Midlife Advice | Perimenopause, Hormones & Midlife Women’s Health
Hello, my friend. You’ve landed in the right place — where super smart and slightly sassy women over 40 come to figure out what the hell is going on with our hormones, emotions, relationships, careers, and… well, everything, really.
I’m Jessica Long, a health coach, certified menopause coaching specialist and fellow midlife woman on this wild ride with you. Join me each week and together let’s learn about midlife women’s health and wellness from every angle — Western, Eastern and everything in between. We talk perimenopause and menopause, burnout, career pivots, parenting, marriage shifts, purpose, and the constant quest to feel like ourselves again.
You’ll hear honest midlife advice from experts and everyday women, and real-life tools that actually help with hormone health, mindset, nutrition, and lifestyle — plus fun stuff like our favorite books and girls’ trips.
If you love hearing from experts, rebels, and wise women rewriting midlife on their own terms, then you belong here. Hit play and let’s go.
✨For more midlife musings, follow me on Instagram @midlifeadvicepodcast
✨Join my email list at belongwellness.com to get my 3 favorite midlife-friendly smoothie recipes!
Midlife Advice | Perimenopause, Hormones & Midlife Women’s Health
54: Why Dieting Backfires and Metabolism Is Key in Perimenopause
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Eating less and exercising more does not help with weight gain in perimenopause. It can actually backfire. Here’s what works instead.
In this episode, I talk with registered dietitian and holistic nutritionist Betsy Markle about why traditional dieting stops working in perimenopause and what actually supports metabolism during midlife. We unpack why the old “calories in calories out” advice fails so many women, how fluctuating hormones impact blood sugar, cravings, sleep, and weight gain, and why restriction often makes everything worse.
We also talk about what a metabolism-first approach looks like in this phase of life, including balanced meals, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing stress hormones, and making mindset shifts that feel supportive instead of punishing.
If you’ve noticed new belly fat, stubborn weight gain, low energy, joint pain or intense cravings despite healthy habits, this episode will help you understand what’s going on and how to work with your body instead of against it.
In this episode, we cover:
•Why dieting backfires in perimenopause
•What metabolism actually means in midlife
•How hormones affect blood sugar, cravings, and fat storage
•Why restriction increases stress hormones
•How balanced meals support energy and mood
•When women typically start feeling better
Connect with Betsy: SunshineWellnessInstitute.com | @betsywellness
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💌 I share more personal stories, favorite products, high-protein recipes, book recs and exclusive discounts with my email friends. If you’re a midlife woman navigating perimenopause, hormone shifts, personal growth, and all the identity changes that come with this season, you’ll fit right in. Join the fun and I’ll send you my 3 favorite smoothie recipes to get you started!
✨For more midlife advice on perimenopause, hormone health, nervous system support, and living with purpose in your 40s and 50s follow me: @midlifeadvicepodcast | @belongwellness
⚡️Ready to feel centered, energized, and like yourself again? Learn more about working together at belongwellness.com.