Between Cycles

Thoughts on nourishment, trust, and the journey through midlife — written for women who are ready to feel at home in their bodies again.

Zone 2 vs HIIT in Perimenopause: What the Research Actually Says (And What Your Body Needs)

Midlife Nutrition

May 12, 2026•

8 min read

Zone 2 vs HIIT in Perimenopause: What the Research Actually Says (And What Your Body Needs)

Zone 2 vs HIIT in perimenopause — what is better? Learn what the research shows and how to balance intensity, recovery, and metabolism after 40.

Intermittent Fasting in Perimenopause: Why I Don't Recommend Skipping Meals for Active Women

Skipping meals and long fasts may sound strategic in midlife. For many active women in perimenopause, they quietly backfire. Here's why consistent fueling often matters more than fasting.

I'm Doing Everything Right… So Why Am I Gaining Weight After 40?

A registered dietitian explains why midlife women gain weight despite eating healthy and exercising — and what actually helps during perimenopause and menopause.

Protein-Forward Turkey + Arugula Wrap (30g Protein Lunch for Midlife)

A simple 30g protein turkey wrap designed for midlife women. Structured to hit the leucine threshold for muscle preservation during perimenopause and menopause.

Body Respect in Midlife: Why Self-Compassion Matters More Than Weight Loss

A registered dietitian explains why body criticism backfires in perimenopause and how self-compassion — not shame — supports lasting health and metabolic wellbeing.

Psoriatic Arthritis in Women: My Postpartum Diagnosis, Elimination Diet, and Lessons in Self-Advocacy

A registered dietitian shares her personal journey with psoriatic arthritis, postpartum anxiety, elimination diets, and self-advocacy — and what it taught her about supporting women with autoimmune conditions.

Healthy Black Bean Brownies: A Blood Sugar-Friendly Dessert for Perimenopause

A registered dietitian shares her hormone-friendly black bean brownie recipe — high in fiber and protein to support blood sugar balance during perimenopause and menopause.

The "When Life Is Chaos" Grocery List for Busy Moms in Perimenopause

A registered dietitian shares her no-perfection grocery list and simple meal ideas for busy moms in perimenopause. Stabilize blood sugar and fuel your week when everything feels chaotic.

Blood Sugar and Perimenopause: What to Eat on a Workday (No CGM Needed)

A registered dietitian explains why blood sugar feels trickier in perimenopause and shares a simple workday eating framework to stabilize energy, cravings, and mood.

The Protein Reset for Midlife Women: A Simple Target + 7 Meal Ideas

A registered dietitian explains how to hit 25–30g protein per meal in perimenopause with 7 practical meal ideas. Support muscle, blood sugar, and energy without a new diet.

Perimenopause Weight Gain: Why Your Body Is Changing and What Actually Works

A registered dietitian explains the 5 physiological reasons behind perimenopause weight gain and 7 evidence-based strategies that support body composition without restriction.

Protein After 40: How Much Women Really Need (and Why It Changes)

A registered dietitian explains why protein needs increase after 40, how much women in perimenopause and menopause really need, and how to distribute it for muscle, energy, and blood sugar stability.

Intuitive Eating in Midlife: How to Trust Your Body Around Food Again

A registered dietitian explains how years of dieting disconnect you from hunger cues and how to rebuild body trust and intuitive eating during perimenopause.

Cooking for One After Empty Nest: Finding Joy in the Kitchen Again

A registered dietitian shares how one woman rediscovered nourishment and joy in the kitchen after the empty nest — with no-recipe meals and simple rituals for midlife.

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