Menopause, Mindset, and the Hunger Scale: How to Trust Your Body Again

Apr 25, 2025

Hey there, beautiful

Let’s talk about why diets fail us during menopause—and it’s not because you’re lazy, broken, or destined to be “stuck” with those extra pounds.

The Real Problem? We’ve Stopped Listening

I’ve been where you are: 15 pounds heavier, knees creaking, muttering “I’ll never lose this weight” while mindlessly finishing a bag of chips. But here’s the truth: Your body isn’t the enemy.

Menopause just muffles your hunger signals. The fix? Relearn your body’s language.

Why Clock-Based Eating Sabotages Midlife Women

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar:

  • 8 AM: “Breakfast time! (Even if I’m still full from last night)”

  • 3 PM: “Must. Eat. Snack. Because… checks watch… it’s 3 PM?”

  • 9 PM: “Why am I suddenly raiding the fridge like a raccoon?”

For years, I treated meals like appointments. Result? Constant bloat, guilt, and weight gain. Menopause already messes with hunger hormones (looking at you, ghrelin and leptin)—why fight your body’s rhythm with arbitrary rules?

The Fix: Ditch the schedule. Your body knows when it’s hungry.

The Hunger Scale: Your Menopause GPS

Forget calorie math. Rate your hunger from 1 to 10:

Scale – What It Means – Action

1-3 – “Feed me NOW” (Hangry mode)—Eat a balanced meal ASAP

4-7Sweet Spot 🎯- Start eating at 3-4; stop at 6-7

8-10 – “Why did I eat that?” – (Regret) Pause. Hydrate. Reflect.

Pro Tip: If you’re craving only chocolate (not broccoli), it’s likely emotional hunger. Pause. Breathe. Ask, “What do I REALLY need? Rest? Joy? A hug?”

Menopause’s Hunger Tricks: Spot the Difference

Hormonal swings blur physical and emotional hunger. Use this cheat sheet:

Physical Hunger Emotional Hunger Builds gradually (stomach growls) Hits like a tsunami Open to veggies, protein, etc. Demands specific comfort foods Stops when full. I’m stuffed but still eating…”

Your 7-Day “Reconnect” Challenge

Ready to reset? Try this:

  1. Rate your hunger before every meal/snack.

  2. Eat only at 3-4 (gentle hunger).

  3. Stop at 6-7 (comfortable, not stuffed).

  4. Journal: “What triggered me today? Hormones? Boredom?”

What You’ll Discover:
  • How often TV ads, habits, or stress—not hunger—drive eating.

  • Menopause’s unique hunger patterns (e.g., evening cravings).

  • The power of choosing instead of autopilot reactions.

“But What If I ‘Fail’?”

Spoiler: You will. And that’s okay. Progress > perfection.

At 49, I believed menopause had “stolen” my metabolism. Then I realized my thoughts were the real thief. When I stopped thinking, “I can’t lose weight,” those 15 pounds melted off—and my energy came roaring back.

Your Turn: Ask, “What would my FUTURE SELF—the vibrant woman hiking, traveling, or salsa dancing at 65—want me to choose right now?”

Ready to Rewire Your Eating Habits?

Free Resource: Grab my “Path to a Better You” Guide, a powerful reflection toolkit to help you:

🔹 Uncover Patterns: Reflect on past diet struggles and lessons learned (hello, “Clean Plate Club” programming!).

🔹 Align with Your Future Self: Write a letter from the vibrant, energetic woman you’re becoming—the one who trusts her hunger signals.

🔹 Boost Hunger Scale Success: Pair this guide with your 7-day challenge to spot emotional triggers and stay motivated.

Your free guide includes:

✅ Past-Present-Future Reflection Framework

✅ Prompts to decode why you eat (not just what you eat)

✅ “Letter from Your Future Self” Exercise

Want 1:1 Support? Book a FREE Menopause Breakthrough Session. Together, we’ll create a hunger-scale-friendly plan tailored to YOUR hormones, lifestyle, and goals.

Get my free guide:

The 3 Secrets to Dropping the Menopausal Weight

Learn what sabotages midlife women from dropping the menopausal weight and the 3 secrets to overcoming them so you can finally shed the pounds and get back to the weight you want.