Hello lovely and welcome to my new monthly newsletter 'Marigold Musings' - it's my way of ensuring that I'm always enriching your experience of life (particularly the season of perimenopause) whilst you're here on my email list - which I don't take lightly, I know your inbox is flooded with sales emails and this monthly newsletter will hopefully be one you can't wait to open each month. 

This month let's open the conversation about perimenopause and weight gain... 

Let's cut to the chase: perimenopause can feel like your body's playing a cruel joke. One minute, you're rocking your favorite jeans; the next, they're snug in all the wrong places. Sound familiar?

The Weight Gain Trap

Many of us have been there—counting calories, skipping meals, and even considering quick fixes like Ozempic or HRT. But here's the kicker: these aren't the magic bullets they're cracked up to be. Restricting calories can mess with your metabolism, and while Ozempic might help some, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. As for HRT? It's not a free pass and there will be a ripple of side effects.

So why do we gain weight in midlife?

Weight gain in perimenopause is a natural and intelligent response from the body as it adapts to hormonal shifts. Instead of seeing it as something going wrong, Ayurveda and holistic health view it as a signal—your body is asking for deeper nourishment, stability, and care.

Here’s what’s happening:

1. Oestrogen Decline & Fat Redistribution

Oestrogen naturally declines in perimenopause, which affects metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and where fat is stored. The body often shifts weight to the abdomen, hips, and thighs to help produce and store hormones, offering a protective cushion for your nervous system and bones.

2. Cortisol & Stress Response

With hormonal changes, stress resilience can decrease, and if cortisol (the stress hormone) is high, the body tends to store fat—especially around the midsection. This is a built-in survival mechanism, not a malfunction!

3. Muscle Mass & Metabolism Shifts

From our 40s onward, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can slow metabolism. However, strength-building movement (like yoga, walking, and body-weight exercises or in my case farm work) helps counteract this and supports overall vitality.

4. Digestive Fire (Agni) Weakens

Ayurveda teaches that as we transition into the Vata phase of life, digestion can become weaker. When Agni (digestive fire) slows down, metabolism follows. Warming, grounding foods and mindful eating can help keep digestion strong.

5. The Body’s Call for Nourishment

Rather than seeing weight gain as something to fight, what if we saw it as a message? A call to slow down, eat more nourishing foods, reduce stress, and embrace gentle, strengthening movement. When we honour this transition instead of resisting it, the body naturally finds balance.

💛 Instead of restriction, think nourishment. Instead of pushing harder, think grounding. Your body is wise—it’s asking you to listen.

Ayurveda's Straightforward Approach

So, what's the real deal? Nourishing your body the Ayurvedic way. It's not about deprivation; it's about balance. Here's how:

• Feed Your Digestive Fire (Agni): Your digestion's the engine. Keep it running smoothly with warm, cooked foods and spices like ginger and turmeric. Spices are used in Ayurveda to boost digestive fire and aid in the absorption of nutrients. Plus they taste great!

• Prioritise Rest: Sleep isn't a luxury; it's essential. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep to keep those hunger hormones in check. Ayurveda emphasises aligning with natural rhythms to promote optimal health, including proper rest. 

• Move Mindfully: No need for marathon workouts. Gentle activities like yoga or brisk walking can do wonders. Ayurvedic practices encourage mindful movement to balance the body's energies. 

Quick Wins to Kickstart Your Journey

1. Hydrate First Thing: Start your day with warm spiced water and to jumpstart digestion. This practice is recommended in Ayurveda to stimulate the digestive system and promote elimination. 

2. Mindful Eating: Ditch the distractions. Eat slowly, savour each bite, and listen to your body's cues. Ayurveda teaches that mindful eating enhances digestion and absorption. 

3. Gentle Movement: Incorporate daily activities like walking or yoga to support circulation and overall well-being. Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic health.

4. Herbal Allies: Consider Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha to help manage stress and balance hormones. Studies suggest that Ashwagandha can assist in regulating hormone levels and reducing stress.

5. Consider your relationship with coffee & wine: Wine and caffeine are often our little comforts, but in perimenopause, they can worsen hormonal imbalances, disrupt metabolism, and contribute to weight gain in ways we don’t always realise.

     

Remember, your body isn't the enemy. It's time to work with it, not against it.

With much love,

Edwina xx

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