#505 Elizabeth Ward & Hillary Wright - Menopause Nutrition

#505 Elizabeth Ward & Hillary Wright - Menopause Nutrition

Author: Andrew Coates September 17, 2026 Duration: 53:36

Elizabeth Ward and Hillary Wright are registered dietitians, authors of *The Menopause Diet Plan*, and together are known as The Menopause Dietitians.


They join me to cut through the noise around menopause nutrition and explain what actually changes, what gets exaggerated online, and which habits matter most.


We discuss:


• Whether metabolism actually slows during menopause

• Age, hormones, activity, and energy expenditure

• Why women may have less margin for gradual fat gain

• Hormones, appetite, sleep, and behaviour

• Estrogen and abdominal fat storage

• Stress, cortisol, and exercise

• Why alcohol can become more significant during menopause

• Fibre and practical ways to eat more of it

• Fibre fearmongering and “fibre maxing”

• Ultra-processed foods and nutrition nuance

• Menopause influencers and supplement misinformation

• How to judge credentials and health claims

• Practical nutrition strategies for menopause

• Why adding nutritious foods can work better than constant restriction

• Personalized fat-loss planning

• Easy nutrition wins like frozen vegetables

• And much more


Follow The Menopause Dietitians:


@menopausedietplan


CHAPTERS


00:54 Menopause and the Metabolism Myth

02:45 The Reality of Declining Activity

05:29 Aging, Pressure, and Grace

07:32 Health and Beauty From the Inside Out

11:51 What Hormones Actually Change

13:37 Estrogen and Abdominal Fat Storage

15:20 Alcohol and Smaller Calorie Margins

19:43 Stress, Cortisol, and Exercise

22:02 Menopause Influencers and Misinformation

24:43 Fibre Fearmongering

26:27 The “Fibre Maxing” Myth

27:13 Alcohol and Trigger Foods

27:38 Ultra-Processed Food Needs Nuance

29:09 Fast Food and the Speed Trap

30:57 The Menopause Supplement Grift

35:00 Credentials, Trust, and Health Information

40:52 Finding the Middle Ground

44:25 Practical Nutrition and Coaching Tips

50:33 Personalized Fat-Loss Planning

51:28 The Frozen-Vegetable Cheat Code

52:28 Final Thoughts and Resources


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Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
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