Each month, we showcase inspiring success stories from MyFitnessPal users to motivate you on your own weight loss journey.

Name: Christa Scott Fioresi
Age: 53
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
User since: February 2020
Most valuable lesson learned: I feel liberated. My focus is more on long-term health and independence than on appearance.

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it can be challenging. Those going through menopause experience physical, mental, sexual, and emotional changes. One way to help manage these changes is through proper nutrition specifically tailored for menopause.

As your body changes during menopause, your nutritional needs also change. This is why menopause-specific nutrition is important. Changing eating habits can be difficult, but it can make a significant difference in how you feel.

“I’m a year and a half into my menopause journey and have lost 43 pounds, going from a size 12-14 to a size 4-6. I’ve reduced fat mass, gained muscle, and feel stronger than ever,” shares Christa, a MyFitnessPal user. “I’m looking forward to this next phase of life.”

Read on to discover how optimizing her nutrition, with a focus on protein and fiber, helped Christa manage her menopause symptoms and feel better at 53.

When did you first start noticing the symptoms of menopause, and how did they impact your daily life and health goals?

Christa’s first symptoms appeared at age 49, including weight gain, anxiety, hot flashes, disrupted sleep, and other physical and mental changes. These symptoms left her feeling lost and unhappy, affecting her confidence and well-being.

What motivated you to focus on nutrition as a way to manage your menopause symptoms?

Recognizing the link between health, fitness, and nutrition, Christa decided to focus on her diet to manage her menopause symptoms. She made small changes gradually to regain control of her health.

What was one of the most challenging symptoms of menopause that you wanted to alleviate through nutrition?

Christa’s most challenging symptoms were anxiety, panic attacks, weight gain, hot flashes, and disrupted sleep. She sought to address these through nutrition.

How did you approach your health goals differently once you were in menopause?

With guidance from her medical doctor and a wellness program, Christa focused on increasing strength and mobility rather than just the number on the scale. Nutritional counseling and assessments played a key role in her approach.

How did you feel when you first began making changes to your nutrition? Did you experience any doubts or challenges along the way?

Christa had doubts initially but shifted her mindset to focus on adding healthy elements to her diet, like protein and fiber, rather than restricting herself. Taking it slow and steady helped her stay on track.

Were there any misconceptions you had about the relationship between menopause, weight gain, and nutrition? How did you overcome those?

Christa initially thought hot flashes were the only significant symptom of menopause and could be easily treated. It took time for her to realize that menopause affects everyone differently and to educate herself on long-term health strategies.

How did you discover MyFitnessPal, and what role did it play in helping you track your nutrition and achieve your health goals?

Christa’s son recommended MyFitnessPal to help her track her nutrients and provide data for her nutritionist to refine her diet.

What were the most significant changes you made to your diet that helped reduce your menopause symptoms?

Increasing protein and fiber intake was the most significant change for Christa. She aims for a specific amount of protein per meal to support her weight training and keep her full throughout the day.

Can you share some of your favorite recipes or meals that you found particularly supportive in managing menopause symptoms?

Christa’s meals include Greek yogurt with granola and collagen peptides for breakfast, salads or sandwiches for lunch, and proteins like chicken or salmon with veggies and rice for dinner. She also takes adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Maca Root, and Black Cohosh to manage her symptoms.

How long did it take before you started noticing improvements in your symptoms, and what were some of the first changes you observed?

Within 4 weeks, Christa noticed weight loss, improved sleep, and increased happiness.

What challenges did you encounter in sticking to your nutrition and wellness goals, and how did MyFitnessPal help you stay on track?

One of the biggest challenges for Christa was ensuring she got enough protein and fiber. MyFitnessPal made it easy for her to log meals and track progress towards her nutrition goals.

How has your perspective on health and wellness evolved in your 50s compared to earlier in your life?

I feel liberated. My focus is more on long-term health and independence rather than just appearance.

Where are you in your health journey now? What milestones have you reached, and what goals are you working toward next?

After a year and a half, Christa has lost 43 pounds and feels stronger than ever. She has reduced fat mass, gained muscle, and is looking forward to continuing her journey towards long-term health and independence.

Excited for the Next Chapter: Navigating Menopause with Nutrition Changes

If you’re a woman entering menopause and seeking to make changes to your nutrition and lifestyle, start by journaling your symptoms and tracking your nutrition. This will provide a baseline for change and help you identify areas for improvement. Seek support from trusted professionals and others who have experienced menopause to explore new strategies for managing your health during this transition.

It’s never too late to prioritize your health and well-being. Rather than focusing solely on weight loss, consider overall health and strength as your main motivators. Remember, everyone’s weight loss journey is unique and requires dedication to a healthy diet and exercise routine. Most people can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week, but the key is consistency and perseverance.

MyFitnessPal can be a valuable tool in your journey towards better health. Whether you’re looking to increase your intake of specific nutrients, manage your weight, or track your exercise routine, the MyFitnessPal app can help. By monitoring your macros and integrating with various fitness apps, you can stay motivated and accountable on your path to better health.

Don’t navigate menopause alone. Let MyFitnessPal support you as you take control of your health and well-being during this transition and beyond. Download the app today and start thriving through menopause with the help of a supportive community and valuable resources.

In conclusion, addressing menopause symptoms through nutrition changes can lead to a successful and fulfilling health journey. By focusing on overall health, seeking support from professionals, and utilizing tools like MyFitnessPal, you can make positive changes and thrive during this transformative phase of life. Embrace the opportunity to prioritize your health and well-being, and remember that you are not alone on this journey. Let’s navigate menopause together and emerge stronger and healthier on the other side.