Welcome to Episode 75 of the Emotional Eats Podcast!

I had the pleasure of talking with registered dietitian Leslie Weidner to discuss all things women’s health, nutrition, and perimenopause. We begin by discussing Leslie’s journey to becoming a dietitian, which began after her initial career in sales and was fueled by her personal experiences with marathon training and nutrition. She shares the challenges of switching careers later in life, juggling motherhood, and starting her own business, giving listeners an intimate look at her path to helping women through nutrition.

Her decision to specialize in women’s health was driven by the desire to offer personalized

support not just with nutrition but with other factors that contribute to overall health for women in

perimenopause, such as regular exercise, sleep and stress management. Leslie’s approach is

rooted in empathy and compassion, as she understands and shares many of the same

challenges faced by her clients.

Leslie and I discuss the often confusing and random symptoms of perimenopause, which can include everything from mood changes and sleep disruptions and anxiety to food intolerances, gut issues and inflammation. We both reflect on how many women may not immediately connect these weird symptoms to hormonal shifts, leading to feelings of frustration and confusion during this stage of life.

A big part of our conversation revolves around diet culture and its long-lasting impact on body image. Leslie shares her thoughts on how women are often expected to maintain the bodies they had in their 20s or 30s, even as they age. This unrealistic expectation can lead to restrictive eating and a constant cycle of dieting, which can ultimately harm both physical and emotional health. 

We discuss food and nutrition myths and  explore how carbohydrates, often unfairly demonized, are essential for brain function, muscle health, and overall well-being. Additionally, Leslie highlights the importance of muscle as we age, not just for appearance but for metabolic and physical health.

As we dive into the topic of intuitive eating, we examine how emotional eating often stems from the binge-restrict cycle. Leslie offers guidance on how women can break free from restrictive diets and start enjoying food in a way that’s nourishing and sustainable. She emphasizes that food is not only about fueling the body but also about enjoyment, culture, and community.

We also address the role of stress and cortisol in perimenopause, noting how chronic stress can worsen symptoms and lead to unhealthy eating habits. 

Tune in until the end.  Leslie provides practical tips on how to reduce stress and prioritize self-care during this life stage.

Be sure to follow Leslie for more tips on navigating perimenopause with confidence, and don’t forget to share this episode with that girlfriend who can relate.

Highlights:

Background and Introduction (0:02)

Transition to Nutrition Career (1:34)

Personal Experiences with Perimenopause (6:24)

Common Perimenopause Symptoms and  Misconceptions (7:25)

Impact of Diet Culture and Body Image (9:54)

Challenges of Aging and Diet (13:49)

Importance of Carbohydrates (17:09)

Managing Emotional Eating and Food Restriction (21:10)

The Role of Stress and Cortisol (32:11)

Intermittent Fasting and Sustainability (35:29)

Connect with Leslie:

 Website: https://lesliewnutrition.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/perimenopause_nutritionist/

Connect with Kim:

https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth

https://www.kimhynes.com    

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