Midlife Musings... Interview with Rachel Graham, Nutritional Therapist and author of The Menopause Kitchen.

"It is a beautiful thing to see a mid-life woman soar in confidence and start doing more of what she loves, thinking in possibilities with nothing holding her back."

“It's never too late to re-write your story and create the life you've always dreamed of!”

Every couple of weeks I’m posting an interview with inspiring midlifers on topics ranging from beliefs, goals and habits, to food, mood and mojo; from sex, success and style, to fitness, health and hormones, from sleep, skin and hair to career, change and challenges and a bit of whatever else you fancy that affects us women at midlife. This is the powerhouse (that’ll be the chia seeds!) Rachel Graham, a practising Nutritional Therapist, Medicinal Chef and author of the must-have medicinal cookbook, The Menopause Kitchen.

For someone I’ve known less than a year, I have a surprising number of photos of the two of us and they always make me smile because there is about a foots difference in height and we’re always clutching books! Last year we both spoke at a couple of midlife / menopause events and were on the book promotion circuit. The minute I met Rachel I was struck by two things I really admire in someone: passion and purpose. She is driven by the same purpose as I am to help women navigate this messy, magnificent midlife, mine though mindset, and hers through her passion - medicinal food.

She is a practising Nutritional Therapist and Medicinal Chef, certified in lifestyle medicine, plant-based nutrition, fermentation (sourdough, not wine!) and raw food mastery. She’s also an accredited Menopause Educator from The Menopause Charity. If that’s not impressive enough, she runs online nutrition clinics, group coaching, workshops and practical cooking demos so her clients can, as Rachel calls it, future-proof your health.

Here’s her thoughts on nutrition, mindset and being bold in midlife.

Hi Rachel, why do you do what you do?

Tasty, healthy food is my passion and I understand how great nutrition can completely transform your health. One of the best parts of my job is working with women, helping them to clean up their diet and then watching their transformation. For me, it all starts with food. Yes, there are other driving factors contributing to poor mid-life health such as poor sleep, high stress and inactivity, but poor nutrition contributes to more than 50% of the problem.  This is why I wrote my medicinal cookbook: The Menopause Kitchen.

What’s the best bit of advice you wish you’d been given sooner?

I have two:
1. You are way better than you think!
2. Embrace failure – you will learn more and it is often a key part of your success.

What would you tell your 20 year old self?

Wear SPF every day! Apart from that, make the most of your 20s not only to enjoy yourself – life is short – but also to explore your interests and keep learning. You never know how this will play a role in your later life. The story of my career journey is an example. After 25 years of running food businesses and working in commercial kitchens I retrained at age 45 to become a nutritional therapist and medicinal chef.  I’ve loved cooking my whole life and healthy food in particular, but the physical side of working in commercial kitchens was beginning to take its toll on my body. I needed a change that still involved working with food.

My choice to go to college at 45 set me on a path of continuous learning and personal growth that has continued for the past eight years. My goal was to connect the science of nutrition with delicious-tasting food to make the process of getting healthy really enjoyable. Last year, I poured all my knowledge and 30+ years of experience in kitchens into writing my medicinal cookbook: The Menopause Kitchen.

What must have happened, or for you to have experienced or achieved that hasn’t yet, that you’d look back at 99 and say “Yes!”.

Having the opportunity to travel to far-flung destinations with my family or play an active role in my kids’ lives as they raise their own families.

Tell us one of the toughest things you’ve gone through and what you learned as a result.

Losing my Mum suddenly when she was only 67 years old as a result of skin cancer. She was a big part of our lives and it was heartbreaking to lose her so young. It’s taught me about where I choose to spend my time, and how not to take anything or anyone for granted. As a result of my Mum’s passing, I made some big changes in my own life – I went to college, retrained and now spend my time doing something I’m very passionate about.

If you could wave a midlife magic wand, what you most wish for for women today?

For menopause to be taught in schools (just like puberty and pregnancy) so that all girls can be informed about the physical and psychological changes they may experience in mid-life. Also, for boys to be educated on how to support the women in their lives going through menopause.

I’d want all GPs to be trained in menopause care, in particular placing more emphasis on diet and lifestyle interventions, not just HRT treatment.

Finally, for women to place importance on their mid-life health -to consider self-care a necessity, not a luxury!

What matters most in your own midlife?

Health. Family. Fulfilment.

What is a midlife mantra you try to live by?

To find balance: I strive to find a balanced approach to life that encompasses different aspects, such as work, family, health, hobbies, and personal well-being. I prioritise self-care, nurturing relationships with my kids and husband, pursuing passions, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance (when possible!).

What would you like to share about the work you do and why it’s important for women in midlife?

What I love about the benefits of a really good diet is the freedom you acquire, instead of relying on sugar, caffeine and other stimulants to fuel your day. My favourite aspect however, is the growth mindset you can develop when you’re effectively nourishing yourself. This is no more apparent than in mid-life – a time when typically, women can lack confidence, and experience a lot of low mood and cognitive decline. It is a beautiful thing to see a mid-life woman soar in confidence and start doing more of what she loves, thinking in possibilities with nothing holding her back!

My own story is an example of how midlife can be a time of incredible opportunity, self-discovery, and reinvention. I hope it inspires others to defy societal expectations and embrace midlife as a time of transformation, growth, and boundless possibilities and opportunities. But you will only achieve this growth mindset with a well-nourished body and brain. My cookbook is the tool that will help you to make that possible!

It's never too late to re-write your story and create the life you've always dreamed of!

Links to The Menopause Kitchen:
https://www.easons.com/menopause-kitchen-hb-rachel-graham-9780717198573

https://www.dubraybooks.ie/product/the-menopause-kitchen-9780717198573

https://www.bookstation.ie/product/the-menopause-kitchen-transform-your-menopause-with-great-nutrition/

Link to my menopause group coaching program:
Next Program begins in September – sign up to the waitlist)
https://menopausenutritionist.ie/meno-morphosis/

1:1 Consultation
https://menopausenutritionist.ie/work-with-me/
(Schedule a quick call to chat about how I can help you)

Check out details of my book Midlife, redefined: Better, Bolder, Brighter.