There’s something about this season of life for me that invites reflection.
Over the past few years—as both a woman over 50 and a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner—I’ve learned that feeling good isn’t about chasing the next diet or following strict rules.
In fact, the habits that have made the biggest difference in how I feel…
have nothing to do with dieting at all.
They’re simple. Sustainable. And they support real, lasting health.
Here are 7 habits that have helped me feel my best—and that I now share with the women I work with every day.
1 – Prioritizing Protein and Real Food (Without Tracking Everything)
For years, I thought I was eating “healthy.”
Like many women, I focused on whole grains, low-fat foods, and keeping calories in check. But I was often tired, hungry, and had constant cravings.
Everything changed when I shifted my focus to choosing real food and prioritizing enough protein.
These days, I aim for about 80–100 grams of protein per day, along with healthy fats and simple, nutrient-dense meals. I’m not tracking every bite—I’m simply building meals that nourish my body.
And the difference?
- More stable energy
- Fewer cravings
- Better mood
- And, Feeling satisfied after meals
It’s not about perfection. It’s about nourishment—and enjoying life along the way.
2 – Strength Training & Walking (My Midlife Superpower)
I’ll be honest—there was a time when I thought more cardio was the answer.
Now I know that strength training is one of the most powerful things we can do as women, especially in perimenopause and beyond.
It supports:
- Muscle mass
- Improved metabolism
- Bone density
- Blood sugar balance
- Hormonal health
And perhaps most importantly—it helps you feel strong.
I’ve grown to love it in a way I never expected and I definitely feel that being strong is my Midlife Superpower. I encourage friends, family and people I work with to include even just 2 to 3 days of some type of strength or resistance training.
And then there’s walking…
Walking is my reset button. It’s simple, accessible, and grounding. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a little time outside.
Walking is a time for me to clear my head and come up with new ideas. Some of my best ideas including blog posts, recipes, and even business decisions have come to me while walking.
3 – Managing Stress (The Cortisol Connection)
This has been one of my biggest personal growth areas.
I naturally have a lot of interests and ideas… and for a long time, that meant saying “yes” to too many things.
The result? Stress. Overwhelm. And a body that felt it.
What I’ve learned is this:
Managing stress isn’t optional—it’s essential for our health.
Chronic stress impacts cortisol, which can affect:
- Blood sugar
- Sleep
- Hormones
- Weight gain
- And, Energy levels
Lately, I’ve been more intentional about protecting my time, saying no when needed, and creating space to slow down on a regular basis.
It’s a work in progress for me—but one that’s worth it.
4 – Staying Hydrated (Simpler Than You Think)
Hydration is one of the most overlooked habits—and one of the easiest to improve.
I aim for about 80 ounces (10 cups) of water per day.
A simple trick that works for me is to get 6 cups by lunchtime. I find if I do this, I will naturally drink more throughout the afternoon and evening and meet my quota. Also, front loading your water intake in the morning and afternoon will prevent waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
When I stay hydrated, I notice:
- Better energy
- Fewer cravings
- Improved digestion
- And, Clearer thinking
Sometimes what feels like hunger or a craving for something sweet… is really thirst. So, start with a tall glass of water and see if that does the trick.
5 – Focusing on Nutrients, Not So-Called “Healthy Foods”
Before becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I thought I had healthy eating figured out.
But in reality, I was eating:
- High carbs
- Very low fat
- Minimal protein
Now, my focus is different.
I build my meals around:
- Quality protein
- Healthy fats
- Vegetables that support my digestion
- 1–2 servings of fruit per day
I’ve also learned that even with a well-rounded diet, targeted supplementation can be helpful—especially when based on testing and knowing what vitamins or minerals your body needs.
It’s not about restriction—it’s about giving your body what it truly needs.
6 – Rethinking Alcohol
This is a more recent shift for me.
I’ve found that alcohol simply doesn’t support my health.
When I limit it, I notice:
- Better sleep
- Waking up refreshed instead of still tired and feeling groggy
- And, fewer age related hot flashes
These days, I mostly choose to abstain—but I still enjoy the occasional glass of wine or a low-sugar cocktail like a “Steverino” or Mint Mojito both recipes you can find in my book, The Simply28 Real Food Cookbook.
It’s about being intentional and paying attention to how your body responds.
7 – Embracing This Season of Life
This might be the most important one of all.
Over time, I’ve become more at peace with who I am.
I’m learning to:
- Slow down
- Enjoy time with family and friends
- Let go of unrealistic expectations
- And really appreciate this stage of life
There’s a freedom that comes with midlife—when you stop striving to be who you think you should be… and start fully embracing who you are.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Feeling good doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters most.
These habits aren’t complicated. But they are powerful.
And the best part?
It’s never too late to start.
💡 Want to take the next step?
If you’re looking for a simple way to reduce cravings, balance your blood sugar, and feel more energized, download my free guide:
