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If you’re over 40 and feel like the old “eat less, move more” advice isn’t working anymore, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Alicia Jones to talk about why most women are falling short on protein in midlife — and the simple, realistic shifts that can support muscle, metabolism, and steady energy without extreme dieting.
If you’re over 40 and feel like your energy, strength, or body composition has shifted — you’re not imagining it. One of the biggest gaps I see in midlife women is protein intake. Most women are simply not getting enough, and in perimenopause and menopause that can quietly affect muscle, metabolism, cravings, inflammation, and how you feel day to day.
In this episode of Living Life Naturally, I’m joined by fitness and weight loss strategist Alicia Jones, who helps women over 45 transform their health through realistic nutrition and training strategies. We talk about what changes during hormonal transition, why extreme calorie restriction can backfire, and how supporting lean muscle can make midlife health and weight goals feel more doable again.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why most women over 40 are falling short on protein (and why it matters more in midlife)
- How perimenopause and menopause can increase muscle loss risk
- Why protecting lean muscle supports metabolic rate and long-term quality of life
- Protein targets to aim for: 20–30 grams per meal (and daily guidance based on body weight/activity)
- Why drastic calorie cutting can make results harder in midlife
- Easy protein strategies that don’t require a complete diet overhaul
- Smart swaps (like higher-protein yogurt options) and how to read labels
- Added sugars vs naturally occurring sugars (what to pay attention to)
- A simple “log one day of food” approach to identify hidden gaps (especially protein and fiber)
- Midlife fitness mindset shifts: quality over quantity, resistance training, and practical ways to add intensity into everyday movement
Key takeaways:
Midlife doesn’t require harsher restriction — it requires smarter support. When protein and strength are prioritized, many women notice improvements in energy, satiety, strength, and body composition — without the burnout of constant dieting.
About Alicia Jones:
Alicia Jones helps transform the health and lives of women over 45 through her fitness and weight loss strategies. She has appeared on various health and wellness television programs and produced and hosted Health Matters and The View: Health and Wellness on Rogers TV. She has a B.A. in Kinesiology and holds many certifications, including National Coach of Canada (NCCP), Advanced Sport Nutrition, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Training Specialist, and more.
Learn more at: aliciajoneshealthyliving.com
Free Resource from Alicia Jones:
Free Masterclass: https://masterclass.aliciajoneshealthyliving.com/masterclass This goes into greater depth about the Food and fitness formula every woman over 50 needs to know, AND how to make the changes fit your lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance.
✨ Join the Community
If you’re tired of living in “before” mode and want community while you heal your relationship with food, body, and hormones, join Lynne’s free Facebook community:
👉 Energized Healthy Women’s Club
A safe, encouraging space for women in midlife navigating hormones, energy, eating, and self-worth — together.
If you want connection, compassion, and REAL conversation with women walking the same midlife path… join us in the Energized Healthy Women’s Club on Facebook.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women
📩 Stay Connected With Lynne:
💛 Visit Lynne’s Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com
🎧 Watch or listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lynne-wadsworth
📩 Email: lynne@holistic-healthandwellness.com
🛜 Join Lynne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth
🛜 Join Lynne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth
👉 Grab your free copy of 5 Essential Steps to Flourishing in Midlife and start thriving today. This is YOUR time to shine.
Did You Enjoy The Podcast?
If you enjoyed this episode please let us know! 5-star reviews for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart are greatly appreciated. This helps us reach more women struggling to live through midlife and beyond. Thank you. Together, we make a difference! And don’t forget to subscript and like on our YouTube channel.
Did you know that the Living Life Naturally Podcast is in the top 3% globally and we have recently been featured on Million Podcasts. Check it out here: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/menopause-podcasts/
We’re also featured in the 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts, 90 Best Perimenopause Podcasts, 100 Best Women Over 50 Podcasts, 100 Best Women’s Health Podcasts, 100 Best Aging Podcasts, 100 Best Health Podcasts, 100 Best Holistic Podcasts, 100 Best Hormone Balancing Podcasts, 100 Best Natural Health Podcasts, 100 Best Wellbeing Podcasts, 100 Best Women In Their 40s Podcasts, 100 Best Anti-Aging Podcasts and 100 Best Health Coach Podcasts list.
