Nutrition is a powerful tool to support you through perimenopause and beyond
Beginning in our 40s (or even late 30s), our bodies start to show the first signs of aging, and we may begin the transition to menopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, which can impact our mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns, to name a few. On top of that, there are health risks associated with menopause, such as increased risk for heart disease and bone loss.
Nutrition is a powerful tool. It can help you manage your energy levels and delay or reduce the risk of health conditions that come with aging and menopause. Whether it’s digestive changes due to fluctuating hormones, managing high cholesterol, or learning to preserve bone health, you can nourish your body to support your health and feel good.
I take a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to health and nutrition because I know you have better things to do with your time and energy than go on another diet. And because everyone deserves respectful, non-stigmatizing healthcare.
Together, we look at foods you can add to your eating pattern to support your health while working to create a peaceful relationship with food.
Hello! I’m Melanie
Registered dietitian & menopause society certified practitioner
A confession right at the start: I’m new to perimenopause.
I’m in my early forties and have just started experiencing some changes related to the menopause transition. It wasn’t until I was studying to become a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner that I realized many of my experiences could be explained by fluctuating hormones – the hallmark of perimenopause.
While I may be at the start of this journey, I have been supporting women across the spectrum of menopause with their health for more than five years.
I understand how busy this phase of life is. There’s a lot to deal with, from busy careers to raising tiny humans and looking after aging parents. Our health is often on the bottom of our to-do list.
I also understand how insidious and pervasive diet culture is. It tells us our changing bodies are wrong and makes us question ourselves. We don’t need diet culture telling us to “stop the middle-aged spread.” Instead, we need compassion and information about how the menopause transition affects our health. We need to feel empowered and supported.
In my work as a dietitian, I see many people who feel unnecessary guilt and shame about eating. Who are tired of diets and don’t know what to do instead.
Health is much more complex than what we eat – and many aspects are beyond our control. I focus on helping you improve the health behaviours you can control and fostering a healthy relationship with food.
My goal is to make your experience working with a dietitian feel collaborative, safe, and free from judgment. I want to help you make informed, evidence-based decisions about your health and help you heal from diet culture. So you can enjoy delicious and nourishing food that fits your lifestyle and health goals.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Melanie Steele, RD, MSCP, is a Registered Dietitian and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree in Food, Nutrition and Health (Major in Dietetics) with honours from the University of British Columbia. Melanie is registered in good standing with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia. Before starting her private practice, Melanie worked as a clinical dietitian, counselling clients in diabetes management, kidney care and dialysis, cardiovascular health, GI surgery, and geriatric medicine.
