Transitioning into my 40s was more than just a milestone; it was a turning point in my lifelong journey with health, body image, and fitness.
The Dancer’s World
My story begins as a teenager, navigating the pressures and beauty of the dancer’s world, where I learned not only discipline, self-mastery, and self-control, but also resilience, grace, and creativity. However, my relationship with my body became increasingly complicated. Being a daancer, especially a ballerina, meant living under a microscope. Every extra pound, every slight curve was scrutinized, often harshly, by both teachers and peers. In my pursuit of perfection, I turned to diet pills, extreme calorie restriction, and starvation, desperate to meet the impossible standards set by my Ballet mistress.
Discovering A Healthier Outlet
This cycle of harsh self-criticism persisted throughout my teenage years, leaving scars on my self-esteem. But as I moved into adulthood and entered medical school, I discovered a healthier outlet—Jogging. Running became my sanctuary, helping me cope with the isolation of living in an embargoed communist country while navigating the pressures of medical school. It eased my lingering battles with depression, offering a sense of control and clarity. Throughout my 20s and 30s, I relied on jogging, and later, intense aerobic exercise like Spinning, to maintain my weight. This method worked—or so I thought—until I hit my 40s.
A Turning Point at 40
As I entered my 40s, I was suddenly confronted with a harsh reality. The workouts that once kept me lean and fit no longer delivered the same results. Not only was it harder to maintain a healthy BMI, but pushing myself to exercise harder started to have unintended consequences. My menstrual cycle became irregular, and I found myself in a vicious cycle of weight fluctuations and hormonal chaos. The harder I tried to control my body, the more it seemed to rebel. I was exhausted, frustrated, and losing hope.
The Revelation of Fasting
In my search for answers, I stumbled upon Dr. Jason Fung and his work on fasting. I read his book “The Complete Guide to Fasting” and it was a revelation for me. This was the turning point I desperately needed. Fasting taught me I didn’t need to punish my body with extreme exercise and restrictive diets, instead, I could tap into my body’s natural rhythms to heal and find balance. My weight stabilized, my energy returned, and most importantly, my menstrual cycle normalized.
Discovering Cycle Syncing
Fasting opened the door, but my journey didn’t end there. As I continued to explore new ways to understand my body, I discovered the concept of cycle syncing through Dr. Mindy Pelz, author of the brilliant book “Fast Like A Girl”. This method, aligns your diet, exercise, and lifestyle with the phases of your menstrual cycle while fasting.
Before discovering cycle syncing, I was constantly battling my body—forcing it through punishing workouts and restrictive diets, only to end up exhausted, moody, and confused by the inconsistent results. While fasting had begun to show me the path to better health, it was cycle syncing that truly revolutionized my approach.
Cycle Syncing and Power Phase
One of the most powerful concepts I learned from Dr. Mindy Pelz is how to break the menstrual cycle into distinct phases, each with unique nutritional and exercise needs. The first 10 days of my cycle (when bleeding begins), which she calls the Power Phase, became a game-changer for me.
During this time, my body ramps up estrogen production, and I feel unstoppable. I embrace longer fasting periods—over 17 hours—to trigger autophagy, which promotes cellular repair and detoxification. The ketobiotic way of eating is ideal during these 10 days, as it keeps my glucose and insulin low, helping to enhance my body’s estrogen production. My workouts shift to high-intensity cardio and HIIT, where I can push my body to the max, knowing it thrives on the challenge.
Cycle Syncing and Nuture Phase
But this intensity doesn’t last all month. Around Day 20 of my cycle, I enter what Dr. Pelz calls the Nurture Phase, and the rules change completely. While the Power Phase is about intensity and pushing myself to the limits, the Nurture Phase is all about pulling back and giving my body the care it needs.
In this phase, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, and I’ve learned that pushing my body too hard can backfire.
In the past, I would have tried to maintain the same intense workouts and fasting schedule, only to feel fatigued, moody, and out of sync—missing periods, clear signs my hormones were off. Now I understand that during this phase, fasting for too long can spike cortisol levels, which threatens progesterone production. Instead of aggressive fasting, I skip it altogether during this phase, focusing on nourishing my body rather than pushing it to its limits—a change that lifted the emotional pressure I had been placing on myself for years.
Workouts also shift. I no longer force myself to do intense cardio or HIIT during this phase. Instead, I focus on gentler activities like yoga, Pilates, or long walks, which keep my cortisol levels in check and allow my body to recover. Keeping cortisol in check is crucial because excess stress can inhibit progesterone production. I’ve also embraced eating more carbohydrates during the Nurture Phase. Progesterone needs glucose to function effectively, so instead of feeling guilty for adding more carbs to my meals, I now see it as an essential part of supporting my hormones.
This phase has taught me the importance of rest and nourishment, both physically and emotionally. Where I used to feel frustrated by fatigue or cravings, I now see these signals as my body asking for what it needs.
By honoring the balance between the Power Phase and the Nurture Phase, I’ve found that I no longer fight against my body’s rhythms but flow with them, which has given me a deeper sense of control and well-being. This holistic approach empowered me to embrace my body’s natural changes with grace and understanding.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, I realize that each phase of my life has taught me valuable lessons:
—My teenage years as a ballerina, I learned the dangers of chasing perfectionism and self-criticism.
—My 20s and 30s, dominated by jogging and intense exercise, taught me that pushing my body too hard can have long-term consequences.
—Finally, my 40s have shown me the power of balance, and embracing my body’s natural rhythms, rather than fighting against them.
If you’re navigating changes as you age, I encourage you to explore fasting, cycle syncing, or other methods to reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms.
As I continue this journey, I’m more committed than ever to helping others navigate their own transitions with the knowledge and tools that have transformed my life. Aging isn’t a battle—it’s a beautiful evolution when we work with our bodies, embrace balance, and live more fully than ever before.
Free PDF Download Guide:
- Ready to explore fasting and cycle syncing? Download my FREE ‘Beginner’s Guide to Fasting and Cycle Syncing,’ with tips on how to start tracking your cycle and incorporating fasting into your routine.
Let’s Connect:
- if you’re interested in personalized support on your health journey, Schedule a Free Discovery Call with me through my website, where we can discuss your unique needs and goals.
- Follow me on Instagram for more tips on fasting, cycle syncing, and healthy aging.
Resources:
- If you’re interested in learning more about fasting and cycle syncing, I highly recommend –
- Jason Fung’s book “The Complete Guide to Fasting” or
- Mindy Pelz’s “Fast Like A Girl” to understand how Cycle Syncing can change your life.
