A few years ago, menopause was barely a whisper. Now? It’s everywhere—podcasts, panels, Instagram reels. It’s the new “it” topic.

But here’s the problem:
Along with all the good info, there’s a tidal wave of garbage advice—especially for active women like us.
Advice that tells you to fast, fear carbs, stay slow, and basically train yourself into the ground.

Not on my watch.
I’m Fyonna Vanderwerf, and today, we’re clearing the noise. In the spirit of Mel Robbins—let’s stop lying to ourselves, call out the myths, and take action that actually supports your strongest, fiercest self.

Let’s go:

🚫 Myth 1: "You Need to Fast to Be Healthy"

Nope.
If you’re an active woman—lifting, running, chasing goals—you do NOT need intermittent fasting.

Fasting stresses your body out. It disrupts kisspeptin (yeah, it sounds cute, but it’s essential for hormone health), cranks up cortisol, and leaves you tired, cranky, and storing belly fat like it’s your side hustle.
Layer fasting + exercise = hormonal chaos.
Not hormonal strength.

You don’t get bonus points for starving yourself.
You get burned out, broken down, and stuck.

Real Talk:

• Eat to fuel your training.
  
• Prioritize carbs and protein around your workouts.
  
• Ditch the guilt about needing food. Your body isn’t a problem to solve—it's an engine to fuel.
  

🚫 Myth 2: "Stay in Zone 2 Forever"

Listen—Zone 2 cardio (the slow, steady stuff) has a place.
But if you’re doing only gentle workouts because you’re scared of cortisol spikes? You’re selling yourself short.

Women already have better mitochondrial function than men. (Yes, we’re literally more efficient machines.)
We don’t need endless easy miles—we need POWER.

Sprint. Lift. Move fast.
Short bursts of high intensity are critical for muscle, bone density, metabolism, and performance. Especially now.

Real Talk:

• Sprint intervals (less than 30 seconds) rock your body’s capacity.
  
• Strength training rebuilds the muscle your hormones once protected for free.
  
• Intensity is your friend—not your enemy.
  

🚫 Myth 3: "Carbs Are the Devil"

Carbs are not the villain of your story.
Cutting carbs super low (like keto) while training? Recipe for thyroid issues, muscle loss, low energy, weak bones, and straight-up misery.

And don’t let the “keto for menopause” trend fool you—you need carbs to build muscle, repair tissue, recover, and manage stress hormones.

Real Talk:

• Eat enough carbs for your training level.
  
• Fuel performance, not diet culture lies.
  
• Carbs are tools. Not enemies.
  

🚫 Myth 4: "Supplements Are a Scam"

Some are, sure. (Looking at you, glittery “detox teas.”)
But real, research-backed tools like adaptogens and creatine?
Absolute game-changers.

Adaptogens can help you regulate stress.
Creatine can help you stay strong, focused, and even sharp mentally.

If you’re navigating midlife without these supports, you’re making it way harder than it needs to be.

Real Talk:

• Check quality.
  
• Choose evidence-based options.
  
• Own your health toolbox.
  

🚫 Myth 5: "Every Woman Needs Hormone Replacement Therapy"

Look, hormone therapy is powerful for a lot of women.
It’s an option, not a mandate.

You don’t need to be scared into it.
You don’t need to be scared away from it.

You need the right tools, the right knowledge, and the right coach beside you.

Maybe that’s hormone therapy.
Maybe it’s strength training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset work.
Maybe it’s all of the above, in the right doses, at the right time.

Real Talk:

• Every woman is different.
  
• You have choices.
  
• You deserve a plan, not a panic attack.
  

🛑 Bottom Line:

You are not broken.
You are not fragile.
You are not stuck.

You are in a new season—and with the right training, fueling, and mindset, you can be stronger than ever before.

Menopause isn’t the end of your athletic life.
It’s the beginning of your next powerful chapter.

🎯 Ready to actually thrive instead of survive?

I coach midlife women just like you to reclaim strength, power, and confidence.

No gimmicks. No starvation. No shrinking.
Just real strategies, badass energy, and YOU at your strongest yet.

💥 Book your free consultation and let's build the strongest version of you.

beeskneesmuskoka@gmail.com

xxxxfyonna