause, the importance of a balanced diet becomes increasingly evident. What we eat plays a significant role in managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing overall health. Understanding the value of "good" carbs, sugars, and fats is crucial in making informed dietary choices that support your body's needs.
"Finding Peace: Overcoming Anxiety in your Menopausal Journey."
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), defines panic attacks as A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Those who experience anxiety attacks quickly learn that they can be highly unpleasant experiences. Even so, anxiety attacks and their symptoms can be successfully overcome with the correct information, help, and support.
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. This natural process can bring about physical and emotional changes, including an increase in anxiety attacks. The hormonal changes during Menopause, particularly the decrease in estrogen and progesterone, can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. Understanding this connection can help women manage their symptoms more effectively.
"Sleep Smarter: Essential Sleep Tips for Your 50s"
The Importance of Sleep: for Those in Their 50s and Menopause.
As I lay awake at 3:00 am, I ponder the importance of sleep. I contemplate why I am awake and how I can return to sleep. I consider different breathing techniques that can help me sleep. Is this due to Menopause? Why is my mind racing at 3 am? As we navigate through various stages of life, our bodies and minds have evolving needs. One constant, however, is the necessity of quality sleep. By the time we reach our 50s, ensuring adequate rest becomes more crucial than ever. Then, add Menopause to the mix, and you have a whole new set of issues.
“The Power of Controlled Breathing Techniques and Their Benefits to You.”
Breathing is an essential human activity that we do unconsciously almost always. However, if we learn to harness this involuntary action and make it a conscious endeavor, we can become the masters of our minds and bodies, reaping numerous benefits.
“Balancing Act: Cultivating Complete Fitness for Body, Mind, and Soul"
In today's world, being fit is more than physical strength. It also includes mental resilience, social connections, and nutritional balance. Achieving holistic fitness requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all of these aspects of health.
"Redefining Aging: Empowering Women Through a Positive Perspective on Menopause"
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, marks the end of her reproductive years. Yet, despite its inevitability, menopause often carries a heavy burden of societal stigma and negative perception. Cultural beliefs and societal attitudes about aging and women's health play a significant role in shaping how menopause is viewed and experienced by women.
“Fluid Harmony: Lymphatic Drainage Strategies for Menopausal Wellness”
In this blog post, we'll discuss the relationship between Menopause and the Lymphatic system. Understanding the critical role our lymphatic system plays in supporting our immune system by circulating lymphatic fluid throughout our body to protect us from infections and diseases is essential. During Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause, this system becomes even more vital. We'll dive into how Menopausal women are affected by the lymphatic system and provide some essential steps to help maintain their overall health and well-being. Additionally, we'll explore how estrogen impacts the lymphatic system.
"Beyond Reproduction: The Comprehensive Benefits of Estrogen Unveiled”
The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) dates back to the 1960s and gained immense popularity in the 1990s. Clinical trials on HRT and chronic postmenopausal conditions were conducted in the USA in the late 1990s. However, the announcement of the first results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) in 2002, which showed that HRT had more harmful than beneficial effects, led to a drop in its usage. The study's negative results received widespread publicity, causing panic among some users and new guidance. However, a reanalysis of the WHI trial was conducted in the following years, and recent studies have shown that the use of HRT in younger women or early postmenopausal women has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, reducing coronary disease and all-cause mortality and helping overall symptoms of Menopause. Despite this, public opinion on HRT has not changed yet, leading to critical negative consequences for women's health and quality of life.
"Sweet Harmony: Nourishing Your Nutritional Well-being with Good Sugars"
The debate over sugar is one that I, along with everyone I know, have had. We view sugars differently depending on the latest fad or diet of the month. However, after studying this topic for a year and a half, and losing 12.5 lbs., I've realized that consuming good sugars is essential. We must strive to balance our diet with good sugars while eliminating harmful ones.
In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between good and harmful sugars and why some sugars can benefit your health.
"Healthy Eating Habits for Vibrant Living: A Guide to Nourishing Your Body in Your 50s"
Taking care of your body, boosting your energy levels, and promoting longevity should be everyone’s motto!
However, many people still need to acknowledge the importance of proper nutrition. In this post, I want to share the significant changes I have made to my approach to nutrition. Instead of following diets, I have shifted my focus towards a more holistic view of my nutritional lifestyle. This change resulted in sustainable adjustments that improved my health. I lost 10.2 lbs and 2 points of visceral fat a little over two months after committing to my health.
“Strength Flexibility and Balance: A Guide to Varied Exercise Routines for Women in Their 50s and Beyond"
In this blog, we'll delve into why it's essential to vary your workouts and emphasize the importance of incorporating weight training into your fitness regimen during your 50s and menopause.
"Beyond Stereotypes: Exploring Testosterone in Women - Advantages and Complications"
When we hear the word "testosterone," the image of a burly, muscular man might come to mind. However, testosterone isn't exclusive to men; it also plays a crucial role in women's health. Often considered a male hormone, testosterone is present in smaller quantities in women and serves various bodily functions.
Beyond Menopause: Embracing Estrogen in the Postmenopausal Journey"
I can hardly believe it, another phase of Menopause; when do I get a break? You would think that after going through perimenopause, Menopause, Cancer, and a hysterectomy, you would be done, but NO, there is Postmenopause!
"Motivation Strategies for Every Menopausal Stage: Setting and Achieving Goals"
To stay motivated, set small, achievable goals and write them down so you can track your progress. Aim to complete one goal each day and celebrate each success. Doing this can help you focus on managing menopause. I use this strategy and set a new goal each month. For example, I started intermittent fasting this month to reduce inflammation and bloating.
"Beyond Hormones: Exploring Menopause, Visceral Fat, and Their Complex Relationship"
This blog will explore the connection between Menopause and weight gain, explore the reasons behind "Belly Fat" (Visceral fat) accumulation, and understand the implications.