How I’m Preparing for Perimenopause (and Why I’m Sprinting at 45)
As I get closer to turning 45, I’ve been more curious about what’s really going on in my body—and how I can take care of it in ways that feel good now and set me up for the long run. I’m talking health, energy, strength, and the ability to live well into my 80s (preferably dancing, hiking, and lifting grandkids!).
That’s why I’m starting to gather resources that help women understand what’s happening as we go through perimenopause and menopause—and more importantly, how to work with those changes instead of feeling caught off guard.
I’ve already learned a lot about hormones and lifestyle through my Integrative Nutrition training, but I want to go deeper. I’m planning to take a hormone course and really dig into everything perimenopause and menopause-related—and of course, I’ll be sharing what I learn with you along the way.
But right now, I want to share something I just listened to and got so much out of.
🎧 This podcast with Dr. Stacy Sims, Ph.D. is packed with insights I wish I had learned years ago.
👉 Here’s the link
She talks about what women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s really need in terms of nutrition and exercise—to support our health span (how well we live) and lifespan (how long we live).
But here’s what really stood out to me:
Dr. Sims explains that women need to train differently as we age—and that popular trends like fasted workouts, long cardio sessions, or low-protein diets can actually backfire for women in midlife.
I don’t know about you, but that felt like such a lightbulb moment. It explains why things that used to “work” might feel off now. And it’s not about trying harder—it’s about doing things in a way that supports our changing bodies.
💪 One of her suggestions I tried immediately: sprint intervals.
Last week I swapped my regular jog for short sprints (just a few!). It was tough—but I could tell my body was responding differently. It felt like I was waking something up. This kind of “polarized training” is especially powerful for us in midlife.
And while I’m all about taking our health seriously…
🌟 Let’s not forget to make it fun.
Whatever new habit or training you try—whether it’s sprints, strength, or just moving your body more—bring joy into it. Put on your favorite playlist. Celebrate the small wins. Laugh at the awkwardness. This journey is about longevity and living fully.
This episode is mostly about fitness, but I’ll be sharing more soon—about sleep, stress, nutrition, and the many pieces of this midlife puzzle. There’s so much we can do to feel our best—and I want you to feel supported and informed, not overwhelmed.
If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend who might want these kinds of tips and insights too. Let’s keep learning and lifting each other up.
With care,
Khalida