It’s always the waffles that break the internet.
One pre-race photo with some mini waffles, chicken, eggs, and potatoes—and suddenly I’m “not exactly fit to advise women on natural ways to deal with menopause.”
Let’s break that down, shall we?
Because here’s the truth: I’m a nine-time marathoner. I’m in surgical menopause. I’ve built my body back stronger than it’s ever been—through a combination of science, intention, and yes, waffles.
That doesn’t make me less natural. It makes me strategic.
What Taking a Full-Spectrum Approach Actually Looks Like
When people hear "natural" they often picture someone foraging herbs and never touching modern medicine. That’s not me.
I take a hybrid approach—one that includes science-backed tools, nature-informed practices, and daily habits that help my body thrive without sacrificing comfort, performance, or joy.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
1. Strength Training & Mobility That’s Built for My Physiology
I lift progressively, follow my own periodized plans, and adjust when my body tells me to. I also:
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Swap in QL-specific exercises when needed
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Focus on run-specific mobility and functional movement
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Build in plyometrics or heavier lifts when appropriate
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Back off or deload when my nervous system is taxed
That’s not “just working out.” It’s listening, adjusting, and adapting.
2. Nutrition That’s Intentional and Personalized
I’ve hired a nutrition coach—not because I didn’t know anything, but because I wanted to learn more about fueling my body and serving my athletes better.
I also:
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Fuel before and after training sessions
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Eat balanced macros with or without tracking (depending on my season)
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Hydrate intentionally, using electrolytes in heat or longer runs
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Supplement with vitamins based on lab results—not TikTok trends
Yes, I eat carbs. Yes, I eat foods I enjoy. That’s not unhealthy—it’s human.
3. Mindfulness, Nervous System Regulation, and Recovery
Sleep matters. So does stress. I support both with:
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Evening meditative baths
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Emotion code/body code work for deeper healing
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Planned deload weeks that match life stress
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Sports chiropractic adjustments
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Back pain relief through mobility + sleep position awareness
Recovery is a skill—not a side note.
4. Medical Tools That Work With Me, Not Against Me
I use HRT. Prescribed by my endocrinologist, based on bloodwork, and regularly adjusted.
I also:
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Monitor markers like iron, D3, cortisol, and inflammation
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Adjust dosages and supplements as needed
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Use hormone therapy to stabilize, not “fix” me
This doesn’t replace the natural tools. It partners with them.
5. Joy, Balance, and Cultural Integration
I’m Indigenous. I bring that lens into how I coach, eat, move, and exist in this space. That includes:
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Slowing down to listen to my body’s rhythms
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Challenging binary wellness narratives
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Prioritizing connection to land, movement, and breath
Health is more than a checklist. It’s about alignment.
Let’s Rethink What “Natural” Really Means
Natural doesn’t mean untreated. It doesn’t mean suffering in silence. And it sure as hell doesn’t mean giving up things that support your health just to prove a point.
Real “natural” support looks like:
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Movement that builds strength and mobility
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Food that nourishes and brings joy
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Rest that honors your nervous system
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Tools that ease your transition (yes, even the medicinal ones)
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Coaching that integrates all of it—not just the trendy parts
So if someone’s definition of “natural” only includes raw kale and vibes? Respectfully, fuck that!
If their version of “healthy” ignores what works for athletes, surgical menopause, or diverse bodies? It’s biased.
And if they’re judging your health by a waffle photo? They’re the problem..