Why Your Old Diets Stop Working in Menopause (and how to finally eat in a way that works for your body now)

Victoria L. - Holistic Midlife Strategist
Oct 24
2 min read

When the Scale Stopped Moving

In my 30s, I knew what to do when my jeans got snug—cut carbs, add some cardio, and the weight would come off.

But in my 40s, everything changed. I ate the same foods, followed the same routines, and still… the scale wouldn’t budge. Worse, I felt exhausted, foggy, and cranky all the time.

It was like my body had switched rule books overnight.

Sound familiar? You’re not imagining it.

Why Diets Backfire in Menopause

The truth is, the strategies that worked in your 20s and 30s often backfire in menopause. Here’s why:

Hormonal shifts → Estrogen plays a role in how your body uses carbs. Lower levels = more fat storage around the belly.
Muscle loss → We lose lean muscle faster in midlife, which lowers metabolism. Less muscle = fewer calories burned.
Blood sugar rollercoaster → Processed carbs, sugar, and even skipping meals spike insulin and fuel fat storage.
Stress + cortisol → Restrictive diets stress your body, raising cortisol and making it even harder to lose weight.

So it’s not that you’ve “lost willpower”—it’s that your body needs a new approach.

My “Aha” Moment

For me, it happened when I was standing in the kitchen, staring at a half-eaten salad. I’d been trying to eat “light” all week, but instead of feeling better, I felt drained and moody.

That’s when I realized: I didn’t need to eat less—I needed to eat smarter.

That shift inspired me to create Meno Meals—recipes and meal plans designed to support hormones, balance blood sugar, and fuel energy.

3 Simple Food Shifts to Start Now

Want to feel better today? Try these easy swaps:

Prioritize protein → Aim for 25–30g per meal to stabilize energy and support muscle.
Balance your plate → Pair protein with fiber-rich carbs (like veggies, lentils, or oats) + healthy fats for steady blood sugar.
Hydrate smarter → Dehydration makes hot flashes, fatigue, and brain fog worse. Add electrolytes or herbal teas.

These are the kinds of shifts we focus on inside Meno Meals.