Even though I've consistently prioritized fitness throughout my life, menopause brought about substantial changes. Several months after the cessation of my periods, I found myself in the grip of significant fatigue. It became increasingly difficult to maintain my regular exercise routine, and my energy levels dropped drastically. I had insurmountable struggle to get out of bed, and nights were full of tossing and turning. Unwanted weight found its way to me exhibit one of the most common menopausal symptoms.
During this period, I was also dealing with personal losses and restrictions imposed by lockdown made it impossible to be with my daughter. This intensifying solitude cast a melancholic shadow over me. Whether this sadness was purely circumstantial or tied to the changes my body was undergoing during menopause, I really can't say. What I do know is that I felt persistently drained.
To add to it all, my intimate life suffered a setback. This wasn't exactly a positive development considering I am single and open to meeting new people. The real tipping point for me was when I started experiencing prolapse issues, with my uterus starting to descend. This triggered a decision to revisit yoga and to supplement that with natural remedies. Gradually but surely, I started noticing improvement.
But within months I realised we need to do more than just physical fitness to stay healthy. I needed to not just expend energy but also gain some. My nutritionist put me on a plant based protein - infact a dual protein - to ensure I was able to stay energised and productive.
So then I double clicked on why these double proteins worked for me. Turns out dual plant proteins refer to the combination of two different plant-based proteins to create a complete protein source. This is beneficial because most plant proteins are incomplete, meaning they lack one or more essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food. Combining two plant proteins can provide a complete amino acid profile, similar to that of animal proteins. This is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans, who may struggle to get all essential amino acids from a single plant-based source.
Another benefit of dual plant proteins is that they can help promote satiety. Proteins are known for their ability to make you feel full and satisfied after a meal, which can help control appetite and potentially aid in weight management.
It was a fight to regain control of my body during this stage of change. With time and consistent effort, I managed to shed the extra weight that had crept on. I feel my energy seeping back in, albeit slowly. While my intimate life is still a work in progress and not at the place it once was, the journey towards holistic improvement continues.
