The Biggest Mistake Women over 40 Make....

Beyond the Scales – Part 13

The Biggest Mistake Women Over 40 Make: Trying to Eat Less Instead of Fuel Their Body

If you've been following my journey over the past few months, you'll know this is something I've had to learn myself.

For years, I honestly believed that if I wanted to lose body fat or feel healthier, I simply needed to eat less. It was the message I'd heard for years – eat less, move more, and the weight will come off.

So that's exactly what I did.

I exercised regularly, I tried to be "good" with my food, and if the scales weren't moving, my answer was usually to cut back even more.

But instead of feeling healthier, I felt tired.

My workouts became harder.

My recovery was slower.

I found myself craving sugary foods, thinking about food far more than I wanted to and wondering why I wasn't getting the results I felt I was working so hard for.

Looking back now, I can see that I wasn't giving my body what it actually needed.

The mindset shift that changed everything

Everything started to change when I stopped asking myself,

"How little can I eat?"

and started asking,

"How can I fuel my body better?"

It sounds like such a small change, but it completely changed the way I looked at nutrition.

And all this came about while working with a couple.of AMAZING coaches Kelly & Jason

Instead of trying to eat as little as possible, I started making sure I was eating enough protein, building balanced meals and fuelling my body for the exercise I was asking it to do.

And do you know what happened?

I actually felt better.

I had more control around food.

My workouts became stronger.

I started lifting heavier weights.

My recovery improved.

My mood became much more balanced.

My energy levels were better throughout the day.

I wasn't constantly fighting cravings or feeling guilty about eating.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was working with my body instead of constantly battling against it.

Why this matters even more after 40

As women move through perimenopause and menopause, our bodies naturally change.

Hormones affect how we store fat, build muscle, recover from exercise and regulate our appetite.

At the same time, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass unless we actively work to maintain it.

That's why nutrition becomes even more important.

Our bodies aren't asking for less.

They're asking for better.

Better quality protein.

Enough energy to recover.

Nutrients that support our muscles, hormones and long-term health.

Food isn't the enemy.

Food is fuel.

Three simple things you can do this week

💜 Prioritise protein with every meal.

💜 Eat enough to support your activity levels, especially if you're strength training.

💜 Stop chasing perfection and focus on consistency instead.

Small changes, repeated consistently, will always beat another restrictive diet.

You don't have to figure it all out alone

One of the biggest things I've learnt is that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to health after 40.

Every woman is different.

Different hormones.

Different lifestyles.

Different challenges.

That's exactly why I love coaching.

Whether you're struggling with nutrition, lacking confidence in the gym, feeling stuck during perimenopause or menopause, or simply need someone to keep you accountable, having personalised support can make such a difference.

Through my 1:1 Coaching, we work together to build a realistic plan that fits your life—not someone else's. Together we'll focus on nutrition, strength training, healthy habits and accountability, helping you feel stronger, healthier and happier without resorting to another restrictive diet.

If you're not after for 1:1 coaching, my Women on Weights (WOW) and VIP Club are brilliant places to begin. Wherever you are on your journey, there's a place for you.

My final thought...

I'm still learning.

I'm still adapting.

I'm still working on my own health every single day.

I'm still aiming to lose some body fat around my middle.

I'm still making choices that move me closer to the healthiest version of myself.

Some days I get it right.

Some days I don't.

But one thing I know for certain is this...

My body responds so much better when I nourish it rather than punish it.

That one mindset shift has given me more energy, stronger workouts, better recovery, a healthier relationship with food and a much greater appreciation for what my body is capable of.

My mission has never been to help women become smaller.

My mission is to help women over 40 become stronger, healthier and happier.

And if sharing my own journey gives just one woman permission to stop fearing food, stop chasing perfection and start believing in what her body can do, then every lesson I've learned along the way has been worth sharing.

Here's to becoming stronger, healthier and happier... together. 💜