In this episode of The Connected Community: Exploring Possibility, Nicky Yazbeck is joined by Sarah Haas, a Women’s Weight Release & Body Love Coach, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and yoga instructor. Sarah brings her deep expertise and personal journey as a fifty-something single mom and breast cancer survivor to a conversation about supporting women through midlife, menopause, and beyond.   Together, they explore the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause—particularly hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, and the impact of stress. Sarah shares insights into the importance of strength training, adequate protein intake, and mindful nutrition to maintain muscle mass, boost metabolism, and support overall well-being. The conversation also touches on the role of self-compassion, body acceptance, and navigating dietary challenges like dairy sensitivity. Sarah offers practical tips for reading food labels and making empowered, nourishing choices that align with the body’s evolving needs.   ** Side note: While recording this podcast, I was struggling with allergies and the massive amounts of pollen in the air, so please ignore the extremely red eyes, random tearing, and stuffiness! **     Takeaways: Many women struggle with hormonal imbalances during menopause. Nutrition plays a vital role in managing health during menopause. Weight gain can be rapid and unexpected during midlife. Maintaining muscle mass is crucial for metabolism as we age. Stress significantly affects hormonal balance and weight. Strength training is essential for women, especially in midlife. HIIT workouts can efficiently combine strength and cardio. Women often under-consume protein, impacting muscle health. Protein is necessary for muscle repair and growth. A balanced diet and exercise can alleviate menopause symptoms. A good starting point for protein intake is 0.8 grams per pound of body weight. Protein helps keep you satiated longer than carbohydrates. Fiber and protein together can help control hunger throughout the day. Nuts are primarily fats, not proteins, and should be consumed in moderation. It's essential to balance fat intake with protein and fiber for overall health. Dietary trends often swing between extremes, leading to confusion. Vegetables are crucial for a balanced diet; aim for 5-7 servings a day. Dairy can be hard to digest for many; listen to your body. Reading food labels is essential to avoid misleading claims. Body acceptance is vital as we age; focus on nourishing and respecting your body.     Connect with me: https://nickyYyoga.com https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity support@nickyYyoga.com   Connect with Sarah: https://sarahhaaswellness.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sarahhaaswellness/  https://www.instagram.com/sarahhaaswellness/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCans4T9oK_RYiq9YBumOTZA https://www.buzzsprout.com/1922289 https://sarahhaaswellness.lpages.co/rev-up-your-metabolism-guide/   Keywords: hormones, nutrition, wellness, strength training, protein, health, women, weight gain, stress, nutrition, protein, satiety, dietary trends, vegetables, hormonal health, dairy, food labels, body acceptance, aging, menopause, perimenopause