Why Non-Diet Nutrition for Menopause?

Beginning in our 40’s (or even earlier), our bodies start to show the first signs of aging and we may start the transition to menopause. During this time hormone levels fluctuate, which can impact our mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns, to name a few. On top of that, there are health risks associated with menopause, such as increased risk for heart disease and bone losses.

Nutrition is a powerful tool that can help you manage your energy levels and delay or reduce the risk of  health conditions that come with aging and menopause. Whether it’s digestive changes due to fluctuating hormones, managing high cholesterol, or learning to preserve bone health, you can nourish your body to support your health and feel good doing it.

We take a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to health and nutrition, because I know you have way better things to do with your time and energy than go on another diet. And because everyone deserves respectful, non-stigmatizing healthcare.

Together, we look at foods you can add to your eating pattern to support your health, while working to create a peaceful relationship with food.

About Melanie

A confession right of the start – I just turned 40, so I don’t have a ton of experience with this “midlife” phase. However, I am well within the window of perimenopause and have started experiencing some changes related to the menopause transition. I also have a long list of friends who remember how sweet it was when the Sony Sports Walkman was first released. That counts right?

In all seriousness, I do understand how busy this time of life is. Between kids, careers, and aging parents, there’s a lot to deal with. Our health is often pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.

I also understand how insidious and pervasive diet culture is. It tells us our changing bodies are wrong and makes us question ourselves. We don’t need diet culture telling us to “stop the middle-aged spread”. We need compassion and information about how the menopause transition affects our health. We need to feel empowered and supported.

In my work as a dietitian, I’ve come across countless people who carry unnecessary guilt and shame when it comes to eating. Who are tired of dieting, but don’t know what to do instead.

Health is so much more complex than just what we eat, and many aspects are beyond our control. I focus on helping you improve the health behaviours you can control and fostering a healthy relationship with food.

My goal is to make your experience working with a dietitian feel collaborative, safe, and free from judgment. I want to help you make informed, evidence-based decisions about your health, while helping you heal from diet culture and teaching you how to enjoy delicious and nourishing food that fits your lifestyle and health goals.