NAVIGATING MENOPAUSE WITH BETTER NUTRITION
Jen Moffitt, Julie Shields-Rutyna, Janis McDonald
Episode #35: January 2nd, 2025
in THIS EPISODE
If life is about showing up, life after 50 is an opportunity to show up in different ways. Janis, Jen, and Julie used the 60-Day Reset to lose weight and get rid of their menopause symptoms, and were shocked by how it helped them show up for themselves, and feel healthier, happier, and 10 years more alive!
Overwhelmed supporting staff during the pandemic, Janis had let her own wellbeing slip through the cracks. Anxiety, depression, weight gain, and relentless menopause symptoms left her feeling drained.
For Jen, life as a healthcare provider and mom of teenagers was hectic. Grappling with long covid, hormone changes, hot flashes, sleeplessness, gas and bloating, and multiple concussions, she was burnt out and skeptical that anything could make a difference.
Julie, a busy single mom, was struggling with fatigue, mood swings, digestive issues, and belly fat—frequently unbuttoning her pants on the drive home! Despite her best efforts, her body no longer responded to what she thought was a healthy diet.
We celebrate their discovery of the power of better gut health, and how quickly they felt better working with Meghan Donnelly—lead dietitian for Skinny60®—to determine and understand their unique nutrition needs.
They moved beyond the need to have a perfect relationship with food, and found balance and flexibility. Letting go of dieting, prioritizing self-care, and leaning into the joy of cooking and eating fresh food, Janis, Jen, and Julie learned to relish nourishing their bodies to thrive during menopause.
Their stories reinforce how deciding “It Has to Be Me,” opens up a life full of possibilities at any age.
TESS'S TAKEAWAYS
Suffering through menopause is not inevitable—it’s avoidable with nutrition specific to your needs.
Working with a dietitian helps you identify your trigger foods.
Improving gut health is critical for optimizing blood sugar and hormones.
Strategic food combining is a powerful tool for weight loss and digestive health.
Meeting your individual requirements for protein is a game-changer during menopause.
Eating balanced meals regularly is the key to feeling good and maintaining energy levels.
A supportive community makes navigating the challenges of menopause easier.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s an act of love and service to yourself and others.
ABOUT JEN
A nurse-midwife and mindfulness teacher, Jen is committed to ensuring that all people have access to health, and the opportunity to thrive. Jen struggled with menopause symptoms and digestive issues, Jen credits Skinny60® for making her journey with food easier, and for making her feel 10 years more alive. Jen enjoys poetry, walking the dog, and spending time with family, friends, and partner, Kerry, who uncomplainingly cleans up after her cooking and is a constant source of laughter, and her two teenage kids, who bring joy to her life.
ABOUT JULIE
In her career in higher education financing, Julie has helped students and their families make college and career dreams a reality. Her two children, both grown up, continue to teach and inspire her. Joining the Skinny60® community empowered Julie with the knowledge and tools to make better food and lifestyle choices to thrive in her 50’s. With a passion for being in nature, she is confident she will remain active and continue hiking, skiing, resistance training, and doing all the things she loves for years to come.
ABOUT JANIS
Outside their work renovating houses, Janis and her husband enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, from river kayaking to walking their neighborhood to exploring wooded trails on their motorcycles. She’s an impassioned advocate for safer streets, and works to ensure that kids can walk, bike, and scoot to school without unnecessary danger. Janis is grateful to Skinny60® for helping her eat healthier and feel vibrant in her 50s. Celebrating her lessons and experiences, she views life with optimism and looks forward to aging gracefully.
CONNECT WITH OUR COMMUNITY
