Why October is the Perfect Month to Focus on You!

October often feels like a turning point. I call it “the real new year”. The back-to-school rush has settled, routines are falling into place, and the crisp air reminds us that a new season is here. For many women in their 40s and 50s, October can also be the perfect time to pause, reflect and reset… especially if you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause.

This stage of life comes with big changes. Shifts in hormones can leave you feeling more tired, noticing changes in weight or body composition, or struggling with mood swings and sleep. It can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth: midlife can also be an opportunity to realign with what your body truly needs.

Just like we change over our closets for fall, it’s worth changing over our routines too. Simple nutrition and lifestyle habits can make a world of difference in how you feel:

• Prioritize protein. Lean proteins like eggs, chicken, beans, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt help support muscle maintenance and growth, and keep you feeling fuller longer, which can help minimize cravings.
• Balance your plate. Half your plate filled with colourful vegetables and seasonal fruits (think apples, squash, and pumpkin) provides fibre and antioxidants that support digestion, heart health and energy.
• Lift weights. Resistance training is especially important for protecting muscle and bone health in perimenopause and beyond.
• Guard your sleep. Cooler evenings are a cue to set earlier bedtimes and create restful rituals that support hormone balance and mood.

October is often seen as a month of gratitude, with Thanksgiving at its heart. What better time to start being thankful for your body, and giving it the nourishment and care it deserves? Instead of seeing perimenopause or menopause as a loss, view it as a reset. It’s your chance to shift focus toward yourself, your health and your future.

So this fall, let’s embrace the idea of change not as something to fear, but as something to celebrate. October – you’re the fresh start we’ve been waiting for!

 

Jenn Giurgevich is the founder of Spark Nutrition & Health, a virtual nutrition consulting business.
Visit www.sparknutritionandhealth.ca for more information.